 |
Pet Health Tips |
| Winterize Your Pets |
| Fall has been extremely warm this year, making it hard to believe that winter will ever come. But cold weather will soon be here and pets and their owners need to be prepared. Outdoor pets are at the greatest risk for hypothermia and frostbite and should be allowed indoors during extreme temperatures. If you must keep your pets outdoors, dogs and rabbits will need a house or hutch just large enough for their bodies with a small door protected from the wind. Thin, shorthaired dogs that are used to being indoors may even need a doggie coat when going out for a walk. Thank goodness there is a wide variety of styles available for the fashion conscious pooch. All pet birds should be kept away from doors and drafty areas of the house. |
| Antifreeze is a very common poison, it's sweet odor and taste attracts all animals. With the cooler weather, many people are adding or changing the antifreeze in their cars. The smallest spill can be deadly to your pet. When ingested antifreeze causes severe kidney damage nearly always resulting in death unless immediate and aggressive medical treatment is begun. Be sure to keep antifreeze out of reach and to clean up all spills promptly, if you suspect your pet has ingested any amount of antifreeze, call us immediately. "Sierra" antifreeze is a newer product and is somewhat safer for pets. Your car also poses a special threat to outdoor cats who often climb inside the hood to sleep on the warm engine. Be sure to knock on the hood or honk the horn before starting the ignition |
| Beware of salt and deicing products. These are very irritating to the pads and also to the mouth as most pets try to lick their sore feet clean. Pet's feet should be washed immediately after with these products. Also watch for ice and snow chunks that tend to build up between the pads. |
| Is your pet arthritic, slow to get up, or reluctant to go on a walk? Older pets have more problems associated with arthritis in the colder weather. It is important to keep them moderately active and warm to keep their joints flexible. A daily walk helps, even if the pace is slow. These pets need to spend most of their time indoors in a heated environment and should sleep on a soft pet bed rather than a cold hard floor. Time to spoil the dog! There are many safe and effective medications to help slow the progression of arthritis and to decrease the pain associated with it. Please make an appointment if your pet suffers from arthritis so that we can help you make them more comfortable.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
[
Home |
Our Story |
Directions |
Meet The Staff |
Hospital Tour |
Resources & Links |
Community/Events ]
|
