Page 11 - Hobe Sound Reflections- July '24

Hobe Sound, Page 11

tip of the tail

Noise Phobias In Dogs: through nighttime thunderstorms or fireworks. Noise phobia is a during thunderstorms or fireworks. One of the best ones for small
Understanding The Condition genuine problem that can significantly impact a dog and owner’s dogs is Sileo. It is used as needed and works within 20 to 30
minutes. The Florida thunderstorm season can be unpredictable,
quality of life and worsen over time if not treated appropriately.
If your dog is experiencing noise phobia, several treatment
And Treatment Options options are available. The first and most crucial step is to create a so some pets benefit from daily medication during storm season,
while some pets just need medication on bad storm days and the
safe and comfortable environment for your dog during the noise- Fourth of July. Also, keep in mind that once your pet is already
triggering event. Place your pet in a quiet, dark room, preferably panicking from the noise, the medications typically do not work
an interior room with no windows. If your pet naturally goes to as well, so talk to your veterinarian about the timing of when the
a closet, crate, or under the bed, allow them to go there. Do not medications should be given. If your pet is suffering from noise
confine your pet to the crate or safe space unless it helps them phobia, consult with your veterinarian about medications to help
calm down. Pets can panic and injure themselves attempting to ease your pet’s fear.
escape the room or crate. Turn on music or a white noise machine Noise phobia is a common and challenging condition that
to block out some of the sound. If the room contains windows, affects many dogs. As a pet owner, it is essential to recognize the
draw the blinds or curtains to block out the lightning. Pheromones signs of noise phobia in your dog, create a safe space for your
such as Adaptil or Zenidog can help relax your pet in the safe pet during storms and fireworks, and seek professional help from
space. Some dogs feel safer wrapped in a blanket or wearing your veterinarian if necessary. While noise phobia is not typically
a Thundershirt. Bring out your pet’s favorite toys or treats to curable, it can be managed to make noisy events less frightening
Summer is a tough time for pets in South Florida suffering from distract them and try to engage them in play, or simply sit near for our furry companions.
noise phobia. Afternoon thunderstorms, hurricanes and fireworks your pet if that comforts them. It is important not to punish the Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is
are common triggers. Noise phobia is a behavioral problem scared behavior, because that will only increase your pet’s fear dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With
characterized by an exaggerated fear and anxiety response to loud and anxiety. Creating the right environment can help your pet be focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and
or sudden noise. Symptoms of noise phobia in dogs can range less fearful during noise-triggering events. rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics, and
from pacing, trembling, drooling, hiding, destructive behaviors, Another step is to talk to your veterinarian about medication to emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines
excessive barking and even injuring themselves. Noise phobia manage your dog’s noise phobia. Not every medication works for exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
can be a challenging and distressing condition, not only for the every pet, so a few may need to be tried until the right combination their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
affected dog but also for their owners. Many pet parents have is found. A variety of anti-anxiety medications, sedatives and www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
spent sleepless nights trying to comfort their furry companion supplements can be used to make your dog more comfortable at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

Local Government from page 10

We used our tornado plan for the first time this month at our
Hobe Sound office when a tornado hit the area. The tornado struck
while we were open with customers in the office. Staff calmly
followed the plan and kept both the staff and customers safe.
Education and being prepared with a plan makes a difference!

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SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH CARE By Valerie Staggs

Complexity of the knee joint requires a

multi-faceted approach to pain treatment.

Visit any pickleball court around the tions, and injections. Surgery is usu-
country and you’ll notice that one piece ally the last resort, and no problem is
of equipment is becoming more and too small or too big.”
more popular. In addition to the newest
carbon fiber paddles and ball retriever If surgery is recommended, it doesn’t
gadgets, players are sporting a surpris- mean the end to your active lifestyle.
ing array of knee braces. From simple Conditions like a torn meniscus, dam-
stretchy knee sleeves to fully hinged aged ligaments or mild arthritis can of-
knee stabilizers, knee support is the ten be treated arthroscopically. Even if
new norm for people trying to live an a partial or total knee replacement sur-
active lifestyle while dealing with knee gery is needed, you can still enjoy lower
pain or injuries. impact activities like golf, swimming,
bicycling and yes, even pickleball.
Considering that every movement in
your legs and your balance rely on your Sports Medicine & Orthopedics Cen- ti-inflammatory medications can pro-
knees, the knee joint is arguably the ter who performs knee surgery at Jupi- vide relief for minor knee pain. Knee
most important joint in your body. It ter Medical Center. “In reality, only braces can also help; however, using the
is also one of the most complex joints. about 10 percent of my patients end wrong type of brace can result in ad-
Known as a synovial joint, the knee up undergoing knee surgery.” ditional problems. When intermittent
joint consists of bones, cartilage, liga- knee pain becomes severe, Randazzo
ments, muscles and nerves all within In diagnosing knee pain, doctors like says it’s time to seek medical care.
the structure of your knee. Stress or an Randazzo have to go through a seem-
injury to any one of these five inter- ingly endless list of possible diagnoses. “If it’s at the point where an anti-in-
secting parts can cause knee pain that Knee pain can be caused by chronic flammatory medicine isn’t of help, and
can be difficult to pinpoint. Even more conditions such as arthritis or osteo- if you’ve tried home exercise and other
difficult is figuring out when knee pain porosis, inflammatory issues such as interventions aren’t working,” he says,
is concerning enough to seek medical tendinitis or bursitis or injuries such as “then it’s time to see a specialist.” Ran-
treatment. sprains, ligament tears, dislocations or dazzo says symptoms such as swelling
even bone fractures. of the knee joint, recurring or constant
“A lot of people fear going to the doc- knee pain, a knee that is unstable or John L. Randazzo, M.D.
tor or orthopedic specialist because Most active people are accustomed to doesn’t work correctly or an acute knee
they’re afraid they’ll need surgery,” dealing with achy, sore joints, especially injury are all reasons to seek medical For more information about knee conditions
says Dr. John Randazzo, a board-cer- as they grow older. The age-old RICE care. “Usually, we can get patients and treatment options, visit https://www.
tified orthopedic surgeon and sports (rest, ice, compression, elevation) meth- back to feeling better and normal ac- jupitermed.com/services/orthopedics/knee/
medicine specialist at Palm Beach od and over-the-counter pain and an- tivity with physical therapy, medica-
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