December 2008 News Letter

 
Burr...winter is here.  This is the month of hurrying, scurrying, and trying to get everything bought, wrapped, assembled, sent and baked.  The smells, the lights, the sounds, the sights, and good will are all around us now.  I love all the candy, cookies and treats that we get, and like to give out those special home made presents that are made with love and from the heart.  It is also a time to remember those less fortunate than ourselves.


Winter wonderland....or Disaster?

The decorations this time of the year are spectacular.  They sparkle, shine, glitter and chime.
They also attract our 4 legged friends.  Electrical cords can be chewed, tinsel can be eaten, bulbs broken, trees knocked over, cords that can choke, or get wrapped around a pet, and of course a fresh tree has a water supply that isn't healthy for your pets.  Poinsettias can make your pet sick and so can some of the other plants or flowers you receive or use for decorations.  Candles can be knocked over by accident, ornaments can be mistaken as toys, and doors can be left open as guests come and go from the house. Keep these things in mind when you prepare for the holiday season.  Make your home safe for your pets.
 




Visitors

Your house is clean, meals prepared, and spare rooms readied for your guests to arrive for the holidays.  What about your pets?  Their world, as they know it, is about to be turned upside down.  Gone are the routines that they have learned to live with. These type of situations can cause stress and anxiety in your pets.  Some of the solutions to this can be as simple as putting your pet in a place where it is quiet and they feel safe.  Give them a special treat to make them feel special.  Try to adhere to their normal schedule as much as possible.  It is also wise to inform your guests as to the rules and routines of your pets, what to feed, what not to feed, how much to feed, exercise and going outside rules and regulations.  That will eliminate any confusion and make your holidays more enjoyable.


Yawning

Have you seen someone yawn and then start yawning yourself?  Researchers from Birkbeck's School of Psychology at the University of London, discovered that dogs can "catch" your yawn too.  It is an involuntary reaction, triggered by seeing others doing the same thing.

Contagious yawning in dogs suggests that this phenomenon is not specific to primate species and may indicate that dogs possess the capacity for a basic form of empathy.

The research went on to show that using several breeds of dogs watching a person form a large yawn, 72 percent of the dogs did the same.  When the same person just opened his mouth like a yawn, none of the dogs yawned.

I'll be home for the holidays

Going home for the holidays?  There are several things that need to be done before you make the trip.  Is there a friend or pet sitter that needs be called?  If you are planning on boarding your pet it is a good idea to make the reservations well in advance.  Waiting until the last minute may leave you grounded.  If you are flying, check with the airline as to their policies concerning accommodating your pet, and get the necessary paper work they require.  If you are taking your pet by car, remember to take ID, vaccine records, their normal food, toys for entertainment, a crate or carrier, any medications, and if your pet has problems riding in the car, you can ask your veterinarian if dispensing tranquilizers is an option.  Which ever way you are traveling, or if you are staying close to home, have a great holiday season and be safe.




Is your pet in pain?

Is your pet in pain?  How would you know? They are the silent sufferers.  There are many things that can cause pain to your pets. Medications have improved so there are more medications available from your veterinarian to help relieve the pains.  Many of the causes of the pain are things you don't notice or think of as being pain related.
Below is a list of several areas where pain is involved:

back
sprains
anal glands
eye problems
ears
skin
dental issues
stomach problems
surgeries
spays and neuters
declaw
arthritis
urinary tract infections
upper respiratory infections
 
If you or someone you care about is in pain, you would do anything to relieve them of it.  Your pets are no different.  Their pain is not always noticed since they are unable to voice it.  There are several signs to look for and there are many new medications to relieve them.

ears: shaking head, scratching at ears, head tilt, crying when head is touched
eyes: watering, squinting, rubbing eyes, red eyes, swelling around eye
anal glands:  scooting, paying more attention to their rear
arthritis:  limping, slow getting up or laying down, not wanting to climb stairs or exercise
urinary tract infection:  frequent urination, inappropriate urination, blood in the urine, small, frequent    
             urination
dental:  not eating or not eating as much, trouble chewing, pawing at the mouth, excessive salivation
abdominal pain:  hunching of the back, shaking, cries when picked up or touched in the abdomen,                   
            shivering, hiding
surgery:  any surgery can be painful.  It is the best policy to let the veterinarian dispense pain       
            medications or give a pain injection to relieve the pain and make your pet more comfortable
leg pain:  trouble getting up and down, slow moving, holding a leg up or not putting as much weight on 
            that leg, not able to get comfortable, may go off their feed
skin:  scratching, itching, rolling on back, rubbing against objects, bleeding or raw areas, sore or scabs
back:  hunched back, dragging or not using real legs, cries when moved, not eating, stiff movements

Many pets will stop eating, start hiding, crying, or exhibit other signs of pain or discomfort.  If your pet is experiencing any or several of the signs listed, or just does not appear to be acting as they normally do, contact your veterinarian for an appointment.  You know how you feel when something hurts or aches.  Don't let your pet suffer unnecessarily, there are many new medications that can help relieve them of their pain and make you feel better as well.

Clinic News and Information

Sherry is going to a Continuing Education Seminar this month in Maryland.  She will share what she learned with us at our next staff meeting.

Remember, during the hectic holidays, if you need any medication and time is an issue, we will be more than happy to mail it to you.

Don't forget to compare our prices with those that you are paying on the flea and heart-worm preventions.  It will be worth your while.

Dr. Ollis has returned from maternity leave.  She is now taking appointments.  We want to thank Dr. Moore for his assistance in covering for Dr. Ollis while she was gone.  I hope you enjoyed him and his services as much as we did.  Dr. Pennington and Dr. McCollum worked hard to help cover the hours as well.

Remember, give our office a call to set up an appointment for Dr. Ollis, or any of the doctors.  We look forward to helping you and your 4 legged friends. 

Priest Lake Veterinary Hospital at 615-361-4646.  Caring People Caring For Your Pets!

We want to wish all of our clients and patients, all the best for the holidays and have a safe and happy New Year.  See you then.