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.

Does your pet exhibit any of the following symptoms?

·         Reluctance to walk, jump, or play

·         Limping

·         Not keeping up on walks

·         Difficulty getting up from a resting position

·         Yelping in pain

·         Flinching when touched

Dogs and cats can experience joint pain, which is difficult for the pets and their human companions alike. There are many courses of treatment available for joint pain including pain medications, laser therapy, supplements, treats and special foods. Since even a little extra weight can be a large contributor to joint pain, keeping your four legged friend at the proper weight can help ease joint problems.

Laser Therapy for your pet

Come join us during the month of November for specials on our Laser Therapy! The laser works great for any cats or dogs experiencing aches and pain due to old age, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and many other issues. The laser improves healing time, reduces pain, and decreases inflammation in order to make your pet more comfortable. During the month of November, Seminole Trail Animal Hospital will be offering a single treatment at a discounted price to see if these treatments are right for you and your pet! After the first treatment, one of our doctors will decide with you on a treatment schedule for your pet, as some patients require several treatments before maximum improvement can be seen. Please call 407-366-4486 to schedule your treatment, or if you have any other Laser related questions. 

 www.seminoletrail.com

Halloween decorations

Please be careful with jack-o-lanterns, candles, fake spider webs, and other decorations.  Instead of regular candles, use the battery operated ones to light the jack-o-lanterns and other holiday items.

If your pets ingest the decorations they may become ill, and if they knock over a lit candle they may get burned or start a fire.
 
Halloween can be a fun day for all of your family members – two and four legged – if everyone remains safe.  Have a Happy Halloween!