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Category: Pet Owner Tips

Jul-14

Category
Emergency Pet Care Pet Owner Tips
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Pet Fire Safety Tips for Pet Fire Safety Day

home_3It’s always a great time to talk about pet fire safety. Recent data from the National Fire Protection Association suggests that pets start around one thousand fires each year, while around half a million pets are affected every year by home fires. The good news is that there are some quick and easy ways to help keep your dog or cat safe in the event of a house fire, and to help prevent your pets from starting any fires in your home.

No one wants to even think about a fire starting in their home—but unfortunately, they can and do happen. Thankfully, a little foresight can help your pets survive the unthinkable. Start by implementing some “best practices” like keeping your cat’s carrier and your dog’s leash in the same place 100% of the time. In a crisis such as a fire, knowing where to find what you need to get them out of the house as quickly as possible can help you keep a cool head. If you can keep those items by the door, so much the better.

Of course, this assumes you’ll be home when a fire starts. In case you’re not, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your pets if a fire breaks out while you’re away, such as installing monitored smoke detectors. Pets can’t get out of your home if the smoke detector goes off, so using a smoke detector that’s connected to a monitoring center can help first responders get to your house as quickly as possible. And consider getting a Pet Alert cling to affix to a prominent window for when those first responders arrive, making sure to note how many pets are in your home so they can save all of them. Cats, for example, tend to hide when frightened, so it may not be immediately obvious to firefighters if you have one (or more than one).

As for helping to prevent your pets from starting fires, most of it is fairly common sense. A good starting place is extinguishing all open flames, whether they’re on your stove or sitting around your house in the form of candles. Pets tend to be curious about smells, and will poke their noses into cooking fires, candles, or even your fireplace. So if you have to leave a stew simmering on the stove or your fireplace burning while you answer the door, take your dog with you or secure your cat. You could also consider investing in some flameless candles. Not only do they run on environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries, but also they won’t start a fire when your cat or dog accidentally knocks one over with the flick of a tail.

Even the most cautious pet owner can still have bad luck, so if your pet has been burned make sure to take them to a veterinarian in the greater Philadelphia area. Do not wait. A bad burn can send a pet into shock, and even minor ones need care and attention.

VRC is a specialty veterinary healthcare hospital located in the greater Philadelphia area. Our emergency medicine and critical care center is open 24/7, 365 days a year. If your pet is injured at any hour of the day or night, come and see us immediately. We’re here to help.

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Jul-07

Category
Emergency Pet Care Miscellaneous Pet Owner Tips
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8 Plants for Your Pets to Avoid this Summer

VRC Vet HospitalSummer is here, and for pet owners that can be a good thing and a bad thing. While the sunny mornings and warm nights are definitely good for taking your dog on long walks in the woods or the local park, and the rapid growth of hedges, flowers, and ornamental shrubs make for happy, curious cats, summer also means there are a lot of blooming, toxic plants out there that can put your pets at risk.

Even if you keep your dog on a leash during daily walks and monitor their trips into the yard to do their business, it can be difficult to stop an eager dog of any age from chewing on the various plants it encounters. The same goes for cats. Outside cats tend to slip away and out of sight to do whatever they want, and even indoor cats may get interested in and nuzzle or take a bite out of plants you bring indoors, whether they’re potted ornamentals or a vase of cut blossoms you just brought in from the yard. That’s why it’s a good idea for pet owners to keep in mind the sorts of flowers and other foliage they plant and bring inside in order to keep their homes a pet-safe zone.

While most pets are pretty smart about the things they choose to nibble on, they make mistakes. It’s good to be aware of the sorts of plants that are toxic to pets before you get your indoor garden going—or before you take that nice long walk to see the beautiful blooms all around your suburban neighborhood. For example, be extra careful around the following:

  • Lilies: The entire lily plant is toxic to cats, and this is especially true of the lovely day lilies that grow outside and Easter lilies, which tend to be grown in pots.
  • Azaleas: A pretty staple of many a yard, azaleas are toxic to house pets.
  • Oleander: The leaves of this notoriously toxic plant can harm your pets.
  • Daffodils: It’s the bulbs of these common flowers that pose a risk to your dog.
  • English Ivy: The leaves and berries are especially toxic to your pet, but the whole plant is dangerous.
  • Bird of Paradise: The pods of this common tropical beauty pose a risk.
  • Morning Glory: The seeds and roots of this beautiful wildflower are poisonous if ingested.
  • Sago Palm: All of this ornamental plant is deadly to pets, especially the seeds.

Summer can mean a lot of fun with your pet, but it does pose its own unique dangers. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic that might make them ill, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of poisoning such as listlessness, panting, disorientation, or vomiting. They require medical attention from a veterinarian in the greater Philadelphia area, so take them right away.

 

VRC is located in the greater Philadelphia area. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so if you suspect your pet has been poisoned by a plant, contact us immediately.

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Jun-08

Category
Emergency Pet Care Miscellaneous Pet Owner Tips
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Simple Things You Can do to Keep Your Dog Happy And Healthy

healthy dogDog owners want to give their pets the best life possible. Sometimes that takes the form of splurging a bit on high-quality food — which is a great idea as long as it’s nutritionally balanced, of course. Sometimes it means lavish toys and designer collars, both of which are fun, though we all know such things are more about the owner than the dog. Really, improving your dog’s quality of life can be very easy with a few simple changes. Read on and see the sorts of things you can do to improve the day-to-day of your favorite companion.

Structure

Dogs need guidance from their owners. They are pack animals, and thus need to know who is in charge—otherwise they can become anxious, nervous, and insecure. Basically, knowing how to behave, and when and where, is essential to your dog’s happiness. Understanding the rules will make your dog more secure and at ease than one who is forced to guess. Dogs need boundaries to feel happy, so it’s important to teach them good and bad behavior, as well as to enforce consequences. Build a routine, be consistent, and offer praise. A few obedience classes will help any dog and its owner have a happier life together.

Continuing Education

Dogs are intelligent creatures. They need stimulation and enrichment in their lives. A bored dog is an unhappy dog, and often their intelligence will manifest as misbehavior if not properly channeled. Take the time not only to walk your dog and play with them, but also to train them to do tricks, build their vocabulary, or even retrieve specific toys. An agility class can also help keep your dog’s mind active. For a dog, improved focus means an improved life.

Socialization

As we mentioned, dogs are pack animals. They need to have a social life to be happy. But some dogs need different sorts of socialization than others. While one dog might enjoy the freedom of the dog park, another will need smaller social circles or risk becoming stressed or aggressive. Watch your dog carefully and see what they like, and plan doggy play dates around your dog’s individual needs.

Health

Naturally, you want your dog to be in tip-top shape. Good quality food is essential, of course, so ask your greater Philadelphia area veterinarian about what sort of nutrition your dog needs at every stage of life. Also, make sure your dog gets all their regular vaccinations, and that you take them in to the vet to talk over any issues such as joint problems, allergies, or strange behaviors. It’s also essential to keep your dog active. Dogs that are sedentary tend to gain weight, which affects their overall health. Go to the park, go jogging—whatever it takes!

VRC is a specialty veterinary healthcare hospital located in the greater Philadelphia area. Consult your dog’s regular vet for any concerns, but we’re here when you need us. As a specialty veterinarian, we’re open 24/7, 365 days a year.

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May-20

Category
Emergency Pet Care Miscellaneous Pet Owner Tips
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What Should I do When My Dog Has Been Bitten by Another Animal?

One of the best things about having a dog is the way they get you outside. It can be easy to spend too much time indoors these days, but when you have a dog you always have a good excuse to take walks through the city streets or down country roads. You make time for play dates in the park, or for a little trail running through the wilderness. But while spending time in the great outdoors can be a tremendous benefit to you and your dog’s health, it’s important to remain aware that other animals, wild and domesticated, are also out and about—and sometimes those animals may be inclined to bite your dog. It’s not particularly likely to happen, but one should be realistic about these things. A little preparedness can go a long way when it comes to protecting your dog from animal bites—and a little information can help you to avoid panicking if your dog is bitten.

Most animals your dog will meet outside, like other people’s dogs, are perfectly friendly. Others, such as neighborhood cats and wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, and foxes, will want to get away from your dog. It’s not always easy to know what other animals will do, however—especially animals such as raccoons, which are prevalent in most parts of the country. So, the best way you can prevent the risk of your dog being bitten by unfamiliar animals is to always walk your dog on a leash. A leashed dog can’t run off to engage with animals that may or may not be aggressive.

Even if you do everything right, however, your dog might someday receive an animal bite. And most animal bites are rarely lethal—though if your dog is bitten by a snake, seek help immediately.

If your dog is bitten by a cat, dog, or member of an urban wildlife population, here’s what to do:
  • Stop the bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean washcloth or towel.
  • Go to the vet. Make an immediate appointment to see your primary veterinarian so he or she can look at the wound and prescribe care for it. They will definitely clean it, and will typically either prescribe antibiotics (if small) or a surgical drain (if large).
  • Home care. Usually, your vet will give you aftercare instructions for your dog. Continuing oral antibiotics until they’re finished, gently cleaning the wound, and monitoring your dog for signs of infection are common recommendations. You may also be required to restrict your dog’s activity level until the wound is healed.

Animal bites aren’t necessarily the worst injury your pet can sustain, but neither should they be taken lightly. Don’t assume you can treat even a small bite at home—animal mouths contain bacteria that can cause infection. It’s like the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” So, take your animal into the vet first thing if they are bitten. They will know if it’s something they can take care of easily, or whether you should seek out the care of a veterinary specialist near Philadelphia.

VRC is a veterinary hospital in Malvern, PA. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, or you see another animal bite your dog, contact your primary veterinarian to see if a visit to a specialist at VRC veterinary hospital is a good idea.

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