Holiday hazard How to keep your pet safe

Lights, decorations, good food…every year, as we celebrate the holidays, we fill our homes with seasonal cheer for ourselves and our families. However, what may seem beautiful and harmless to us may pose hidden dangers to our pets. Don't let an emergency spoil the festivities! Below are some common holiday hazards for dogs and cats and how to prevent them.


1. Electric cords Keep all electric cords securely taped down or out of reach of your pet. Dogs and cats may chew dangling wires and be burned or electrocuted.

2. Ornaments Hang ornaments out of reach of your pet. Dogs, especially, may eat ornaments or wire hangers, which can get caught in the stomach and intestines.

3. Chocolate Keep all holiday foods away from your pet. Chocolate contains ingredients (e.g., caffeine) that can be lethal to dogs and cats.

4. Tinsel, ribbon,
and string Make sure these are kept out of reach and properly disposed of. If swallowed, any of these can require emergency surgery to remove. Tinsel also has sharp edges that can cut the mouth.

5. Lilies, other flowers,
and houseplants Prevent your pets from eating plants or flower arrangements. Lilies are very poisonous to cats.

6. Christmas tree Put the tree in a pet-safe room or monitor your pet when he or she is around the tree. Dogs and cats may eat the needles (even from artificial trees) or drink the water at the base of the tree, which can be toxic (especially if it contains preservatives).


In many cases, if your pet has eaten or drunk something toxic, warning signs will include gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other signs may include tiredness and lack of appetite, especially in cats that have eaten lilies. If your pet shows any of these signs, or if you think he or she has eaten something dangerous but is not showing any signs yet, please call us right away. Treating your pet as soon as possible is essential!

We will be glad to answer any questions you have about your pet's health. Let's work together to make sure your entire family has a happy, healthy holiday season!

Visit Your Pet Portal Today!
For more tips on keeping your pet safe, just visit our practice website at http://www.wvah.net and click on "Pet Portal LOG IN." We look forward to hearing from you.

Here's wishing you a happy and safe holiday season. View your holiday ecard.

Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital
Willamette Valley Animal Hospital
4975 River Road North
Keizer, OR, 97303
(503) 393-7462

Parasite season is not over

Think parasite season is over just because the warm-weather months are coming to a close? Think again! From roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms to fleas, coccidia, bots, and pinworms, parasites are just as abundant in the late summer and early fall as any other time of year. As summer comes to a close, it’s a good idea to get your pet(s) back to the practice for parasite testing and prevention.

The Parasitic Threat — Parasites can affect your health as well as your pet's! Internal and external parasites like hookworms can be passed not only from pet to pet, but also from your pet to you. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, between 1 and 3 million people are infected by hookworms from their pets each year. Even fleas, one of the most common parasites, can transmit parasitic infections, like tapeworms, to your pet and your family. That is why it is so important to protect your pet and your family against parasitic infection.

Diagnosis and Prevention — Different parasites can affect your pet in different ways--anything from no symptoms or simple irritation to life-threatening conditions. The only way you can ensure your pet’s and your family’s safety is to get your pet tested. We are here to help! Visit us to have your pet tested and get control recommendations, as many parasitic infections require unique diagnosis and preventive measures.

Call us today for an appointment, or visit your Pet Portal to learn more. If you are not yet using your Pet Portal, log on today to discover the benefits of managing your pet's health care online with a private, personalized, secure - and FREE - website of your own.

Get Started Today!
Just visit our practice website at http://www.wvah.net and click on "Pet Portal LOG IN." We look forward to hearing from you.


Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital

Willamette Valley Animal Hospital
4975 River Road North
Keizer, OR, 97303
(503) 393-7462