April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month.  While we will always recommend that you seek the advice of a veterinarian anytime your pet is injured or ill, it is never a bad idea to be prepared at home.  Just like having a first aid kit for your own bumps and bruises, a Pet First Aid Kit can come in handy. You can purchase pre-assembled Pet First Aid Kits, or assemble your own as described below.

First, you will need a container to hold your kit.  A plastic shoebox case is perfect. Keep your kit somewhere easy for you to access, but out of the reach of your pets and kids.  An upper kitchen cabinet, or coat closet shelf is a good place. Once you have a spot for your kit, make sure everyone in the family knows where it is.  Let any pet sitters know where it is as well.

Now it is time to fill your kit with the various first aid items.  Many of these items are similar to what you will find in a human first aid kit, with a few additions.

Saline Solution – Pure saline can be used to clean a wound on your pet. Squirt the solution carefully into small wounds at an angle to flush out any debris and bacteria. Please note that most contact solutions are not pure saline. Carefully read the label to ensure you have a Saline Solution.

Absorbent Gauze Pads – Gauze pads are the first layer when wrapping a wound on your pet.  The gauze will absorb blood so that your pet does not bleed in the house or car on the way to the Veterinarian.  If you don’t have gauze you can also put a few washcloths, or a small hand towel in your kit.

Self-Adhesive Bandage Cover – These covers are used on the outside of the gauze to hold the gauze in place.   We recommend getting something specifically for pets, that will not stick to their fur. Be sure to not apply the wrap too tightly as it can cause a loss of circulation which would further complicate the injury.

Exam Gloves – Using exam gloves when providing first aid protects both you and your pet.  First, they keep your hands clean. They also protect your pet from any dirt and bacteria that may be on your hands.

Oral Syringe – These can be used to flush out wounds with water.  A turkey baster or something similar can also be used.

Instant Cold Pack – A cold pack can be applied to bee stings or other swellings.  Be sure that there is always something between the cold pack and your pet’s skin. If you have a pet with thick fur the cold pack can be applied directly to the fur.  Otherwise, it is recommended that you wrap it in a towel first.

Tweezers – Tweezers can be used to remove ticks or other large debris from a wound. You can also find specially designed tick removers, which may be useful if you live in area with a high incidence of ticks.

Flashlight – Keep a small flashlight in your first aid kit to help you see in between toes, inside the nostrils, the mouth, and the ears. However, you should never shine the flashlight directly into your pet’s eyes.

Extra Leash and Collar – In the event of an emergency, you do not want to be scrambling around the house looking for your pet’s leash and collar.  Keep a spare in the kit so you always know where one is. The leash can also be used to hold your pet in place while you are administering first aid.

Soft Muzzle – Even the sweetest of pets can bite when they are feeling hurt and scared.  A muzzle can keep you safe while administering first aid.

The hope is that you will never need to use your first aid kit.  However, having one ready, and being prepared will help put you and your pet at ease in the event of an emergency.  Always be sure to call your Veterinarian right away if your pet is sick or injured.

… or maybe you did.

March 18-22 is Pet Poison Prevention Week.  So we have compiled a list of foods you may or may not know can be harmful to your pet. If your pet drinks or eats any of the foods below please call your veterinarian right away.

Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks and foods that contain alcohol can be dangerous for your pet. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning range from vomiting and diarrhea to difficulty breathing and tremors.  Significant amounts of alcohol can cause coma or even death.

Chocolate and Caffeine

Both the cacao seeds and the fruit of the coffee bean plant contain methylxanthines. When consumed by pets this chemical can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and excessive thirst and urination.  If your pet eats a lot of chocolate or drinks a lot of caffeinated beverages it can cause abnormal heart rhythms and seizures. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have the highest concentration of methylxanthines and are more dangerous than milk and white chocolate.

Grapes and Raisins

No one knows exactly what it is in grapes and raisins that is toxic, however it is known that they can cause kidney failure in dogs.  Until more research is done it is best to avoid these fruits.

Milk and Dairy

Despite the common myth that cats love milk, dogs and cats actually do not have enough of the lactase enzyme to break down milk.  When ingested, milk and other dairy products can cause diarrhea and other digestive discomfort.

Nuts

Many nuts, especially almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain a lot of fats and oils.  These fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea. There is also the potential for pancreatitis.

Xylitol

This sweetener, used in gum, candy, and toothpastes, can cause an insulin release in most animals. Initial symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and lack of coordination.  As the poisoning progresses symptoms can include seizures and liver failure can set in within a few days.

Do you brush your teeth every day? Sure you do – maybe even twice a day.  We floss, use mouthwash, and be sure to see a dentist every six months. Why? Because we know how important our teeth are!  Well, those pearly whites are just as important for your pets!

There are many ways to keep your pet’s teeth healthy.  First and foremost, your pet’s mouth should be checked at least once a year by their veterinarian.  At the Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics we check teeth at each annual exam. In between vet visits the best thing you can do for your pet’s teeth is to brush them.  Brushing once a day is best, but at least twice a week works to keep them healthy. You can get toothbrushes in our office, or at a pet store. Same for pet-approved toothpastes. If brushing your pet’s teeth is out of the question you can also find dental chews which help fight tartar build-up.  There are also food and water additives that can help prevent oral disease.

Because most dental disease occurs below the gum line it can be hard to diagnose.  There are some things to watch for. Bad breath is probably one of the first signs of dental disease in your pet.  Excessive drooling is another sign. Since oral disease can be painful your pet may be hesitant to eat. You may also notice that they begin to lose weight.  Obvious signs are red or bloody gums and broken or loose teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

One of the most frequent concerns for dog and cat parents is how to keep their pets safe from pesky pests like fleas and ticks.

Fleas are parasites which consume blood.  Over time this can cause blood loss or anemia.  This can be especially dangerous in puppies and kittens, as well as other small animals.  Some pets can also be allergic to the saliva from the fleas which could cause skin rashes and hot spots.  Along with the health consequences, fleas are just plain annoying! Cleaning up after a flea infestation can be very costly and cumbersome.

Ticks are another parasite which consume blood. So, in keeping with fleas they can cause blood loss, anemia, and skin irritation. However, ticks can also carry many diseases, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be very serious in dogs and cats.  It can cause fever, lameness, and kidney failure. If you do find a tick on your pet be sure to remove the tick as quickly as possible. To remove a tick: use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull straight up with a steady motion and store the tick in a jar with some rubbing alcohol. Once the tick is removed wash the area where your pet was bitten, and watch the spot for signs of infection (redness and swelling).

Taking action before a flea infestation or a tick bite is the best course of action. The doctors at the Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics recommend year-round flea and tick prevention, and we offer a variety of options in our clinics. Be sure to ask your veterinarian which option is best for your pet.

Check out our blog posts for some helpful hints to keep your fur-family safe and happy this holiday season. Click on any image to read the post.