Don't Spend Your Holiday Weekend at the Vet

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. Who isn't looking forward to great food shared with great friends and family? Well unless you want to spend Thanksgiving night or Black Friday in the vet's office or emergency clinic, you should be cautious before letting your four-legged family members join in the feast.

Every year, dogs and cats end up in the vet for post-Turkey day problems.

• Foods that are fatty and high in sodium like turkey (especially the skin) and ham can wreak havoc on the digestive system of a dog. Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of pancreatitis, which can become very serious and costly to treat in severe cases.
  
• Avoid feeding any bones to your pets. These can become lodged in the esophagus, splinter and perforate the GI tract, or cause a blockage in the intestines which may require surgery.
  
• Grapes and raisins found on hors 'douevres platters and in stuffing and desserts can cause kidney failure in pets and should not be given.
  
• Also watch for pets getting into the trash for tasty morsels and packaging which can cause intestinal blockages.
  
• Look for signs that your pet is stressed by the visitors to your home. A houseful of unfamiliar people, small children, or visiting pets can make even the most well-adjusted pet anxious, afraid or even aggressive, especially when there is a large amount of food nearby. You certainly don't want your dog or a family member to spend the holiday in the ER because of a dog fight.
  

It is great to have pets around us at the holidays. They are part of our lives, and part of our families. Be thankful that they are able to share in your family's joy this holiday season. Exercise self control when your pup is begging for scraps on Thanksgiving. Remember that your dog doesn't understand that eating a whole plate of turkey giblets is not good for him, so it is up to you to keep them safe.

If anything doe happen, we'll be here Thanksgiving Day, and all through the weekend if you need us. Here's to you and yours having a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving, free of trips to the vet's office.

CCVSS ADDS PRIVATE ROOM FOR CLIENTS TO STAY WITH THEIR PETS

Human-animal bond can prove beneficial for recovery

of a pet who is seriously ill or injured.

SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 10, 2011 – Critical Care & Veterinary Specialists of Sarasota LLC (CCVSS), which provides advanced intensive-care-unit and emergency veterinary medicine, has added a private room for clients who wish to stay overnight with their pet.

“We recognize the very powerful bond between our clients and their pets and wanted to give pet owners the option to stay with their pet as long as it is possible to do without compromising medical care,” said Dr. Anne Chauvet, a veterinary neurologist and founder of CCVSS. “Pets have become family members, and we want to honor that. Having a pet’s owner present can calm the pet and help with recovery in some circumstances.”

The room is equipped with a lounge chair that converts to a bed as well as a bed/rest area for the patient. Clients may bring a computer and have access to the Internet. Video monitoring allows veterinarians and staff to observe the patient, and the room is connected by telephone to the intensive care unit for assistance if needed. Charges for use of the room are based on the clinic’s out-of-pocket costs only and are determined by the degree of monitoring and individualized care needed. More information is available by calling 941-929-1818 or online at www.criticalvetcare.com.

First Aid Kit for Pets

It is just as important to have a first aid kit prepared and available for our pets as it is when one of our family members or guests gets hurt. Our family emergency kit does not always contain what is needed for pets, which have different requirements for medication and handling. Here is a list of the items that should be in a pet first aid kit. Keep in mind all treatments and medications should be given in consultation with a veterinarian. For questions, contact us at (941)929-1818 or petneuro@gmail.com

• Telephone numbers for your vet, veterinary specialists and emergency clinic.
• Gauze sponges. They do not have to be sterile. You can also use a very clean white, 100percent cotton T-shirt cut into strips
• Gauze and/or string – can be used to tie splints or muzzle, tie beaks
• A muzzle or two and leashes – never assume your ordinarily gentle pet will not bite you if hurting. Never muzzle if animal is vomiting or having seizures
• Activated charcoal – in case a poisonous substance is absorbed. Also milk of magnesia
• Triple antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin®
• Rubbing alcohol – best antiseptic. It stings, so watch your pet’s reaction
• Syringes: 5 cc, 12 cc and 20 cc
• Ace bandage, self-adhesive and non self-adhesive
• Petroleum jelly – this is good to protect wounds from dirt
• Sterile non adherent pads
• Pepto-Bismol™ tablets
• Pepcid® AC tablets
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Table salt
• Benadryl® capsules
• Eye flush
• Coated aspirin
• Medical tape and duct tape
• Bandage scissors
• Splints, wood pieces and tongue depressors – if possible stabilize injuries prior to moving.
• A carrier is a very good investment for smaller animals. Sometimes a board may beneeded to immobilize a larger dog – use duct tape
• Vet wrap (stretch self stick) bandage
• Blankets
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Pliers (to remove large objects or cut wires)
• Hemostats to stop bleeding
• Rectal thermometer
• Plastic zipper bags