Pets as Presents

It's hard to resist the joy of giving your favorite loved one the pet they've always wanted for Christmas. However, the result of many of these well intentioned gifts is animals that are unwanted, uncared for and oftentimes sent to shelters. 

An animal of any kind (even one as small as a fish or a hamster) is not a light, last minute purchase. Bringing a new life into the house should be well thought out and discussed with the entire family. 

Holiday pets often get ignored in the holiday rush. Christmas morning is filled with so many presents, lots of food, family and relatives coming over...then there's New Years in a few days. You think it's stressful on you? Thank about what a pet who's never been in your house before would be thinking. A new pet needs lots of quiet and calm. A new puppy or kitten needs to watched constantly and settle into a routine so they can become a happy member of the family. This is impossible to accomplish on Christmas. The new pet will just end up confused and scared. 

You should never pick an actual pet for another person, even a child. Bring the child along to pick out the animal and let it be a family event. All animals (even hamsters and fish) have distinct personalities and letting your entire family help with the choice makes the animal more special to them. Besides, don't you want to see how the puppy interacts with your entire family? That great puppy you pick out for your son might not like kids. Your son might decide the puppy you like plays too rough. Your kids may decide they'd rather have a cat! 

New Puppies

Almost every child asks Santa for one, however a dog is MAJOR purchase and a new puppy needs lots of attention and care. With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas/New Year holiday, the puppy probably won't get the attention it needs. That's not even taking into account all the ribbon, trees, rich Christmas foods, chocolate and other dangers the puppy could unintentionally get in while your family is busy with their other gifts. 

Alternate ideas: Give the kids a stuffed puppy and tell them the new puppy is coming. Wrap a puppy bowl, collar, crate and other puppy supplies with a "certificate" to get a puppy at a later date. All of this stuff should be set up and ready for the puppy when it comes home anyway. This way, you and your family can set it up while you tell them about the responsibility of a new dog. Another great idea is a few books on puppy care (especially if you have an older child).

New Kittens

Kittens don't take quite as much attention as puppies but they can still get into a lot of trouble at Christmas. Kittens are notorious for swallowing tinsel and ribbon and getting lots of stomach problems. Small kittens scare easily and the safest retreat will probably be up the tree which can be dangerous. 

Alternate ideas: Cat care kits, litter boxes, cat toys, books on kitten care. The litter box and a bed for kitty should be in place before he gets to his new house. You and the kids can decide where to put it.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
  
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Holiday Hazards for Pets

Table Foods and Pets

Did you know that some common “people foods” can be extremely dangerous to your pet’s health? Foods such as onions, macadamia nuts, avocado, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and parts of the turkey, just to name a few, should never be fed to your animal companions. While you are enjoying your holiday meal this season, be sure to keep plenty of pet-friendly treats on hand so your four legged family member will be less likely to beg for scraps.

 

What is Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)?

What is feline leukemia virus?

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), a retrovirus, so named because of the way it behaves within infected cells. All retroviruses, including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), produce an enzyme, reverse transcriptase, which permits them to insert copies of their own genetic material into that of the cells they have infected. Although related, FeLV and FIV differ in many ways, including their shape: FeLV is more circular while FIV is elongated. The two viruses are also quite different genetically, and their protein consituents are dissimlar in size and composition. Although many of the diseases caused by FeLV and FIV are similar, the specific ways in which they are caused differs. 

How common is the infection?
FeLV-infected cats are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly depending on their age, health, environment, and lifestyle. In the United States, approximately 2 to 3% of all cats are infected with FeLV. Rates rise significantly—13% or more—in cats that are ill, very young, or otherwise at high risk of infection.


http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/felv.html

National Mutt Day!

Today is National Mutt Day! National Mutt Day is all about embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs. There are millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs sitting in shelters, which are desperately searching for a new home. Consider a mixed breed pet for your next furry family member! 

 

Madison-Pet Highlight

Today we are spotlighting Madison Kirk with an album of beautiful photos. Madison is a 17 year old calico who is responding well to laser acupuncture for her arthritis. Her mom says that Madison’s secret to a long life is a healthy diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and never turning down the opportunity to relax in the sun!

November is National Senior Pet Month

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul.

Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!

Basket Raffle

There are only a few weeks left before we announce the winner in our raffle!  Everyone who purchases a 12 month supply of Sentinel during the months of October and November will be entered into the drawing to win a wonderful gift basket filled with goodies for a lucky dog and his special person. Good luck!

CITIZEN OF THE MONTH

The team at Pembroke Veterinary Clinic is excited to share the news that Logan McLaughlin has been named a Super Citizen of the Month at Kempsville Elementary School!  Logan is the son of one of our wonderful receptionists, Elizabeth McLaughlin.  We’re proud of you, Logan!

Luxford Elementary School Fundraiser

Pembroke Veterinary Clinic is a Partner in Education with Luxford Elementary School.  We are collecting Farm Fresh receipts, General Mills Box Tops for Education, and Campbell’s labels for the students at Luxford.  These receipts and labels can be used by the school to earn equipment, like computers, for the school.  If you would like to help us with this worthwhile project,  you can drop these items off at our front desk.  We’ll make sure they are forwarded to Louise Luxford Elementary school.  Go Dragons!

Pet Highlight-LUCKY BABCOCK

Lucky Babcock is a very handsome 15 year old domestic short-haired cat who has developed some joint issues in his senior years. Lucky is having therapeutic laser therapy to help with his joint pain and is doing very well. Great job, Lucky! 

Pet Highlight- Katy

Meet Katy Van Liere!  Katy is a 13-year old chocolate Labrador Retriever who has been diagnosed with Degenerative Joint Disease and Osteoarthritis.  She is being successfully treated with Acupuncture and Laser Therapy.  These treatments help to treat Katy’s pain and make it easier for her to get around and keep her great tail-wagging disposition! 

Pit Bull Awareness Month-Elly May

In honor of Pit Bull Awareness month, today we are highlighting Elly May Roth, a beautiful black and white Pit Bull mix. Elly May shares her home with her Bassett Hound brother, Earl. She is three years old and is very sweet and loving to everyone. Elly May is very playful and has a wonderful canine love of life. She also joins us for Santa pictures every Christmas, which she totally enjoys!

Great job, Stranding team!

K-Laser Veterinary Client Education

Laser therapy reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. It helps speed the healing process by increasing circulation by drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to damaged areas of the body. For more information on how laser therapy may help your pet, call us at 757-464-0169.

Pet Highlight-CHARLIE

Charlie, an 11-year old mixed breed lab, is our Pet of the Week.  Charlie loves to take walks, and his walks were becoming painful for him.  So Charlie’s mom agreed to try Therapeutic Laser Therapy for Charlie.  His response has been fantastic, and he is now enjoying his daily treks through the neighborhood.  He even stops by to see all of his “girls” at Pembroke Veterinary Clinic on occasion!

Employee Pet(s) of the Month

We love cats!  So this week we are highlighting the kitties of one of our technicians.  Midnight, Mischief, and Purrana were all rescued as kittens and now share the home of Tiffany Gray.  They have several canine siblings also!  These beautiful photos were taken by Nicole Barrett with N.A. Barrett Photography.

 

Bark in the Park 2011

Some of our fantastic team members, Samantha Craig, Tiffany Gray, Beth Montoya, ...and Sarah Burford, participated in the American Cancer Society Bark for Life dog walk on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach. We got wet, but we had a lot of fun. Our canine friends, Madison, Maya, Roland, Maxine, Coolie, Molly, and Norton did a great job walking, and we raised $460 to benefit the fight against cancer!