With warmer weather on the way, many of us are eager to spend more time outdoors with our pets. But spring also introduces new sights, smells, and potential hazards for curious animals. Taking a few simple precautions now can help keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy throughout the season. Here’s a spring pet safety checklist to keep in mind.
1. Schedule a spring vet visit
Spring is a wonderful time to check in with your pet’s veterinarian. Annual exams help ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, parasite and disease prevention, and overall health screenings. When plants begin to bloom, so do fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, so it’s important to make sure your pet is protected.
2. Refresh flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Parasites and other harmful critters thrive in warmer temperatures and often look for places like your pets to settle in, since animals provide warmth, protection, and an easy source of food. Even if your pet stays indoors or spent more time inside during the winter, spring is when infestations often begin. Consult with your veterinarian about the best preventative treatments for your pet and your lifestyle, and make sure your pet is on a consistent prevention schedule.
3. Watch out for spring plants and flowers
Many popular spring plants can be toxic to pets if ingested. Flowers like tulips, daffodils, and lilies may look beautiful in your garden or home, but they can cause serious health issues for cats and dogs. If you’re planting a garden or bringing home bouquets, double-check that the plants are pet-safe. It’s also a good idea to wipe your pet’s paws before they come indoors if you may have come across toxic plants during your walks.
4. Check your yard for hazards
The winter months and spring cleanup can be rough on your yard. Before letting pets roam outside more freely, take a few minutes to check for potential hazards:

• Inspect fences for gaps or damage
• Remove sharp debris or fallen branches
• Secure fertilizers, mulch, and gardening tools
• Make sure pest control products are pet-safe

A quick yard check can help prevent injuries and accidental exposure to harmful substances.
5. Update ID tags and microchip information
Spring often means more walks, travel, and outdoor adventures. If your pet slips out of a fence or gets off their leash and becomes lost, updated ID tags and microchip information can greatly increase the chances of a safe return home. Pet ID tags can be created at many local pet stores or ordered online. You can also speak with your veterinarian about options for microchipping your pet.
6. Groom for the season
Many pets shed heavily in the spring as they lose their winter coat. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, prevent matting, and keep them more comfortable as the weather warms up. Many pets also enjoy being groomed, which can help them feel extra happy. This is also a great time to check your pet for skin irritation, ticks and fleas, or lumps and bumps that may need veterinary attention.
7. Be careful during spring cleaning
Lastly, cleaning products, essential oils, and certain air fresheners can be harmful to pets, even in low exposure doses. When using household cleaners, or car cleaners if your pet frequents the car, make sure to keep pets out of the area until surfaces are dry. Be sure to store products securely and avoid strong chemical sprays, especially near food or bedding. Pets are very sensitive to these substances.
Spring is a time to reset and spend more time outdoors, and a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your pet safe and happy. By keeping these simple steps in mind, you and your pet can enjoy everything the spring season has to offer together.

​Emergencies can happen at any time of the day or night. We also realize that sometimes you need guidelines to determine if your pet is having an emergency.

Below is a list of signs of an emergency. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Bleeding that does not stop
• Difficulty breathing or choking/gagging or nonstop coughing
• Hit-by-car/tractor/atv/deer etc. or falls!
• Broken leg or Large wound
• Bloated, distended, swollen or painful abdomen
• Penetrating wounds (especially in the chest or abdomen)
• Vomiting or diarrhea with blood
• Ingestion of dangerous food, poisons, plants or other materials
• Loss of consciousness
• Neurological signs (staggering, stumbling, head tilt, sudden blindness)
• Seizures (more than 1 in 24 hours)
• Inability to urinate or defecate
• Inability to deliver puppies or kittens
• Lethargic with pale gums
• Severe allergic reaction (hives or itching)
• Injury to eye
• Sudden lameness or not walking in the hind end
• Heatstroke or hypothermia
• Not drinking for 24 or more hours
• Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum or coughing up blood

Below is a list of urgent symptoms. If you see any of these, please contact your veterinarian in 24 to 48 hours.

• Torn toe nail
• Mild allergic reaction
• Lameness
• Seizures (only one)
• Ear infections
• Small Wounds
• Pain
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• ​Inflammation or redness of eyes

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This is not a complete list but the most common. If you have any questions about what is going on with your pet please call your veterinarian.

THANKSGIVING PET SAFETY TIPS
With the holidays right around the corner, we know there will be plenty of opportunities for your pets to get into some mischief. While there are several safe human foods that animals can eat, the holidays also have quite a few hidden dangers.
COOKED BONES AND TRIMMINGS: It may be tempting to let your dog chew on the bones after you cook the turkey, but cooked bones are extremely dry and brittle. In addition to potentially causing intestinal blockages, the bones can also splinter in the dog's throat or digestive system and cause severe damage, internal bleeding, or death.
FAT TRIMMINGS OR SKIN: Dark meat turkey and turkey skin is very high in fat, which is why it tastes so good. Animals are susceptible to pancreatitis from high fat content foods. Pancreatitis is not always curable, and symptoms include vomiting, depression, abdominal pain and reluctance to move. If you suspect pancreatitis, make sure your pet goes in to see the veterinarian.
BREAD DOUGH: Eating bread dough is my favorite part of fresh baked bread, but with the yeast in it, dough can actually rise in your pet's stomach and cause discomfort or even more serious conditions.
WRAPPINGS: foils, waxed papers, turkey bags, strings, garbage bags, toothpicks, pretty much anything that has had contact with food is tempting for animals. You would be surprised just how agile our pets can be when it comes to 'counter surfing'.
OTHER HOLIDAY FOODS: Foods containing grapes, raisins, and currants can result in kidney failure in dogs. Chocolate and cocoa contain theobromine, a chemical highly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion in small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea but large amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias.Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic to dogs that can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Keep dishes loaded with onions away from your dog. Onions contain thiosulphate, which damages red blood cells and can cause anemia in dogs.
SMALL CHILDREN: The holidays are a time for family to come together, and if your relatives bring small children around a pet that is not used to living with little ones, do not leave them unattended. Children can't help but to pull ears and tails or lay on pets while they are sleeping. Not all dogs or cats are patient enough to tolerate this, so keep everyone safe and happy and supervise children around the animals.
IDENTIFICATION: Lastly, with family coming and going and the door opening and shutting, animals have a higher opportunity of escaping. Make sure you have valid ID tags on their collars, or write your phone number directly on their collars with permanent marker. Make sure dogs are wearing their licenses, and consider a microchip.

Stay safe everyone and have a great holiday week!

Excess weight in dogs can lead to a number of debilitating health issue. studies have indicated that dogs with obesity live shorter lives the their normal-weight counterparts, about 2 years less. 
Common Weight-related disorders in dogs include:

• Osteoarthritis, cruciate ligament injuries, strains, sprains, luxating patella and decreased mobility
• Diabetes and other metabolic & endocrine disorders
• Respiratory disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Chronic inflammation
• Certain cancers

Dogs that are over-weight typically tend to interact less with their family and may exhibit reduced energy and playfulness.

This makes weight management essential for you dog's over all health. While weight loss may appear straightforward, it is important to fallow some guidelines.

• Have your dog examined by a veterinarian before beginning a weight loss program.
• Rule out or treat any underlying medical diseases.
• Determine your dog's current Body Condition Score(BCS) and ideal or target weight.
• Choose your dog's Step Weight Loss Plan( a gradual safe reduction in calories over time). Your veterinary team can calculate your pet's Daily Energy Requirements(DER) in terms of calories needed. Feeding too much will result in no weight loss, and feeding too little can be harmful
• Determine how many calories are in you dog's food and treats.
• Measure or weigh you dog's food and treats to provide precise feeding portions.
• Opt for low-calorie, healthy treats. Such as baby carrots sliced cucumbers and green beans.
• Feed more frequent, smaller meals to increase satiety and reduce begging behaviors.
• Feed your pets separately and do not leave food out when you are not there.
• Engage your dog in 30 minutes of exercise daily.
• Weigh your pet once a month and make changes and adjustments as needed
• Involve the whole family. Everyone needs to be aware of how much and how often you are feeding during the weight loss period.

BE PATIENT: Safe, healthy weight loss for dogs is typically 3 to 5% of a dog's current body weight per month, depending on the age, size and condition of the animal.
Most dogs will achieve their ideal weight within six to eight months. Some dogs may need to lose weight more slowly, while others may reduce excess weight more quickly.
If you do not observe weight loss within 30 - 60 days , some aspect of the plan may need some changes.
For most pets, the secret to the weight loss in the commitment and care from their family members.

If you are planning to change the food remember to do it slowly to avoid any digestive upset.
Begin by substituting 1/4 of the volume with the new food for a few days, then a 1/2 for a few days then 3/4 for a few days before going to the full amount.

Here are some tip on how to help when the dog is begging for food.

• Pet or play with your dog. Many dogs and people substitute food for affection. You may find that playtime displaces chow-time. 
• Walk or take you dog outside. The distraction may be enough to take its mind off of food.
• Feed small meals frequently
• Give vegetables for treats. They are low calorie
• Offer fresh water instead of food.

Dogs a minimum of 20-30 minutes of daily aerobic activity. Always keep in mind what activities fit with your dogs level of fitness, individual needs and limitations. Be sure to keep your dog hydrated during any activity.
Some Activities include

• Walking, start with the brisk walk out, then come back at a slower smell the area pace. gradually increase the pace and distance as their fitness improves
  
• Play with your dog, use toys, balls and games.
• Swimming or hydrotherapy is a great low impact exercise 
• Play dates or doggie daycare
• Vary your activities to keep your dog mentally stimulated and to prevent injury from repetitive strenuous activity

If you have any questions about your dog's weight loss plan call you veterinary healthcare team.

Senior pets—dogs older than 7 years and cats older than 10—should be examined by their veterinarian every six months. This includes visibly healthy pets. Pets age faster than humans, so regular visits help detect issues early. Your pet’s senior care visit will include:
Physical exam — A nose-to-tail hands-on evaluation of your pet’s body systems
Dental assessment — A quick look at your pet’s teeth and gums to screen for dental disease
Nutritional consultations — A review of your pet’s diet, treats, and eating habits in light of any health changes
Behavioral assessment — A discussion about your pet’s at-home behavior to determine if they are experiencing pain, health issues, or sensory loss

Diagnostic testing and blood work
Diagnostic tests or lab work can detect health issues that may not be obvious from a physical exam alone, which allows the veterinary team to diagnose and treat your pet’s condition quickly and with greater success. During your senior pet’s visit, recommended testing may include:

Complete blood count (CBC) — To check for infections, anemia, and other conditions
Blood chemistry panel — To assess kidney and liver function
Urinalysis — To assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections or kidney disease
Thyroid testing — To screen for hypothyroidism in dogs or hyperthyroidism in cats
Blood pressure measurement — To detect high blood pressure, which is common in senior pets

Joint and mobility support
Arthritis is one of the most diagnosed conditions in senior pets, but early treatment can slow its progression, manage your pet’s pain, and help preserve mobility. If your pet suffers from arthritis, your veterinarian may recommend:

Joint supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin
Prescription medications to relieve pain and inflammation
Weight management to reduce strain on your pet’s joints
Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to maintain mobility and build strength

Enhanced dental care
Oral health is important at every age, but dental disease is more common in senior pets. Regular professional and at-home care can help prevent dental disease-related pain, infections, and tooth loss. Your pet’s care plan may include:

Dental X-rays and cleaning under anesthesia
At-home dental care, such as toothbrushing or a dental diet
Monitoring for signs such as bad breath, difficulty eating, facial swelling, or pawing at the mouth

Age-appropriate nutrition
Your senior pet’s nutrition plays a key role in supporting and protecting their overall health. Diet selection is especially important for pets with existing conditions such as kidney failure, digestive disorders, or arthritis. Based on your pet’s health and body condition, your veterinarian will recommend a diet tailored to their unique needs, such as:

A lower-calorie, high-fiber diet to prevent weight gain
A high-protein diet to support muscle mass
A therapeutic or prescription diet to manage any chronic conditions

Promoting and preserving cognitive health
Similar to humans, dogs and cats can experience dementia or cognitive decline that can lead to confusion, anxiety, and behavior or personality changes. Regular conversations with your veterinarian will help catch cognitive issues early. Your veterinarian will then guide you on supporting your pet with options that may include:

Prescription medications
Environmental enrichment, such as puzzles, toys, and interactive play, to boost critical thinking
Nutritional supplements formulated for brain health

Detecting and managing pain
Aging pets are more likely to suffer pain from arthritis, dental issues, or chronic diseases. Pain can severely compromise your pet’s quality of life and should be addressed through multi-step support that may include:

Prescription pain medications
Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, laser therapy)
Lifestyle modifications, such as pet ramps or stairs, low-sided litter boxes, nonslip floors, orthopedic bedding, and harnesses or slings, for mobility-compromised pets

Ongoing disease prevention
Senior dogs and cats still need protection from infectious diseases and parasites. Your vet will assess your pet’s lifestyle and recommend a tailored vaccination and parasite prevention plan, which may include:

Core vaccines, such as rabies for dogs and cats and distemper for dogs
Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
Aging dogs and cats require specialized care and attention to support their evolving needs and help them feel safe and loved. By upgrading their routine care to include more frequent exams with your veterinarian, additional testing, and any needed treatment modalities, you can help them live their final life stage to the fullest.

Create a Pet-Friendly Quiet 
Set up a cozy and secure area in your home where your pet can retreat during the festivities. Fill it with their favorite toys, blankets, and familiar scents to provide a comforting environment away from the noise and commotion. Create a soothing ambiance by playing soft music or turning on the TV to mask the noise of fireworks. Close curtains or blinds to minimize the bright flashes of light.
Firework Safety
Fireworks and pets don't mix well. Animals can mistake fireworks in shiny packaging for food. Keep all fireworks, sparklers, and firecrackers securely stored out of your pet's reach. Ingesting or playing with fireworks can lead to serious injuries, burns, and toxic reactions. Additionally, flames from falling fireworks and sparklers can burn pets. Safely secure pets indoors while fireworks are going off. If you have to take your dog outside, make sure to use a leash.
ID Tags and Microchipping
Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with up-to-date contact information. When pets are scared by fireworks or loud noises, they can jump fences or dig their way out of yards, causing them to get lost. In case they become scared and escape, a collar with ID tags or a microchip greatly increases the chances of a safe return.
Do Not Share Food Scraps
While enjoying some delicious BBQ and picnic treats, be cautious about sharing human food with your pets. Many festive foods can be harmful to animals, including onions, chocolate, alcohol, and certain fruits. Keep all food out of pets’ reach and make sure trash bags are tightly secured. Stick to pet-friendly treats and make sure your guests are aware not to share snacks with your furry friends. Planning a holiday BBQ? Check out our full blog post about pet safety during your event.
Enjoy a Walk With Your Pet Before You Celebrate
Before the celebrations begin, engage your pet in an energetic play session or take them for a long walk. Physical exercise can help tire them out and reduce anxiety. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, can also keep them occupied and distracted during the festivities.
Consult with Your Veterinarian
​If your pet experiences severe anxiety or phobia during fireworks, consider speaking with your veterinarian. They will guide behavior management techniques or recommend appropriate medications or supplements to help alleviate their distress.