10.09.08
Posted in Health Topics, Upcoming Events at 9:01 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
With Halloween and other holidays just around the corner, I thought I should remind everyone that some of these treats and spooks are not good for your pets.
I think most folks know that chocolate is bad for pets, but don’t forget the other stuff like the sticks off the lollipops, wrappers, and small toys that could get swallowed. Cats will even eat many of these things so be cautious of these.
Some pets will be terrified of the “spooky” visitors too. If your pet gets anxious over strangers, people at the door and creepy noises, be sure to confine them away from the trick or treat action. We don’t want them scared or in a position to make a mistake that results in someone hurt. Not all pets enjoy the experience.
However, some pets can really get into the spirit of fun. Many places are holding costume costumes for pets, and heck, I just enjoy dressing them up to take pictures. (see below). If you’ve never tried a costume on your pet before, start slow with just a coat style outfit or even just a cool collar. Hats are tolerated poorly by many pets, but with proper reinforcement ( food and treats) they begin to enjoy the fun.
So have a safe holiday and check the blog periodically for upcoming event!
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08.23.08
Posted in Health Topics, Its A Vet's Life at 5:55 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Well, it is truly the dog days of summer now. While watching the Olympics (particularly the swimming events), it occurred to me that many times I hear from clients that their dogs don’t like to swim. While some pets (cats) are naturally going to avoid the water, some dogs, even the ones bred to swim don’t always enjoy the experience.
Some of this is due to the lack of exposure, and some is due to the wrong exposure. Sink or swim is not a good idea for anyone, but dogs sometimes jump into pools only to find out it is very cold and deep! Never fear, even dogs with bad past experiences can be helped to enjoy water safely.
It is best to ease them into it by walking along the edge of shallow water. Ocassionally toss a toy in a little deeper (not too deep) and let your dog grab it to play. Gradully their confidence will build and they will probably try a little floating. Some dogs splash alot when they first encounter deeper water. The are trying to get on the surface and cannot, so they panick and start to sink. Shallow water will help as they can touch the bottom if they sink a few inches relieving the anxiety they feel.
In some cases a floation vest will be best. For dogs that haven’t learned to swim or for dogs that are older and arthritic and need some help swimming, this is a great idea. I have one of these fitted to my oldest companion, Jazz. She is 12 1/2 years old now and has arthritis. Swimming is great therapy, but she tires easily. With the life vest she can be in the water longer (which she loves) and I worry less (which I love). Life vests can be found in a variety of sizes and styles and pet stores and on line.
Swimming has wonderful benifits in both calorie burning and helping keep them limber and in shape. A safe start can pay off big when you and your dog can enjoy the water together.
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08.02.08
Posted in Health Topics, Weedy's World at 2:02 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Wow! Today is a hot one, and the forcast for next week is for hotter yet! Be sure to remeber to beat the heat with your pets too. Keep them inside and cool during the heat of the day. Cats can overheat too, so be sure to keep them inside.
Lots of access to water is a must. Consider a puppy pool (a small wading pool with some cool wateer in in). If they are out side very long, even playing in the sprinkler can help. Try an ice cube treat. (See the recipe in Weedy’s World and in recipe pages). Cats enjoy melon (especially cantalope), but be sure they are not on a special diet first.
Bug repellants are also important. Flea season is far from over. Look for those little pests to be a problem until a good hard freeze. Using Frontline will keep the pests away. We do suggest that outdoor cats use Revolution as it controls ear mites as well (and heartworm in cats). Sunscreen for pets that do not have alot of fur is also a good idea, or use a pet shirt to protect the skin for burning.
We want everyone to have a safe and fun summer. If you have questions be sure to leave a comment here or call our office!
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07.03.08
Posted in Health Topics, Weedy's World at 2:33 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
I sure hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July! Be sure to safe guard your pets! Fireworks and loud noises are dangerous for pets and can frighten them.
Keeping them inside and in a quiet place will help. Cotton balls in the ears can help muffle the noise as well as playing a radio or television. Don’t forget to take the cotton back out of the ears after the noise has passed.
Other hazards of this great holiday include too much people food and the heat outside. Remember- if you are hot so are they!
Justin reminds us all of how to be safely patriotic as he shows off his uncle Sam duds!
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06.26.08
Posted in Health Topics, Upcoming Events at 6:32 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
The allergy seminar was well attended this week as we finished our 5th topic in the series. While we will not have a seminar in July due to timing and travel, the next one in August will probably be popular since the topic is behavior. I’ve done several behavior lectures before, and have found time to be the most limiting factor. We’ll be covering several topics this time, but I won’t have aggression as one of them. I have found that to be far too involved to cover in a seminar of only an hour and a half in length.
If you have a question regarding aggression, you can contact our office and we will be happy to try and help. Meanwhile, if you’d like to attend our upcoming seminars, please call the office for your reservation. Seating is limited and is filled as you call. Hope too see you there!
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06.18.08
Posted in Health Topics, Upcoming Events at 8:25 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
As I sit and write the notes for the upcoming allergy seminar, I think about the future upcoming topics. Since we have so many areas of veterinary medicine, I’ve decided to ask you what topics you would be interested in. Leave me your ideas in the comments here, and I’ll try to come up with presentations or handouts on those topics. I look forward to hearing what you’d like more info about.
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06.01.08
Posted in Health Topics, Uncategorized at 6:49 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
I sure hope everyone had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful weekend with your pets. It was lovely outside and cats and dogs alike will have enjoyed the fresh air. Please remember a few safety issues. All pets must be leashed in Peoria County. Cats too! A fun way for your cat to enjoy the great outdoors is to wear a harness and be under supervision. Remember that cats that go outdoors need different (additional) vaccinations than cats that don’t. All pets that go outside should be protected against fleas and ticks.
There were plenty of outdoor events this weekend. As summer goes on, remember, not all pets enjoy crowds and strangers. Keep your pet protected from the stress and think about what they will enjoy before asking them to participate. For example, fireworks are very frightening and hurt the dog’s ears, so lets not take them to the Fourth of July celebrations. Instead, they will prefer a peaceful night in and will be very understanding if they are not asked to participate.
Summer is full of fun in the sun, enjoy it safely.
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05.02.08
Posted in Health Topics, Open House, Upcoming Events at 8:14 pm by Nancy Hayes, DVM
Well, this week’s arthritis seminar seems to have been a success. I hope everyone who attended learned something new that could be used to enhance their buddy’s life. Our next seminar will be on pet first aid. I expect for it to fill up fast and spaces are limited, so sign up soon if you plan to attend.
The first aid seminar will be on May 20th, 2008 from 6 until 7:30 pm. We will cover a range of topics from the minor problems to what to do if a major problem has occurred. I hope to see you there.
If you have questions about the seminars, please feel free to call us at 309-685-4707 or 309-685-4715 and we’ll be glad to help.
Don’t forget that our Open House is coming up very soon. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
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04.27.08
Posted in Health Topics, Open House, Upcoming Events at 9:22 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
The arthritis seminar is completed and I finally finished the handout to go with it. The handout will be posted to the website in short order. Look for it in the pet health care articles section. I always feel good to have finished these projects because I’m sure that the more info we can get into the pet lovers hands the better. The arthritis seminar is full, but the next one will be held Tuesday, May 20th, 2008 from 6pm till 7:30. The next topic will be Pet First Aid. Sign up soon if you’d like to attend because seating is limited. Don’t worry if you can’t make it this time, we’ll be having one seminar a month on various topics. I think it is a great setting and allows everyone to ask questions and participate. We hold these at the Cat Clinic in the conference room. Join us if you can.
I would also like to shamelessly plug Dr Baker’s puppy socialization hour. Open to clients who have new puppies (under 4 months of age), this is a great opportunity for the puppies to come to the clinic without all the scary stuff. Plus, puppy owners can see that they are not alone- everyone has some puppy behavior problem they’d like help with.
If you have any suggestions for topics you’d like to see, add a comment here or call our office at 309-685-4707 and leave me a message. I’d be happy to hear from you!
By the way, mark your calendars, Open House is only 3 short weeks away. Come help us celebrate the human animal bond, take a tour, meet the staff and doctors, win a door prize and learn a lot. Hope to see you there!
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04.24.08
Posted in Health Topics, Open House at 7:56 am by Nancy Hayes, DVM
As I sat tonight preparing the Arthritis presentation for this month’s seminar, I thought it might be nice to include some info in this blog as well. Arthritis is a serious problem for many pets and can happen at any age especially if the pet has a genetic predisposition for an orthopedic problem or gets injured.
Arthritis is inflammation in the joint. There are several factors that play rolls in its formation, (see our article on arthritis for more information), but once its there it stays. Arthritis results in pain and swelling as well as the loss of function of the affected joint and therefore the leg. Lameness is the result. Treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms and lessening the severity and progression.
Some helpful tips are:
- Minimize the wear and tear on injured legs.
- Provide soft and warm bedding
- Use products designed to increase joint fluid and decrease inflammation such as glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
- Seek medical advise to help alleviated pain
- Keep them at a healthy weight
Many pets are affected by arthritis, and we can help them feel better.
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