Category: Holiday

172 Noise phobias- new resources

I have had numerous clients report to me that recent thunderstorms are upset dogs and cats. I looks like we might finally get a break in the rain and storms, but then July 4 and fireworks will come along.

I normally recommend a ladder of approaches. The lowest rung in calming phermones like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats. I have had some good results with Thundershirts, and white noise machines.


For the more serious affected dogs, I recommended medications. I normally start with Trazadone, but can escalate to Sileo if severe.


And I always recommend letting the pet feel safe, where ever that is, without inadvertently “rewarding” the attention seeking with lots of attention.


For a long term approach when it isn’t thunderstorm season, I recommend a gentle approach of playing a CD or digital file of thunderstorms, first very softly, then gradually increasing the volume, while the pet is distracted with pleasurable stimuli (food, treats, toys) to help desensitize to the noise. When the real deal comes along, there is much more than noise, but it can help decrease the severity of the pets reaction, or postpone the anxiety.

For more info:
https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/fear-of-thunder-fireworks/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=What+s+New+In+June&utm_campaign=20210601_Newsletter_FFP#blog_link1

166 Easter Dangers

Every season can have potential dangers and toxicity for our pets. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the top 4 dangers are chocolate, plastic Easter grass, plants, and pesticides/herbicides.

Here are my top dangers for Easter
1) Chocolate. This is easily MY favorite treat, but there is an ingredient, theobromine, that can be toxic to dogs, depending on their size. Theobromine is a relative of caffeine, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, up to seizures. Dark chocolate is many time more toxic than milk chocolate, and white chocolate has no theobromine. If your pet eats chocolate, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435) to determine if the quantity is in the dangerous range. One Hershey kiss isn’t going to kill any dog or cat, but a whole Hershey bar can. Be prepared tell the vet amount in ounces of chocolate, the type of chocolate ( dark, baking, or milk), and the weight of your pet. I had a patient many years ago that got into the Easter Candy stash not once, but twice, and had to hospitalized both times. Some dogs just really want chocolate.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_chocolate_toxicity
2) Plastic Easter Grass. It looks edible, but it isn’t, and can cause GI obstruction
3) Easter Lilies. They are beautiful, but deadly for cats, causing kidney failure. Keep them away from cats, but they don’t seem to be toxic for dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lily
4) Xylitol. This is a common artificial sweetener, found often in sugarless gum, but there is a granulated version that some cooks use a sugar substitute. Symptoms are vomiting, seizures, low blood sugar, and liver failure.
https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_xylitol_toxicity
5) Candy wrappers, esp foil. Like the Easter Grass, they can really mess up a gut.
6) High Fat People Food like Ham, or Brisket. High fat can cause inflammation of the pancreas, with intense vomiting and diarrhea. I would not feed a cooked pork bone to dogs.


https://www.aspca.org/news/top-four-easter-hazards-pets

165 Puppy Bingo

March 23 is National Puppy Day https://nationalday365.com/national-puppy-day/. We have been seeing a lot of puppies lately, for a variety of reasons. A new tool that I have been using is a “game” called “Puppy Bingo”. It is a free handout, also available online, that is a grid of 25 squares with things to do with puppies to help socialize them to 25 different things. I was amazed when I saw it. I could probably think of 10-15 of them, but 25 if great! Our goal is to help expose puppies, especially before the age of 16 weeks, to novel experiences that might generate fear if exposed later in life. Some example are hearing construction sounds, seeing a train or bus, or walking on 3 different surfaces like wood, gravel, sand, rubber, and metal.

The same concept of new experiences works for kittens too. It has squares for meeting new people, being touched by towels, and walking on different textures.

If these experiences trigger fear, then we stop, and “circle back” when the youngsters are in a calm, happy place, maybe distracted with food or toys, and try again.

Imagine a world where adult dogs and cats aren’t afraid of vet visits, thunderstorms, or other animals.

Check out this link.

https://fearfreepets.com/puppy-kitten-socialization-bingo/

138 O Christmas Tree

Tis the season. O Tannenbaum. There are many kinds so Christmas trees: real, live, artificial. I love them all, but we must be careful as pet owners to keep our fur babies safe.

I hear stories every day about cats, especially kittens, climbing trees and possibly knocking them over. Some tricks to prevent this are to anchor the top to the ceiling or wall and to put up a baby gate/fence around the tree to block access.

Dog often drinking the tree water. If you have added preservative or nutrients for the tree, this might make the dog vomit or have diarrhea. That is no fun around the holidays.

Both dogs and cats are famous for eating ornaments. I had one special ornament that has never been the same since chewed on by my bored puppy many years ago. This year, even though my pups are a year old, I just did a tabletop tree. I don’t want to tempt them to be naughty.

Some pets may chew on electric lights and get an electrical burn in their mouth. I laugh at the cat scene in the Christmas Vacation movie, but I have never seen a Persian go up in a puff of smoke.

Here at Garden Ridge Animal Hospital, we put up our annual “Angel” tree to memorialize patients that have passed in last year. If you had a pet (that was a patient here) pass in 2019, please stop by and see your baby’s angel ornament. And feel free to take it home AFTER Christmas.

And we wish all our patients and clients a safe and Merry Christmas.

132 Black Cats Myths

Some people associate black cats with Halloween, witches, and bad luck. The bad luck reputation is a problem when talking about adoptions.
Oct 27th was National Black Cat Day which tries to dispel some of the myths.

Here are five things everyone should know about black cats:

1) In some cultures, black cats are good luck
In the United States, many people believe black cats bring bad luck or are altogether evil. But it’s not a belief shared across all cultures.
In Britain, Japan and Ireland, a black cat crossing your path is considered a sign of good luck.
And in ancient Egypt, cats were considered an embodiment of the gods and worshiped. In fact, the cat goddess Bastet was part black cat and part woman, illustrating just how much black cats meant to that society.

2) Black cats have a tougher time finding good homes
Many animal shelters struggle to find good homes for black cats. They are often overlooked due to old superstitions and stigmas.

3) Halloween can be a dangerous time for black cats
Because so many people associate black cats with evil, they’re often harmed. Keeping all cats indoors on Halloween is a good idea, but especially for black cats. There is concern by some rescue organizations about abductions, injuries and deaths associated with trick or treat pranks or animal sacrifices.

4) Some shelters won’t adopt out black cats in October
Some shelters used to hold promotions on Halloween, where fees were waved for people who adopted black cats. But due to concerns about mistreatment and abuse, many shelters have stopped this practice. Other shelters don’t allow any black cat adoptions in the month of October.

5) There are more black cats than any other color
Black cats are everywhere. In fact, there are more black cats than any other color, according to the ASPCA. That’s because the genes that cause black coloration in cats are the most dominant.
“The fact remains that there are more black cats and dogs in need of homes, and they often benefit from additional promotion and attention in shelters across the country due to their sheer numbers in comparison to animals with different kinds of coats,” reported an ASPCA spokeswoman.

Around Halloween time, remember that black cats deserve as much love and attention as their other-colored furry friends.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-black-cat-day/

130 Halloween Tips for Pet Owners

Halloween is almost here.  We have some tips to keep the holiday safe for our pets.

1) Lock candy safely away. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. If you buy that Halloween candy early, he WILL find your stash. If you kids have candy left after Trick or Treating and keep it in their room, he WILL find the sack. The biggest dangers in the candy are the chocolate, xylitol sweeteners, and the wrappers. I have seen problems with all 3.

2) Don’t leave glow sticks lying around. Glow sticks are a handy safety device to have around for the kids to wear while Trick or Treating, but some pets, especially cats, love to play with them. Most have a non-toxic liquid, that is bitter, but still some pets will bite them, race around the house and drool.

3) Keep your pet identified and visible. If you take your dogs out Trick or Treating, make sure they stay on a leash, with a reflective collar. It can be frightening out there with strange scary costumed children. Or better yet, leave them at home unless they like Halloween, walking in the dark, noise, and lots of strangers.

4) Calm your pet. Many dogs and cat have rough time on Halloween with the doorbell ringing and noisy strangers at the door. It makes them go a little crazy trying to alert and protect the family. Why not give them the night “off” and keep in the back bedroom, away from the door, with a loud TV show on for distraction? Some pets even need calming pheromones like Adaptil or prescription medicines to make it through the night. Ask your vet ahead of time if medicines are needed.

5) Check those costumes. Dressing up pets is just fun. Even I have indulged in a costume for my little black terrier, Sally. If you are planning on dressing up your fur baby, make sure that the costume fits well, isn’t going to slip and tangle the pet, or cause a choking hazard if chewed on. Never leave a costumed pet unattended. Or you might have a trip to the pet emergency room!

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-5-halloween-safety-tips-vets-and-pets

118 July 4 Safety

This is straight from the AVMA website.

Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it.

Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after Fourth of July festivities.

Preparing in advance:
• Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
• If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
• If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
• Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
• If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
• Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined? Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals; and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.

Safety during July 4 celebrations:
• Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
• Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
• Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
• If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
• Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
• Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
• Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
• Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
• Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
• If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.
• Follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to protect your family and guests.

After the celebrations:
• Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
• Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
• If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.

https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/July-4-Safety.aspx?utm_source=smartbrief&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=smartbrief-assoc-news

106 Easter Toxins

The ASPCA has put out their list of the top 5 Easter Toxins. Let’s be careful out there this Easter Weekend!

Chocolate– we all know chocolate is “bad”, but it does depend on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. Check out the  chocolate calculator link. So if my little 16# terrier ate 2 oz of dark chocolate, it is WAY worse than 2 oz of milk chocolate. Did you know white chocolate isn’t toxic?

Lilies– Keep cats away from Easter lilies, even their leaves and vase water. See the link for the types of “true” lilies.

Easter grass– this plastic stuff isn’t digestible and clogs up intestines. Be super careful if you use it in Easter baskets where it might get food smells on it.

Table food– Many of us will make special holiday foods like ham or brisket. They can be fatty and very rich for our pets, so only tiny amounts if you must share. And I have a picture of peeps on this blog, but peeps aren’t toxic. I just love the photo of rabbit peep getting neutered.

Herbicides– gardeners will often be using herbicides in the spring, so follow the directions, especially if you have pets. Most are safe when dried.

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-5-easter-toxins

88 Holiday Blues and Pets

Much has been written about the depression many people feel about this time of year. Most people recognize that the first Thanksgiving and Christmas after a family member has passed will be rough, filled with moments of sadness instead of joy. “Pet Parents” often consider family pets as  family members  and so  may experience similar grieving.

Some pet owners will be the newly grieving. Right now, we are experiencing the usual late fall/early winter euthanasia season. This happens around the first cold snap, for older pets with severe arthritis or house soiling problems. In mild weather, the management is tolerable, but when it is freezing outside, the burden and suffering is too great.

Some pet owners will experience depression now even though the pet passed months or years ago. Last year,  Fluffy’s stocking was put in the holiday decorations box in the attic with no thought it would be the last Christmas. Opening up that box will be hard this year, and for years to come.

For other owners, the sadness of knowing their beloved pet is declining and that this might be their last Christmas will be a cause of much sadness. For me, the toughest Christmas was the last one with my little Pekinese , a month before she passed. We knew she was failing, had a mass in her chest, and wouldn’t be with us long. I wanted to make it special for her, but she didn’t feel much joy. I am sure some families with members in hospice have a similar experience.

This year, we have new joy in our household. My granddaughter is 9 months old, and a smiles at me every time I see her. And we have 2 new little terrier mix puppies that are a delightful challenge. But at least the puppies will grow out of this “diaper” phase quicker than my granddaughter. They are coming to work every day with me for training. If you come by, ask to see the puppies! They need socialization with lots of people.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201608/why-losing-pet-hurts-so-much
https://www.griefhealingblog.com/2014/05/pet-loss-is-it-different-kind-of-grief.html
http://theconversation.com/why-losing-a-dog-can-be-harder-than-losing-a-relative-or-friend-68207
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-death-of-pet-can-hurt-as-much-as-the-loss-of-a-relative/2012/02/21/gIQALXTXcS_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ebee72896b6e
https://thepetlosscenter.com/

87 Thanksgiving Pet Safety

This is straight from the AVMA website.

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends, but it also can carry some hazards for pets. Holiday food needs to be kept away from pets, and pet owners who travel need to either transport their pets safely or find safe accommodations for them at home. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

Poison Risks
Overindulging in the family feast can be unhealthy for humans, but even worse for pets: Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest. Poultry bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract. And holiday sweets can contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets.
• Keep the feast on the table—not under it. Eating turkey or turkey skin – sometimes even a small amount – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets – including onions, raisins and grapes. If you want to share a Thanksgiving treat with your pet, make or buy a treat that is made just for them.
• No pie or other desserts for your pooch. Chocolate can be harmful for pets, even though many dogs find it tempting and will sniff it out and eat it. The artificial sweetener called xylitol – commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods – also can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats.
• Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
• Put the trash away where your pets can’t find it. A turkey carcass sitting out on the carving table, or left in a trash container that is open or easily opened, could be deadly to your family pet. Dispose of turkey carcasses and bones – and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags and packaging – in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
• Be careful with decorative plants. Don’t forget that some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas and more. The ASPCA offers lists of plants that are toxic to both dogs and cats, but the safest route is simply to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations.
• Quick action can save lives. If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You may also want to call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435. Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions for Parties
If you’re hosting a party or overnight visitors, plan ahead to keep your pets safe and make the experience less stressful for everyone.
• Visitors can upset your pets. Some pets are shy or excitable around new people or in crowds, and Thanksgiving often means many visitors at once and higher-than-usual noise and activity levels. If you know your dog or cat is nervous when people visit your home, put him/her in another room or a crate with a favorite toy. This will reduce the emotional stress on your pet and protect your guests from possible injury. If your pet is particularly upset by houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to this common problem.
Learn about dog bite prevention.
. If any of your guests have compromised immune systems (due to pregnancy, some diseases, or medications or treatments that suppress the immune system), make sure they’re aware of the pets (especially exotic pets) in your home so they can take extra precautions to protect themselves.
. If you have exotic pets, remember that some people are uncomfortable around them and that these pets may be more easily stressed by the festivities. Keep exotic pets safely away from the hubbub of the holiday.
• Watch the exits. Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home. While you’re welcoming hungry guests and collecting coats, a four-legged family member may make a break for it out the door and become lost.
• Identification tags and microchips reunite families. Make sure your pet has proper identification with your current contact information – particularly a microchip with up-to-date, registered information. That way, if they do sneak out, they’re more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of this simple procedure.
• Watch your pets around festive decorations. Special holiday displays or candles are attractive to pets as well as people. Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire. And pine cones, needles and other decorations can cause intestinal blockages or even perforate an animal’s intestine if eaten.

Travel Concerns
Whether you take your pets with you or leave them behind, take these precautions to safeguard them when traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday or at any other time of the year.
Your pet needs a health certificate from your veterinarian if you’re traveling across state lines or international borders, whether by air or car. Learn the requirements for any states you will visit or pass through, and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get the needed certificate within the timeframes required by those states.
Never leave pets alone in vehicles, even for a short time, regardless of the weather.
Pets should always be safely restrained in vehicles. This means using a secure harness or a carrier, placed in a location clear of airbags. This helps protect your pets if you brake or swerve suddenly, or get in an accident; keeps them away from potentially poisonous food or other items you are transporting; prevents them from causing dangerous distractions for the driver; and can prevent small animals from getting trapped in small spaces. Never transport your pet in the bed of a truck.
Talk with your veterinarian if you’re traveling by air and considering bringing your pet with you. Air travel can put pets at risk, especially short-nosed dogs. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you regarding your own pet’s ability to travel.
Pack for your pet as well as yourself if you’re going to travel together. In addition to your pet’s food and medications, this includes bringing medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other items. Refer to our Traveling with Your Pet FAQ for a more complete list.
Are you considering boarding your dog while you travel? Talk with your veterinarian to find out how best to protect your pet from canine flu and other contagious diseases, and to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines.

Food Safety
Don’t forget to protect your family and loved ones from foodborne illnesses while cooking your Thanksgiving meal. Hand washing, and safe food handling and preparation, are important to make sure your holiday is a happy one. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers tips for handling, thawing and cooking turkey, as well as saving your leftovers.