Don’t forget to see our links and clickable pet infographic at the end of the newsletter; chock full of holiday tips and information!
Rabies! What You Need to Know
The word “rabies” creates dread in most of us and it should. Rabies is a devastating and deadly viral disease that affects mammals; including dogs, cats, and humans. It’s called a zoonotic disease which means it can be transferred from animals to humans. Rabies is widespread and found in every US state except Hawaii.
Rabies mainly occurs in wild animals like skunks, raccoons, bats, fox, and coyotes. Cats are the most common domestic animal infected with this disease. That’s because many cat owners let their cats out to hunt and don’t vaccinate them. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies. This disease is almost always fatal and once signs of the disease are present the animal usually dies within days.
Most states have mandatory laws requiring rabies vaccinations for both dogs and cats. Most kittens and pups receive their first vaccination at 12 weeks of age and then every year after that (there is also a vaccination that lasts 3 years). Most areas have free or low-cost rabies clinics sponsored by local animal control, shelters, or the humane society.
There is only one way to keep your animals healthy – vaccinate them. If you don’t and your dog bites someone, depending on the laws in your area, it could mean quarantine or euthanasia for your pet. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal call your veterinarian immediately. Get the wound cleaned and let your vet decide if your pet needs a rabies booster.
If you come in contact with or get bitten by an unvaccinated animal (wild or domestic), you may need to go through rabies vaccinations. Don’t panic, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water (wash for a good 10 minutes). Call your doctor or go to an emergency room and explain what happened. Report your bite to animal control as soon as possible and your local health department. Rabies vaccinations for a bite are not as bad as they use to be but still require a series of shots based on your weight over a few weeks.
These vaccinations are very expensive, usually covered by insurance, but not always. So, protect yourself ahead of time. Here is an excellent article about rabies facts and more importantly – prevention tips.
Keep your family and best friends safe, vaccinate for rabies!
Vital Visits News!
Alternative to Overnight Service?
No Overnight but want pet visits?
Alternative To Overnight A.M. – Early morning 6:00 – 7 am, per visit – $35.00 Alternative To Overnight P.M. – Nightly 9:00 – 10:30 pm, per visits – $35.00.
How to Keep Your Senior Pet in Tip-Top Shape!
Great news! Due to improved vet care and better dietary habits, our pets are living longer than ever before. As a consequence, this leads to a bit more veterinary care as your pet age.
What is senior anyway? There isn’t a specific age when the senior label is applied for either cats or dogs. It depends on species, breed, genetics, and the overall health of your pet. Generally, cats can be considered senior citizens at around 11 years of age. For small dogs “older” starts around 11 years old and about 9 for large pooches.
Here are some things you can expect as your pet ages, less energy, weight gain, and behavioral changes.
How can we best manage our senior pets to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible?
Vet care: The most important thing you can do with your older pet is to visit your vet more often. Age-related problems can be subtle and happen slowly – something you may miss but your vet won’t. If you notice changes in their behavior, appetite, sudden changes in their energy level, or any unexplained lumps, schedule a vet visit. Ask your vet for a body condition evaluation at each visit too.
Diet: Most pets are less active as they age so they’ll need fewer calories. Try feeding fresh veggies for treats, or to reduce the calorie content of their meals. Ask your vet about fortifying their diets.
Get moving: Exercise helps your older pet stay healthy. It will help to maintain a healthy body weight, slow the degeneration of joints, and it’s fun! Listen to your pet; if they seem tired, it’s time to stop. Maybe your dog used to hike with you for hours but don’t ask them to do that anymore. Dogs try to keep up with their owners even when they are tired. Keep it short and keep it fun.
Keep them thinking: You can teach older pets new tricks and you should! Try introducing some puzzle toys that your pet has to figure out in order to get a treat. Anything that keeps their mind active is a plus.
Brush their teeth: Dental care is important. Bad teeth will make your pet miserable, and it will be hard for them to eat. Keep brushing those chompers!
Vision & Hearing: If your pet has vision or hearing problems, be sure to keep them safe. Remove dangerous objects around the house, use gates, and keep them on a leash or in a fenced area. At night keep a light on for a pet with vision problems.
Accessibility: Your dog or cat may develop issues that make it more difficult for them to get around. Help them navigate by providing ramps, steps to get on the bed, a litter box with lower sides, rugs on hard floors, orthopedic beds, and even a harness to help them up.
Sadly, senior pets are often the last adopted at shelters, which is unfortunate because they are the perfect pet for many families. Most often they are trained, more laid back, and a lot less work than a puppy or kitten! So if you are thinking of adding to your pet family, don’t overlook an older pet.
Keeping our pets happy and healthy in their senior years just takes a watchful eye and a few accommodations.
Here is the low down on catnip! Catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family. Most cats, including lions, tigers, and yes your domesticated house cat are susceptible to the aromatic oils found in the leaves of the plant. We say “most” because genetically about a quarter of cats don’t seem to respond at all to catnip.
What happens to those cats that do respond to catnip? Well, if you’re a science buff, when your cat sniffs the volatile oil in catnip it interacts with feline nasal tissue, which turns on sensory neurons that stimulate certain areas of their brain and gives them a hyperactive reaction. On the other hand, if your cat eats the catnip, they usually settle into a zoned-out state of bliss. Either state, hyperactive or bliss, usually lasts for about 10 minutes.
Is catnip safe for your cat? The answer to that is yes it’s both safe for your cat to sniff or eat and it’s non-addictive. Some people use it as a training aid, so if your cat is clawing up your furniture, you might try rubbing some catnip on their scratching post. Some people don’t like the idea of their cat getting “high,” so it’s a matter of personal choice if you want your cat to indulge, but again, it won’t hurt your cat.
You can grow catnip in your garden or on your windowsill. It can be purchased as a plant from your local garden center, or you can grow it from seed. Even easier, you can buy it dried or in toys from pet supply stores. If you buy it loose store it in your freezer because the potency of the catnip oils doesn’t last a long time when exposed to air.
Go ahead, buy your cat a catnip toy and enjoy the show!
Check out this link; photographer Andrew Marttila captured photos of cats “on” catnip.
One of the most important things you can teach your dog is to come when he’s called. A reliable recall is critical for both their safety and your peace of mind. So, how can we get our dogs to respond to our calls? It’s not that hard to teach, but it’s a hard command to keep reliable. Why? Because we use our dog’s name all the time in other ways, so they get bored or immune to it!
Here are some points to remember:
Be consistent – You may mix it up with, “Rover come” “Rover, here boy” “Rover, get over here.” However, these are not the same to your dog; all 3 sound like different things to him. You have to pick a phrase and use it every single time. Most people say: “Rover, come.” Keep in mind we tend to overuse our pet’s name: “Rover is so cute.” “I love you, Rover.” “Did you do that Rover?” “Rover no.” So, it doesn’t hurt to come up with something else to indicate you want him to come. We know a rescue dog that probably had bad juju associated with his name, and he wouldn’t come to it. His people decided just to say: “Treat!” Guess what? He comes every single time when they say it. If they call his name… not so much. For that reason, maybe consider something other than their name or come. (do?i means come in Croatian!)
Train with High-Value Treats – Don’t use a plain old dog cookie, since they get those regularly. Make it super special, real chicken, cheese, or real jerky can be very motivating! Start calling his name (or your designated word) with him sitting in front of you. Call him and give him a treat, then move back a few inches. Call again and when they come, treat. Be sure to treat every single time. Don’t increase the distance too quickly. After you treat your dog, have a party too. Pet them and tell them how smart they are, jump around a bit. Make it fun! Remember, one day their life could depend on them responding without hesitation.
Keep it short – you’re better off to train recall 3 times a day for 2 minutes each time then to go at it for 15 minutes straight. You don’t want them to get bored with it.
Suspicion – Think about the term you use: do you ever use it and scold them, or get angry, or have stress in your voice? Do you use their recall term and grab or yank their collar? If you do these things, you won’t ever get a reliable recall because you’ve essentially trained your dog not to come!
Practice, practice, practice – all the time even if you’re sure they have it down pat. Reinforcement is your friend. Remember – treat every time with a high-value treat. You want your dog to know that when you call them, it means food. If your dog is not food motivated, use a favorite toy that they only get to play with when training recall.
Be patient, go slowly, have fun, and soon your Rover will come running when you call him!
Vital Visits News!
Alternative to Overnight Service?
No Overnight but want pet visits?
Alternative To Overnight A.M. – Early morning 6:00 – 7 am, per visit – $35.00 Alternative To Overnight P.M. – Nightly 9:00 – 10:30 pm, per visits – $35.00.
The Benefits of Growing Up With a Pet
Not only is a dog man’s best friend, but they will undoubtedly be your child’s (or grandchild’s) best friend too. Here are some reasons that a pet makes a great addition to a family.
Pets give unconditional love, and they will help teach your kids what that means. Pets listen when your child is lonely, sad, angry, or afraid. They attend tea parties, lick away our tears, and even keep our secrets. Who wouldn’t want a best friend like that?
Kids can help with pet care and learn responsibility. Give your child an age-appropriate task for your pet, such as keeping the water bowls fresh and full. Or, have them help with feeding. These tasks help your child bond with your pet and learn about commitment. Gently make them keep up their task. Contributing to the care of a family pet helps them develop compassion, empathy, and self-esteem.
Your kids will get more exercise. In this day and age when kids are spending so much time with electronics, a pet (especially a dog) is a great way to get them outside and moving. They can take the dog for a walk, toss a ball for them in the backyard; even playing with the cat takes them away from the iPad!
Children who live with pets are sick less often. Many studies have proved this. Better yet, children that are exposed to pets around birth have fewer allergies. Children that are exposed to pets early on are also less likely to have eczema.
Believe it or not, pets help kids develop their reading skills.There were studies done about this too! Young children love to read to their pets, which encourages them to practice reading, learn new words, and gain confidence.
Learning to love and care for animals helps to encourage the next generation of animal advocates. Sadly, we all know that some animals are mistreated, and there are just too many pets in shelters. Kids that grow up with a pet are more likely to rescue an animal in need; it teaches them respect for all living things.
So consider a new friend – because these benefits aren’t just for kids, pets benefit your entire family!
Are These Buggers Bugging Your Cat?
The most common external feline parasite is a flea. You may be saying, “Oh my cat is an indoor cat.” Well guess again, indoor cats get fleas all the time. Fleas are good hitchhikers; they most often ride in on you, your guests, or another pet. Once in your home, a single flea can produce 600 new fleas in a month! If your cat gets fleas not only will they be miserable, but fleas add up to more than just an itchy nuisance. They can cause allergic dermatitis, anemia, tapeworm, and in kittens, they can be deadly.
Here is how to spot an infestation on your pet:
Constant scratching
Constant grooming
Red or irritated skin
Hair loss
Skin infection
Seeing the fleas on your pet
Visible flea “dirt” on your cat’s skin (it looks like dirt but is actually flea poop, gross!)
If your cat has fleas, be sure to treat all the pets in your home, because fleas don’t play favorites! What to do if your home is filled with unwanted guests? There are a number of products on the market, from oral flea medications, topical flea treatments, and even flea collars. The best bet is to discuss it with your vet.
The most frequent internal pest your cat can get is Tapeworm.Tapeworm is spread by ingesting the larvae, usually from fleas or by catching and eating outdoor rodents or scavenging in trashcans. Tapeworm can be spread to humans (usually to children), so it’s something you want to take care of right away. They are generally not considered dangerous to your cat, but they can cause weight loss and tummy pain.
The most common symptom of tapeworm in cats is small cream-colored segments of tapeworm in your cat feces or on their fur under their tail. Your cat may lick or bite at their bum more often or drag their hindquarters on the floor to combat the itching.
If your cat has Tapeworm symptoms call your vet, take in a stool sample, and your kitty will get a shot or medication that will quickly take care of the problem.
Keeping your cat indoors does cut down on the possibility of parasites but doesn’t eliminate them completely. So keep an eye on your cat, and you’ll both be itch free!
(A flea is about the size of a poppy seed! Way smaller than this one. ?)
Great Pet Links!
Here are some interesting pet articles, pictures, and videos we’ve found on the net this month.
Don’t forget to see our links and clickable pet infographic at the end of the newsletter; chock full of holiday tips and information!
Rabies mainly occurs in wild animals like skunks, raccoons, bats, fox, and coyotes. Cats are the most common domestic animal infected with this disease. That’s because many cat owners let their cats out to hunt and don’t vaccinate them. Unfortunately, there is no cure for rabies. This disease is almost always fatal and once signs of the disease are present the animal usually dies within days.
If you come in contact with or get bitten by an unvaccinated animal (wild or domestic), you may need to go through rabies vaccinations. Don’t panic, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water (wash for a good 10 minutes). Call your doctor or go to an emergency room and explain what happened. Report your bite to animal control as soon as possible and your local health department. Rabies vaccinations for a bite are not as bad as they use to be but still require a series of shots based on your weight over a few weeks.
What is senior anyway? There isn’t a specific age when the senior label is applied for either cats or dogs. It depends on species, breed, genetics, and the overall health of your pet. Generally, cats can be considered senior citizens at around 11 years of age. For small dogs “older” starts around 11 years old and about 9 for large pooches.
Diet: Most pets are less active as they age so they’ll need fewer calories. Try feeding fresh veggies for treats, or to reduce the calorie content of their meals. Ask your vet about fortifying their diets.
a quarter of cats don’t seem to respond at all to catnip.
Even easier, you can buy it dried or in toys from pet supply stores. If you buy it loose store it in your freezer because the potency of the catnip oils doesn’t last a long time when exposed to air.
Here are some interesting pet articles, pictures, and videos we’ve found on the net this month.
A reliable recall is critical for both their safety and your peace of mind. So, how can we get our dogs to respond to our calls? It’s not that hard to teach, but it’s a hard command to keep reliable. Why? Because we use our dog’s name all the time in other ways, so they get bored or immune to it!
Train with High-Value Treats – Don’t use a plain old dog cookie, since they get those regularly. Make it super special, real chicken, cheese, or real jerky can be very motivating! Start calling his name (or your designated word) with him sitting in front of you. Call him and give him a treat, then move back a few inches. Call again and when they come, treat. Be sure to treat every single time. Don’t increase the distance too quickly. After you treat your dog, have a party too. Pet them and tell them how smart they are, jump around a bit. Make it fun! Remember, one day their life could depend on them responding without hesitation.
Suspicion – Think about the term you use: do you ever use it and scold them, or get angry, or have stress in your voice? Do you use their recall term and grab or yank their collar? If you do these things, you won’t ever get a reliable recall because you’ve essentially trained your dog not to come!
Vital Visits News!
Believe it or not, pets help kids develop their reading skills.There were studies done about this too! Young children love to read to their pets, which encourages them to practice reading, learn new words, and gain confidence.
Fleas are good hitchhikers; they most often ride in on you, your guests, or another pet. Once in your home, a single flea can produce 600 new fleas in a month! If your cat gets fleas not only will they be miserable, but fleas add up to more than just an itchy nuisance. They can cause allergic dermatitis, anemia, tapeworm, and in kittens, they can be deadly.
They are generally not considered dangerous to your cat, but they can cause weight loss and tummy pain.
Here are some interesting pet articles, pictures, and videos we’ve found on the net this month.