Greetings!
It's time again for our quarterly newsletter! Thanks to all who submitted names for the newsletter - we ended up using a mix of "Paws of Pacifica" and "Pacifica Pet Post" to come up with The Pacifica Pet Post, so thanks to Sue Cook and Jane Henner for the winning selections! I'll be sending a coupon your way in the next few days...
With the holidays coming up, I thought it would be good to talk about Hazards of the Holidays and Traveling with your Pet. Hope you find the information useful, and if you have any funny travel stories over the holidays, please share them with us so we can post a couple in our next newsletter!
)~ Wags! Loring
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Holiday Hazards
by Loring Slivinski
As the holidays approach we bring new foods, people, and stuff into our houses. Do you know which ones could be harmful to your pet?
Food
Some toxic food items are common knowledge, but there are a few that may surprise you:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated products
- Grapes, Raisins & Currants
- Hops (found in beer)
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions & raw garlic
- Rhubarb leaves
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Mushrooms (because some are poisonous, it's best to not let your dog develop a taste for any of them.)
Plants
There is a long list of plants that are toxic to dogs on the ASPCA website ( http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/). You can also download the "Petoxins" App for your smartphone. We have created an abbreviated Toxins handout you can download from our website (http://www.pacificapet.com/2040027.html), since there were truly way too many to list in one newsletter!
Other dangers to avoid
- Silly String - can congeal in a dog's throat and cut off air
- Balls - balls that are too small can get lodged in a dog's throat
- Stuffed Toys - if your dog unstuffs, then ingests the stuffing, a dangerous obstruction could result.
- Bones - some bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter and chip, causing damage to mouth, teeth, and internal organs
- Antifreeze - because it's sweet, even cats will drink this poisonous substance. We don't need it as much in the Bay Area, but watch out for it in colder climates.
- Candles - overly exuberant Labrador tails are especially dangerous when lit candles are present!
- Guests - know your pet - if she is fearful of new people, provide a safe place for her to hide, and ask that guests not approach without your consent.
- "Bubble Lights" - contain methylene chloride, which can be toxic when inhaled or ingested
- Angelhair (spun glass) can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
- Delicate ornaments, ribbons, and metal ornament hooks can all cause a variety of injuries (obstructions, lacerations, etc.)
- Fireworks/New Years revelers - some pets freak out over noise - call your veterinarian ahead of time for short-acting anti-anxiety meds to give your dog before the partying starts.
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2011 Winter/Spring Classes
Our 2011 Winter/Spring Class schedule is complete! Check out the following classes and join us for fun, frolic, and learning!
Doggie Manners 1
- Tues. Nov 30, 7:45 PM
- Tues. Jan 18, 6:30 PM
- Tues. Mar 1, 7:45 PM
Doggie Manners 2
- Tues. Nov 23, 6:30 PM
- Tues. Mar 1, 6:30 PM
Puppy Manners 1
- Thurs. Nov 18, 6:30 PM
- Thurs. Jan 20, 7:45 PM
- Thurs. Feb 17, 6:30 PM
- Thurs. Mar 3, 7:45 PM
Puppy Manners 2
- Thurs. Jan 6, 6:30 PM
- Thurs. Mar 31, 6:30 PM
Canine Fun-Scents 1
Canine Fun-Scents 2
Growly Dog
Tricks Class
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| Contact Us |
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4300 Coast Highway
Pacifica, California 94044
650-359-3685
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Traveling with your Pet
by Loring Slivinski
A whole book could (and probably has) been written on this topic, but I'll try to cover some basics that I think are important.
Before You Go
- Is your dog old, ill, or prone to carsickness? If so, consider getting a pet-sitter rather than exposing your pet to the stress of travel.
- Do your reasearch - are pets allowed/welcome? What are the restrictions? What vaccinations and paperwork are required for travel?
- Make an appointment with your vet - health certificates are required by the airlines & must be done within 10 days of travel. Don't forget to get a copy of your pet's records before you go, especially if your pet has had medical problems.
Preparing to Go
Things to bring:
- ID for your pet
- Collar with rabies & contact info tags and a leash for walks
- Food & water & treats
- Toys to keep your pet occupied and out of trouble
- Carrier or crate
- Medications, health certificate and a copy of your pet's medical records
- Get a list of vets (regular & emergency) near where you will be staying
- Basic first aid kit & poison control hotline number,
- Grooming supplies, poo pick up bags, and cleaning supplies for accidents or sickness in the car.
Travel Etiquette
- Leash your pet when asked
- Poop Bags - don't leave home without them!
- Remember - not everyone loves dogs, and not everyone will want to meet yours
- Train your dog so he's not a nuisance to others
- Be attentive to your pet & surroundings.
- Don't leave barkers unattended
- Ask before bringing your pet to a home or indoors to a public place
Car Travel
- If your pet hasn't spent much time in the car, get her acclimated to the car BEFORE you leave - take short trips, paired with lots of praise, petting & treats.
- Caging/crating your pet is the safest - no dogs untethered in the backs of trucks!!
- Keep a regular feeding routine as much as possible
- Stop every 2-3 hours for potty break & exercise
- DON'T LEAVE DOGS IN PARKED CARS UNATTENDED! Even if it doesn't feel really hot, temperatures can rise to fatal levels quickly inside a car
Hotels
- Find out first if pets are allowed, or you could be without accomodations!
- Find out if there are additional charges for pets ahead of time so you aren't surprised.
- Keep the Do Not Disturb sign on the door, and be sure to notify the front desk & housekeeping that there is a dog in the room.
- Check if dogs are allowed in the lobby before hanging out there with your dog
- Don't leave your pet alone in the room
Air Travel
- Check what sizes of pets, if any, are allowed in the cabin, and which must go in cargo.
- Book non-stop flights midweek whenever possible to minimize shuffling around
- In warm weather, fly early morning or late evening
- In cold weather, fly mid-day
- If you are going to use sedatives, try them out prior to travel so you know how they affect your pet
- Have your dog's leash & collar easily accessible
- Make sure there is ID on the pet AND the carrier. Microchipping is HIGHLY recommended
- Arrive early to the airport
- Exercise the pet before travel
- Pick your pet up promptly and check the health/condition immediately
- International Travel may have quarantine requirements & special documentation requirements - check far in advance of travel to avoid complications.
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