Welcome to Seasonal Tips for Optimum Pet Health by Dr. Vickie

Fall Pet Tips

As the summer comes to an end and the hectic year begins again, it is important to remember to keep on top of maintaining your pets’ health.  Here are some tips to help ease the changing of seasons. . .

• Although the nights are getting cooler, parasites continue to surround your pets’ world.  Do not forget to continue flea and tick preventative as well as heartworm preventative over the next few months.
• Trick or treat!!  Although Halloween is a favorite holiday for us, it can be dangerous to our four-legged friends!!  Please remember to keep all sweets stored in a safe location where they can’t be sniffed out!  This is especially important with chocolate candies.  Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs – so if your furry friends should happen to sneak some sweets, call us immediately!
• Shorter days, colder nights – brr!!  As the weather around us is changing, we often shorten or discontinue our exercise programs.  As a result we often see large amounts of weight gain during the cooler months.  Remember to be consistent with exercise and continue with a healthy maintenance diet for your pet.
• Our feline friends are looking for warmth!  As the degrees begin to fall, stray cats will often seek comfort in the motor of your car.  If you don’t park in a garage, please check under your hood before starting your car, or honk to scare away any sleeping cats!
• Cars are more than just a dangerous hiding spot, they are also a source of dangerous chemicals.  When winter blows in and we begin to check our antifreeze levels, it is important to remember that antifreeze is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats! As little as one small lick can cause kidney failure and result in death.  Please take special precautions with this material and clean any spills immediately.
• As always, your staff at Ash Creek Animal Hospital is here to serve all of your pets’ needs.  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!!

Winter Pet Tips

As the winter months approach, it is important to recognize the changing needs of our pets.  Below are a few tips to help us keep our four-legged friends safe and happy through the chilly months ahead!

• As Christmas and Hanukkah gifts begin to arrive, it is important that we pay attention to the details and keep all potentially hazardous items away from our four-legged friends.  Ribbon, tape, tinsel, and small pieces of paper can serve as potential dangers.  Holiday plants, such as poinsettias, holly berries and leaves and mistletoe and Christmas tree preservatives can also be dangerous toxins to our pets.  Please keep your animals safe from these hazardous materials. 
• Brrrr!!!  As the snow and ice begin to accumulate, many of us will be out de-icing our walkways.  Pets’ paws can be irritated by these de-icing materials – so please remember to wipe your pets’ paws off with a damp cloth after they have walked outdoors. 
• Although some of our pet family members habitually stay outdoors, it is essential that as pet owners we pay close attention to the weather throughout the winter months.  Wind-chill and frostbite affects our furry friends as well!
• Put away your antifreeze!!  Antifreeze is deadly to dogs and cats.  It tempts animals with a sweet taste but is life-threatening when ingested.  Put antifreeze out of reach and clean any spills immediately.