useful pet health & safety information

• Bring your pets inside and don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather

• Protect their paws by washing and drying your pet’s feet (and stomach) after every walk to remove ice, salt and chemicals

• Take care of their coat and skin and never shave your dog down to the skin in winter

• Antifreeze is a deadly poison

• Know your pet’s limits outdoors - if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet

• Check underneath your your car and hood for outside animals seeking a warm refuge

• Use space heaters with caution

• Watch for hypothermia and frostbite

• Be prepared with an emergency kit of food, water and medicine in case of blizzards and power outages

• NEVER, ever leave your dog in the car.

• Make sure your cat or dog has unlimited access to fresh water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible.

• Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside, preferably from trees as that does not limit airflow. Doghouses do NOT provide relief from heat.

• Take walks during the cooler hours of the day and limit their exercise on hot days. Keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

• When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog's paws. Walk on grassy areas and always keep water with you.

• If you think it's hot outside, it's even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off. Cooling body wraps, vests or mats are good items to purchase for the summer, if your pet tends to run warm.

• Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult our office for the best prevention product for your pet.

• Consider trimming dogs with long coats, and apply only pet-friendly sunscreen to your dog's skin if she or he has a thin coat. The product must be labeled that it is specifically for use on animals.

• Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. If you plan on spending time near a pool, lake or beach with your pet, make sure you give them fresh water and avoid letting them drink from the pool, or ingest ocean or lake water.

• Herbicides/Insecticides/Fertilizers/Citronella - when applying these products to your yard it is best to keep your pet away from the area being treated, follow directions on the packaging and prevent your pet from accessing the area until it is dry or has been appropriately watered. Additionally, keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils out of pets’ reach.

• Never use fireworks around pets and remember to keep them safe from loud noises in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of your home. 

• During outdoor parties and barbecues, do NOT feed or let your pet get into food, drinks (regular and alcoholic), and garbage - having food that is too high in fat, or ingesting a food item that may be toxic, is very hazardous. It’s best that your pet sticks to their normal diet and treats.

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems.

Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year for early signs of problems and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.If you observe any of the following problems, please call us today to schedule your pet’s oral exam:

• Bad breath
• Broken or loose teeth
• Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
• Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Pain in or around the mouth
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to our office. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Understanding what potential harmful poisons exist in your home and yard is the first step to keeping your pet safe.  Some of them are very obvious and others might be new to you.   

Here’s the Top Ten Pet Poison List for dogs and cats from the Pet Poison Helpline.  

When in doubt, call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (they do charge a consultation fee) to make sure there won’t be a problem. Take special care to keep these toxins out of your pet’s reach and pet-proof your house!   

• Chocolate   
• Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)   
• Vitamins and Minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)   
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)   
• Cardiac Medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.)   
• Cold and Allergy Medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.)   
• Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)   
• Xylitol (common in toothpaste and chewing gum – read your labels to ensure your pet is safe!)   
• Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)   
• Caffeine Pills   

• Topical spot-on insecticides   
• Household Cleaners   
• Antidepressants   
• Lilies   
• Insoluble Oxalate Plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, etc.)   
• Human and Veterinary NSAIDs   
• Cold and Flu Medication (e.g., Tylenol)   
• Glow Sticks   
• ADD/ADHD Medications/Amphetamines   
• Mouse and Rat Poison   

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or any other questionable substance, call Pet Poison Helpline or our office for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is very important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet.

For more information, you can check out the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center for even more helpful tips to keep your pets safe.