What we know about managing pain in pets

Andrews McMeel Syndication

What is pain? It’s sensory awareness of injury or illness, of course, but there’s more to it. Pain is unique to each individual. Factors that influence pain perception include genetics, the degree of injury and past history of pain.

Two types of pain affect pets. Most of us have experienced acute pain, from stubbing a toe to breaking a bone. Acute pain is protective, warning us to pull back from that hot fire, for instance. Animals experience acute pain, too. It usually goes away with time or treatment.

Chronic pain persists for longer than the normal healing period and is considered a distinct disease of the central nervous system. In essence, it’s pain that has lasted beyond its usefulness or that lingers after an injury has healed. Sometimes it’s the result of an ongoing physical problem, such as osteoarthritis. Other conditions that can cause chronic pain in pets include cancer, glaucoma, interstitial cystitis, pancreatitis and stomatitis.

Both physically and emotionally, chronic pain has a damaging effect on a dog or cat’s well-being. Animals with chronic pain may change their movement or behavior in an attempt to limit discomfort. When they move less or move in abnormal ways, they become stiff, and pain increases. They may also reduce their interactions with humans or other animals because being touched causes pain. That puts a kink in their social relationships with family members.

One of the problems with chronic pain is that it often goes unrecognized. Pet pain isn’t always easy to assess. You may notice that your dog or cat is sensitive in certain areas or has odd behaviors, but those things don’t always make an appearance during a veterinary exam. What to bring to your veterinarian’s attention, with videos, if possible:

-- decreased grooming habits in cats

-- intensively licking specific areas

-- changes in posture when sitting or sleeping

-- difficulty or slowness standing up or lying down

-- breaking housetraining

-- reluctance to be petted or groomed

-- reluctance to go down stairs

-- difficulty jumping on or off furniture

-- poor appetite or nausea

-- lethargy

-- any behavior that is unusual for that animal

A number of medications and techniques can aid in pain treatment and prevention. Especially for chronic pain, early recognition of the problem is key. Multimodal therapy incorporating nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs such as Adequan, diet, nutritional supplements with anti-inflammatory effects, weight loss, massage, laser, and acupuncture can all benefit pets in pain. Multimodal treatment attacks pain through multiple pathways in the body, with the goal of directly or indirectly reducing inflammation that causes pain.

The best way to prevent chronic pain from developing is to treat acute pain promptly and aggressively. For acute pain related to surgical recovery, long-acting extended-release drugs are available for dogs and cats, providing post-operative pain relief for 24 to 72 hours. Some pain-relief medications for dogs and cats are chewable, making them easier to give. Others can be compounded into tasty liquids.

Dogs can take NSAIDs relatively safely for long periods, but no NSAIDs are approved for long-term use in cats. Cats are more sensitive than dogs to the side effects of drugs such as NSAIDs because they lack certain enzymes needed by the liver to safely break down the drugs.

Chronic pain develops over a long period, and treating it successfully takes time. With your veterinarian, set specific goals for managing your pet’s pain. It may be four to six weeks before you begin to see a response, but with good management, your pet can be moving well and feeling good again.

Q&A

Ease carsickness

with these steps

Q: We’re moving at the end of the summer, and it’s a 12-hour drive to our new home. My dog gets carsick or pants a lot even on short rides. How can I make the trip as stress-free as possible?

A: You can take several steps to help your dog have a better experience for both short trips and your upcoming move.

Start now to desensitize and counter-condition your dog to car travel. Place him in the car where he would normally ride. Since he experiences carsickness, reward with praise or a favorite toy instead of a food treat, and take him out right away. Repeat until he’s comfortable getting in the car.

Next, start the engine while he’s in the car. That’s all; don’t actually go anywhere. As above, reward and then take him out. Practice until he’s comfortable. Follow with backing out of the garage and pulling back in and eventually going around the block or some other short distance. Always pair each step with a reward to create a positive association with riding in the car.

Wearing a ThunderShirt or similar snug-fitting garment, use of a canine pheromone spray such as Adaptil in the carrier, and playing music created for dogs may also help to ease anxiety and reduce the likelihood of carsickness. Consider a car seat or carrier that allows your dog to see out the window. Fresh air and a view of the horizon can help to minimize motion sickness. Withhold meals in the morning so he’s riding on an empty stomach, but give small amounts of water throughout the day. Feed him when you stop for the night.

Finally, ask your veterinarian about an anti-nausea medication called Cerenia. It has been proven in clinical trials to help dogs with motion sickness. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Fans mourn

Grumpy Cat

-- Social media star Grumpy Cat, known for a sourpuss expression, died last month after developing complications from a urinary tract infection. “Urinary tract infections of the bladder are common, especially in older and female cats,” says Dr. Drew Weigner, a feline specialist who practices in Atlanta. “In themselves they’re not serious or difficult to treat, but (they) can infect the kidneys if not treated properly or promptly. They can be a symptom of more serious underlying disease such as kidney disease or diabetes, and should be investigated further, especially if recurrent.” Signs of a UTI include difficult or painful urination, increased frequency of urination, crying out during urination, blood in the urine, urinating outside the litter box and frequently licking the urogenital area.

-- Analysis by Oregon State University researchers found that the relative risk of cancer recurrence is reduced by 60% in dogs whose tumors are completely removed. A review of published veterinary studies showed a recurrence rate of less than 10% when a soft tissue sarcoma was removed in its entirety, versus a 33% recurrence rate when tumor cells remained after surgery. “That’s what most veterinarians, including myself, have thought, but this makes it more official,” says Milan Milovancev, associate professor of small animal surgery at Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine and the study’s lead author. “Now we can say, ‘Here’s the data.’” The findings were published in the journal Veterinary and Comparative Oncology.

-- According to the University of California, Davis' Veterinary Genetics Lab, the distinctive “pointed” coat pattern of Siamese cats is caused by a form of selective albinism that suppresses melanin production based on temperature. The activating enzyme tyrosinase explains the ombre appearance of the Siamese, with a sandy-colored abdomen (the warmest part of the body) that darkens around the extremities, including ear tips and paws. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

From San Luis Obispo to San Simeon, California’s central coast is a dog-friendly destination

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Weekend getaways are more fun with a dog. Our canine buddies make sure we stop and sniff the roses (and whatever else smells interesting), introduce us to new people and get out for walks in between the wine tasting and sightseeing. I’m always seeking places that are fun to go with dogs, and one favorite is California’s central coast, roughly the area between Point Mugu and Monterey.

We’ve made a couple of trips to what could be described as the central part of the central coast in the past year, once to San Luis Obispo for a nose work trial with my dog Harper, and more recently for a visit to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which was offering seasonal evening tours with costumed docents. When I mentioned our plans, my friend Liz Palika enthusiastically recommended a stay at Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon.

Our large room featured a fireplace and a patio where we could sit with the dogs or walk them out to the trails along the bluffs. It’s not the only dog-friendly hotel in the area. We’ve stayed previously at Cambria Pines Lodge, where dogs can accompany owners to meals in the outdoor dining area. Cambria Shores Inn is also popular with dog lovers. Cambria Chamber of Commerce volunteer Linda Haskins says the area boasts 21 inns and motels that welcome pets.

When we arrived, I called pet sitter Sharon Joy, whom we had scheduled to stay with our dogs during the tour. (Hearst Castle is many things, but dog-friendly is not one of them.) She met us at our room and instantly made friends with our dogs. We could tell they’d had a good time with her when we returned. Haskins says that Cambria Veterinary Clinic and Cambria Animal Medical Center may also be able to recommend pet sitters or provide boarding during daytime tours.

The next day we toured Paso Robles wine country, a breathtaking drive inland along Highway 46. Our first stop, appropriately enough, was Tooth and Nail Winery, where we enjoyed live music and glasses of rose on the covered patio overlooking the moat that surrounds the castlelike winery. Robert Hall Winery warmly welcomed Harper and Keeper into the tasting room. We wrapped up our wine tasting with stops at Grey Wolf and Dover Canyon wineries. Look for a winery map with dog symbols indicating pet-friendly status, or check pasorobleswineries.com.

If you and your dogs would rather hike or beachcomb, the central coast has you covered. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is 440 acres of ocean-view trails and boardwalks. Parking is limited, so go early or look for a spot in the adjoining neighborhood. William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach permits dogs on the sand. Haskins says Shamel Park in Cambria is popular with local and visiting dog owners. Further south in San Luis Obispo, Irish Hills Natural Reserve has eight miles of out-and-back and loop trails through chaparral, oak and grasslands. Assume leashes are required unless otherwise posted. Beware: Ticks are ubiquitous, including American dog ticks and Western black-legged ticks, which can transmit Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Check your dog thoroughly after hikes.

Food lovers don’t have to leave dogs behind either. Whether they are in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Cambria or elsewhere, plenty of restaurants in all price ranges have outdoor seating for dining with dogs. We’ve enjoyed breakfast at Lily’s Coffee House in Cambria, lunch at Orale Taqueria in Paso Robles and dinner at Novo Restaurant in San Luis Obispo.

Wherever you go with your dog, have fun!

Q&A

Some facts about

polydactyl cats

Q: Why do some cats have extra toes?

A: Cats normally have 18 toes: five on each front paw and four on each back paw. Some cats are born with additional toes -- usually on front paws, but sometimes on rear paws as well.

Any cat with extra toes is known as a polydactyl. The word comes from the Greek polydaktylos, meaning “many toes.” The first official mention of it in scientific literature was in 1868, although it’s known to have been observed prior to that time.

Polydactyly is a dominant genetic trait. That means that even if only one parent carries the gene for extra toes, 40 to 50 percent of his or her kittens can also be polydactyl. The Maine coon is one breed in which polydactyly is commonly seen, but it can occur in any cat.

The additional toes may or may not be fully functional. In feline folklore, extra toes were thought to give cats better balance, making them popular choices as ship’s cats.

Polydactyl cats are often nicknamed "Hemingway cats" for their association with the Pulitzer- and Nobel Prize-winning author, who had a number of them at his Key West home. They may also be known as “thumb cats” or “mitten cats.”

Paws, a Minnesota cat, and Jake, a Canadian cat, are both recognized by Guinness World Records as having the most toes: 28.

While polydactyly is considered a genetic abnormality, it’s a naturally occurring variation that isn’t necessarily harmful. In a study of Maine coon cats published in 2016 in the Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, researchers concluded that while polydactyly affected the number and shape of a cat’s toes, it had “no apparent deleterious consequence on feline welfare.”

Fun fact: Humans can experience polydactyly as well. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Why some animals

have white legs

-- If you’ve ever wondered why some animals have white “socks,” “mittens” or “boots,” science provides the answer. It’s related to a genetic oddity called piebaldism, the result of a mutation that causes melanocytes -- the pigment cells that give color to hair, skin and eyes -- to be distributed unevenly as they spread throughout the body during fetal development. Research published in 2016 in the journal Nature Communications suggests that piebaldism occurs because the melanocytes don’t divide often enough during development. The result: Not enough pigment for the animal to be all one color. Piebald coloration occurs in animals as varied as cats, cows, dogs, ferrets, domestic goats, goldfish, guinea pigs, hamsters, horses, magpies, mice, pigs, rabbits, rats and snakes.

-- When you see a Maltese, you may first be attracted by the glamorous coat, but beneath the waterfall of white hair beats the heart of a gentle, lively and fearless dog that has charmed people since the time of the ancient Greeks. Maltese love people. That focus on humans can make them easily trainable because they love attention. Maltese may look like lap dogs, but they shine in dog sports such as agility, obedience, rally and tracking, and they make good therapy dogs. The silky single white coat requires daily combing and regular shampooing to look its best. Families with young children should choose a puppy who will weigh 5 to 7 pounds when grown.

-- A cat’s body hums along at a temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit -- a little higher than normal human body temperature and about the same as that of dogs. A normal range is 100 to 102.5, so call your veterinarian if your cat's temperature is higher or lower than that. If the thought of taking your cat’s temperature rectally is daunting, you can purchase a thermometer that will read the temperature inside your cat's ear. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Behavior experts share the best ways for kids and dogs to interact safely

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

Kids and dogs encounter each other daily. Sometimes they are members of the same family; sometimes they meet at the home of a friend, family member or neighbor; and sometimes they pass by on the street or at a park or other public place. They don’t naturally know how to communicate with each other, though, and mistakes can have unhappy consequences. Here are some ways to ensure that both enjoy their time together and stay safe.

-- Outdoors. Kids run around and yell and scream. Dogs like to run around and bark, too, but the fast movement and high-pitched tones of kids at play can get them too excited. And dogs with herding or watchdog instincts may chase and nip, especially if they think “their” child is at risk. To make sure things don’t get out of hand, Fear Free-certified trainer and behavior consultant Debbie Martin of Veterinary Behavior Consultations in Austin, Texas, suggests the “red light, green light” game.

“If kids are running around the yard and the dog starts to chase them, we call ‘red light’ for everybody to freeze and be a tree,” she says. That’s an opportunity to get the dog out of the situation if necessary and then give kids permission to resume play.

-- Body language. Kids always want to pet dogs they see on the street. Instead of automatically saying yes, have youngsters ask the dog if she’d like to be petted. Then guide the child through the body language signs that indicate whether the dog is saying yes or no to a meet-and-greet.

A dog who welcomes petting has a relaxed body, open mouth and a tail that’s swishing with a loose wag. One who’s not so sure may signal discomfort by showing the whites of the eyes, tightening the lips, putting his ears back, leaning or looking away, putting the tail down or moving it in a slow, stiff wag. That dog would rather not be approached. Suggest that the child wave to the dog instead.

-- Petting dogs. For dogs who welcome petting, let the dog go to the child instead of the child approaching the dog. Children should stand still, hands at their sides or gently patting their leg in encouragement. There’s no need to offer a hand or fist for the dog to sniff. Owners or parents should give specific instructions: “Stand still, hands at your sides, and let the dog come to you.”

When the dog comes forward, kids can then offer a scratch under the chin or a soft pat on the shoulder. Spell out how dogs like to be touched. Behavior consultant Jennifer Shryock of FamilyPaws in Cary, North Carolina, uses the phrase “One hand enough, two hands too rough.”

Putting two hands on the dog often means roughing up fur, hugging, crowding them or grabbing the face, she says. One-handed petting, on the side of the dog that’s closest to the child, is gentler and prevents the child from leaning over the dog, which can seem threatening or scary to them.

“It’s a good habit for people to get into,” she says. “I so often see kids grab dogs by the face, and this helps prevent that.”

Let them pet the dog twice, then wait to see if the dog “asks” for more with a nudge or a look. If the dog has had enough, he may “shake off” or walk away.

When dogs have a choice in how they interact with kids -- or anyone -- they will feel more comfortable. That makes for happier and safer encounters and play: the foundation of a lifelong friendship.

Q&A

Crate-train cats?

Yes, you can

Q: Can cats be crate-trained the way dogs can?

A: Cats don’t need to be crate-trained for housetraining purposes, but they can absolutely learn to go into a carrier or crate and stay in it comfortably.

Crate-training has a lot of important applications throughout a cat’s life. Of course, it’s useful for taking the cat to the veterinarian, but also for road trips -- if you’re moving to a new home, for instance -- or if you have to evacuate because of a natural disaster. Having a cat who will quickly and willingly enter a carrier or crate can be a time-saver, stress-saver and lifesaver!

Pheromones, treats and time are all part of the secret to teaching cats to love their carriers. Treat the carrier with sprays or wipes that mimic the calming pheromones cats produce when they feel comfortable or safe. Hide treats in it or lay a trail of treats that leads inside the carrier to encourage a cat to explore it. Place meals inside the carrier. Leave the carrier out in an area the cat enjoys or where the family likes to gather. Any time you see the cat go in the carrier on her own, praise and reward her. All of these are ways to help the cat develop a positive association with the carrier.

Once the cat is comfortable hanging out in the carrier, practice closing it for brief periods, gradually extending the amount of time the cat spends in it. When you transport the cat in it, hold it in both arms so it’s not swinging at your side. At the vet or any new place, set it down gently and let the cat come out on her own instead of pulling her out. Bring treats or a toy to reward her when she exits. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Up, under, inside:

Cats need space

-- Starting in kittenhood and continuing throughout life, cats need spaces they can call their own, where they can rest, hide or watch what’s going on in the home. A window perch, a box or the top of a cat tree are all good options. These types of areas help cats to feel safe -- especially if there are other animals in the home or grabby toddlers. In multicat homes, boxes may be viewed as resources and taken over by a particular cat, so it’s a good idea to place them in separate areas so that each cat has an option to go in one.

-- You’ve probably seen pet foods or supplements containing probiotics or prebiotics said to improve the immune system, metabolism or gastrointestinal function. What are they, and can they help? Probiotics are defined as living organisms that, given in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, prebiotics are “nondigestible food ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth and activities of specific bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and exert beneficial effects on the host.” Studies show that prebiotics and probiotics can have beneficial effects on gut health in cats and dogs, including limiting growth of “bad” bacteria and increasing populations of “good” bacteria.

-- Meet the Peterbald. This Russian cat breed has an unusual coat. Depending on the length, the Peterbald’s coat can feel like peach fuzz, plush velvet or the stubble of a man’s facial hair. Some Peterbalds have an ordinary cat coat. The chatty, medium-size cats have a slender but muscular body, large ears and long, whippy tails. Smart, affectionate and playful, they love spending time with their humans, including children. Don’t be surprised when a Peterbald curls up on your face -- the closer the better! -- or sneaks beneath the covers at bedtime. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.