Golden Valley - Brookview and Greenbrier Animal Hospitals - We Care!Golden Valley-Brookview & Greenbrier Animal Hospitals Title
 
We Care For Your Pet

Pet Care Tips From Past Months

May 2010: View Tips as a PDF

Regular Checkups
Experts recommend twice-yearly vet visits for most pets.

Diet
Probably the most important thing you can do is make sure your pet has a balanced diet. Experts recommend two meals a day, but work with your vet to determine the right food and correct portions for your pet.

Grooming
Regular grooming will actually keep your pet healthy because it deters the build up of dirt and oil that can lead to secondary infections. Trimming nails once a month and cleaning ears is also important. As well, check every few weeks for plaque build up and bleeding gums.

December 2008: View Tips as a PDF

Keep Your Holidays Happy and Healthy
While you’re out getting gifts and decorations for the holiday season keep in mind some of these items can be harmful to your pet. Observing these few tips can keep your holidays joyful.

  • Ribbon: Placing a ribbon around Fluffy’s neck may look adorable, however, it can be a choking hazard, or if swallowed, can cause internal problems. If a bow is a must, make sure that it is loose enough that you can fit at least one finger under the ribbon and take it off as soon as possible.
  • Holiday Plants: Try to avoid bringing Christmas Rose, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe into the house. These plants are toxic to both dogs and cats. Poinsettias can also be poisonous.
  • Christmas Tree Water: Many animals will crawl under the tree to get a drink, however, the stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested. A tree skirt is one simple way to hide temptation from curious little eyes.
  • Ornaments: Cats and dogs enjoy playing with ornaments but they can cause serious injury if they’re broken or swallowed. Shatter-resistant ornaments are a good substitution.
  • Tinsel: Tinsel may look nice on your tree, however, it can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed. It’s better to use garland in households with cats or puppies.

September 2008: View Tips as a PDF

Keep Your Loved Ones Comfortable and Healthy
Even though the weather is getting cooler outside and your four-legged family members want to join you on more trips, please remember that it is too hot for them to stay in your car unattended. Even with the windows open, the temperature inside your car will rise 10 degrees for every 10 minutes it sits. This means that if you leave your pet in the car for 30 minutes on a 90 degree day, the inside of your car could be as hot as 120 degrees!