We recommend a yearly wellness visit for your pet. There is no time like the present to bring them in to see us. Winter weather can make some conditions, like arthritis, worse for your pet. Please call us today to schedule your pets’ wellness exam to ensure they are set to face the winter weather.

We wear snow boots to protect our feet in cold weather, but our pets can’t. So, we as owners have to help them take care of their paws! Here are some tips: Watch for lameness during walks, Check for snow/ice buildup between toes, Check for injuries like cracked paw pads or bleeding, Wipe their feet down after walks to avoid them licking deicer, antifreeze and other toxins off of paws, Utilize a pet-safe deicer on your property, If your dog goes to the groomers, ask them to trim the hair between their toes to avoid snow/ice buildup.

There are many human foods that you should avoid feeding your pet this holiday season. See a few of them below…

-Turkey Bones

-Chocolate

-Ham Bones

-Fat Trimmings

-Onions

-Alcohol

-Garlic

-Dairy Products

-Nuts

The holidays are a peak time to travel and many people will be taking their pets with them or boarding them while they are away. Before you leave, there are a few things to consider.

1. Make sure your pets’ identification is up to date with Pet ID tags with your phone numbers. You should also consider a microchip for added safety.

2. Make sure all required vaccinations are up to date. Some vaccines are required for traveling or boarding and all help protect your pet from disease. If traveling by air, you will need a current health certificate from your veterinarian.

Protect Family

Make sure your home is properly pet proofed. Use space heaters with caution as they can get knocked over and start a fire.

Feed Well

Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout winter. Watch your pet’s body condition and keep them in a healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate body heat. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs during cold weather.

We all know it is no fun to be stuck outside when it is freezing weather! Your dog or cat doesn’t appreciate the cold much either. Your pet is susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite just like you! Please keep an eye on your pet when they go outside, especially in below freezing temperatures. Also, keep in mind that your car cools down quickly so it is best not to leave them in the car but let them stay warm at home

Besides being unpleasant to think about, heavy internal parasite infestations in animals, including livestock, can prove costly and even deadly. With the weather turning cold, make sure your animals are ready for winter by talking to our veterinarians today about a deworming plan.