Start 2015 On The Right Paw!

The New Year is coming up, and everyone is getting their most important yearly tradition ready: New Year's Resolutions! 

Here are a few simple resolutions and some New Year's Eve safety tips that can help keep your pet happy and healthy as they dive into 2015!

New Year’s Eve Resolutions

Schedule A Date With Your Vet - Since our pets cannot talk to us and tell us what is wrong or what hurts, regular visits to the vet are a key component of good preventive care. We recommend yearly physical exams for pets between the ages of 1-7 years old. However, senior pets, over the age of 7 years, and pets with medical issues may need to be seen more frequently, as these pets may require diet changes, supplements, and/or medication. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, renew flea and tick preventatives, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your bonding with your pet.1

Keep Those Teeth Clean! - According to veterinary dental studies, 70-85% of companion animals over the age of 3, have periodontal disease. Keep your pet’s teeth clean and healthy by committing to daily toothbrushing. If your pet isn’t fond of the toothbrush, ask us about other ways to care for your pet’s teeth. You can also stop by one of our free monthly dental seminars to learn toothbrushing techniques and other helpful dental care information.

Say ‘NO’ to pesky parasites - Fleas, ticks, and other parasites carry diseases that can cause illness for your pets and even for your family! Fleas can transmit parasites that can result in gastrointestinal symptoms and other illnesses for your pet. Terrible ticks can carry diseases, which, in some cases, can be quite serious. Prevention is the key to keeping your furry friend safe from these pesky parasites! A yearly fecal test is recommended, in all healthy pets, to screen for intestinal parasites. 

Start Weight Loss At Home - If you are committing to your pet’s healthier lifestyle, don't feel guilty about spoiling them less with food treats. Try putting some (or all) of your pet's dry food into a treat dispenser, like the KONG Cat Wobbler or the Dogit Go Slow Dog Bowl. Make sure you are feeding your pets the appropriate type and amount of food for his age and weight.

Get Moving! - Buy or make interactive toys, instead of reaching for that bag of treats. Focus on items that will get your cat moving, like a laser pointer or a feather on a stick. Get out the leash and take your pup for a quick, 20 minute walk in the backyard, or even around the house! Just remember to keep your pet up-to-date on their flea and tick prevention to avoid bringing home pesky critters!

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips

Microchip - Microchip or tag your pet. Loud noises from New Year’s festivities can cause pets to become spooked and run off.

Tire ‘Em Out - Take your pet for an extra long walk during the day so pets can sleep through the festivities

No Party Pets - Keep pets away from party foods and drinks - especially alcohol! When ingested, alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Peace & Quiet - Fireworks and other loud noises are frightening to pets. Keep them in a quiet area with plenty of water, toys, and treats to keep them occupied.

1. http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/seasonal/top-10-new-years-resolutions-for-your-pet-you

Scaredy Cats & Curious Canines: Your Guide to a Safe Halloween

No tricks, no treats:
To ensure a healthy, vet-free night, keep a close eye on your candy bowl and a closer eye on your fluffy friends. Chocolate - especially dark or baking chocolate - cane be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Xylitol - a common artificial sweetener found in most sugar-free candies and gums - can also be harmful for your pets.



Night on the Town:
If you're thinking about taking your pet out trick-or-treating- keep this in mind: a pet that is out with trick-or-treaters may become spooked by the costumes, noises, and smells; which could cause him or her to run off and get lost. If you are planning to take your dog along, make sure you keep them on a short leash and always make sure your pet has proper identification. If your pet were to escape and become lost, a collar with tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances of he or she being returned to you.

Cat-chievous Madness:
During this night of mischief and pranks, cats often becoming unwilling participants. If your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, keep him or her safe by creating a safe haven indoors and giving your cat something to distract him or her from all the outdoor festivities and noises. Try confining your cat to an area in your home, and entertain with some tranquil music and fun toys. Spray a little Feliway on your cat's bedding, or plug in a Feliway diffuser to create an even more soothing environment.


How to celebrate Halloween with your pet?
Include you pet in the festivities by giving him or her goodies that are made especially for their species, like dog biscuits or cat treats. Another great way to celebrate is to dress your pet -there's nothing more adorable than a 'hot' dog or a witch cat! Crank up your creativity by home-making Halloween-themed treats and fun costumes - and remember if you do dress your pet, make sure the costume fits properly and is comfortable.

How to Keep Your Cat Calm during Fireworks

When it comes to fireworks festivities, we often think about how fearful and sensitive dogs are to the loud noises – but we rarely think that cats share this same noise phobia. If your cat has ever hid, vocalized, or acted strange at the sound of fireworks, thunder, or any other loud noise, here are some great ways you can help alleviate their noise phobia.

• If you find that your cat has taken cover on top of a cupboard or underneath a piece of furniture – leave him or her alone! Your cat has deemed this ‘bolthole’ a secure zone and coaxing him or her out will only make the experience more stressful.

• On the evenings you expect fireworks, ensure your cat is safely inside and away from all excitement areas. Remember to secure all doors, windows, and cat flaps; and draw curtains to reduce the noise from outside. If you can, periodically check on your cat to make sure he or she is safely tucked in.

• Try plugging a Feliway^® Diffuser in the room where the cat spends most of their time, at least 48 hours before the festivities. This pheromone therapy will increase his or her sense of security.

• Make sure your cat is microchipped. Cats have a tendency of running when they become frightened or confused. If your cat is already microchipped, make sure all of your information is up to date by contacting your pet’s microchip provider.

• Ensure your cat is provided with a litter tray both before and during the firework season. Like humans, increased anxiety can cause pets to urinate and defecate more frequently. 

Photo Courtesy of Petfleas.co.uk

Resource: http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/seven-safety-tips-for-memorial-weekend/