Pets are Family….Not Presents.

Pets can bring untold amounts of joy and happiness…but a pet at Christmas time is a bad idea.

A puppy or kitten under the tree may be very exciting at first but the care and financial responsibility can be overwhelming during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Just like any gift under the tree these cute and cuddly furballs get played with for a while and then get set aside when the novelty wears off. A pet given as a gift is hardly free for the recipient. They require food, veterinary care, training….it’s a 10-15 year committment of time, money, and energy that may exceed their abilities.

Things to Consider:

The Atmosphere on Christmas Morning

A puppy between the ages of 8-12 weeks is at a stage where it adjusts best to leaving it’s litter mates and bonding with its new family. However, during this time it is imperative to not cause undue stress. The hustle of a holiday can frighten a young puppy and prevent it from forming healthy bonds with it’s new family in the future.

Sending the Wrong Message

Giving a live animal as a gift can send children the message that this is just another “object” that can be hidden in the closet with the rest of the toys after they get bored with them. The most valuable lesson a pet can teach a child is respect for living beings and that pets are members of the family. This message can easily get lost when a child opens a box with a wriggling, cuddly pet as a gift.

Puppies Grow Up

That cute, fluffy puppy is going to become an adult dog that needs training. They don’t come knowing what to do. They need to be taught where to go potty, not to jump on people, not to chew furniture, etc. The Humane Society reports that most dogs that end up at the shelters are between 7-14 months because of “behavior problems”. They also state that most puppies and kittens born in the United States never reach their second birthday due to being hit by a car because they ran away from the owners, starvation, injury from another animal, or euthanasia. This is due to many owners not understanding the what it would take to properly train and care for a pet.

If you have already decided that you’d like to give a pet as a gift this holiday season, perhaps think about giving a certificate for a pet to be purchased later once the hustle and bustle calms down after the holidays. Package the certificate with books on pet selection, pet training, and healthcare. This is a great way to introduce the joy pet ownership can bring without the undue stress of a new pet during the holiday festivities.

Does My Cat Really Need to go to the Vet?

 

According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs visit the vet about 2.3 times a year, compared to cats’ 1.1 annual visits. And only 28% of cats see a vet once or more per year in contrast to 58% of dogs. That means, cats are only HALF as likely to see their veterinarian as dogs, even when they are sick!

Why the Discrepancy?

One main reason for the discrepancy is that many pet owners have a false perception that felines are more self-sufficient and don’t need medical care. Quite the contrary is true, however. Cats are extremely good at hiding early signs of illness. Often times, by the time your cat starts showing outward signs of illness, the disease has manifested and becomes much more difficult and expensive to treat.

Preventive Care for Cats

Preventive care for your cat results in significant savings over the life of your kitty. Annual or semi-annual check ups can detect illness in the very early stages, making it easier and often less expensive to treat. Common illnesses for cats are obesity and hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid). Obesity in a cat can lead to diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory issues. These issues are manageable when detected and treated in the early stages.

Veterinarians also recommend vaccinations to prevent potentially fatal illnesses. Your vet may recommend FVRCP, Feline Leukemia, and Rabies vaccines. In most areas a current Rabies vaccine is required by law for all cats and dogs.

Monthly flea preventatives are also an important part of your cat’s wellness. Even indoor cats are at risk because fleas can come in on the dog, your shoes, even pass through a screen door or open window!

Many cat owners say they don’t bring their cat to the vet because it’s too hard to get them in the carrier.

Here are a few tips to make the trip easier for you and your kitty, and get him/her the wellness care they deserve!

Get your Cat to Like the Carrier

Many cats run and hide as soon as they see the carrier come up from the basement. Start keeping the carrier accessible to your kitty at all times. Your cat will most likely start to investigate the carrier after a few days. Once he sees he can come and go as he pleases, the carrier won’t be so scary. You can even try a calming wipe (Feli-Way) on the carrier to help ease your kitty’s anxiety.

Practice Traveling with your Cat

Cats are not usually too fond of car rides but with some practice they can become more comfortable in the car. Once you’ve got kitty used to the carrier, try taking him for some short car trips. Start by just going around the block, and gradually build up the amount of time spent in the car.

Keep Calm at the Vet

Now that kitty is comfortable in his carrier and you’ve gotten to the vet, remain calm. By now your kitty feels safe in his carrier. Avoid taking him out of the carrier in the waiting room filled with barking dogs, curious children, and other unhappy kitties. Your cat will feel safest in his carrier and will be less stressed when it’s time for the veterinarian to perform his physical examination.

Remember, cat’s need to see the vet at least once a year. Call your veterinarian today and schedule a wellness exam.

Fourth of July Pet Safety

While you’re preparing for your Fourth of July barbecue and looking forward to lounging with family and friends, take some time to prepare some safety measures for your pet this holiday. 

More pets get lost on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Be sure your pet has a visible and up to date ID on at all times during the holiday festivities. You may even want to take a current photo of your pet, too, just in case.

Give your pet a good workout early in the day. A tired pet may be less likely to be anxious and startle easily.

Ask guests to kindly refrain from feeding your pets any table food. You could keep some kibble or dog treats out for those guests that simply cannot refuse those fuzzy, begging faces! Maybe, even request that everyone try to keep an eye out for pets to be sure they don’t try to escape.

Fireworks, sparklers, and charcoal are extremely dangerous for pets. Keep this stuff far out of reach of pets.

If your pet is afraid of loud noises, place them in an escape proof room with some music playing during the fireworks. If you will be heading out to watch fireworks, perhaps leave your pet with a good chew toy rather than having them join in the festivities.

Allentown Animal Clinic wants everyone to stay safe this Fourth of July! Enjoy your holiday!

 

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Pets

During the month of March our theme here at Allentown Animal Clinic is “Don’t Leave Your Pet’s Health to Luck”. We are focusing on the benefits of wellness care and regular check ups. One of the best things you can do for your pet is to have it spayed/neutered.

What is Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying is the term used to describe an ovariohysterectomy of a female animal. Neutering is the term used to describe the castration of a male animal. Both, surgical procedures, they are performed by your veterinarian to prevent the animal from being able to reproduce. These procedures are routine and require minimal hospitalization, with most pets able to return home the same day! Pre-surgical bloodwork can be done and pain medications administered to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable during and after the procedure.

Health Benefits

Both procedures offer many health benefits for your pet. Spaying your female cat will prevent the constant crying and pacing of a cat in heat. Spaying your female dog eliminates the mess associated with a female dog in heat.

Spaying your female pet helps to prevent breast cancer and eliminates the risk of uterine infections and cancer.

Many undesirable male behaviors, such as urine marking, aggression and the urge to roam, can be prevented by neutering your male cat or dog. Long term benefits of neutering are preventing testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate gland.

Benefits for the Community

Animal overpopulation is a serious problem that affects all of us. Millions of tax dollars are spent each year to care for stray and unwanted pets. Shelters are burdened with millions of pets each year that simply there are just not enough homes and willing adopters for.

Stray animals can also contribute to public health issues. There is a danger of transmittable diseases (i.e. Rabies), animal waste, dog bites/attacks.

By taking the responsibility of having your pets spayed and neutered you can help to be part of the solution to this growing problem!

What Will it Cost?

The cost of each procedure depends on your pet’s species, age, gender and weight. Keep in mind, however, that this is a one-time cost versus the cost of caring for a litter and the number of unwanted problems and complications of not having your pet spayed or neutered.

Many areas also offer low cost spay and neuter clinics. Check with your local animal shelters for their low cost options.

Spaying or neutering pets prevents animals from being born accidentally, and is the most effective and humane way to save animals lives.