Veterinarians in North Charleston, SC Providing Compassionate Pet Care

It’s no secret that dogs love peanut butter, but is it really okay for your pet to have crunchy peanut butter specifically? Crunchy peanut butter has small pieces of peanuts throughout, which some pet owners worry can cause problems for their pets. In the article below, you’ll find out more information about whether or not it’s okay to give your dog crunchy peanut butter and what it can do for your pet as well. Read through this guide to get a better idea of which type of peanut butter, if any, is best for your furry friend. Creamy vs. Crunchy Creamy peanut butter and crunchy peanut butter are both equally safe for dogs. They both contain the same ingredients and nutrients, which means they do the same things for your dog regardless of style. As long as your dog is old enough to eat kibble, she should be perfectly safe eating crunchy peanut butter without the risk of choking on a peanut. Very small dogs, however, may be more at risk of choking than larger dogs, so keep this in mind when choosing for your pet. Organic vs. Non-Organic There is no real difference between organic and non-organic peanut butters when it comes to feeding your dog. Both types of peanut butter are equally safe and healthy for your dog as long as they are made only from simple ingredients including peanuts, oil, and real sugar. There are some ingredients that are dangerous for dogs which we will discuss more in-depth in a later section. Of course, if you have a preference when it comes to purchasing organic or non-organic peanut butter, it’s fine to stick to one or the other. Just make sure to carefully read the label before giving it to your dog, no matter which one you choose. Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs Peanut butter contains many healthy nutrients that are good for dogs (and humans too). When fed in moderation, it can provide an additional boost of protein as well as vitamins B and E. It is also a healthy source of fat that is a great addition to your dog’s diet as a supplement. For all these reasons, it’s easy to see why peanut butter is recommended as a healthy snack for dogs now and then, as long as you don’t overdo it by feeding it too often. Peanut butter also has the benefit of working well as a treat even for dogs who are not usually food motivated. Most dogs love the taste of peanut butter and will follow commands and behave better when they know they’re getting some peanut butter out of the deal. You can also fill a Kong or other similar toy with some peanut butter and freeze it for your dog to enjoy when she has to be left alone for a while. The frozen peanut butter entices her to lick it, but it remains solid for a long time, so the treat lasts a long while too. Dangerous Additives to Look For Peanut butter that is made from just peanuts, oil, and real sugar is perfectly safe for dogs in moderation. You should, of course, not give your dog too much of this treat, as overindulgence in sweet food and oils can contribute to a risk of diabetes in your pet. But a little peanut butter made with simple ingredients every now and then is perfectly safe for your pet to enjoy, as long as you’re careful to read the label before giving it to her. Every now and then, peanut butter may contain an ingredient called Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely harmful to dogs. It may be labeled as Xylitol specifically, or it might go by another name that begins with the letters “xyl.” Any of these ingredients can be potentially fatal to your pet if ingested. Xylitol toxicity causes rapid breathing and heart rate as well as difficulty standing or walking. It can lead to dehydration and pale gums, especially if your dog is unable to get to the water dish because of the weakness and paralysis it can cause. In more severe causes Xylitol toxicity may cause seizures and death. Dogs Can Eat Crunchy Peanut Butter As you can see, dogs can eat crunchy peanut butter. There’s no real difference between giving your dog crunchy or creamy peanut butter. Instead, the ingredients in the peanut butter are what make a bigger difference, so make sure you’re carefully reading the labels of any peanut butter you consider giving your dog. If you are worried about giving your dog crunchy peanut butter for any reason, remember that you don’t have to. For more information, contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic by calling . We will always be here for you and your pet!

Many of us have experienced the misery of dealing with allergies! The runny, stuffy nose, and itchy puffy eyes make you want to climb in bed with a box of tissues and a bottle of decongestant. Unfortunately, your pup also experiences these symptoms and more! Your sweet pup can’t just run to the local drug store and pick up some allergy medication for themselves, so they rely on you to feel their best! If you want to learn about dog allergies and the symptoms to look out for in North Charleston, SC, keep reading! How Do You Know if Your Dog Has Allergies? Some dogs are genetically predisposed to produce excess histamines in response to allergens. These dogs frequently have autoimmune issues that make them more susceptible to developing allergies. If you notice that your pup has red or inflamed skin, is sneezing a lot, has itchy ears, keeps getting chronic ear infections, or is dealing with gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s time to sit down with your trusted veterinarian. It would be best to discuss your dog’s symptoms and start the process of figuring out what your pet is allergic to so that you can learn what changes need to be made to keep your furry friend comfortable moving forward! Allergy Symptoms  If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms listed below, it’s worth a consultation with your vet so that your best friend can get back to feeling their best! Acute Allergic Reactions Acute allergic reactions in dogs are the most severe and require emergency veterinary attention!  If you notice that your dog is developing any adverse symptoms after administering a vaccination or medication, or if they have been bitten or stung, call your vet immediately! Anaphylactic Shock If not treated quickly, your dog may go into anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. When your dog is exposed to an allergen, their immune system will produce antihistamines. The excess of histamines in the body cause the itching, swelling, and irritation commonly experienced with allergy symptoms.  If the histamines stay localized in the skin, the allergic reaction usually presents as itching, redness, and swelling in the skin. If you notice these symptoms, contact a vet or emergency vet right away. Hives, and Facial Swelling Another acute allergic reaction includes hives or the swelling of the face, throat, eyelids and ears. These symptoms are critical and will likely require veterinary care to quickly control, but they are not likely to be fatal. Your vet will most likely treat your pet with an antihistamine to reduce the body’s response to the allergen. Acute allergic reactions can be caused by a number of environmental, food, or flea allergies, so it is important to work with your veterinarian in order to determine exactly what your pet is allergic to. Common Types of Dog Allergies Listed below are the 2 main types of allergies that dogs get: Skin Allergies Skin allergies, or allergic dermatitis, is one of the most common allergic responses in dogs. Your dog’s reaction to the itching and irritation will likely cause them to lick, scratch, or rub the skin at the affected site. If the skin is scratched open or damaged, it becomes highly vulnerable for infections to develop and cause further systemic problems. Fleas, food, and environmental allergens all cause reactions that affect the skin. Flea saliva triggers an allergic reaction in canine dermis in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and crusty around the base of the tail. Itchy, swollen, or infected legs, ears, and feet are generally telltale symptoms of environmental or food allergies. If the itching is combined with vomiting and or diarrhea, it is likely your dog is suffering from a food allergy. If your dog has an itchy face and legs, but no gastrointestinal symptoms, your vet will likely start by testing for sensitivities to environmental allergens. Dogs can be allergic to a long list of environmental allergens including dust, pollen, mold, grasses, perfumes, cleaning products, shampoos, different types of fabrics, smoke, rubber, or even plastic! Finding the root source of your dog’s allergies is key to helping them find relief! Food Allergies Food allergies in dogs are generally not as common as we are led to believe, as they are frequently incorrectly confused with food sensitivities. A food allergy is triggered by an immune response usually to the protein or complex carbohydrate in the food which leads to dermatitis, hives, and swelling of the face, eyelids, ears, or throat. If you are unsure whether or not your dog is suffering from a food allergy, it’s always a good idea to take your dog in for a consultation at the vet. They will help determine whether your dog has a food allergy or food sensitivity, and will make sure your pup’s digestive and immune health is on track! Seek Veterinary Care for Dog Allergies If your dog is having an allergic reaction, its best to get them to the vet and comfortable as soon as possible! Even though allergies usually aren’t life threatening, addressing them right away will help keep your pup healthier and happier. The key to treating dog allergies is to determine the allergen and removing it from the dog’s diet or environment. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, it’s worth a consultation with your vet so that your best friend can get back to feeling their best again! You and your vet will work together to assess any recent changes in your dog’s diet or lifestyle that may have contributed to your dog’s most recent allergic reaction in order to try to isolate the allergen. Contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic by calling or schedule an appointment online. Our team in North Charleston, SC is dedicated to providing the best care for your pet!

During the hot summer months, overheating and heatstroke both become serious issues for dogs around North Charleston, SC. Dogs who are left unattended in a hot car for any length of time are at the greatest risk for overheating. However, even a dog who is outdoors on a hot day and plays too hard may risk overheating as well. As a pet parent, it is important to understand what to look out for so that you can prevent your dog from overheating. 6 Common Signs That Your Dog is Overheating In this article, we’ll walk you through six of the most common signs of overheating in dogs. You can use this information to recognize when your dog is getting too hot and might need to take a break, as well as when you need to go to the emergency vet. Excessive Drooling Excessive drooling, in this instance, means any level of drooling that is more than normal for your dog. Some dogs never drool, and some drool all the time; you know your dog best. Check his drooling to determine whether or not it is happening more than what is normal for him. Excessive drooling alone may simply mean that your dog needs to go inside, drink some water, and cool down. Watch very closely for other signs of overheating and be ready to take him to the emergency vet if you think his condition is worsening beyond simple drool. Excessive Panting Panting, like drooling, is a sign that your dog is hot. Although all dogs pant on hot days more often than on cooler days, you can easily tell when your dog’s panting has become excessive and needs your attention. If your dog’s panting is accompanied by signs of labored breathing, such as heaving sides when taking a breath, this is an emergency. Take your dog to the in North Charleston right away, as he may need oxygen or other emergency care to recover from this overheating. Rapid Heart Rate A rapid heart rate is a sign that your dog is entering into true heatstroke. Different dog breeds have different normal heart rates, so be sure to contact your veterinarian to check your dog’s heart. If your dog’s heart rate is only minimally elevated, he may be able to recover well with some rest, fluids, and a cooler environment. If it is very high or rapid, however, he will need to go to the emergency vet to be treated for heatstroke. Pale Gums or Tongue Paleness of the gums or tongue mean that your dog is not getting enough oxygen throughout his system. This is usually a sign of moderate to severe heatstroke, and it means that you need to act quickly to help your dog recover fully from this problem. Some dogs may have a discoloration of the gums or tongue instead. If your dog’s tongue and gums are normally pink, they may become blood red, blue, or even black, depending on the severity of the problem. Any changes in the color of your dog’s gums and tongue should be considered emergency symptoms of overheating. Weakness and Lethargy The worse your dog’s overheating, the more likely he will be to become weak and lethargic. He may be unable to stand up for very long or might not be willing to try to stand up at all. Your dog may want to drink water, but might be unable to hold himself up long enough to stand at the water dish. If your dog’s overheating is accompanied by these symptoms, it’s time to go to the emergency vet. Don’t wait for other signs, as these are symptoms of very severe heatstroke already and should be treated as such. Loss of Consciousness One of the final symptoms of overheating and severe heatstroke is a loss of consciousness. If your dog passes out completely or is unable to be roused, this means the overheating has reached a critical point and absolutely must be responded to immediately. The sooner you act, the more likely you will be to save your dog’s life. Unfortunately, when dogs reach this level of overheating, it is sometimes too late to save them. Your emergency vet will do everything possible to help your dog recover from overheating and heatstroke if he has reached this point, but the results may vary. Contact Northwoods Veterinary Clinic if Your Dog is Overheating With the help of this information, you should be able to tell when your dog’s temperature has climbed too high for his safety in North Charleston. You can use this list of  6 signs to recognize overheating and heatstroke in your pet and know when to get your dog the care he needs. Our team of veterinarians at Northwoods Veterinary Clinic are dedicated to providing the best care possible for your pet. Contact us by calling if your dog is overheating or if you have any additional questions.