Though the temperatures are a bit mild for this time of year, the holidays are upon us! Now is the time for festive lights, good food, decorations and holiday cheer. It is also a time of year where there are many distractions that can keep us from watching out for our four legged friends. Amid the decorating, shopping, meal preparation and present wrapping, things sometimes get overlooked, ending in an unplanned trip to your veterinarian.

Here is a list of potentially hazardous situations that you should be aware of to keep your pet safe.

~ Holiday lights and candles.

We all know how beautiful the house and tree look all lit up. However, for many animals, those twinkling and often dangly lights present a temptation pets cannot resist. They bat, pull and chew at the lighted strands, often resulting in electrical burns to the mouth or even death from electrocution.

If you decide to light candles for the holiday season, keep them high and in places where your dog and especially your kitty (who likes to defy gravity and get to places unseen) cannot reach. Not only can your pets get seriously burned from the flame or wax, they can also knock candles over creating a potential fire hazard for your home.

~ Tinsel and other decorations

Although it is not toxic, tinsel can cause serious harm and even death if consumed by your pets. Cats in particular are attracted to the shiny stuff that glitters and flutters as though alive. Once ingested, the tinsel can twist and bunch up causing intestinal blockages.

Also highly tempting to your pets are the bright, shiny and colorful bulbs that you hang on the tree. Both dogs and cats have been known to consume tree ornaments. Many of these can shatter, causing lacerations to the mouth, esophagus or stomach. They also can be potential choking hazards.

~ Holiday plants

Though they are beautiful and certainly add to the festive holiday mood, certain plants are highly poisonous and should be avoided or kept out of reach if you have pets. If ingested these plants may cause issues:

Pine needles – Pine needles can cause irritation to the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy.

Poinsettias – Poinsettias can cause mouth irritation and vomiting.

Holly – Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea and depression in your pet.

Mistletoe – Mistletoe can cause respiratory distress, erratic behavior, vomiting, diarrhea or even death.

~ Food

Finally, it is definitely the season for rich, delectable food. For many pets and people alike, the temptation can be great! But before you drop those scraps to your faithful friend, please remember that many foods can cause gastrointestinal issues at best or even death in the worst cases.

Chocolate  – One of the worst offenders, chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats alike, although worse for dogs.

Stuffing – The stuffing may contain nuts and herbs that can be potentially dangerous to your pets. Cats are sensitive to essential oils and sage. Many nuts, such as macadamia, walnuts, almonds and others can cause stomach irritation, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.

Fatty foods – Foods high in fat content, such as turkey skin and desserts can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and even pancreatitis.

Bones – Many people feel that it is natural to give dogs and cats bones. However, they can cause very serious health issues with your pets and should be avoided. Bones can easily lodge in the esophagus, stomach or intestines.  They can also splinter causing infection, blockages and even death if not treated.

We hope that these tips help you avoid any unplanned vet trips and that you and your pets have a Ho Ho Happy Holiday Season!

This time of year we pause to give thanks for all the wonderful things in our lives. For so many of us, we are thankful for our beloved animals. Therefore, it only makes sense that we would want to keep them as healthy and safe as possible. However, with every major holiday, there are unforeseen hazards that can cause serious problems for our pets. Therefore, this Thanksgiving, here are a few things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, there is the aromatic, juicy turkey that we all love to eat on Thanksgiving. Well, this probably is not a news flash, but our pets love to consume turkey as well. And while a little nibble of turkey won’t necessarily cause any issues with your pet, you should be cautious. First, be sure that the turkey is cooked all the way through. This will save your pet (and your family) from inadvertently ingesting any salmonella bacteria. Second, be sure that if you do give any turkey to your pet, there are absolutely no bones in it. Bones can easily lodge in the esophagus, stomach or intestines.  They can also splinter causing infection, blockages and even death if not treated. Your best course of action is to avoid giving your pets scraps, but we understand that this does happen. So, just be careful.

Avoid giving your pets (or letting them get at) any foods that are high in fat content. This includes the skin from the turkey, gravy and any beef fat that you may be using. These high fat foods can cause severe gastrointestinal issues in pets. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, gas, bloat and even pancreatitis.

When making the stuffing, be careful about what herbs you are using. They may be tasty to you, but toxic to your pet. Sage in particular is one that can cause gastrointestinal problems in your animals. Cats are particularly sensitive to essential oils and herbs, so watch them around the stuffing.

Be careful of the packing that the food comes in. Nosing through the trash that smells so delightful, your dog or cat might think that they have found a treasure chest of goodies. Unfortunately, when consumed, those plastic bags, strings and other items can cause serious issues and even death for your pet.

Finally, once the meal is over and dessert is served, keep Fifi and Fido away. Chocolate, in particular is very toxic to dogs. However, most of the decadent and rich desserts we eat on Thanksgiving will not settle well with your animals. Just say no when it comes to letting them sample the dessert.

We want to keep our holidays festive and fun and an emergency trip to the vet does not factor into these plans! So, keep an eye on your pets, keep the food out of reach and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

We are well into our Michigan hunting season and opening day for firearms is just around the corner. Whether you are a hunter or not, there are a few things you need to be aware of to help keep your pets safe during the hunting season.

~ Know the hunting season dates.  Even if you are not a hunter, if you enjoy hiking with your pets, you need to know when hunters are out. The following is a link from the Michigan DNR that has all of the hunting seasons listed: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10363—,00.html

~ Know where it is legal to hunt in your area. You may want to avoid these places during hunting season. Even public trails can be near private land, where hunting may be allowed. Do your research to make sure you and your pet are safe year round.

~ Avoid walking in wooded areas at dawn and dusk. These are prime hunting times and visibility is limited.

~ On that note, make yourself and your pet as visible as possible. Wear bright colors, preferably “hunter orange”, which is the universal color for hunters. If you see a hunter, announce that you and your pet are there.

~ Make sure your dog is wearing the proper gear. A “hunter orange” canine vest will make them visible to other hunters. Also consider booties to protect their feet.

~ Consider putting a bell on your pet’s collar to help hunters hear him/her coming. On that same note, you may want to keep up a conversation with your pet as you walk. Talking will make your presence known, and keep your pet entertained as well.

~ Keep your pets on a leash. By keeping your pets close to you, it is much less likely that they will be mistaken for game bounding through the woods or a field.

~ Carry a first aid kit. You never know when you, or your pet, might need it.

For those of you that have hunting dogs, here are a few tips to help keep them safe as well.

~ Make sure all of your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. In addition, be sure they are current on flea and tick preventative.

~ Be sure that your dogs have tags, are microchipped and/or have a radio collar. Even the most obedient dogs can get lost.

~ Be aware of weather conditions. If it is cold and your dog gets wet find a place where they can get out of the elements, dry them as much as possible. Watch for signs of hypothermia. If the weather is warm, watch for signs of heat exhaustion.

~ Always carry fresh water for your dog to drink.

As with any situation, being knowledgeable and vigilant will assure that you and your pet are safe during hunting season.

Close your eyes and picture it… an ink black sky with an almost full moon glowing bright as wisps of clouds float by. The night is chilly with the promise of ghosts and goblins around every corner. Shouts of “trick or treat” can be heard around the neighborhood. Indeed, Halloween is coming quickly!

But before you run out and grab a costume to get Missy or Buddy ready for the big night (and we are talking about your pets here, not your kids) there are a few things to keep in mind concerning animals and Halloween. Even though we love this holiday, it is not always the best for our four legged friends.

Here are a few things to be aware of this Halloween:

Halloween Candy.  One of the best things about Halloween is the awesome candy!  Yes parents, even you must admit to nabbing a piece of candy or 10 from your kids’ stash. Don’t worry, we are not judging. We all do it too. However, all that candy can be mighty tempting for your dogs and cats too. Be sure to keep candy up and away from where pets can get into it. Although chocolate is the worst (and can even kill animals in large amounts), too much of any candy is not good for pets and can cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.

Candles. Both in pumpkins and in the open, candles can be a hazard to your pet. Often, candles burning in jack o’ lanterns create a wonderful aroma that just begs a pet to come and investigate. This can lead to singed whiskers at best and severe burns in the worst cases. Be sure that the pumpkins are placed where your dog or cat cannot access them. Also be careful of placing candles in open areas where they can be knocked over by the dog or cat. In addition to painful burns from the flame or wax, this can also start house fires.

Costumes:  Everyone loves a cute dog or cat in a costume. But keep in mind; sometimes your dog or cat is not as happy with the prospect of dressing up. If you do decide to put them in a costume, be sure that they can move freely, the costume does not have small pieces that can be chewed off and ingested and that it does not impair their vision. Also, before you put any kind of dye or coloring on your pet, be sure to check with your vet. Even if it claims to be non-toxic for humans, this is not always true of animals. And one last warning pertaining to costumes; If you decide to take your dog trick or treating with your kids, be aware that all the little ghouls and goblins running around, crazy on sugar, might be a source of anxiety for your pup. Some dogs react with fear and others can get aggressive, so be prepared.

Glow sticks and glow jewelry.  Over the past several years, glow sticks and glow bracelets and necklaces have become a staple for the Halloween holiday. Parents give them to their kids to make them more visible and kids love them because they look cool. Cats and dogs love them because they make fun chew toys. Though the contents are not usually life threatening if consumed, they can cause pain and irritation in the mouth. Therefore, do not leave them lying around where your pets can get to them.

As with all things pet related, knowledge is key. Knowing what things to be aware of and what to avoid this Halloween can make it happy hauntings for everyone!

We have all been there, you are sitting quietly on the couch watching a movie when you feel it… warm breath on your face as your faithful companion sits next to you looking for a little attention. A tender moment; interrupted only by the fact that you seem to be losing consciousness due to the noxious fumes coming out of Sparky’s mouth.

You might think that this is nothing to worry about. All dogs (and some cats) have bad breath, right? Not so fast. There can be many reasons behind chronic bad breath (also known as halitosis) in your pet. Bad breath can result from dental or gum disease, a build up of bacteria in the mouth, lungs or gut or larger issues such as gastrointestinal tract, liver, or kidney problems.  Whatever the cause, persistent bad breath is not something to take lightly.

If you have noticed that your beloved pet has been having bad breath issues, the best thing to do is to contact your veterinarian. They can help you to pinpoint the cause of the problem. They may want to do an examination or go through a list of possible causes to help shed light on what is causing the bad breath.

Once you have determined the cause of the odor predicament, your veterinarian can help you to decide the proper course of treatment. However, before you even get to that stage, there are things you can do to help prevent the problem from rearing its smelly head.

First, remember that just like humans, both dogs and cats need dental checkups. Proper dental care is essential for keeping your pet’s mouth clean and healthy. Plus, lack of dental care can lead to a whole host of other issues. An ounce of prevention is worth far more than a pound of cure in this case.

Second, the brand of food you feed your pet is important. High quality, easily digestible food is best. There are also doggy and kitty treats that can help keep teeth clean and breath smelling pretty.

Third, brush your pet’s teeth daily. Many people laugh at this, but you brush your teeth every day, right?  Well, Sparky and Fluffy need theirs done too.  But remember to only use toothpaste made for pets!

Finally, remember that if your cat or dog has a very sudden change of breath, contact your veterinarian immediately.

We promise that it is far more enjoyable to cuddle with a sweet smelling pet watching that movie!

There is just something about fall in Michigan. The changing color of the leaves, the crisp cool air, the smell of burning fires…  It all adds up to make for a wonderful time of year. Most Michiganders enjoy the fall, even if it signifies that winter will soon follow.  Even better, our pets love the change in season as well. For our dogs and cats, the cooler weather amps up their energy and gives them a bit more pep in their step. But no matter how wonderful the season, it is important to keep in mind that some potential hazards come with the arrival of fall.

First, be aware of the changing temperatures. Though the weather usually remains pretty mild through the fall, Michigan has been known to get some chilly nights this time of year.  If you have indoor pets, they will not be acclimated to the cold weather and should not be left outdoors for prolonged periods of time. For outdoor pets, provide shelter from wind, rain and other elements.  Be sure to put some sort of bedding down, straw or hay being the best choice. Avoid using any type of electrical heating devices, since animals can chew the cords causing electrocution or burns to the mouth. Finally, as the weather gets colder your pets (especially outdoor ones) will require an increase in their diet to help generate body heat.

Another potential hazard that comes with the colder weather is the use of antifreeze. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol that has a very sweet taste that animals love. Unfortunately, it is highly toxic. Just a small amount can kill a full grown animal. It acts very quickly once ingested and can result in kidney failure and death in just a matter of hours. It is important to keep antifreeze high up where your pets (and children) cannot reach it.  After adding it to your car, be vigilant about any spills or leaks. If you think your pet has ingested antifreeze, call your vet immediately.

As the weather gets colder, pests start to come indoors. Many people see an increase in the number of mice, ants and other vermin that make their way into the house. Be aware if you are using pesticides or rodenticides, they can be harmful to your animals as well. These are products that are used to kill pests, and if your pets consume them, they can kill them as well. If you do use these products, be sure to put them where they are completely inaccessible to your pets. If you think your animal has consumed any of them, call your vet at once. In addition, be wary of where you set up mouse traps. You do not want your dog or cat sniffing that delectable piece of cheese only to get a trap snapped on their nose. And for small cats and dogs, mouse traps can be a serious danger.

Finally, with the arrival of fall comes some of the best food oriented holidays… Halloween and Thanksgiving!  However, be aware of a few things. Chocolate is a crowd favorite with both of these holidays. Unfortunately, it is toxic to dogs, cats and birds. A small amount of chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea, while larger amounts can cause heart and respiratory distress and even death. In addition to chocolate, other foods can cause issues as well. At Thanksgiving, bones from the turkey can get stuck in the esophagus or puncture the digestive track of your animals. Onions in the stuffing can be potentially fatal to your pet as well.  And those rich delicious deserts we love so much? They can cause digestive issues, pancreatitis or bloat. So, it is important to keep those leftovers and table scraps away from your pets!

Michigan is truly a wonderful place to be in the fall. This is a time of golden colors, beautiful smells and fun for all. Be aware of what is happening around and you and your pets will enjoy an incredible fall season!

In our last blog entry, we talked about how your kids return to school can affect your pet. Now that school is in session and you know what to look for, how can you help your animals through the transition?

The first thing that you must acknowledge is that this is a family matter. Everyone should be involved in taking care of the family pets. The more each individual works together, the easier it will be on your fluffy family members. Let your kids know that their animals miss them when they are gone to school all day. Discuss ways that you can help make it easier for your pets.

First, since pets thrive on routines, start a new routine to replace the old one from summer. Each day, when the kids get home from school, have them set aside some time to play with their pets. The first few days might be rough for your pets, but they will quickly come to learn that the kids will be returning home each day. And that with their return will be plenty of time to play!

Avoid prolonged, sad goodbyes in the morning with your animals. Pets are very good at picking up on our emotional cues. The more fuss the kids make about leaving Fifi or Fido, the more anxiety your dog or cat will build up. Keep goodbyes happy, short and positive. Maybe offer a “good boy or good girl” and a quick treat as you leave.

Other environmental cues might be sources of anxiety for your pets. For example, the sight of the kids getting into their backpacks might cause barking, whining or other anxious behaviors. Or possibly the sound of your car keys may trigger this. If that is the case, then pick up your keys and walk around for a few minutes, but do not leave. Or have the kids put on their backpacks and walk around for a bit before leaving. This helps to get your animals used to these triggers, eventually making them benign.

Finally, remember that while the family is away, the dog or cat will play. And if there is nothing for them to play with, they will find something! To avoid your favorite throw pillows or other household items becoming pet toys, be sure to offer a wide array of actual dog and cat toys to keep them occupied. Once they get used to the new routine, it is most likely they will sleep most of the day. Then it is up to you and the kids to give them lots of love, attention and exercise once you get home. With the whole family working together, there is no reason the beginning of the school year can’t be a smooth one for everyone!

September in Michigan means one thing for both parents and kids alike… School is starting again. Gone are the carefree, lazy summer days. Instead is a carefully crafted schedule of homework, sports and other after school activities. Parents tend to fall into two camps this time of year. There are those that get teary at the site of their little ones getting ready to head out the door for yet another school year. Then, on the other side of the fence, are those that are doing cartwheels at the prospect of no longer being a referee, teacher and more on top of being a parent!

However you or your kids react to the start of the school year, have you ever stopped to think about how it affects your pets? Consider this… all summer long Fluffy or Fido has had constant companionship. There is always someone around to play with, someone to snuggle up to, someone to hand out a quick pat or treat. Then, suddenly there is only you or your spouse. And if you both work, then there is no one, all day, until the kids get home from school. This can be very disturbing for a pet.

Be aware that you might see some changes in your pets’ behavior this September. Both cats and dogs may show signs of sadness and even depression once the kids return to school. What should you be on the lookout for? Your pets may sleep more and eat less than usual. Your cat may wander around meowing or your dog might stake a claim at the door, waiting. They also might start chewing things or urinating and/or defecating around the house. This usually only happens in extreme cases, but it does occur.

Pets love routines. They get used to things happening at a certain time and having the same loved ones around all day. When that suddenly changes, it is hard for them. They do not understand that you will be home at the end of the day. They only know that they are being left alone. And while some animals show mild signs of sadness, some can have full blown separation anxiety! Therefore, it is important to remember that while it might be an adjustment for you and your kids this fall, it will also take some getting used to for your animals as well. Check out our next blog entry on ways to help your animals cope with the new school year!

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