Pets & Hot Pavement

Have you ever thought about the way you hated walking on hot asphalt when you were a kid? As adults, we don’t spend as much time outside barefoot, so it’s easy to forget. We want to remind you that your pet goes outside barefoot every day and can experience this pain. It’s important to limit their time on black asphalt during walks, and when possible, take walks before it’s reached the hot part of the day.

Pets & Camping Safety

Camping with your pet can be a fun adventure, but also a dangerous one! It’s important to be fully prepared for bringing a pet with you into the woods BEFORE you go. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all parasite prevention, and be sure to pack plenty of food and water. If you’re filtering your water, don’t forget your pet needs filtered water too! And most importantly, check campground rules where you’ll be staying, because some campgrounds don’t allow pets because of the danger of large wild animals, like bears! Make sure you keep your pets and family safe, and have a great trip!

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is caused by overheating and dehydration, but did you know that it could be fatal? Pets that are left outside in the sun or not given plenty of fresh water to drink are at risk. Signs of heatstroke include shaking, excessive panting, and disorientation. If you think your pet is having heatstroke, it’s important to apply cool towels to your pet’s body to lower their temperature and bring them into our office as quickly as possible.

Pet Friendly Treat Recipe

1

Combine 1/2 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 cup shredded carrots or chopped apples. Chop 4 ounces cooked liver, and add it to the yogurt mixture. Spoon the yogurt treats into an ice cube tray, and freeze.

2

Mix a can of chicken or tuna with 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic and two containers of plain yogurt. Add some cooked vegetables, if desired. Stir the mixture together, and put it in some small paper cups.

3

Make some quick-and-easy frozen dog yummies. Mix a cube of beef or chicken bouillon with 1 cup of warm water. Add several pieces of finely chopped leftover beef or chicken, and freeze the yummies until they're solid.

4

Create a frosty doggy treat with a jar of chicken or beef baby food. Add the baby food with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix well, and spoon the mixture into small paper cups or ice cube trays. Double the recipe for large dogs.

5

Chop a cup of peanuts, and stir them into a mashed banana for a fruit and protein treat. Add 1/4 cup wheat germ and 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter. Mix well and freeze.

DISASTER PLANNING TIPS

Whether it’s a large-scale natural catastrophe or an unforeseen emergency that causes you to leave your home temporarily, everyone’s family can benefit from having a household evacuation plan in place before disaster strikes.  Every disaster plan must include your pets!

1.        If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!  Pets most likely cannot survive in a disaster by themselves.  If they do survive, you may not be able to find them when you return.
2.        For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.  Find out, well in advance of needing them, which motels and hotels in your area allow pets.  Alternatively, arrange in advance for family or friends to house your pets in case of emergency.  Include Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital’s phone number (547-1600) and the Animal Control office number (382-8080) on your list of emergency numbers to call for information regarding pets during a disaster.
3.        Ask your veterinarian or a veterinary care team member about microchipping your pet. In the event of separation during a disaster, the microchip placement and pet registration may help you and your pet be reunited easier. Make the microchip part of your family's preparation before disaster strikes.  Don't forget to update your registration when your information changes.
4.        Prepare a Disaster Kit for your pet.  Keep an Evacuation-Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is located.  This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. (Visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website (www.aspca.org).  Look under “Disaster Preparedness” to order a Free Pet Safety Packet and a Free Pet Rescue Sticker.  To purchase a pet first aid kit and guide book, you can visit the ASPCA store to buy one on-line. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:
a.        Medications and medical records in a water-proof container
b.        Information on feeding schedules and medical conditions
c.        First Aid Kit
    i.        Three to seven days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food.  Be sure to rotate the food every two months.
    ii.      Disposable litter trays (Aluminum roasting pans are perfect.)
    iii.      Paper towels
    iv.      Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
    v.       Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
    vi.      Pet feeding dishes
    vii.    Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security.)
    viii.    Photocopies of feeding schedules, notes on medical conditions, and medical records (with the name of your veterinarian/veterinary hospital) in a waterproof container. Include a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires. (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)
    ix.       At least 7 days' worth of bottled water for each person and pet.  Store the water in a cool, dry place, and replace it every two months.
    x.         A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each  
    xi.        Flashlights
    xii.      Blankets (for scooping up a fearful pet)
    xiii.     Especially for cats: Pillowcase or Sack, toys, scoopable litter
    xiv.     Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner (or newspaper).
   xv.      Name and number of your pet’s veterinarian:  Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital, 1010 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA
              23322, 757-547-1600, greatbridgevet@msn.com
5.      You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Some items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.
6.        Place up-to-date Pet ID tags on your pets and have recent photos of your pets handy in case your are separated and need to make a “Lost” poster.
7.        If you have no alternative but to leave your pets at home, there are precautions you MUST take. Remember that leaving your pets at home alone can place them in great danger!  Confine your pet to a safe area inside - NEVER leave your pet chained outside!  Place notices outside in a visible area stating that pets are inside.  List the pets that are inside the house and where the pets are located.  Provide a phone number where you or an alternate contact can be reached, as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.
8.       For more information:
          Visit Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org and click on “Emergency Services.”
         Visit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at http://www.aspca.organd click on “Disaster Preparedness.”

Pets & Cookouts

Did you know that some of the most common foods we eat during our cookouts are the most dangerous foods for our pets? Meat with bones in it, such as chicken and ribs, are extremely dangerous for our pets to get a hold of and bones can puncture the stomach and other organs if swallowed because they cannot be digested. Corn-on-the-cob can also be dangerous because dogs have been known to swallow the cob whole! What do you do to keep your dog busy with something else during the barbeque?

Pets & Easter Chocolate

Chocolate is delicious to most of us, but for your pet, it's a different story. Chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and methylxanthines (a caffeine-like ingredient), which can cause flu-like symptoms in your pet if eaten. Some of these symptoms could include vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, seizures and in severe cases it can be fatal. Avoid endangering the life of your pet...give them pet-safe treats instead!

Flea Season

Spring is almost here and it is the season for fleas, so make sure your pet is protected today! Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital recommends Trifexis and Vectra3D for canine companions and Revolution for feline friends to protect them against these pesky parasites. Please ask us how your pet can be “flea free” this season at your next visit.

 

If 'Pets Had Thumbs Day'

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'. Imagine if your pet could play board games with you or start the car. If your pet had thumbs, what activity would you be most excited to do with them?

 

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month! Did you know that some of the foods we eat every day can actually be toxic to our pets, such as avocado, macadamia nuts, and even grapes? We encourage you to invest in some delicious, pet-safe treats and avoid feeding any table scraps to your pet, in order to avoid accidental poisoning. Use precaution, and give your pet a long, healthy life.

 

Valentine's Day

Thinking about spoiling your favorite furry one this Valentine's Day? You're not alone. The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend $367 million on their pets for the holiday. What is the most extravagant gift you've given your pet on Valentine's Day?

 

Amazing Dog Trick

10 THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOU BOARD YOUR DOG!

Dr. Debra Primovic

 

CHECK LIST

Here is a checklist of 10 important steps to consider before boarding your dog. Consideration of each of these items will help you and your dog to have a good boarding experience.

1. Interview - Interview the kennel on the phone. Find out how long they have been in business and ask for references. Use those references. Make a surprise visit or tour the facility before you schedule the boarding. Notice the place is clean, smells, check out where the dogs are boarded, where they are walked and if they seem….happy. Do any dogs have messes in their cages?

2. Look for Recommendations - Talk to a few kennels before you decide where to take your pet. Also, ask your friends or neighbors where they have boarded their pet and what their experiences have been. Recommendations go along way. Don’t go for the cheapest place. Go for the best place.

3. Determine Kennel Requirements - Does your pet need any special vaccines for this kennel? If so, what and when? Do they need a copy of the vaccine record? Can you supply your own food and treats? Can you leave any toys or his favorite blanket? Can you leave your pets leash, collar or harness?

4. Check out Kennel Staff - Find out about the consistency with the staff – is it the same person seeing your dog everyday or someone new? It is someone who knows about pets or a high school student shoveling food into the cages? Does the staff appear competent and do they look like they enjoy working with the dogs?

5. What is the Dog’s Schedule? - How often do they go out? Where are they walked? For how long? Is that enough to make your pet happy? Will you dog interact with other dogs? Is that what you want?

6. Feeding Instructions - Consider taking your dogs own food and request that they kennel only feed his food. Many pets are fed other foods and treats and can develop gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and or diarrhea. Your pet is already in a new environment which is most likely a bit stressful; so don’t change anything you don’t have to.

7. Contact Information - Ensure that the kennel has your numbers where you can be reached in the case of an emergency. Include your cell phone and any emergency contacts. Plan for the unexpected.

8. Emergency Instructions - Just in case of an emergency, leave instructions on how to proceed. During emergency hours, the kennel may use a certain veterinarian or emergency hospital. During the day, if you want your pet to go to your regular veterinarian – leave your vets name and phone number. Leave instructions on what you do and don’t want and a contact number or credit card number for emergency medical care. If you are not available by phone, make sure they have the authorization to make charges if care is required. You don’t want your pet “waiting” for medical care because of lack of credit card authorization.

9. Medical History - Obtain a copy of your pets pertinent medical record from your vet and give a copy to the kennel. Ideally, this record should include any medications, diagnosed conditions and problems . Include any behavioral quirks e.g. aggressive to other dogs or if he hates cats. Leave information about his tag and microchip numbers.

10. Leave Special Instructions - Make sure you clearly indicate any special instructions. For example, if you pet requires medications, ensure the name of the medication, dose (both in mg and number of pills, and frequency are clearly indicated. Also communicate any special foods or dietary restrictions. Keep the instructions simple with a contact number to call in the case of questions.

Client/Team Member Pet Halloween Costumes

Happy Anniversary, Amber!

Happy Anniversary to Amber! She has been a great addition to our team since August 2005! Amber started as a veterinary receptionist and is now the office Manager. We appreciate all of her many contributions to the practice. Stop in today and tell her Happy Anniversary!

 

SILVER-Cat Highlight

Silver is owned by Nancy, Licensed Veterinary Technician at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Silver is a three year old domestic cat. He loves playing fetch, chasing the laser pointer and dragging toys until someone will play with him.

At one time, Silver had vestibular disease. Silver was tilting his head, which was cute but not normal. He was also very dizzy, walked in circles, and could not eat on his own. The veterinarian provided him with anti-nausea (motion sickness) medication which helped greatly. It took a few days, but he returned to normal. Every now and then his mom can still see his head tilt.

GROM-Cat Highlight

 

Pam and Grom

We are proud to highlight Grom, a tiger cub, as our Cat Highlight for the week. Pam, our licensed veterinary technician, worked at a zoo for 2 ½ years. She has some amazing stories about her adventures. What an amazing experience! 

TIGER-Cat Highlight

Tiger is a13 year old domestic short-haired cat, owned by Heather, a bather at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Tiger likes bugging his daddy.

Tiger was overweight.  When his mom first got him, he was 21 ½ lbs. Now he has turned it around and weighs about 12 lbs. His mom was very dedicated to his health. It took him one year and a prescription weight loss diet, but he lost the weight and got his energy back. Had he stayed overweight he may have developed a number of diseases, such as diabetes.

SUDS-Cat Highlight

Suds is a seven year old, male cat. He is owned by Charlene. He likes following his mom around the house and watching things out the window. 

 Suds was recently adopted. He was the only kitty at his previous home and is now being introduced to another kitty in his new home. The change was difficult for him so his new mom introduced him slowly to his new environment. Keeping him in the bathroom for 2-3 weeks and then opening the door to allow him to choose to leave if he wanted. This made him comfortable enough to eventually make friends with the other kitty.

There are many tricks to introducing kitties into a new home.