Rough plays, fights, or just our pets being clumsy sometimes result in wounds. While injuries to the skin are more common and more easily seen, these can also happen on the eye.

Eye ulcerations are more common than you think. Majority of the cases we encounter at the clinic are found in the cornea, like the pictures in this post. Because of its exposure, it is the part of the eye that is most prone to physical damage.

Corneal damage varies among patients. Common signs that you will notice from pets that have eye ulcers are:

• Excessive tear production and flow
• Squinting
• Inability to open the affected eye
• Changes in temperament
• Pawing on the affected eye
• Cloudiness of the eye
• Redness of the eye

Your veterinarian will examine your pet’s condition and the affected eye. Depending on the initial assessment, tests might be performed to determine the current condition of your pet, assess the severity of the damage on the eye, and other information that might be needed. Treatment plan, other options, and prognosis will be discussed based on the test results and findings.

An ulcerated eye may become blind if left untreated. That’s why when you see any or a combination of the signs mentioned above, have your pet checked by your veterinarian immediately.

The new year’s here! And while many of us look forward to it with excitement, it isn’t the case for our cats and dogs, unfortunately, as the loud fireworks can be extremely stressful for them. So here are a few tips that will help your pets calm down as you welcome the new year:

Keep them indoors, if possible.

This will prevent them from running away and ensure their safety not only from the fireworks but also from the potentially toxic fumes outdoors.

Dampen the noise.

Your pets’ ears are extremely sensitive, so the loud fireworks can be especially painful for them. Dampening the noise can be as simple as keeping some doors and windows closed. You can also play music to drown out loud sounds from firecrackers.

Keep them company.

They will also have a less stressful time if you can stay with your pets and soothe them. Pet them, scratch their neck or their chin—whatever you do, your presence alone will definitely help relax them.

When your pets do get stressed, try not to be upset about their behavior or be mad at them. They are already frightened and scared, so comfort them instead.

Give them room to move around.

It’s normal for your pets to get scared once they hear the fireworks, so give them room to move around and a place where they can retreat and feel safe. You can also give them ample bedding they can snuggle into.

Keep the room well-ventilated.

The compounds that allow fireworks to give off extremely bright lights and colors are also notorious pollutants. Particles from the explosions can remain suspended in the air for hours if not days, so it’s important that you keep your entire home well-ventilated, including the room where you’ve chosen to keep your pet.

Give them a workout.

Add extra minutes to their usual walks or playtime hours on New Year’s eve. This will tire them out and help them sleep through the noise of the night.

Distract them.

Whether it’s their favorite treat or toy, small distractions can go a long way in keeping your pets’ attention away from the stressful sounds of fireworks.

With these tips, you can finally celebrate the new year in way that’s less stressful for you and your pets. From all of us here at Bebita Dog and Cat Clinic, we wish you and your pets a happy, healthy, and blessed year ahead!

Such a cutie, isn’t she? This puppy is from of our patient named Naruto who got pregnant during her first estrus cycle, commonly known as the heat cycle. The puppy has luckily survived an emergency Caesarian section of Naruto, and is the only survivor in a litter of three

Naruto started her labor one evening, and her contractions began as the night wore on. Her owner heard her crying in pain the next morning, and saw a big puppy coming out of her. However, it was lifeless and was already dry. Naruto’s vulvar area was pretty much inflamed as every contraction made her roll and cry in pain.

Naruto’s owner finally brought her to our clinic where we performed an emergency procedure. Sadly, only one made it and sound out her sweet puppy cry.

On a more positive note, Naruto recovered well from surgery and anesthesia. She is now back at home bringing joy to her owners and busying herself with her pup.

This story may have had a happy ending, but it could have also gone the other way.

The risk of mating during the first heat cycle

Mating a dog during her first estrus cycle like in Naruto’s case, increases the chance of dystocia (difficulty in giving birth). It is important to note that female dogs are generally just around two-thirds of their final adult body weight during this first cycle. Their birth canal is not yet fully developed, the uterus is not yet that mature, and maximum fertility is not yet achieved. That is why mating our dogs on their first heat may lead to lower conception rates, lower number of puppies, higher chances of whelping complications, and dystocia.

While you might have seen cases of your neighbor’s dog successfully whelping on her first cycle, we do not want to take any chances when it comes to our pets. We are after all responsible pet owners, so we want our dogs to deliver their puppies as safely as possible!

It may not be certain that complications will happen when we breed our dogs on their first heat, but it is certain that we are minimizing the risk when we do not. In this case, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

This happy puppy is Toby. He tested positive for canine parvo and was confined in the clinic for five days before being fit for discharge. It has already been two weeks since he went home, and he just received his 5-in-1 vaccine last week. We’ll be seeing him in the coming days to finish all his vaccines, so he can go on being healthy and happy throughout his puppyhood.

The ‘season’ for canine parvo

While puppies can contract canine parvo anytime of the year, their chances of getting it increases during the rainy season. Here at our clinic, there has been an increase in the number of cases of puppies having the same disease as Toby’s. So what is parvo?

Canine parvoviral enteritis, or simply “Parvo”, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract of dogs, with the small intestines as its main target organ. It can affect all dogs, but is mostly seen in puppies less than seven months of age, with unvaccinated puppies having a significantly higher likelihood of contracting the disease. Its transfer is by feco-oral route wherein the susceptible dog, by using its mouth, makes contact with the virus through contaminated feces, environment, or inanimate objects.

5 ways to prevent canine parvo

Parvo has no specific cure and has a high mortality rate. You may discuss with your veterinarian on how to treat a parvo patient. Prevention is our priority when we talk about this virus and here are some ways to do so:

1. Vaccinate! Have an appointment with your veterinarian for your puppy’s vaccinations and make time for the schedules. Puppies should receive their vaccines as early as 6-8 weeks of age. You can also have a discussion about other core vaccines that may be required depending on where you live.
2. Isolate! Limit your puppy’s socialization with other dogs until 7-10 days after his/her last shot. A puppy’s immune system is not yet mature or well-developed at this stage. Some dogs, especially the adults, are potential sources of infection as they may harbor the disease, but do not show any signs of it.
3. Avoid contamination/contagion! Don’t let your puppy roam public places until they’re fully vaccinated. This also means minimizing their access to your footwear at this point as these things can easily pick up the virus from a contaminated place.
4. Clean and disinfect! The virus is stable in the environment and may thrive for up to seven months. Common soap and disinfectants are not effective against parvovirus. Instead, you may use household bleach in a 1:30 – 1:32 dilution ratio, or 1 part bleach for every 30-32 parts of water. Other chemicals that can inactivate or kill parvo are available, but the one mentioned above is one of the most affordable and readily available. Disinfect possible contaminated areas in your home, such as common areas and entrances. Allow the solution to sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
5. Know the signs! If you observe lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea or a combination of these from your puppy, take them immediately to a veterinarian and have them checked.