What should I do if my dog continues to bite people?

What should I do if my dog continues to bite people?

by | HA! FAQ, HA! Fears

 

Answered by Dr. Jeff Feinman

If your dog has been biting people and is now continuing to bite people, you want to look at the full context of the symptom, the behavior symptoms, because the continuation of biting may indicate an earlier training issue. It could be a socialization issue. It could be a medical issue. It depends on the full context of the symptoms. Symptoms like is your dog happy otherwise, happy in any specific situations or only in specific situations. There could be symptoms of aggression that are triggered by certain people or places, so it would really depend on the full context. 

The treatments kind of depend on a bit of the context of the symptoms, and we’re talking about the symptoms before biting, of things like the ears going down, the tail going down, the hackles going up, the body posture. Dog’s have pretty good dog-to-dog visual communication. It’s just up to us to us to get to be as good as the dog and knowing if the dog is gonna be aggressive or more likely if he’s scared and the fear is gonna end up as a possible aggression. 

The treatment if he’s continuing to bite is to get with your vet and check out medical problems, especially the thyroid, as the thyroid is known to be associated with aggressive behavior issues, and then start working intensively with the trainers.

Hi, Jeff Feinman, holistic veterinarian here in Weston, Connecticut, answering your questions about your pets. Thank you, and we’ll talk soon!

Visit HolisticActions! for more holistic pet care information.

Suggested Treatments: 

  • most important treatment is determining the context and triggers
  • training based on what your pup loves
  • conventional drugs like prozac
  • holistic support w/flowers and reiki

Related Symptoms: 

  • growling, lifting lips
  • snapping, crouching
  • BEAM symptom changes

DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

 

Dr. Jeff

Jeffrey Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, graduated in 1985 from the University of Pennsylvania and was Penn’s first veterinary dual-degree University Scholar, holding both molecular biology and veterinary degrees. He is the founder of HolisticActions.com and dedicated to pet parent empowerment.

Dr. Jeff is devoted to researching about how to harness the innate power of the individual using Vitality and Balance. He and his wonderful wife Amy live with Archie, a rescue pup, and a Rex cat named Tigger.

How Can I Help My Dog With Hip Dysplasia Feel More Comfortable?

How Can I Help My Dog With Hip Dysplasia Feel More Comfortable?

by | HA! FAQ, HA! for Diseases, HA! Lameness/Arthritis

Answered by Dr. Jean Hofve

There are many ways to help your dog with hip dysplasia feel better. They include acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, Homeopathy, Flower Essences, Reiki normalizing weight, if needed, anti-inflammatory herbs, such as Boswellia, turmeric, and ginger, nutritional supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and formal canine rehabilitation like physical therapy, and underwater treadmill exercise.

Hi, I’m Dr. Jean Hofve, a licensed veterinarian with HolisticActions!. I hope this helps. Thank you!

Suggested Treatments: 

  • Herbs
  • homeopathy
  • nutritional supplements

Related Symptoms: 

  • Hard to get up
  • lameness
  • can’t jump

    DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

     

    dr.jean hofve, holistic pet care

    Dr. Jean

    Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has more than 20 years’ experience in integrative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition, and has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s.

    She has written books,  dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world. She is an advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food production, and founder of Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems. 

    How Often Do Dogs Need Rabies Shots?

    How Often Do Dogs Need Rabies Shots?

    by | HA! FAQ, HA! Vaccines

    Answered by Dr. Jean Hofve

    Well, the rabies vaccine is required by law pretty much everywhere. You can contact your local animal control and find out what the legal requirements are for dogs in your area. 

    Rabies is a public health hazard, and it is endemic in wildlife throughout the United States. It is very important that your dog be vaccinated for rabies. Killed virus vaccines that are available. There are no other kinds at this point. They are effective, but it does require both of the two shot initial puppy series at least within a year of each other. This is how you get full immunity. Now, how long that immunity lasts is up for debate. Holistic veterinarians believe that— I’m one of them— that the rabies vaccines once your dog is fully immunized last for 5 to 7 years or more. 

    However it is important to comply with the laws in your jurisdiction. If your adult dog has a medical condition, like autoimmune disease or cancer, then it may be possible to have your veterinarian write a letter exempting your dog from the rabies vaccine. This does not work in all places but it is worth a shot if you want to minimize your dog vaccinations. I hope this helped!

    Hi, I’m Dr. Jean Hofve with HolisticActions.com. Thank you.

      DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

       

      dr.jean hofve, holistic pet care

      Dr. Jean

      Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has more than 20 years’ experience in integrative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition, and has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s.

      She has written books,  dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world. She is an advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food production, and founder of Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems. 

      How Do I Cure My Dog’s Bad Breath?

      How Do I Cure My Dog’s Bad Breath?

      by | HA! FAQ, HA! for Diseases

      Answered by Dr. Jean Hofve

      Well, first it is important to remember that doggy breath may be very common but it is not normal. In fact, we consider it to be an early warning sign of disease that may arise down the road. So, the first thing to consider with doggy breath is the teeth. You definitely want to have your veterinarian examine the teeth and make sure there’s no tartar or decay or inflammation of the gums all of which can certainly contribute to the doggy breath. 

      The other main thing to consider is diet. Highly processed foods like kibble and even canned food are not the ideal diet for a dog. They are inefficiently digested and the odors arising from the digestive system can be a big factor in doggy breath.

      What I would suggest is to use raw bone (not long bones like shins) but the ends of bones or vertebrae from beef, chicken or turkey, depending on the size of your dog, can help remove or prevent tartar from gaining a foothold on the teeth. They need to be given at least once a week to have this effect. 

      The other thing I would suggest is consider switching your dog to an all raw diet. This has many benefits. It is live food. It is fresh. You control the ingredients and the benefits both to doggy breath, teeth cleanliness and health are unmistakable. 

      Hi, I’m Dr. Jean Hofve with HolisticActions.com. Thank you.

      Suggested Treatments: 

      • Dental care
      • Healthy diet
      • Immune supporting supplements

      Related Symptoms: 

      • Smelly mouth
      • Doggy breath

        DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

         

        dr.jean hofve, holistic pet care

        Dr. Jean

        Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has more than 20 years’ experience in integrative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition, and has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s.

        She has written books,  dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world. She is an advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food production, and founder of Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems. 

        My dogs barks and kicks at night. Is he having nightmares?

        My dogs barks and kicks at night. Is he having nightmares?

        by | HA! FAQ, HA! Fears

        Answered by Dr. Jean Hofve

        Dogs actually do dream a lot and small dogs actually dream more than big dogs. When your dog is in deep REM sleep and barking, whining, or running make paddling motions with his feet, those are definitely dreams. It is a sign that your dog is in deep REM sleep and should not be disturbed. The key to whether these dreams are actually nightmares is how they behave once they wake up. Is he just distressed or anxious or just seems abnormal? Then, the quality of the dream may be more nightmarish.

        However, you want to be careful about over interpreting a dream as being a nightmare. It is very common and normal for dogs to vocalize with barking or whining, make paddling motions with their feet like they’re running but really he may just be chasing a tennis ball, wrestling with a buddy, or out on a hike with you. If you have concluded that this is indeed a nightmare situation, then there are holistic treatments you can try.

        For example Flower Essences, homeopathy, calming nutrients like Thianine and Tryptophan or herbs, calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower or hops. If the behavior is extreme or persistent, it may actually be a form of seizures. This is definitely something to check out with your veterinarian because there are medications that can manage that in addition to the holistic treatments I mentioned. So, I hope you and your dog both sleep well and peacefully and enjoy good dreams. 

        Hi, I’m Dr. Jean Hofve with Holisticactions! Thank you. 

        Suggested Treatments: 

        • Don’t disturb dreaming dog
        • Herbs/homeopathy if distressed

        Related Symptoms: 

        • Movement or barking when asleep

        DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

         

        dr.jean hofve, holistic pet care

        Dr. Jean

        Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has more than 20 years’ experience in integrative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition, and has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s.

        She has written books,  dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world. She is an advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food production, and founder of Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems. 

        How To Treat Cherry Eyes In Dogs

        How To Treat Cherry Eyes In Dogs

        by | HA! Eyes, HA! FAQ

        Answered by Dr. Jeff Feinman

        That’s a great question because it depends on the situation. Most frequently, cherry eyes, which is like a prominence of the third eyelid in the corner of the eye so it looks like there’s a mass growing out of the corner of the eye but it’s frequently seen in young animals. 

        The most common treatment is no treatment. Just keep the eyes lubricated or don’t do anything at all, and they go back on their own. The cartilage frequently slips in and out so you may or may not see cherry eye. If that’s not working or if it’s bothering your dog, then surgical correction is the next step, and there are two ways to correct that. One is, which is done nowadays, is to attach the membrane down and size it so it doesn’t collapse again. The other way used to be to just remove the third eyelid, but we found that doing that actually increased chance of dry eye and other dry problems. 

        So that’s it for today! I’m Jeff Feinman, licensed holistic veterinarian here in Weston, Connecticut to answer common pet parent questions. Thank you for coming, thank you for watching, and we’ll all talk soon!  Visit Holistic Actions! for more holistic pet care information. 

        Suggested Treatments: 

        1. No treatment – wait
        2. Keep eyes lubricated
        3. Surgical correction

        Related Symptoms: 

        1. Prominence of the third eyelid in the corner of the eye

          DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

           

          Dr. Jeff

          Jeffrey Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, graduated in 1985 from the University of Pennsylvania and was Penn’s first veterinary dual-degree University Scholar, holding both molecular biology and veterinary degrees. He is the founder of HolisticActions.com and dedicated to pet parent empowerment.

          Dr. Jeff is devoted to researching about how to harness the innate power of the individual using Vitality and Balance. He and his wonderful wife Amy live with Archie, a rescue pup, and a Rex cat named Tigger.

          What Should I Do if My Dog Has Cluster Seizures?

          What Should I Do if My Dog Has Cluster Seizures?

          by | HA! FAQ, HA! for Diseases, HA! Seizures

          Answered by Dr. Jeff Feinman

          First, I should define that a little bit more. Cluster seizures are a seizure in the dog that occurs more than a couple of times a month like they’ll have one, they recover, then they’ll have another one, then they recover. So not individual seizures that occur sporadically rather seizures that occur in clusters. 

          Cluster seizures are a medical emergency and the clustering must be stopped. The first thing is to go to your local vet or ER and they will stop the seizure usually with medications like intravenous or valium. If you’re working with an energetic practitioner like one in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine or homeopathy or another holistic vet, with the stabled featuring dog, that’s after the clusters, they may be able to help reduce the frequency of clusters using lifestyle changes, energetic changes, and things that modify the dog’s responses internally and decrease seizures. 

          I’m Jeff Feinman, licensed holistic veterinarian here in western Connecticut answering common pet parent questions. Thank you for coming, thank you for watching, and we’ll talk soon.

          Suggested Treatments: 

          *Dr. Jeff list suggested treatments (3)*

          1. Go to the ER for immediate relief
          2. Work with energetic practitioner: homeopathy, Chinese Veterinary Medicine…

          Related Symptoms: 

          1. Regular ceizures (more than a couple times a month)

            DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

             

            Dr. Jeff

            Jeffrey Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, graduated in 1985 from the University of Pennsylvania and was Penn’s first veterinary dual-degree University Scholar, holding both molecular biology and veterinary degrees. He is the founder of HolisticActions.com and dedicated to pet parent empowerment.

            Dr. Jeff is devoted to researching about how to harness the innate power of the individual using Vitality and Balance. He and his wonderful wife Amy live with Archie, a rescue pup, and a Rex cat named Tigger.

            What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety In Dogs?

            What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety In Dogs?

            by | HA! FAQ, HA! Fears, HA! for Diseases

            Answered by Dr. Jeff Feinman

            Well, that’s a great question because that’s part of B.E.A.M: behavior, energy, appetite, and mood). All those things can reflect anxiety, but the most common behavioral ones are things like panting, an anxious look in the eyes, a body posture with ears held down and the tail tucked, being excessively clingy, and wanting to be isolated. Every dog responds to the triggers or causes of anxiety in their own way, but the number one thing I would say is to watch for changes in B.E.A.M because any of them can be a sign of anxiety or discomfort in an individual dog. 

            I’m Jeff Feinman, licensed holistic veterinarian here in Weston, Connecticut to answer common pet parent questions. Thank you for coming. Thank you for watching. We’ll all talk soon!

            For more holistic pet care information, visit the HolisticActions! Website. 

             

            Related Symptoms: 

            • Panting
            • Anxious look in the eyes
            • Clingyness
            • Whining
            • Crying
            • Destroying things in your home
            • Hiding

              DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

               

              Dr. Jeff

              Jeffrey Feinman, BA, VMD, CVH, graduated in 1985 from the University of Pennsylvania and was Penn’s first veterinary dual-degree University Scholar, holding both molecular biology and veterinary degrees. He is the founder of HolisticActions.com and dedicated to pet parent empowerment.

              Dr. Jeff is devoted to researching about how to harness the innate power of the individual using Vitality and Balance. He and his wonderful wife Amy live with Archie, a rescue pup, and a Rex cat named Tigger.

              Can My Dog’s Heart Murmur Lead To Congestive Heart Failure?

              Can My Dog’s Heart Murmur Lead To Congestive Heart Failure?

              by | HA! FAQ, HA! Heart

              Answered by Dr. Jean Hofve

              Well, heart murmurs are just a sign of turbulence in the blood flow of the heart where there should be smooth, quiet flow. But, a heart murmur is nearly a symptom and not a cause of disease or a disease by itself. In puppies, murmurs are very common. Most of them are innocent murmurs and don’t mean anything in terms of heart function. Most puppies will outgrow them. 

              In giant breed dogs in particular though, heart murmurs can be an early sign of heart disease. If there is backward flow through one of the valves, that causes the turbulence that your veterinarian can hear through the stethoscope. That can be an early warning sign of a more serious disease. 

              The best way to know what’s going on in your dog’s heart, whether it’s something you need to worry about and needs treatment, or whether it’s just a minor little something that your dog isn’t going to have any problems with, is through echocardiography. An echo is a form of ultrasound, and it looks at the heart in real-time. It can detect turbulence within the heart and discover where it’s coming from as well as whether it’s something to be worried about or not. So when in doubt, echocardiography is your best bet. 

              Hi! I’m Doctor Jean Hofve, a licensed veterinarian with HolisticActions!. Thanks, I hope this helps! Take care. 

              Suggested Treatments: 

              1. Early detection through vet exam and echocardiography
              2. Treating underlining condition (it could be hypothyroidism, heartworm, anemia, or heart defect)
              3. Monitoring

              Related Symptoms:

              1. Murmur detected through the stethoscope
              2. If you see symptoms like coughing, congestion, change in breath sounds or rapid breathing, exercise intolerance, weakness or “fainting,” gray or blue gums – seek medical attention.

              DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

               

              dr.jean hofve, holistic pet care

              Dr. Jean

              Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has more than 20 years’ experience in integrative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition, and has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s.

              She has written books,  dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world. She is an advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food production, and founder of Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems. 

              Can You Spay a Pregnant Cat?

              Can You Spay a Pregnant Cat?

              by | HA! FAQ, HA! Neutering

              Answered by Dr. Jean Hofve

              So your girl kitty accidentally got pregnant. Now what? Is it too late to spay her? No, in most cases, it isn’t too late most cats can be spayed during pregnancy—unless the pregnancy is very advanced. 

              Sometimes if it’s very advanced. For example the cat I had on my operating table with a kitten poking its nose out. Obviously, we did not spay her and the kittens were born under my desk. But if that’s the case where you can’t spay a pregnant cat. But unless it’s very advanced and the chance of increased blood loss is too much, you can spay a cat. Pretty much anytime it’s in the 63 days of pregnancy, so don’t worry. 

              I’m Dr. Jean Hofve, a licensed veterinarian with HolisticActions!. Take care, bye bye.

              DISCLAIMER: Holistic Actions! does not provide advice on certified medical treatments. Content is intended for informational purposes only and to equip you with the tools needed for Holistic Medical Decision Making (HMDM). It is not a substitute for clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Never use content found on the Holistic Actions! website as the basis for ignoring advice from your veterinarian to seek treatment. If you think you may have a veterinary emergency, please call your vet or an animal hospital immediately.

               

              dr.jean hofve, holistic pet care

              Dr. Jean

              Holistic veterinarian and author Dr. Jean Hofve has more than 20 years’ experience in integrative veterinary medicine. She has a passion for feline health and nutrition, and has intensively studied and researched pet nutrition and the pet food industry since the early 1990s.

              She has written books,  dozens of articles and been interviewed for print, radio, and television around the world. She is an advisor to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for pet food production, and founder of Spirit Essences (now owned and operated by Jackson Galaxy), which makes flower essence remedies for many animal health and behavior problems.