Tips for our Pet Owners

What are Vaccines?
Vaccines contain viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms that have been killed or altered so that they can no longer cause disease. When given to an animal, vaccines will stimulate the body's immune system to form disease fighting cells and proteins (known as antibodies) to protect against the disease. Although the protection afforded by vaccines can be reduced by poor health and poor nutrition, most vaccinated animals will be resistant to the disease for which they are vaccinated. Most veterinarians agree that all dogs and cats should be vaccinated against those diseases that are widespread, cause serious illness, and/or are highly contagious (core vaccines). In addition, other vaccines may be recommended based on the risk they pose to individual cats or dogs (non-core vaccines). Most vaccines are given by injection, either into the fat under the skin, or into the muscle. Some vaccines may be administered as drops into the nose.

Canine Ear Care
Clean, odor-free, pale pink color and a minimal accumulation of wax are indications of healthy ears. Check your pet's ears regularly.
Signs of Ear Disease 

  1. Unpleasant odor;
  2. Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear and head Sensitivity to touch, often resulting from pain;
  3. Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side Black or yellowish discharge Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal;
  4. Changes in behavior like listlessness, depression or irritability Accumulation of dark brown wax Loss of balance or hearing; and
  5. disorientation Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grinds.

Canine Eye Care
A healthy dog’s eyes should be clear, bright and free from dirt, discharge and inflammation.
Common Symptoms of Illness 

  1. red or inflamed eyes or inner eyelids;
  2. matter ‘stuck’ on the surface or in the corners of the eye;
  3. the ‘third eyelid’ coming across the eye;
  4. excessive tearing or unusual discharges; and
  5. tear-stained fur around the eyes.

Protect Dogs From Household Dangers
Pet proofing your homeJust as parents ‘childproof’ their home, so should pet owners ‘petproof’ theirs. Four-legged members of the family, like infants and small children, are naturally curious and love to explore their environment with their paws, claws and mouths. But they can’t know what is dangerous and what is not... so it’s up to you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care.

All around the house 

  1. Screen windows to guard against falls.
  2. Don’t let young pets out on balconies, upper porches or high decks.
  3. Many house plants, including dieffenbachia, elephant ear, spider plants and more are poisonous if eaten.
  4. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.
  5. Puppies love to chew when they’re teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.
  6. Don’t leave a room unattended where a fire is lit or a space heater is being used.
  7. Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate. If your pet can put something in his mouth, he probably will.
  8. Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.

In the garage 

  1. Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windshield washer.
  2. Tightly cover their containers and wipe up any spills.
  3. Paint, gasoline and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach. 

 

In the kitchen, laundry room & bathroom 

  1. Never leave burners or irons on unattended.
  2. Dangerous household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet’s reach.
  3. Close washer and dryer lids-your pet might climb in and become trapped.
  4. Keep toilet lids down - small pets can actually drown, if they fall in.

Medicines, shampoo, suntan lotions and other personal care items can kill your pet.

  1. Make sure he can’t get hold of them.  
  2. Out in the yard  Some outdoor plants, like ivy and oleander, can be poisonous to pets.
  3. Keep pets away from lawns and gardens treated with chemicals.
  4. Store garden tools and chemicals securely. Keep garden sheds locked.
  5. Cover swimming pools and hot tubs - your pet might fall in and not be able to get out.    

Dog-gone disasters 

  1. Eliminate hooks or similar objects placed at your dog’s shoulder height - his collar or harness could become tangled and he could choke.
  2. A tall perimeter or invisible electrical fence around your property will minimize the risk of your dog running out into traffic or roaming far from home.  

Home for the holidays 

  1. Tinsel and icicles, Christmas tree lights and glass ornaments will be sure to tempt your pet’s curiosity - but all could be lethal if chewed or swallowed.
  2. Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are poisonous to your pets.