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Keeping Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Keeping Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Wellness Wednesday

Keeping Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Our pets are part of our family so it isn’t unusual for them to join in our holiday festivities. Even though they are part of our family, pets have special needs that don’t allow them to celebrate in the same way we do.

Pets like to sit under the dining table in hopes that they will pick up a scrap or two. Sharing your meat scraps with a pet can be ok if no seasoning is used. Ingredients like onions can cause fatigue in pets, raisins in fruitcake can cause kidney failure as well as garlic, nuts, and nutmeg that can cause a variety of GI issues Be careful with the foods your pet may pick up or given.

Pets also like to linger around the Christmas tree trying to get a few sips of the water used to keep your live tree fresh. Although it seems harmless, Christmas trees leach out fertilizer and other toxic chemicals into the water. Standing water becomes a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria. It is best to keep your pets out of this water no matter how cute it may seem. A suggestion would be to cover the trees water basin with foil or plastic wrap to keep your pet safely out of the water.

Pets are also one of the most requested gifts from children. How do you know if your child is ready for a pet? Ask yourself this question first. How good is your child at reliably completing chores? This will tell you how likely they are to help with the pet. This will also help you understand how much your child can do on their own and how much help you need to contribute. This should be a family decision as your new pet will become the newest member of your family.

Wishing you and your pets a safe and happy holiday season.

by Denise Visco

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Protecting Your Four Legged Friend During The Summer Month

Protecting Your Four Legged Friend During The Summer Month

While it is easy for humans to detect their body reactions to heat, for pets, it is not so easy. This is why it is important to keep a close eye on your pets and provide extra care for them during the hot summer months.

Follow these helpful tips when it comes to protecting your four legged friend:

1. Do not leave pets in a parked car: The temperature inside a vehicle can quickly approach dangerous. If you know your pet will not be allowed in a certain store while you are out, make sure to keep them at home in the comfort of your air conditioned home.

2. Change pets exercise regimen: Midday walks should be switched to early mornings and evenings when the sun is not at its peak and the temperatures are cooler.

3. Be mindful of your breed: Short-nosed breeds have a harder time in extreme heat due to their shorter airways. Also, consider the fur on your dog. For example, dogs with more hair like huskies should spend very little time outside to avoid over heating.

4. Let dogs inside: Your dog may enjoy their dog house but they are very similar to a parked car on hot days. Bring your dog inside and let them enjoy the air conditioning.

5. Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Heavy painting, glazed eyes and rapid heart beat are all sure signs of heatstroke. Make sure that if your pet has any of these signs to seek medical help immediately.

Pets are not just pets, they are family. Make sure that you treat your furry friend with extra love and compassion on these hot days as well as every other day of the year.

#fightagainstanimalcruelty

 

10 Fruits and Vegetables That Are Toxic To Your Dog

10 Fruits and Vegetables That Are Toxic To Your Dog

dog 1We love our dogs and enjoy feeding them food off of our plates. We don’t intentionally mean to harm them by doing this, but there are some foods that are toxtic to our dogs. While fruits and vegetables are healthy for us, they are not for our dogs. Here are 10 that you should be aware of.

Grapes-Can cause kidney failure

Onions-They can cause an elevated heart rate and respiratory rates, pale
gums, and even collapsing.

Cherries-Although good for us, they can cause respiratory failure and
then death in dogs.

Mushrooms-They are fatal. If you notice your dog has eaten a mushroom,
taking him to the vet immediately and explain what was eaten and how
long ago if known.

Currants-have the same dangerous effects as grapes.

Potatoes-can cause nausea, vomiting and heart irregularities.

Apricot-can cause respiratory failure and death. They are very
dangerous for dogs.

Rhubarb-Can cause many problems and never be eaten.

Apples-Seeds contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs.

Tomatoes-not only the tomato but the plant is toxic to dogs.

dog 2There are other foods that are dangerous to dogs as well. Milk and milk-based products cause diarrhea and other digestive problems. Ice
cream is the worst of all. Any product with caffeine, especially chocolate and sugar. These increase insulin. Eggs are dangerous because the bacteria may cause poisoning.

 

The above may surprise you because the same foods are healthy and safe for us. To be totally safe, only feed your dog foods that are formulated specifically for dogs. We love our dogs, so let’s make the extra effort to keep them happy and healthy!

Written by: Denise Visco

Are Your Pets Protected From the Cold Weather?

Are Your Pets Protected From the Cold Weather?

warm catIn many areas, the winter season can be bitter cold. Although your four legged furry friend may have fur and a warm coat, that does not mean they are protected from bone chilling temperatures.

It is important to help your pet maintain their health and happiness during the colder months.

Here are the Top Ten Ways you can help your furry friend(s) this season:

1. Keep pets indoors where it is warm –
Avoid leaving your cat or dog outside with no supervision. If you are letting your pet outside to use the bathroom, stand by the door, wait for your pet to take care of their business and bring them back inside immediately.

2. Take Precautions if your pet spends a lot off time outside –
If your pet likes to spend time outside, be sure that they have a place to go to warm up, such as a dog house. Dog houses should be a few inches off the ground and should be covered with cedar shavings or straw. Be sure that the opening to the shelter is facing away from the wind.

3. Help Feral Cats in your Neighborhood –
Provide food and water for them in a bowl in a area outside covered by an awning.Help them keep warm by buying a large foam cooler, cutting a opening on one of the ends and placing it somewhere safe and dry outside. The body heat from the cat with absorb into the foam providing heat for the cat.

4. Give extra helping –
Pets and animals need more food during the colder months to keep their energy levels high. Trying to stay warm depletes their energy.

5. Beware of cats sheltering in cars –
Cats seek shelter in cars during the winter. Whether it is underneath the car or somewhere under your hood, they will find a way to nuzzle in and keep warm. Before starting your car, give a good bang on the hood. Once you get in the car, honk your horn. Making noise will awaken any sleeping cats. Before driving away leave a few minutes incase any cats need to escape your car. Cats can squeeze them selves into the tiniest spaces and may need some extra time to weasel their way out.

6. Protect Paws from Salt –
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. When your pet returns inside, wipe down their feet with a warm damp towel. dog cold

7. Avoid Anti-Freeze Poisoning –
Anti-Freeze has a sweet taste that may attract pets and even young children. Store any anti-freeze products you have in a high closet or cupboard.

8. Speak Up! –
If you see an animal left in the cold for a long period of time. Document what you see, take a picture and contact your nearest Animal Rescue or Patrol.

9. Keep Your Pets Near You –
Keeping your pets close and providing them with human interaction will help keep them happy and lively.

10. If you Own Horses –
All horse owners should feed their horses around the clock. Make sure they have a warm barn to go into for shelter as well as blankets to keep warm.

Follow these tips and protect your furry friend this winter season.

Written by: Amanda Haase