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Greetings!
Happy New Year! We hope the new year brings you and your pet happiness.
Is your pet bored of being stuck in the house? Read what you can do to help.Dr. Foote will also talk about this topic on Jan 31st at Prairieland Feeds. Read below for more information.
Let us know what you would like to see in future newsletters.
Sincerely,
The Okaw Vet Clinic Staff |
When the weather gets horribly cold, it is really difficult to give our pet dogs the long walks and runs outside that they come to love. Feet freeze, making in painful to walk very far. Sometimes dogs may have accidents in the house because it is too hard on their feet to get in place to potty outside. Also their potty area may now be covered with snow, making it hard to recognize their potty area. While these accidents are forgivable they are also very aggravating.
What to do? First of all, be sure to keep your dogs on a feeding schedule. Do not leave food down all day. Dogs will usually need to potty within a half hour of eating, so now you can predict when they will need to go and not have to spend so much time outside. Take your pet out for short but more frequent breaks. Even if your pet is confined for most of the day 3 -5 minute walks in the evening still work like the one 15 minute walk. You may give them the first chance to eliminate, come in for 5 minutes then go on out again to finish up.
Offering a potty pad in the home may be another way to help out the toy breeds. Small dogs under 5 lbs are especially prone to the stress of the cold, so having a house toilet is a good idea.
Always use a leash on your pet outside. A distracted pet may not be able to come home due to painful feet, and then really get in trouble due to the cold.
Booties and jackets are a good idea. An old sweatshirt does a great job when the temperature suddenly dips. Even socks on your pet's paws can help them walk better. Just be sure to remove them when you come in, and use masking tape rather than a rubber band to hold them up.
Lastly, find ways to play and get exercise in the house. Games of chase up and down the stairs review what commands your pet knows or teach them a new trick can decrease boredom and naughty behaviors that come from that.
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Socializing Puppies and Kittens
Puppies and kittens are a popular holiday gift. They are so friendly, lovable and cute. We want to help you keep your pet stay friendly and grow up well-rounded. Socialization is one way to help your pet to do this.
What is socialization? Puppies and kittens need to be introduced to many new people, other pets, and situations in a safe environment. Your pet is rewarded for being calm and inquizative. It is best if your pet does this before he or she is 5 months old. Exposing your pet to new experiences helps your pet learn that these people, pets and situations are not scary. During socialization we don't want your pet to have a bad experience. If he or she starts to get scared, take your pet out of the situation and try it again later, and make it less scary by having the person or pet stay further away.
Let's learn a bit about your pet's relaxed and calm body language. Dogs and cats have different body language. The dog's body is relaxed, head is up, ears may be forward and "listening", body weight is evenly distributed on all 4 legs, wag their tail, and may play bow. During a play bow, your dogs front legs and head will be on the ground and the back legs will be standing. Often their tail is wagging as well. A cat's body is relaxed, head is up, ears are forward and "listening", tail is up, the pupil of the eyes is a slit, and purring.
We don't want your pet to be scared during these experiences, so look for fearful body language. Both dogs and cats will try to make themselves look smaller. The dog's body will tense, tail will tuck, head will lower, the forehead may wrinkle and the lips may pull back. The dog may growl or cry. A cat's body will tense, tail will be up or down and swish, ears will flatten and the hair on the back may stand up. The cat may try to flatten itself onto the floor or try to escape. The cat may hiss or swipe his or her paw.
Take treats with you when you take your pet out for socialization. Use small training treats or break up larger treats. Give your pet treats while he or she is relaxed. Ask people to give your dog a few treats so that your pet will not be scared of other people. Take your pet to the local park to meet new people and pets and take your pet to the vet clinic. Give your pet treats while he or she is relaxed.
A great place for socialization is at a canine obedience training. Your dog will meet new people and pets. Your dog will also learn basic commands. Ask your vet for information on local dog trainers. |
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Are your dogs and cats driving you crazy in the cold weather? Dr. Sally Foote DVM will be presenting ways to enrich your pet's home environment to help them get enough exercise, stimulation and other ways to cope with the harsh cold weather. Prevention of housemate fighting, toileting problems, destructive chewing, and attention seeking behavior will be emphisised. She will also cover health concerns in the cold weather. Approriate toys, food puzzles, aids for litterbox and toileting, proper coats,boots and bedding, will be available and demonstrated. Questions are welcome but please leave your pets at home.
The seminar will be held on Sunday, Jan 31st from 2 - 3 pm at Prairieland Feeds in Savoy. Please RSVP by Jan 29th if you plan to attend by emailing us at okawvetstaff@mchsi.com or calling Prairieland Feeds at 217-352-2232. |
Keep your pet safe during the Holidays. Keep your pet away from:
1) Take your pet outside for short potty breaks. Your pet can get frost bite, just like you can.
2) Use pet safe sidewalk de-icer.
3) Use pet boots to protect your pet's feet from ice and snow.
4) Keep antifreeze out of your pet's reach. Antifreeze tastes sweet and your pet may drink it and become sick.
5) If your pet lives outside, provide a warm shelter with clean dry bedding. Also provide more food. Your pet burns more calories trying to stay warm. Also provide fresh water and make sure it does not become frozen. You can purchase a heated water bowl.
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About Okaw Veterinary Clinic
Thank you for reading our newsletter. We strive to make our pet parents informed about pet healthcare. If you have any concerns or questions, please let us know.
140 W. Sale St.Tuscola, Illinois 61953Okaw Veterinary Clinic217-253-3221
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Yes, You CAN Brush Your Pet's Teeth!
Why Dental Care Is Important for Your Pets
and What You Can Do to Keep Their Mouths Healthy
Learn about your pet's teeth and mouth. Almost any type of dental procedure that can be done on human beings can also be done on dogs and cats. This includes basic ultrasonic cleaning of teeth, taking dental x-rays, performing root canals to save teeth, repairing broken jaws, placing dental implants, and treating cavities to make sure pets can have functional, pain-free bites. A basic understanding of how to take a look at your pet's mouth and teeth and how to recognize when you need to seek veterinary dental care is a good way to help maintain your pet's oral health and contribute to the general overall health and well-being of your pet. Class will be held on Feb 8.
Early Reg. Deadline: Wednesday, Jan 27.
This session will present a brief rundown of the common items found in homes and yards that are toxic to animals. These include grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate, cocoa mulch, and some toxic plants. Class will be held on March 8.
Early Reg. Deadline: Wednesday, Feb 24.
The Class fee is $8.00 if you register by the early register date. If you register after the date, the fee is $13.00.
Please visit theU of I's website to register or for more information. If you have questions, please call 217-333-2907. |
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Remind My Pet
Sign up for this free service to get reminders of when your pet is due for their heartworm, flea or other medication. You can have the reminder sent as an email or text message.
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