If you’ve ever gone through a stressful event, you likely know firsthand that stress can cause humans to exhibit some strange behaviors. If that stress continues unchecked for an extended period of time, it can begin to have both mental and physical consequences. This is also true for our furry friends. Dogs and cats can also experience stress and anxiety, but since they cannot verbally express their feelings, it can be quite difficult to identify what is causing their sudden odd behavior. In this post, we’ll talk about the science behind stress in pets, how to identify a stressed or anxious pet, and what to do if your pet is showing symptoms of stress.

The Science Behind Stress in Pets

Just like in humans, stress causes an involuntary biological response in our pets. Stressful situations activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal medulla (SAM) axes, which in turn trigger short-term reactions designed to help the pet cope with the stress. However, if the stress goes on long enough, it can lead to what is known as ‘oxidative stress’, an imbalance in the body that damages cells and contributes to chronic health problems.

Studies have shown that chronic stress can even lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors in pets, such as excessive licking or chewing. These behaviors are often linked to dysfunctions in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Over time, this sustained stress can contribute to cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal diseases, immune dysfunction, and behavioral problems.

Signs of Stress in Cats

Cats are some of the most subtle creatures you’ll ever encounter, so spotting signs of stress in your pet cat can be difficult. However, most cats will exhibit at least one, but often multiple, of the following symptoms when they are under stress:

• Rapidly moving, jerking tail
• Laid back ears
• Keeping the tail close to the body
• Hissing
• Growling
• Hiding
• Eliminating outside of the litter box
• Sensitivity to sensory stimulation (feline hyperesthesia syndrome)
• Eating things that are not food
• Hair loss

Signs of Stress in Dogs

While dogs are certainly more expressive than their feline counterparts, it can still be hard to tell what is wrong when their behavior suddenly changes. Signs of stress in dogs to be on the lookout for include:

• Avoiding eye contact/turning away
• Very visible white of the eyes (known as “whale eye”)
• Yawning
• Licking the lips excessively
• Drooling
• Panting
• Tucking the tail under the body
• Pacing
• Freezing in place
• Compulsive licking of the body until a wound is created

Why Pets Become Stressed

Physical, emotional, and environmental factors can all be sources of stress in dogs, cats, and other pets. Some of the most common stressors for pets include:

• Major lifestyle changes (moving, big schedule change, etc.)
• Loud noises (thunder, fireworks, gunfire, etc.)
• Illness/disease
• Pain
• Not being exposed to enough stimuli on a regular basis (leads to overreaction when new stimuli are encountered)

Stress in small doses is usually not a bad thing, since it teaches the pet how to properly respond to a similar stressor in the future. But prolonged stress can and will have a detrimental effect on the pet’s health and well-being.

Helping Your Pet Cope with Stress in Tampa Bay

Are you worried that stress is affecting your pet? The first thing you should do is attempt to identify the potential source of the stress. Using the common stressors listed above, make small changes to your pet’s routine and living arrangements to see if anything helps relieve the stress-induced behaviors. Make changes one at a time so you can easily tell which change yielded the biggest improvement. If you’ve tried everything you can think of and your pet is still showing signs of stress, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a qualified veterinarian who can make sure your pet’s behaviors are not due to an underlying medical condition, plus can offer actionable tips for reducing your pet’s stress level. From lifestyle changes to behavioral therapy to supplements and medications, a vet can help create a stress treatment plan that works for you and your pet.

If you’re in Tampa Bay and need help with a stressed pet, Affordable Pet Hospital is here to help. Our caring and compassionate team is ready to support you and your pet through times of extreme stress, keeping your pet healthy and happy. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 813-991-9898 or request an appointment online.

As the cooler months roll in, we see more and more pets coming into the office with common winter illnesses. Even though our winters don’t get so cold here, pet owners must still be diligent about monitoring their pets for symptoms. In this post, we’ll explore a few of the most common pet illnesses during winter and how to handle them.

If your pet is experiencing a health emergency, please see our emergency services page for more assistance.

Hypothermia

Even though it rarely gets below freezing here in central Florida, that doesn’t mean hypothermia isn’t an issue for pets! Early mornings and late nights outdoors can still cause pets to show signs of hypothermia, especially if they have a short coat, are older, or are immunocompromised. Signs of hypothermia include:

• Shivering
• Lethargy
• Weak pulse

Always make sure your pets have a warm, safe place to sleep indoors or outdoors. Sometimes garages can even get too chilly! If your pet loves the outdoors but can’t handle the cold, consider getting them a cute sweater.

Dry Skin and Coat Problems

Just like humans, the drop in humidity during the cooler months can cause dry, itchy skin in pets. This often shows up as the pet scratching, and they may even show a dull coat. Good nutrition is the best prevention for healthy skin and fur, so talk to your vet about the proper diet for your pets. Omega-3 fatty acids are a great supplement to help combat dry skin, along with regular grooming. Minimize bathing during periods of dry skin, since they can make the problem worse.

Arthritis Flare-Ups

Winter is bad for pets suffering from arthritis, especially older pets. If you notice any of the following signs in your pet during the cooler months, talk to your vet about arthritis and possible treatments:

• Limping
• Difficulty moving around
• Difficulty standing up
• Noticeable pain when certain joints are touched

If your pet does have arthritis, make sure they stay at a healthy weight and get regular exercise. If lying down and standing cause pain, consider an orthopedic bed for extra comfort.

Indoor Hazards

Some pets spend more time indoors during the winter months, which means they’re exposed to more indoor hazards. Space heaters, electric blankets, human foods, and holiday decorations are all potential hazards for your pets, so be careful when they’re around. 

Prevent Common Winter Illnesses With Regular Checkups

Pets owners who get regular veterinary checkups for their furry friends are more prepared to identify and combat winter pet illnesses. Staying updated on vaccinations, implementing a good parasite control plan, and feeding a highly nutritious diet are all things covered during preventative checkups.

Call Affordable Pet Hospital Today!

At Affordable Pet Hospital, we’re here to help your pets stay as healthy as possible all winter long. If you’re in Tampa Bay, schedule an appointment to discuss your pet’s winter health needs by calling us at 813-991-9898 or request an appointment online.

As a responsible dog owner, it is essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. One common condition that can impact dogs is ringworm. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but rather by a fungal infection. It is highly contagious and can spread to humans as well. In this post, we will discuss the signs that your dog may have ringworm, allowing you to seek timely veterinary care and ensure the well-being of your beloved canine companion.

Sign #1: Hair Loss and Bald Patches

One of the most noticeable signs of ringworm in dogs is hair loss. You may observe bald patches or areas where the hair appears thin and brittle. The affected areas may be itchy, leading your dog to scratch or bite at them. Keep an eye out for any unusual changes in your dog’s coat, particularly if they are accompanied by redness or flakiness of the skin.

Sign #2: Circular or Irregular Lesions

Ringworm lesions typically have a distinctive appearance. They may present as circular patches with a red, raised outer edge and a clearer center, resembling a ring. However, it’s important to note that not all ringworm lesions look the same. Some may be irregularly shaped and lack the classic ring-like appearance. If you notice any skin abnormalities on your dog, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Sign #3: Itching and Scratching

Intense itching and scratching can be an indication of ringworm infection. The affected areas can be extremely irritating for your dog, leading them to scratch or lick excessively. This can exacerbate the condition and potentially cause secondary infections. If you observe your dog excessively grooming or scratching certain areas, it’s important to investigate further and seek veterinary advice.

Sign #4: Redness and Inflammation

Ringworm can cause redness and inflammation of the skin. You may notice that the affected areas appear redder than usual, accompanied by swelling or heat. In some cases, the skin may become cracked or scaly. These signs can vary in intensity depending on the severity of the infection and the individual dog. Regularly check your dog’s skin for any signs of redness or inflammation, particularly in areas where the hair is thin.

Sign #5: Dull and Brittle Coat

A healthy coat is a good indicator of a dog’s overall well-being. However, dogs with ringworm often develop a dull and brittle coat. The fungal infection affects the hair shafts, making the fur dry, fragile, and prone to breakage. If you notice a deterioration in your dog’s coat quality, it could be a red flag for ringworm or other underlying health issues.

Treatment for Canine Ringworm

Maintaining good hygiene and cleanliness, such as regular bathing, disinfecting pet bedding, and keeping living areas clean, can help prevent the spread of ringworm. Additionally, follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding treatment, which may involve topical or oral antifungal medications, as well as isolating your infected pet from other animals until they are fully recovered.

By staying vigilant and seeking veterinary care at the first signs of ringworm infection, you can help ensure the well-being of your furry companion and minimize the impact of ringworm on your pet’s health and overall quality of life.

Think Your Dog Has Ringworm? Affordable Pet Hospital is Here to Help!

Recognizing the signs of ringworm in your dog is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Remember, ringworm is highly contagious, so early intervention is essential to prevent the infection from spreading to other pets or even to humans within the household. If you suspect your dog may have ringworm based on the signs mentioned above, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options. If you live in Tampa Bay, look no further than Affordable Pet Hospital on Cross Creek Boulevard in Tampa for all your veterinary care needs! Just give us a call at 813-991-9898 to set up an appointment today!

Pet owners know their pets are prone to cuts, scrapes, and other wounds. However, the frequency with which these injuries occur might surprise you. Wounds can range from a shallow cut to a deep gash that exposes bone or even tendons. They can bleed profusely or not at all. They can be clean (no dirt or debris in the wound) or contaminated (soil, debris, bacteria on the wound). Depending on the extent of skin damage and contamination, wounds can heal quickly or require more extensive care and time to heal completely. In general, it’s always best to have veterinary advice when caring for your pet if you are unsure about anything related to your pet’s wound or its treatment. However, there are some general guidelines for wound care in dogs and cats that are good to know. Read on to learn how to manage your pet’s next cut, abrasion, or laceration so that it heals as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Is Your Pet’s Wound Clean or Contaminated?

Wounds can be either clean or contaminated. Clean wounds are those with little or no contamination: no dirt, grit, bacteria, or other pathogens. Contaminated wounds, on the other hand, have one or more of these pathogens on or around the wound site. Clean wounds are easy to identify since they don’t present as much of a problem. There is no risk of infection or the wound healing poorly. Contaminated wounds are harder to identify since they might not look so different on the surface. Sometimes, the wound might actually look a little redder or swollen (although not necessarily). A contaminated wound, however, is at a much higher risk of developing a bacterial infection. This can lead to the wound healing slowly and requires antibiotics to clear up.

Steps to Take When Your Pet Has a Wound

• Use a soft gauze pad or paper towel to dab away any obvious debris from the wound. If you know your pet has been in a dirt or sand-filled environment, you might want to use a gentle soap (mild dish soap is fine) and warm water to clean the wound further. 
• Apply pressure using a clean gauze pad or paper towel to stop any bleeding. If there is significant bleeding, press down hard on the wound until the bleeding stops. If the blood doesn’t stop, seek veterinary attention immediately. 
• Take appropriate antibiotics (if your vet has prescribed them) and follow your vet’s instructions for dosage and frequency of administration. 
• Keep the wound clean and bandaged as directed by your vet or until the wound site has completely closed. 
• If your pet’s wound is on the leg or paw, elevate the limb so that the wound is higher than the level of the heart. This helps reduce swelling, which can occur in wounds due to trauma or infection.

When Wounds Aren’t Healing

If your pet’s wound has been healing for two or three weeks and it’s not looking any better, if it’s more swollen than before, or if it seems to be getting red and puffy, then there is a chance that it’s infected. This can happen even if the wound was clean, to begin with, and even if your pet received antibiotics. In this case, it’s best to visit your vet and have the wound cultured and treated with more antibiotics as needed. Your vet may also clean and debride the wound (remove excess tissue or soiled matter within the wound) to help clear it up.

Tips for Cleaning Wounds in Dogs and Cats

• For cuts and minor wounds, you can use a clean water and saline solution to clean the wound. This antiseptic, salt-based solution is also gentle enough to be used on wounds that are healing.
• If your pet has a wound that’s been contaminated by sand, dirt, or other materials, you can use an enzymatic cleaner to help remove the materials from the wound. Your vet can also recommend some specific products that are very effective in cleaning wounds.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Pet Wounds

If your pet’s wound isn’t responding to home care, if it’s getting worse, or if it’s been a very long time and the wound still hasn’t healed, then veterinary attention is a must. Your vet can examine the wound and direct you on what to do next. Depending on the extent of the wound, your vet will develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

Expert Wound Care for Pets in Tampa

Cuts and wounds are an everyday occurrence for pet parents and their pets. While some wounds will heal quickly and easily with just a little TLC, others will require additional care to heal properly. Wounds can be extremely dangerous to your pets if they are not treated properly. If you notice that your dog or cat has a wound, it is important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can be properly treated. If you live in Tampa, trust the veterinary experts at Affordable Pet Hospital for all your pet’s care. Call us at 813-991-9898 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

Puppy breath is adorable, but adult dog breath? Not so much. But even though your older dog’s breath might not smell like roses, it shouldn’t stink either. If it does, it could be a sign of bigger problems.

If you notice that your dog has unusually bad breath, it may be caused by:

• Something they ate

It’s no secret that dogs like to eat some pretty nasty stuff. Of course, some of these things will give the offending dog funky breath. No worries, the smell should go away fairly quickly.

• Foreign object

If your dog gets something stuck in its mouth and it begins to deteriorate, it will likely begin to smell. A thorough inspection of the inside of your dog’s mouth should reveal if this is the cause of their bad breath.

• Dental disease

Dental or gum disease is actually the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. Many dogs require assistance to keep their teeth clean and dental disease at bay. Regular dental exams and cleanings are recommended.

• Kidney or liver disease

The kidneys and liver keep the bloodstream clean and free of toxins, so when they aren’t functioning correctly, waste begins to build up. This can sometimes cause bad breath.

• Tumor

Oral tumors are common in older dogs. If they become infected, which they often do, the infection leads to a very undesirable smell.

• Nutritional imbalance

There are several nutritional deficiencies that can cause bad breath by disrupting the balance of bacteria in the stomach and intestines. This prevents some nutrients from being absorbed properly along with leaving a bad smell in the dog’s mouth.

Treatment for Bad Breath in Dogs

If your dog has bad breath, don’t wait to get them the care they need. If you live in or around Tampa, call the veterinary experts at Affordable Pet Hospital at (813) 991-9898 to schedule an appointment for your furry friend today!