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This time of year, most of us begin focusing on the upcoming holidays. Who will host? What dishes will we make? Is it too early to begin decorating (of course not!)? However, while our to-do lists may be long, holiday pet safety should remain a top priority.

No Feasting for Fido

Keeping pets out of all the delicious food is one of the chief concerns around Thanksgiving and other meal-centric holidays. It’s also important for owners to resist sneaking their fur pals a bite of turkey or gravy at the table. Not only do these habits pose a risk for poisoning, they also increase the possibility of gastrointestinal injuries/obstructions and pancreatitis, a potentially dangerous and painful condition.

If your pet loves wearing a costume and greeting gaggles of tiny princesses and superheroes at the front door, then Halloween is certainly as much fun for him or her as it is for the two-legged members of the family. This spooky time of year isn’t without its risks, however, even for those pets that enjoy all the festivities. Follow our Halloween pet safety tips to keep your four-legged pal safe and comfortable this year.

Treat Talk

Humans aren’t the only ones with a sweet tooth; pets find candy, cookies, and other treats just as irresistible as us. Most owners already know that chocolate is bad for dogs, but there are other potential dangers lurking in your child’s trick-or-treat bag. This includes Xylitol (an artificial sweetener that’s extremely toxic to dogs), raisins, and macadamia nuts. To be safe, stash all candy and treats out of reach of your fur friend.

During the holidays, many of us think of friends and family first and foremost. Those less fortunate also are never far from our thoughts during this season of gratitude and giving, of course, and even during our own holiday hustle and bustle we tend to smile more at strangers, bake for the neighbors, and even sometimes volunteer our time for a holiday charity.

Pet owners know that our pets give us unconditional love, and the holiday season seems like a perfect time to spread that love. Volunteering with your pet during the holidays is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while spending quality time with your furry family.

Here are a few ways to get started!

Summer means the weather is warm enough for snakes to come out and enjoy the sunshine, which can be a problem for your pet. 

Here in Indiana, we have four venomous snake species in the entire state: copperheads, cottonmouths, eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, and timber rattlesnakes. In Fort Wayne, your pet is more likely to run into an eastern massasauga rattlesnake than any of the other three venomous species. Copperheads, cottonmouths, and timber rattlesnakes don’t come into this part of the state.

Thankfully, snake bites are rare, and you probably won’t see venomous snakes at home or out on camping adventures with your pets. But it’s a good idea to be prepared for snake bites in dogs and cats. At Dupont Veterinary Clinic, we’ve got tips for what to do if you suspect that your furry friend has suffered a snakebite. 

It’s tempting to bring Fido with you everywhere you go, especially during the summertime. The gray days of winter are over and everything is green, vibrant, and ready for adventure. But here in Indiana, our sticky summer days can soar to 80° Fahrenheit or higher—which feels a lot hotter when you factor in the humidity. 

On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car will rise to about 102 degrees within 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. After 30 minutes, the air inside the car can hit 120 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), hundreds of pets die in hot cars every year.  

Camping is a beloved summer activity for many families, and Indiana is home to a wide variety of scenic spots to pitch your tent. Including the family pet can make the experience even more memorable. After all, who doesn’t relish the sight of a happy pup frolicking through the woods or along the lakeshore?

Camping with pets is not without some risks, however. Careful planning and preparation is necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience for your pet, and your team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic is here to help you get set up for success!

If you’ve been around Dupont Veterinary Clinic for long, you know we’re passionate about animals! We also care deeply for the people that come along with the pets we see! That’s why we love to support organizations that care for both people and pets!

Dr. Steve Harry has been the owner of DVC since 1999. Recently, as he has backed off on his veterinary responsibilities, he has served on the board of directors for an important organization that uses therapy dogs to serve our military veterans. If you’re like us, you deeply appreciate the sacrifice our veterans have made for our country.

One of the best things that pets have going for them is the neverending love and support of their human companions. Responsible, dedicated pet owners lovingly protect their pets from all sorts of illnesses and injuries, and promote day-to-day wellbeing, comfort, and safety. To determine daily health and wellness, owners may assess their pet’s appearance and behavior and make notes of any changes, however subtle or slight. In this way, pet owners might be able to see the first signs of pet cancer long before they are clinically identifiable.

If you’re a proud cat parent—particularly in a multi-cat household—you might occasionally witness a feeding frenzy that includes snarling, shoving, and swatting. Why? Because some cats get quite possessive of their kibble. A rare instance of this behavior is probably nothing to worry about, but if your cat’s mealtimes are routinely punctuated by hissing, growling, or full-on attacks on other pets and people, you could be dealing with food aggression, and it’s time to put the kibosh on it. 

By age 3, up to 85 percent of pet dogs and cats exhibit some signs of periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease can spell big problems for a pet, including damage to the heart, kidneys, and other major organs, not to mention possible tooth loss and significant pain.

Anything a pet owner can do to reduce the amount of plaque and tartar buildup on their pets’ teeth will have a big impact on the overall health. Regular home pet dental care is key in keeping your pet’s pearly whites healthy. Good oral health can add years to a pet’s life, and can keep those years more comfortable.