Ten Tips for Preventing Pet Behavior Problems

1. Set rules immediately and stick to them.

2. Avoid situations that promote inappropriate behavior.

3. Observe the pet and provide what it needs to be cared for and attended to. 

4. Supervise the new pet diligently through undivided individual attention and training, and restrict the pet's access to a limited area of the house until training is complete.

5. Encourage good behavior with praise and attention.

6. Correct bad behaviors by providing positive alternatives. (A toy for a slipper, scratching post for the sofa.)

7. Never physically punish or force compliance to commands. This may lead to fear biting or aggression. 

8. Don't play rough or encourage aggression or play biting.

9. Expose pets to people, animals, and environments where you want them to live.

10. See your veterinarian serious or unresolved behavior problems exist.

References: AAHA, www.healthypet.com

Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is a privilege, but the benefits of pet ownership come with responsibilities.

1) Avoid impulse decisions when selecting a pet.

2) Select a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle.

 3) Keep only the type and number on pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

4) Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s).

5) Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money.

6) Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, preventive care, etc) as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.

7) Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.

8) Properly socialize and train your pet.

9) Limit your pet's reproduction through spay/neuter, containment, or managed breeding.

10) Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.

11) Make sure your pet is properly identified (tags and microchip).

FortiFlora: Nutritional Supplement for Cats & Dogs

  

Intestinal problems are one of the most common reasons dogs and cats are brought to their veterinarians.  The normal intestinal tract of dogs and cats is home to thousands of different types of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful.  In a healthy intestine, these bacteria are in balance.  

In many cases of loose stools, the normal balance of bacteria in the intestine is upset.  One way to help re-establish a normal intestinal balance is to feed a nutritional supplement containing a probiotic.  Probioltics are live beneficial bacteria that promote intestinal balance.  

FortiFlora

FortiFlora is a nutritional supplement made for dogs and cats and has been formulated to promote intestinal health and balance.  FortiFlora works by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria, which help to protect the intestine from harmful bacteria and pathogens.  FortiFlora also promotes a healthy immune system.  

Dietary Considerations

FortiFlora has been formulated to achieve the following characteristics:

• Contains a special strain of probiotic that has been proven to promote intestinal health and balance
• Contains a guaranteed amount of live active cultures
• Promotes a healthy immune system
• Contains high levels of antioxidant Vitamins A, E, and C
• Excellent palatability

How does FortiFlora work?
FortiFlora may help nutritionally manage dogs and cats with diarrhea in many situations, including:

• Stressful situations such as boarding or change in home environment
• Diet change or consumption of inappropriate foods
• Soft stool in puppies and kittens
• Antibiotic therapy 

 Sources:
http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/default.aspx
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120606102710.htm  (picture)

Winter Pet Care Tips

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during the long winter months! 

Housing:
Provide proper shelter for your pets.  If yours is an indoor pet, make sure a bed or crate is kept in a warm, draft-free area.  If your pet is outdoors, you must provide a warm insulated pet house or shelter.  The house should be elevated enough that moisture cannot accumulate inside.  Provide a "door" to keep out the wind.  If the wind chill or other weather conditions become severe, bring your pets inside.

Food and Water:
Staying warm requires extra calories.  Talk to your veterinarian for advice on feeding your pet.  Clean, fresh water should always be available to your pet.  If your pet is kept outdoors, be sure to check the water frequently since it can freeze quickly. 

Frostbite:
Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat.  Frostbitten skin may turn reddish, white or gray, and it may be scaly or sloughing.

Snow Removal Salt:
Some substances produced to melt ice and snow have a low to moderate toxicity to pets.  Read the labels and take necessary precautions.  Keep these products stored in tight containers out of your pet's and children's reach and be sure to remove any salt from your pet's paws immediately.

Anitfreeze:
A very small amount of antifreeze can be fatal to a pet.  Thoroughly clean up spills at once.  Keep containers closed tightly and store them where pets cannot get to them.

Napping Cats:
Cats sometimes climb onto vehicle engines for warmth.  Before starting your car, knock on the hood and honk the horn.  Even if your own cat does not have access to your vehicle, a neighbor's cat may have taken shelter there.

Sources:
Purina http://www.purina.com/
ASPCA http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.aspx
 http://www.beirut.com/l/18978

Holidays with Pets

Our patients had a lot of fun dressing up in festive outfits this holiday season!  Enjoy!

Poinsettias and Cats & Dogs

Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant.  Have you banned them from your home because you have heard that poinsettias are deadly to pets? 

Poinsettias have gotten a bad rap when it comes to pets.  The toxic potential of this plant has become highly exaggerated over the years.  In reality, poinsettias are only mildly toxic (if at all) to dogs and cats.  Poinsettia ingestion typically produces only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

Keeping this plant out of reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, but it is not necessary to banish the poinsettia from your home for fear of a fatal exposure.  If you suspect your pet has eaten a poinsettia and is displaying concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

There are other holiday bouquets that are far more worrisome than poinsettias.  Lilies, holly and mistletoe are three popular ones to watch out for.  Lilies are the #1 flower used by florists.  Just one or two bites from a lily can result in severe acute kidney failure in cats.  Inspect your holiday bouquets thoroughly. 

If holly is ingested by dogs or cats, it can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.  Mistletoe is best kept out of your pet's reach as it can cause hypotention, ataxia (walking drunk), seizures and death if consumed in large amounts.    

Sources:
http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-poison-control/poinsettia
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

Happy Holidays for the Homeless Pets

South Des Moines Veterinary Center has partnered with Animal Lifeline of Iowa (ALI) this holiday season to make sure homeless pets can have a Happy Holiday too!

During the month of December, we will display a tree in our lobby with ornaments featuring pets in need at ALI.  Each ornament will list items that will benefit the featured animal.  Take the ornament with you and bring back any item listed to help a homeless animal in need. 

Or pick up an item from the list below next time your our doing your holiday shopping and drop it by the clinic during the month of December.



                                    Wish List

    CAT SUPPLIES
    Cat toys of all kinds - laser pointers
    Scoopable Cat Litter
    Yesterdays News Cat Litter
    Canned cat and kitten food
    Feline Prescription Diets (dry and canned)

DOG SUPPLIES
Milk Bones brand dog biscuits-small
Buster Cubes and Jolly Balls - for dogs large and small
Toys for dogs of all sizes
Nylabone Rings
Peanut Butter - creamy
Small and Medium Flat Buckle Collars and Leashes
Canine Prescription Diets (dry and canned)

      GENERAL SUPPLIES 

      Liquid Laundry Soap

      Dish Soap

      Bleach

      Clorox Anywhere Spray Cleaner

      Tall Kitchen Garbage Bags

      Paper Towels

      Toilet Paper

      Kleenex Tissues

      Dobie Scrubbers

      Bottle Brushes

      Copy Machine Paper

      Postage Stamps

GIFT CARDS (to purchase supplies)

Suggested retailers:

PETCO

PetSmart

Target

Walgreens

About Animal Lifeline of Iowa:
“Animal Lifeline of Iowa is a special needs, no-kill animal shelter. Seventy percent of our work is done by our caring volunteers, and we receive no government assistance. All donations go directly to care for and help animals in need. Animal Lifeline of Iowa is a tax exempt, non-profit organization.”