Hot Weather Concerns for Pets

The temperature is soaring, and it’s only going to get hotter. Make sure you know how to keep your cat safe in the summer heat.

1. Watch out for heatstroke. Symptoms include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and collapse. If you think your cat may have heatstroke, get the vet ASAP — the condition can cause permanent organ damage and death. Learn more about heatstroke in pets.
2. Offer your cat several ways to cool off. Leave a fan on in a place where your cat can sit in front of it, add some ice cubes to her water or offer her a cool treat (check out our recipe for catsicles.)
3. Let your cat find cool spots in the house. Your cat will seek out the cooler parts of your home, so make sure she has access to areas with tile floors or rooms that don’t get much sun.
4. Play in the morning or evening. Any exercise should take place during the cooler hours of the day. This is especially important for young kittens and seniors, both of whom are very vulnerable to heatstroke. (If your cat has just eaten, make sure you give her some time to digest before you begin playtime.)
5. Brush your cat often. A well-groomed, tangle-free coat will help keep your cat cool. (Learn more about grooming your cat.)

Article originally published by PetFinder.

Canine Influenza Update 4/14/15 AM

An article dated 4/12/15 out of Cornell University by Joe Swartz, stated the Influenza outbreak in Chicago may be caused by a new strain of Influenza. The new strain (H₃N₂) is from Asia, and is currently in wide circulations in Southern China and Korean dog populations.

The outbreak was originally attributed to the H₃N₈ strain which was first identified in the US dog population in 2004 at Greyhound race Tracks and some boarding kennels.

Currently testing is being done at the National Veterinary Service Laboratories in Ames, IA, to see if they can determine if two different strains exist in the Chicago outbreak. The New H₃N₂ (Asia) strain has also shown to cause infection and respiratory illness in cats.

The fact that a lot of the dogs tested positive to the old influenza dog virus testing and some did not leaves them to suspect that two strains may currently be in Chicago.

I have personally talked to the spokeswoman at Cornell University and she said they should know in about two weeks whether the current vaccine we have will protect against both strains. The bad news is that if the canine influenza vaccine does not protect against the new strain, it would likely take several months to develop a new vaccine. Therefore the overall preventative advice is to avoid bringing your dog to places where dogs congregate such as dog parks, beaches, etc. until we know more. We will forward new information as it becomes available.

Summary

As it stands, we do not currently know whether the vaccine we currently have will protect against the current influenza virus that is going through Chicago, unfortunately it is the best we have until we know more.

The recommendations to avoid dog parks and areas where dogs congregate continue to be the best practice. We also continue to advise having your dog vaccinated for the strain we know about since it has not been confirmed if both strains are in the Chicago area.  As always we want what is best for your pets and will continue to keep you updated as we know more.

Thank you,

-Dr. Rex Bailey and Dr. Lauren Fairchild 

7 Reasons To Act More Like Your Pet

Pets aren’t always easy to take care of, and they often require a substantial time commitment (something you’re all too aware of at, say, 3 a.m., when Bing Clawsby is finally ready to go outside and do his business). But pets provide an amazing return on that time investment, especially when it comes to your health. Case in point: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than non-pet owners. But that’s not all. Pets also model many surprisingly healthy behaviors that humans would do well to emulate. Here are just a few, according to veterinarians, dog trainers, and other pet experts. 

1. They focus on what matters most. You may get grumpy after a bad day at the office, but your pooch never does. “Companion animals mostly care about food, love, and shelter (not always in that order). As long as they have those things, they don’t need much else,” Mary Gardner, DVM, a veterinarian and cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice tells Yahoo Health. “Pets also don’t complain much at all. People believe they hide their pain; I simply think they manage it differently.” If humans could model these behaviors, Gardner adds, we’d be healthier, happier, “and more people would want to be around us.” 

2. They practice portion control (even if not by choice). Snowball might not want to limit her kibble intake any more than you want to limit your tortilla-chip intake. Nonetheless, she typically eats reasonably sized helpings of nutritionally balanced food — and never gets to eat straight out of the bag. Follow her lead. “Both animals and people need structure and regulation when it comes to portion size,” says Jme Thomas, executive director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue based in Redmond, Washington. 

3. They know how to de-stress. Your pooch doesn’t pour a glass of cabernet when the going gets rough (though, yes, it would make a very popular YouTube video if she did). She may, however, start begging for a walk or to play a game. Smart dog! “Actively seeking healthy activities — that function as de-stressors when stress levels are high — helps to reset people as well as dogs, and bring us back to a productive and functional status, from which many things feel a lot more ‘do-able,’” Marisa Scully, a certified dog behavior specialist in Philadelphia, tells Yahoo Health. 

4. They hit the hay. People don’t get enough sleep: According to a 2014 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 45 percent of Americans said that a lack of sleep had impaired their activities at least once in the previous week. Learn from your cat or dog, who knows just how important it is to get enough shut-eye, says Jeff Werber, VVM, president and chief veterinarian of Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. “Whether it’s a lazy dog day afternoon, or a quick cat nap, you won’t find them burning the candles at both ends.” 5. They stretch! There’s a reason one of the most common yoga moves is named downward dog. Dogs (and cats) stretch constantly — and we should do the same, notes certified dog behavior consultant Russell Hartstein. Why? Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury. 

6. They’re open to new things. Animals are naturally curious. “Open a box or empty a bag and before you know it, your cat will have climbed in to investigate. Walk your dog past a gardener planting flowers and chances are she will check it out before moving on,” Werber says. “And they’re always up for some fun. A game of catch, a walk, a visit — bring it on.” Since research has found that seeking out new experiences can keep people feeling young and healthy, we’d do well to follow suit.

7. They’re comfortable getting zen. Numerous studies have found a correlation between mindful meditation and reduced stress, decreased heart disease, and a stronger immune response — and that’s something your cat already knows how to do instinctively. “Each morning I sit on the sofa with my cat, Turtle, while I drink my first cup of coffee,” says Kristen Levine, a pet living expert. “We spend about 10 minutes together, her getting neck and head rubs, me enjoying her purring and having a few meditative moments at the start of the day.It sounds simple, and it can be, but depending on the activity, it can have a powerfully relaxing or invigorating effect for both human and critter.” 

Source: https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-health-lessons-our-pets-teach-us-112252958927.html

E-Cigarettes and Pets Do Not Mix

E-cigarettes are sparking heated debates as lawmakers, medical professionals and industry grapple over the relative safety of the nicotine-delivering devices. But for pet owners, there is no debate. Nicotine poses a serious threat of poisoning to dogs and cats, and e-cigarettes back a powerful punch. The problem is that many pet owners don’t realize it. 

Pet Poison Helpline has encountered a sharp uptick in calls concerning cases of nicotine poisoning in pets that ingested e-cigarettes or liquid nicotine refill solution. In fact, over the past six months, cases have more than doubled, indicating that along with their increased popularity, the nicotine-delivering devices are becoming a more significant threat to pets. While dogs account for the majority of cases, nicotine in e-cigarettes and liquid refill solution is toxic to cats as well. “We’ve handled cases for pets poisoned by eating traditional cigarettes or tobacco products containing nicotine for many years,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. “But, as the use of e-cigarettes has become more widespread, our call volume for cases involving them has increased considerably.” In an effort to educate pet owners before an accident occurs, Pet Poison Helpline offers this important safety information. 

What are e-cigarettes? 

E-cigarettes are simply another way of delivering nicotine. Designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, the battery operated devices atomize liquid that contains nicotine, turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled. The most recent craze is flavored e-cigarettes, which are available in an array of flavors from peppermint to banana cream pie, and everything in between. 

What makes e-cigarettes toxic to pets? 

The aroma of liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes can be alluring to dogs, and flavored e-cigarettes could be even more enticing. The issue is the amount of nicotine in each cartridge, which is between 6 mg and 24 mg. So, each cartridge contains the nicotine equivalent of one to two traditional cigarettes, but purchase packs of five to 100 cartridges multiply that amount many times over, posing a serious threat to pets who chew them. For example, if a single cartridge is ingested by a 50-pound dog, clinical signs of poisoning are likely to occur. But if a dog that weighs 10 pounds ingests the same amount, death is possible. Dogs of any weight that ingest multiple e-cigarette cartridges are at risk for severe poisoning and even death. In addition to the toxicity of nicotine, the actual e-cigarette casing can result in oral injury when chewed, and can cause gastrointestinal upset with the risk of a foreign body obstruction. Some e-cigarette users buy vials of liquid nicotine solution for refilling e-cigarette cartridges. The solution is commonly referred to as “e-liquid” or “e-juice.” The small bottles hold enough liquid to fill multiple cartridges, meaning they contain a considerable amount of nicotine. Pet owners should be very careful to store them out of the reach of pets. 

What happens when e-cigarettes are ingested by pets?

Nicotine poisoning in pets has a rapid onset of symptoms – generally within 15 to 60 minutes following ingestion. Symptoms for dogs and cats include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, elevations in heart rate and respiration rate, depression, tremors, ataxia, weakness, seizures, cyanosis, coma, and cardiac arrest. 

What to do if a pet is exposed? 

Because nicotine poisoning can happen so rapidly following ingestion, prompt veterinary care can mean the difference between life and death for a pet. Home care is not generally possible with nicotine exposure due to the severity of poisoning, even in small doses. Take action immediately by contacting a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. As always, prevention is the best medicine. E-cigarettes, cartridges and vials of refilling solution should always be kept out of the reach of pets and children. 

SOURCE: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2014/09/e-cigarettes-pets-mix/   Published on September 2, 2014

Protect Your Pet During Winter and Cold Weather

Keep pets indoors and warm 

The best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. 

Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops. 

During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater. No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. Pets are sensitive to severe cold and are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage. 

Take precautions if your pet spends a lot of time outside

A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. 

Help neighborhood outdoor cats 

If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats (ferals, who are scared of people, and strays, who are lost or abandoned pets) in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It's easy to give them a hand. 

Give your pets plenty of food and water 

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal. 

Be careful with cats, wildlife and cars 

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine. 

Protect paws from salt 

The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth. 

Avoid antifreeze poisoning 

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and keep antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife and family. 

Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold 

If you encounter a pet left in the cold, document what you see: the date, time, exact location and type of animal, plus as many details as possible. Video and photographic documentation (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case. Then contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office and present your evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when. Respectfully follow up in a few days if the situation has not been remedied. 

 SOURCE: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/protect_pets_winter.html 

Ebola and Dogs

In light of the recent outbreaks of Ebola in Africa, and the couple of confirmed cases in the US the recent question of Ebola in household pets has been brought up.  

Research shows that dogs living in endemic areas (Africa etc.) have antibodies to the virus, however, none of these dogs have become actively infected with the Ebola virus. The dogs with the antibodies also do not show symptoms of the disease.  

The likelihood of a dog being exposed to the Ebola virus outside of the endemic regions is extremely unlikely, as it requires contact with bodily secretions of a human, or other animal, with symptoms of Ebola. Despite whether or not dogs can contract the virus, there is no current research that a dog with antibodies to the virus will shed the virus. That said, there is no current evidence that a dog can infect a human with the Ebola virus. 

Click here to learn more about Ebola and pets and contact us today with any questions you may have (219) 872-4191. 

Why Dogs Bark and Growl

Does your dog growl or bark when a stranger approaches your house or when something goes bump in the night? If so, you’re not alone.

 Most dogs will vocalize when they are exposed to new or different situations, including strange people or animals entering their territory; being separated from their pack, mother or even your family members; or new or alarming sounds. Dogs may also bark or growl when they see prey, such as squirrels, and they may bark for attention, food or if they are anxious. Dogs often growl when they are fearful or trying to assert themselves in a situation. If the dog’s fear or assertiveness is alleviated by growling or barking, the dog will learn that his behavior is acceptable and the behavior may become more frequent or severe. Some medical problems may cause growling or barking and older pets experiencing senile changes may have barking problems. Intense and continuous barking may be considered compulsive. Check with your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s barking or growling problem. Behavior training and drug therapy may be helpful in reducing barking for pets with medical, geriatric and compulsive disorders.

Socializing your puppy can help

Acclimate your puppy to a variety of different people, environments, situations and noises to help lessen anxiety as your puppy grows. Make sure your puppy spends time alone so that he doesn’t develop separation anxiety while you are away from him. Proper training is essential to preventing behavior problems, such as growling and barking. Ask you veterinarian for more information about puppy training.

Correcting a barking or growling problem

Correcting a barking or growling problem first requires that you have effective management of your dog. Once you have achieved this, you can begin to train your dog to lessen his barking or growling behavior by using rewards for quiet behavior. The reward should be something that the dog really likes such as a favorite treat, tummy rubs, or a favorite toy. Punishment is generally ineffective in correcting barking problems. Too much punishment may even exacerbate the behavior and cause the dog to be fearful or aggressive.

Begin your training with situations that you can easily control (such as a family member making a noise that causes the dog to bark) before moving on to difficult situations (such as a strange animal in your yard). When your dog barks at the stimuli (for instance, a doorbell ring), immediately interrupt the barking. When the dog is quiet offer the dog a reward for their behavior. Without the reward there is no incentive to remain quiet.Reward your dog when, at your request, he has stopped barking. Only reward the dog when he is quiet and gradually increase the amount of time that the dog needs to be quiet for him to receive a reward.

As the barking or growling problem decreases, make sure to direct your dog to more appropriate behavior, such as play, and the problem should lessen over time. Don't forget to discuss training options with your veterinarian to find the one that will work best for your pet.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/behavior/barking_and_growling.aspx

Labor Day Safety Tips for Pets

1. Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals.

 2. Always assign a dog guardian. No matter where you're celebrating, be sure to assign a friend or member of the family to keep an eye on your pooch-especially if you're not in a fenced-in yard or other secure area.

 3. Made in the shade. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, and make sure they have a shady place to escape the sun.

 4. Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of paws' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing-or even kidney disease in severe cases.

 5. Keep your pet on his normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea.

 6. Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingesting any of these items can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression in your pets, and if inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia.

 7. Never leave your dog alone in the car. Traveling with your dog means occasionally you'll make stops in places where he's not permitted. Be sure to rotate dog walking duties between family members, and never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.

 8. Make a safe splash. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers.

 Source: http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/labor-day-pet-safety-tips

Christmas Pet Safety

“My pet would never eat food off the table!”

“My pet would never knock over the Christmas tree!”

“My pet would never bite someone!”

We all know our pets pretty well, but what we don’t always realize is that stress can make anybody do crazy things! When you have holiday guests or flashing Christmas lights or loud holiday music—or all of the above—at your house all at once, your pet may get stressed and frustrated, causing them to act out in unexpected ways. Most pet accidents are met with the statement, “He’s never done anything like that before!”

We recommend always making sure that your pet has a safe place to sit and relax during your holidays parties. Just like some people, pets need to get away from the action and de-stress, but most of the time they don’t know how to ask for their space. If your pet is comfortable in their crate, we recommend moving it into a quiet room and letting them spend some time resting during your holiday get-togethers. Your pet will be happier, and by extension, you and your guests will be happier! And holiday disasters will be prevented.  

November is National Senior Pet Month

Whether you have a senior pet or have plans to adopt one, we can provide you with information on how best to care of your senior pet.

CareCredit and Pet Insurance

Whether it’s a routine checkup or emergency surgery, you shouldn't have to worry about getting the medical care for the pet you love. That’s why we’re pleased to offer CareCredit®. CareCredit lets you say “yes” to the best treatment for your pet immediately, and pay for it over time with low monthly payments that fit your budget.

Apply for CareCredit NOW today by clicking here:
https://www.geonlineapply.com/servlet/MCSGenericApp

We also often get questions about Pet Insurance. Pet insurance can be a great asset when unexpected pet care is needed. Pet insurance provides Peace of mind. If your pet is sick or injured, you won't have to make medical care decisions based on finances. Here, we try to take some of the confusion out of selecting the right plan for your pet As you are aware, the quality of pet care is rising as more advanced treatments become available for pets. These newer advanced treatments can bring an added cost with that quality. The fact is your pet has a 99% chance of facing one or two major health care issues during its lifetime. These incidents can be emotionally and financially draining, which is why pet insurance makes so much sense. The following is a side by side comparison of three of the most popular companies:

TRUPANION, VPI, and ASPCA. For a more exhaustive review of these and many more pet insurance providers please visit Pet Insurance Review

Trupanion
The only pet insurance endorsed by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Strictly Accident and Illness only Premium remains the same for the life of the pet You pay the veterinarian upfront, insurance reimburses you up to 90% Free 30 days of coverage for puppies and kittens under one year of age after having a physical with a veterinarian and calling to register; you must enroll within 24 hours of the physical to be eligible

Visit online at www.trupanion.com or call 1-800-569-7913

VPI
Has both accident and wellness plans available Lower initial premium but the premium does increase with the pets' age You pay veterinarian upfront, insurance reimburses you up to 90% Visit online at www.petinsurance.com or call 1-866-VET-PETS

ASPCA
Has four levels to choose from: Accidents, Illness, Wellness, and Wellness Plus You pay the veterinarian upfront, insurance reimburses you up to 80%.

Visit online at www.isyourpetcovered.com or call 1-866-861-9092.

Prevent Heartworm to Save Your Dog's Life

INDIANAPOLIS (31 May 2013)—Each year as spring arrives, so do the bugs, particularly mosquitoes. Ants can ruin a picnic, but disease-carrying mosquitoes can negatively affect your dog’s life. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease. While every dog could become infected with the illness, protection is easy. Mosquitoes become carriers when they feed on a currently infected wild or domestic dog. They ingest the larva and carry it to another animal through a bite. The disease can be transmitted between dogs, but also between pets and wildlife. Mothers can pass the disease to their puppies, since the larva live in the bloodstream; however, the illness can be eliminated when the puppy is given preventative medication because the larvae must pass through a mosquito before becoming harmful.

 Heartworms are endemic in the wildlife communities—particularly fox and coyotes—which means the disease is out there and cannot be controlled; only prevented. On rare occasions, cats may become infected. Veterinarian Dr. Sandra Norman, companion animal director for the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, recommends protecting dogs through a monthly pill, which is given to the pet throughout the duration of its life. There is no vaccination. “Dog owners can also benefit by giving their pets a combmination product that treats for worms and fleas at the same time, taking care of two things at once,” added Dr. Norman.

 A veterinarian can explain all the options available. Dog owners should watch for signs of this disease if pets begin to cough, tire easily, or have exercise intolerance. That may mean a very playful dog begins to stop more often than normal while playing catch. Heartworms live in the right side of a dog’s heart, where the blood flows into the lungs. The disease can also spread to other parts of the animal’s body, such as the kidneys and liver, causing additional damage. There is a treatment for infected dogs, but the process is very taxing. A dog must be healthy and young to undergo the treatment, and even then results could be less than ideal. In the end, the damage to the internal organs has already been done.

 Without treatment, a dog will die from heart failure 2 years to 3 years after infection. Pet owners should also take steps to reduce the places around their homes where mosquitoes can grow and live. Spots where water may pool should be kept dry, such as bird baths and buckets. “Through it all, prevention by giving your pet a monthly pill is the key, and an easy way to keep your dog protected,” reminds Dr. Norman. -30-

 For additional information, contact: Denise Derrer at 317-544-2414 dderrer@boah.in.gov About the Indiana State Board of Animal Health The Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH), also known as "the Office of the State Veterinarian", has primary mission areas of: animal health, food safety (Dairy, Meat and Poultry Inspection), disaster preparedness and animal care.

 For more information,visit www.boah.in.gov. www.boah.in.gov *

 www.facebook.com/INBOAH

Santa is Coming to Michigan City Animal Hospital!

Santa Claus is coming to Michigan City Animal Hospital on Saturday December 15th! Celebrate the holiday season with a picture of your furry family member and Santa! We can't wait to see you and your pets there!

Happy Birthday Dr. Jeff Klemens!

Happy Birthday to Dr. Jeff Klemens! We thank you for everything you do for the pets at Michigan City Animal Hospital! We hope you have an amazing birthday today!

Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Did you know that your cat should be in to see us once a year all their life, and sometimes twice a year when they’re over seven years of age? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day—if your cat is due for a visit, call and schedule one today. Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

Highlight on Dr. Jeff Klemens

Dr. Jeff Klemens has now been with the hospital for five years. He has been a great addition to our staff and is one of the best veterinarians in the area.

He is a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan, avid gamer and card player, movie buff and traveler. He loves to cook, sample cuisine from other cultures and will happily try anything once.

We are glad to honor Dr. Jeff Klemens this May for all the hard work and dedication he brings to Michigan City Animal Hospital. 

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

When you’re caring for your lawn this spring, be sure to read the fine print on your fertilizer package. Some of the most common lawn fertilizers can be toxic to your pets, causing a variety of symptoms if breathed in or ingested. Most fertilizers recommend keeping pets and children off the grass for at least 3 days after application, and sometimes longer. Before you apply fertilizer, read the instructions carefully, and follow all manufacturer recommendations. When possible, use pet-safe and child-safe fertilizers, because they’ve been formulated to keep your family safe from toxins.

Pets & Easter Lilies

Lilies are a popular Easter flower, but did you know that they can actually be toxic to your pet? Like the Christmas poinsettias, lilies can attract the attention of your pet, especially cats, and then have a toxic effect when ingested. Keep those Easter lilies far from your pet's reach this season, or look into artificial options. The art of artificial flowers have gotten so advanced that your guests won't be able to tell the difference...and your pet will be safe.

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month! Did you know that some of the foods we eat every day can actually be toxic to our pets, such as avocado, macadamia nuts, and even grapes? We encourage you to invest in some delicious, pet-safe treats and avoid feeding any table scraps to your pet, in order to avoid accidental poisoning. Keep your pet safe and healthy this March!