WARNING! Warm weather means snake season right around the corner……One of the most common human bites is the lady of the family bitten on the hand while pulling weeds in the garden. Men are frequently bitten by being macho, killing snakes with shovels, picking snakes up, etc some of these are alcohol related. Call the fire department to have snake removed. Recently saw a private companies truck that performs that service. Dogs and cats that are bitten are actually rooting the rascals out of the yard and protecting their owners and their childern. One third of the bites we saw at the Emergency Service were snake avoidance trained, why expose your pet to this shock collar treatment with stats like this? As logic tells us antivenim is the only real treatment for this problem.
Archive for the ‘Miscellanous’ Category
Snake Season in Arizona
Sunday, March 20th, 2011Traveling With Your Pet
Thursday, January 13th, 2011Taking your dog or cat with you may add enjoyment to your trip. It is important to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind when traveling, so check with your veterinarian well in advance of your departure date. If you are flying, notify the airline at least two weeks before you travel. Familiarize yourself with the airlines pet requirements so that you can avoid any last minute complications. Here are some tips for travel with your pet:
Make sure that your pet is current on all vaccinations. Some destinations require specific vaccinations. Your veterinarian can help you find out which vaccinations are necessary.
Have your dog checked for heart worms and institute heart worm preventative medication if you are traveling to a heart worm endemic area.
Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian before traveling. Health certificates are valid for thirty days for ground travel and ten days for air travel. It may be necessary to visit a veterinarian at your destination for a health certificate for your return trip. Your veterinarian would be happy to recommend a veterinarian at most US destinations.
Travel with your pet in a kennel. Kennels which satisfy airline requirements are convenient and inexpensive. Traveling in a kennel is safer for your pet and for you.
Familiarize your pet with the kennel and car travel before you travel. Begin with short trips.
Remember that your pet needs breaks as much as you do.
Make sure that your pet has identification tags attached to a snug fitting collar or harness.
Special tips for airline travel:
Take direct flights and avoid connections and layovers. This eliminates missed baggage connections and the chance that your pet will be left in extreme weather.
Remember that health certificates are only good for ten days when traveling via the airlines.
Airlines may allow a pet to travel within an approved carrier in the luggage storage area beneath the seat in the cabin. Be sure to notify the airline that your pet will be traveling with you as restrictions often apply. Obviously, only small pets qualify for this type of travel.
Do not feed your pet six hours before the flight. Allow your pet to drink water up until the time of the flight. Give your pet fresh water as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Airlines have specific kennel requirements. Check with the airline to ensure that your kennel meets their requirements. Kennels must have a water receptacle attached to the door that can be filled without opening the cage. The kennel must have specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached.
Baggage limitations apply to pets. Check your tickets for limitations. Remember to speak with an airline representative well before you travel.
Be aware that air travel may pose a risk for certain breeds of dogs and for pets with pre-existing medical problems. Be sure to discuss your travel plans with your veterinarian.
Other useful advice:
Arrange ahead of time for lodging that allows pets.
Make sure that your pet wears a collar with attached identification tags at all times.
If you leave your pet unattended in lodging rooms, make sure that there is no opportunity for escape.
Leave your pet in its kennel or in the bathroom. Notify the house keeping staff that your pet is in the room. Use the do not disturb sign.
If your pet gets lost, notify the local animal control authorities as soon as possible.
Tips for international travelers:
Many countries have very stringent animal import requirements including extended quarantines. Familiarize yourself with these requirements well before you travel.
Most countries require that a copy of your pets health certificate be forwarded to them by the US federal veterinarian.
Health certificates are only valid from point to point. If you plan to travel to more than one foreign country, be aware that a new health certificate is necessary for each leg of your journey. This necessitates that you visit a veterinarian at each destination as it is not possiblefor your veterinarian at home to write the numerous health certificates required for each leg of your trip.
Remember, advanced planning is vital to make your trip an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. Make arrangements for your pet well in advance, especially if you are traveling by air or to foreign countries. Your veterinarian is a good source for information and advice.
Pet Tips for the Holidays
Thursday, January 13th, 2011The Holiday Season is here. While our celebrations bring us much happiness and joy, our pets may be exposed to health hazards not present the rest of the year. Holiday feasts are part of both Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition. While you are sitting in front of the turkey and potatoes, remember that dogs and cats should not eat people food. The following are some of the hazards that your holiday meal pose to your pets:
Bones, especially poultry bones, pose a threat to your pet. All bones splinter. These splinters may become lodged in or perforate the bowel, resulting in the need for expensive surgical intervention. Even if bones do not become lodged, they cause irritation to the digestive tract which may lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Fatty foods, such as turkey skin or roast trimmings often cause problems just as severe. Snacks high in fat can cause the common GI upset resulting in vomiting in diarrhea. In some cases, a much more severe condition, inflammation of the pancreas, occurs. This inflammation, called Pancreatitis, can be life threatening. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting diarrhea, depression and refusal of food and water. Often, pets obtain these unhealthy treats from the garbage or from unknowing guests. Remember to dispose of unwanted left overs in such a way that your pet can not get to them. Remind guests that your pets do not eat people food.
Chocolate in moderate to large quantities is poisonous to dogs. If your pet sneaks such a snack, call the veterinarian.
Poisonous plants , not usually available to your pets are around during the holidays. Poinsettias and Mistletoe are the most common. Keep these plants out of reach of your pets. Call the veterinarian if your pet chews on or consumes any holiday plants.
Cats and tinsel don’t mix. Cats that play with and consume tinsel or thread are asking for severe GI problems that most often require surgical correction. If your cat plays with tinsel, consider eliminating tinsel from your tree or restrict your cat’s access to the tree.
If you feel that your pet needs a special holiday treat, we suggest a tasty can of pet food or some pet treat.
