Top 5 Halloween Pet Hazards

Top 5 Halloween Pet Hazards

        Halloween is a fun time of year. The weather is crisp and children are beyond excited to dress in their costumes and eat sweet treats. But although the rest of your family is excited your pets may not be. There are many dangers for your pet, not to mention it can be very stressful. Here is a list of things to watch out for this Halloween.

1. Candy - Candy can be very toxic to your pet, especially Chocolate and Sugar Free candies. Chocolate contains caffeine and Theobromine which are both very toxic to pets. Both of these chemicals stimulate the heart and the Central Nervous System that dogs and cats can't metabolize causing a potentially serious even life threatening situation. Xylitol is a chemical that is found in sugar free candies, gums, and is often used in other products too such as certain peanut butters. This chemical causes excessive amounts of insulin to be released resulting in a dangerous drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. This happens within minutes causing a very serious situation very fast which can be fatal. If your pet ingests these items call your veterinarian right away.

2. Decorations - Skeletons, witches, and spiderwebs oh my! Decorating your house for the occasion is fun, but make sure you keep your pets in mind as well. Many decorations, wires, cords can be hazardous to your pet if your pet chews or swallows those items. Not to mention scary. You must also keep your pets emotional health in mind. Although it might be comical to some people that Fido is afraid of the flashing zombie, as you see on many YouTube videos, but this is actually not in your pets best interest. Intentionally scaring or stressing your pet can be very damaging to their emotional health. Stress can lead to many problems medically for you pet.

3. Lit Pumpkins - Jack-o-lanterns are a Halloween staple. But they can pose many dangers. Curious pets can easily be burned if a real candle is use to illuminate the carved out face. Or if knocked over by an exuberant pet, a real candle falling out of place can potentially cause a fire.

4. Costumes - Dressing your pet up can be silly and fun. If your pet doesn't mind of course. Some pets are not thrilled with being dressed up and this can cause unnecessary stress to your pet. Don't force your pet to wear a costume if he or she doesn't like it. Costumes can be restricting and awkward for animals. If your pet is OK with wearing a costume, be sure it fits properly and it doesn't restrict movement, vision or airways.

5. Trick-or-Treaters - Some pets are very social and out going, but some pets don't like strange house guest. Multiple strange visitors constantly ringing your door bell screaming "Trick-or-Treat" can be a frighting ordeal to some pets. They don't understand whats going on and it can cause extreme stress. It may be a good idea to seclude your pet in a separate quiet room away from the chaos. Maybe give them their favorite treat and play music or turn the TV on to drown out the noise of the rambunctious sugar hyped children racing to your door. Your pet will be much more comfortable and happy to not be subjected to such anxiety.

Halloween is a fun time but keep your pets physical and mental health in mind. They may not share the passion for the holiday as you and your children do. Keeping candy away from your pet is usually common knowledge but the Mental and Emotional needs of your pet often are over looked. But put yourself in their shoes. These holiday rituals can be very frightening! But by following these guidelines you and your pet can have a safe and stress free Halloween!

7 Things You Can Do for Your Aging Dog to Lengthen their Lifespan

7 Things You Can Do for Your Aging Dog to Lengthen their Lifespan

Most people view their pets as members of the family. Most even call their pets their "babies" or refer to them as their "fur children". The bonds that we make with our furry friends is nothing short of special and we want them to be healthy and happy for as long as possible. It can be heartbreaking when you see that the once rambunctious an even mischievous Fido is now slowing down and turning grey.  And although we can't make them live forever, there are things we can do to promote longevity. 

1. Diet: Choose a good quality dog food. Be sure the food has all the nutrients that your aging buddy needs to stay healthy. You may want to choose a Senior formula that is specially made for the needs of elderly pets. These foods are fortified with the extra vitamins and minerals that older dogs need and some even contain Glucosamine/chondroitin and Omega 3 Fatty Acids which can help with arthritis and mobility. Senior diets are also typically higher in fiber to aid digestion, and contain less calories to keep your pets weight in check. Which brings us to # 2.

2. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is very important. Overweight animals are at a  higher risk of disease such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Having extra pounds on your pet can  also make it harder for them to get around and puts more strain on their joints. So limit treats or use healthier options as treats for your aging pooch.

3. Regular exercise can help your pet stay fit. However keep in mind, Fido is not as young as he use to be, so he may not be able to run 5 miles anymore. But regular walks and other exercises within your dogs means can help keep them limber and strong.

4. If your dog isn't able to get around very well because arthritis has became a problem for them, there are things you can do to alleviate the discomfort. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations on adding in supplements, anti-inflammatories, and even pain medication to your seniors daily routine. Remember, they can't tell you something hurts. So look out for limping, walking gingerly, or having a hard time getting up and down stairs, etc. A simple pill can help your pet live a better life pain free. We have made it easy for our clients to get their medication regularly and right to their door with our very own Online Pharmacy.  http://harveyanimalhospital.vetsfirstchoice.com/

5. Just like with aging humans, sickness and disease are much harsher on them then someone who is 20 years younger. That also goes for your pet as well. So as soon as you notice something out of the ordinary don't hesitate to take them to the vet. Its better to stop things before they start then to try to treat something that has worn down the animals immune system.

6. See your veterinarian regularly. Routine checks up are important to make sure your pet is happy and healthy. Even if they are doing well at home, wellness exams are recommend every  6 months for seniors. Regular blood work is also recommend which can tell the vet how well the organs are functioning and if there has been any changes that need to be addressed. Detecting illness early is key.

7. Be Patient. Your sweet senior may not be able to play fetch anymore but still has an enormous amount of love to give. If your pet is losing its hearing, its eye sight, or maybe having accidents in the house don't get angry with them. Its not something they can control as they age. Scolding them for something they can't control can make them depressed or stressed causing further problems. If you are having these issues speak to your veterinarian as they may be able to help.

Pets are family that we don't get to  have around for as long as we would like. But taking these extra steps can help you pet live their life to the fullest.

How to choose the right Heart-worm Preventive for my pet?

How to choose the right Heart-worm Preventive for my pet?

        Choosing the right Heart-worm medication for your pet can be quite confusing.  The abundance of information and recommendations your Veterinarian gives you at the time of your dogs wellness visit can be overwhelming. Especially when your pet is acting like a wild Indian it can be quite distracting. But don't worry, Harvey Animal Hospital in Grosse Pointe Michigan is always here to clarify and answer any questions you may have regarding your pets health.

First and foremost lets clarify the basics.  The two most frequently asked questions about Heart-worm disease are, What is heart-worm disease? And How does my pet get heart-worm disease?
Heart-worm disease is transmitted by infected mosquito, and is a very serious potentially life threatening disease that is cause by a worm invasion to your pets heart. These worms mature and reproduce causing severe damage to your pets heart function, and will cause the heart to fail. You can learn more about heart-worm disease by visiting https://www.heartwormsociety.org

   
  Now that you know the dangers of heart-worm disease you can rest assured that you CAN prevent this awful disease.  Consistently giving a heart-worm preventative will protect your beloved pet and keep them safe from this sickness. Perfect! The next question pet owners will ask is “What type of heart-worm preventative is right for my pet?' There are a number of options out there and this is something that your veterinarian will gladly discuss with you and help you choose what is right for your pet and their lifestyle. Heart-worm medication can come in a variety of ways, a beefy treat chew, a tablet, a topical, etc. Choosing which is best for your pet will depend on a number of variables. First off , will your pet take the edible medication or is applying a little oil on their back easier for the pet owner. Is it best for your pet to have flea protection as well? Is your dog around other dogs where they are at risk for intestinal worms and parasites? Yes most heart-worm medication also contains protection against intestinal parasites as well. For instance, Heart Guard is a beefy chew that not only protects against heart-worm disease but also, hook worms and round worms. While Trifexis is a tablet that protects against heart-worm, fleas, hook worm, round worm and whip worm. An alternative to an edible form is Advantage Multi which covers, heartworm, fleas, hooks, whips, and round worms.
There are many options and discussing your pets risks with your Veterinarian will help you decide on which is right for your pet. You can also compare on the chart below.

       The next big misconception is “ Can't I get my pets heart-worm preventative at a pet store or online?” Well yes and no. It is absolutely NOT recommended to purchase heart-worm medications at a pet store or on a generic website. And no its not because your Veterinarian wants to make more money, it is not recommended for the simple fact that the manufactures of these products ONLY sell to Veterinarians. So how did the pet store or generic website get the products? No one knows. It can be counterfeit or fake products and you do not want to risk your pets health by giving these questionable products. A little tip most pet owners don't realize is that the manufactures of these medications will guarantee their product IF and only IF purchased from a veterinarian.  Purchasing online is easy and convenient for most people. Most online pharmacies CAN NOT be trusted, and it is not recommended to purchase products for the same reason I gave above,  unless its directly though your veterinarian. We at Harvey Animal Hospital recognize the ease of purchasing online and we just launch our very own online pharmacy! This pharmacy is our personal pharmacy portal and therefore it is a trusted source for your pets medications. You can get your pets heart-worm preventive and other medications right to your door. Click the link below:
http://harveyanimalhospital.vetsfirstchoice.com/

Another added benefit from purchasing from your veterinarian whether in clinic or on their personal trusted online pharmacy is the rebates that are offered. There are always rebates and other special offers depending on what type of heart-worm preventative you choose.  For example right now if you purchase though our online pharmacy you can get an instant $12 rebate when you buy 12 doses of Heart-Guard and a $5 rebate on 6 doses. Trifexis is currently offering a $25 rebate! So keep your pet safe and protected against the deadly heart-worm diseases and keep your pet on heart-worm preventative. Need a refill of your heart-worm medications? Stay away from pet stores and sketchy online pharmacies. Purchase directly from your vet clinic or their trusted online pharmacy.

Compassionate Veterinary Care Starts with Making the Animal Feel Comfortable

When searching for a veterinarian in St. Clair Shores, Michigan it's important to find one that provides compassionate care to animals. While most vet practices are able to care for the needs of a sick pets effectively, not all offices are the same. Some focus on treating many patients throughout the day, while other veterinarians focus on making the animal feel comfortable by taking their time. Each type will treat the pet's medical condition, but a vet who maintains a calm, trusting environment for the pets treated is going to cause less emotional harm to any pet that comes in the door.

Making the Animal Feel Comfortable
Consider that a sick pet is put into a crate, dragged to the vet's office, and put on a table under harsh light. This isn't going to do much to make the animal feel very comfortable. While the pet owner can make the process easier by getting their pet used to the crate and car rides, the rest is up to the vet's office. The first step is to provide a room for the animal where they can come out of their crate without having to be pulled out. In the waiting room, it always helps to set up dividers so that animals don't have to see each other while waiting for an appointment. For nervous pets, a small, isolated waiting room can work wonders.

How the Animal Is Handled

Vet technicians are great at handling most pets, even those that are stressed and aggressive. The problem is, when a stressed-out pet is handled in such a manner that restricts their movement, this can have a lasting effect on their ability to trust other humans. It takes time to get a pet to calm down and trust the person who is trying to assess their medical needs. Rushing an exam usually leads to the need for the pet to be held tightly. In an emergency, this is often necessary, but a vet who takes the time to allow the pet to relax often provides more compassionate care.

Finding the Right Vet for a Pet with Special Medical Needs

All pets deserve quality medical care. When searching for vets near me in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, it's important to look at what the needs of the pet are. For some pets who are comfortable around other animals, a large vet office with an active waiting room will be fine. For other pets, especially those that are medically in need, a more compassionate approach may be necessary. Some vets focus on providing care to as many animals as possible throughout the day, while others focus on getting the pet to trust their actions as they provide treatment. When one has an animal with special medical concerns, it's often useful to find a quiet vet practice in the area.

Pets that Require a Gentle Touch
No vet's office should ever handle a pet roughly, but some offices are known to be more gentle than others. A busy practice is going to focus on getting the job done quickly, as there will often be other patients in the waiting room that need to be seen. Pets that require more gentle handling do better in offices that are focused on treating one patient at a time, and doesn't rush you out because of a waiting room full of other patients. In general, it is usually about the size of the practice and whether the office is also an emergency veterinarian provider. In an emergency pet hospital, it can be incredibly chaotic just because pets may be in crisis.

Choosing a Vet in Detroit, Michigan
There are numerous vets to choose from in the city of Detroit, Michigan. This means that it's possible to find an office that is both close to the home and offers the services one is seeking for their pet. In a busier practice, a pet may get less attention, and “conveyer belt” care.  In an office that allows pets to relax and get to know the environment first, you and your pet will feel comfortable and even build a bond with the veterinary staff. Overall, it is up to what the pet needs and what works best to get the animal compassionate treatment that doesn't traumatize the animal further.