Archive for the 'Dr. Patrick Mahaney' Category

There are few things worse in this world than cancer.

It's a horrible disease that ruins lives… but it can be prevented!!

Right now, it's Pet Cancer Awareness Month and so what better way to spread awareness than by sharing some of Dr. Patrick Mahaney's tips for preventing cancer in your pet??

Dr. Mahaney's Top Five Holistic Pet Cancer Prevention Tips:

I would love to call this article my top five holistic tips to cure pet cancer, but I feel that title might be somewhat misleading. Through my experiences working with my oncology colleagues at the Veterinary Cancer Group (VCG), I’m aware that some cancers can be cured but the majority of them are clinically managed (put into remission, etc.) and don’t necessarily completely resolve.

Cancer is a disease disease that we veterinarians are diagnosing more frequently in pets. According to the Morris Animal Foundation “1 in 2 dogs will develop cancer and 1 in 4 dogs will die of the disease”.

As there is no guarantee for a cure, we should strive to prevent our pets from developing cancer in the first place. Yet, as cancer is a complicated disease of the immune system involving excessive growth of cells having altered DNA, the origins of the disease never have singular nor finite cause. Therefore, there is no absolute guarantee that our best efforts to prevent cancer from happening will guarantee a desired outcome (i.e. having a pet never develop cancer).

May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, so I want to emphasize the concept that making healthy lifestyle choices can provide a better state of overall wellness and potentially reduce the likelihood that cancer may occur. Although there is no failproof cancer preventative tactic, here are my top five tips to help keep your pet cancer free.

And the tips go on and on again!

Last time we discussed how specific flowers that blossom during this time of year can be harmful to your pets!

This time, we'll discover how egg hunting can possible prove toxic for your loved furry ones!

Dr. Patrick Mahaney explains:

"Easter Egg Rolls and Hunts

Although rolling eggs and finding those hidden during the hunt is great family fun, these activities could put your pet at risk for toxicity. Keep your pooch out of the action, as 'Fido' may capitalize on his hunting skills and gorge on the eggs intended for the eager children. After the hunt is complete, make sure all eggs are accounted for. A rotting egg may harbor bacteria, mold, or other toxic substances.
This Easter, and during all holiday festivities, keep treats and decorations out of the reach of your pet. Make safety a priority by educating your family members, especially children, about the canine and feline Easter dangers.

If you suspect or know your pet has consumed a toxic substance, immediately contact your veterinarian. Pending their counsel, further help may be needed. Two great resources in managing pet toxicities are the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680)."

Have a pet question? Email us at tips@perezhilton.com or you can tweet them to Dr. Patrick HERE!! OR Check him out on facebook

And be sure to come back and get the last Easter tip from our most favorite Doc!

[Image via Dr. Patrick Mahaney/Russel Baer.]

Last time we showed you how pet safety during Easter time can be a real life saver!

But it isn't only chocolate eggs that can harm your pup!

Dr. Patrick Mahaney explains:

"

Toxic Plants

All plants harbor the potential to cause illness post ingestion. The fibrous nature of plant material causes mechanical irritation to the digestive tract.

Plants belonging to the genus Lillium Easter Lily, etc. are especially dangerous to cats. All parts of the lily (flower, pollen, stems, leaves, and bulbs) can cause lethal kidney failure should 'Fluffy' opt for a taste.

Never leave a pet, especially your feline friend, unobserved in the presence of a seasonal plant. Their curiosity nearly always supersedes your estimation that the plant will go unscathed. Hinder your pet's access to interesting plants by closing doors or placing them out of harm's way."

Have a pet question? Email us at tips@perezhilton.com or you can tweet them to Dr. Patrick HERE!! OR Check him out on facebook

And be sure to come back and get the last Easter tip from our most favorite Doc!

[Image via Dr. Patrick Mahaney/Russel Baer.]

Easter is one of the best holidays of the year!

Good food, chocolate eggs, what could go wrong?

Well, if you have a pet - then there's a lot that could go whacky if you're not careful.

Good thing for you, and us, Dr. Patrick Mahaney is here to remind us how we can keep our precious pets safe for the holidays:

"Could Your Easter Celebration Make Your Pet Sick?

Easter and the spring season are a time for celebrating new life. Traditions include egg hunting, decorating, and feasting, especially on chocolates and candies. While these are all great ways to celebrate the holiday, they each pose potential threats for your furry friend.

Chocolate candies, decorative plants, and Easter eggs all harbor a probability for toxicity. Animals are innately curious and the interaction or consumption of any aforementioned objects can land you and your pet in the emergency veterinary clinic. Be prepared this holiday and follow these tips to ensure your pet remains a part of the happy celebration!

We're still in flu season in the U.S. and just because a dog can't tell you their nose is stuffy, doesn't mean they can't get sick.

Did you know that pets can actually get sick from us?? Even from the flu!

Good thing Dr. Patrick Mahaney is here with some wonderful tricks for keeping your pet happy and healthy:

Do you realize human influenza virus can transmit to pets? Are you taking precautions to prevent transmission of zoonotic disease (those capable of interspecies transmission).

Considering that people can be infected regardless of vaccination status and that not everyone will be immunized, it’s important that we recognize the potential for humans to pass a microorganism like the influenza virus to our pets. Yes, your dog or cat could contract the flu from you.

Winter may be beautiful, but it's also very chilly!

And if you haven't already taken the necessary measures to keep your pet safe during this cold season, Dr. Patrick Mahaney has a few wonderful tips that will definitely keep your baby in good health:

Wintry Climate Changes:
 
Frostbite happens when the skin is exposed to extreme temperatures, which restricts blood flow to the body’s surfaces. Reduced delivery of oxygen and nutrients and removal of metabolic waste contributes to cell damage or death. Body tissues become cold to the touch and appear pale pink, white, or even blue. Unresolved frostbite can progress to gangrene, which requires ongoing and costly veterinary medical and surgical treatment.

Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below the normal range of 100-102.5 +/- 0.5 in a healthy cat or dog. In order to preserve the vital organs (brain, heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs), blood flow to the extremities (limbs, feet, ears, etc.) is restricted. Hypothermia also contributes to frostbite.

Exposure to moisture increases your pet’s likelihood of developing frostbite and hypothermia. A healthy fur pelt or moisture repelling-fabric coat can provide limited protection from nature’s assault. Geriatric, juvenile, mobility compromised, and sick pets are more prone to suffering negative health consequences of exposure to wintry weather.

The new year just showed it's face once again, and while we tend to always think about New Years Resolutions for ourselves — Dr. Patrick Mahaney wants you to make some changes for your pet as well!

If you want to make a difference in your adorable loved one's life this year, just follow these tips: