Weight Loss Tips for Your Pet

It's a new year and time to make those annual resolutions. Most people have goals to lose weight and develop a healthier lifestyle. Have you evaluated your pets and their health needs? Did they pack on a few extra pounds this last year that they need to lose? Besides the fact of looking trim and moving around well, pets who are at a healthy weight will likely have less health problems. This goes for all types of animals–dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, reptiles, bunnies, and more.

In our 30 plus years of being in business, we have seen our fair share of overweight and obese pets. And want to know the number one cause of obesity? Poor diet. That's right! By simply changing your pet's diet you can help prolong the life of your loved one. Take birds, for instance. A proper diet is everything for a bird in captivity. If they aren't fed the right foods, they can develop all sorts of health problems related to obesity. By simply keeping them on a strict diet of pellets mixed with nuts, fruit, and veggies, you are creating a healthy lifestyle for your bird. This means no bread, seeds (they are too high in fat for captive birds), or Twinkies (yes, clients have actually fed them to their birds), to name a few.

Let's talk about dogs. If you have a dog, you probably know they love table scraps. Whatever you do, don't feed them stuff from the table–no matter how tempting those begging eyes look. Here's a rule of thumb: if you eat it, they likely shouldn't. Now there are some exceptions. Some veggies can be a healthy treat for your dog. Carrots make great treats! The best thing to feed your dog is what your veterinarian recommends. Usually this is a kibble diet with the occasional healthy dog treat. Make sure not to overfeed or underfeed your dog. Usually the amount to feed your dog is based on their breed and weight. Ask your vet about how much you should be feeding your dog. In addition to a good diet, dogs need exercise

Depending on the breed, dogs should get 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. Some breeds, such as border collies, need more physical activity every day, but the average dog just needs to get out and walk. And if you're exercising your dog on a daily basis, you are also getting exercise. It's a win-win!

Cats also need to be on a proper diet as well. We want to remind you they need to eat meat protein. We had a client in the past who was a vegetarian and fed their cat strictly broccoli and rice. Please do not do this! They will end up being underweight and malnourished. If you stick by the diet our vets recommend for cats, they will be healthy and happy. Be also aware of feline obesity. Don't feed your cat more than they need.

Let's face it. Your pet's weight depends on you and what you feed it. As a pet owner, you are responsible for taking control of their health. A good diet is simple: feed them what they are supposed to eat, and don't feed them what they shouldn't.

All About Reindeer

It's the Christmas season! We thought we would share a little bit of information about reindeer–just for fun. No, they are not a myth like Santa (shh! don't tell anyone.). Known as caribou, these amazing creatures live in North America (not the north pole as many believe) and Europe. They are also found in other tundra climate areas.

Antlers

Do all reindeer have antlers? Yes, however, antlers on males are typically larger than females. You wouldn't want to upset a reindeer. The males use their antlers to fight other males during mating season. Reindeer also use their antlers as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. If you are ever around a reindeer, make sure to be careful. Those antlers can be dangerous!

Diet

Lichens (moss) are a big part of a reindeer's diet, especially in the winter. Reindeer also like to munch on leaves from branches, fungi, and grass. This makes them herbivores!

Habitat

Reindeer mainly live in tundra climate. Their bodies are equipped to handle cold winters and snow. In fact, their hooves are large, and perfect for walking through deep, crisp snow.

So why are reindeer a big part of Christmas? It's hard to say. The idea of nine reindeer pulling a jolly old soul around in a sleigh started with old folklore. In our opinion, we'd much rather see caribou in the wild!

Holiday Pet Hazards

It's that time of year when we stuff ourselves with turkey and decorate the Christmas tree. There's so much to do and eat this time of year, but remember your pets can get into trouble if you aren't careful. The last thing we want is for you to spend time in the emergency room with a sick pet on Thanksgiving. To keep your pet safe, it is important to educate yourselves about holiday hazards. Below is a list of common holiday things that can harm your pet.

Food and Plants

Chocolate

Foods with Xylitol

Alcohol

Turkey bones and skin

Sugary foods

Yeast dough

Table Scraps

Poinsettias

Mistletoe

Holly

Decorations

Christmas trees

Ornaments

Tinsel

Candles

Electric light cords

Potpourris

We hope you and your pet have a safe Thanksgiving with zero trips to the emergency clinic! If you do need to take your pet to the hospital, you can call us at 801-298-2014 to receive information about the nearest pet ER.

Is Pumpkin Good for my Dog?

Believe it or not, pumpkin pulp is a good source of fiber for your dog and provides several health benefits. It is something that can be given yearlong and not just during the fall season.

Don't mistaken canned pumpkin for a pumpkin that grows on a vine. Pumpkin rinds could be harmful for your dog. They are hard for them to digest and could cause some issues in their stomachs. Canned pumpkin (without added spices), however, gives your dog plenty of fiber and can help with digestive problems. It also contains a good source of potassium, Vitamin A, iron, and beta carotene.

This time of year is perfect to open up a can of pumpkin and give your dog a few teaspoons of the pulp. Pumpkin seeds also have health benefits and can be a nice treat for your dog. Make sure not to serve your dog pumpkin or pumpkin seeds without talking to a veterinarian. It should not replace your dog's diet.

Pumpkin can help with the following:

• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss
• Constipation

If you have any questions about feeding your dog pumpkin, ask one of the Parrish Creek veterinarians. They can let you know if you should feed your dog pumpkin and how much, as well as educate you on the benefits of pumpkin for your dog's health.

Sources: (Purina, https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-pumpkin-sweet-potatoes-and-nuts; Pet Health Network, http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diet-nutrition/does-canned-pumpkin-help-dog-diarrhea)

Check out the recipe below for a healthy, dog pumpkin treat:

Pumpkin Carrot Bites

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 egg slightly beaten
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Stir pumpkin, egg, carrots and flour in a large bowl until moistened. 
3. Roll the batter into small balls and place on a baking sheet. 
4. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes.

(Source: https://www.mypawsitivelypets.com/2014/11/holiday-dog-treat-recipe-pumpkin-carrot.html)

Pet Fire Safety

There was recently a fire in the Bountiful/Centerville area that caused many people and their pets to evacuate their homes. Some homes were lost to the fire. During the dry months in Utah, when fires are prevalent, it's important to be prepared in case one strikes the area where you live. And this includes an emergency preparedness plan for getting your pets out safely. This not only applies to wildfires, but also fires caused in your own house.

Evacuating a Home

If you are required to evacuate your home, have the essentials ready to go. Always have a fire preparedness kit for your pet on hand that includes food, medications, leash/carrier, and medical records. Having this ready will save you time.

It's a good idea to have your pet microchipped and make sure ID tags are current. If somehow you lose your pet when evacuating, it will be much easier to find them if they have identification.

Home on Fire

If you're home catches on fire, do your best to locate your pets. However, don't spend your time searching for them if they don't come right away. Get your family and yourself out first, and then allow first responders to rescue your pets. Do not go back into your home to find your pets. If you can't find your pets, leave your door open and call to them. Allow firefighters to go inside the house and rescue your loved ones. 

Be Prepared

• Include your pet in your fire evacuation plan.
• Know where your pet's hideaways, so you can locate them quickly in a fire.
• Put decal in your window with the number/type of pets to help first responders.

You never know when a fire will strike. The fire in the Centerville area affected many people and their pets in a matter of hours. If you're prepared, you can get you and your loved ones to safety.

Preventing Carrier Stress

When cat owners schedule an appointment with us, their main concern is getting their cats safely to the vet. It can be a stressful ordeal if your cat is not familiar with a carrier. A majority of cats do not like car rides, so a carrier is something that can help eliminate at least some of the stress. Some cats have no problem being placed in carriers, but others act like it's torture. They can be trained, though, with time and patience!

Carrier training takes place before the day of the vet appointment. First, you will want to purchase a carrier that is comfortable for your cat. Make sure it has proper protection, an easy entry/exit and is ventilated.

Introducing the Carrier

You want your cat to have a positive experience the first time the carrier is introduced. Leave the carrier in an open space where your cat spends a majority of its time. Place soft bedding, treats, catnip, or toys inside. Allow your cat to figure out on its own that the carrier is a safe space. There is no need to coax or encourage it. Sometimes it takes days to weeks before your cat will feel comfortable in its carrier. Remember to be patient and reward for good behavior. You don't have to be forceful.

Traveling with Your Cat

Make sure your cat is comfortable in the carrier. Provide bedding and make sure the carrier is clean. Place the carrier and your cat in an empty room and allow it to sniff around and eventually go inside. If it doesn't go inside, try to lure it with a toy or treat. As soon as it goes inside, shut the carrier door. Make sure to carry the carrier like a package and not by the handle. This helps prevents motion sickness since the carrier doesn't get moved around as much. When you get to your car, secure the carrier inside by placing it on a level surface and buckling it with a seatbelt. If your cat is anxious, you can cover the carrier with a towel or blanket. You can also spray Feliway in the carrier and in your car. Feliway is a calming cat pheromone and helps cats feel more relaxed and safe.

Emergencies

Sometimes you don't always have time to get your cat in a carrier, especially in an emergency. In this case, follow these helpful steps:

1. Take your cat and carrier into an uncluttered room.
2. Try bribing your cat with a treat or toy.
3. Close the side door and open the top of the carrier if it opens from the top.
4. Wrap your cat snuggly with a towel and place it in the carrier, bottom first.

DO NOT:

• Scruff your cat
• Place in a pillow case
• Turn carrier on its end and stuff in your cat

Getting your cat used to a carrier takes time and patience. Once you have a routine, taking your cat to the vet in a carrier will be a positive experience for the both of you.

Rattlesnake Safety for Your Dog

Summer is the perfect time to get outside and hike with your dog, and there are plenty of trails around Utah to explore. But make sure to note you are not the only ones who share the trail. Rattlesnakes are very active during the summer and sometimes end up on or near the hiking trails. While most of the time a rattlesnake will mind its own business, when threatened, it may strike. Keep your dog and you safe this summer by following a few simple tips.

Rattlesnakes are venomous, not poisonous, which can easily be confused. Venomous animals inject venom when they bite, whereas poisonous animals contain toxic tissue when ingested.

Most rattlesnakes do not attack unless they feel threatened. The best way to prevent your dog from getting bitten by a rattlesnake is to avoid them. As much as possible, keep your dog on a leash and be assertive. If you heard a rattling noise, it is likely a rattlesnake is nearby, which means it's time to head a different way. As long as you keep a long distance away from the rattlesnake, your dog and you should be fine.

Rattlesnake Bites

If your dog gets bit by a rattlesnake, head straight to the vet as soon as possible. Be calm and walk or carry your dog to the car, remembering that most snake bites are not immediately fatal to dogs.

Do not:
Suck out the venom (this is a myth)
Apply ice to the site
Administer anti-inflammatory drugs
Apply a tourniquet
Cut the skin around the site

Once you arrive at the vet, they will likely administer pain control drugs and antivenin, which neutralizes the toxins in venom. Antivenin is expensive, so it's best to avoid a rattlesnake bite at all costs.

Rattlesnake Vaccine

There is some controversy about the rattlesnake vaccine and if it actually is effective. Dr. Folland has spent years working with rattlesnakes, and can tell you the vaccine does not work well. Not only is it expensive, but there is not enough evidence to prove it actually protects a dog from harm. It was also created for a certain species of rattlesnakes. Protection against other species is unknown.


Have a fun and safe summer this year! Remember, prevention is the best way to keep your dog from getting bitten.