Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Nov 21, 2012 @ 09:25 AM
Ah, Thanksgiving. Time for coziness and merriment, neighborly greetings and pie, winter sweaters and—what? The dog peed on the rug? Holiday time is full of love and laughs, but do you have your best pet friend’s needs in mind? Packing up the family can mean something entirely different when your dog, cat, or iguana is along for the ride! Here are some super tips to take with you this Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Getting There.
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Several weeks before your trip visit your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy for travel and up-to-date on all vaccinations. Inquire if there are any additional vaccinations recommended based on where you’re headed.
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Before you leave home, locate the nearest veterinarian or 24-hour emergency hospital in the town or area where you’ll be staying. Save the number to your phone. Hopefully you won’t need to visit, but being prepared in case of an emergency is definitely the way to go.
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Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and current ID tags and has a microchip. Make and attach a temporary ID tag with the information of the place you’re staying as well. Make sure the info on it is current.
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Pack up your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, and bed to keep him surrounded by familiar items while away from home. Don’t forget food, litter, litter box, bowls, water, treats, and any other things that are part of your pet’s regular routine.
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If your pet is on any medication bring enough for a few extra days as well as a prescription in case you need a refill.
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Make frequent rest stops to prevent accidents from occurring in the car. Remember to always keep your pet on leash when exiting your vehicle.
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Do not leave your animal in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can soar to well over 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes—even on cooler-feeling days. This places your pet at risk for heatstroke and possibly death.
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If you are travelling across state lines bring a copy of your pet’s medical records, specifically a rabies vaccination record. Some states require proof of vaccination at certain crossings.
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During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle. Occasionally traveling can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.
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Watch the food intake. It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending!). Skip the car food. No pizza crusts or ice cream. Your pet may be tempted with table food while you’re visiting, so make sure he stays on his regular diet.
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No heads out the window! Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous—this holiday season some states are fining up to $1,000 for drivers with pets on their laps. Keep pets safely restrained inside, in a carrier, or in an area away from you, and with a seat belt if possible. This is for your safety as well as theirs.
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If you're flying, research your airline. Some major airlines will now recognize your four-legged traveler. If you are flying to for the holiday, find out your airline's policy!
Enjoying your stay!
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When you and your pet arrive, introduce him slowly to any other pets—after he has had a chance to adjust. For cats, keep yours in a separate room—perhaps where you are sleeping—for a few hours, and then slowly let him see the other pets in the house. When introducing dogs, make sure yours is on a leash and give them outdoor meeting space so all parties have room to check each other out.
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Spend extra time with your pet before getting on with the party! Make sure he's had a chance to go to the bathroom outside before things get too exciting. Set up his bed, blanket, or toys in a place that he can call his own and then spend a few minutes in that space with him. Once he's had time to be with you and the familiar things you've brought along he'll be ready to go around the rest of the house and see what's going on. Take him exploring in a calm manner, and introduce him all the new people!
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Check in with your hosts! Knowing how the people in house are doing can make a huge difference in keeping everything calm and happy. Ask about any pertinent restrictions like new furniture or rooms that are off limits. Make sure the hosts know that you want to help with anything that will make it easier to have your pet around. Ask if there's anything you can bring in advance (like extra bed sheets, blankets, or cleaning supplies) that will help be respectful and appreciative of being in their home.
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Let family members, friends, and guests know if your pet has any behavioral issues, diet restrictions, medical conditions, etc., so everyone will know how to get along with him best. You want to create an environment where everyone can be informed and comfortable!
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Do not feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol that can cause illnesses from vomiting, diarrhea and other toxic reactions. In large doses onions, grapes, and raisins are also toxic to your pet.
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Take your dog on regular walks. This gives him a break from his new surroundings and is a way to work in some exercise. It will help reduce stress and allow you to both have some down time.
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Do not leave your pet alone in the house with other guests unless you feel it is truly safe and comfortable for all. When your pet is away from you in a strange, new place, his behavior can change. You both want to be invited back next year!
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Keep your pets indoors during extremely cold weather. Dogs and cats can develop a very low body temperature (hypothermia) and frost bite just like we can! Pets should not be kept outside for prolonged periods and should be brought in when the weather dips below 40F. When the weather falls below 20F it’s best for pets to stay inside.
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Know when to leave your pets at home. Our pets are family, and the thought of leaving them behind is often heartbreaking. But as much as we all love to have the whole family together, there are times when it's better—and safer—to leave them in good care elsewhere. If your travel means they'll be spending the whole time cooped up in a hotel room or off-limits somewhere in the house, or if your pet is antisocial, aggressive, anxious, or has a condition that makes them fragile, then everyone—especially your pet—will be happier staying at home.
VESCONE wishes you all happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving travel. And we'll be open 24/7 for you and your guests if you have any questions or problems! Give us a call at 781-684-8387 if there's anything we can do. Warm wishes for a fantastic holiday!
Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Jul 25, 2012 @ 12:19 PM
Photo Credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Cats_g129-Cat_Nap_p3516.html
Past thinking was that one year of a cat’s life equaled 7 human years. Most experts agree that the first two years of a cat's life are roughly equal to the first 25 of a human’s. After two years of age the aging process slows down. Below is a chart adapted from Purina: http://www.purina.com
Share with us how old your cat it!
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Cat’s Age
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Human Years
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1
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15
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2
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24
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3
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28
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4
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32
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5
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36
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6
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40
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7
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44
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8
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48
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9
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52
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10
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56
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11
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60
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12
|
64
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13
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68
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14
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72
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15
|
76
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16
|
80
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17
|
84
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18
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88
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19
|
92
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20
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96
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Posted by
Anh Tran on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 @ 03:19 PM
By Amy Breton, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Pets provide companionship and are, without question, part of our family. Research has shown that people who lose a pet experience the same stages of grief and same emotions as when they lose a human family member. The loss can be just as devastating. Unfortunately there is often not as strong of a support system within families for the member who lost a pet and sometimes no support system. While many people may not understand the grief you are experiencing, it is important for you to understand it is normal and nothing to be ashamed about.
While there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there are some healthy ways to help cope with the pain. It’s important to understand that everyone grieves differently. Even years after a losing a pet, a sight, a sound, or a particular date can spark memories that trigger grief. Grieving is a slow process that cannot be rushed or hurried.
It’s important to allow yourself to grieve in a way you are comfortable. Some people like to create a memorial to their pet in their home, others may create a photo album of their favorite pictures. Some people write blogs or their pet’s life story. Others may feel the need to rid the home of anything reminding them of the pet or hide pictures until they are ready to view them later. Some people may need to take a couple days off from work while others find that they want to go to work as usual to keep their mind off their sadness. All of these actions are normal.
There are many pet loss support hotlines and websites. Tufts University, located in Grafton, Massachusetts has trained grief counselors available free of charge to speak to you if you feel you need to talk to someone. Below is the number to the Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline and some reputable websites on pet loss.
Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline:
508-839-7966
Resources for Pet Loss Support:
http://www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/resources.html
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grieving_pets.htm
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-loss/
Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Apr 11, 2012 @ 01:53 PM
With the holidays over, please make sure that your delicious leftover chocolate is beyond your pet's reach. Amy Breton, CVT, VTS (ECC) and emergency nurse extraordinaire, explains what happens when your pet ingests chocolate.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Caffeine is also present in most types of chocolate and can also be a toxic component, but in much smaller amounts than theobromine.
Theobromine and caffeine effects on the body:
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Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant
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Cardiovascular stimulant (elevated heart rate)
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Increase blood pressure (mild)
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
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Pancreatitis (can occur days later)
Generally the pet can be seen panting, vomiting, shaking, running around and not settling down. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Therefore, a single bite of baker's chocolate can be deadly for pets. Conversely the pet would need more than a bite of white chocolate in order for it to produce a toxic effect. This is why when your pet gets into chocolate it's important to know what kinds and how much.
As soon as your pet ingests chocolate you should contact a pet poison control number to find out if the amount and kind is toxic for them. One of the best pet poison controls centers is ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Thu, Apr 05, 2012 @ 09:51 AM
With Easter coming up this weekend, your house is probably full of flowers, easter baskets and chocolate! While these are fun and delicious for humans, they can be potentially dangerous for your pets.
We asked one of our emergency veterinarians, Dr. Amy Goldstein, to give us some tips on how to keep your pet safe during the holiday and for the rest of the Spring season.
Lilies
Lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts of lilies can be lethal. Lily of the valley can affect the heart as well.
Easter Grass
Just like string, dental floss, and tinsel, Easter Grass can cause vomiting and an intestinal obstruction. This is a surgical emergency.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a xanthine compound which is in the same family as caffeine and theophylline- and is toxic to dogs and cats. At low doses chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. At higher doses it can cause a high heart rate, an irregular heart rhythm and seizures.
Fertilizers and Pesticides
N-P-K fertilizers (containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium salts) can cause mild gastro-intestinal upset, and also skin irritation on the paws. Fertilizers containing greater than 1% iron can cause iron toxicity if ingested by a dog.
Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitos
Fleas can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and they can transmit tapeworms. Ticks can transmit many diseases such as Lyme disease. Mosquitos can transmit heartworm to cats and dogs, which can be fatal. All dogs and cats should receive topical monthly flea and tick prevention. It is very important to read product labels very carefully on all flea and tick medications as the misuse of such medications, particularly over the counter varieties, can lead to acute toxicity in pets. It is important never to use a dog product on your cat, or vice versa. The ingredient “permethrin” found in some dog medications, while perfectly safe for dogs can be lethal to cats even in very small doses.
Insect Bites
Dogs can also have severe allergic reactions to insect bites this time of year. Common symptoms are a swollen face and hives. If left untreated, the inflammatory response can cause severe illness and respiratory distress.
Fishing Hooks and Lines
It is important to keep all fishing hooks away from your pet. They can get stuck in your pet’s mouth or paws. Fishing lines can cause an obstruction in your pet’s intestines.
Leashes
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash when they are outside. Make sure all leashes and collars fit appropriately for your animal, and are not too worn from usage. Keeping your dog on a leash can prevent them from being hit by a car or getting bit by another dog. Bite wounds are common emergencies; make sure to always keep your pets rabies vaccinations up to date.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.