Local Value Veterinary

Category: Holiday

  • Halloween Safety Tips

    Halloween Safety Tips

    Tips for Keeping your Pets Safe During Halloween

    Unusual activities, costumed visitors, anxiety, and fear can all make Halloween a nightmare for your pets. Whether your pets are prone to anxiety and fear or not, they like their daily routine, which when interrupted can cause them to feel agitated and uncomfortable. Here are some excellent tips for keeping your pets during Halloween.

    Never give your pets candies

    Regardless of how much fun you think it will be for your pets to participate in Halloween, you should never give them candies. All types of chocolate, specifically the dark or baking chocolate, can be lethal for cats and dogs. Chocolate poisoning symptoms include diarrhea, elevated heart rate, seizers, rapid breathing and vomiting. Also, xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can cause your dogs to have liver failure or other issues related to low blood sugar.

    Don’t Leave your pets outside during Halloween

    There are cases of vicious pranksters who injure, tease or even steal pets during Halloween. Black colored cats are more vulnerable to these cruelty-related pranks, so ensure that your pets are safely locked away indoors. 

    Keep your pets away from your front door

    While indoor is much better than staying outdoors during Halloween, your front door will likely be opened and closed constantly, with different visitors wearing strange costumes. Your pets may find that situation scary, resulting in unexpected aggression or escape attempts. Make sure you put your cat or dog away in a room far away from the door as possible to minimize stress.

    Don’t let your pets play with glow sticks

    Even though glow sticks are essential in keeping people safe during Halloween, your pet can easily chew one open. Fortunately, the liquid used in these devices is not toxic. If your pet bites into these glow sticks, offer them fresh water to clear out the material from the mouth.

    Keep all Halloween plants out of your pet’s reach

    Although your pet can safely eat small quantities of pumpkin and corn, ingesting moldy or uncooked Halloween display plants can cause huge problems. Your pet could get gastrointestinal upset or intestinal blockage when they swallow large pieces. 
    Avoid keeping lit items around pets

    When you are using any Halloween decorations that involve fireworks, candles or lanterns, ensure you place them out of easy access by your pets. It will prevent your pets from burning themselves and even causing a huge fire. The same also applies for any battery or electric-powered Halloween decorations. 

    Avoid dressing your pets in limiting costumes

    The pet costumes you choose must not restrict hearing, breathing ability, movement or eyesight. You should aim to make this process fun for your pet through positive reinforcement and treats.

    Lastly, ensure your pets have the proper IDs. Tags and collars are perfect for ensuring that they will be easily returned if they happen to get lost during Halloween. 

  • Useful Tips for Managing your Pets This Memorial Day

    Useful Tips for Managing your Pets This Memorial Day

    The long anticipated Memorial Day Weekend is just a few days away. Often seen by most people as the unofficial start of the fun-filled summer months after enduring the long cold wintry season, the Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect excuse for spending quality time outdoors with your loved ones. And what’s a better a way of doing that than also tagging your cherished four-legged companions along? Whether you’re barbecuing, partying or just up-and-about soaking in those glorious sun rays, your pet will also love to be there too! Nonetheless, it is still important to stay safe as much as you’re having a ball in your backyard. Here is a quick primer of a collection of useful tips that could come in handy in preventing mishaps during this year’s ‘Dog Days’ weekend.

    1. Protect your Pets from Potentially Toxic Foods
    Remind your guests to refrain from feeding your pets table scraps or party snacks. Chocolate, raisins, chocolate, avocado, grapes, and onions are examples of barbecue additives that are considered potentially toxic to certain breeds of dogs.

    2. Don’t Leave Pets Unsupervised
    Pets, like toddlers, should never be left unsupervised while in the presence of potentially hazardous areas. Contrary to the common misconception, not all dogs and cats are good swimmers. Avoid leaving your pets near large pools of water/lakes/waterfalls. Speaking of which, make sure that your four-pawed companion has proper identification on them ( ID tag or an embedded microchip ) before you venture outdoors.

    3. Be Mindful of the Heat Levels
    Pets also get dehydrated quickly especially after spending endless hours outdoors. Ensure you have enough packed clean, fresh water for them and encourage them to take intermittent breaks from direct sunlight in a cool, shaded place. To add on this, discourage nibbling around by packing a few hearty snacks for them in addition to their water ration. Party smart.

    SOURCES: Pet 360, Dog Time, Dog Tipper
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Celebrating Cat Moms This Mother’s Day!

    Celebrating Cat Moms This Mother’s Day!

    woman cat photoSunday, May 14th is this year’s Mother’s Day, and it is just around the corner. It is that time of the year when we dedicate the second Sunday of May to celebrate moms all over the globe for the heroic, selfless, and relentless role they play every day in our lives. We couldn’t be any more proud of our moms! This year, attention and recognition go to all ‘mothers’ of furbabies and cute kitties. Cats might not exactly be our ‘kids, ‘ but we still choose to recognize the invaluable role loving moms play in the nurturing of our furry companions.

    How Can You Contribute to this?

    Are you a proud cat mom? Or do you happen to know one personally? Or maybe it’s a close relative/sibling such as an aunt, sister or girlfriend that can’t get over their furry friend. Perfect! Let’s all make this year’s Mother’s Day a special occasion for them. Spoil them with an adorable cat mom mug or that beautiful pendant with an engraved Kitty insignia. It doesn’t have to be much. Heck, it can just be a tee-shirt with a colorful scrawl of their favorite 4-legged companion. Whatever it is, just make it cute!
    On a more serious note…

    Even as we cherish those loving moms who have chosen to accommodate a whiskered companion under their roofs, it is also the opportune time to raise awareness of the importance of observing recommended pet handling/ownership measures as directed by the Animal Humane Association. For instance, when was the last time you brought in your kitty for a thorough and comprehensive dental checkup? Is it vaccinated against common feline infections? Is it neutered or spayed to combat chances of contracting uterine or ovarian cancers? Even as we shower our proud cat moms with gifts and appreciation, this year’s Mother’s Day is also a good time to remind of the best ways of fortifying their favorite pet’s wellbeing.

    SOURCES: Modern Cat, Cat Wisdom 101, ASPCA
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • 5 Important Pet Health Tips to Ring In The New Year

    5 Important Pet Health Tips to Ring In The New Year

    As a pet owner, you should ask yourself what you can do to keep your pets health in check. And what better time to do it than the New Year! Here are 5 Important Pet Health Tips you can use as a checklist to make sure your pet is happy and healthy for many, many, years to come.

    1. Schedule a yearly veterinary examination

    Annual examinations for your pet are important. You never want to wait till your pet is sick before bringing them in to us. Rather, schedule a yearly examination with us so you can be assured that your pet is healthy. An annual physical exam is a vital part of maintaining a long, healthy, and happy, life for your pet.

    1. Vaccinations

    Are your pet’s vaccines up to date? Immunizations protect our pets from harmful diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Ask us to find which vaccines can benefit your pet based on their lifestyle and breed, and how often your pet should receive vaccines.

    1. Screening Tests

    Screening tests are very important because they detect disease before signs and symptoms even occur. We will recommend screening tests to look for problems like diabetes or thyroid disease, depending how old your pet is.

    1. Parasite protection

    Parasites are a common disease in pets. They can be internal or external, like fleas and ticks. Parasites  can also lead to heartworm and Lyme disease, to possible death which is another reason to schedule an exam each and every year.

    1. Microchips

    Does your pet have a microchip? If not, they should. While ID tags are important, you can’t guarantee that you’ll find your pet if they wander away from home. Collars and ID tags are not always the answer because they can get brittle and fall off. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

    We all want to ensure the best for our pets. These pet health tips should ensure that your pet has a safe New Years for many years to come.

    Source: Pet Health Network
    Copyright: Local Value

  • Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

    Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

    Thanksgiving is almost here and while we are busy preparing for the festive holiday, there are some precautions to look after when it comes to pet safety. Thinking of keeping your pets safe isn’t exactly the first priority you think about on a holiday but the food that falls on the floor may be toxic to your pet. That is why we will go over a few foods that are pet friendly, as well as foods that are “not so” pet friendly. Let’s take a look.

    Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Food

    1. Turkey Breast – If your cat or dog does not have food allergies, it’s safe to give (just a small amount) of some turkey breast to them. Just do not give them any skin, bones, gravy, etc. Just turkey breast and a little bit would be a great treat for them.
    2. Vegetables – Every dog ever owned has loved vegetables. Most of them are wonderful snacks for your fur babies. Just make sure there is no butter, gravy, cheese or any sauce that could be potentially harmful to your pets. You could give them some carrots, broccoli or sweet potatoes and they’ll love it! They are essential in fiber and will keep your pet fuller longer.
    3. Salmon – If you’re serving appetizers then pick up a salmon plate! A small amount would be the perfect treat for your dog or cat and they’ll love you for eternity (or until you give them more salmon).

    “Not-So” Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

    1. Turkey Skin – As mentioned above, turkey breast can be a great treat, but keep the skin away.
    2. Cooked Bones – Don’t question it, just don’t give them any cooked bones. When a bone is cooked, it becomes very easy to break and can splinter into your pets mouth, throat, or intestine, causing harm to your pet and costing you a pretty penny at the vet.
    3. Chocolate – All pet owners know not to feed chocolate your your pets as it can be extremely toxic. We would never intentionally feed our pets chocolate, however it’s important to keep in mind. Keep chocolate away from your pets and encourage your guests to do the same. Candy bowls could be potential targets that your pets would want to get in to.

    SOURCE: Pet Health Network
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value LLC

  • Adopting A K-9 Veteran This Veterans Day

    Adopting A K-9 Veteran This Veterans Day

    With all the talk about adopting senior dogs this month, you might consider adopting a k-9 veteran this Veterans Day. Most people don’t think about “dogs of war” but they are just as brave and courageous as our troops and deserve to be put into wonderful homes when they retire.

    Most people think of “attack dogs” when they think of military or police dogs, but this is not the case. There is more to our courageous K-9 pals. They play such an integral role in the society of our police department and our military. Going beyond that, the military trains these brave soldiers to be search and rescue dogs, detection dogs, arson dogs, bomb detecting, even dogs that detect decomposing bodies.

    Petful.com suggests an estimated 2,300 dogs are enlisted in the U.S. armed forces. How long a dog will stay in service and how long it will take to train these brave K-9’s all depends on the specialty of the dog. The Army provides the veterinary care for these animals and the Air Force is responsible for training dogs for military service. Veterans Day commemorates the appreciation for the brave men, women, and dogs that serve the county in all areas of public service.

    It is truly amazing what our military dogs do for us every single day. They will continue to pave their way in history as intelligent and magnificent animals. Do you feel that you would like to adopt one of these amazing, 4-legged companions a great home? The Air Force website has more information on adopting a these retired heroes. Or you can contact us and we can help point you in the right direction to owning one of these magnificent dogs. You might find that they are the perfect loyal companion to you and your family.

    SOURCE: Plentiful
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • 5 Labor Day Tips for Pets

    5 Labor Day Tips for Pets

    It’s not just humans who love the summer. Our pets love the summer just as much as we do. Our dogs love to bask in the sun as much as swimming, running or just enjoying a nap in the yard with the family. There are some tips to make sure your Memorial Day doesn’t get out of hand.

    1. Think twice about giving that bone to your dog

    While it’s very tempting, it can also be life-threatening. Along with bones, BBQ bits, like gristle and fat should never be given to your dog. Certain breeds and dogs that are overweight are subject to pancreatitis.

    1. Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water and shade

    Our pets, especially dogs, get much thirstier than we do when they get hot, and other than panting and drinking, they really have no way to cool themselves down. Get your pet in the shade as often as possible. While dogs and cats like to sunbathe, direct sunlight can overheat them (especially dogs) and cause heat stroke.

    1. Never ever leave your pet in the car

    It can take minutes – yes, MINUTES – for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. Most people don’t realize how hot it gets in parked cars.

    1. Keep pets away from fireworks

    For us, fireworks are the highlight of the night, however, many pets are terrified of them. The loud noises and bright lights easily scare pets, which will make them want to get as far away as possible. Fireworks are also harmful to pets even when they’re not lit, as they contain hazardous chemicals.

    1. Make sure your pup has his ID tag on

    We love bringing our pets places, it means we get to spend more time with them! However, when you bring your pet to an outing, be sure they are wearing their collar with up-to-date ID tags just in case they wander off. It never hurts to be careful.

    SOURCE: Pet Health Network
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Pet Advice: What July 4th Means To Your Pet

    Pet Advice: What July 4th Means To Your Pet

    July 4th

    Usually, you get together with your friends and family on Fourth of July, right? You might have a picnic or a little backyard BBQ, relax and maybe go see some fireworks. That might sound like a good time to you, however, all of the Fourth of July festivities can terrify your pets.

    Pay attention to you pet to how they react to the loud sounds of fireworks because you never know if those sounds are frightening your pet and could cause them to run. The summer heat is another thing to worry about and could be very dangerous. In order to keep your pets safe, it’s important to follow a plan to keep them safe.

    Fourth of July Safety Tips:

    1. ID Tags: Always make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have ID tags with correct information on them.
    2. Current Photo: Always have a current photo on hand. You don’t want to show a picture of your lost pet if the pic is a baby picture.
    3. Microchip: Consider getting your pet microchipped. If your pet is microchipped then make sure all information is up to date.
    4. Anxiety Reduction: If you know your pet gets anxious during loud noises like fireworks, consult your local veterinarian on which types of treatments or therapy can help reduce the risk of problems.
    5. Secured Gates: Make sure all of your gates are locked, pet doors or gates are secure. You want to keep your pet safe and don’t want them to escape.
    6. Cates: Crates can keep your pets safe. Consider putting your pets in a safe and secure, escape proof room or crate during Fourth of July Festivities.
    7. Indoors: If you keep your dogs outside then consider bringing them inside during fireworks and they will thank you.
    8. Table Scraps: Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people.
    9. Trash: Check your yard for any trash that might have been left out from the festivities. There might be something dangerous like sharp objects such as cans or toothpicks.
    10. Cars: You should never leave your pets in the car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.

    SOURCE: AVMA
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value