Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital Newsletters

Newsletter for December 2004

In this issue:

* Protecting your Pets During Cold Weather
* Picking the Best Care for your Pets while Traveling
* Last Minute Gift Ideas for Pets
* New Year's Resolutions go to the Dogs--and Cats!
* Family Gathering Tips to Follow


 

Protecting Your Pets During Cold/Inclement Weather


Animals that stay outside can develop frostbite, hypothermia, or simply be wet, cold, and miserable. Below are a few tips to make certain that your pets will fair the cold season without problems.

1. Shelter - Shelter for your outdoor animals should be elevated off of the ground. The shelter should also be placed in an area to shield the animal from the extremes of weather and allowed to remain dry and comfortable. Lastly, the shelter should be watertight.

2. Feeding - You should feed your outdoor pets a little more than usual because outdoor pets require more calories in the winter. The additional calories help the animal generate enough energy to manage the cold weather.

3. Watering - Periodically check your animal's water to make sure it is not frozen.

4. Short-haired dogs - If you have a short-haired animal you may consider bringing the animal indoors or providing it with a sweater or other garment if it is to remain outdoors for a period of time.

5. Indoors - If you plan to bring your animals inside, they should first be brought in to an area that is not room temperature. This will keep the animal from developing any type of respiratory problems.



Picking Best Care For Your Pets While You Travel For Holidays

*Take Unannounced Tour Of Kennel Before Booking Animal's Stay, Experts Say

If you're heading out of town for the holidays and need someone to take care of your pet, you have a few things to consider before booking a stay at a kennel.

First you have to decide whether you want a bare bones kennel with just the basics or a "Doggy Resort" replete with plush bedding and piped-in music. Once you figure that out, plan on visiting several facilities before booking one.

The experts say choosing a good boarding place for your pets involves a little advance detective work.

"Just show up -- don't even call ahead. Just show up and get a tour right then and there," said Linda Welch, a boarding facility owner.

And once you're inside ...

"Look at whether there are adequate-size runs for the animals, whether there's shelter from the sun. Is it a comfortable place to be? [Determine] whether the dogs are protected from other dogs," said Robert Krughoffer, of Consumer Checkbook magazine.

Consumer Checkbook magazine suggests you check how long the kennel has been in business under the same management, and observe the staff. Make sure the animals are required to be vaccinated and that the staff has your vet's contact information, in case of an emergency.

Also, make sure there's a separate area where the kennel can isolate an animal that becomes ill during its stay.

Consumer Checkbook surveyed thousands of kennels and found dramatic differences in customer satisfaction and price.

"Some kennels will charge you $6 a day if you want your dog to get an extra 15-minute walk every day, or they'll charge you an extra $2 to give the dog a pill, for instance. These things can add up," Krughoffer said.

And book well in advance. Some kennels are already taking reservations for the Fourth of July.

You can also check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints and call your local courthouse to see if any lawsuits have been filed against a particular kennel.

Link: Humane Society of U.S.: Choosing a Boarding Kennel

The experts recommend that you exercise your dog before dropping them off at the kennel. Also, don't overfeed them and avoid an emotional farewell to avoid stressing the animal.

The experts also suggest a socialization visit where your pet spends a few hours at the facility before spending the night there, saying such a visit helps eliminate separation anxiety.

You can also check to see if the kennel is a member of the American Boarding Kennel Association.



Last Minute Gift Ideas for Pets

The last minute rush to find the perfect holiday gift for the family dog, cat, bird, and yes, even ferret, is on. The most popular gifts for pets take a twist on holiday icons and traditions, mimic holiday treats for people and emphasize playful interaction between pets and their families.

Dogs

--  Gingerbread boy and girl toys: Run, run as fast as you can! Dogs can
    chew, fetch and frolic with fun gingerbread boy- and girl-shaped plush and
    rope toys.
--  Jingle bell and flashing light collars: What's red, green and furry?
    Your pet, if he or she is wearing a festive holiday collar with flashing
    red and green lights or jingle bells.

Cats

--  Holiday toy gift packs: Everything to keep a cat content in one
    festive gift pack. Sparkling mice, teasers and rattle balls keep cats
    entertained.
   

Birds

--  Polly Want a Piñata Bird Toy: Ay! Ay! Ay! Pet birds can enjoy a dash
    of south-of-the-border fun with these unique donkey, bird and rainbow
    shaped piñatas, each filled with a fruit treat.
   

Small Pets

--  Critter Revolution Hamster House: Little creatures will do a lot of
    nighttime stirring once they set paws in this all-in-one hamster home. Neon
    colors, tubing and an exercise wheel provide fun for the pet parent and
    helps to keep small pets fit and occupied.
   

Fish

--  Decorative fish bowls: Beautiful clear bowls with imbedded bubble
    patterns, curved glass or etched images make for sophisticated fish homes.



New Year's Resolutions Go to the Dogs ... and the Cats!


Humans Aren't the Only Ones Who Can Benefit From New Year's Vows to Improve Health in 2005

Every year, millions of Americans vow to eat less, exercise more and improve their overall health come January 1. But humans aren't the only ones who can benefit from a diet and lifestyle overhaul. While New Year's resolutions may not be the top priority for our furry friends, they can be if pet parents resolve to help their dogs and cats live healthier lives in the year to come.

Top Five Pet-Friendly New Year's Resolutions

Dr. Robert Goldstein, one of the nation's foremost veterinarians who specializes in animal nutrition and Medical Director of Animal Nutrition Technologies, offers these tips to help you ring in the new year with your pets in mind:

1. Resolve to be more careful about what you feed your pet by learning how to read the label on your pet food. The first ten ingredients listed on the label are the key to the foods' nutritional value. Take special note of the first ingredient listed, because this is the one that is most prevalent. Chicken, lamb or other meat should be listed first, followed by whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits and other quality fat and protein sources.

2. Resolve to feed your dog a healthy pet food. All pet foods are not created equal. Most makers of dogs and cat foods process their foods with heat up to 350 degrees. This heating process can degrade many heat-sensitive antioxidants and vitamins making them less active. Opt for a nutritious brand like BLUE, which has cold formed LifeSourceBits containing a blend of antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins which aren't exposed to high levels of heat, so the added protection stays in tact. Pets can benefit from a diet rich in antioxidants which defend against free radicals -- activated molecules that bang around inside the body and can cause inflammation, premature aging, degeneration and disease.

3. Resolve to reduce your pet's exposure to harmful substances. Environmental factors can cause cancer in dogs and cats, particularly toxins found in common fertilizers, pesticides and household cleaning agents. Because pets are small in size and closer to the ground, they can often have direct contact with these harmful toxins. Do not use chemical cleansers or pesticides that have warning labels that state they are not safe for animals and people. Consider purchasing "green" products sold at human health food stores instead. Keep your pet's skin clean and free of chemicals by washing your dog with a natural shampoo every 2-4 weeks and grooming your cat with a comb or brush weekly.

4. Resolve to make regular visits to the vet. Every pet needs to be examined by a veterinarian yearly. Illnesses that are caught early are often treatable, and regular exams are your best weapon.

5. Resolve to give your pet lots of exercise. Plenty of exercise helps to prevent obesity and illness in pets and can limit visits to the vet. Insufficient exercise can contribute to behavioral problems including chewing, digging, hyperactivity and unruliness. Dogs can benefit from twice-daily long walks or even runs. Pet parents can benefit as well from daily runs in partnership with their dogs. Indoor cats should have plenty of toys they can play with independently like balls and hanging strings that can keep them active.

Here's how to keep pets safe at holiday gatherings      

The holidays will be in full swing in a matter of days and the Humane Society of Central Oregon is reminding people to keep pets safe during family gatherings. Consider the following tips to keep pets safe and comfortable in the home and to prevent any accidents from occurring.


Family Gathering Tips to Follow

*  New People and a Busy Household: Make family gatherings a positive and safe experience for your pet. Introduce new people to pets with care and don¡¦t let the dog or cat dash out the door as people enter your home. Current and legible ID tags ensure a quick and safe return home.

*  Foods: Too much fatty, rich, or even just new types of food can give your pet diarrhea, vomiting, pancreatitis or gastroenteritis all of which can be very painful and serious.

*  Bones: Bones can tear up or obstruct your pet¡¦s insides. Place your table scraps in secure covered garbage containers or out of doors.

*  Strings and ties: Often used to tie up the turkey during roasting can tie up your pets insides too.

*  Alcoholic Drinks: An ounce of alcohol can poison a small dog.

*  Chocolate: Keep chocolate away from dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in dogs.

*  Desserts: In large quantity they can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

*  Christmas Trees: Cats and dogs also fancy the pretty decorations. Cats can climb and knock over trees, so secure them safely. Dogs will chew on ornaments and pine needles, both of which can puncture intestines.

*  Holiday Plants: Poinsettias, mistletoe, holly and Christmas cacti may be the plants of the season, but they are toxic to some pets and can cause diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.

*  Artificial snow can cause vomiting and other digestive problems.


Happy Holidays!