Christmas Tree Safety

The beautiful Christmas Tree you decorated could potentially contain fertilizers, preservatives or even pesticides that can get into the water supply of the tree. Most preservatives used to keep Christmas trees green and fresh are generally not poisonous, but can lead to an upset stomach if ingested.

When the tree is placed in the base, the water can become stagnant, which may develop bacteria cultures. The preservatives and stagnant water could potentially result in nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. The National Christmas Tree Association (yes, there is an organization for this) advises the use of just water in the Christmas Tree stand in order to protect small children and animals from the preservatives. Also, cover the base of the tree to minimize the chance for exposure.

Happy Thanksgiving

Turkey bones, “special treats”, and pets do not mix well.  Please have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and keep your pets safe by taking the bones directly to the outside garbage.  Also, inform your guests that your best friend doesn’t need anything from the table.  Then make sure you have plenty of safe treats for him!

Lastly, please make sure your pets have collars and identification tags on in case of an escape.  You may also consider having them microchipped, as a permanent pet identification.  With all of the company coming and going, an open door makes an easy target.

The best way for our pets to enjoy the holidays is to have a safe retreat available.  A little precaution and prevention will make this a very happy time for everyone. 

Turkey bones

 

with or without meat on them, are very dangerous.  They may get stuck in part of the digestive tract and cause a blockage that does not allow anything else to pass.  The bones may splinter; causing a

sharp point that can scrape, cut, or perforate the animal’s gastrointestinal tract.  This can cause damage from the esophagus down to the rectum.

A blockage that is left untreated can lead to further complications such as tissue death, shock, or eventually death.  Even if the bone doesn’t result in a blockage, there is still the possibility for an internal abrasion.  Symptoms for the above problems may include vomiting most of what they eat or drink, depression, weight loss, diarrhea, sore abdomen, and dehydration.  If you know your pet has gotten into bones, please let us know as soon as possible.  We may need to see your pet for an exam and x-rays.

The holidays are coming!

While we are busy with the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, there are a few things we need to take note of in our homes.  There are several holiday hazards that are of easy access for our pets.  Please take a few moments to read further, to safeguard your best friend!

It is very easy for us to “treat” our pets to a meal, snack, or leftovers that could actually be harmful.  Helpings – large or small – of turkey, gravy, the fixings, poultry skin, and excess fat are too much for their system.  Animals are highly responsive to dietary changes, so it they are given something like our holiday meal, the pancreas goes into overproduction.  This causes gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis.

Joint health

Specific nutrition, including supplements, is a good start to maintaining joint health. Glucosamine provides the fundamentals for all the major tissues in the joint. Fatty acids are also important since they reduce the inflammation in the joint. By reducing the inflammation, you can improve your pet's joint comfort and mobility.

Cats & dogs of all sizes are susceptible to arthritis

Good joint care will help reduce the effects of arthritis and hip dysplasia. Wear and tear in the joints can also be caused from inherited conditions and injuries. Worn protective cartilage and fluid pressure within the joint can also increase pain. The pain reduces their mobility which causes the muscles, ligaments and tendons to weaken. This adds to the instability and joint decay, which causes even more pain and dramatically reduces your pet's mobility further.