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From season to season, your pet's needs change.
We dedicate this page to helping you meet your pet's needs according to the weather conditions.
Our current highlights are:
"We're Getting a New Pet During the Holidays...Now What?"
"Cold Weather Pet Tips ... 'Tis the Season!!!"
Any new pet should be seen by a veterinarian for an examination to ensure it is healthy and to make a plan for it’s future healthcare.
Your pet will likely need further vaccinations. Vaccines are given every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 to 20 weeks of age in a puppy and until 12 to 16 weeks of age in kittens. A vaccine schedule specific to your new pet will be determined based on your pet’s age and any vaccines it may have received previously.
Take a stool sample so that a fecal analysis to detect the microscopic eggs shed by adult worms that may be living in your pet’s intestines can be done. This test is important because you often won’t see the worms since they stay attached to your pet’s intestines. These parasites can be harmful because they can damage the intestines and other organs and they “rob” nutrients from your pet.
Discuss a dental care program for your pet at this first visit. Puppies and kittens have a set of baby teeth that is replaced by their adult set of teeth by roughly 16-20 weeks of age. This second set of teeth will be your pet’s teeth for the rest of its life (just like in people) so it is important to keep them healthy. Brushing your pet’s teeth is best and should be started as soon as possible since your pet needs to be trained to accept having its teeth brushed. With time and patience, most animals learn to accept, and even like, having their teeth brushed. There are other things that you can do to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy (like special treats and other chew toys, etc.). Please discuss this important topic with your veterinarian.
Basic training and “potty training” can be discussed. For example, when sitting with your new pet (like when you are watching TV), play with your pet’s ears, paws, toes, etc. This will help your pet to better tolerate maneuvering the ears and paws for routine cleaning and nail trims, as well as during physical exams at the veterinarian’s office. In general, crate training is recommended for new puppies. Although this may seem “cruel” to some, the reality is that a crate provides a safe/secure area. It prevents getting into things such as electrical wires and chewing on things such as your furniture, which annoys you and could cause intestinal obstructions in your pet. A crate also provides personal space for your puppy (like a bedroom for a child).
Other topics to discuss are heartworm preventatives and nutrition/feeding. Having your pet neutered and the recommended time for this to be done should also be discussed.
Taking your pet to a veterinarian is an important step in helping him/her have a long, healthy life and sets the foundation for the relationship your veterinarian will have with you AND your pet.
COLD WEATHER PET TIPS … ‘TIS THE SEASON!!!
As the winter months and holidays approach, take some time to ensure that your pets enjoy a healthy, happy season.
One hazard facing pets is exposure to the cold. Most pets are better off indoors except when taken out for potty breaks or exercise. In the wild, cats and dogs are usually part of a “pack” so keeping them inside allows him/her to be a part of your family “pack”. Also, their ears, belly, and feet are not covered by much hair and are more sensitive to the cold and possibly to frostbite. Signs of frostbite include skin that is pale and cool to the touch. Once warmed, the skin may be painful and appear as if it were burned. This condition requires your veterinarian’s attention.
If a pet must live outdoors, shelter MUST be provided. The structure should be built several inches off the ground and be waterproof and draft-free with the entrance sheltered from the wind. The inside should be just big enough that the pet can lie down and have a little head room when standing, but NO larger because the pet’s body heat will help keep the structure warm. Outdoor pets require extra calories to keep warm, thus requiring increased portions. Fresh water must always be available and checked to ensure it hasn’t frozen. No pet should be kept outside during severely cold or inclement weather and can be brought into a garage or shed during such situations.
Knock on your car’s hood or blow the horn before starting it, as cats left outside during cold weather can climb into the engine seeking warmth and become severely injured when the car is started.
Plants and other items of the season can be toxic and/or detrimental to your pet. Rock salt can cut into paws and cause irritation to the skin and vomiting if swallowed. Poinsettia leaves/stems/sap can cause painful irritation to the eyes, mouth, and GI tract. Holly and mistletoe can be fatal to pets. Christmas tree preservatives are also dangerous (the degree of illness depending on the type and amount ingested). Christmas trees, garland, and package ribbons are all potentially dangerous temptations to both dogs and cats. Pets like to play with dangling tinsel, ornaments and gift bows/ribbons, often swallowing/eating them leading to stomach upset and possible intestinal blockage. Electrical cords are often tempting to pets and can, at the very least, cause electrical burns in the mouth if chewed.
Foods like table scraps (turkey, bones, ham, etc.), alcoholic beverages, and chocolate can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends, relatives, or yourself to give your pet these “special” treats.
Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) is EXTREMELY toxic, causing kidney failure. Animals willingly consume it because of its sweet taste. Very small amounts can be fatal (a tablespoon in a cat and ½ cup in a 20 pound dog). Some animals may become ill within 30 minutes of ingestion, while others may take a day or so to show the symptoms of staggering/drunkenness, depression, vomiting, and increased drinking and/or urination. Antifreeze should be kept securely away from children and pets. Any spills should be washed away THOROUGHLY. It is often best to soak up the majority of the spill first by placing litter or sand on it and then scooping this up, followed by profuse washing of the area afterwards. If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested antifreeze, bring them to your veterinarian immediately. DO NOT WAIT for signs of ingestion - the quicker your pet is treated, the better chance he/she has for survival
Winter and the holidays are a busy time for everyone. Remember that your pet may get into more “trouble” because you’re so busy that you are giving less attention to your pet. Protecting your pets from the hazards of the season and safely including them in the festivities brings happiness and warmth into the hearts of you AND your pet!
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