Pet Care Tips

Changing Foods

When you change a dog or cat’s food quickly, their digestive tract does not have time to adjust. This rapid change often leads to vomiting and diarrhea that ranges from minor and self-limiting to severe cases requiring hospitalization. It is easier on your pet’s digestive tract if their food is changed gradually. Before you run out of the old food, purchase the new diet. Mix the new and old food together for about a week, increasing the percentage of new food in the mix each day. 

Day 1 & 2: 25% new, 75% old

Day 2 & 3: 50% new, 50% old

Day 4 & 5: 75% new, 25% old

Day 6 & 7: 100% new food, monitor closely for any vomiting or diarrhea 

The plan listed above is a general guideline. Some pets may need a slower transition.

 

Administering Oral Medication

First insert your fingers behind the two front canines and then use both hands to gently pry open the mouth. As soon as the mouth is open wide, use your other hand to place the pills at the very back of the throat. Close the mouth and gently massage the throat.  Wait for your pet to swallow. 

It can be challenging to give pills to a small or uncooperative pet. A cat piller may be helpful in these situations.  A cat piller is a soft rubber syringe-type tool that helps safely and gently deposit pills at the back of the mouth where they can be swallowed. Our staff can demonstrate how to use this tool effectively on your pet.

If you pet is food-motivated, pills can be hidden in a tasty treat. Some treats that might work are:

  • Pill Pockets made by Greenies
  • Easy Cheese
  • Cream Cheese
  • Peanut Butter
  • Butter

 

If your pet has food allergies, choose treats carefully to avoid a flare up of allergy symptoms.

Do not attempt to hide medication in a pet’s regular food. Many medications taste bad and can discourage pets from eating their regular food and getting necessary energy and nutrients. Cats in particular may go on a dangerous hunger strike if their food is used to hide medicine.

 

Toxic Plants

Many plants that grow in your yard can be poisonous to your pet. If your pet consumes any of the following, their life could be at risk.

  • Azalea
  • Tulip bulbs
  • Daffodil bulbs
  • Hyacinth bulbs
  • Oleander
  • Lilies
  • Bleeding hearts
  • Morning glories
  • Rhubarb
  • Sago palm

 

The most common signs of toxicity are:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Drooling
  • Neurological problems

 

Ingestion of these plants could lead to serious organ damage. Do not wait until your pet shows signs of illness to notify us about possible toxic plant ingestion. Prompt treatment can often lessen the damage done.

 

Toxic Foods

Food that we regularly enjoy can be toxic to our pets. Some foods to watch out for are:

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes/Raisins
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Peach Pits
  • Tobacco
  • Bread Dough
  • Xylitol (found in sugar free gum)

 

Generally the level of toxicity depends on the amount of the product that is consumed. However it is always important to check with a veterinarian if your pet has consumed any of these items.

 

Table Scraps

Table scraps may not always be harmful for your pet, but it is important to note that they can cause serious health problems. Pancreatitis is a serious problem that can arise when your pet has eaten food that is very rich in fats and calories.

 

Hot Weather

Summers in Virginia can be very hot!

  • Avoid exercising your pet during the warmest part of the day.
  • Just like a child, you should never leave your pet alone in the car. Temperatures can easily reach 107 degrees in a car even with the windows cracked.
  • If your pet is outside, make sure they have access to clean water and shelter.
  • Consider your pet’s specific health and breed limitations that may decrease their ability to tolerate heat. Cardiac or respiratory disease, obesity, and the short nose of breeds such as boxers, pugs, and shi tzus can make them especially susceptible to overheating.

 

Cold Weather

Cold weather can be just as troublesome as warm weather. 

  • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time. Their furry coat does not fully protect them against the risk of hypothermia.
  • Salt and chemical de-icing compounds can be irritating to pets’ feet. Wipe feet thoroughly after a walk outside on treated sidewalks.
  • Ice is slippery! Pets with arthritis and orthopedic disease can easily slip and injure themselves outside.  Use a towel as a sling under the belly to provide extra support for unsteady dogs.