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WHAT'S NEW
October 2019
Monthly Newsletter
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WOULD YOU LIKE REGULAR PET CARE TIPS AND ANIMAL NEWS? LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
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WE WON A 2019 BEST OF THE WESTSIDE AWARD THANKS TO YOU!
We are honored to have been voted one of the Best Veterinary Services Awards in the Argonaut News Annual Best of the Westside competition.
It is our goal to live up to the standards you have set and we thank everyone who voted for us.
This is our third time placing in this competition and we hope to continue to meet and exceed your expectations in 2020 and beyond.
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WE HAVE BEEN GRANTED STATUS AS A "PREFERRED PRACTICE"
BY EMBRACE PET INSURANCE.
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We have worked hard to become insurance friendly, by processing your pet's insurance claims so you don't have to, educating pet owners on the value of insurance, and learning the systems, pros and cons of many of the different pet insurance companies.
Embrace now offers a 5% discount to any of our clients who sign up either through this link:
www.embracepetinsurance.com/partners/vet-discount
or who mention us on the phone when you sign up by phone.
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INTERESTING EXTERNAL LINK
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centerforpetsafety.org
We all wear seatbelts in our cars. Well, maybe not all of us. The dog usually rides in the back. Special harnesses are available for dog safety but are they rated? It turns out the center for pet safety rates them. They have other projects as well as tips. We invite you to check it out.
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(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)
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DID YOU KNOW...
...CAT CARRIERS DON'T HAVE TO BE SCARY?
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Does your cat run and hide when you take out the carrier? It turns out that difficulties in capturing the family cat and getting him or her into a carrier is a major barrier to proper feline health care. Many cats simply can't be easily brought to the vet's office much less transported in the car for any reason. Here are some tips:
- Use a carrier that opens from both the top and the front. Ideally, you want a carrier where the top can be removed.
- Don't keep the carrier in storage until it is needed. Find a way to have it out and accessible in the cat area at all times. Serve treats in it so that it is a happy place. Remember that cats tend to prefer stable elevated surfaces.
- Carry the carrier from the sides rather than by the top handle to minimize swinging or tipping.
- Many cats feel safer if a towel covers the carrier. Consider covering the carrier during the car ride.
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(original graphic by marvistavet.com) |
The Catalyst Council has made this video with additional tips:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir9m0ZaClAM
 (Photocredit: PieRRoMaN via Wikimedia Commons)
HALLOWE'EN SAFETY
Keep Your Pets Safe On Hallowe'en!
Halloween is a night of fun and mischief. Your pet may or may not want to participate and you may or may not have time to supervise properly with so much going on. Here are some tips for keeping the evening safe (also see later for section on anxiety medications):
- There will be a lot of scary visitors coming to your door. If your pet will be afraid, keep him or her confined and away from the action.
- Keep gates locked and keep pets where they can't get frightened or panicked by spooky noises or strangers. Be sure your pet is wearing ID and your microchip is registered.
- Glow sticks are not toxic but if chewed up will make for a very upset tummy.
- Pet costumes should be comfortable and allow for comfortable movement and breathing. Include reflective material.
- Chocolate is toxic to pets. Also toxic: macadamia nuts, xylitol sugar substitute, and raisins. No sharing!
- Don't leave wires or decorations where they are likely to be chewed up. Pets are curious about all the new smells and textures and may want to play with things. Be sure to pet proof your displays.
- You will be preoccupied with festivities and may not be watching your pet closely. Remember, pets can suffocate with their face in a chip or candy bag in a matter of minutes. Be extra careful of hazards in the home.
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(Photocredit: Unsplash.com) |
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BLACK CATS: Bad luck?
Not really but still the least likely to be adopted from the shelter.
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(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)
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(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)
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Black cats have a special place in superstition but "Black Cat Syndrome" is actually real. Black Cat Syndrome refers to the phenomenon in animal rescue where black cats are the hardest cats to adopt out. They spend the longest time in the shelter as they are chosen last which means they are more likely to be euthanized or to get diseases related to crowding in the shelter.
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Why is this? Most likely, this is not about belief in bad luck but is about the human preference for a cat with color. Some say it is because it is harder to read the expression of a black furred animal and it is certainly harder to get expressive photographs to show off in rescue promotions. Black cats are excellent pets and as affectionate and personable as cats of other color types. If you are considering a feline friend, don't go for looks; its personality that counts!
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(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)
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- In Scotland, the arrival of a strange black cat signifies coming prosperity.
- In Japan, owning a black cat is considered lucky. It is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors.
- In Germany, a black cat crossing your path from right to left is a bad omen but crossing from left to right is a good omen.
- In Europe during the middle ages, black cats were associated with witches, evil, and sorcery, hence their images in Hallowe'en decorations to this day.
Here's a link we like for more on this subject:
https://iheartcats.com/myths-about-black-cats-the-good-the-bad-the-silly/
IS YOUR PET STILL LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT COSTUME?
(Photocredit: Target.com) |
 (Photocredit: Target.com) |
 (Photocredit: Morguefile.com) |
 (Photocredit: Morguefile.com) |
Looking for the perfect pet costume? Here are some links:
https://jet.com/search?term=DOG%20COSTUMES
www.partycity.com/category/halloween+costumes/dog+costumes.do
www.target.com/c/pets-costumes-halloween-party-supplies-holidays/-/N-5tf58#?lnk=snav_rd_halloween_pet_costumes
HOLIDAY STRESS FOR PETS
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(original graphics by marvistavet.com)
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Some pets just aren't cut out for large numbers of visitors coming to the door. If this is likely to be too much for your pet, here are some options.
- Confine your pet to an escape-proof area indoors ideally where they won't even hear the commotion.
- We have the gabapentin "cat martini" for cats and Sileo® for dogs to quell anxiety and "bring the Zen." Call for more details.
- Have someone assigned to sit with the animals during the activities to help keep them calm and periodically deliver distracting treats.
- Worst case scenario, board your pets for Halloween night and have one less thing to worry about.
WE HOPE ALL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS (BOTH 2 AND 4 LEGGED) HAVE A SAFE AND FUN HOLIDAY!
DON'T FORGET TO "LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK SO YOU CAN GET TIPS AND LINKS
TO HELP BRING YOUR PET THE BEST POSSIBLY CARE.
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