Holiday Pet Safety In and Around the Home
It’s odd that the ways in which we celebrate the holidays are also responsible for negatively impacting pet health. Between the foods, guests, and routine disruptions, pets are inadvertently placed in the crosshairs. To counteract the effect that the seasonal holidays have on our ability to mitigate disaster, we offer this guide to holiday pet safety. The more you can stay in front of at home, the better.
Continue…How to Choose Safe Chew Toys for Your Pet
Anyone who’s ever lived with a pet knows that some habits die hard, especially those that have been ingrained for thousands of years. That angelic fluff ball perched on your couch may look like your furry best friend, but the reality is that our domesticated dogs and cats are basically wild animals masquerading as pets. We’re made acutely aware of this when Fido rips our new slippers to shreds or when Fluffy drops a lifeless mouse at our feet.
Chewing is another one of those hard-wired behaviors. Making sure that pets have an appropriate outlet for this activity is the key to avoiding dangerous or destructive chewing. Luckily, the team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic has the scoop on safe chew toys and what to avoid to protect your pet.
Continue…The Power of Microchipping Your Pet
The movie Homeward Bound details the arduous journey three pets (2 dogs, 1 feisty cat) make to reunite with beloved family. Part of the reason the story is so compelling is because each human and animal character is absolutely heartbroken about the unpredictable separation – and for good reason. The human-animal bond is so rich and nuanced, it’s downright terrible when a pet gets lost or turns up missing. The good news is that microchipping your pet can guard against such a fate, and can facilitate a quick and easy reunion. Continue…
Pet Toxins in the Medicine Cabinet
If you live with a pet, it’s likely you have to be more observant of what ends up on the floor or anywhere within your pet’s reach. Much like a toddler, our furry friends have a way of exploring the world with their mouths, and things we assume would be unappetizing may not be off-limits at all.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, over half the calls they receive each year relate to human medications that pets have ingested. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can range from mildly harmful to life threatening. Because these meds can be found in many homes, the team at Dupont Veterinary Clinic wants to remind pet owners to be cautious when it comes to these everyday pet toxins.
Things That Go Bark in the Night: All About Halloween Pet Safety
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.
Holiday Pet Safety Tips
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.
Things That Go Boom: Helping Pets Cope With Thunderstorm And Firework Anxiety
For many of us, the 4th of July is a holiday we look forward to all year. Friends, family, food, and fireworks make this summer event a beloved tradition that we can’t imagine doing without. Our pets, however, may feel differently. The loud noises, smell of smoke, and general chaos of this all-American celebration can create some major anxiety for our four-legged friends.
Fireworks displays aren’t the only thing pets have to worry about in the summer months. Storm season is upon us, too; and the same pets that are fearful of fireworks likely deal with anxiety surrounding the sounds and sights of a summer thunderstorm. Fortunately, there are lots of tools at our disposal for helping to reduce thunderstorm and firework anxiety in our pets. Continue…