Archive for the ‘Pet Safety’ Category
Thursday, December 27th, 2012
You may be asking yourself, “Why shouldn’t I order my pet’s prescription online? Good prices, direct shipping, what’s to lose?” Be aware that it may not be as good as it sounds. Take the following into account before choosing where to purchase your next veterinary prescription:
- When your veterinarian prescribes a medication, he or she can dispense it in a safe manner, ensuring your pet has had any recommended screening performed, looking out for drug interactions, and keeping the product in an appropriate manner. This does not always happen with online pharmacies.
- The FDA says, “buyer beware” about online pharmacies. There has been much concern about the quality and authenticity of drugs that can be obtained online.
- If you have a problem or question, your veterinarian is able to address it directly. Not all veterinary pharmacies can claim the same.
- Websites that sell prescription veterinary products without the need for a prescription are breaking the law, plain and simple. If they are ignoring the law in this respect, where else are they cutting corners?
- Many drug company warranties such as those for heartworm prevention are invalidated when the product is purchased through such venues.
Talk to us or to your veterinarian. He or she truly has your pet’s best interest at heart. And you may be able to walk out the door with your pet’s medication for little more than ordering online.
Our on-site pharmacy is well stocked and able to fill prescriptions before you leave. We are also a compounding pharmacy which means that we can tailor your pet’s medication to their unique needs. This gives us the ability to adjust the dose and method of delivery or to offer solutions for pets that are difficult to medicate, such as adding flavors or ordering transdermal medications.
Talk to us or to your veterinarian about the options they offer. Sometimes convenience is not worth the risk, and your pet’s medications fall into that category.
Tags: animal hospitals in naperville il, Naperville Veterinarian, pet health, pet medications, Pet pharmacies, pet safety, prescriptions, Veterinarians
Posted in Heartworm, Pet Health, Pet pharmacies, Pet Safety | Comments Off
Thursday, December 20th, 2012
Old Man Winter may be in town, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the Great Outdoors with the family pet. If you are going to be spending time outside, however, there are some special precautions that must be taken in order to ensure everyone has a great time! Take the following into account when spending time in the elements this winter:
- Be sure that your pet has access to water. Just because it is cold out doesn’t mean hydration is not necessary. Don’t forget that many water sources freeze in the winter.
- Pay attention to the paws! Your pet’s paws may become sore or even cut when walking on frozen ground and ice. You might consider investing in some protective doggy boots if trekking for long periods in these conditions.
- Many ice-melting products are not pet-friendly! Use a pet-approved product for your own property and be sure to clean any potential contamination from your pet’s fur and paws upon your return home.
- Steer clear of antifreeze. Even a tiny amount of this sweet substance can be lethal.
- Be extra careful around frozen lakes and ponds. If your pet should fall in accidently, it may not be able to get out. Hypothermia is also a concern.
- Use extra care in icy areas for both you and your pet.
- If your pet begins to shake or shiver, it is time to end your outing. Just because your pet is wearing a fur coat doesn’t mean it can’t get cold. Just like you, the more active your dog is, the warmer it will stay. Your pet may benefit from wearing doggy booties or a coat.
- Try to target your outdoor activities for the warmest part of the day. There is a big difference between going for an hour long walk at noon and walking in the evening after the sun has gone down!
Don’t keep your pup all cooped up until Spring! By getting out, you will enjoy the season and keep you and your pet healthy and fit. Just be aware of weather-related dangers so that you can head outdoors worry-free.
Tags: cold, cold weather, Keeping Pets Warm in Winter, keeping your pet safe during the holidays, Naperville Animal Hospital, pet health, pet safety, veterinary care in naperville il, winter pet safety
Posted in Pet Care, Pet Health, Pet Safety, Stormy Weather | Comments Off
Wednesday, December 12th, 2012
Around the holidays, our homes are filled with all sorts of objects that aren’t there the rest of the year. Many times this includes festive plants of all kinds. These plants often end up in the mouths of curious pets, especially puppies and kittens. Some may not cause any problems at all, but many cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. Here is the low-down on a few of the more common holiday house guests:
Poinsettia
While the poinsettia plant is perhaps the most infamous holiday plant, its reputation is not entirely deserved. Its extreme toxicity is largely an urban legend. The plant is mildly toxic and irritating to the mucous membranes. While it is unlikely to cause severe illness, it is probably best to keep this plant out of reach.
Mistletoe
The level of toxicity of mistletoe largely depends on the variety, but the berries of both the American and European variety cause stomach irritation at small doses. At larger doses, it can trigger much more serious problems (including low blood pressure, seizures, and disorientation).
Holly
Eating holly can result in severe stomach upset in dogs and cats. Signs that your pet has eaten holly include smacking of lips, drooling, head shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Lilies
Lilies are very popular around the holidays, but they are deadly for cats. Ingestion causes severe stomach upset, heart arrhythmias, kidney failure, and death.
Christmas tree
Don’t discount the tree! The oils and sap can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, which can lead to drooling and vomiting.
Tags: animal care, animal hospitals in naperville il, holidays and pets, keeping your pet safe during the holidays, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Animal Hopitals, Naperville IL Veterinarians, Naperville Veterinarian, pet care, pet safety, Veterinarians in Naperville IL, vets in naperville il
Posted in Holidays and your pet, Pet Care, Pet Health, Pet Safety | Comments Off
Wednesday, November 21st, 2012
Happy holiday season to all of our friends, furry and otherwise! We hope that this is a happy, healthy time of year for you all. While we love to see all of you, we don’t want your pet to visit us unexpectedly during the holidays, so we are providing you with a list of the top five holiday foods that will land your pet in the hospital.
Top Five Holiday Foods That Can Land Your Pet in the Hospital
It’s the main ingredient in many seasonal treats, and your pets may want to indulge as much as you do. It is best, however, for our four-legged friends to avoid chocolate in all of its forms. The offending ingredient is theobromine which is found in the highest concentrations in baking and dark chocolate. Toxicity is dose dependent, which means that the smaller your critter, the less theobromine it will take to cause problems. At lower doses, pets will experience jitteriness and vomiting/diarrhea. At higher doses, much more serious effects can occur including increased or irregular heart rate, seizures, or even death.
Before you throw a piece of Aunt Louise’s fruitcake to Fido, think twice. Raisins and grapes can cause irreversible kidney damage in pets. Some animals seem to be more sensitive than others, and there is no way to know how sensitive yours is until it is too late.
Most people would never intentionally give their pet alcohol, however that glass of eggnog on the end table may prove to be too tempting for Rover to avoid. Alcohol ingestion can lead to low heart rate, hypoglycemia, seizures, even respiratory failure. Also beware of desserts containing alcohol and raw yeast-containing dough that can produce alcohol as it ferments.
If you have candies or sweets around that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, know that even small amounts can cause a life-threatening decrease in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Ingestion of people food, particularly fatty, rich foods can lead to mild to severe digestive upset, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Some animals may even experience pancreatitis, a sometimes serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Enjoy the holiday with your pets. Just be sure that the only holiday treats they get are pet safe!
Tags: animal care, animal hospitals in naperville il, holidays and pets, keeping your pet safe during the holidays, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Animal Hopitals, Naperville IL Veterinarians, Naperville Veterinarian, naughty foods, pet care in naperville il, pet safety, toxic food for pets, Veterinarians in Naperville IL, vets in naperville il
Posted in Dogs, Holidays and your pet, Pet Safety | Comments Off
Wednesday, July 25th, 2012
Summer is the season of parties- graduations, barbeques, family reunions. Your pet is part of the family, and it is only natural to want to include him/her in the celebrations. You probably know to keep your pet away from open flames, fireworks, chocolate, and bones. Here are a few lesser known (but just as dangerous!) hazards to keep your party animal away from:
- Corn cobs- These tasty castaways are very likely to become lodged in the intestine as they make their way through the digestive tract.
- Fruit pits (like peaches)- These are also likely to become lodged in the digestive tract. Believe it or not, cats are as likely to be affected by this type of foreign body as dogs!
- Skewers- These throwaways once held tasty treats, but now they are more likely to puncture your pet’s esophagus, stomach, or small intestine.
- Foil, plastic wrap, and string- These may be garbage to you, but they taste like dinner to your pet. Be sure your garbage is not accessible to Fido and Fluffy.
- Gravel or dirt- Grease and/or meat drippings can make these normally non-edible items extra tasty. Eating these in large amounts can cause your pet problems!
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Tags: animal care, animal hospitals in naperville il, keeping your pet safe at barbeques, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Veterinarians, people food and pets
Posted in Nutrition, Pet Care, Pet Safety | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Frying eggs on the sidewalk? Here are some ways to help you and your pets enjoy the sun without melting!
- It’s all about the water! Play in the sprinkler, bust out the wading pool, or take a dip in the lake. Always make sure your pet is supervised and rinse him/her off with clean water after swimming.
- Enjoy a frozen treat. Check out special doggy confections like Frosty Paws, make a giant popsicle by freezing treats or toys into a huge ice cube, or head to your local ice cream joint- many have items on the menu for dogs.
- Pack a picnic. Put together some of (both of your) favorite treats and find a shady spot to enjoy. Don’t forget a bowl and fresh water for your pet.
- Outsmart the sun. Head out for a walk or visit the dog park before the sun fully comes up or at twilight during the coolest parts of the day.
It may be hot out there, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors! If you have any questions, please give us a call!
Tags: animal hospitals in naperville il, dogs in hot weather, hot weather activities with pets, keeping your pet cool, Naperville Animal Hospital, Veterinarians in Naperville IL
Posted in Pet Care, Pet Health, Pet Safety | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 4th, 2012
While you are enjoying fireworks, barbeques, good friends, and fun times this holiday, don’t forget to be on the lookout for the following potential hazards for your pets:
- Neighbors & friends – Keep a close eye on your pets if you take them to parties or have people over. Just because you realize that bratwurst might cause digestive upset for your pet doesn’t mean your neighbor does. Also, unfamiliar visitors and crowds can make it easy for frightened or curious pets to slip out the door. Make sure that your pet has a “safe” quiet place to retreat to and be sure it is wearing identification with current contact information.
- Not-so-pet friendly treats – Do your best to keep your pet on its normal diet. Extra treats and fatty food can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea at minimum, and could even result in more severe digestive problems like pancreatitis. Some “people” treats such as alcohol, onions, chocolate, and grapes or raisins could even result in death.
- Fireworks and other hazards – Obviously fireworks and other direct flames can be dangerous to pets. Be sure to keep them secured and out of the way when such activities are occurring. But did you think about the loud noises a fireworks display may cause? Scared pets may hide or worse, try to run from the noise. If your pet has severe anxiety related to fireworks, talk to your veterinarian about potentially using a sedative to help get them through the holiday.
For those of you who are dealing with fireworks anxiety, be sure to enter our sister hospital’s Thunder Shirt sweepstakes!
Tags: 4th of july, animal hospitals in naperville il, fireworks safety, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Veterinarians, pet safety
Posted in Pet Care, Pet Safety | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
Disasters strike when we least expect them. We never think it will happen to us, yet every year tornados, fires, hurricanes, and floods strike locations all over the United States. If something like this were to affect your family, are you ready? It is National Pet Preparedness Month, and it’s the perfect time to ask yourself the following:
- Where would you go? Do you have a list of facilities or locations that you could take shelter at? Where would your pets go? Try to make a list of pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, or homes that would take your pet in case of an emergency.
- What would you bring? Everyone should have an emergency preparedness kit. Be sure to include your pets. Keep a carrier, leash and collar, food, water, and bowls in a designated location. Don’t forget any medications and a copy of your pet’s medical records.
- Could your pet find you if you became separated? Keep identification tags and microchip registration information current so that your pet can find its way home should you have to part.
We all hope that we’ll never have to deal with an emergency like this, but it does happen. Being prepared will give you peace of mind, and is the best way to ensure you and your loved ones will make it through as safely as possible.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Tags: animal hospitals in naperville il, keeping your pet safe, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Veterinarians, national pet preparedness month, pet care, pet emergencies
Posted in Pet Care, Pet Safety | No Comments »
Thursday, June 21st, 2012
Can you guess what it is? If you guessed leaving your pet in a parked car, you hit the nail on the head. Even on a relatively nice day (think 85 degrees) your car’s interior can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes and 120 degrees within 30 minutes.
Take into account your dog’s lack of sweat gland and inefficient heat exchange mechanisms (panting), and your pooch can be in a pickle in no time flat. Even leaving the windows cracked is not enough to make a huge difference.
Overheating can lead to permanent damage to major organs including the brain and may even lead to death. If you see a pet in peril this summer, be sure to try to alert the animal’s owner. If that is not successful, call 911. Often law enforcement or animal control can help.
As always, please contact us with any questions.
Tags: animal hospitals in naperville il, animals in hot cars, keeping your pet safe this summer, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Veterinarians, pet safety, summer heat
Posted in Pet Care, Pet Safety | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 6th, 2012
Spring is here and things are warming up outside, which means there are many more opportunities for outdoor fun! Long walks, hiking trails, play groups, swimming… It gets my tail wagging just thinking about it! As with any activity that you participate in with your pup, there are tips to remember when heading into the great outdoors to keep you both safe and happy.
- Let your dog carry his own weight. If you have a dog that doesn’t tire easily, get him a dog backpack to help boost his workout a little. Keep in mind that if you just slap the bag on, throw in some weights, and head out for your walk, Sparky might not be too keen the next time he sees the pack come out. The key is to make it fun. Put the pack on empty the first time and let your dog walk around in it while you offer him treats. The next time keep it on a little longer. Once he seems like he’s tolerating it, try it with a couple of water bottles in it to add some weight. As soon as he’s comfortable with it, try going for a walk with it on. The extra weight should help to tire him out faster so he’ll get more out of your walk.
- Help your dog to play nice with others. When the weather gets warmer the number of dog bites and dog fights increase due to the number of outdoor activities available to people, dogs, and dog owners. Keep this increased number in mind if you bring your dog to a location where there is the potential for other dogs. Be sure you always ask the owner before initiating contact with a new dog. If the owner is nowhere to be found, avoid any contact with the dog as best you can. Dog parks tend to be more crowded as well, which can sometimes lead to stress and aggressive behavior. Evaluate the situation and pay attention to your pup. If he seems stressed at all, a nice long walk alone with you may be a better option that day.
- Is it hot enough for you? We all know that dogs need exercise for both their mental and physical well-being and that a tired dog is a happy dog is a well behaved dog. However, you do need to exercise some caution once the summer temperatures get here, particularly if your dog is older, short-nosed, or has a thick coat. During those dog days of summer, try exercising your pet early in the morning or late in the evening when things have cooled down. Remember that asphalt can get very hot and can burn your dog’s paws. If it’s too hot for you to stand barefoot on it, you shouldn’t let your dog stand on it for very long either.
- Learn to recognize heat stress. Heat stress is a serious medical condition that can lead to other issues such as stroke, brain damage, or even death. It’s important to learn to recognize the signs that your dog may be suffering. Remember that dogs can’t sweat the way we do. They regulate their temperature by panting and are much more susceptible to overheating than we are. Signs of heat stress include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red/purple tongue. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms you should apply cool (not cold) water gradually to your dog to decrease his temperature. Make sure to move them to a cooler, shady location and remember that dogs cool themselves from the bottom up, so using cold ice packs and applying them to your dog’s head, neck, and chest will help.
- Cowabunga! Most dogs love to swim, but some just can’t do it and others just don’t want to. If you’re going swimming be conscious of your dog’s preferences and skills before making him swim. If you’re swimming for the first time with your dog, start off in shallow water and coax him by calling his name and encouraging him with treats or toys. Never throw your dog into the water. If you’re lucky enough to be vacationing near the ocean keep a close eye on your pal to make sure he stays safe in any strong tides. If you’re swimming in a pool make sure your dog knows where the stairs are located, and give him a good rinse once he comes out. Otherwise the chlorine will dry on his fur and it may make him sick if he licks it off later.
Most importantly, enjoy your outdoors time with your furry friend. It’s easy to have a great time if you keep these few safety tips in mind. As always, feel free to call us with any questions.
Tags: animal hospitals in naperville il, dog activities, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Animal Hopitals, Naperville IL Veterinarians, Naperville Veterinarian, outdoors with your dog, springtime activities for you and your pet
Posted in Animal Fitness, Pet Care, Pet Health, Pet Safety | No Comments »
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