Page 14 - Sentinel July 2017

PET TALK WITH PILAR -Trazodone: A prescription medication that decreases anxiety
Pilar Starman, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine... and causes sedation. Your veterinarian must have a current
veterinarian-client-patient relationship to prescribe this medi-
Noise Fears and Heat Dangers cation.

With summer activities As temperatures rise, we must guard our pets’ safety so they
and weather, our pets will don’t overheat. This is a big concern for our flat-faced friends
be subject to more activity, (Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies, Bostons, Boxers, Persian cats, etc),
noise, and heat. These may overweight/inactive pets, heavily coated pets, and those with
cause anxiety and health health concerns.
concerns, mostly in dogs.
Depending on the level of “Weekend warriors” will be more at risk as they are not accus-
anxiety in your pet, treat- tomed to the level of activity we request of them. These pets
ment may range from very mild to medication administration. will do better if they are acclimatized to the increased activity
slowly. The brachycephalic (flat-faced) pets are not able to cool
During thunderstorms/fireworks, your dog may show anxiety themselves as well and easily become overheated. Please do
by hiding, trembling, panting, licking lips, drooling, or fran- not ask them to exercise in the heat of the day.
tic behavior. Anxiety may lead to destruction and self-harm.
These pets generally do better in an enclosed area as far from Temperatures in an enclosed car increase very quickly and may
noise as possible, such as a windowless interior room (bath- kill a trapped animal sooner than you realize. On April 13 this
room, laundry room, basement, etc). Playing soft music (clas- year Gov. Hickenlooper signed into law the good Samaritan’s
sical, 80s, please no loud jarring music like rap) or white noise immunity for breaking a car’s window to save the pet’s life.
helps to decrease their auditory input. Playing with or giving That person needs to have a reasonable belief the pet may die,
your dog a toy or food puzzle may help to distract them. is required to make an effort to find the car’s owner, call the po-
lice to report he is going to break the window, and wait for the
If your dog wants to hide under the bed and is otherwise do- police to arrive after you have rescued the pet (you can break
ing ok, let Spot lie there. You do not want to comfort him by the window before they arrive if the need is imminent). In other
repeatedly reassuringly “It’s OK, It’s OK” because that will re- states with similar laws there have been no increase in breaking
inforce the behavior. It is better to distract your pet by playing, of windows reported.
giving commands, then rewarding a calm response. To prevent
noise phobias when you first obtain your pets, develop a posi- If you suspect your pet has overheated it should be evaluated
tive association with noise. When it thunders it should “rain” by a veterinarian at once as seizures and organ damage can oc-
treats that your dog loves. This can help create the association cur. You may provide your pet with cool (but not cold water) to
that noise means good things happen. If you have a pet that is drink and may apply cool (but not cold) water to its skin.
already showing signs of noise aversion, you can still try this
technique but likely will need some additional treatment and Please call us at Larkspur Pet Hospital (303-681-3980) if you
guidance. have any questions about this or any other subject.

If your pet’s noise fears are not reduced enough by the above SENIORS STAYING INDEPENDENT
suggestions, there are some products that may be used that can Neighborhood Network, Douglas County
help:
May was Older Americans Month, and here at
-Adaptil: A synthetic pheromone produced by mother dogs that Neighbor Network, we are embracing the theme of
tells her puppies that their environment is safe. This is avail- “Age Out Loud” that the Administration for Com-
able in a collar that lasts for four weeks, a spray, and a diffuser munity Living (ACL), has announced for 2017.
that comes with a refill that lasts for four weeks and will cover The theme is intended to give aging a new voice – one that
about 500 square feet. Put it in the area where your dog spends reflects what today’s older adults have to say about aging. “The
the most time. if your pup wanders the house you may need 2017 theme gives us an opportunity to shine a light on many
multiple diffusers. This is available from some veterinarians, important issues and trends,” reported ACL. “More than ever
online, and in some pet stores. before, older Americans are working longer, trying new things,
-Zylkene: A milk protein that has anxiolytic effects like a ben- and engaging in their communities. They’re taking charge,
zodiazepine (Valium) without causing sedation. This is avail- striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocat-
able from veterinarians. ing for themselves and others. They expect to continue to live
-Thundershirt: A wrap that covers your dog’s torso like swad- their lives to the fullest, and they’re insisting on changes that
dling a baby. For this to work, your dog must first be accli- make that possible.”
mated to wearing it in good situations so that the use of the shirt
engenders positive reassurance to your dog. This is available Neighbor Network is celebrating what getting older looks like
online and from some pet stores.
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Page 14 - July 2017 Perry Park Sentinel