Turner Veterinary Clinic News
Halloween Can Be a Scary Holiday for Pets
As much as you and your children might enjoy Halloween, this particular holiday
can be a stressful one for pets. They don’t understand why you have decorations
and carved pumpkins with candles in them around the house and naturally feel
curious enough to investigate. Your dog or cat may end up swallowing something
inedible or even starting a fire by knocking over a candle. These are just two of
several Halloween safety concerns to keep in mind. Turner Veterinary Clinic
wants to provide the following safety tips to help keep your pets safe and happy
during the month of October.
Preventive Care Helps Your Senior Pet Age Well
- Fifteen human years by the end of the first year
- An additional nine human years for the second year
- An additional five human years for each year thereafter
Kids Headed Back to School? Watch Your Pet for Signs of Separation Anxiety
- Destructive chewing
- Howling by dogs and loud vocalizations for cats
- Lack of appetite
- Pacing
- Soiling in the house
- Trying to escape the yard to run after your children
Distraction is a useful tool in helping to keep your pet’s mind off her friend who has gone to school. For dogs, try filling a Kong with peanut butter or another favorite treat that she must work to uncover. A catnip-filled mouse will help distract your cat from what’s taking place at the front door. If other people are home, someone should interact with the pet while your children leave to catch the bus. If everyone leaves the house at the same time, be sure that your dog or cat gets plenty of attention from at least one person.
Be sure to rotate your pet’s toys frequently if he must be alone for long periods. The toys will be a novelty and help him feel less lonely. Dogs love any chew toy and need a comfortable place to sleep for naps. Your cat should have scratching posts, one or more perches to look out the window, hiding places, and toys as well. Leaving soft music on in the background while your family is away can help to calm anxiety also.
Your pet will adjust to the back-to-school change more quickly if everyone in the family gives her several minutes of undivided attention when they are home. This reassures her that she’s still an important part of the family and that no one has forgotten about her. Be sure to include your pet in family activities whenever possible.
Some pets have a more difficult time with schedule changes than others. If you have tried these tips and your dog or cat remains highly anxious, request an appointment at Turner Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Huelsbergen can provide you with additional ideas, such as full or part-time doggy daycare for dogs. In severe cases, he can prescribe anti-anxiety medication that you can get from our online store.
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The dog days of summer are here, and the hottest stretch of the year brings some real risks for pets. Between backyard barbecues, hikes, and long afternoons at the park, there's still plenty of season left to enjoy, but bee stings, tempting barbecue foods, and soaring temperatures are among the most common reasons pets need medical care this time of year.
Few things are more frightening for a pet owner than realizing their dog or cat has gone missing. Whether a gate was left open, a leash slipped loose, or an indoor cat darted out the front door, pets can become lost in an instant. While collars and ID tags are important, they can fall off or become damaged. That's why pet microchipping has become one of the most reliable ways to help reunite lost pets with their families.
If you've ever wondered what pet microchipping is or how it works, here's what you need to know.
You give your dog a bath and suddenly spot fleas. Or maybe you missed a dose of heartworm prevention and start to worry. Many pet owners find themselves asking the same question: Do I really need to give parasite prevention every month, or can I just treat problems if they show up?
February is often associated with love, thanks to Valentine’s Day, and that makes it a perfect time to show extra care to the pets who mean so much to us. While treats and cuddles are always appreciated, one of the most meaningful ways to support your pet is by focusing on their health from the inside out. Dental health and heart health may seem like separate topics, but they are closely connected and both play a major role in your pet’s overall wellness.
When was the last time your pet saw the veterinarian for a checkup, not because they were sick, but just to stay healthy? Preventive care is one of the most important ways to give your pet a longer, happier life. It’s not about doing one big thing. It’s about the small, consistent steps that help avoid bigger health problems later on.