I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

P E T H E A L T H

L I B R A R Y

2

N E X G A R D 2

H O L I D A Y P H O T O S /

P E T F O O D D R I V E 3

H O L I D A Y H O U R S /

C L I N I C N O T E S 3

N O V E M B E R D E N T A L

S P E C I A L 4

With the upcoming holidays, it is important

to realize there are some holiday pet haz-

ards to be aware of. In order to have a hap-

py holiday season, certain precautions

should be taken.

Decorations are commonly ingested by

pets, so try to put them out of reach. Hang

garland or other ornaments high enough the

pets can't jump to grab them. A trick to keep

dogs away from the tree is to place the tree

in a child's playpen or dog's exercise pen.

Tinsel is one of the most dangerous deco-

ration as it actually cuts through the intes-

tine when ingested and is hard to diagnose

on radiographs. Symptoms of foreign body

ingestion are vomiting, lethargy, decreased

appetite, and poor water consumption.

Both dogs and cats have been known to

chew on extension and power cords.. This

can cause symptoms ranging from burns to

the tongue and lips to death from pulmo-

nary edema (fluid in the lungs causing diffi-

culty breathing). A tip to help avoid this

problem is to hide the cords in hard plastic

PVC pipes where possible. Also you can

spray a bitter tasting substance, such as

Bitter Apple, on the cords to dissuade them

from chewing on these dangerous wires.

Holiday time usually involves family din-

ners with rich food and relatives who may

not understand that feeding the dog table

food can cause severe problems. Veterinari-

ans see many cases of pancreatitis in dogs

around the holidays from eating meat or

other fatty foods. Pancreatitis is an inflam-

mation of the pancreas that can be mild to

severe. Symptoms are vomiting and diar-

rhea, a painful ab-

domen, lethargy

and a lack of ap-

petite. The treat-

ment for pancrea-

titis is generally

hospitalization

with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

Certain plants associated with the holi-

days can be toxic to pets. Poinsettias can

cause irritation of the mouth and stomach

to cats and dogs. Additionally, holly can

cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.

Mistletoe is very toxic, causing vomiting

and diarrhea, cardiovascular collapse, trou-

ble breathing, low heart rate, and low blood

pressure.

A great resource for inquiries of what is

toxic, the degree of toxicity, and proper

treatment, is the ASPCA Animal Poison

Center. Veterinarians with specialties in

toxicology are on staff 24 hours a day, sev-

en days a week to answer your questions.

Their phone number is 1-888-426-4435.

There is no state or federal funding for this

poison control center so there is a consul-

tation fee. You can also visit their website

at http://www.aspca.org for helpful infor-

mation.

H O L I D A Y H A Z A R D S

O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5

A S P C A

A N I M A L

P O I S O N

C O N T R O L

C E N T E R

24 Hours Day/

365 Days Year

P E T H E A L T H L I B R A R Y

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Please check out the new, extensive “Pet Health Library” on our website.

Here you have access to hundreds of articles on all aspects of pet care, in-

cluding conditions, diseases, treatments, medications, etc. You can easily

search for handouts and articles written by veterinary professionals, based

on topics, species or breed. This is a valuable, trusted resource for infor-

mation regarding your pet. However, this information should not be used in

place of seeing your regular veterinarian.

To access the library, simply visit www.allcreaturesanimalcl.com and

choose “Pet Health Library” under the “Pet Education” tab on the main page.

N E X G A R D

NexGard is a new product by Merial, the makers of Frontline. It is the first chew that offers protection against both

fleas and the American dog tick. It contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, in a palatable beef flavored chew, which

kills fleas by over-stimulating their nervous system. It is not unusual for fleas to become more visible on a pet after ad-

ministering NexGard due to this overstimulation. NexGard provides

100% flea kill within 24 hours of administration and continues to

work for a full 30 days.

An advantage of NexGard over previous topical products is that

pets can be bathed or swim after dosing without any effect on the

product. NexGard’s oral administration is also an advantage for pet

owners who have dogs and cats as there is no chance of exposure

through contact. However, care must be taken to make sure that

the product is not ingested by cats as NexGard is for dogs, weighing

at least 4 pounds, only. Talk to our staff today if you think this prod-

uct suits your pet’s lifestyle and your needs.

For a limited time, get your first dose of Nexgard FREE!

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C L I N I C N O T E S

Looking for a great holiday gift for a pet lover? Ask us

about an All Creatures Gift Certificate!

It is our policy to require 24 hour notice on all medica-

tion refills. Please be aware of when your pet is nearing

the end of their supply, so that we can be alerted in

time to prevent any lapse in medications. If you need a

refill from a secondary source (i.e. compounding phar-

macy, 1-800-PetMeds, Walgreens), please contact

them. They will fax us a request which the doctor will

review and fax back at the earliest convenience (within

24 hours). Additionally, please make sure you pay at-

tention to prescription labels for reminders of lab work

or rechecks required before the next refill. Your under-

standing and cooperation with this matter is appreciat-

ed.

If you love your care and service at All Creatures,

please refer a friend. When they provide your name

during their first visit, your account will be credited

$25! As a welcome, they will also receive $25 off

their first visit!

Some medications may be available through a

“human” pharmacy. If you are interested in this op-

tion, please discuss with the veterinarian.

OUR HOLIDAY HOURS

Thursday, November 26: CLOSED

Thursday, December 24: 7:30 — 12:00

Friday, December 25: CLOSED

Saturday, December 26: CLOSED

Thursday, December 31: 7:30—12:00

Friday, January 1: CLOSED

December 1 - December 31 Help us in helping the needy pets throughout the community, by

donating pet food during the holiday season.

Bring in at least 10 cans or 1 bag of pet food and

receive a $10 credit on your account!*

*Limit one $10 credit per account

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE Join us on Saturday,

November 21 from

10am– 1pm for

holiday pet photos,

provided by

GreenScreen

Entertainment!

Photos are $10.

A USB with your photo is

available for an extra $7.

*CASH ONLY*

*All pets must be brought in on

a leash or in a carrier*

RECEIVE $50 OFF A DENTAL

CLEANING IN NOVEMBER! Call now to make an appointment – Spots are filling up quickly!