How Do I Know If My Dog Has Separation Anxiety?

So, you know that feeling when your dog is whining and barking at the window in the morning, seemingly unable to calm down? Or maybe it's the sound of their paws scratching against the glass in an attempt to get out? 

If so, your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. When they're left alone for long periods of time, dogs can feel anxious and stressed out—and no matter how much we love our furry friends, we can't always be there with them. 

If you think your dog might have separation anxiety, here are some signs to look out for: 

●       Excessive attention-seeking behavior

●       Barking or whining when you leave the house

●       Destructive chewing and/or scratching at doors or windows

●       Urinating, defecating or vomiting in the house when left alone

●       Visiting the door often while you're gone

●       Pacing and other repetitive behaviors when left alone

●       Panic attacks when separated from a beloved family member 

If you have more questions or wish to schedule Fido for a wellness exam, please feel free to call us, your local vet Oshawa, ON, today!

Can Dogs Eat Cheese?

Just because your pooch likes cheese doesn’t mean you should offer this delicious treat on a regular basis. Some dogs can be incredibly lactose intolerant, which means they are unable to properly digest sugars that are present in milk and dairy products. For these dogs consuming milk or any form of the dairy product can cause stomach upsets, diarrhea, or lethargy. Also, dairy products are sources of extra calories to a dog’s diet. Frequent intake can increase the possibility of weight gain and weight-related issues such as heart problems, pancreatitis, liver conditions, etc.  

But this doesn’t mean that you deprive your dog of cheese. Moderation is the key. You can use small bites of cheese to mask medications you’re giving to your pet. Also, certain types of cheese offer certain benefits such as essential fatty acids (EFAs), calcium, protein, and vitamin A. Cheese can also be used as a reward or positive reinforcement during dog training. 

Your veterinarian Oshawa, ON is a valuable resource about your pet’s diet and nutrition. Learn more here.

Pet Turtles and Eye Infections

Did you know that because of their size, turtles are often seen at a vet’s office for eye related illnesses and injuries? Turtles are low to the ground and almost always on the move even if it’s at a slow pace. This allows for plenty of eye issues to develop. One of those is a bacterial eye infection. Your turtle may appear to have a swollen or irritated eye. The bacterial infection may cause the eye or eyelid to swell up so bad that the turtle is unable to open the eye. Call your vet right away if this happens to your turtle. Your vet will need to examine your turtle to find the cause. In many instances, the infection can be a side effect of another illness or simply the result of debris in the eye. If not treated, however, the infection can travel to the respiratory tract which could be fatal. Talk to your vet clinic Oshawa, ON to learn more click here. https://claringtonvet.ca/