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As cool weather approaches, many will change their radiator fluid. Remember to dispose of the antifreeze so your pet(s) cannot get in contact with it. Antifreeze is sweet to taste, and pets will readily drink it. Antifreeze ingestion is lethal even in small quantities. If you even suspect your pet may have licked some, seek medical attention immediately. If you wait for signs to show up, it is too late. Early treatment is the only possible hope for having a successful outcome.
Most of us feel guilty if we do not give into those big brown begging eyes during mealtime. After all, they are a part of the family, why shouldn’t they have a special treat too. Therefore, we usually slip them a little something on the sly so no one sees us doing it. Just remember a few key things when it comes to giving treats.
Food items that are different from their regular diet will commonly cause digestive upset (vomiting and diarrhea). If you must give them a treat, use one of their doggy or kitty treats. However, if you must give human treats to them, help avoid digestive upset and only give very small amounts of the treat.
Avoid giving your dog or cat bones from the table. Bones from birds (chicken and turkey) are hollow and splinter easily. Steak and ham bones are more solid, but still splinter with little effort from a dog’s powerful jaws. Splintered bones can penetrate the mouth and throat and cause serious infections and pain. Bones that penetrate the esophagus or intestine can be fatal.
If you want to give your dog a bone, there are alternatives: the large bones found in pet stores and grocery stores are already cooked and packaged. They range in size from 1½ to 2½ inches in diameter. Get the larger bones for larger dogs. Replace them when they start to get thin, so they don’t splinter.
If you are traveling with your pet, here are a few pointers. Most owners do not realize that if they travel to another state, by car or by plane, they are required to have a Certificate for Interstate Movement of Dogs and Cats. This governmental document can only be signed by USDA accredited veterinarians. They are good for 30 days, so plan ahead.
Make sure you have enough of your pet’s medications and food for the duration of your trip. Changing to a different food when you get to your destination can cause an unplanned outing to a local veterinarian to treat the digestive upset that this can cause.
If you are driving, make sure you offer water frequently along with potty breaks. Small dogs and cats travel best in a carrier. Many accidents have been caused by pets creeping around the driver’s feet.
Here are a few other key things to remember:
Do not let your dog or cat drink water from a Christmas tree. It can cause digestive upset. Keep tinsel and ribbon away from cats. Keep tinsel and ribbon away from cats. Bring dogs and cats inside when it freezes. Poinsettias are poisonous if ingested. Do not let them chew on electrical decorations. Make sure they have their collar and tag on in case they get out during this crazy time of year. Keep candles high enough so your dog cannot knock them over, and if you Have a cat, make sure they are really out of the way.
Our entire team of dedicated and caring individuals allows the Gainesville Animal Hospitals and Archer Animal Hospital to take your pet’s care to heart.
Visit or call Gainesville Animal Hospital (East and West) at 2838 NW 6th St., 372 –5366; 7615 W. Newberry Rd. 332-5366, Archer Animal Hospital, 1605 SW Archer Rd. 495-2910; or visit their websites at http://www.gainesvillevet.com and http://www.archeranimalhospital.com