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HOLIDAY
SAFETY TIPS
EACH HOLIDAY SEASON WE OFFER
A REMINDER OF THE HAZARDS OF THE SEASON THAT
FACE YOUR PET Be careful how you deck your halls! The holiday season is generally a time of family togtherness in which even our pets participate. One’s thoughts generally are far
from thoughts of injury; however, one must be aware of some important seasonal hazards in order to insure a happy holiday season. RIBBONS & TINSEL These
are of special interest to playful cats and kittens who see these materials as toys (or prey) to be chased, pounced upon, chewed or swallowed. While chasing and pouncing pose no health threats, chewing and swallowing
do, as these strings or “linear foreign bodies” can catch in the GI tract, leading to bunching of intestine as the body tries in vain to move the string or ribbon through. This is a life-threatening condition requiring
surgery for correction. Supervise animals who play with string closely. ELECTRIC LIGHT CORDS These are also tempting to cats who like to play with string as
well as to puppies who are teething and interested in chewing. If a pet bites through an electrical cord, it could result in a severe burn to the tongue which causes the pet’s lung to fill with fluid, causing
respiratory distress. This is also an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. CHOCOLATE Many people do not realize that chocolate can be a
poison. Unsweetened baking chocolate carries a much higher dose of the toxin “theobromine” than does milk chocolate, but even normal milk chocolate can be dangerous; a small dog sharing candy can wind up in big trouble.
Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning include hyperexcitability, nervousness, vomiting, and diarrhea. These signs may even progress to seizuring and death. POINSETTIA Consuming this festive-looking plant can be irritating to the mouth and stomach of the dog or cat that chews on or eats it. Contrary to popular belief, however, poinsettia is not specifically toxic.
MISTLETOE The fact that there are several types of mistletoe makes it difficult to predict the clinical signs of poisoning. Some mistletoes produce only stomach
upset while others may lead to liver failure or seizuring. Consider mistletoe to be a hazardous substance and keep it inaccessible to pets and children. COOKING Keep pets out of the kitchen during the hustle and bustle of the season. The last thing you want is for someone you love to get underfoot and get burned from spillage.
DIETARY INDISCRETION We all like to include our pets in Holiday meals along with the rest of the family, but try to keep in mind that sudden rich diet changes are likely to upset a pet’s
stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon. If leftovers are of an especially fatty nature, the pancreas may become inflamed and overloaded. This condition is serious and may require hospitalization WE WISH ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL PET-OWNERS THE SAFEST AND MOST SPECIAL OF HOLIDAYS |
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[Back to Index at Top of Page] A Special Tribute and Goodbye PANDA (1983 - 1999)
Panda, the Shih-Tzu-poodle mix, belonging to receptionist Karen Avines has helped welcome our patrons on Saturdays for nearly 16 years and every day of the week for the
past 4 years. She had a special blanket beside the medical records file and an even more special place in our hearts. While she may be absent from the former she will never be
gone from the latter. Panda plays with the Angels now on the Rainbow Bridge.
[Back to Index at Top of Page] TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET
‘Tis the season for writing USDA Health Certificates. If you are planning to travel with your pet this season. Here are some things you need to know: FLYING WITH YOUR PET IN THE CABIN WITH YOU
- Most
 airlines require pets to be 15 lbs
or less to fly in the cabin with their
owners (this weight includes both the pet and the carrier). This also means the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. . Check with the airline about the carrier size and dimensions.
Most airlines sell carriers or you can buy one from a pet supply store.
- Be sure to confirm with the airline the day before travel that your pet is coming with you.
- Remember that you will need a USDA Health Certificate in most cases. Check with the airline as to how recent the certificate must be issued. The USDA considers a
health certificate good for 30 days but many airlines and states have their own ideas about how long a health certificate should be valid (10 days is typical for domestic
travel). Some states require special vaccinations. Foreign countries often require special notarization of the certificate beyond the veterinarian’s signature so be sure
to check with the consulate regarding what you need.
- Some animals may be stressed or frightened by travel. Consider tranquilizers. If your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, you may just want to have them on hand in case of unexpected anxiety.
YOUR PET AS CHECKED LUGGAGE
- Some airlines have maximum weight requirements. Be sure to check if you have a big dog.
- Most states will not accept animals younger than 8 weeks of age. Such youngsters will not be allowed to travel by air.
Federal regulations require each kennel be properly marked as follows:
- Display a "Live Animals" Label
with letters at least 1 inch high, on top and on at least one side of the kennel.
- Indicate the Top
with arrows or "This End Up" markings on at least two sides.
- Feeding Instructions Label:
If food is necessary it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.
- Feeding Certification Attached:
Certification must be attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered food and water within four hours prior to
drop off at the airline. IMPORTANT: Do not feed your animal in the two (2) hours prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
- Contact Information Label:
Label with your name, address and phone number at origin and destination cities. It is also a good idea to include your pet's name on the
label (in case of escape, it may help to call the animal by name).
- Include two empty dishes:
One for food and one for water, securely attached to the container and accessible from the outside.
- Absorbent Material:
The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter. (Black and white printed newspaper is a good choice). Please note that the use of straw,
hay or wood shavings is prohibited for international shipments.
According to the Animal Welfare Act, there are specific temperature guidelines to which airlines must adhere. Ambient temperatures in holding areas for cats and
dogs must not fall below 45 degrees F for more than 4 consecutive hours. Dogs and cats must not be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees for more than 45
minutes when being moved to or from a holding areas. If temperatures are to be lower, a certificate from the veterinarian must accompany the pet stating that the pet is acclimated to lower temperatures. We wish easy travel and Happy Holidays
to everyone transporting their pets this Holiday season.
Please contact us if you need further information
in preparation for travel. [Back to Index at Top of Page] Thank-You for our New Referrals
Here are the names of our clients who have referred their family or friends to our hospital in August. Our referring clients receive a $15 credit as a gesture of thanks.
Donald Vinetz |
Anthony Dudman |
Lauren O’Bryan |
Gary Bethel |
Amy Weitman |
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Thank you again for your confidence in us. [Back to Index at Top of Page] NEW ON OUR WEB SITE
COLITIS “Colitis” means inflammation of the colon and that spells diarrhea often with fresh
blood or mucus, straining and discomfort for the pet as well as a mess to clean up. We have received many requests to add a page on this condition and, finally, here it is, in The Pet Web Library.
AURAL HEMATOMA “Aural” (not “oral”) means “pertaining to the ear.” The aural hematoma results
when an animal breaks a blood vessel in the flap of the ear. The ear flap fills with blood and becomes like a heavy water balloon hanging from the pet’s head. To
find out what conditions lead to this and about treatment, visit this new page in The Surgery Suite.
[Back to Index at Top of Page] Featured product of the month:
Boarding Package Compliment your pet’s stay with us with this special holiday package:
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Normal Cost |
Complete veterinary check-up: |
$33 |
Conditioning Coat Rinse: |
$11 |
Box or Bag of Dental Treats: |
$6.50 - $13.85 |
Advantage Application (for a month of flea control): |
$10 - $12 |
USUAL COST: |
$60.50 - $69.85 |
Special Holiday Boarding Package Price:
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$50 |
Just ask for the BOARDING PACKAGE at time of drop-off!
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