How to Make a Cat Toy Puzzle

Looking for something to keep your cat entertained? View this video about creating your own puzzle game for your cat to stimulate their mind.

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!

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.”

Way to Go Lindsey!

We are very proud of Lindsey, our Veterinary Assistant, who participated in the 2012 Polar Plunge last Saturday. She had a great time plunging. The 2012 Polar Plunge Winter Festival raised $1,119,000 for Special Olympics with 3,557 Polar Plungers! Way to go Lindsey!