Seasonal Messages

CHRISTMAS / WINTER

• Continue your Heartworm Preventative and Flea Control! – Even though the temperature is dropping, don't forget about your pet's parasite prevention! Mosquitoes can still fly during warm spells (which carry heartworm disease), and fleas will be active outdoors until the first few good hard freezes. Fleas and mosquitoes can also become active with temporarily warm temperatures, so we recommend continuing preventatives year round.

• Holiday meals are great for us, but NOT FOR OUR PETS! Turkey and ham can cause severe gastrointestinal problems and pancreas problems as well. Do not give your pet any meat, or fat from the meat as a holiday treat.

• When broken, the bones of fowl – turkey or chicken- turn into needles. If your dog or cat ingests these bones they can cause a pierced bowel, obstructions or other serious medical emergencies. Do not under any circumstances feed your dog or cat the turkey carcass.

• Remember that Chocolate is very toxic ! Keep candy and other chocolate holiday treats away from your pets.

• Holiday decorations can be hazardous to your pets, especially to cats. Swinging and glittery ornaments are tempting to play with, and if accidentally swallowed, can cause terrible problems. If you own a cat, DO NOT USE TINSEL ON YOUR TREE!

• Boxes with bows and ribbons can also be tempting for your pet to play with. Also be careful about edible presents. Keep them out of your pet's reach.

• Holiday plants can also cause problems. The beautiful Poinsettia is very toxic to animals! Also beware of the berries on the holly branches. These plants present a significant danger to your pets. Mistletoe is also toxic.

• Candles are very popular as part of your holiday decorations. Burns can result when a pet becomes curious.

• Avoid the temptation to give a pet to someone for a Christmas present . They are a big commitment and responsibility, and the decision to own one should be carefully considered.

• Never put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck and do not allow your pet to play with plastic or foil wrappings or six-pack beverage holders.

• Cover or tack down all electrical cords so that animals cannot chew on them.

FOR THE COLD WEATHER

• Outdoor Dogs must have access to a properly insulated doghouse , an unfrozen water source and an increase in food intake during cold weather.

• The doghouse should be large enough for the dog to get up and turn around but not so large that it's body heat cannot warm the structure. An old blanket or straw will make it more comfortable as long as it does not become wet.

• Heated water bowls are commercially available which are obviously superior to metal bowls in cold temperatures.

• When an animal needs to burn fat to keep warm, it is important to increase the amount of feed by ¼ to 1/3 depending on size and fur thickness.

• Regularly check the soles of your dog's feet if the snow hits. Ice can build up between the soles and become quite painful.

• Small, clipped or short hair dogs will benefit from a warm doggie sweater or coat. Ensure that they cover the kidney area.

• Many outdoor cats will curl up under the hood of a warm car to beat the cold so quickly bang of the hood of your car prior to starting the engine. Fanbelts cause many injuries to cats and are pretty common this time of year!

• YES! – If it is cold enough for you to wonder weather or not to move your pet inside for the night, the answer is yes! Anytime the temperature outside falls below freezing, it is safest to move them inside. Don't take them into the warmest part of the house though. If you have a cool basement, pantry, or garage, that would be best. Any major temperature fluctuation can have an impact on a pet's immune system, so keep temperatures as stable as possible when moving a pet in or out.

• Antifreeze – This is the time of year that many people flush the radiators of their car in anticipation of the cold winter to come. Please remember that Antifreeze is DEADLY to your pet. Once it is ingested, the effects are almost always fatal. Because antifreeze has a sweet test, your dog or cat will be tempted to lap it up. So make sure that if you do change your antifreeze, dispose of it in the proper way immediately. Check your garage, or driveway for any drips or spots and always keep your pet properly restrained in your yard or home.