More cold preparation

     Last week we talked about preparations to keep your pet warm and safe in the colder months.  Today, we are going to talk about some of the impact the cold weather can have on a specific population of pets:  our arthritic ones.  Arthritis is an all too prevalent condition in our pet population.  Animals, like humans, experience stiffness and pain due to arthritis and these symptoms tend to become aggravated by both cold and damp weather.  There are several things pet owners can do to try to minimize discomfort during this winter season.  First, make sure that your pet has a soft, well cushioned surface to sleep/rest on.  Things such as orthopedic foam or baby crib mattresses work well.  Make sure that the pet can traverse the house on solid, non slip surfaces such as carpet or rugs.  Many arthritic pets actually benefit from an increase in the frequency of walks; however do not necessarily increase the duration of the walks.  It is typically better for an arthritic pet to take multiple short walks throughout the day as opposed to one long walk.  Remember, if your pet experiences an increased amount of activity, that you can expect a corresponding increase in soreness or discomfort over the next few days.  This brings up the importance of making sure that your pet is on a quality joint support formula going into the winter season.  Additionally, some arthritic pets may require the use of additional medications intended for use during acute flare ups of arthritis.  It is critical that you discuss the use of any additional pain medications with one of our staff members or veterinarians prior to use.  Under no circumstances should ANY of the typical over the counter human pain medications be used.  Please call our office if you have further questions on how to manage your pet's arthritis.

Colder weather is coming

     It seems that we have finally put the brutal heat of the summer behind us for good.  We still are fortunate enough to have some nice temperate days but we all know that colder weather is approaching, and we need to make sure that our pets are as prepared as we are.  If your pet is strictly outdoors, you should ensure that there is a well insulated shelter area for the pet to retreat to in times of cold weather.  For dogs, obviously some form of dog house is ideal.  Cats (as always) are a little more difficult, as they tend to seek their own areas to hide out in, but you can at least provide a small enclosure/hut with bedding in case they use it.  Outside water bowls should always be checked to make sure that the water hasn't frozen over.  Close monitoring of upcoming weather, especially if it is more cold than normal should alert clients that pets may need to be brought indoors or into garages as added protection.  Pet owners should also be extremely careful about access pets have to things in the environment.  Commonly, antifreeze is changed, and as many people know is toxic to pets.  Be sure that there are no other chemical agents around the yard/garage that could pose a health hazard.  If pets are primarily inside, then there aren't as many concerns, but you should remember that our indoor pets aren't as acclimated to cold weather, and should not be left outdoors for lengthy time periods.  Additionally, pets should not be allowed to come into the close vicinity of space heaters or other sources of heat (electric blankets, wood stoves, etc) as thermal burns can easily occur.  If you have questions about the cold weather and your pet, please call our staff for more information.