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Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence are Closely Related

Animal Abuse and Domestic Violence are Closely Related | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

It’s a very sad topic, but one that needs to be discussed – violence and abuse towards humans and animals often occur together.

People who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans, according to a study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University.

Another way of putting that: an abused animal may also indicate there is other abuse happening in the family.

Sometimes pets can be used by batterers to intimidate or control family members. More than half of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters report that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims; one-third reported their children had hurt or killed animals.

Prevalence of Animal Abuse and Neglect

While the bond between animals and humans has certainly evolved over the years, animal abuse and neglect is unfortunately still a very real problem.

Approximately 6.9 million animals are abused or neglected in the United States each year. Of these, an estimated 1.5 million animals are killed as a result of abuse.

Approximately 53% of veterinarians have treated cases of animal abuse in their practices, reports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The 4 most common forms of animal abuse

1. Physical abuse:

This includes hitting, kicking, biting, or other forms of physical violence.

2. Neglect:

This includes failing to provide an animal with food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.

3. Abandonment:

This includes leaving an animal alone and without care.

4. Sexual abuse:

This includes forcing an animal to engage in sexual activity.

Spotting animal abuse

Animal abuse is not limited to households that experience domestic violence, and animal abuse can be extremely difficult to spot, even for the trained veterinary eye.

Here are some signs that could indicate animal abuse:

Physical injuries. 

Look for any signs of physical injury, such as open wounds, broken bones, burns, cuts, or bruises. These injuries may be the result of physical abuse, such as beating or kicking, or they may be the result of neglect, such as being left outside in extreme weather conditions.

Poor health. 

An animal that is being abused may be malnourished, underweight, or have signs of illness, such as fleas, ticks, or mange. These health problems may be the result of neglect, such as not being provided with adequate food, water, or shelter, or veterinary care, or they may be the result of physical abuse, such as being hit or kicked.

Behavioral changes. 

An animal that is being abused may exhibit behavioral changes, such as being withdrawn, aggressive, or fearful. These behavioral changes may be a sign that the animal is in pain or is feeling threatened.

Abandoned or neglected animals. 

An animal that is tied up outside without food or water, or an animal that is living in a filthy environment, may be a sign of abuse or neglect.

Isolated animals.

Animals who are not allowed to interact with other animals or people are more likely to be abused.

Rough handling.

Animals who are being abused are often handled roughly or aggressively.

Veterinarians may suspect abuse if a pet is brought in repeatedly because of trauma, has evidence of old injuries or unreported healed fractures, or has injuries that do not seem to fit with the explanation that the owner provides. Veterinarians are obligated to report abuse to authorities.

Services for animal victims of domestic violence

Concern for the safety of their pets can be a barrier to people leaving abusive relationships.

More than 48% of victims delay leaving an abuser because they have no safe place for their animals, according to Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV).

To remove that obstacle, an increasing number of shelters are partnering with animal shelters, animal rescue groups, and veterinarians to provide foster care for the animal victims of domestic violence.

The American Humane Society reports there are more than 160 “safe haven” programs for pets around the United States.

These programs provide a variety of services, including:

Pet-friendly shelters:

Some domestic violence shelters allow pets to stay with their owners. This can be a lifeline for victims who are afraid to leave their abuser because they don’t want to leave their pets behind.

Pet boarding and foster care:

Some organizations offer pet boarding services and/or foster care for victims of domestic violence. This can be helpful for victims who need to stay in a shelter for an extended period of time.

Financial assistance:

Some organizations provide financial assistance to help victims of domestic violence pay for pet-related expenses, such as boarding, food, and veterinary care.

Legal assistance:

Some organizations provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence who are seeking restraining orders or custody of their pets.

Support groups:

Some organizations offer support groups for victims of domestic violence who have pets. These groups can provide a safe space for victims to talk about their experiences and get support from others who understand what they are going through.

Organizations for animal victims of domestic violence

Here are some of the organizations that offer programs for animal victims of domestic violence:

RedRover https://redrover.org/ – RedRover is a national nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to animals and people affected by disaster, cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. RedRover also offers a number of programs to help victims of domestic violence keep their pets safe, including Safe Escape Grants, Safe Housing Grants, and the Purple Leash Project.

Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV) https://www.saavprogram.org/ – SAAV is a national nonprofit organization that provides pet-friendly shelter and support to victims of domestic violence. SAAV also offers a number of programs to raise awareness about the link between animal cruelty and human violence.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) https://www.humanesociety.org/ – The HSUS is a national nonprofit organization that works to protect all animals from cruelty and neglect. The HSUS offers a number of programs to help victims of domestic violence keep their pets safe, including the Pets for Life program.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) https://www.aspca.org/ – The ASPCA is a national nonprofit organization that works to prevent cruelty to animals and to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to children. The ASPCA offers a number of programs to help victims of domestic violence keep their pets safe, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the ASPCA Pro Bono Program.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you and your pet.

Services for victims of violence

If you are a victim of domestic violence and you are concerned about the safety of your pet, there are a number of confidential resources available to help you.

Please seek help immediately by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, report it to local animal control officials.

In Seattle, learn more about what constitutes legal animal cruelty.

If you are concerned for the welfare of an animal, contact Seattle Animal Control at 206-386-PETS (7387), or visit their website.

If you have a life-threatening situation involving both humans and animals, please call the Seattle Police Department at 911.

You can also report suspected abuse to a humane society or to your state’s cruelty hotline.

Contact your local domestic violence shelter or animal welfare organization to learn more about programs available in your area.

Fire Safety Plan for Pets

Nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by pets, according to The National Fire Protection Association.

The number one culprit is a stove or cooktop, particularly a gas stove. Dogs are adept at turning on stove knobs, and cats spring onto countertops, where they can easily nudge or tip over items on a hot burner.

Wood-burning fireplaces are also problematic. What pet doesn’t love to curl up next to a cozy fire? But they can get too close, catching themselves and then, the surrounding furniture, on fire. And dogs who love sticks might grab a smoldering piece of kindling from the fireplace.

Burning candles get knocked over by wagging tails or rambunctious play.

Pet beds get placed against a space heater.

Pets chew on electrical cords, extension cords, or the heater wires of electric blankets, and the exposed wires spark a fire.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Much like parents do when we have a curious toddler in the home, we need to pet-proof our homes to help lessen the possibility of our pets starting a fire.

Here are 7 tips to help you do that:

  1. Assume that your pet will be curious. Pets love to investigate candles, fireplaces, and cooking appliances. Never leave your pet unattended around an open flame. Before leaving your home, make sure that your fireplace and all candles are thoroughly extinguished.
  2. Install a pet-proof screen or safety barrier around your fireplace.
  3. Never play active games (such as fetch or chase the ball) near a lit fire.
  4. When you’re away and your pet is home, remove stove knobs or protect knobs with covers.
  5. Never allow your pet to lie on or sleep with an electric blanket, either in their pet bed or in your bed.
  6. Roll up and tie together long electrical cords and place them behind your furniture in the most secure location possible.
  7. When you are away from home, secure your pet in a crate or behind a baby gate in an area of the home that does not contain potential fire hazards.

Important Fire-Safety Habits

Install the recommended number of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly and change the batteries at least twice a year (an easy way to remember: change them when Daylight Saving Time begins and ends).

If you have a home security system, invest in monitored smoke detectors, which alert your service when a smoke alarm has been triggered.

Fire can spread rapidly, leaving you as little as 1-2 minutes to safely escape your home once the smoke detector sounds.

Create a home escape plan and practice your fire drill at night and during the day with every member of our family, including pets! Store leashes, pet carriers, and treats near an exit, which will help you and/or firefighters evacuate your pet during a fire.

While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it.

Affix pet alert window clings to your exterior doors and windows. These stickers tell firefighters how many pets and what kind of pets live in your household.

When leaving pets home alone, keep them near entrances where firefighters can easily find them. Pets should be wearing collars. Leashes and pet carriers should be within easy reach, in case firefighters need to rescue your pet.

Free Pet Alert Window Clings from Atlantic Veterinary Hospital

How to Pet-Proof Your Home in Case of Fire | Free Pet Alert Window Cling from Atlantic Veterinary Hospital

We recommend affixing a window cling to your front and back door. We will provide two free pet alert window clings per household. Request them during your next visit, or ask us to mail you one. We’ll mail them to the first 500 clients who request them.

Home fires impact the lives of half a million pets each year. Follow these preventive measures and help keep your home – and your pets – safe from fire hazards.

Additional Resources

Why Does My Dog Scoot?

Aargh! Your dog is scooting his butt on the carpet, or the grass, or even worse, the sidewalk. What in the world is that all about?

Why Does My Dog Scoot? | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

It’s a pain in the butt – literally!

While most dogs can reach their backend to lick at an itch or an irritation, sometimes a rougher surface is what they think will help relieve the itch or pain “back there.” Unfortunately, scooting can have some undesirable effects on a dog’s tender nether regions, causing skin abrasions and creating a mess on your carpet.

Two major reasons dogs scoot

Overly full or infected anal glands are two of the most common reasons dogs will scoot. Anal glands, located under the skin just to the side of the anus (at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock position) make a smelly, oily substance that dogs and cats use to mark their territory.

Some dogs, such as pugs, beagles, and basset hounds, make a lot more of the substance than required for the job, or the normal outflow tract becomes clogged. The glands’ tiny openings at the anus are near a big source of bacteria (poop), and occasionally, the glands can also become infected and abscessed.

Why Does My Dog Scoot? | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Seasonal allergies

Dogs with seasonal allergies often have itchy butts and will also scoot. The itch can be so severe they’ll cause painful abrasions to the area. Fortunately, some brand new prescription medications, such as CytoPoint and Apoquel bring many dogs safe, welcome relief from their allergy symptoms with minimal side effects.

Serious conditions to be aware of

Unfortunately, a few very serious conditions can also cause dogs to scoot due to discomfort, including rectal or anal gland cancer and perianal fistulas. Rectal cancer is very serious and often life-threatening.

Perianal fistulations, infected tracts around the anus, are most common in unneutered male dogs and German Shepherds of both genders. They are treatable and usually have a favorable outcome than cancer.

Developing a treatment plan

A thorough physical exam, including a rectal exam, by your dog’s veterinarian, is an important first step in determine the underlying cause of scooting and developing a treatment plan that brings relief.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

How to Clean Your Dog's Ears | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Ear infection, or “otitis,” is one of the top three reasons dogs see a veterinarian.

A variety of things can cause ear infections in dogs, but environmental and food allergies are the two most common underlying reasons.

Other causes include ear conformation, such as a narrowed ear canals, hair growing inside the ear, or a floppy ear – anything that traps moisture inside the ear canal.

Foreign objects inside an ear (like foxtail seeds), ear tumorsear mites, and endocrine disorders can also be underlying causes of ear infection as well, but are much less common.

The pollen count in our area as been high this spring, and the same things that make our eyes itch and noses run affect our pets, causing similar symptoms, plus ear infections and itchy skin and feet.

How to clean your dog’s ears

Regular ear cleaning (once or twice a week) can go a long way in preventing ear problems in dogs that are prone to ear infection, and thus reduce veterinary visits. Ear cleaning decreases cerumin (ear wax) accumulation, as well as diminishes the pollen, bacteria, and yeast on the ear canals’ surface, helping prevent an ear infection. Gentle care must be taken when cleaning pets’ ears, as their ear drums are as thin as onion skin and can rupture, exposing the fragile middle ear.

Ear cleaners: Dos and Don’ts

Do not put anything in your pet’s ears if they already have an ear infection. Call us first for an appointment. For routine ear cleaning, choosing an appropriate ear cleaner is very important. Most ear cleaners sold online or in pet stores are not appropriate. We recommend ear cleaning and drying solutions that are:

  • alcohol-free
  • have a pH (acidity) adjusted to dogs’ natural pH level
  • ceruminolytic (“wax dissolving”)
  • drying
  • do not interfere with ear medications, if they’re necessary

Many over-the-counter ear cleaning solutions do not fit the above criteria and may actually harm a dog’s ears. Water and hydrogen peroxide, which turns to water in the ear, are also not recommended for use as ear cleaners, as they leave moisture in an environment that needs to be clean and dry.

We suggest either Epi Otic Ear Cleaning & Drying Solution or Malacetic Ultra Ear Cleaning & Drying Solution. Both fit all the criteria and are available through our hospital.

Dogs’ ear canals are longer and shaped differently than ours. Take a moment to watch the following video which explains and demonstrates proper ear cleaning technique.

If your dog already has an ear infection, we need to see him or her right away. Untreated ear infections are extremely painful, can become chronic if left unresolved, and cause permanent hearing loss.

After an infection is resolved, you can help prevent recurrences through effective, routine ear cleaning. Please give us a call at 206-323-4433 if you have any questions.

3 Safety Tips for Traveling in a Car with a Pet

Dog driving car and man in backseat with head out windowA road trip with your pet can be fun for you and your furry friend. But one of the most common injuries to pets is due to accidents inside cars.

Unrestrained pets in a car are unsafe.

“You wouldn’t put your child in the car unrestrained, so you shouldn’t put your pet in the car unrestrained either.”
~Col. Frank Rizzo, superintendent of the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Here are 3 things to say “no” to before traveling in a vehicle with your pet:

1. Just say “no” to free-range pets

Allowing your pet to roam freely in a moving vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Cats love to crawl under the driver’s feet, which can interfere with accelerating and braking (plus, the cat can get squished).

And dogs tend to get overly excited, jetting from one side of the car to the other and distracting the driver.woman tethering dog into backseat of vehicle

The safest place in a car for a pet is in the backseat, like a child, restrained in a tethered pet carrier or vehicle restraint harness.

cat in crate in backseat of vehicle

Even crates can go through windows during an accident, so tie the crate down, either with the seat belt guides that are fitted into the travel carrier, or on the floor of the back seat, with bungee cords or ropes.

2. Just say “no” to passenger seat pets

Even if your dog is big enough for the front passenger side seatbelt to fit over him, seatbelts and airbags are designed for adult-sized humans.

And even if your pet is in a carrier or harness in the front seat, it can be crushed by the driver’s body or the inflation of the airbag. In a collision, an unrestrained pet anywhere in the vehicle can become a projectile missile, seriously injuring itself and other passengers.

3. Just say “no” to distracted dogging

Holding your pet in your lap while you drive, while legal in many states, can be extremely dangerous for the driver, passengers, other motorists, and your pet.

Consider this: If you’re driving 30MPH and get in an accident, your 10-pound dog or cat can turn into 300 pounds of force.

In Washington state, our distracted driving law prohibits tasks not associated with operating a vehicle. Holding your pet on your lap might be considered a distraction. If you pet interferes with you handling your vehicle or you’re pulled over for erratic driving or leaving the lane of travel, you could be subject to a negligent driving ticket.

Smart drivers don’t drive with a human infant in their lap or a cell phone in their hand. Neither should we drive with an unrestrained pet.

Carsickness and pets

Another thing to be aware of when traveling with your pet is that some animals experience car sickness. Pet parents sometimes assume their pet just doesn’t like traveling in a vehicle, when, in reality, they are carsick.

Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Bowel movement while in the vehicle
  • Crying nonstop (cats, in particular, may vocalize or cry during the entire trip when they’re carsick).

We have a medication on hand that works well for pet car sickness. Ask us about it if your pet exhibits symptoms while traveling.

Service Dogs for Soldiers Bring Healing for PTSD

Dogs make extraordinary service animals.

  • They guide the blind, alert the deaf, and perform tasks for the wheelchair-bound.
  • They predict seizures, cheer the elderly, and encourage children with dyslexia to practice reading aloud.
  • Dogs are used to sniff out explosives, cancer, illicit drugs, and agricultural contraband.
  • They find lost persons and criminals.
Dogs for Soldiers: Healing for PTSD | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Battle Buddy Service Dogs

Dogs also help returning veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) heal from the traumas they endured and carry with them every day. The dogs are trained to help veterans cope with symptoms of PTSD, including hyper vigilance, anxiety, flashbacks, depression, panic attacks, and social isolation.

The soldiers’ service dogs allow them get things off their chest they can’t tell anyone else and pass no judgment. The dogs provide the companionship and trustworthiness of the human “battle buddy” these soldiers depended on in combat.

The dogs are always available to calm anxiety, and let their battle-toughened owners remember to feel and express their softer sides. Dogs are hyper vigilant by nature and provide more accurate information about whether a circumstance is safe or truly dangerous, helping the veteran gain confidence as he or she re-integrates into society.

Train a Dog, Save a Warrior

A program called Train a Dog Save a Warrior (TADSAW) matches returning veterans with dogs, most from kill shelters. Ironically, the soldiers are also saving the dogs’ lives.

The program has had remarkable success. The dogs wear a special vest identifying them as a registered service animal, which provides them access to most places with their owner.

The Difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animals are not considered pets. They are are specially trained to perform three or more tasks to mitigate the disability-related needs of their handlers who have disabilities.

A federal law (Americans With Disabilities Act, 1990), protects the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places.

Therapy Animals (often referred to as “emotional support animals” or “companion animals” or “comfort animals”) are not legally defined by federal law, like service animals are. (However, some states have laws defining therapy animals.)

They are usually the personal pets of their handlers, and often did not complete service animal training due to health, disposition, trainability, or other factors.

Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of public accommodation that have “no pets” policies.

Activity Trackers for Dogs: What to Look For, Plus 6 Popular Fitness Trackers

By Laura Christianson
Guest Writer

During the water aerobics class I attend, most people wear fitness trackers. We have a friendly competition going to see who can burn the most calories during class.

Fitness trackers are all the rage, not only for humans, but also for dogs (who wear them on their collar, not their wrist).

Activity trackers made specifically for dogs help you monitor your furry friends’ health and activity. They can provide a wealth of information about your dog’s overall well-being, including how many steps they take each day, the distance they walk, how many calories they burn, and how much sleep they get. Some trackers include features such as a heart rate monitor or a built-in camera.

Two Types of Activity Trackers

Collar-mounted trackers are attached to your dog’s collar and track their activity level using a built-in GPS receiver. They are typically more expensive than clip-on trackers, but they offer a wider range of features.

Clip-on trackers clip onto your dog’s collar or harness and track their activity level using an accelerometer. Clip-on trackers are smaller than collar-mounted trackers, but they’re not as accurate.

6 Benefits of Activity Trackers

  1. Monitor your dog’s activity level. Helps you ensure that your dog is getting enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and stay fit.
  2. Identify potential health problems. If your dog’s activity level suddenly decreases, a tracker can give you early warning of potential problems so you can get your dog to the veterinarian for the treatment they need.
  3. Share your dog’s activity data with your veterinarian. When your vet examines your dog, the data from the activity tracker can be helpful.
  4. Encourage your dog to be more active. Some dogs are naturally more active than others. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, a fitness tracker can help you encourage them to be more active.
  5. Track your dog’s progress. If you’re working on a weight loss or fitness goal with your dog, tracking their progress over time will help you stay motivated.
  6. Find your dog if it gets lost. Trackers have a built-in GPS receiver so they can track your dog’s location.

6 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Tracker

If you’re thinking about getting a fitness tracker for your dog, here are six important considerations:

  1. Dog’s size and activity level. Some trackers are designed for small dogs, while others can accommodate larger breeds. Check the size and weight of the tracker and/or tracker collar.
  2. Waterproofness. Make sure the tracker is waterproof, especially if you live in a rainy or humid environment or you plan on taking your dog swimming.
  3. Durability. The tracker should be able to withstand being chewed on by your dog.
  4. Accuracy. The accuracy of the tracker is important, especially if you are using it to track your dog’s health data.
  5. Battery life. The tracker’s battery should last for several days (or even weeks) without needing to be recharged.
  6. Price. Trackers typically range in price from around $50 to $150. Many of them require an ongoing subscription plan in addition to the price of the tracker itself. Choose a tracker that fits your budget.

5 Important Features of Activity Trackers

Next, it’s time to think about the features that are most important to you.

  1. Step tracking: This is the most basic feature of any fitness tracker, and it can be a great way to see how much exercise your dog is getting each day.
  2. Calorie tracking: Helps you make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Sleep tracking: Helps you identify any potential sleep problems that your dog may be having.
  4. GPS tracking: A lifesaver if your dog ever gets lost.
  5. Two-way communication: Some trackers allow you to send voice commands to your dog, or even receive live updates on their location.

6 Popular Activity Trackers (in no particular order)

To help you research, we compiled information and current pricing on six popular activity trackers. Many of these companies offer multiple types and sizes of trackers for both dogs and cats, each with varying features and pricing. In this article, we feature one device from each company.

In addition to the cost of the device itself, most activity trackers require an annual subscription plan. When comparing prices, calculate the costs over the life of the device. Many devices include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Fi Smart Dog Collar

Website https://tryfi.com/collar

*Amazon https://amzn.to/3nh0BlE

Fi Smart Dog Collar

This collar includes GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape detection (which sends an alert to your phone if your dog gets out unexpectedly). The waterproof collar has a stainless steel body to resist chewing, and the battery life averages 1.5-to-2 months.

Price: Approximately $148

Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs

Website https://tractive.com/

Amazon https://amzn.to/3ng7pjq

Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs

Designed specifically for dogs, this subscription-based GPS tracker offers live tracking, so you can always know where your dog is. This waterproof tracker also offers a virtual fence, all-day activity monitoring, historical tracking and health reports.

Price: Approximately $49 plus required subscription plan (monthly, 1, 2, or 5-year plans)

Whistle Health

Website https://www.whistle.com/

Amazon  https://amzn.to/3oS3YzU

Whistle Health Activity Tracker

This collar attachment is good for dogs of all sizes. It requires a subscription plan that uses sophisticated AI to track your dog’s health, fitness, nutrition, and activity. Some – but not all – Whistle Health devices include GPS location tracking. The subscription also gives you access to on-demand veterinary help through chat, phone, video, or email––right from the Whistle app. Waterproof up to 6 ft., the Whistle Health has battery life of up to 60 days and a built-in night light with three settings.

Price: Approximately $69 plus required subscription plan

FitBark GPS 2nd Generation

Website https://www.fitbark.com/

Amazon https://amzn.to/3NoOmhn

FitBark GPS 2nd Generation

Weighing half an ounce, the FitBark GPS touts itself as the world’s smallest pet tracker, fitting dogs as small as 5 pounds. The required subscription plan tracks a variety of metrics, including steps taken, calories burned, and sleep quality. This tracker also offers features that can help you improve your dog’s health, such as goal setting and progress tracking. The FitBark is 100% waterproof and has a battery life that ranges from 24 hours (for live tracking) to up to 6 months (Bluetooth).

Price: Approximately $100 plus required subscription plan

PetPace Smart Collar

Website https://petpace.com/

PetPace Smart Collar

The PetPace Smart Collar is a non-invasive wireless collar that continuously collects your pet’s vital signs and behavior patterns. It offers real-time GPS tracking, activity tracking, sleep tracking, and a variety of other features. The PetPace Smart Collar comes in three sizes, is water-resistant, and the battery lasts around three weeks before it needs recharging.

Price: Approximately $150 plus a monthly monitoring fee

Pawfit 3s Dog GPS Tracker

Website https://www.pawfit.com/

Amazon https://amzn.to/3ACpzz1

Pawfit 3s Dog GPS Tracker

This subscription-based tracker enables you to record up to 5 personal voice commands so you can recall or train your dog with the speaker of the tracker, even when they’re out of earshot. The Pawfit can be submerged in water up to 9.8 ft. deep and for up to 30 minutes. It offers activity tracking, real-time GPS tracking, sleep tracking, and has a built-in LED light and alarm that makes your dog easier to find in the dark. You can create safety zones around your home and other important locations. If your dog leaves one of these zones, you will receive an alert.

Price: Approximately $100 plus required subscription plan

Which Activity Tracker is Right for You?

The best dog activity tracker for you will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Whether you are looking primarily for a GPS tracker, the most affordable device, or one with all the bells and whistles, an activity tracker is a valuable tool for ensuring that your furry friend is getting the best possible care so they can live a long, healthy, and happy life.


*Note: Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase a product using a link, the author will receive a small commission on the sale.

Laser Therapy for Pets: Speeds Healing, Enhances Comfort

Laser therapy is a comfortable, drug-free, non-invasive therapy used to successfully treat a variety of painful pet conditions.

Dr. Monahan performs laser surgery on a dog | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Laser therapy speeds healing and enhances comfort for chronic issues, such as arthritis and some neurologic conditions, as well as acute injuries like wounds, injuries, dental extractions, incisions, and broken bones. And, in the hands of a trained veterinary acupuncturists, therapeutic lasers can also be used to perform laser acupuncture therapy.

While a relatively new therapy, laser technology has significantly improved in recent years from the older, less powerful “cold lasers” to the newest and most effective Class IV Therapeutic Lasers, such as our Companion Laser.

What does laser therapy feel like?

During laser therapy, patients feel a soothing warmth during the treatment and typically relax and enjoy the session. Areas of inflammation may briefly feel sensitive to the touch, before pain reduction occurs. Therapy sessions usually last 10-20 minutes, depending upon the number of body sites treated and the size of the animal.

How often should a patient be treated?

Dr. Munroe with a happy laser surgery patient | AtlanticVetSeattle.com

Dr. Munroe with a happy laser surgery patient.

Acute conditions can be treated daily, particularly in cases of severe pain. Chronic problems (arthritis, some skin conditions) may respond better with treatments 2-3 times weekly, tapering down to once every 2-4 weeks, or as needed.

How long before results are seen?

While some patients experience significant pain reduction after the first visit, improvement is usually seen by the third or fourth session, and the benefits of treatments are cumulative. Acute conditions often improve quickly, while chronic conditions (such as arthritis) may require ongoing therapy treatment to achieve and maintain optimal results.

Click here to learn more about our Rehab & Sports Medicine therapies.

Automatic Cat Feeders: Pros, Cons, and Recommendations

In the movies, Garfield the cat, the overly plump feline who’s always in search of food and adventure, is great for a laugh.

https://youtu.be/UUJ4qP6FKOs

In the real world, however, obesity in cats leads to unhealthiness, illness, and even death. Diabetes, arthritis, urinary obstruction, skin problems, and cancer are much more prevalent in obese cats than normal weight cats.

In the wild, cats spend most of their waking hours (not necessarily daylight hours) hunting for food, defending their territory, and caring for young or finding a mate. In today’s world, pet cats often get little exercise and find calories very easily in their dish – no hunting required.

That’s one reason why 59.5 percent of cats are overweight or obese, according to the 2021 annual survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).

Related articles on our blog:

Dry vs. Canned Cat Food

Dry cat food is very calorie dense and only about 10% moisture. Alternatively, canned cat food is 90% moisture and has many fewer calories per ounce, more similar to the little critters cats catch in the wild.

Because dry food is so calorie dense, it doesn’t take too many bites to fulfill a cat’s calorie needs.

Some cats can self-regulate and remain slim, but most see the smorgasbord and lose control.  Their instinct is to continue eating until they feel full.

Auto Dry Cat Food Feeder = Calorie Dispenser

Enter the automatic dry cat food feeder, dispenser of calories, often with little regard to a cat’s true needs or consumption. Set it and forget it.

The dry food feeder’s purpose is owner convenience – keep the bowl full, regardless of whether Fluffy ate a little or a lot.

Most automatic dry cat food feeders lull cat owners into not paying close attention to what their cat(s) are truly consuming, from too much to too little. In fact, a cat may be ill and eating very little, but the change is difficult to spot for several days or even longer.

We do NOT recommend gravity kibble feeders like the two pictured below, because pets have a tendency to gorge themselves.

The Temptation of Automatic Cat Feeders

Automatic feeders tempt cat owners to consider leaving cats for extended periods without daily supervision from a pet sitter, kind neighbor, or boarding facility.

Most veterinarians have stories of calls from distraught cat owners returning after a weekend or week away from home to find their cat in dire straits because the cat feeder malfunctioned, or the feeder is still full and the cat wasn’t eating, or the cat developed a medical emergency (such as a urinary blockage), yet no one was there to notice.

The money saved on a pet sitter or boarding turns into an afterthought in the regret of the current reality of an ill or dead cat.

It can be a hassle every morning and evening with a cat intertwined around your legs, begging for food while you’re trying to get to work or make dinner.

But those moments of carefully monitoring what your cat is eating is time well spent, both in terms of your cat’s physical health and promoting the beautiful bond between you and your cat.

Our Recommendation for Feeding Your Cat

Meal feed your cat two-to-three times a day.

Feed your cat primarily wet food, because it more closely mimics their natural nutritional and hydration needs. If you feed your cat dry food, do so in very carefully controlled amounts.

Our Favorite Automatic Dry Feeder

While we recommend that cats eat primarily wet foods, improvements are being made in automatic dry cat feeders. The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder is good at controlling the amount of kibble released.

  • This timed feeder has a built-in LCD screen so you can easily set up and schedule feedings according to your cat’s needs, even when you’re away for work.
  • A secure top lid prevents cats from accessing the food and keeps air out to maintain freshness.
  • An interactive voice recorder allows you to record a 10-second message and play it (up to five times).

Our Favorite Automatic Wet Feeders

Automatic wet food cat feeders, which require daily washing, filling, and setting, offer some convenience. They provide 2-6 small wet food meals per day.

We recommend the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder for multiple-pet homes.

  • This pet feeder opens when it recognizes your cat’s microchip or RFID collar tag. It is compatible with all microchip types worldwide. Programming your pet’s microchip into the feeder is achieved at the push of a button; there’s no need for you to know your pet’s microchip number.
  • When a registered pet approaches the feeder, the lid slides open. When kitty is finished eating and walks away, the lid closes, keeping other animals out.
  • The bowl and mat can be removed for easy cleaning. And, if you need more than one feeder, you can color-customize them.

This YouTube video shows how it works:

Our favorite automatic feeder for wet food is the iPettie Donuts Frost 6 Meal Cordless Automatic Pet Feeder.

  • It comes with two ice packs to keep food fresh for 6-8 hours.
  • It’s cordless, powered by a rechargeable battery, with one charge providing up to 30 days of use.
  • You can personalize your cat’s feed schedule, either 6 meals a day, 2 meals a day for 3 days, or 1 meal a day for up to 6 days.

For Gadget Lovers

If you want a feeder that allows you to see and talk to your pets and toss them some treats – all from your smartphone, check out the PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder with Pet Camera.

  • This WiFi-enabled feeder allows you to program and monitor your pet’s meals anywhere, anytime, through the PETLIBRO LITE App for iOS and Android phones.
  • Your phone will be notified when there is insufficient food, low battery power, kibble blockage, WiFi disconnection, feeder stop working or other problems.
  • You can set a feeding plan and schedule feeding time for two pets, up to 6 meals per day with 1-50 portions per meal.
  • A high-definition video camera allows you to monitor your pets’ eating habits when you’re on the go.
  • A built-in microphone and speaker allow you to record a voice message (up to 10 seconds) that plays at mealtime, set the playing time of meal call (0-5 times) and deliver reminders or send warm words like, “I love you.”

Because that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it? Loving your cat and giving them the best possible care.

Preventing Urinary Blockage in Cats

Bubba the Cat | Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, SeattleBy Bubba the Cat
Public Relations Officer

We’ve had a run of “blocked” cats recently, so I wanted to tell you more about it so you can save my kitty colleagues—and your wallet—a great deal of pain.

Urinary blockages occur almost exclusively male cats when a plug of material gets stuck in their urethra, the tube leading from the urinary bladder to the outside.

In a male cat like me, this tube has a very tiny diameter and it’s easy for urinary crystals, stones, or mucus plugs to create a traffic jam. When a cat is “blocked,” it cannot void urine and the bladder quickly overfills, causing tremendous pain and toxins to build up in the blood. This is a life-threatening emergency if not managed quickly, and can rapidly cause acute kidney failure and a painful death.

Preventing Urinary Blockage in Cats | AtlanticVetSeattle.comI am the poster child for urinary blockage – I’m a male, neutered cat, I live indoors, I’m middle-aged, I’m a bit chunky about the middle, and I prefer dry food.

Cats with highly concentrated urine, a condition extremely common when we eat exclusively or primarily dry food, is always a factor in causing a urinary blockage.

To help prevent this in yours truly, I’m served wet food twice a day to help keep me hydrated and the dry food I eat is designed to help prevent crystals from forming.

Big hint here:

Grocery store brands of dry food are much more likely to be implicated in urinary blockage, so please don’t buy that stuff. In the long run, you’re not saving money and could be putting your cat’s life at risk.

Signs of potential urinary blockage

  • Repeated trips to the litter box and straining (sometimes people think their cat is constipated when it’s actually a urinary blockage)
  • Producing only drops of urine or no urine, instead of a normal amount
  • Crying, agitation, and sometimes vomiting associated with trying to urinate
  • Lethargy and depression as the pain and toxins becomes too much to bear

What to do if you suspect your cat has urinary blockage

If you think your cat may be experiencing a urinary blockage, take him to the vet immediately. Do not wait; this is a life-threatening situation.

The doctor will need to relieve the obstruction quickly. She will likely want to perform some tests to see if there are any significant complications, such as kidney failure and elevated potassium, which require additional treatment. Sometimes, X-rays or an ultrasound are helpful too.

To relieve the obstruction, the vet usually needs to sedate or anesthetize the cat, then carefully pass a urinary catheter into the penis, through the urethra, and into the bladder. The catheter allows the bladder to be emptied and for the vet to flush the bladder with saline to try to rinse some of the crystals out. These procedures must be done very carefully to avoid further damage to the urethra.

A softer, longer urinary catheter, called a “Slippery Sam,” is then placed to keep the pathway open and help prevent an immediate re-blockage. This second catheter will usually need to remain in place for a few days to allow the kitty’s bladder to return to its normal, un-stretched size, and to assist the kitty in passing more crystals and excess toxins in his urine.

IV fluids are usually needed to help the kitty flush toxins from his system and make more dilute urine. Antibiotics and medications to help relax the urethra and control pain and inflammation are usually prescribed.

Long-term care

Long-term care is aimed at preventing another urinary obstruction from happening, as they often will if not managed properly. There are special diets, both canned and dry, to help create more dilute urine and prevent the formation of urinary crystals and bladder stones.

If repeat blockages do occur, despite appropriate management, some kitties require surgery to produce a new, wider opening for urination (but this puts the kitty at risk for bacterial urinary infections, so hopefully can be avoided).

Preventive care

To help prevent this situation from occurring the first place, please consider feeding your cat a diet that promotes hydration, such as wet food and/or a high-quality dry food with water added.

Watch your kitty’s waistline and help him maintain his athletic build (good for him on so many levels).

And, if you ever notice a change in your cat’s urinary habits, especially a male cat, please take him to the vet immediately.

Tell them Bubba sent you.

Atlantic Veterinary Hospital in Seattle serves the following neighborhoods: Mt. Baker, Columbia City, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Seward Park, Capitol Hill, Leschi, Central District, Madison Valley, International District, and Georgetown.