RVAH Celebrates 25 Years!

By admin
•
25 Jun, 2012
•

Raccoon Valley Animal Hospital is proud to be celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer.

Dr. Noreen Lanza opened RVAH in July of 1987, and has since advanced the clinic to a state of the art hospital with the help of many long term staff members committed to improving the quality of medicine for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds and other exotics. A long term member of the community, RVAH has been a member of the American Animal Hospital Association for 23 years, and we are dedicated to compassionate care to our clients and their pets.

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Spring Weather Dangers

By admin • April 23, 2014

Make sure your four-legged family members are able to enjoy the beautiful springtime weather right along with you.

Taking a few simple precautions around your home and yard will keep your pet out of harm’s way as warmer months approach.

Dr. Becker's Comments:

Each change of season presents safety hazards for your companion animals, and spring is no exception.

In fact, the beautiful weather you and your pet enjoy after the cold winter months and before the heat of summer can cause you to throw caution to the wind as you race outdoors to soak up the sun and fresh air.

I encourage you to slow down just long enough to insure your beloved pet doesn’t become victim to a springtime menace.

Indoor Springtime Hazards

Easter candy and decorations. Even though Easter has passed already this year, you may have a number of things Easter-related stilly lying around your house that can pose a danger to your pet. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats and other furry pets. Symptoms of chocolate toxicity include restlessness, panting, increased urination, muscle spasms, vomiting and diarrhea.

And while chocolate is the most toxic candy, you should keep your dog or cat away from all types of Easter goodies, including sweet-smelling candy wrappers.

Lilies can be fatal if eaten by your pet.

The plastic grass used to line your children’s Easter baskets can cause serious gastrointestinal illness for curious kitties. You should also keep ribbons, bows and other colorful enticements out of the reach of your pets.

Unintended access to the outdoors. Before you throw open your windows and doors to those warm spring breezes, make sure all your screens are in place and that they are in good shape and well-secured.

Cats, in particular, are prone to escaping the house through either an unscreened window or by pushing through a damaged or unsecured screen.

Spring cleaning chemicals. If you use chemical cleaning supplies around your home, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pet. Commercial cleaning products, almost without exception, contain chemicals that are toxic to your dog or cat, so make sure to follow label instructions carefully and store products securely away from your pet.

Better yet, why not make this the year you switch to non-toxic household cleaning supplies ?

Home improvement hazards. If you’re planning a renovation project around your home or yard this year, keep in mind that many of the chemicals and supplies you’ll need can be dangerous for your pet.

Paints and solvents can be toxic, and building supplies like nails, insulation and certain tools can also pose risks. Read the labels on all products you plan to use to see if they’re safe for pets.

The very best way to keep your dog or cat out of harm’s way is to confine them to an area of your home well away from the project area.

Outdoor Dangers to Watch For in Warmer Weather

Seasonal allergies. Just like you, your furry companion can have allergies to the plants and pollens of springtime. And a serious allergy in your pet is nothing to sneeze at, as your dog or cat could have a potentially fatal reaction known as anaphylactic shock.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from springtime allergies, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Yard and garden hazards. The insecticides, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers many people apply in the spring to bring their lawns and gardens back to life are full of chemicals that are dangerous for pets.

Take care not to allow your dog or cat access to areas of your property where chemicals have been applied, and be sure to store all potentially toxic products out of reach.

Pretty poisons. Before you stock up on seeds or visit your local nursery, make sure you know which plants, flowers and greenery are toxic to your pet if ingested.

Warm weather parasites. Work with a holistic veterinarian in your area to decide what kinds of parasite preventives your pets need to keep them free of fleas, ticks, heartworm and other parasites throughout the spring and summer months.

Driving dangers. As much as your pup may love the feel of the wind on his face, it’s not a good idea to allow him to stick his head out the window of your moving car. And it’s an even worse idea to put your pet in the bed of a pick-up truck for traveling.

Your dog can be hit by debris and even bugs that can cause eye, ear and lung injuries. And there’s simply no guarantee a dog riding in the bed of a truck or by an open car window will not either jump out of the vehicle while it’s moving, or be thrown out during a quick stop or sharp turn.

You should always crate your dog or cat for a ride in the car, or alternatively, use a pet seatbelt harness.

Exercise injuries. If your dog has been inactive during the winter months , be sure to start slow and help him rebuild muscle tone before he’s allowed to engage in strenuous outdoor activities.

This will prevent your pup from developing the too-much, too-soon type of exercise related injuries I see so often at my animal clinic as the weather starts to warm up.

Taking a few precautionary steps and exercising common sense can insure a healthy, enjoyable spring and summer for you and your furry buddy.

If you suspect your pet may have come in contact with a potentially poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

Cold Weather Pet Safety

By admin • February 10, 2014

You’re probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars , but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets’ health?

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather:

Winter wellness: Has your pet had his/her preventive care exam (wellness exam) yet? Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it’s as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather.

Know the limits: Just like people, pets’ cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet’s tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog’s walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing’s disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet’s temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

Provide choices: Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs.

Stay inside. Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.

Make some noise: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it’s deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood.

Check the paws: Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog’s toes.

Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat. Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder. Some pet owners also use booties to protect their dog’s feet; if you choose to use them, make sure they fit properly.

Wipe down: During walks, your dog’s feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur. Consider using pet-safe deicers on your property to protect your pets and the others in your neighborhood.

Collar and chip: Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his/her way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it’s critical that you keep the registration up to date.

Stay home: Hot cars are a known threat to pets, but cold cars also pose significant risk to your pet’s health. You’re already familiar with how a car can rapidly cool down in cold weather; it becomes like a refrigerator, and can rapidly chill your pet. Pets that are young, old, ill, or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in cold cars. Limit car travel to only that which is necessary, and don’t leave your pet unattended in the vehicle.

Prevent poisoning: Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly, as even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly. Make sure your pets don’t have access to medication bottles, household chemicals, potentially toxic foods such as onions, xylitol (a sugar substitute) and chocolate.

Protect family: Odds are your pet will be spending more time inside during the winter, so it’s a good time to make sure your house is properly pet-proofed. Use space heaters with caution around pets, because they can burn or they can be knocked over, potentially starting a fire. Check your furnace before the cold weather sets in to make sure it’s working efficiently, and install carbon monoxide detectors to keep your entire family safe from harm. If you have a pet bird, make sure its cage is away from drafts.

Avoid ice: When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. You don’t know if the ice will support your dog’s weight, and if your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly. And if this happens and you instinctively try to save your dog, both of your lives could be in jeopardy.

Provide shelter: We don’t recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time, but if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weather, provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl). The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds. Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution because they are still capable of causing burns.

Recognize problems: If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Be prepared: Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days.

Feed well: Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives their pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight don’t make it worth doing. Watch your pet’s body condition and keep them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s nutritional needs during cold weather.

Avoid Easter Poisons For Your Pets

By admin • September 12, 2012

There are several dangers to your pets during the Easter Holiday. Easter Lillies and other lillies are HIGHLY toxic to cats. You should also avoid leaving out the grasses and chocolate that dogs and cats may eat, and Click this link for more information.

Help keep your pets safe by keeping these objects out of reach!