Resources

Halloween Safety

Dear Pet Parents,

As Halloween approaches, it’s a time for fun, costumes, and candy! But while we enjoy the festivities, it's essential to keep in mind that Halloween can present a few potential hazards for our furry friends. From toxic treats to costume stress, here are some important tips to ensure a safe and happy Halloween for your pets:

1. Keep Candy Out of Reach

Halloween candy may be a treat for us, but it can be dangerous for pets. Chocolate, in particular, contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs and cats. Xylitol, a common artificial sweetener in sugar-free candies, can be extremely harmful, even in small amounts.

• What to do: Keep all candy bowls and bags well out of your pet's reach, and remind children not to share their treats. If your pet accidentally consumes candy, especially chocolate or anything containing xylitol, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately.

2. Avoid Stressful Costumes

Dressing up pets can be fun, but it’s important to make sure your furry friend is comfortable and safe in their costume. Some pets may become anxious, restricted, or overheated in costumes that don’t fit properly.

• What to do: If you decide to dress up your pet, choose a simple, loose-fitting costume that allows them to move comfortably, see clearly, and breathe easily. Never leave your pet unsupervised while wearing a costume, and if they show signs of distress or discomfort, it's best to skip the dress-up this year.

3. Create a Calm Space During Trick-or-Treating

The constant doorbell ringing, unfamiliar visitors, and loud noises can be overwhelming for pets. Some pets may even bolt out the door in excitement or fear, increasing the risk of them getting lost.

• What to do: Create a quiet, secure space for your pet to relax, away from the front door. Play soft music or use a white noise machine to help drown out the noise. Make sure your pet’s ID tag and microchip information are up to date, just in case they do get out.

4. Beware of Decorations

Halloween decorations can be hazardous if your pet decides to explore them a little too closely. Lit candles inside jack-o'-lanterns can be knocked over, causing burns or fires, and decorative cords or small objects can pose choking hazards or cause blockages if ingested.

• What to do: Use battery-operated lights instead of candles, and keep small or fragile decorations out of your pet’s reach. If you decorate with cords or string lights, be sure to tape them down securely to prevent accidental chewing or entanglement.

5. Keep Pumpkins and Corn Away

Although pumpkins and corn are not toxic to pets, they can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities, especially if they’ve been sitting out for a while and have grown mold.

• What to do: Limit your pet’s access to carved pumpkins, corn decorations, or gourds to avoid an upset stomach or choking hazard. If you use pumpkins for decoration, consider keeping them in areas that are not accessible to pets.

6. Beware of Glow Sticks and Glow Jewelry

Glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark jewelry are often used on Halloween, but they can be tempting for pets to chew on. While not highly toxic, the liquid inside these items can cause drooling, gagging, and discomfort.

• What to do: Keep glow sticks and glow jewelry out of your pet’s reach. If your pet does chew one open, rinse their mouth with water and contact your vet for advice.

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With these precautions, you can ensure that Halloween is fun and safe for everyone, including your four-legged family members!

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your pets safe this Halloween, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to help with any pet-related emergencies or advice.

Wishing you and your pets a happy and safe Halloween!

Summer Heat Safety for Your Pets: Tips from Your Trusted Veterinarian

Dear Pet Parents,

As the temperature rises, it's essential to take extra precautions to keep your furry friends safe and comfortable. High temperatures can pose significant risks to pets, leading to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and even heatstroke. Here are some important tips and reminders to ensure your pets stay safe during the hot summer months.

1. Never Leave Pets in a Hot Car
Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly reach dangerous levels. Leaving your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can lead to severe health issues or even death.

2. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
Ensure your pets have access to fresh, cool water at all times. Dehydration can occur rapidly in high temperatures, so keep water bowls filled and consider adding ice cubes to keep the water cooler for longer.

3. Limit Exercise During Peak Heat
Avoid walking or exercising your pets during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Opt for early morning or late evening walks when the temperatures are cooler.

4. Watch for Signs of Heatstroke
Be vigilant for symptoms of heatstroke, which can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, and collapse. If you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cool area, offer water, and contact us immediately.

5. Create a Cool Environment
Ensure your pets have a shaded, cool place to rest, whether indoors or outside. Use fans, air conditioning, or cool mats to help them stay comfortable. Avoid concrete and asphalt surfaces that can burn their paws.

6. Adjust Their Diet
In hot weather, your pet's appetite may decrease. Offer smaller, more frequent meals and avoid heavy, fatty foods. Fresh fruits like watermelon (without seeds) can be a hydrating treat for dogs.

7. Consider Pet-Safe Sunscreen
Pets, especially those with short or light-colored fur, can get sunburned. Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed areas, such as the nose and ears, to prevent sunburn.

8. Watch for Hot Surfaces
Before walking your dog, check the pavement with the back of your hand. If it's too hot to touch for more than a few seconds, it's too hot for your pet's paws. Stick to grassy areas whenever possible.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pets remain safe and healthy during the summer heat. If you have any concerns or need further advice on how to keep your pet cool, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic.

Stay cool and enjoy the summer safely with your pets!

Warm regards,
Dr. Flannery

P.S. Don't forget to schedule your pet's summer check-up to ensure they're in the best health for the season!

July 2024

Keeping Your Pets Safe This July 4th: A Veterinarian's Guide

 

Dear Pet Owners,

As we approach the festivities of July 4th, it's essential to remember that while fireworks and barbecues are enjoyable for us, they can pose significant risks to our furry friends. As a veterinarian, I want to highlight some common hazards and provide tips to ensure your pets stay safe and happy during this holiday.

Fireworks Anxiety:

The loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Many animals experience anxiety and stress during fireworks displays, which can lead to frantic behavior or even escape attempts. Here’s how you can help:

• Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, comfortable area indoors where your pet can retreat. This could be a room with windows closed and curtains drawn, or a crate covered with a blanket to create a den-like atmosphere.

• Distraction and Calming Techniques: Provide background noise like soft music or white noise to mask the sounds of fireworks. Additionally, consider using calming pheromone products or natural supplements recommended by your veterinarian to help reduce anxiety.

Food and Drink Safety:

Barbecues and picnics are common during July 4th celebrations, but some of the foods and beverages we enjoy can be harmful to pets:

• Avoid Toxic Foods: Foods like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and alcohol are toxic to pets and should be kept out of their reach. Bones and skewers can also pose choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if ingested.

• Watch the Grill: Keep pets away from the grill and any hot surfaces to prevent burns or accidental ingestion of harmful substances like lighter fluid or charcoal briquettes.

Heat and Hydration:

July 4th often coincides with hot weather, so it’s crucial to keep pets cool and hydrated:

• Provide Shade and Water: Ensure your pets have access to plenty of fresh water and a shaded area to rest if they're spending time outdoors.

• Watch for Signs of Heatstroke: Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, and vomiting are signs of heatstroke in pets. If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cooler area immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Identification and Preparedness:

With the increased activity and noise associated with July 4th, pets may become disoriented or escape:

• Update ID Tags: Make sure your pet’s ID tags are current with your contact information. Microchipping is also highly recommended as a permanent form of identification.

• Prepare for the Unexpected: Have a plan in case your pet does escape. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date with local shelters and consider keeping recent photos of your pet on hand.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that July 4th is a safe and enjoyable time for both you and your beloved pets. If you have any concerns about your pet's health or safety during the holiday, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Wishing you and your pets a happy and safe July 4th!