Ear infections in dogs are some of the most common problems we see here at  National Spay Alliance Foundation. 

If your dog has an ear infection, their ears will likely be itchy to some degree. Dogs will also have other signs you can look out for, including:

• Shaking their head frequently throughout the day
• Scratching at their head, neck, and ears with their back feet
• Rubbing their ears on furniture or the floor
• Having a bad smell coming from their ears
• Noticing drainage or discharge in their ears that can be black, brown, white, green, or yellow in color
• Having redness or swelling in their ear canals
• Yelping out when their ears are touched, which indicates pain
• Seeing blood coming from their ears in severe cases

You may notice that at times of rest or when your dog should be going to sleep, they spend time constantly shaking their head or scratching at their ears. For many dog owners, it can even mean you’re losing out on rest, too.

Bacteria, yeast and allergies are the most common culprits. If your dog is showing the signs of an ear infection, it is time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. In order to appropriately treat the ear infection with the correct medication, your veterinarian will need to determine exactly what is causing the infection in the first place. In most cases, a dog’s ear infection will not go away on its own. What’s worse, if you wait too long to treat the ear infection, it can become much more difficult to get under control. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic issues, hearing loss, and sometimes the need for expensive surgery. 
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Ear infections in dogs are common. They are caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast within your dog’s ear canal or allergies. Your vet will use testing to diagnose the cause of your dog’s ear infection to recommend proper treatment. Treatment typically requires medicated ear drops prescribed from your vet and ear cleaning solutions. Since allergies are a common underlying factor of ear infections in dogs, tracking your dog’s ear infections can be key in managing them.

National Spay Alliance is a low cost veterinary clinic. We have always tried to keep costs to owners as low as possible. Over the last few years we have seen the costs of medications, insurance and taxes sky rocket. These factors make it harder and harder to keep pricing low. Most of the pets we see have never seen a veterinarian before, and all too frequently we will see pets when they are so sick they need very expensive care. If pets could be better maintained health wise or could be seen at the onset of a problem costs and outcomes would be far more positive. Pet health insurance is an economical way to do just that. 

Pet insurance, or veterinary health insurance, helps cover the cost of veterinary care to keep your pets healthy. Most importantly, the right insurance plan can buy you priceless peace of mind. Pet parents who have insurance can go to the vet in confidence and get their pets the treatment they need without having to worry as much about the costs.

Insurance plans can be tailored to your pet’s age, potential breed-specific health conditions, existing health issues, and many other needs. You can insure multiple pets. Each pet may need a separate plan, but providers often provide a discount for each additional pet you insure. Whether your pet is susceptible to allergies, developing chronic conditions, or suffering from accidents due to over-activity, plans can offset thousands of dollars in costs. You pay a monthly premium and there are deductibles, but those are tailored to you specific needs. The plans will not cover pre-existing conditions. So don't wait until your pet is diagnosed with something to think about coverage. 

There are generally four types of plans; wellness plans, accident-only plans, accident-illness plans, and accident-illness plans with wellness coverage. 

Unlike human health insurance plans, you can use any pet insurance policy at any licensed veterinary clinic in the U.S. There are no networks to worry about and there is no co-pay. Instead, most insurance carriers require that you pay upfront for treatment. You will then be reimbursed based on the funds you had to pay and the terms of your pet insurance policy.

Some carriers will pre-approve you for an upcoming procedure and offer to pay the veterinarian directly, alleviating your potential temporary financial burden. You may then submit an itemized receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement in a matter of days.

When searching for pet insurance be sure you understand the deductibles, what is covered and how they pay you when the time comes.  Don't wait until your pet is older or becomes sick or injured, look into policies when your pet is younger and healthy this will save you money in the long run!

Here at National Spay Alliance Foundation we are asked questions every day about pets. We decided to post a few those questions with their answers. 

1. My pet is throwing up/has diarrhea. What's going on? Answer: Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common signs of gastrointestinal upset. There are many possible causes for these conditions. Loosely translated, the term gastroenteritis means an upset or inflamed stomach and intestines. As in people, gastroenteritis in pets can be caused by a multitude of underlying problems ranging from minor to serious and life threatening. Probably 90% of the sudden onset diarrhea cases are caused by eating something that has upset the gastrointestinal system. It could be as simple as eating a food or treat that your dog is not accustomed to and this triggered an intolerance or irritation to the GI tract. If the diarrhea continues more than a day or so it could be an in balance of bad bacteria to good bacteria. Veterinary prescribed medication is usually needed to stop the cycle. Sudden onset diarrhea and vomiting may also be from a virus. The most notorious virus is Parvovirus. This virus is very contagious, especially to young dogs. Left untreated this virus can cause very painful death. Parasites of the intestinal tract do cause diarrhea, but most commonly, the diarrheas are not sudden onset. They seem to develop slowly and progress and worsen if treatment is not pursued. These include Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Coccidia, and Giardia. These can managed through a monthly dose of heartworm medication for your dog. 
2. How old does my pet have to be to be spayed or neutered? Answer: Here is what the ASPCA recommends: By spaying or neutering your pet, you’ll help control the pet homelessness crisis, which results in millions of healthy dogs and cats being euthanized in the United States each year simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. There are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying (female pets) and neutering (male pets) your animals.
   
   Here are some of the medical benefits:
   
   Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life. Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors, which are malignant or cancerous in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
   Neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems.
   And behavioral benefits:
   
   Your spayed female pet won't go into heat. While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house!
   Your male dog will be less likely to roam away from home. An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate, including finding creative ways escape from the house. Once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other male animals. Your neutered male may be better behaved. Unneutered dogs and cats are more likely to mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Your dog might be less likely to mount other dogs, people and inanimate objects after he’s neutered. Some aggression problems may be avoided by early neutering.
   Spaying/neutering your pets is also highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter.
3. When can I start vaccinating my dog? Answer: Vaccines are only effective once a puppy has been weaned. Your vet will advise you on the immunizations that are best for your pet, which depend on many factors including where you live and how many other pets are in your home.
   Most states require that all dogs be vaccinated against rabies. Puppies receive most of their vaccinations every two to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. Some vaccinations are given as a combination, such as the DHLPP, which helps protect against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvo. Vaccines can be started as young as 6 weeks old. The Rabies vaccine can be given as early as 12 weeks old. 

These are probably the most commonly asked questions we field every day. Please feel free to contact us if you have more questions or would like to schedule and appointment. Remember you can walk in for vaccines and heartworm testing. www.nationalspayalliancefoundation.org. 

From July of 2018 to June of 2019 the United States had over 38 inches of rainfall. This was more than 7 inches over the average. For the first time in over 100 years rainfall was greater than 36 inches in a 12 month period. That's a lot of water! Well it's late October in the Southeast and the rainy season is upon us. While wet weather has plenty of benefits, it leaves behind bacteria and parasite-riddled puddles that can make your dog or cat very sick. In the wake of wet weather, pets that spend time outdoors are more at risk of contracting bacteria like leptospirosis and parasites like giardia. Dirty standing water can  also carry potentially toxic chemicals from runoff. 

Here are a list of hazards and how you can keep your pets safe:

• Mosquitoes: most of us know that standing water are breeding grounds for these pests. A female only needs 1 inch of water to lay hundreds of eggs. It takes only 1-2 days for them to hatch into larvae. Mosquitoes carry heartworm disease. This disease is already at record highs here in the Southeast.  Ensure that your dogs are tested yearly and on prevention year round. 
• Ticks: Ticks are hardy and can survive in both hot and cold climates. They love and thrive in the moist, humid conditions rain brings. With long-term rains grasses and shrubs will grow and become havens for these little beasts to multiply. Studies have shown that increased rainfall leads to higher incidents of Lyme disease. Lyme can also be transmitted to humans through tick bites. Usually a pet becomes infected only after the tick has been attached to the dog for at least 18 hours. An infected dog will show signs through lameness which is caused by inflammation in the joints. Untreated Lyme disease almost always leads to kidney issues in dogs. Check both your dogs and cats for ticks regularly and remove them as soon as you find them. It is imperative that you have your pets on effective flea/tick protection year round. 
• Leptospirosis: This is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans and animals by the urine of infected wildlife.  It can be caught from water in rivers, lakes, streams or standing water  such as puddles.  It thrives in wet moist areas. This disease can be very dangerous as it can be passed to humans. Symptoms include: fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, reluctance to move, increased thirst, changes in urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and painful inflammation within the eyes. Other signs may include bleeding disorders leading to blood-tinged vomit, urine, stool or saliva as well as nosebleeds.​It is highly recommended you have your dog vaccinated for Lepto yearly.  
• Giardia: This is a protozal parasite that lives in wet soil and standing water contaminated by feces. It can be contracted from untreated sewage water, or natural ponds soiled by wildlife. It is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with feces (poop) from infected humans or animals. It is one of the most common parasites infecting dogs, cats and birds. It causes diarrhea, vomiting, cramping and dehydration. Have your pets fecal tested by your veterinarian at least once a year if not more. 

No matter weather your dog hikes with you year round or your cat lives mostly in doors all our pets as well as we as their care takers are effected when the rainfall increases in our environment. It is imperative that we as pet parents ensure our animals are on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. Keep pets hydrated by offering them plenty of water and bringing water with you on outings. This will discourage them from straying to drink from outside water sources. Have your vet examine them and test their feces at least yearly. These tips will help keep both you and them healthy!  :)

As the hot weather has set in I notice how incredibly hot it is when I walk outside. Especially when I go from say my car into a store, how the heat just radiates off the pavement.  Humans wear shoes so our feet are protected. Dog and cats do not. They have pads on their feet that are also sensitive to heat and cold.  As an owner you must be aware of hot the pavement can get. Please take the time to watch the informative video, and for your pet please take the time to perform these tips:​

The summer months can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for pets and people. It's difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone thick humidity. Overheating in dogs is not something to take lightly. As the weather heats up, it's important to remain aware of how the heat affects your pup. Heat exhaustion in dogs can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke and cardiac arrest.
To help keep your dog safe and cool during the summer, here is the lowdown on signs that he's overheating and how to prevent it: hint, if it's too hot for you to sit outside it's too hot from them. Water and shade are as important for dogs as it is for us. 

NEVER leave your pets in a parked car. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees.Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.

Humidity will affect your dog as much as temperature. Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly.

Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing.

Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws, if it's to hot for you to walk on it's too hot for them to walk on, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating.

Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don't obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness.
Animals are at particular risk for heat stroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease. Some breeds of dogs—like boxers, pugs, shih tzus, and other dogs and cats with short muzzles—will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat.

At the first sign of overheating, immediately take action to cool down your dog. Utilize the following steps to treat heat exhaustion in dogs:

1. Immediately move your dog to a cooler area, either indoors where there is air conditioning or in the shade under a fan.
2. Use a rectal thermometer to check his temperature. Heat exhaustion typically occurs when a dog's temperature falls between 103 and 106 degrees. A temperature above 106 places him at risk for heat stroke. If he's in the danger zone, call your veterinarian.
3. If you're near a body of fresh water, such as a lake or a baby pool, let your dog take a dip to cool down. Otherwise, you can use cool, wet cloths or towels to help him out. Place your cool wet cloths on his neck, armpits, and between his hind legs, and you can also gently wet his ears and paw pads with cool water.
4. If he's conscious and willing to drink, give him cool, fresh water. Don't force it, however, as it may end up in his lungs. If he can't or won't drink, or can't keep water down, wet his tongue with water instead. Don't feed him ice cubes, which could cause his temperature to drop too quickly, leading to shock.
5. Get him to the vet. If you haven't already done so, call ahead so they can be ready to take immediate action as soon as you arrive.

      We've all seen the dog is that is absolutely scared to death when a thunder storms rolls in.  There is a world of information out for the reasons. They range from it's merely the loud booming noise to the static electricity caused by lightning. Dogs that are affected seem to know the storm is coming even before it's visible to us humans. Some dogs can be so panicked by these storms they can injure themselves or family members trying to get away from it.  Storm phobia is an incredibly common problem for dogs, especially among herding breeds. Without any treatment, storm phobia in dogs worsens over time.
     With a little trial and error, you can find a treatment (or combination of treatments) to help your dog feel safe and secure during a storm or when fireworks are being used.

• In dogs with mild cases of thunder phobia, simple counter-conditioning can ease anxiety. Counter-conditioning can also keep puppies who haven’t had much exposure to storms from developing a phobia. The key is to pair something your dog loves with the earliest signs of the storm, and continue providing it while the storm lasts. Try extra-yummy treats like chicken or cheese, or a fun game like fetch or tug-o-war. 
• It is thought that static electricity can cause discomfort and can actually shock dogs.  Some dogs will seek out places that are grounding such as water, a bathtub, or the basement.  You can help but utilizing unscented dryer sheets. Try Seventh Generation unscented dryer sheets, they are all natural. You can lightly rub the unscented dryer sheet along your dogs coat.  You can also try a product called the Storm Defender, Studies have shown these treatments can be effective. 
• Thundershirts or pressure wraps are another alternative. These snug-fitting vests apply sustained, comforting pressure to your dog’s torso. It's similar to swaddling a baby.  It helps to calm the sensory receptors.  These wraps are also useful for fireworks and traveling if your dog is anxious. 
• When a completely sound-proof room doesn’t exist, compete with the noise by utilizing a radio or white noise machine. Music can also be helpful for the highly nervous dog to muffle the sound of the storm.
• For the highly-anxious dog who doesn’t respond to the above methods, a visit to the veterinarian to discuss medication may be the solution. However, medication should be a last resort when desensitization efforts fail.

     Remember these storms can be very stressful for you dog and some cats to.  Take the time to work with your pet to help teach them how to react more calmly and enlist the help of your veterinarian for comprehensive plan.  

How common is dental disease in dogs?
Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. Over 80% of dogs over the age of three have active dental disease. Few dogs show obvious signs of dental disease, so it is up to the dog’s family and veterinarian to uncover this hidden and often painful condition. The most common dental problems seen in dogs are periodontal disease and fractured teeth.  It's important to have your pet seen yearly for an oral health care exam.  
Please watch this video by the American Veterinary Medical Association.