By Dr. Norette L. Underwood

 

It’s important to know which products are beneficial and safe for your pet. To simplify the product clutter, I have prepared a sampling of new, innovative products…but this is ONLY a short list!

 

 

The ever growing pet product market ranges from fashion to fun, exercise to IQ puzzles, gourmet pet foods and treats….and everything in between. 

These products are available on-line pet specialty sites, at pet boutiques and superstores... even the neighborhood groomer is likely to have a pet product line tempting you. 

 

In considering which new products to purchase, it’s important to evaluate what your pet will enjoy, if the product provides healthy fun activity and the value to your pocketbook.  Here’s a look at some innovative products by major categories.  And remember this is a very abbreviated list!

 

EXERCISE AND  PLAY  products are dually beneficial.  Look for pet-engaging toys with healthful options such as the following products:

1)   The Hydro Freeze® family of toys.  This toy product group provides hours of dog-chewing, fetching fun while simultaneously hydrating the dog.  The award winning HydroBone® is now being joined by their new HydroBall® and HydroSaucer®.

 

2)   If your pet needs more exercise than you have time, check out the DogTread® treadmill.

3)    

4)   Fat cat makes a great tough toy that you can use plastic water bottles in.  Great fetching and chew toy.

5)    

6)    Let your pet go wild with the Bubble Buddy®!  This bubble blower, specially designed for dogs, uses SCENTED bubbles…like chicken or bacon!  Just sit back...blow the bubbler…and let the dog exercise while chasing those tasty bubbles!

 

7)   For those tough pups, try Kong’s Wubba…specially designed for durability and keeping your pup entertained!

 

BOREDOM or BEHAVIOR ISSUES can be positively handled if you have the right product.

 

8)   The ThunderShirt® has a calming effect on the pet’s nervous system and has proven successful for that anxious canine, especially during summer storms.

 

9)   Felines are not forgotten either when it comes to good therapeutic products!  Cats that suffer from cabin fever, can safely enjoy the outdoors in their Kritter Kondo®.         This easy-to- set up enclosure gives the cat a fun way to enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.

 

 

10)             A great indoor cat product is the eco-friendly cathouse system®.  These cardboard kitty play houses are foldable, stackable and changeable and they provide hours of play fun for indoor cats.

 

NUTRITION AND FEEDING PRODUCTS. You can even find innovation on the pet food aisle!

 

11)             Award winning and very popular KONG®  continues  to introduce new toys for dogs and cats. Their new KONG Wobbler® dispenses food while providing entertainment too.  And now KONG® has come out with KONG Stuffin’®- a pepperoni-paste filler for the KONG toys!

 

12)             New pet food diets are released almost every week.  We strongly advise everyone to consult with your veterinarian to find the right food for your pet!

 

13)             Veterinarians know the importance of fresh water…so much so that a veterinarian invented the fresh-flowing Drinkwell Water Fountain® system for cats and dogs.

 

14)             And grooming has never been easier with products like FURminator®, the ultimate pet shedder too.

 

TRAVEL & SAFETY PRODUCTS. Today more folks are traveling with their pets, and there are many great travel and safety products available.  There’s everything from GPS collars for tracking that wayward pet to cute pet themed totes, safety belts, and of course—haute couture for the pet traveler. Fun travel products are sure to add charm to Fido’s adventures.

 

With so many new and great pet products in the marketplace, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.  Key things to look for include: Award winning designations, American- made, Eco-friendly, and of course veterinarian endorsed products.  Other important factors to consider when selecting the right products are your pet’s age, agility, and interests.

 

With a little research on-line or through your veterinarian, you’re sure to become an educated pet product consumer…and a real hero to your pet too!

 

To learn more about popular pet products, visit the Pet Library at www.PetDocsOnCall.com.

Some of the most common problems encountered during the holidays are listed below.  Please help keep your pet safe and healthy this season.

1. Outside Injuries - Many people get busy during the holidays and the biggest problem with cats and dogs is they "escape". Indoor cats see an open door left by company and they go out. Sometimes they hide, which can lead to a frantic hunt for a lost cat. The other tragic thing that can happen is a car can hit them. PLEASE be really careful by doors if you have indoor cats. If you have cats or dogs that like to try to get out - shut them in a room until the company leaves.

2. Electrocution - All the extra wires, lights and tree lights around the home lead to wires and extensions cords in different places. That's awfully attractive for a curious kitten or puppy and adult pet that enjoy nibbling on things. Pets that play with and chew on these wires can become electrocuted.  The effects are quite sudden and severe; I've seen several dogs and cats that have barely survived an electrocution, and several more that did not. Keep electrical cords hidden and invest in rugs or special guards to hide wires.

3. Tree related accidents - Many homes have a beautiful holiday tree that is full of potential danger. Some pets knock over the tree (I've seen soft tissue damage and fractures), biting and chewing glass ornaments (causing lacerations on the foot pads or in the mouth) or even worse - eating presents. Some of the presents under the tree look like toys. The most dangerous thing is when cats or dogs eat tinsel or ribbon from gifts. The ribbon on the packages can cause a life threatening bowel obstruction.

These "problems" are all preventable if you take care and monitor your pet. Be careful around the tree.  Keep them on a leash, don't give your pet any people foods and don't let him get into the trash. 

Have a safe Christmas season.

 

Despite warnings from family veterinarians and experts in the media, many pet owners are still unsure about what is, and is not safe for their pets during the holiday season.

 

Most species of lilies, including tiger, Asiatic, stargazer, day and Easter lilies are deadly to cats.  In some cases, a small amount of pollen or even one leaf can cause sudden kidney failure.

 

Christmas cactus and Christmas (English) holly can cause significant damage to the stomach and GI tract of dogs and cats.   Death is not usually reported, but it’s best to keep these plants out of reach.

 

Liquid potpourris can cause chemical burns to the mouths of pets.  Cats appear to be more sensitive, but fevers, respiratory difficulty and tremors can be seen in both dogs and cats.

 

The most dangerous foods at this time of year are:  chocolates and cocoa, sugarless gum/candies containing Xylitol®, fatty meat scraps and yeast bread dough.

 

Some common holiday myths include the dangers of Poinsettias.  These plants are not as toxic as urban legend describes.  The sticky white sap can be an irritant to mouth parts or skin, but serious poisonings are almost unknown.

 

Another myth is that mistletoe is toxic.  American mistletoe (the kind we use for Christmas parties) is not very toxic, generally causing mild stomach upset.  Its cousin, European mistletoe is more toxic and causes more problems.

 

This often derided gift – Fruit Cake - is actually quite dangerous to our pets.  Grapes, raisins and currants are common ingredients and these have been implicated in kidney failure in dogs. 

 

Also, many fruit cakes have been soaked in rum or other alcohols making it doubly dangerous to pets.  Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the pet’s bloodstream causing drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature.

 

Finally, many people think Christmas decorations are generally safe.  Unfortunately, some pets, especially cats, are attracted to long, string like objects, including garland, tinsel and ribbons.  Although the decorations are not poisonous, they can be ingested and that is where they can cause serious problems.

 

These “linear (or string) foreign bodies” can get stuck in the pet’s stomach or intestines and slowly saw through the tissue causing a potentially fatal infection of the abdomen.  Surgery is the only treatment.

 

Play it safe with your pets this holiday season.  Keep dangerous items out of reach, secure trash cans and do a “pet proofing” walk through of your home.  While decorations are out, try your best to either keep an eye on your pets, or keep them kenneled to prevent exposure to these festive, yet potentially dangerous things. 

 

If you have any questions about the potential dangers of holiday plants, decorations or foods, contact your veterinary office for answers.

Thanks to Pet Poison Helpline for these holiday safety ideas.

Dear animal friends and their owners, Trumann Animal Clinic will be closed Saturday 24 thru Monday the 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, December 27 at 8:00 am. If you have an emergency please call 870-483-6275. Have a safe and happy holiday, The Doctors and Staff of Trumann Animal Hospital

We are starting an online holiday photo contest. There will be 2 categories Cutest and most Holiday spirit. So please post your pics and let the fun begin!! Dr. U

 

Check it out on our FaceBook www.facebook.com/pages/Trumann-Animal-Clinic/99349578763