Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital Newsletters

Newsletter for August 2003

In this issue:

ADVICE FOR THE COLDER WINTER MONTHS
& HOLIDAY SEASON

Some great tips from Ralston Purina.....

Heartworm Disease: This mosquito-transmitted disease can be fatal to your dog. In areas that have a year-round mosquito problem, it is recommended that dogs be kept on a heartworm preventative throughout the year. After having your dog tested for heartworm by your veterinarian, ask about heartworm preventatives, available in chewable or pill form and given daily or monthly.

Housing: Be sure to provide proper shelter for your pets. If yours in an indoor pet, his bed or crate should be kept in a warm, draft-free area, preferably elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet is kept outdoors, provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter. The house should be elevated enough so that moisture cannot accumulate inside. If possible, provide a "door" (perhaps of canvas) to keep out the winter winds. If your pet is in a pen, you might block the wind and weather with bales of straw and stretch canvas over the top of the pen. If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pet inside.

Frostbite: Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat at once.  Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place immediately. Thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm moist towels that are changed frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible; he/she will probably want to evaluate the seriousness of the conditions.

Snow Removal Salt: Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have low to moderate toxicity, depending on the ingredients and amount ingested.  Read the labels and take necessary precautions. Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove salt from your pet's paws immediately.

Antifreeze: Even a very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal.  Precautions are necessary with all antifreeze products on the market. Read labels and warning carefully. Thoroughly clean up spills at once. Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them.

Napping Cats: Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth. Before starting your vehicle, knock on the hood and honk the horn. Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat might have taken shelter there.

Food: Staying warm requires extra calories, so feed your pet accordingly when the temperature drops. Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.

Water: Always have fresh, clean water available for your pet. If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check his water frequently since it may freeze.

Birds: Please don't forget our feathered friends during the cold weather. They need a lot more food to maintain their body temperature during this season.

PETS, SPOUSES COMPETE FOR TITLE OF BEST STRESS RELIEVER:

PETS WIN !!

The human animal bond has done it again. According to a new study, a furry friend may do more to help one's stress level than a spouse. People's heart rate and blood pressure are affected less while performing stressful tasks when they are in the presence of their pet vs. their spouse.

This study investigated the stress levels of 480 people, while alone and in the presence of various combinations of friends, spouses, and pets, as they performed two tasks commonly used to study stress: completing a series of mental arithmetic problems and submerging a hand in ice water for two minutes. An electronic monitor recorded participants heart rate and blood
pressure at baseline and then once each minute during the tasks.

The study revealed that pet owners had, on average, a significantly lower baseline heart rate and blood pressure than other participants, reacted less on stress tests, and returned to baseline levels more quickly. Cats and dogs were equally beneficial, and researchers did not find major
personality or demographic differences between pet owners and non-owners that could account for the differences.

One explanation for the beneficial effects of pets could come from the research of Dr. Johannes Odendaal, a researcher at the Life Sciences Research Institute in Pretoria, South Africa. Dr. Odendaal's research has shown that people who interact with dogs have increased levels of oxytocin and phenylethylamine, hormones that produce pleasant feelings and a sense of well being. Dr. Karen Allen, a research scientist at the State University of New York, Buffalo, believes that the explanation lies in the fact that people think friends and spouses are somehow evaluating them, whereas pets are seen as non judgmental supporters.

SOME MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS:

Sherry Kiel, one of our favorite clients was nice enough to provide us with this link: http://www.worldpetstore.com/ ...... a really neat place to purchase unique pet products like heated water bowls for outdoor pets during cold weather. Thanks Sherry!

Dr. McCollum wants to remind everyone that it is especially important to use antibiotics properly and for the sufficient length of time to prevent resistant infections. This will also prevent us from eventually having to use newer and much more expensive antibiotics for your pets.

As we look back over the past year, we are thankful for our many excellent clients that take such good care of their pets. It truly is a joy to work together with each of you in providing a high level of care for your beloved pets. We certainly look forward to serving you in the new year to
come.