Vet Tips

Child-proof your home! Items that need to be kept from babies and toddlers need to be kept away from your pets.

If you adopt an outside pet, confine it for at least two weeks, so it will not run away.

Do not leave your pet unattended in an automobile. The temperature can quickly reach over 100 degrees in only a few minutes. Your pet can die from heatstroke.

Do not allow your pet to ride in the back of a pick-up. Some dogs have jumped out and been killed. Some that have been chained have fallen over the side and been severely injured or killed.

Do not feed your pet animal bones. They can splinter and puncture their intestines.

Do not leave string or yarn out as many pets have swallowed these and have died.

Some household plants are poisonous. Check with your veterinarian before leaving plants inside. Poinsettia and mistletoe are two of these poisonous plants.

At Christmas many pets will ingest icicles, hangers, or other decorations. These can cause severe injury or death.

Make sure all toys or toy parts are too large to be swallowed. We suggest you remove small bells from toys.

Put all poisonous chemicals away from pets.

Always walk your dog on a leash. Many dog obedience trainers say your dog may see something new and just take off after it even though they have had training.

Doghouses should be off the ground so the bottom floor is not wet or cold. Straw is a good insulator. Blankets and rugs can get wet from your pet's feet and the wet blanket will freeze. Then your pet will have to sleep on the ice. Pets can get frostbite. In severe weather bring your pet indoors to the garage, basement, or confined areas.

Fleas can make your pet sick and anemic. Without treatment your pet could die. Flea dirt looks like salt and pepper. Use flea treatments carefully. Just like people, some animals are allergic to the chemicals and can become ill or die.

If your pet is not eating, using the bathroom, had diarrhea, or does not act normally, contact your veterinarian. A pet that has diarrhea can quickly dehydrate and die. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Your pet should have a yearly check-up at the veterinarian.

Check your pet's nails. Dog's nails to be trimmed and done carefully so as not to cut into the quick. We recommend nail trimming be done by a professional.

Choker chains are to be used only for walking your dog. It is not a permanent collar. In summer choker chains get hot and winter they can freeze.

Do not use metal pans in the winter. Your pet's tongue can freeze to them.

Some cats will not use a dirty litter box. Also if they are urinating outside the litter box, there may be a medical reason or they may not like using a certain type of litter. For each cat in a household, there should be a litter box. This means if you have three cats, you should have three litter boxes. Litter boxes should be scooped out once a day and changed every three to four days or more often if necessary.

When bringing a new pet into your household with other pets, start with your new arrival in a small separate room for the first few days and then allow short periods of visitation with the other animals. Make sure a new cat knows where the litter boxes are. With cats there may be some hissing, but it probably will subside.

Caution: Kittens and puppies sometimes chew electrical cords.