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Fall E-mail Newsletter |
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Thanksgiving Safety for Your Pet
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Fall is a great time of year, the crisp air, and the falling leaves, not
to mention the growing anticipation for the holidays. Dogs and cats love
the change in the air just as much as we do, and probably more than some
of us...the cool air must be a grand relief after spending the Oklahoma
summer in a fur coat.
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Dogs really appreciate walks in the autumn evenings, and cats love the
rustle of leaves more than the old paper grocery bag. Each day the air
gets a bit colder, and the songbirds are flying south, reminding us that
a cold winter is just around the corner. We need to be aware of what
seasonal changes mean for our pets, especially those who live outdoors.
The Oklahoma winter can be bitter and nasty with freezing sleet and ice
storms. They say the time to prepare for a rainy day is when the sun is
shining, so the time to review a pet's winter shelter is now.
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Just like in summer time, in the cold winter, animals need a place to
get out of the elements. A well-insulated structure such as a dog house
or enclosed kennel is ideal. It should be large enough to allow them to
curl up inside and maintain body heat. The bigger the dog house, the
harder it will be for a pet to maintain a cozy temperature inside.
The dog house or kennel should also have a wind-block to protect it from
wintry blasts, and keep the door turned away from the prevailing wind.
For the freezing days, when the thermometer drops below freezing
(including the wind-chill), it’s good to have a pet-safe heater. These
can be found at most pet specialty stores. The dog house floor can lose
a lot of heat, so it’s also wise to insulate the structure from the
freezing ground with wood chips or straw whenever possible. |
Animals that spend time outside in the winter will benefit from more
food during cold weather. This will provide the energy they need to stay
warm. Also, don’t forget to check the outdoor water frequently…it
doesn’t do any good if it’s a solid block of ice! Animals can dehydrate
if their water freezes.
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Let’s hope we don’t have an ice storm this year, but if we do,
don’t forget to stock up on pet food as well as canned goods for
the family. The road conditions can get bad, so it’s nice to not
need another trip to the store. Hopefully the forethought will
mean a day by the cozy fire, instead of the crazy traffic
looking for supplies.
Also, when de-icing the car on those frigid
mornings, don’t forget to thump on the car's hood! Cats like to
hide under cars, often in the engine block for warmth. When the
car starts, they can be trapped and injured in the moving parts. |
Thumping the hood will warn the animal to get to safety. On a related
note, please take care to properly dispose of anti-freeze when
winterizing the car. Anti-freeze is a fatal poison, and outdoor animals
may drink it from the puddle in the driveway or eat it out of the snow.
Indoor pets have it a little better, but they still need time to get
acclimated to the cold. This is another reason why routine walks are a
good idea. The activity can fight the winter doldrums, and helps burn
calories to maintain heat. Remember if your dog or cat has arthritis,
they may feel it more in the cold weather. Don’t hesitate to call and
ask one of our Doctors or technicians about arthritis treatments and to
schedule an evaluation for arthritis and pain management.
This time of year, some dogs get to wear holiday sweaters. Some animals,
especially small, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas, for example,
really need the extra insulation of a snuggly sweater. Overcoats can
also save time from drying a long haired dog after a wintery walk. Don't
forget to wipe your pets' feet, legs and belly after they've been
outside to keep them from ingesting any de-icing solutions, and to save
wear and tear on their paws.
Fall is coming, and winter’s not far behind. But with a little
preparation the season can be wonderful for pets! Don’t hesitate to
contact us with any questions or concerns, and thank you for letting us
take care of your four-legged family!
Sincerely,
Robert Miller, DVM
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Thanksgiving Safety for Your Pet |
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A few simple tips can help you keep your pets safe while you and your
Thanksgiving Day guests enjoy the holiday. |
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Holidays can be stressful times, and this is true for pets as well. Here
are a few suggestions on how you can ensure your dogs and/or cats are
safe and healthy during your Thanksgiving day festivities. (And don’t
forget to check with invited guests beforehand to see if anyone is
allergic to your pets. You may need to keep your dog and/or cat
sequestered from your guests.)
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Guidelines for Pets on Thanksgiving |
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• Make sure all Thanksgiving day guests know the rules: no one should feed
the pets any food meant for human consumption. This includes any snacks offered
to guests before or after dinner, as well as the dinner items themselves. Foods
that are high in salt and/or fatty foods such as turkey skin can cause
inflammation of the pancreas. Onions and garlic are poisonous to dogs.
• Feed your dog or cat its normal food at the regular time. Do not change the
feeding schedule.
• Do not deviate from the pet’s regular exercise schedule. Walking, playing in
the yard, and other normal activities help reduce stress, so exercise can be
especially important on Thanksgiving day.
• Safely dispose of any aluminum foil, wax paper, paper, or plastic wrap that
was used to cover or wrap foods. Pets will try to lick the food off the
packaging and may ingest the coverings, which can cause intestinal problems.
• Ensure your garbage is secure and away from where your pets can reach it.
• Do not allow your dog or cat to eat chocolate, as it can be harmful, even
deadly, to pets. Signs that your pet has ingested chocolate include
hyperactivity and rapid breathing. Seek medical attention if your pet shows
signs of haven eaten chocolate.
• Keep turkey bones away from your pets. These bones can easily break and lodge
in the esophagus or irritate the stomach or intestines.
• Make sure items such as skewers, toothpicks, and string (used to tie the
turkey) are kept away from pets. They will be tempting because they smell and/or
taste of food.
• If your pets are allowed to mingle with your guests, allow some quiet time as
well. You can sequester your dog or cat in a spare room or in a large crate to
help keep their excitement level down.
• Provide enough water for your pet. Keep it out of the way of house traffic but
easily accessible for your cat or dog.
• Do not take your dog to Thanksgiving day parades. Crowds can increase a pet’s
stress level, and it is possible for your pet to get lost in large gatherings.
• Make sure your pet has current identification tags and license (if
applicable). It is easy for a pet to slip out the door when there are many
people coming and going in the house.
If you think your pet has become poisoned by something it has eaten, call your
vet or animal clinic immediately (they may be closed on the holiday) or call the
Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (there is a charge).
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and reward your pets with appropriate dog and cat
treats!
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