Dog Waits for Santa

Holiday Pet Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.

 

 

Tick Prevention

Here in Florida we have just seen the first real cold front come in, and dragged out our winter woolies thinking how cold it is. Of course, along with the realization that actually, compared to most states we are merely a little cooler, pet lovers need to realize that we are in peak tick season.

There are a number of reasons for this:

1. If you live by a state park and have wildlife such as deer or turkeys straying into your property, you need to realize they are the biggest carrier of ticks, particularly turkeys. As the weather cools, they are more likely to venture further out of the park and into your garden to find food. At the same time, you are less likely to be using your lawn service for pesticide control.

2. With cooler days, we tend in Florida to set about gardening much more enthusiastically, and a very common talk is to redo all the mulch beds. This much is then placed close to the walls of the house and if not from a pre-bagged reputable source can be a major hidey hole for ticks, which then look to your nice cozy house for shelter.

3. Christmas Trees! Yes, that beautiful spruce you got that came freshly delivered from the Carolina's will very often bring some hitchhikers with them, including the possibility of ticks carrying diseases.

Please ensure your pets are protected against ticks. We nearly lost a young, male 4 year old dog from tick borne bacteria that caused his spleen to swell and as the parasite borne by the tick invaded his system his blood platelet dropped to such a point, he needed a life-saving transfusion.

A lot of pet owners are unaware that some of the preventatives sold may only control fleas not ticks, so please ask one of our staff what is the best for your circumstance.

In addition, keep a fine toothed comb by the door or a close bristled brush the pet as soon as they come in from a walk or playtime outside. This simple action can stop the ticks attaching. It is also the reason that we seldom see cats with ticks....they constantly groom themselves.

Don't forget, you are not just protecting your dogs from ticks, but your family too.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

My new kitten is beating up on our older cat. Should I stop him?

 This question came hot on the paws of another pet owners question,as to when to stop their rottweiler puppy from playing too roughly.  It is always a difficult decision to make to know when play time is becoming more like a free for all.  Let’s face it, any parent with more then one child knows this dilemma.  So, I tend to use the same guidelines.  Name calling and perhaps physical shoving may be ok, but anything rougher is unacceptable.  How does this translate in the pet world.

            It is vital for both dogs and cats to have physical contact when puppies and kittens, in the form of rough play.  At this time, I have had the unique experience of studying  six week old puppies in our house, from birth, and make note of the different stages of play and temperament building.  There is much growling at this time, and the start of posturing and staring.  However, most interesting, is watching the mother dog step in when things get a little too serious, but use the art of distraction to break up a situation. 

This is what you should do as well.  If nothing else, it should be very much in the front of your pets mind that you do not tolerate fighting in your presence.  This is also a safety mechanism in the wild.  There has to be a leader, and fights within the pack simply weaken it.  A team has to stay together to survive.

You should also be aware that sometimes they may be play fighting.  For example, our ten year old cat will rule over the food bowl and definitely put the twenty two year old cat in it’s place.  But, if there is an argument over a particular chair the older one reigns supreme and the younger one allows him to chase him around the house.  I think the two boys just like the idea of a fight but have learnt that the end result may not be worth it.

Next time your younger pet seems to be going too far, do what a mother would do.  Use distraction in the form of food or a toy to dissipate the impending situation.

Canine Influenza

Central Florida Vets

Click the link to view a Central Florida Vets video! We have three locations in the central Florida area. Please call 407-774-1515 or visit www.centralfloridavets.com for more information!

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!

Teamwork has never been more adorable

Wackiest Pet Names of 2011

Ozzy Pawsbourne and Almost-A-Dog top this year's list of quirkiest monikers.
Fido, Spot or Fluffy? For some peculiar pet owners, these names are just too traditional. Although "Bella" and "Max" currently lead the pack as the nation's most popular pet names, thousands of other four-legged friends have much more distinctive names.


So drumroll, please... the 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names for 2011:
Dogs

1. Almost-A-Dog
2. Franco Furter
3. Stinkie Mcstinkerson
4. Sir Seamus McPoop
5. Audrey Shepburn
6. Dewey Decimell
7. Knuckles Capone
8. Beagle Lugosi
9. Shooter Mclovin
10. Uzi Duzi-Du

Cats

1. Ozzy Pawsbourne
2. Mr. Meowgi
3. Murderface
4. Fuglee
5. Scruffernutter
6. Corporal Cuddles
7. Cat Masterson
8. Spam
9. Tape W. Orm
10. Louisiana Purchase

Bath Specials

Take advantage of the excellent savings we're offering this month. We are giving away FREE baths with our Frequent Bather Club Card. Bring your pet for 8 baths and GET ONE FREE! Call us at 407-774-1515 for more information.

 

Labor Day Specials!

We would like to give you these special Labor Day savings! Call us today at 407-774-1515 to schedule your pet's appointment and take advantage of these incredible specials! Limit one coupon per person, per pet, per visit.

 

Happy Cat Month

The CATalyst Council has declared September as Happy Cat Month. This month is dedicated to finding ways to keep our feline friends happy, healthy and purring all year long. Click the link for tips to keep your feline friend happy.

Pet of the Month/ Team Member of the Month

Our Pet of the Month for August is Matti! Mattie is a ten year old female white standard poodle. She has been a long time patient of River oaks and belongs to Norma, her best human friend.

Our Team Member of the Month for August is Symonique! She is a kennel attendant and veterinary assistant, and also manages to find time to attend school full time. She has two dogs and is known for being a clean freak!

 

Don’t run the risk of losing with your pet with no chance of reuniting. Even if your pet never wanders away, remember that in old age, pets have a tendency to lose their scent and can wander too far to retrace their steps. At Pet Care Center of Apopka, we recommend a microchip for every cat and dog.

 

Today is National Assistance Dog Day! Assistance Dogs transform the lives of their human partners with physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, best friend and close member of their family. We would like recognize and honor the hardworking assistance dogs and honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs as well as recognize the heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our community.

 

Unlikely Friends

Pets and Your Health, Pt 1.

Could your pet's unhealthy habits be making you sick? Find out how you can minimize the health risks of pet ownership. Make sure you and your pet are...

Let your pet start the spring on the right paw by being a responsible pet owner. Exercise your pet on a leash in public areas and be sure to pick up after their accidents. For that outdoor loving cat consider building an outdoor exercise enclosure and keep them safe while keeping your neighbors happy. Don’t forget your annual parasite prevention especially for pets that leave the yard frequently! 

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

People use fertilizer to make their lawns and gardens grow healthy and green. We would like to remind you to keep your pet off of the lawn for at least three days, or thoroughly water the lawn and let it dry before letting your pet out. Dogs and cats will eat grass sometimes, and if they eat fertilizer, it could have deadly results. Signs of fertilizer poisoning are vomiting and lethargy.

Avoiding Easter Hazards!

With the arrival of the holiday season our pets are often prone to new un thought of risks. Nothing makes a holiday more memorable than a panicked trip to the vets. But pet owners need not fret. Here's what you need to know to have an emergency-free celebration this Easter.

Festive Foods:
One of the biggest risks to pets at Easter time is "CHOCOLATE". The canine nose is an expert in sniffing out all the lovely sweet goodies in an instant. And birds, cats & dogs alike are drawn to the bright colors & shiny wrappers. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that can be toxic to dogs, cats and parrots. Baker's chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine. How a pet reacts to chocolate depends on its size, as well as the amount and type of chocolate eaten. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of chocolate toxicosis, and while rare, too much chocolate can even be fatal. Carob chocolate is a natural, delicious and pet friendly alternative.

Foil packaging, ribbon and pretty sparkly plastic wadding are irresistible to cats and birds, while a big shiny Easter egg appears as a fun ball for a dog.  Pets love to play with these items and they will sometimes swallow them. Known as linear foreign bodies in vet speak, they are indigestible and can cause a partial or complete obstruction. They are often sharp and run the risk of cutting through the wall of the intestinal tract which can cause peritonitis.

While we all love our pets and wish to include them in the festivities, it is important to remember that now matter how much they beg, what they want may not always be what is best for them. Rich fatty foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis in the extreme. Onions either raw or cooked can be poisonous to cats and dogs. As little as one bite of an onion can cause some of the red bloods cells to be destroyed (haemolytic anaemia) symptoms can include pale gums, reddish urine and lethargy.

It is important to remember never to feed your pets cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal damage. The same applies to feeding your pets fish which might contain bones. Bowls of nuts and raisin-laden fruitcakes or chocolate covered sultanas are also common holiday treats. Macadamia Nuts are toxic to dogs. Although one nut is not likely to harm your dog, a number of them could require a trip to the emergency ward. Dogs who ingest macadamia nuts could suffer weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.

Foods that are healthy for us may not be so good for our beloved pets. Raisins and grapes are toxic to cats and dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure and even death. While avocadoes are harmful to dogs, cats, birds and Guinea pigs. They contain a toxic fatty acid called persin which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, congestion, respiratory disease, fluid accumulation around the heart tissue and may cause death, especially in small animals and birds. So please be careful when serving fruit platters or salads this Easter.

One very real concern to pets are products containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. This absolutely needs to be avoided. It will cause low blood sugar if ingested in toxic amounts and has been known to cause fatal liver failure.
During the festive season it is easy to forget the dangers of leaving alcoholic drinks within reach of our pets. It may seem harmless enough to offer your best mate a frosty cold one to celebrate alongside the humans. But alcohol poisoning is a very real danger to our pets. Problems equate to the amount of alcohol ingested compared to weight. Even a very small amount of alcohol can cause severe poisoning in a small pet. The yeast contained in beer can also lead to bloating and abdominal pain.

The good news is there is now a specially designed non alcoholic doggy beer on the market called *Paw Rex* It is made with beef stock so dogs love it and even comes in a six pack.

It is also important to remember that most cats and dogs are lactose intolerant so avoid giving them any dairy products. Specially designed lactose free animal products are an available alternative.  It's up to us to make sure hazards are kept out of reach and that visitors or children know the risks. Remember prevention is better than cure. For healthy Easter treat alternatives to spoil your best friend, please visit our Pet Gourmet section in this special Easter addition of Pet Scene Magazine.

Unexpected Hazards:
With all the coming and going and busy rush that comes with the holiday seasons it is easy for opportunities to arise to get our pets into trouble. It is not uncommon for visitors who are not used to pets to leave gates or doors open. This welcomes the opportunity for your pet to flee the house with all its strange new smells, noise and people. An open window makes for a great escape root for cats or free flying birds. Many pets wind up getting lost or struck by vehicles as a result of this careless mistake. If you have a pet that becomes nervous around new people or strange activity it may be a good idea to plan in advance to have area of the house or yard which is separate where they can feel safe and secure. Visitors who aren't used to living with pets may inadvertently leave their medications within reach. This brings opportunities for serious problems. Dogs are not deterred by childproof caps and can quickly find themselves in a world of trouble. Warn guests to keep medications well out of reach.

Traveling with pets:
If your going out of town with your pet this Easter there are a few things to remember:

* Make sure your pet is in a cool well ventilated position and never left alone in a closed car, temperatures can sore very quickly.

* Make sure your pet is secured in either a pet crate or safety harness.

* If your pet suffers from motion sickness it's recommended that you consult with your vet prior to travel to arrange an appropriate treatment.

* Make sure you plan for toileting and drink breaks. Our pets need to refresh too. 

* If you are planning to go out on the water these holidays be sure to pack your pet a life vest.

* If you are going on holiday this Easter with your pets, be sure you have a full supply of any medications they may be taking with you.

The humble Easter Lily
Many cat owners will be surprised to learn that lilies ( Liliaceae) are extremely toxic to their feline friends. The exact cause is unknown, however even the smallest amounts if ingested by cats can  be fatal, while dogs who ingest large amounts only develop signs of mild gastrointestinal upset. Early warning signs of Lily toxicity include vomiting, depression and a lack of appetite. There is no antidote, but with early detection and aggressive treatment the cat stands a better chance of survival. Cats may sometimes appear to be improving after the first onset of symptoms, but 24-72hrs later crash and become critically ill as they go into acute renal failure. If you suspect there is a chance your cat may have ingested this plant it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated cats die within 3-7 days. Cat owners should never grow Lilies in the garden and should ensure that lilies are never part of floral arrangements. This is important to remember these holidays with the popular Easter Lily appearing  in most flower arrangements.

We hope that these tips will help you and your pets have a happy and safe
holiday season.

Sneezing…watery…running eyes and nose…itchy and scratchy skin. Its allergy time.  Did you know that your pet suffers from seasonal allergies just as you do?  We offer services for your pet to test for allergies, fleas, ticks and other critters to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

All Paws Pet Talk with special guest Marty Becker!

Easter Lilies and Cats

Easter Lilies can be a beautiful decoration in the spring season, but did you know that all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic and dangerous to your cat? If ingested, it can cause severe kidney damage and even death. Please be advised that cat owners should remove lilies out of reach of your cat and consider an alternative to the lily such as Easter Orchids and Easter Daisies.

Print the coupon below and receive incredible savings and discounts!

Spring is a great time to call in and schedule your pet for their annual vaccinations. After a long winter, pets can’t wait to get outside and get into all sorts of trouble. Make sure they are safe and free from diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

 

Team Member of the Month

Technician Julia has been with the hospitals since Jan 2005. She is a very energetic skillful animal nurse who never fails to go the extra mile for your pet, very often checking on them late at night if they are hospitalized. She is seen here with her latest family addition, Maddie, a 10 week old mix she rescued at a flea market. We are proud to honor Julia as our Team Member of the Month!

Spring Cute Pet Photo Contest

Enter our Spring Cute Pet Photo Contest! Upload a picture of your cute pet on River Oaks Animal Hospital's Facebook Wall and you will be entered to win a prize!

 Click here to visit our Facebook page and upload your cute pet picture!