How to be a Cool Cat on a Dog Day

Summer is in full swing nationwide, and we’re seeing a lot of days with soaring temperatures. In order to help your cat beat the heat, CATalyst Council, a national initiative comprised of animal health and welfare organizations working on behalf of cats, has the following suggestions for keeping your cat cool when temperatures rise:

1. Ensure your cat has access to fresh, cool water. “All animals need plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when it is hot,” says Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director of CATalyst Council “Dehydration can occur very quickly and can be dangerous, leading to other complications. You may want to put out additional water bowls for your cat so that it’s easy for them to access in various parts of the house.”

2. Proper grooming is important. Brushing your cat can help reduce matting, which traps heat near the body and keeps the cat warmer than it would be otherwise. Grooming is also calming for many cats. If you have long haired cats, you may want to consider getting them a new “summer do,” and having their coats clipped shorter to help keep them cool.

3. Think twice before leaving your cat in your car. A study from Stanford University found that 80 percent of temperature rise in cars occurs within the first 30 minutes of leaving the car, and that even in cooler temperatures cars can quickly become very hot. For instance, at a 72 degree outdoor temperature, the interior of the car could become as hot as 117 degrees. The study also found that cracking the windows did very little to slow the temperature increase within the car. So, if you need to bring your cat with you while you are out and about, think twice before you leave it unattended in your car for even a brief period of time.

4. Keep your cat indoors. While cats have been described as desert animals, they don’t require the heat of hot summer months. By staying inside, not only will your cat enjoy an extended nap on the sofa, it will also enjoy having a safe environment while still enjoying the sunbeams. Keeping cats indoors also keeps them safe from predators, cars, parasites --which tend to be worse during warmer months-- and other dangers. “If you suspect that your cat is suffering from a heat-related illness, take it to your veterinarian immediately,” adds Dr. Brunt. Signs your cat may be overheated include panting, confusion, glazed eyes, agitation, vomiting or drooling, or staggering. Any of these signs should be treated as an emergency situation, and you go to your veterinarian immediately.

 Source: http://www.catalystcouncil.org/newsroom/?ID=155

Dog Safety Tips for Memorial Day

Like many Americans, you may be planning a festive Memorial Day, complete with barbecue and fireworks. It’s important to remember, fireworks and dogs don't mix.

Unlike people, dogs won’t associate the noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics with a celebration. Fireworks will often cause panic and anxiety in dogs. It’s important to remember that dogs panic at the sound of fireworks and flee into the night, often winding up lost, injured, or killed. 

Here are some pet safety tips to help keep your pet safe during this Memorial Day. 

1.    Keep your pet indoors at all times, if possible.

2.    Use Pet Friendly Repellent.

3.    Don’t give your pet table food.

Source: http://tiny.cc/4x14ex

February is Pet Dental Health Month

February is National Pet Dental Month. All dental cleanings will be discounted by $25 and nail trims are complimentary while your pet is under anesthesia. Call us to schedule at 210-684-2273.

Tinsel Safety

Many people decorate with tinsel during the holiday season, but it’s important to note that tinsel can be very dangerous for our pets! If pieces of tinsel are swallowed, their sharp edges can cut or get tangled and cause internal damage. Be sure to keep all of these dangers out of your home whenever possible.

Holiday Foods

During the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your pet is safe. Many of the foods we eat for the holidays are dangerous for our pets and could injure them or make them sick. Sugary treats, turkey, and especially turkey bones are things our pets should avoid. Keep an eye on your pet this holiday!

Fall Football Gatherings & Pets

Are you going to a football game or tailgate party this fall? We encourage you to keep your pet safe during these kinds of events. Portable grills can be extremely dangerous because they can be knocked over by rambunctious children and pets, and can burn them. Also, many of the junk foods that we eat when we’re at games and tailgate parties can be dangerous for our pets to eat. Keep your pet safe this season.
 

Visit us at www.apcnw.com for more information about Affordable Pet Care N.W. 

Pets & the Dangers of Chocolates

We have all heard “Don’t give your dog chocolate-it could kill him”.

Chocolate contains a xanthine compound, theobromine, which is toxic in sufficient quantities. Caffeine is another xanthine compound. Xanthines affect primarily the central nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and peripheral nerves. There is a diuretic effect as well. Clinical signs include hyperexcitability, hyperirritability, increased heart rate, restlessness, increased urination, muscle tremors, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Fortunately, it takes a fairly large amount of theobromine (100-150 mg/kg) to cause a toxic reaction. On average, milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per ounce. Semisweet chocolate contains 150 mg/oz. Baker’s chocolate contains 390mg/oz.

There is no specific antidote for theobromine toxicity. Medical treatment is supportive. Inducing vomiting can help if the ingestion is known and has occurred within one to two hours. Administration of activated charcoal may inhibit absorption of the toxin from the digestive tract. It may be necessary to use medications to control the effects of the poisoning, especially seizure control medications, oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and medications to control the effects on the heart. Xanthines may be reabsorbed from the bladder, so urinary catheterization is recommended in order to prevent this.

If your pet consumes chocolate, call Affordable Pet Care N.W. right away. 

You will be asked 1) what kind of chocolate was ingested, 2) the amount ingested, 3) how much the animal weighs, and 4) when the chocolate was ingested.

Visit www.apcnw.com for more information about Affordable Pet Care N.W.!

Happy Birthday wishes to Dr. Jim Jensen! The team at Affordable Pet Care N.W. is grateful to have Dr. Jensen providing excellent veterinary care to the pets in our community! Thank you for all that you do for our team and we hope you have a PAWSitively PURRfect birthday today!

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com for more details about Affordable Pet Care N.W.

Pets & Pool Safety

Swimming is one of the most fun activities for a hot summer day, for people and pets! Just keep in mind that your pets need supervision just like your children. When you can’t be outside with them, keep your pool gates closed and locked to prevent unwanted swimmers from entering the area. Help keep your children and pets, and those who live in your neighborhood, safe!

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com! 

Pet Age Chart

Having trouble calculating your pet's age? We hope this Age Chart will help!

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.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com today! 

CHECKLIST FOR A SUCCESSFUL SENIOR CARE PROGRAM

1	Establish the Senior Care Team
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Determine roles & responsibilities of each member:	_________________________	_______________
	o     Veterinarian	_________________________	_______________
	o     Practice Manager	_________________________	_______________
	o     Technician	_________________________	_______________
	o     Receptionist	_________________________	_______________
2	Set Senior Care Protocols
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Set age for recruitment into program	_________________________	_______________
	Create separate canine and feline protocols (refer to AAHA Senior Care Guidelines), including: twice-a-year wellness exams, complete medical history, physical examination, laboratory work
		_________________________	_______________
3	Complete an Audit of Current Performance
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Establish current compliance	_________________________	_______________
	o     Dog
	o     Cat
	Conduct the audit to establish baselines for future comparisons (For assistance in conducting an audit, speak with your Pfizer Account Executive.)	_________________________	_______________
	o     Identify compliance misses	_________________________	_______________
	o     Identify areas for improvement	_________________________	_______________
	o     Identify possibilities for increased revenue	_________________________	_______________
4	Create the Senior Care Program
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Name your program	_________________________	_______________
	Establish goals for client participation:	_________________________	_______________
	o     Recommend to ___ clients
	o     Enroll ___ clients in program
	Determine the plan’s cost to clients	_________________________	_______________
	Create new computer codes for program, if necessary	_________________________	_______________
	Customize client communication tools
	o     Recruitment Letter and/or Recruitment Postcard	_________________________	_______________

	Create the Senior Care Program (continued)
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	o     Senior Care Folder with Label, for client to take home with the following materials:	_________________________	_______________
	o      Age Chart for Pets	_________________________	_______________
	o      Symptom Checklists (canine and feline)	_________________________	_______________
	o      Senior Care Health Report Card (canine and feline)	_________________________	_______________
	o      Handouts (for client folder) on variety of feline and canine topics: ·    When is My Dog or Cat Considered a “Senior”? ·    Aging or Illness? Signs of Age-Related Disease in Senior Dogs and Cats ·    The Senior Care Wellness Exam ·    Common Conditions in Senior Dogs and Cats	_________________________	_______________
	o     Reminder postcards for six-month Senior Care Exams	_________________________	_______________
	o     Senior Care Posters for reception area	_________________________	_______________
	o     Add Senior Care information to your website	_________________________	_______________
5	Consider Staff Training
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Provide staff seminars on:
	o     Client Compliance	_________________________	_______________
	o     Overall Senior Care	_________________________	_______________
	o     Osteoarthritis	_________________________	_______________
	o     Dentistry	_________________________	_______________
	o     Nutrition/Obesity	_________________________	_______________
	o     Behavior/Cognitive Dysfunction	_________________________	_______________
	o     Blood Analysis	_________________________	_______________
	o     How to talk with clients about health care needs of senior pets	_________________________	_______________
	Create a staff resource binder	_________________________	_______________
6	Track and Measure Participation
	TASK OR ASSIGNMENT:	Assigned to Team Member	Completion Date
	Track number/percentage of eligible patients enrolled in program	_________________________	_______________
	Track client compliance with Senior Care recommendations	_________________________	_______________
	Begin to compile data on program’s impact on patient longevity	_________________________	_______________
	Track program’s impact on practice revenues	_________________________	_______________
	Reward team members as goals are met	_________________________	_______________

Pet Travel Safety

Going on an end of summer vacation with your dog? Don’t forget to be prepared to have him or her with you so that they can enjoy the trip too! Remember to pack as much food as your dog will need for the trip, and bring a jug of water with you on the road so they can have a drink if they get thirsty. Keep in mind that more than a few laps of water can be too much for a dog when you have many hours of travel ahead because it can cause a need to use the bathroom or nausea.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com today! 

Saturday is National Homeless Animal Day

Have you ever purchased a pet from a shelter? Tomorrow is National Homeless Animal Day, to raise awareness about the many animals that have not yet found their forever homes. We encourage families who are looking to expand to consider checking local shelters…you never know, the pet of your dreams may be sitting there now waiting for you!

Visit our website at www.apcnw.com for more details about Affordable Pet Care N.W.! 

Pets & Hot Pavement

Have you ever thought about the way you hated walking on hot asphalt when you were a kid? As adults, we don’t spend as much time outside barefoot, so it’s easy to forget. We want to remind you that your pet goes outside barefoot every day and can experience this pain. It’s important to limit their time on black asphalt during walks, and when possible, take walks before it’s reached the hot part of the day. 

Pets & Truck Beds

You may sometimes see dogs riding in the beds of pick-up trucks, and it may look like they’re having fun, but it’s extremely dangerous. As pet owners, it’s our job to set boundaries for our pets to ensure their safety. We advise all pet owners to NEVER allow their pet to ride in the back of a pick of truck, as the result could be seriously injury or even death. Be safe! Let your pet ride in the cab with you. 

 Visit our website at www.apcnw.com! 

International Assistance Dog Week

This week is International Assistance Dog Week, celebrating the wonderful animals who offer their skills to the handicapped people who need them. Assistance Dogs are intelligent animals who undergo at least 2 years of special training to prepare them for their jobs.

Visit Affordable Pet Care N.W. online at www.apcnw.com 

Canine Arthritis

Arthritis is a very painful and common condition that affects older dogs. One in five adult dogs are affected by arthritis, and it has been reported to be the number one source of chronic pain that veterinarians treat every year. “Arthritis” simply means inflammation of the joints. Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage, or lubrication (synovial fluid) of the joints breaks down.

There are two common types of dog arthritis. These types are known as degenerative and inflammatory. They are diagnosed by their causes, and both types of arthritis have basically identical symptoms. There are a number of causes of arthritis in dogs. Some common causes of arthritis include poor nutrition, obesity, trauma to the bones or joins and malformation of the dog’s bone structure.

Symptoms Of Arthritis

Weight gain/loss – Your dog may lose or gain weight when he has arthritis. He will likely sleep more than play and lose interest in activities, hence, he may gain some weight. On the other hand, he may be in pain from bending down to eat his food, so he may lose weight. Dogs may become depressed when dealing with arthritis, and this is a common cause of under/overeating.

Decreased interest in activity – Since your dog is in a significant about of pain, he will likely not become very excited to play and run around. Your dog may want to stop and turn around during a routine walk. Even playtime may seem like a huge effort when your dog has arthritis.

Difficulty sitting or standing – Your dog may find it hard to get up and may not move right away. The first few steps may be painful and appear stiff. He may become uncomfortable while sitting or standing and shift around a lot.

Hesitancy to jump or climb stairs – Jumping up on the couch for a cuddle may not be possible when your dog is suffering from arthritis. You may notice your dog does not want to jump up and sit with you as much anymore, and will choose to rest on the floor instead. He may also be hesitant to climb any stairs around the house as well.

Sleeping often – Lethargy is very common with arthritis. Your dog may not want to move around at all, so he will sleep to ease the pain in his joints.

Favoring a limb – This is known as limb lameness, and is a common symptom of canine arthritis. It may come and go, and can affect different legs at a time. Your dog may even limp.

Mood swings – Your dog may not want to play or listen when he is called. Because of the pain, he may become easily irritated if he is forced into any activity. Keep an eye out for noises when you touch him as well.

Home Remedies For Arthritis

Control Their Weight. A healthy diet is extremely important for your dog during arthritis. Getting rid of excess weight is beneficial for your dog, as he won’t have to carry any more weight around on his joints. Fat tissues secrete hormones that cause pain.

Apply Heat on Sore Joints. Applying a warm compress to your dog’s joints will help to ease the pain. Heat will penetrate deep into the muscle to the joint for relief. Keep in mind your dog cannot get up fast, so avoid burning him with a water bottle that’s too hot.

Light Exercise. Exercise should be regular, but not too strenuous. If your dog wants to turn and go back home after a short walk, let him. The key is constant exercise, but keeping it light and short. Avoid walking when it is too cold out, as the joints will be especially sore. Treadmills are great when supervised, and swimming is a great form of exercise as well.

Keep Them Warm and Comfortable. This is especially important on cold or wet days. Cold weather may cause the joints to be especially stiff or swollen. Add an extra blanket to his bed or let him sleep inside the house. Adding an extra pillow will also help keep him comfortable and ease pain in the joints.

Raise Food and Water Dishes. This is especially important if your dog has arthritis in the neck or shoulders. Bending down may cause tension and pain, so raising his food and water dishes will help him to eat pain free. You may notice a weight loss during arthritis, and the pain to eat may be the source of this.

Slip-Free Floors. Your dog may struggle when walking on hard wood floors. If you notice this, consider getting a rug for common areas he plays or rests. Using different cleaning products on the floors may also help with slipping paws.

Massage and Acupuncture Therapy. You can do massages at home or take your dog to a professional. Massages and acupuncture provide relief for sore, inflamed joints and will help to loosen these areas up.

Visit us online at www.apcnw.com for more information about Affordable Pet Care N.W. 

Pets & Ticks

As you enjoy the outdoors and related activities this year, don’t forget to frequently check your pets for ticks. These parasites will attach themselves to any available, warm-blooded host and engorge themselves. They can carry a variety of serious diseases....some even life-threatening. Affordable Pet Care N.W. can help you by offering recommendations and options on how to protect your pets from ticks. You can make play time outside for your pet fun and carefree by seeking tick prevention today! 

Visit our website at www.apcnw.com