Making a Disaster Plan for Your Pet

Making a Disaster Plan for Your Pet

When natural disasters occur having a plan for your pet(s) can make a difference. Have a safe place where both you and your pet(s) can go if you have to evacuate. Below are several things to do to prepare.


Make sure your pet has some type of ID (microchip or tag). Also have a current photo of your pet(s) in case they become lost.

Have enough non-perishable food and water for 3-5 days. Food needs to be kept in an air and water tight container.

Medications need to also be in an air and water tight container for 3-5 days. Make sure the directions are written down for someone else to read.

First Aid kit for your pet. This should include cotton bandage rolls, bandaging tape, scissors, first aid cream, alcohol, saline and gloves.

Have available extra trash bags, paper towels and gloves to clean up your pet's waste material. You may also want to have some household bleach available for disinfecting.

A carrier for your pet.  Some pets feel more secure in a carrier and there is less chance of them escaping.  Also have leashes, collars or harnesses available.

For more information go to HYPERLINK "http://www.ready.gov", www.ready.gov, or humanesociety.org.

PUPPY TRAINING

PUPPY TRAINING

Spending time exercising and socializing your puppy is one of the most important gifts you can tie to your new family member.

Lack of socialization is a common cause of behavior problems later in life.  Some good ways to insure a well rounded, socialized puppy many include puppy classes, which not only teach obedience, but introduce your puppy to other dogs and people.  Go for car rides, run the vacuum cleaner, give your puppy a bath, or go out to meet your neighbors.

Exercise and mental stimulation are also very important to raising a well rounded puppy. Playtime with your puppy is great bonding time, and gives your puppy a chance to learn how the world works. Many unwanted behaviors can be linked to inadequate exercise and mental stimulation.  Provide safe, interactive toys for your puppy to play with.

Your puppy will also need to experience some alone time.  Time to rest and time to play on their own.  This will aid in the prevention of developing separation anxiety. 

Another very important aspect for you new puppy is potty training.  With patience, your puppy will develop good bathroom habits.  Remember that your puppy will learn best with a consistent routine and positive reinforcement.  Using a crate can help ease the potty training process.  It is important to know that a crate is not a place of punishment; it is meant to be a safe haven for your puppy.

Owning a new puppy is a big learning curve. Most importantly, have lots of fun together. Set your puppy up for success by making the process fun and positive.

Enjoy your time with your puppy and remember he is learning every day and you are his best teacher.

Jane Bishop, VT

Your medicine cabinet is not your pet's medicine cabinet!

by: Erin Bergen, LVT

Your medicine cabinet is not your pet's medicine cabinet!  

One of the most common questions that I am asked by clients is what can they give their pet for pain at home. We have all been there...Fido comes home from the dog park after a good romp a little sore and we don't like to see our friend hurting.  The most common NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) that we would take for the same ailment would be Tylenol (acetaminophen), Aleve (naproxen), Motrin (ibuprofen) or aspirin.   What is ok to give?  It is important to understand that dogs and cats do not metabolize medications the same, do not metabolize all medications like humans do and require different dosages.  NSAIDs are no exception.  acetaminophen, naproxen and ibuprofen can be dangerous.  They cant "take two and call us in the morning"!  The most common effects of these medications in our companion animals are adverse reactions in the kidney, liver and digestive tract.  Clinical signs consist of cyanosis (turning blue), respiratory distress, swelling of the face and paws, vomiting, hyperthermia and depression. In worst case scenarios, the kidneys and liver can go into failure resulting in death if not treated or not treated quickly.  In dogs, clinical signs can occur within 4-12 hours and death can occur within 2-6 days as a result of kidney and liver failure.  Cats can be more sensitive to these medications than dogs.  In the clinic we would treat these cases with aggressive supportive care consisting mainly of fluid therapy and a healthy dose of activated charcoal as soon as possible to minimize absorption of these medications into the animal's system.  Time is very important in successful treatment!  So, what can you give at home for those occasional soreness issues?  The best recommendation would be to give us a call and if we have given your pet a recent physical exam we may be able to dispense medication that is formulated for cats or dogs that will be safe for them.  Sometimes, you may also be able to give your dog ( not your cat!) aspirin.  Aspirin should be given with a meal to decrease the risk of stomach upset and should be given sparingly but at the dose of 1mg per pound it can be used occasionally.  For more consistent problems call us and we can help get your pet on a long term pain management plan.  As our regular clients know, you can always call us and ask questions but listed below are also some helpful resources for you.

Poison Hotline. 1-800-213-6680. www.poisonhotline.com 

    (for annual members of Homeagain the poison control hotline is free, please visit

         www.homeagain.com for more information)

www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Remember, what is good for the human is not always good for the companion animal!  At Central Kentucky Veterinary Center we want your furry friends to be happy and healthy!  So if they are having trouble give us a call and let us help!  

The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

The Importance of Microchipping Your Pet

by Heather Goodlett

Being a receptionist, I receive many phone calls a week from frantic clients that have lost their pets. The pets that are lucky enough to be found have usually been taken to a local shelter or Humane Society.

When a new animal comes to our clinic, one of the first things we do is to scan for a microchip.  When scanned, if the animal has a chip, a number will come up which is specific to your pet. This chip allows many pets to be reunited with their owners.

The procedure is a small injection in the back of the neck, best performed during the initial vet visit. Information such as address or phone numbers can be changed when needed through the company. 

Microchipping is a small price to pay for something as rewarding as finding your beloved pet. For more information such as pricing, or to schedule an appointment, contact CKVC today!