We are just a week away from Thanksgiving Day, so we would like to offer you these tips for making sure your dog and cat stay safe and your guests have a great time.

Before the Guests Arrive: As family and friends begin filtering into your home, it's easy to get distracted and overwhelmed with all the chaos and excitement.  Look at the situation from your pet's point of view and understand the anxiety he may feel from having these strangers invade his home.  Set up his feeding and sleeping areas away from where guests are staying.  You might also feed and exercise your pet before the company arrives in hopes that your pet will be satisfied and worn out (great for hyperactive dogs).

No Table Foods for Your Pet's Feast: It's difficult enough for people to control their own appetites on Turkey Day, so it must be especially tempting for a curious pet that is surrounded by tasty dishes and tantalizing aromas.  Stick with your pet's regular diet, though, and resist the urge to feed him any table scraps.  Even the slightest morsel of people food can cause gastrointestinal upset for your pet, and some foods are even toxic.  If you want your pet to enjoy his own Thanksgiving feast consider getting him some tasty canned food.  Beware of where everyone's plates are and be sure your guests know that it's not okay to feed your pet anything from the table.  For a list of foods that can be toxic to pets, visit the ASPCA's website here.

Keep 'Em Busy: While the men are watching football and the women are swapping stories, keeping an eye on your pet can be a challenge.  Keep him entertained and hopefully out of trouble with a new toy or bone.  Kong® toys are great and can be filled with treats such as peanut butter; bones are a good alternative, too, as long as they are made for pets and will not splinter.

Know Your Pet, Know Your Family: Unfortunately our pets don't always behave themselves, and some family members don't always follow the rules, either!  If you think that your pet's and your guests' interactions may pose a problem, then it might be best to move your pet to another area of the house.  Your pet and guests will likely appreciate it, and you can avoid any accidents that arise with defensive pets biting fingers and curious toddlers tugging on tails.

When You're the Guest: Even if you're not hosting the Thanksgiving dinner this year, you should still remain conscious of other pets in the home you're visiting.  Whether you know the pet or not, don't assume that he will behave properly, as it's not everyday that a dozen strangers come into his home and rock his world.  Wait until things settle down to pet or play with the dog or cat.  Understand that the pet will no doubt be anxious, and know where the pet is at all times if possible; we want to avoid any mishaps such as urinating on the carpet from excitement or escaping out a front door that was held open too long.

We hope these tip will help you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving this year!

Halloween is a festive occasion that can be fun for all ages.  As you and your family prepare for the big evening of tricks and treats, make sure that All Hallows' Eve is safe and enjoyable for your pets as well with these tips:

Keep Candy Away: Chocolate can be very toxic for dogs and cats; and the darker the chocolate is, the more dangerous it can become.  An artificial sweetener called xylitol can also be dangerous if ingested. If you suspect that your pet has found his way into the candy stash, or if you notice abnormal signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity/depression, a rapid heart rate, or seizure activity, call a veterinarian as soon as possible and/or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Decorate with Caution: Decorating with scary goblins and glowing jack-o-lanterns is one of the best parts of Halloween, but be careful about the items you place throughout your home.  Be sure your pet does not play with or chew on anything that would choke him or block his digestive tract if swallowed. Also, be smart about the placement of jack-o-lanterns and other candle pieces; a playful pup or a curious cat could easily knock the candle over or even catch their tail on fire.

Reconsider Pet Costumes: You either love them or you hate them, but one way or another there's no doubt that pet costumes are popular.  If you choose to dress your pet this Halloween, just be sure to pick the outfit that is safe and suitable for your furry friend.  Avoid anything that may be constricting or that would obscure your pet's vision and make him uncomfortable.  Some pets are willing to let their owners dress them up, but if your pet resists or becomes anxious, it's probably best just to leave them be (hey, you can always turn your efforts toward teasing your little brother or sister).

Bring Pets Indoors: It's a good idea to bring your pets indoors on Halloween night for their safety and for your own peace of mind.  Pets can unfortunately become the targets of cruel pranks and inhumane treatment, especially cats.  If your pets are not used to being indoors, or if your own home is bustling with party guests and trick-or-treaters, refer to the next tip below...

Confine Pets: With all of the excitement of Halloween night, your pets are sure to feel a bit anxious and overwhelmed.  Unless your pet is very sociable and well-behaved, you might consider simply crating him for the night or leaving him in a bedroom with plenty of food and water.  You certainly don't want your party guests or little kids at the front door being jumped on or barked at all night.

Check Your Pet's ID: Be sure your pet has his collar and up to date rabies tag with your contact information. With the front door opening every minute to pass out candy, your pet could easily slip out of the house undetected.  If your pet is not already microchipped, ask your veterinarian about that form of identification as well and how it can aid in finding your lost pet.

Walk Pets Early: If you routinely walk your pet every evening, make the necessary adjustments for Halloween night to exercise him a few hours earlier than normal to avoid the increased number of people throughout the neighborhood.

It may be an understatement to describe North Texas weather as variable and unpredictable.  Where else can you experience a white Christmas one year, and 60-70 degrees the following holiday season?

Given the mild temperatures the region has experienced lately, it's worth considering the threat of parasites and your pet's health.  From gastrointestinal upset to complex illnesses or even death, parasite prevention is an important issue for all dogs and cats.

Year-round protection is strongly recommended among many veterinarians in the Dallas/Fort Worth area since temperatures are mild to moderate more often than they are cold or freezing.  The small investment for the preventive medications each month is worth it, too, if they can rid the body of harmful bugs and eliminate more expensive treatment options in the future.

Heartworm disease, for instance, is a major concern and is one of the many illnesses that can be contracted from mosquitoes.  According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.petsandparasites.org), Texas has some of the highest cases of heartworm disease in the country, with over 10,000 heartworm-positive cases recorded in 2009.  This deadly disease can be treated in most cases when detected early enough, but the treatments can be expensive and the time frame for recovery can be lengthy.

Contact your local veterinarian for advice on which preventive products are suitable for your pets.  A number of medications are on the market to fit a variety of budgets and combat most parasites that your dog or cat might encounter.  Some products are parasite-specific, and others work well as all-in-one preventives to protect against heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites.

With the holiday season upon us and everyone's calendars overflowing with special trips and family gatherings, we thought it would be worth discussing pet travel this week.

It's safe to admit with each well-intentioned family excursion that one or more problems can (and will) occur.  If you're taking Fido with you to Grandma's this year, though, you can certainly do your best to plan ahead to ensure the most successful trip possible (even if you're stuck driving cross-country with an Aunt Edna in the back seat).

Traveling with pets can be tricky depending on your destination and mode of transportation, so prepare for the trip well in advance.  Most often, this involves simply packing the essentials for your pet such as food, bedding, toys, and identification.  For some, traveling to another state, flying, or even boating requires a bit more consideration.

If you're driving across state lines or booking a flight for your trip, you will very likely need a health certificate for your pet, a document from your veterinarian declaring that your pet is healthy for travel, current on vaccinations, and free from contagious or communicable diseases.  Check with your airline for specific requirements, and keep your pet's medical records and health certificate with you at all times during your trip.  A domestic health certificate should be fairly easy to obtain from your veterinarian, and they typically are only valid for 10 days; if you are traveling internationally with your pet, the process can be a lot more involved and take several weeks if not months to prepare your pet for travel.

Visit these websites for various travel tips and resources, and please don't hesitate to call our office with any questions you might have.

www.tripswithpets.com
www.petsonthego.com

Taking your pet with you for family visits can be a great and rewarding time for both you and your pet; just be sure you prepare for the trip properly to minimize any headaches and make it the best experience possible.

Just as our bodies experience wear and tear over a lifetime, our brain and our mental abilities suffer from aging as well.  We often attempt to preserve our mental processes with stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, trivia, and memory games.

Our pets are no different, though, and they too can suffer from similar brain deterioration if not stimulated and challenged regularly.  Fluffy may not be able to give us the name of the "1983 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical", but she can certainly engage in other activities that are pet-friendly.

Try some of these brain-boosting activities with you dog or cat to help them stay mentally fit:

"Hunt for Treats": This game is super easy and works great with both dogs and cats that are food-driven.  Instead of giving a treat to your pet right away, simply hide it so they have to search for the reward.  Bury the treat among pillows or toss it into the grass; but make them use their senses to find it.

"Name the Toy": For the pet that has multiple toys to choose from, give each one a clear and concise name and have your pet go to or retrieve just that one.  To begin, use only two toys (a ball and a stuffed animal, for instance) and clear the room of any other distractions.  Tell your pet to "get", "go to", or "fetch" one of the items, direct him in the right direction if needed, and praise him for each successful find.  This game will take some patience, but eventually you can add more and more toys to mix.

"Where Are My Keys?": This game can be quite challenging, but it could also be really impressive to show your friends.  This activity gets your pet involved in your routines, such as leaving for work or getting ready for bed.  Similar to "Name the Toy" above, your pet could ideally help you locate your missplaced keys or your bedtime slippers.  Teach your pet the name of the item as in "Name the Toy", or even rub a tiny amount of peanut butter (or similar treat) onto the item to aid in recognition.  Practice this acitivity repeatedly and praise your pet each time.  Don't forget to take a break every now and then, though, or else both you and your pet will get burned out and tired of the game.

"Find Your Ball": This game is a lot of fun and allows for great creativity.  Similar to "Hunt for Treats", this game takes fetch to another level.  For dogs in particular who are obsessed with their ball, owners will often shout "Find you ball!" or "Where's your ball?" as the dog happily darts throughout the house to find his toy.  Make it interesting and more challenging for your dog, though, by placing the ball in an odd and difficult-to-reach place.  For example, place the ball under a plastic bin or inside a container that your dog has to move or open in order to get the ball.  Use your imagination!  Keep it safe, but make him work for it!

Hopefully these ideas have sparked your creativity to play with your pet and keep his mind engaged.  What are some other games or activities you can think of?

Pleasant weather we've been having lately, isn't it?  As Goldilocks would say - not too hot, not too cold, but just right.  As we approach winter, though, and wait for our first frost, we still need to be on the defensive against warm weather critters, including fleas.

Flea infestations are a big headache and can even pose a threat to your pet's health if not controlled quickly.  If your pet is not already on a monthly flea preventative, we recommend finding a product right away.  Even for pets taking medications, though, fleas may still find ways to intrude, so know what to do if you are faced with a flea infestation so you can protect your pets, your family, and your home.

Myth: I can only see a few fleas on my pet, so it's really not a significant issue if I can just kill those that I see.

Fact: Visible (adult) fleas are only the tip of the iceberg.  You may only see a few fleas on your pet, but thousands of eggs are likely to be present in the immediate environment.

How to Get Rid of Fleas:

• Treat Your Pet:  Topicals and pills such as Frontline® Plus and Comfortis® are most effective.  Flea collars are old technology and are discouraged since they only protect the pet's head and neck area.  You can also bathe your pet with a flea shampoo if desired.  Choose these products carefully, though, as some are species and weight specific.
  
• Wash the Bedding: Plan to spend the day doing some laundry and wash your pet's bedding thoroughly with hot and soapy water.
  
• Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum: Fleas and eggs can find themselves all over the house, including the soft, warm fabrics and fibers of couches, beds, rugs, and carpets.  We all hate to vacuum, but spend the next week or two repeating this chore over and over.  A thorough steam clean of the carpet isn't a bad idea, either.  Better safe than sorry, right?
  
• Treat the Yard: If you're really in the mood to kick some flea butt, then consider treating your yard for these pests as well.  Call your local bug guy for service or suggestions to see what's best and safe enough for your pets and family.  You can also limit the number of cool, dark, humid areas (where fleas like to hang out) by mowing your lawn and pruning some plants; this will allow the sunlight to penetrate more areas to dry out flea hot spots.
  

The Food and Drug Administration is constantly on alert for illegal practices within the pharmaceutical industry, and they urge caution to pet owners as well when buying online.

According to this consumer update (and video below), Internet pharmacies that sell pet prescriptions continue to take advantage of consumers, making false claims and selling non-FDA approved products that could be harmful to your pet.

Use caution when dealing with any type of online pharmacy.  Talk with your veterinarian about medications for your pet, and be sure you are receiving the best products and the right service for your pet's health.

Last week we discussed Emergency Preparedness Month.  We will continue to focus on emergency situations this week thanks to a recent PetPlace article about common pet emergencies and ER visits.

The most common cases seen at veterinary emergency rooms include vomiting and gastrointestinal upsets, according to the article.  Of course other situations can occur with much more serious trauma and more urgent circumstances.

Whatever the case may be, make sure you are prepared to handle these types of emergencies and know what to expect.

Where to Go: In this immediate area (Frisco, Plano, McKinney) the Emergency Animal Hospital of Collin County offers the nearest after-hours care at Custer and Highway 121.

What to Bring: Having copies of your pet's medical history can allow the veterinary staff to perform the best treatment possible.  At the very least, know what medications your pet is currently taking.

Financial Preparation: Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing that an emergency can occur and being prepared for the expenses associated with it.  Set aside some money each month for a "pet fund", or consider buying pet insurance to help cover the costs of emergency and other veterinary expenses.  For more information about pet insurance, check out Pets Best or VPI Pet Insurance.

Welcome to the Animal Care Centre blog!

Although we are nearing the end of September, we still would like to mention that this month is National Preparedness Month.  Is your family prepared to face a natural disaster such as flooding, a tornado, or even a simple power outage?  Have you taken into account the needs of your pets and how you will ensure their comfort and well-being during a crisis?

Every family should have an emergency kit and disaster plan that can quickly and easily be put to use should the need arise.  Discuss with your family possible evacuation routes out of your home, meeting places, and alternative shelters where both you and your pets can stay.

Gather all the necessary items for your emergency kit including:

• First aid kits (for you and your pets)
  
• Food and water (with bowls for pets)
  
• Extra clothing and blankets if needed
  
• Carriers, leashes, and collars
  
• ID and medical records (again for both you and your pets)
  
• Other items such as batteries and medications

Follow this audio link from the AVMA for some additional tips from Dr. Henderson on how you can keep your family (both two-legged and four-legged) as safe as can be during a disaster.

The most important thing to remember: HAVE A PLAN!