Category: Community Stories

Featuring stories from real pet owners and resources for all thing pets

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Community Stories

Dental Scaling for Pets

Dental scaling is one of the most important health topic yet it is a procedure that is not commonly done so by pet owners. What is dental scaling? Why is dental scaling important? What are the risks of dental scaling?

1. Dental Scaling

Dental scaling is the removal of plaque and tartar on the surface on the teeth and under the gum line. It is usually performed under general anaesthesia as most pets will fidget and some will not allow veterinarians or veterinary technicians to lift up the gums and scale off the built-up of plaque and tartar. Dental scaling performed without general anaesthesia only improves the aesthetic appearance of the teeth but does not improve periodontal health due to dirt and bacteria under the gumline. Dental scaling is recommended every 2-3years for medium to larger breed dogs and every year for smaller breed dogs. Smaller breed dogs tend to have overcrowding of teeth and some smaller dogs may retain their deciduous(baby) teeth which can increase plaque and tartar build-up.

2. Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of the gums covering and supporting the tooth. It comes in 4 stages (gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease). Removal of tartar and plaque can reverse gingivitis which can be achieved through proper dental scaling and polishing under general anaesthesia. Daily brushing of the teeth is recommended as it removes biofilm which can prevent the accumulation of calculus(tartar). If your pet do not allow tooth brushing, another alternative method would be using gauze to wipe the surface of the tooth. Plaque will form after 3 days to form calculus which cannot be removed by tooth brushing. Dental chews or toys that provide teeth cleaning provide little to zero effect in removing plaque and tartar.

Image of a dog with periodontal disease

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease

  • Loss of appetite
  • Bad breath
  • Drooling
  • Constantly smacking of the lips
  • Loose teeth
  • Nasal discharge or sneezing
  • Bleeding of gums
  • Not wanting to be touched near the mouth

3. Prevention

To prevent your pet from having periodontal disease, regular dental scaling and polishing are recommended. Maintenance of healthy teeth can be done by daily brushing of the teeth or a healthy diet. If periodontal disease is left untreated, not only cause painful infected teeth or tooth abscesses which require removal, it can also affect your pet’s health negatively. It can affect the major organs such as the heart, kidney or liver as bacteria found in the animal’s mouth can enter the bloodstream which affects their immune system. Pets with healthy teeth and gums are signs that they are in good physical condition and can live much longer.

4. Risks

General anaesthesia is the number 1 concern of pet owners when it comes to dental scaling. Most owners heard of horror stories where their pet does not make it under general anaesthesia due to old age or underlying conditions(heart murmur, kidney/liver failure). Thankfully, with science being advanced these days, there are options that can be done to ensure your pet is healthy to undergo general anaesthesia. A simple blood test which takes no longer than 30mins could tell you if your pet is healthy to proceed with surgery. Dogs with heart murmur can also do an echocardiogram to check if they are fit to undergo surgery.

Another concern of pet owners would be having their pet’s teeth extracted. There are veterinary clinics in Singapore such as Maranatha Vet or Oasis Vet which provide dental x-ray services to determine if a particular tooth is viable or not.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, it is always better to check with your regular vet when it comes to your pet’s health. Do not hesitate to call up your regular vet especially if you have not done any dental scaling or dental checks before! Always brush your dog’s teeth daily especially when a dental scaling procedure is done to maintain clean healthy teeth! Just like us hoomans, we still have to go for dental cleaning even with regular brushing.

Here is a photo of Hiro’s before and after when he had his first dental cleaning.

The above article is written by the hooman of @hiroxcharoadventures.

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Community Stories

Adopting a skittish & fearful dog – Mayo

Around November 2019, we felt ready for a new addition to our family. Being first-time owners, we had a lengthy discussion and started doing our homework on costs, training and responsibilities, pros/cons of adopting vs buying and etc. It was then we started scrolling through the websites of various shelters and that’s where we came across Mayo’s profile on Save our Street Dogs (SOSD). To be completely honest, we were still in the initial phases of looking around.. And so we decided to join SOSD’s bi-monthly shelter tour to learn more about the street dogs and the work they do. 

The first time we saw Mayo in the shelter

We managed to spot Mayo among the rows and rows of kennels and even in real life she captured our hearts with her gentleness – a stark contrast to the crazy intense barking and jumping up and down going on in around stressful shelter environment. Long story short, we went down for the next 7 weeks to interact with her and learn more about her before deciding to bring her home on 1st Feb 2020.

Mayo when it was time to go for walks in the shelter
Trying to take Mayo out for a walk on Day 2.

Despite knowing that she was fearful on walks (and pretty much all the time, and of all things hahaha), we still took her for a home trial thinking that the home environment would be better for her. We were NOT prepared for what was to come.. oppps! The first few days were the toughest – she wouldn’t walk and we couldn’t leash her. She howled and cried in the middle of the night and held her pee and poop for hours. And the moment the leash went on with the slightest tug to get her moving, she would pee and shit all over the house on the way out. Our walks were literally 5 mins a day.  At one point it was a 2 man job just to get her out of the house – one of us had to hold on to a crate to lure her to walk, while the other one held on to her leash. We tried allowing her to pee/poop indoors but she did not take to that either. We had a hard conversation and decided that we might not be able to keep her if it was a 2 man job just to get her out to do her business everyday. 

Thank the heavens though! We decided to try our best before the end of the trial and reached out to @dawkstar for help. Within 5 mins of their assessment, Mayo suddenly??? suddenly??? walked on the leash with the help of another lead dog. Hooray! Back at home everyday was a slow improvement and today we are happy to report she walks to the door confidently to get leashed. Despite the odds that were still stacked against us, we adopted her officially on 14th February 2020. It would have been cruel to send her back to an environment she was clearly stressed out in after merely seeing her walk.

Well, it has been almost 7 months since Mayo came into our lives. Unfortunately, for the first 5 months at home, Mayo was perpetually stuck on her bed. She wouldn’t move from her bed unless it was walk time or eat time. We hand-fed her every meal in hopes of building a relationship quicker; we sat next to her everyday for a few minutes just to get her familiar with us. If you ask me, she was not a dog. It is also one of the most painful feelings to see a dog constantly in a state of fear, anxiety & insecurity. She had toys to play with! She had yummy treats to eat! She had a shelter over her head and a nice comfortable bed to sleep on at night. We even put in the work everyday to help condition her, interact with her and try to help her. But she didn’t know how to enjoy the new life she had and emotionally it was so so so tough on us. Of course we wanted to enjoy her – that’s why we all get a dog right? Companionship? Friendship? We longed to hug her, pet her, play with her, take her out to the beach, meet our friends and family – but couldn’t. Some days (even till now), we wonder if she will ever come of her shell and be a normal dog that knows how to enjoy affection, play, have fun and be freed from her fearful and anxious state of mind. But! She has come very far. In the last 2 months, we’ve seen her coming up to us to ‘kaypoh’ when there’s food on the table. And just last week, she’s started to feel confident enough to vocalize and make her little barks heard! She has also been enjoying occasional head rubs when she’s in the mood and getting more confident walking around the house in our presence. We’ve even had a nice cafe dinner with a fellow dog-owner on Friday 🙂 For a dog who’s been literally a piece of furniture in the house, watching her leave her bed for whatever reason is a huge win for us. So even though she has yet to wag her tail or greet us at the door, we are going to celebrate the small victories and believe that it will come one day, with time 🙂

We have received tons of support through the Singapore Specials community and the dog community in general. Lots of fellow pawrents drop us encouraging notes, tips and sometimes just really kind messages to acknowledge the effort we have put in and how Mayo has progressed since Day 1. I would love to share with fellow pawrents on how we have worked with her in hopes to help other people in the same boat but that’s going to be another lengthy post for another time.

Till then, follow us on Instagram @mayothedogo to watch our progress and share in our successes and failures! We are not dog trainers, but if what we do can inspire you to do something different, we say GO FOR IT! Don’t give up on your pup, it will be worth it in the end.

Mayo signing off!

The above article is written by the hooman of @mayothedogo.

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Community Stories

Planning your own parasite prevention routine

@lokithetoast

Customizing your own parasite prevention routine

Most pet owners know the importance of parasite prevention for our pets. Easy as it sounds, I in fact had a hard time choosing the different products to provide complete and wholesome protection for Loki. 

I’ll be sharing about the common brands of heartworm and flea & tick prevention, as well as how we come to decide on the combination that suits our lifestyle.

Heartworm 

Heartworm disease is a serious illness that affects both dogs and cats by directly attacking the heart. In severe cases, heartworm disease can potentially cause death. The disease can be transmitted by mosquitoes. 

As per our vet’s advice, heartworm prevention should begin as soon as possible, before a young puppy or kitten turns 7 months old. After the 7-month period, they will need to be tested for possible heartworm infection before beginning their prevention routine.

Flea & Tick

Our pets can get fleas and/or ticks from the environment, be it other pets or bushes. Such infection can lead to other issues like skin irritation, anemia or tick paralysis if not treated.

Our Research

The following comparison is done based on the dosage required by a 12kg dog.

Prices are taken from SingPet.sg (member price) or PerroMart.

HEARTGARD® PlusBravecto ChewsNexGard® SpectraFrontline® PlusAdvocateRevolution
Price per applicationAbout $12$32.09$13.13$9.70$9.32$13.24
Application MethodChewChewChewTopicalTopicalTopical
Frequency of ApplicationMonthlyEvery 3 monthsMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthly
Kills fleas✔✔✔✔✔
Kills ticks✔✔✔✔
Kills eggs and larvae✔✔✔✔✔
Treats ear mites✔✔✔
Heartworm prevention✔✔✔✔
Treats hookworms, roundworms✔✔✔
  • Idoxasoline Drugs

Although NexGard Spectra may be the option with one of the most wholesome protection, I chose to skip on the product as it is in the idoxasoline class. Such drugs have been associated with neurological adverse reactions and seizures in pets. FDA has reported that such drugs are safe for pets’ use but personally, I choose to stay away after reading reports on them. Other products in the idoxasoline class include some of the Bravecto and Revolution products.

  • Drug Coverage

After eliminating those brands, I was left with the option of Heartgard, Frontline and Advocate. Although Advocate may be cheaper in price, it misses out in tick prevention which I feel is more important and deadly compared to ear mites. Hence, I chose a combination of Heartgard and Frontline as part of our parasite prevention routine. 

  • Lifestyle Suitability

We also consider whether the different topic drugs are waterproof or not. Brands such as Advocate are in fact not fully waterproof for the entire course of 1 month. The brand recommends bathing your pet not more than fortnightly. Hence, this may not be suitable for some pets. On the other hand, Frontline Plus is fully waterproof 1 day after application. Activities like bathing or swimming will not reduce the effectiveness of the product! 

Owners also have to check whether their pets are allergic to certain ingredients in the drug. For example, Nexgard Spectra chews are all beef-flavoured which will not be suitable for some pets who are allergic to beef. 

Some owners may also opt for the yearly vaccination to prevent Heartworm disease. As mentioned by a few owners, the price for the jab is dependent on the weight of the dog and the clinic which you go to. For reference, the price of the jab for a 12kg dog is about ~$140.

Where do we buy them?

Heartgard Plus is not sold over the counter in Singapore. Instead, you will have to get them from the vet, with or without a consultation. The price of Heartgard Plus (6pc) from the vet is about $70.  Instead, I buy them on Shopee or Carousell where the prices are much better as they are mostly from Malaysia

As for Frontline Plus, they are usually cheaper from PerroMart ($~58). VIP members of PLC will get to enjoy an even lower price (~$53) during the month of their birthday!

P.S Always consult your vet is you are unsure! The above is based off my research and lifestyle suitability.

The above article is written by the hooman of @lokithetoast.

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Community Stories

Our experience with entropion (cherry eye)

@milkythecloud

entropion/ɪnˈtrəʊpɪən,ɛnˈtrəʊpɪən

  1. a condition in which the eyelid is rolled inward against the eyeball, typically caused by muscle spasm or by inflammation or scarring of the conjunctiva (as in diseases such as trachoma), and resulting in irritation of the eye by the lashes (trichiasis).
This is Milky, out little boy.

This is Milky, our 1 year Chow Chow coming back from Pet Expo 2019. We would celebrate his 1st birthday on 23rd July, and continue to gush over his mini eyes, not knowing that it’s the start of something more.

1. THE WARNING SIGNS

Milky started tearing a lot. His tear stains got really bad and he started barking at empty spaces (especially at night). He had always have had tear stains but it always got better after we applied eye drops – but this time, it was different.

Eventually, we brought him to a clinic near our office at Clementi area and things just spiral down from there.

2. THE START OF A NIGHTMARE

I remembered talking to 3 different doctors from the same clinic – and realised that 2 of them couldn’t manage Milky for the eye-drop test in any way.

Yes, he struggled A LOT. The female doctors & nurses aren’t able to handle him – so case in point: if your dog is big, consider looking for a male doctor or an experienced doctor who can handle big breeds.

Luckily, Milky is not aggressive at all so he didn’t try to bite. He was just really scared because they needed to drop yellow solution into his eye and check the extent of entropion through a microscopic medical tool.

Eventually, Milky was diagnosed with entropion and needed a surgery. To put it in simple terms – Milky’s eyelid has so much folds that it started to curl in and caused his eyelashes to poke at his eyeball 24/7. The constant poke caused abrasion on his eyeball and caused his eyesight to worsen (explaining the barking) because he thought that there was someone there, but most likely it was just the blurry eyesight that confused him.

We scheduled the surgery; and off he went.

The day of the surgery. Silly boy still didn’t know what’s going on

The surgery took a day, and we came to pick him up thereafter. Look at his REALLY puffy eyes!

It is worth noting here that Chows Chows have a thin windpipe and drools a lot – because of that, their risk of dying during a surgery due to GA increases with age and frequency. This was from another doctor (not from the same clinic)

Look at my little baby.

3. IT DIDN’T END HERE

The doctor who did the operation was honest – he told us that he is a general surgeon and not a specialist when it comes to eye surgeries like these. He was very assuring and empathetic (which I really like), but the surgery didn’t go well and was in fact, not a successful one.

We thought that everything was over and things are all good; fast forward 3 weeks – his eye got worst.

This was 2-3 weeks AFTER the surgery. We spent $4K+ in total for the first surgery.

4. THE MOST DISAPPOINTING VET

We went back to the clinic and asked – what’s going on? The doctor who did the surgery wasn’t on-duty, and it was a Japanese doctor who attended to us. It was pretty bad (not her), but in the sense that she didn’t really know what was going on and I can’t really understand her accent.

There were a lot of Huh? and Why? and eventually, she referred us to another hospital – let’s call it V.

I had the WORST experience at V.

At this point, I just want to make it very clear that this is my personal experience and doesn’t represent the views of the general public. But I believe as a paying customer, I reserve the rights to share my own thoughts and opinion. This is my rights as a consumer.

I remembered it was a Saturday when I brought Milky over to the hospital (9pm+) and the said doctor known to be an eye specialist wasn’t around. I have an important family lunch the next day that clashed with the doctor’s only availability (2pm+).

Eventually, we decided to board Milky at the hospital for 1 night and let the doctor check on his eye the next day. I would then head over to the hospital to catch up with the doctor after my lunch.

And that is the start of the most disappointing conversation with said vet. I reached the hospital at around 3pm+, and the vet was free to have a quick chat.

??‍⚕️: “Milky has entropion and need another surgery. The cost will be around $4K+.”

??‍♀️: “But he just had his surgery 3 weeks ago – why would he need another surgery?”

??‍⚕️: “I don’t know, I didn’t do the surgery. He will need another eye surgery and I am available earliest next week”

I was livid; and got very emotional. What do you mean “I don’t know, I did not do the surgery?” My POV is that as a doctor, I would have expected at least a breakdown of

  • What happened?
  • What probably went wrong?
  • Is it safe to do the surgery within such a short span of time?
  • Are there any other alternatives we can go about?

No, he simply told me that HE DIDN’T KNOW and walked off when the conversation ended.

I paid for the bill – $400+ for:

  1. Overnight boarding
  2. Doctor consultation
  3. Medicine (I can’t remember if this happened)

The entire process took less than 24 hours. I boarded Milky 9pm+ and brought him home the next day at 3pm+.

5. THE PETS COMMUNITY

At this point – I was distraught. I called the surgeon and told him about the really bad experience I’ve had with V and said doctor. I wasn’t confident to let a doctor who dismissed a patient with “I didn’t do the surgery” to touch Milky.

He apologised for the failed surgery, and also for the bad experience I had. He was again, very empathetic and I really like that because I felt like a worried mum and his assuring (tone) helped make things much better.

He recommended Dr Heng from Mt.Pleasant, who is the only other doctor who is known for eye surgery in Singapore. It was also at this time that the other Chow Chow owners on Instagram knew about my situation and invited me into a WhatsApp group with over-pouring love, care and help.

2 weeks after his corrective surgery with Dr Heng

I don’t have any photos of Milky going for his corrective surgery, but I must say it was a great experience with Dr Heng. She knew what she was doing, and the total cost came to about $1.6K for 1 eye.

FUN FACT – Mt Pleasant operates as a franchise so whilst they share the same brand name, each outlet runs differently. Reason is because we were initially not comfortable with Mt Pleasant due to a bad experience.

6. CONCLUSION

Dr Heng mentioned that Milky has a 75% chance of going blind in his left eye if we did not proceed with the corrective surgery. But even then, there were doubts like “Well, doctors would always be pro-surgery cause it’s more income”; and i think it was just a very stressful period for us because information is not exactly readily available.

Everything became much clearer only after we joined the CHOW CHOW WhatsApp group and got the advice from all the owners who have done the surgery with their furkids before.

We also wondered if we should have bought pet insurance for Milky (Aon, Happy Tails do cover cherry eyes) but alas, it would only take into effect 1 year into purchase so we wouldn’t be able to claim anyways.

My little baby feat. July 2020

Through this episode, I really started to appreciate the power of a community and seek to replicate that via Woof Agency & Pawjourr.

We are still building this ecosystem as we speak, but it’s very important to me that pet owners do not need to be alone when they navigate through pet ownership.

If you have any questions relating to entropion, please feel free to email me at Jane@thewoofagency.com. I am no expert but would be more than happy to share what I know 🙂

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Community Stories

Tumour removal for a senior dog

@fifi.prinsassy

Giving belly rubs to our furkids is great fun for the dogs and pawrents. It is a great activity to bond and keep us happy by making our pets happy too. However, frequent belly rubs can do something that is rather crucial and important –  detecting abnormal growths. Tumours in dogs, a common occurrence in senior dogs, are 50% malignant and 50% benign. When discovered, especially for pawrents with senior dogs, the common concern was whether it is safe for our dogs to go through with the removal surgery.

While I am neither an expert nor a vet, I will share my experience with tumours on my 13-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Fifi, from the discovery to the removal process.

The Backstory

Instagram: @fifi.prinsassy

Fifi has been loved by my family since she was 2 months old. We never spayed her since young as my dad wanted to let her be natural, but that became a constant dilemma within me throughout the years. With every vet visit, the vet will always remind us how important it is to get her spayed as it will pose serious health issues to her as she ages. Finally, my dad agreed to spay her upon hearing about laparoscopic spay which would be less invasive and harmful to Fifi. She was neutered at Animal Recovery Veterinary Centre last year in April. We were extremely happy with how the vet handled her spay as there was a complication that occurred. Fifi’s ovaries did not stop bleeding from the laparoscopic spay thus they had to operate her to remove them, turning the procedure into a full spay.

Discovering the tumours

We discovered a tumour before the spay. One day, while I was rubbing the belly of Fifi, I noticed a hard lump in one of her mammary glands. It was small and invisible to the naked eye. Thinking that it was just a cyst that might go away, we paid not much attention to it. However, knowing that it wasn’t normal, we brought it up to the surgeon who is in charged of her spay. The vet said that we should monitor the mass and it would be best to remove it especially if it grows. No vets will be able to advise if the mass is malignant or benign before removal. Seeing that the tumor did not grow, we left it alone while we tried to save up for her surgery since we did not know about pet insurance in her younger years.

Decision to remove

Noticing that the tumour grew, we started considering removal surgery for her. Like any pawrents, I want to give my furkid the best life ever. However, considering her age, it was not an easy decision to make since the risk of surgery increases with age. I spoke to some friends who are dog owners, googled for articles and discussions about senior dogs undergoing surgeries and spoke to the vets we visited. Some form of assurance was offered when the information I gathered were success stories of senior dog surgery even though some of my friends advised that we should just let her enjoy her golden years.

In the end, I just couldn’t imagine myself putting her through the pain and suffering she might face from cancer since it is inevitable that malignant tumours will definitely develop into an emergency situation. We chose Animal Recovery Veterinary Centre to carry out her surgeries again since her previous surgery record is with them and we thought that the vets might be more familiar how to proceed knowing her surgical history. Animal tumours from other vets in Singapore will also be sent to them for biopsy since only they have the facilities to carry out the test. The vet in charge was Dr. Wong Hoong Kien. While I was still not fully confident of our decision even during the pre-surgery consultation, there was a dog which came in as an emergency case of tumour and that incident then confirmed that we made the right choice.

During the consultation, we were rather shocked to learn that Fifi actually has 6 mammary tumours with 4 being really small and hard to detect. The vet then said that we had to remove them with two surgeries or the wound would be too large to heal. The first surgery will remove 3 tumours on the right and the second will remove the remaining tumours on the left. Dr. Wong was very patient in explaining to us the process of the surgery and that comforted me that Fifi will be in good hands.

My surgery procedures experience

Fifi in her ward

On the night before the surgery, Fifi had to fast from 12am with no food or drinks. As with all surgeries, Dr. Wong ran a blood test to make sure that Fifi is healthy enough to undergo the surgery. Usually, the blood test and the surgery is carried out on the same day hence, we were instructed to drop her off at 9.30am to allow enough time for both procedures. However,  Fifi’s white blood cell (WBC) count was marginally low. Since there could be multiple reasons for this, Dr. Wong suggested us to do additional tests (X-Ray and Ultrasound) just for a peace of mind instead of rushing for removal, to make sure that there is nothing critical that might be causing the low WBC count. Both test turned out normal and with that, Fifi was booked for the surgery on another day.

We dropped her off at 9.30am on the actual surgery day with Fifi fasted. We then had to sign a form for permission to resuscitate Fifi should her heart stop in operation. The initial deposit was SGD1500 and Dr Wong ran the blood test again just to check if the WBC might have increased. Even though there was only a slight increase, he said it should be enough for her to fight off the infections. Usually, the centre would call me between 11am to 2pm to inform me about the test results and that they will proceed with the surgery.

For most dogs, it should be a day surgery procedure. However, due to her age and in consideration of the low WBC count, Fifi was hospitalised just to make sure that she is in good care for her initial healing. We could send food to her and were allowed to visit her between 5pm to 7pm. Dr Wong and the nurses who helped did a great job with Fifi. She was fine when we visited her and was standing up in her ward. We were relieved to see her being able to stand and even greet us with her adorable face. My stubborn baby who is extremely attached to us refused to eat because she misses us, thus we were advised to keep her in the centre for 1 more day just in case she is not eating due to pain. The next day, she ate when we fed her our home cooked food so she was discharged the following day.

Post surgery experience

Resting with the Cone of Shame

Fifi was emotional when she reached home. We had to cage her up for her own good so that she does not move around too much as she is rather hyperactive for her age. On the first day home, Fifi would whimper throughout the whole day and she did it even more when one of us leave the house. She had bandages on the would so We did not have to worry about her licking her wound initially. However, she had to wear the Cone of Shame since she starts licking her wound as soon as the bandages come off. Caring for her was not difficult as we learnt how to carry her without hurting her wound as well as how to trick her to eat her medicine by mixing her food.

Dr. Wong would also call to check in a week after the surgery just to get updates from us to make sure Fifi is okay. He also asked me to send him pictures of her wound so that he can assess the recovery. There was a mild infection on her wound so we went to the vet to pick up some antibiotics for Fifi. She recovered soon after finishing her dosage. There will be a post-surgery follow up consultation which the vet will update us about the biopsy results of the tumours as well as advising us on the next step. For the first surgery, Fifi had 1 malignant tumour and 2 benign. Thankfully, Dr Wong was wise to cut slightly wider and deeper to make sure he completely removed the tumour cells to reduce the chance of regrowth. However, it is advisable to send her for check ups every 3-6 months just to make sure there are no regrowth.

4 weeks after her first surgery, Fifi went through the same procedures for the remaining tumours smoothly. She is recovering right now from her wound and we are pleased to learn that all the remaining tumours removed are benign. With this removal, I hope that Fifi can stay with us for many more years into her ripe old age.

A note to pawrents

While this article is not meant to serve as an advise on whether your senior dog should undergo surgeries, Fifi’s example (as with many other stories out there) is meant to bring hope for you that surgery might still be an option. Ultimately, it really depends on you to choose with consideration of your pet’s health status, the severity of the condition and the how invasive will the procedure be. Do not be afraid to take a chance and give your pet a fighting chance against tumours just because of age factor.

To summarise, the following factors should be taken into consideration when you are deciding on whether to pursue surgery:

  • Pet’s health (age, healthiness, strength etc.)
  • Condition’s severity
  • Procedure’s risk and side effect (if any)
  • Experience of surgeons and clinic
  • Price
  • Facilities of clinic (ward, surgical equiments, testing facilities)
  • Reviews of vet and clinic (from fellow pawrents and community)
  • Research your vet (some of them have LinkedIn with their background)

P.S. My family sincerely thank Dr. Wong and the nurses involved in Fifi’s time with them for the excellent care she received and going the extra mile to make sure that she’s doing okay even after her surgery. While she gave them a hard time for not eating, the nurses were patient enough to handfeed her and I am touched by the gentle treatment they gave her. The team has put in great efforts to comfort her of her anxiety and stress. My family will always be grateful.

The above article is written by the hooman of @fifi.prinsassy.

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Community Stories

A (Failed) Raw Diet Journey

The raw diet for dogs and cats has always been a controversial topic amongst pet owners.

Common misconceptions

Many who’s against it have formed or hearsay misconstrued perceptions such as (but not limited to) “Omg won’t my pet attack humans/animals if it consumes raw meat?!”; or “Isn’t there salmonella bacteria in raw meat?”; or “It’s not nutritionally balanced.”; etc. These misconceptions have often been debunked by professionals and raw feeders, and there are many available raw diet providers that have nutritional consultations and catered portions. However, these are still valid questions and worries, to an extent, – it is with good intent we worry – as most of us love our furbabies more than anything in the world.

Contrarily, we hear and/or see several success stories, on social media especially. Successful raw diet feeders rave about the benefits and evident changes, advocating and encouraging those who are apprehensive to make the move. In fact, I approached and sought advice from many friends/acquaintances made through Jr’s Instagram and pet community groups on Whatsapp & Telegram. Everyone I’ve spoken with was very kind and encouraging, none withheld tips and encouragements!

Not all pets thrive with a raw diet

There seems to be a lack of “failed” raw diet testimonies due to the fear of backlash and/or comments from insistent raw feeders. I felt like I couldn’t share Jr’s unsuccessful experience publicly because it felt like everyone else flourished from their transition to raw; and there was this impending anxiety that some raw feeders would disagree with the idea of an unsuccessful attempt. When Loki shared his unsuccessful experience and similar fears of speaking out, I felt so relieved!

Haha, it was a moment of slight disbelief, I realized that I wasn’t the only one and many others have probably experienced likewise. I’m glad I can now share my experience, I hope those who’ve had unsuccessful experiences with raw diets alongside pro-raw feeders see, it’s okay that it didn’t work out, no matter the reason and/or outcome – there’s no ‘one diet fits all strategy.

Our initial decision to try out a raw diet

@jr.boyboy

I had actually considered transitioning Jr to a raw diet for a long period, I did extensive research and spoke with others for a year or so. I saw several success testimonials for dogs that faced long-term skin and coat issues, like Jr has struggled with dermatitis, yeast/bacterial infections, and more since puppyhood (which seems common with shih-tzus). Consecutively, Jr had an unfortunate incident last year which triggered a severe acute case of stomach inflammation and pancreatitis. He sought intensive treatment whilst inpatient in a veterinary hospital. After that incident, we maintained a low-fat diet but he still struggled with gastrointestinal issues like random soft stool or constipation and more.

With each success testimonial on my Instagram feed, with drastic before and after comparisons, the more my excitement grew and I was highly convinced it would work for Jr too. Every time I would research about the diet, speak to raw feeders, and scroll through success stories, my bias increasingly leaned towards pro-raw ideals. I was fascinated with its theories of feeding a primal diet which is supposedly most in-tuned with the psyche and biology of canines, positively impacting their health and wellbeing. With the information I’ve attained over a year, I was fully convinced so I decided to transition during the COVID-19 lockdown/circuit breaker period since I was able to closely monitor his behaviours and changes.

Transition and outcome

When I decided to transition, there were already difficulties communicating the benefits of raw to my family but I persisted and carried on with his diet transition. I heeded advice to slowly decrease the cooking time as he had been on a home-cooked diet. As usual, Jr started to get picky but he eventually ate the meat and offal. However, I noticed he vomited whenever he would eat the offal and he started to leave out certain offal parts like the kidney (fascinating, isn’t it, how their bodies notice what’s wrong?). After this, I decided to remove the offal and he stopped vomiting which was a huge relief.


[Haha, this part might be a bit TMI & graphic because I’m talking about Jr’s poop so, please skip to where I have indicated with an asterisk (*) if you’re uncomfortable!]
Although the vomiting stopped and he continued to eat most of the raw meat, his stool was very soft, which I knew was a common symptom during the transition but he seemed very uncomfortable and it persisted with lethargy which deeply concerned me. I had a bad gut feeling as his poop’s softness seemed too wet/watery with little to no solid pieces, much like bad diarrhea, unlike any other transitioning experience I’ve seen/heard of.
*

I was confused and stressed, as I was following the advised procedures, portions and steps but everything was going downhill and I felt extremely guilty for causing distress onto Jr. With the consistent symptoms of soft stool, discomfort and lethargy, I decided to switch back to his previous home-cooked food diet and he immediately felt better after two meals. Hence, our raw diet journey was, evidently, unsuccessful and I learnt that it wasn’t the right fit for Jr. There could’ve been a correlation to his previous GI issues, or maybe his body just wasn’t receptive, or maybe other reasons.

Afterthoughts

My experience hasn’t negatively impacted my perception of the raw diet, I have actually learnt to have unbiased viewpoints. I’m still glad I spent the time on thorough research but I now realise the lack of proper scientific studies on this topic. Understandably so, as studies have specific requirements and controlled environments. And it’s not to say I disagree with the raw diet theories now, I still think there’re truths to its theories and it could benefit many pets! Their results speak volumes for their advantages. Nonetheless, I think it’s essential for pet owners, who are looking into the raw diet, to remain unbiased and keep in mind the possibility of ‘failing’ too.

Here I conclude, is the raw diet too good to be true? No. Is it dangerous? No. Is it the only “right”/“best” diet for dogs and cats? Not necessarily. Will it turn your pet into a blood-thirsty monster? LOL no, eating raw meat ≠ bloodlust! Pets are aggressive due to abusive environments, lack of training, etc. 

I genuinely believe there’s no ‘one diet fits all’ solution, as I’ve mentioned. The raw diet has clearly benefited many pets and that’s amazing! On the other hand, it is okay to not have had a successful experience. The raw diet wasn’t the first that didn’t work for us, kibbles and (most) wet foods also didn’t work well for Jr as he is allergic to chicken but many times ingredient lists with “poultry” or “meat flavours” etc. contain chicken byproducts. However, that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work for others, there are many pets who thrive on kibbles and wet food diets too. Hence, we should be open to sharing negative/unsuccessful experiences (with all types of diets) and hold back judgment because everybody is different! ☺️

The above article is written by the hooman of @jr.boyboy.

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Community Stories

How To Choose A Suitable Diet

@sparky_baobei

Even the best dog influencers and cat influencers out there have to be ensured a healthy diet to stay strong and active. There are a diverse variety of pet food options out there, but which types of foods are truly the best for your furkid? Here are some points to consider if you are in a dilemma over a suitable food option for your own pet:

Do your research well, and balance out certain factors

As the pet food industry continues to grow in popularity, there are now a multitude of diet options to choose from: from dry kibbles to cooked, freeze-dried and even raw food…the options are limitless. Not to mention, different commercial food brands and companies also offer their own unique benefits to stand out from their competitors.

 All diets have their own pros and cons, and owners should do their own research and balance out particular factors in order to decide what is the most suitable option. For example, cost should be an important factor since maintaining a pet’s diet for the long term is key. Other factors may also include availability of food (only available locally or overseas), brand credibility and reputation, and so on.

 Human foods and other unique treats

Owners might be tempted to give your pet a variety of foods, and that includes human foods or treats meant for other animals. However remember to do so with caution. Do a quick online check just to ensure that your pet can eat the right food; for example, human snacks and chocolates are not meant for any cat or dog! It might be tempting to prove your own pet unique as it eats a diet based on human foods, but that is not meant for every pet.

 Every pet’s diet suitability is different

That also brings us to the most significant point that summarises it all: every pet is different, and it will be a journey of trial and error before you and your pet find out what is best for them. Certain breeds, for example, might be more predisposed to having sensitive stomachs, or needing certain supplements to boost their digestion and other health conditions. So do not take it for granted that just because other furkids are having a particular diet, your own furry friend should be doing the same as well! Instead, continue to observe and try out a variety of dietary options, and you will definitely help your pet find a suitable, healthy diet soon. 

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Community Stories

Where Should Your Pet Go When You Are On Holiday

@mr.pokee

Sometimes, you just might need a break from Singapore or just a break from work or school with a mini staycation, but you are in a dilemma as to where to bring your furry friend. Even the most popular pet influencers have to be banned from most holiday areas that are strictly out of bounds to pets. But fret not, as here are some words of advice to follow when you are troubled about holiday plans with your favourite fur-friends:

Bring It Along With You

It is good news to know that more and more staycation destinations are now pet-friendly! From huge chalets to luxurious hotels, a quick online check will list out quite a few recommended options. So if you can’t stand the thought of your pet separating from you, why not bring it on a mini getaway with you too? If you are considering a more expensive long-term stay overseas, you can also opt to bring your pet on a flight as some airlines are pet-friendly.

However do note that it is costly, and a lot of time has to be spent on logistics and ensuring that your pet will get used to the unfamiliar destination and sensations of being on a plane ride. Some countries also enforce a quarantine period, so do research properly on the destination country’s laws and regulations regarding pets.

Find A Trusted Temporary Owner

If you have little choice but to take a break without bringing your fur-friend along, a most budget-friendly option will be to find a trusted loved one to take care of your pet temporarily. However do remember to delegate responsibilities wisely, and ensure that you do not miss out on anything before your trip. The last thing you might want is your pet to suffer in the hands of someone who might not be trustworthy.

Experienced Daycares and Pet Hotels

To find someone with more relevant experience might also be a good option, despite it being more expensive. But it is always good to be careful, especially with the recent controversies about inappropriate treatment of pets at daycares and pet hotels. Looking out for good reviews online or from word-of-mouth is always advisable, and it is also good to check out the amenities and staff before making a final decision. Different places might also have different types of “schedules” or “experiences” for your pet’s stay, such as the type of food and playtime options offered to your pet, so also ensure that your pet is comfortable with such relevant experiences!

If you make a wise decision after considering all your options (and considering which option your pet is the most comfortable with), you do not need to worry that your fur-friend might feel upset that you are going on a trip. In fact, your furry companion might enjoy its time just as much as you!

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Community Stories

Keeping beach outings fun and safe

@_missygigi_

The sun’s out, and now that we are able to visit the beach again, many of us are excited to bring our dogs to the beach! However, it is very important that us dog owners maintain good hygiene for the benefit of both our furkids and ourselves.

There have been recent reports on four individuals who visited Sentosa and developed skin irritation. And we know that our furkids are also susceptible to such infections. Here are our 5 tips to ensure that you and your furkid have a fun & safe beach outing.

1. Watch what they drink

Sometimes furkids end up drinking saltwater when they’re playing around in the sea. Drinking of salt water can lead to diarrhoea and an upset tummy so do be careful and keep a close eye on your pup while he plays in the water. 

Make sure you bring plenty of fresh water to keep your furkid hydrated. Pack along a collapsible bowl or a water dispenser in your bag the next time you visit the beach.

2. Wash up thoroughly after your outing

With Covid-19 still prevalent, we all have to continue being vigilant and maintaining good personal hygiene that keeps both hooman and furkids safe! 

For hooman, if you are having a picnic by the beach do remember to sanitise your hands before eating. Wash your hands regularly as well and clean up before heading home(especially if you took a swim).

Similarly for our furkids, bathe them thoroughly before heading home – use soap for a more thorough cleanse. Dogs may get a build up of sand and salt in their fur that can cause skin irritation. So remember to scrub them down to avoid any skin irritation or flare ups. 

3. Prevent sunburn

Our furkids are susceptible to sunburn just like us and it can cause a risk of skin cancer. Breeds that have light skin & fur or have a short coat are more prone to getting sun burnt. Take special care around the ears and nose as these areas are more sensitive. 

Avoid staying in the sun for too Long. My recommendation is for sunlight exposure to be less than an hour. If your pup is prone to getting sunburn, find a shady area and let your pup rest in the shade intermittently while playing in the sun. 

4. Look out for open wounds

We have all heard that salt water is good for wounds right? Yes that is true! But sea water is not equivalent to salt water. In addition to salt, seawater also contains bacteria which can be harmful. These bacteria can lead to the wound becoming infected.

Before your pup goes running into the sea, check his body for any open wounds. Dogs with open wounds are not recommended to go Swimming in sea water. 

Have some fun in the sand instead, keep the wound dry and Ensure proper follow up care. If the wound is serious, bring your dog to the vet for proper treatment.

5. Jellyfish alert!

Earlier this year, there were reports of people getting stung by the deadly box jellyfish at various beaches in Singapore. This creature has been spotted at Sentosa, Lazarus Island, East Coast Park and St John’s Island. The boxed jellyfish is a venomous marine creature whose sting can be fatal to both dogs and humans.

It is very very crucial to be vigilant when visiting the beach and swimming in the water. Look out for any possible sightings of the boxed jellyfish and keep your furkid away from the water. If you spot one of these jellyfish, warn those who are swimming of the danger. 

If you or your furkid gets stung by a boxed jellyfish, go to the vet or hospital immediately to get treated. For emergency first-aid, soak the stung area in seawater, vinegar or a 70% alcohol solution. If the tentacles are still stuck around your furkid, pull off the remaining tentacles with a stick or towel but be careful not to rub them or touch them with your bare hands.

With these tips, you will be ready and equipped for your next beach outing! With preparation and caution, you can both enjoy a great day at the beach. Do remember to maintain social distancing and be responsible while having fun. 

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Community Stories

Importance Of Training Your Pet

Pet training can come in many different varieties—from basic toilet training, to complex tricks and skills that will make your furkid impress your family and relatives. Today we will be sharing some information on the importance of pet training.

Your pet can make more friends.

This is relevant to your ordinary pet influencer—be it a dog influencer or a cat influencer—or just an active, friendly furkid who is eager to expand its social circle. Bringing your pet outdoors, going to pet events, and even just bringing another furkid home (temporarily or permanently) requires your pet to be able to handle the unfamiliar situation of meeting new people and animals. If your pet have had adequate training in staying calm, non-aggressive and approachable when meeting new friends, it will be a delight to bring your pet out as not only will you find it enjoyable, your pet will feel the same way too. In contrast, fear or aggression towards strangers will give you little choice but to narrow your pet’s chances of meeting new furfriends.

 A well-trained pet means encountering less danger.

Training your pet to stay calm and close to your side is essential, but most pet owners might not realize it till its too late. Often, your pet might be very curious and sensitive to new situations and triggers, such as loud sounds or going to a new environment. Even your most well-trained pup may be tempted to follow a stranger home without you noticing sometimes! Thus, it is important to train your pet to stay by your side at all times, even if it’s just the basic “heel” trick that ensures that your pet walks at your pace, and stops when you stop on a walk. Your pet will know to follow your instructions, and will be prevented from encountering more danger outdoors.

 You will have an easygoing pal in the household!

Last but not least, a well-trained pet also means a much more comfortable experience at home. Your pet will be less prone to causing damage at home (broken and bitten furniture), and/or causing unnecessary distress to your family and neighbours. Remember that pet training comes in all aspects; even the basics, such as eating a meal properly and regularly will require some form of discipline and training for all pets!

While there are many different styles and forms of pet training, do remember that pet training should also not necessarily be tough and uncomfortable for your pet. It is important to seek advice from other pet owners and professionals, and if your pet seemed to be experiencing discomfort from the training, it is best to switch to other methods or even a different professional trainer.