Tree Dog Doc

02/02/2024

Supplements?

Recently, I’ve noticed a push of supplements specifically marketed to the hound community.

Does your dog really need a supplement? If you’re feeding a high quality, complete and balanced commercial diet, probably not.

Remember, guys, that these are companies trying to make money. That doesn’t mean they’re lying to you or have bad intentions - just that they’re not trying to do you a favor for nothing in return.

Some ingredients often included in supplements have good evidence supporting their use. Others have none. If the claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Your veterinarian is a good source of information about supplement ingredients. Don’t ask about the brand - your vet hears 100 brand names a week and can’t keep track of them all. Rather, bring the bottle (or download the label offline) and let them take a look. Most supplements are the same ingredients used by many different companies and those will be more recognizable.

I personally don’t use supplements in my own dogs. I feed the best quality food I can and see no advantage to adding to it.

For a more detailed summary on supplements:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7802882/

10/01/2024

There are a lot of rumors online concerning Purina food right now. Check your sources before trusting them. If there turns out to be solid evidence or a recall, I’ll follow up with it here as well, but so far, there is not.

02/12/2023

New Canine Respiratory Disease?

You may have seen reports in the news recently about a “mysterious” new canine respiratory disease. So far, it seems to be localized and not spread throughout the country. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC), also commonly called kennel cough, is nothing new, and these dogs seem to have many of the classic signs associated with it (cough, snotty nose, fever, etc.).

The difference that I am hearing (anecdotally) is that some of these dogs progress very rapidly, even to severe pneumonia and death, or seem to have no response to treatment with a lingering cough for weeks to months. I myself had several of the extended cough cases in the last year, all of which recovered.

The question to be answered still is, is this a new disease, a known disease that has changed to become more problematic, or has this been going on for a long time and it just hasn’t made the news? Veterinary labs throughout the country are working to get that answer.

In the meantime, keep your dogs up-to-date on respiratory vaccines, avoid contact with dogs of unknown vaccination or health status, and keep them otherwise healthy.

For more information:

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-infectious-respiratory-disease-complex-kennel-cough?_ga=2.103069632.1118781198.1701527253-839325027.1701527253

https://colsa.unh.edu/new-hampshire-veterinary-diagnostic-laboratory/canine-respiratory-outbreak?_ga=2.110558149.1118781198.1701527253-839325027.1701527253

06/10/2023

Finally got a chance to read through the first Full Cry Magazine published under new ownership, and folks, if you’re not subscribed, you are missing out! For years I’ve wanted to see a tree dog magazine more in line with modern times and print, and they’ve knocked it out of the park. Make sure to subscribe to get yours, or check out the newly available digital edition as well! You’ll also get to continue to read my articles on tree dog health, where I’m continuing my series on whelping and raising healthy puppies.

28/08/2023

A sight every vet and owner likes to see!
This is a 4DX Plus SNAP test. It tests for heartworm antigen and antibodies for two species of Ehrlichia, two species of Anaplasma, and Lyme. Those last three are all tick-borne diseases. This one here shows all are negative on my own dog.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misunderstanding about what this test tells you (and doesn’t). I’ll focus on the tick-borne diseases here.

For the bacterial antibodies, this test tells you whether or not the dog has been exposed to the bacteria and developed an antibody response. It does NOT tell you that your dog is currently affected with any of those diseases. Many dogs test positive for these and never act sick. That’s because the dog’s immune system can clear the infection on their own.

It’s also important to understand that this is a fraction of the tick borne disease your dog can get. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, and a host of other things are not included on this test. Therefore, just because your dog is negative on these, does NOT mean your dog is negative for all tick-borne disease!

The takeaway? Your dog doesn’t automatically need treatment because your dog tests positive for one of these. The physical exam and history from you as the owner are important, as well as other lab work parameters.

Conversely, just because these are negative, that doesn’t mean your dog is disease-free! Dogs with a very recent infection, or infected with another disease, won’t test positive but may still be sick.

If your vet recommends a follow-up test, or doesn’t recommend treatment, trust their expertise. It’s not as simple as it seems.

30/07/2023

Meet my new prospect for this fall, Tracker (named after my kid’s favorite Paw Patrol character 😂). He is a 4 month old Kemmer Stock Mountain Cur and is growing some legs! I’ve been quiet for a few months but will get back to posting more here shortly. Also pleased to share that I will continue to write for the new and improved Full Cry Magazine! Good stuff ahead! Thanks for following along.

17/03/2023

Thank you On Track Media Group for the opportunity! Check out my article on the basics of scenting.

What exactly is a dog smelling when they’re putting that nose to work? It’s theorized that it is pieces of the game animal left behind that are being detected. Skin cells that naturally fall off, hair, f***s and urine, pheromones, and sweat may all play into the smell being recognized by the hou...

28/02/2023

Eclampsia is a disorder of dogs caused by low calcium levels just before, during, or after having puppies.

The dog’s demand for calcium is very high during and after pregnancy. During the last few weeks of gestation, the fetal skeletons are becoming mineralized, requiring lots of calcium to build. At the time of whelping, calcium is needed for strong uterine contractions. While nursing, calcium is in high demand in the milk to supply the growing puppies.

Eclampsia starts when a dog’s blood calcium levels drop too low and she is unable to mobilize calcium from the bone. The most common reason this happens is because a dog is being fed a diet without the proper calcium levels, or calcium and phosphorus at an improper ratio. Homemade diets are commonly implicated. This is a problem because it may not be providing calcium at the right levels for the body to regulate it, throwing off calcium metabolism.

It is also associated with giving calcium supplements while pregnant. This essentially causes the dog’s parathyroid gland to become “lazy” by stopping it from pulling calcium from the bones.

Signs of eclampsia may include restlessness, panting, or behavior changes at the early stages. As it progresses, it can cause muscle twitching, shaking, a stiff gait, and other muscle disorders. Severe cases may include seizures, coma, and even death. Treatment involves calcium supplementation, orally in mild cases and injectable or intravenous in severe cases.

The best prevention is to feed a high quality commercial puppy food starting around 3 weeks prior to the due date and continuing through lactation, WITHOUT supplementing additional calcium. During labor, it is good to have a calcium supplement available if any of the early signs are noticed, and to have available for the first few weeks while the dog is lactating.

16/11/2022

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is just that - first aid. It’s a kit designed to get your dog back to the truck alive, and then from your truck to the vet. Always rely on your local veterinarian for definitive treatment.

Knowledge is the most important part of your kit! The Pet First Aid app from the American Red Cross is a great resource for basic field first aid. Take an online course or grab a book on pet first aid and learn as much as you can.

In my vest/on my person, I’m either trying to handle little things so we can keep hunting, or stop the really big things that are life-threatening (i.e. bad bleeding). Those items are:
- Multitool - pull briars, cut bandage material/rusty barb wire, trim a quick splint… tons of uses for first aid. I always have my Leatherman in my pocket.
- Self-adhesive bandage material (aka “Vetwrap”) - temporary muzzle, keeping on a bandage or a splint, help stop a bleed, etc. Be careful that you don’t apply this stuff too tight (unless you’re using it for pressure to stop a bleed!)
- Gauze pads - first layer of a bandage
- Sterile saline squeeze bottle - used to flush an eye or wound
- Cell phone - have the name, number, and location of the nearest emergency vet stored in your phone contacts so you don’t have to panic looking for it in the heat of an emergency!

In my truck:
- More bandage material - white bandage tape, assorted gauze pads (adherent and non-adherent), cast padding, gauze wrap, VetWrap
- Sterile stapler - use this very judiciously, if at all. This is not a replacement for a vet visit! If you think it needs staples, it probably needs a vet visit. If you put in staples and fail to properly care for the wound first, you are asking for trouble. That said, for a big flap of hanging skin, or trying to close skin over a gaping wound, this can be helpful while trying to keep things intact until you can make it to the vet.
- Hemostats, bandage scissors, forceps - things I use my multitool for, but these can do it better.
- More sterile saline flush

That's it. Simple is best. Ask your vet for other suggestions that may be important for you and your situation/knowledge level.

04/11/2022

Dr. Garrett Bailey is a fellow veterinarian and a friend of mine. We met while I was still in vet school and have been talking hunting dogs and vet med ever since. He gives out some great info on keeping your moms and pups healthy, so give it a listen!

The Bear Hunting Veterinarian
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/L9f3nU4u
Release Date: 11-2-22

Dr. Garrett Bailey is a bear hunter and houndsman from Virginia. He is a crucial part of the hunting crew that Heath hunts with. Being a hunter and houndsmen, Garrett understand what our hounds go through and is always there to provide crucial services for the area's hunters and houndsmen.
Heath spends the evening with Veterinarian Garrett Bailey. Heath and Garrett break down canine pregnancy to included pre natal and post natal care of the bitch. They also go into the details of puppy care, to include vaccination schedules, parasite control and nutrition. They cover proper puppy care and what is important during the different stages of immunity up to 16 weeks old. You get a little extra on heat stroke at the end.
For those who are planning their first litter of puppies or for the seasoned breeders this is straight talk from a Vet that knows who we are and what we do. Enjoy the ride on the Journey.

www.houndsmanxp.com

SPONSORS:
Cajun Lights
Havoc Hunting Supply
Go Wild
Old South Dog Boxes
Joy Dog Food
Briar Creek Kennel
dogsRtreed
Freedom Hunters
Rough Cut Company

01/11/2022

Thanks to Josh Michaelis for having me on. We talk about thyroid disease here, but still barely scratched the surface. Hopefully this will answer many of the questions out there on the topic, but let me know what else you still want to hear about on the subject!

Tune into the tomorrow with Josh Michaelis and the Tree Dog Doc aka Taylor Young... Y'all are NOT going to want to miss this one!!! Click here to download and subscribe for updates -> https://joydogfood.com/fueled-by-joy-working-dog-podcast/

03/10/2022

Are grains bad for your dog?

"Oh don't worry Doc; I feed my dog a really high quality food. It doesn't have any corn or wheat or fillers in it."

This is a weekly response I get when I ask owners what they are feeding their dogs. The huge rise of grain-free foods in the pet food aisle has led many owners to think they're selling their dog short if they feed their dog food that has grains such as corn, wheat, or rice in it.

Many people also believe that, if they have an itchy dog, that grains in the food are the most likely culprit.

Both of these are false!

Grains have essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fibers that your dog can and does digest. They are not just fillers. They are part of a well-made diet. Dogs are not wolves! They have evolved alongside man and are able to digest and utilize food differently than their wild counterparts.

Dogs with a food allergy are also more likely to have an allergy to the protein source in their food (such as the chicken, beef, etc.) than a grain. While some dogs truly do better on a grain-free diet when it comes to allergies, many times that diet change also came with a switch to a different protein.

If you’re concerned about grains in your dog’s food, talk with your vet for more details.

16/09/2022

Finally getting some cool mornings here in Virginia. Rip treed this one by sight and had a few barks on scent. Making progress! How’s your season going so far?

13/09/2022

Thank you Houndsman XP for having me on! We talk antibiotic resistance, ethics and more.

Setting the Record Straight with Tree Dog Doc
🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/L9f3nU4u
Release date: 09-05-22

Being right or trying to be the authority on every topic is not the goal. Getting the best info from the most qualified people is; even if it means admitting we got it wrong.

DVM Taylor Young, also known as Tree Dog Doc, joins host Chris Powell to go deeper into antibiotics and their proper use. They discuss the issue of evolving antibiotic resistances, the cautions about dexamethasone and much more.


SPONSORS:

Cajun Lights
Havoc Hunting Supply
Go Wild
Old South Dog Boxes
Joy Dog Food
Briar Creek Kennel
dogsRtreed
Freedom Hunters
Rough Cut Company

26/08/2022

Thank you, Jason, for having me. Enjoyed our discussion and hope the listeners find it helpful!

‎Show The Coonhound Collective Podcast, Ep ”Tree Dog Doc” Dr.Taylor Young [Bio Security, Tick Borne and First Aid ] The Coonhound Collective Ep #25 - Aug 25, 2022

17/08/2022

BODY CONDITION SCORE

Wondering if your dog is at the proper weight, not too fat and not too thin? Learn to body condition score (BCS)!

BCS is a visual and tactile way to evaluate your dog’s weight. It uses a chart to objectively evaluate the waist, topline and ribs with your eyes and hands. Learning to do it objectively does take a bit of practice, but using a chart (link below) gives you a standard to measure against.

It’s easy to do at home, and allows you to adjust the amount you’re feeding based on the time of year and amount of exercise your dog is getting.

Most of us can probably tell an overly fat dog, but for those of hunting our dogs hard, it’s also important to recognize a dog that’s too thin. A dog at a BCS of 3 or below has lost muscle mass, and that reduces their ability to run as hard and fast as they could otherwise.

It’s not perfect, and some dogs may fall in between two scores based on one parameter or another, but it’s a great way to get started.

https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Body-Condition-Score-Dog.pdf

27/07/2022

Venomous and non-venomous snake bites

Most importantly, if in doubt, call your veterinarian for case-specific advice. If in doubt, start driving!

There are three things agreed upon by emergency veterinary experts for most venomous snake bite treatments (see references at bottom):
1) Pain control. Venomous snake bites HURT.
2) Antivenin if appropriate to the snake species.
3) IV fluids as indicated due to the effects of the venom.

Things shown in studies to be of questionable benefit and not recommended in most cases (see references at bottom):
1) Corticosteroids (dexamethasone, prednisone, etc.), as they have not been shown to have any effect on clinical signs, and have side effects themselves.
2) Antibiotics without evidence of infection. In a study of 104 dogs, ONE dog got an infection, and was then started on them.

Things that don't have great evidence for or against them:
1) Antihistamines (i.e. Benadryl)
2) Rattlesnake vaccines

So, what can you do to prepare for a snakebite?
1) Have a way to get your dog out of the woods.
2) Know where your closest emergency veterinarian is located (general practices do not always have antivenin available) and be ready to take them.
3) If bit, be ready to remove their collars in case of swelling.

Non-venomous snake bites may need nothing, or may need pain medication and wound treatment, depending on the species and the severity.

References

Armentano RA, Schaer M. Overview and controversies in the medical management of pit viper envenomation in the dog. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2011 Oct;21(5):461-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00677.x. PMID: 22316194.

Brandeker E, Hillström A, Hanås S, Hagman R, Holst BS. The effect of a single dose of prednisolone in dogs envenomated by Vipera berus--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. BMC Vet Res. 2015 Feb 26;11:44. doi: 10.1186/s12917-015-0352-6. PMID: 25886633; PMCID: PMC4349773.

Carr A, Schultz J. Prospective evaluation of the incidence of wound infection in rattlesnake envenomation in dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2015 Jul-Aug;25(4):546-51. doi: 10.1111/vec.12337. Epub 2015 Jun 25. PMID: 26112434.

19/07/2022

Thank you Ben for having me on!

In todays episode Tree Dog Doc comes on to give us glimpse into the world of veterinary medicine.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/31-a-look-behind-the-curtain/id1602910749?i=1000570422190

14/07/2022

Let’s talk vaccinations. TLDR; Rabies and Distemper-Parvo should be given to every dog. Lepto and Lyme should be strongly considered for all tree dogs. Bordetella, influenza, and other vaccines for the Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex should be considered in a case by case basis. Talk with your veterinarian about which vaccines they recommend for your dog and geographic area.

Every dog, at minimum, should be up to date on their Rabies and Distemper-Parvo combo shot. These prevent deadly diseases and are safe, proven and effective.

Leptospirosis, or Lepto, vaccination should also be strongly considered for dogs where Lepto is endemic (East, South, and Midwest at least). Lepto is spread through infected urine and hunting dogs are at risk every time they run in the woods. Illness affects the liver and kidney primarily and can be deadly.

Lyme vaccination is a little bit less clear-cut. Tick prevention is the most important part of Lyme prevention, hands down. There is debate on whether the vaccine, and which particular vaccine, is helpful in preventing Lyme disease. That said, I use it and recommend it to my clients.

Bordetella, Influezna, parainfluenza, and combos of these should be considered for dogs in close contact with other dogs at events like competition hunts or shows.

25/06/2022

Looking for feedback! My goal is to #1) to produce content that helps keep your dogs healthy and hunting and #2) get it where it will reach the most people. What topics do you want to read about? What platform do you want it on? Social media, print, blog, video, podcast (like we really need another?!)? Help me help you!

10/06/2022

Heat stroke! The biggest emergency you may run into with your dogs this time of year. If they get hot enough, dogs will begin to go into multiple organ failure and can easily die from it. Heat stroke has a high mortality rate and is not something to “wait and see” about. Signs your dog may be getting stressed by the heat include increasing tongue length, heavy panting, lethargy, or trying to lay down and stretch out on the dirt. If you see that, it’s time to take a break and get them cool. If they’re progressing to showing signs such as becoming uncoordinated, laying out in their side, or becoming unresponsive, they are in trouble. Getting them wet and putting them in front of a fan or your AC in the truck is the important first step, as early cooling is associated with a better prognosis. Then, call your vet! They may need IV fluids, plasma transfusions, and other meds such as blood sugar and blood pressure support. Early intervention is the key!

08/05/2022

No… because every season is flea and tick season. While there’s no doubt that they become more active in warmer weather, some species are active down into the mid-30’s. Here in Virginia, and in just about every state with fleas and ticks present, you won’t go an entire month where temps aren’t above that level at some point. While this time of year is higher risk, keep your dogs on prevention year-round to ensure they are always protected.

12/04/2022

Rip, my 10 month old Ladner Blackmouth Cur, treeing on a squirrel he saw this winter. He’s been a bit of a slow start. We put lots of miles in without much progress during kill season. On Saturday, he finally started showing some progress, with a little treeing on hot scent. Patience pays, but it’s easier said than done!

29/03/2022

First article in Full Cry magazine! Also to be published in the May issue of American Cooner. What topic would you like to see in the next article?

14/02/2022

Excited to get this project started. Follow along for articles, tips, and insights on the health and wellness of your tree dog!