Tips, Tricks & Tidbits

Improving the Well-being of Our Furry Friends in Veterinary Care The landscape of veterinary medicine has undergone a remarkable transformation since my entry into clinics in 1995. Back then, pain management for animals was rudimentary, and certifications like “Low-Stress Handling®” and “Fear Free” were virtually non-existent. Over the last two decades, my focus has been on veterinary physical rehabilitation, witnessing a substantial evolution in our approach. While we have made significant strides, particularly in specialty hospitals with comprehensive physical rehabilitation departments, there is still work to be done to enhance the quality of life for our four-legged companions during low-stress aftercare. The Challenge: “Cones of Shame” and Their Impact on Well-being One issue that demands attention is the use of Elizabethan Collars, also known as E-collars or the notorious “Cones of Shame.” Despite the progress in various aspects of veterinary care, the utilization of these cones can have adverse effects on the well-being of recovering animals. Survey Insights: Unveiling the Impact on Pets’ Quality of Life A recent online survey conducted by the Sydney School of Veterinary Science sheds light on this concern. The study, involving 434 participants, revealed a troubling decrease in the quality of life for both pets and their owners when the collar was worn. A staggering 77.4% reported poorer well-being in their companion animals, affecting aspects such as nutrition, environment, health, behavior, and mental state. This alarming finding emphasizes the urgent need for change in veterinary hospitals globally. Professional Reflection: A Technician’s Perspective on the “Cone of Shame” Throughout my career, I have prioritized positive reinforcement training and low-stress handling for my patients. However, I acknowledge a lingering discomfort regarding the recommendation and, at times, the insistence on using cones for dogs in clinic settings. The “cone of shame” poses challenges that extend beyond physical discomfort, impacting the overall welfare of our beloved pets. It’s crucial to explore alternatives and guide clients through aftercare without relying on the conventional cone. A Call for Change: MediVet Products’ Alternatives to the “Cone of Shame” Recognizing the need for change, MediVet Products offers a starter pack of alternatives to the “Cone of Shame” at discounted prices. This initiative, accessible at Ditch the Cone, aims to support veterinary practices in providing better options for their patients. Conclusion: Prioritizing Well-being in Veterinary Care In conclusion, as we continue advancing in veterinary care, let’s prioritize the well-being of our animal companions during recovery. By challenging conventional practices and embracing alternatives to the “Cone of Shame,” we contribute to a future where our clients and their cherished pets experience enhanced happiness and health post-treatment – the ultimate goal of veterinary care Resources “The Cone of Shame”: Welfare Implications of Elizabethan Collar Use on Dogs and Cats as Reported by their Owners Yustina Shenoda, Michael P. Ward, Dorothy McKeegan, and Anne Fawcett

Sometimes dogs get scuffed up. In fact, the more active and athletic the dog, the better the chance there could be some kind of injury at some point in his life.  Often those injuries take the form of an abrasion or open wound. Other times it could be something that requires surgery, which then leaves an incision wound of some kind. Or maybe it’s just a good, old-fashioned hotspot — especially during the heat of flea season.  Regardless, when there’s an open wound somewhere on your dog’s body that needs to heal, the biggest challenge is often keeping your dog away from it. Dogs will often lick themselves to manage a problem, but that licking can further irritate a wound. As it heals, it may itch — which could mean more licking or even scratching and chewing.  The point is: For the wound to properly heal, your dog needs to leave it alone. But good luck reasoning with your dog when he’s obsessed with licking something.  Most pet owners at this point resolve to get one of those plastic dog cones that can be aptly nicknamed “the cone of shame.” While they may help in some cases, in other cases dogs may figure out a way to reach the wound anyway. And of course, we’ve never met a dog who seems to enjoy wearing a dog cone.  So what’s the alternative? Instead of attempting to keep your dog’s head away from the wound, try to keep the wound away from your dog’s head. Do this by covering it up.  How you cover up your dog’s wound will depend on where the wound is on his body.  Torso If your dog’s wound is somewhere along its back, ribs or general torso area, a compression shirt like a Surgi-Sox from DogLeggs can provide coverage for most of these areas. It can be paired up with a comfortable harness or brace like the WiggleLess Back Brace to help keep it in place. If your dog’s wound includes a musculoskeletal injury, a back brace may help add extra support — but check with your dog’s vet first.  Legs For wounds on your dog’s legs, there are wraps and socks designed for these kinds of unwanted licking situations. Find a wrap you can adjust and remember not to tighten it too much to avoid restricting circulation. You should be able to place a couple of fingers underneath the wrap when it is secured.  Paws  Perhaps the most challenging of wound spots are the paws. They are easy for your dog to reach and often a source of licking even on good days. Plus if the wound is on the paw pad, the simple act of walking can become an aggravation and slow the wound-healing process. MediPaw boots are ideal for these situations. Find ones that are non-slip, especially if you have hard floors. They’ll also come in handy in very cold weather, like snow, as well as for rough, outdoor terrain.

We all want healthy pets. But dogs are like humans — there’s a lot to them.  So where to start? Here are five tips that may help keep your dog on the path to wellness.  Good Food Is Key Whether it’s for humans or our pets, good health often starts in the food dish. While our nutritional requirements may differ from those of our pets, the goal is to eat less processed, fresh, whole foods. Fortunately, these days there are lots of options out there in terms of quality dog food. From home-cooked, freeze-dried and raw to made fresh in a kitchen, the world has opened up when it comes to pet food. Just make sure to do your research and consult a veterinary nutritionist if you are ever unsure. When researching brands, ask companies about their manufacturing practices, quality control, ingredient sourcing and more pet-specific questions (especially if your pet has dietary limitations). Manufacturers should be open and more than willing to answer any questions.  Keep Active According to VCA Animal Hospitals, 25-30 percent of dogs in North America are obese. That’s just one good reason why keeping dogs active is important. But there are many others. Keeping your dog active not only helps keep them fit and strong physically, but it helps them mentally. For dogs who suffer from anxiety or problem behaviors like inappropriate chewing, exercise and activity can serve as a healthier outlet to get out all that potentially destructive energy. Plus you can further tailor activities to your dog. If you have a working dog like a German shepherd, a sheep herding class or a scent workshop may make for a very happy dog.  Establish a Baseline As much as we try, sometimes illness just happens. Because we never know if and when our pets may get sick, it’s a good idea to get some bloodwork and testing done when they are feeling well. This may help spot things that might be brewing as well as give us a baseline of comparison for when there is a problem. Because all dogs are individuals, their bloodwork and labs will differ a bit depending on their genetics, breed, gender, etc. So if we have a starting point, it might make it easier to diagnose what might be wrong if they are not feeling well.  Watch Out for Toxins Healthy dogs are generally good at dealing with bacteria. It’s what allows them to lick all sorts of unsavory things — like dirty paws — without much going wrong. But there are still things in the environment and household items that can harm them, like the common sweetener xylitol and chocolate. There are other things too that we may think less about — such as pesticides sprayed on grass and even smoke-filled air from nearby fires. Keep an eye out for pollutants, toxins and chemicals while you’re on your walks or runs with your dog, inside your home and wherever else he goes. For dogs with allergies, it might even be a good idea to wipe off their paws when you come home from an adventure in order to help remove some of the allergens.  Spend Quality Time Together Possibly one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s health and happiness is spend time with him. Most pet owners know firsthand how much their dogs want to be around them. Dogs are often happiest when they are lying near us or playing with us. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship because we benefit from being around them too. That time together can be spent doing something active like hiking or walking that can further help keep the family feeling well.