Health Treat Ideas for Your Pets

By Tracy Frost 

In today’s world our pets have become a huge part of our family and we tend to spoil them by giving them special snacks; but are we giving them the right ones?  Many times those treats are actually harming our pets.  Even those we buy at the store are high in fats and causes our pets to gain unwanted weight which can lead to many physical problems and other health issues. Table scraps can be even worse.  Oily and fatty foods, which are often found on our tables, can lead to severe dog/cat health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Even worse, there are several people foods that are highly toxic to animals. Onions or any food prepared with them, for instance, can be unsafe for dogs/cats and should never be given to them.  Table foods also contain a higher amount of sodium, which can be harmful to our old pets, or any animal that suffers from some types of kidney, liver, or heart disease. The excess sodium can cause high blood pressure or the accumulation of excessive body fluid. So here are some easy natural and health alternative to try.

Dogs:

Brown rice: is an especially good food for dogs with upset stomachs. 

Red Peppers: are packed with vitamins and dogs love their sweet taste.

Pumpkin: is rich in carotenoids, beta-carotene, alpha carotene, fiber, zinc, iron, vitamin A, and potassium.  It can also help your dog lose weight because it’s low in fat, but filling.

Apple slices:  are a great sweet treat, but also contains calcium, vitamin K, Vitamin C and pectin.

Quinoa: is different type of grain that is great for dogs that have grain sensitivities and, like brown rice, is great at settling the stomach.

Carrots: you can feed these raw, as a crunchy snack to help reduce tartar, or you can cook them and add to your dog’s dinner.

Cauliflower/Broccoli: are great cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetables that dogs love. (Just remember too much can cause your dog to have gas).

Dehydrated Apricots: these are great for those dogs who have a sweet tooth.

 

Cats:

Fish: Most cats love fish, and it can provide some much needed nutrients for them.

Eggs: Eggs are great for cats because they're rich in protein.

Meat: animal meat is one of the safest human foods to give a cat.

Broccoli: If you notice your cat chomping on house plants, try feeding it a small portion of steamed broccoli. This could satisfy their desire for greens, and keep them away from potentially toxic house plants. Veggies, like plants and grass, can also help your cat clear up digestive troubles.

Melon: melon could be a good bite to feed cats to stop them from chewing on house plants. Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are fine for your cat to ingest in small quantities, as long as seeds are removed. The fruits can help your feline with digestive issues.

Spinach: Once again, if your cat is craving some green stuff, spinach can be a good way to go.  Especially when you are trying to help your pet relieve tummy troubles. Spinach should not be fed to cats with a history of urinary or kidney problems, since the calcium oxalates in the leaf can form crystals in the urinary tract.

Cheese:  Cheese is a good source of protein for felines, but since many cats are lactose intolerant, larger portions can cause digestive issues. Try feeding your feline friend cottage cheese or low-lactose cheeses before attempting anything richer.

 

Birds:

Broccoli: Vitamins A and C, plus B vitamins and calcium. Good fiber, low fat.

Kale: Vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and beta-carotene. Found in most grocery stores. Clip raw pieces to cage bars or wedge in toys.

Blueberries:  Vitamin C and antioxidants. Not as carbohydrate-rich as some fruits, but feed sparingly.

Sweet Potatoes: Calcium, Vitamins A, B, C, and E – serve small portions; they are high in starches and sugars.

Carrots: Beta-carotene, Vitamins B and C, and folic acid. Slice in sticks so birds can hold like foot toys.

Almonds: Lower in fat than many nuts. Feed only as an occasional treat – in shell for larger birds or in pieces for smaller birds.

Papaya: Beta-carotene and fiber without the fat. Serve dried pieces in moderation due to high carb count.

Red peppers: Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber – plus mostly water, so low in calories.

Peas: Vitamins A and C, calcium, and potassium. Serve in pod for large birds.

Wheat grass:  Antioxidant vitamins and minerals – grow and serve in a pot to encourage natural preening behaviors.

 

***  Dangers foods for Dogs and Cats: ***

CHOCOLATE

SUGARLESS GUM

ALCOHOL

YEAST DOUGH

GRAPES AND RAISINS

                                                 MACADAMIA NUTS

                                                 ONIONS

                                                 GARLIC (feline)

                                                 CAFFEINE

 

 

 

Thinking of getting a new dog?

Always research the dog breed before adding one as a new pet to your family. 
There are many different breeds of dogs, from fluffy and small to huge and protective. Often, people see an adorable puppy and without thinking they bring it home without any background or research of the breed. A high percentage of these puppies end up in a shelter because either the dog wasn't a good fit in personality or the health care cost doesn't fit into the budget. And please note, it is not the dog's fault if the owner has not done their homework on dog training! So, here are some things to think about when looking for a pet.

1. The larger the dog the higher the cost of food and health care
2. Breed personality: does it do well with children and other pets?
3. Does it need lots of exercise, or is it good for apartment life?
4. Common breed health issues
5, Grooming costs
6. Does it need a fence? (The answer is most likely yes)
7 What is the average lifespan?
8. Do you have time to train a puppy or is an adult dog a better fit for you?

Resource: AKC.com

by Tracy Frost

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED

Don't panic. Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere with the process of helping your pet.

Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely collect and have at hand any material involved. This may be of great benefit to your vet and/or APCC toxicologists, as they determine what poison or poisons are involved. In the event that you need to take your pet to a local veterinarian, be sure to take the product's container with you. Also, collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.

If you witness your pet consuming material that you suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Sometimes, even if poisoned, an animal may appear normal for several hours or for days after the incident.

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a $65 consultation fee for this service.

Be ready with the following information:

• The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
• The animal's symptoms.
• Information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.
• Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the APCC.

Be Prepared

Keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center—(888) 426-4435—as well as that of your local veterinarian, in a prominent location.

Invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. The kit should contain:

• A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
• A turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
• Saline eye solution
• Artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
• Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
• Forceps (to remove stingers)
• A muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
• A can of your pet's favorite wet food
• A pet carrier

Always consult a veterinarian or the APCC for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item.

*P.S. Visit the ASPCA Store to purchase the ASPCA First Aid Kit!

The Importance of Year Round Heartworm and Flea Prevention in the Dog

The importance of year round heartworm and flea prevention in the dog.

Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition caused by the presence of parasitic worms in the arteries of the lungs and heart of dogs.  These worms or Microfilaria are passed from one infected dog to another by Mosquitos.  The most common clinical signs are cough and exercise intolerance.  This disease will infect 100% of the dogs exposed to it that are not on a monthly preventative.  But some may ask "if its transmitted through Mosquitos can monthly prevention be skipped during the winter months when Mosquitos are not active?" The answer in my option is no.  Mosquitos have very short life cycles that are dependent on weather conditions.  They are less active in temperatures below 50 degrees but mosquito eggs do not die in cold weather.  The eggs simply hibernate and when the weather conditions are ideal they will hatch no matter the time of year.  We have all experienced Kentucky's fickle winters, Freezing one day, balmy the next.  Mosquitos can complete their life cycle in a little as 4 days (AMCA) and be out feeding off your canine companion.  So, it is a huge risk to only use heartworm prevention in the warmer months in this area of the country.  No one wants to lose their best friend to a disease that is one of the easiest to prevent.  Heartworm prevention comes in the form of once monthly (most times chewable) tablets that can be purchased from your veterinarian.  Please be aware that the vet needs to have proof of a recent negative heartworm test in order to dispense prevention. There is the risk of complications with preventatives if the dog is heartworm positive.  Today heartworm prevention has also evolved to having other benefits.  Heartworm prevention products also treat intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms and in some cases whipworms.  Today heartworm prevention can have a third face to it with added flea prevention.  All in a once monthly pill!  Fleas, like Mosquitos are weather sensitive and can exist in the environment in this area of the country even durning the winter months if conditions are right.  Unlike Mosquitos, fleas will thrive inside during the winter so if you have battled fleas all summer and think a reprieve will come in the winter...it won't!  The safest, efficient and cost effective method to prevent heartworm disease, intestinal parasites and fleas is by prevention before a problem even exists.  1 pill a month is nothing compared to your dogs possible discomfort or death as a result of these parasites!

by: Erin Bergen, LVT

http://www.heartwormsociety.org/download/Incidence-Map-2010.pdf

Canine Blood Donation Program

We have a canine blood donation program.  Dogs that we have selected have been blood typed.  These dogs are current on their vaccinations and previous to entering the program where given an exam, blood chemistries and a complete blood count were done and they tested negative for heartworm disease.  Blood donors can donate as often as every 6 weeks and generally give 400-450mls of blood.  The blood in stored in the refrigerator for up to 28 days.  When one of our patients needs a transfusion we are able to use the blood we have stored.  Blood transfusions may be given to patients who are having a major surgery, for anemia or decreased platelet count.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

  
                                                    By Tammy, LVT

All cats are at risk of Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), especially the young and unvaccinated cats.  The most common cause of URI is Feline Herpes Virus.  Cats that are stressed are more suseptable to catching the virus or having a reactivation of the virus.  This virus is very

Common Pet Poisonings

By Tammy, LVT

   There are many things in our homes that can be toxic to our pets.  Some of these items are safe for us, so we don't always think of them being harmful to our pets. 

    Here are a few of the more common poisons