Mercersburg Veterinary Clinic Inc.

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WINTER’s COLD AIR BRINGS MANY CONCERNS FOR  responsible dog owners.  Keep the following precautions in mind:

 

·         Don’t leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time.  Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings.  Be attentive to your dog’s body temperature, and limit its time outdoors.

 

·         Adequate shelter is a necessity.  Keep your dog warm, dry, and away from drafts.  Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold, so make sure to place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

 

·         Groom your dog regularly.  Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated.  Short or coarse haired dogs may get extra cold, so consider a sweater or coat.  Long-haired dogs should have excess hair around the toes and foot pads trimmed to ease snow removal and cleaning.  If you do the trimming, take care not to cut the pads or other delicate areas of the foot.

 

·         Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal.  It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary.  Provide plenty of fresh water.  Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer.  Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

 

·         Towel or blow-dry your dot if it gets wet from rain or snow.  It is important to dry and clean its paws, too.  This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads.  A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.

 

·         Don’t leave your dog alone in a car.  If the car engine is left on, the carbon monoxide will endanger your dog’s life.  If the engine is off, the temperature in the car will get too cold.

 

·         Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and roadways, is poisonous.  Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, it can be lethal.

 

·         Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate foot pads.  Be sure to rinse and dry your dog’s feet after a walk.

 

·         Be very careful of supplemental heat sources.  Fireplaces and portable heaters can severely burn your dog.  Make sure all fireplaces have screens, and keep portable heaters out of reach.

 

Courtesy of American Kennel Club

www.akc.org

 

Companion Therapy Laser

Drug free, surgery-free, pain-free relief: For Your Pets!

 

What will the application of laser therapy do for my pet?

Simply put, it provides RELIEF

 

Rehabilitation

The Companion Therapy Laser System will allow your pet to heal faster after surgery or any traumatic injury.

Energize

Eases pain and improves mobility without the use of pharmaceuticals.

Life Enhancement

By providing the geriatric animal with laser therapy, their quality of life improves and your companion of younger years returns.

Immunity

Scientific studies have shown that the application of the Companion Therapy Laser boosts your pets immune system.

Effectiveness

Effective against chronic problems such as lick ganulomas and chronic ear infections that are otherwise difficult to resolve.

Fast Acting

Upon application, the decrease in inflammation and pain is instantaneous.

 

 

The Companion Therapy Laser helps heal:

Arthritis

Degenerative Joint Disease

Hip Disease

Numerous Skin Conditions

Post surgical pain relief

Ear infections

Wound healing

Gingivitis

Insect bites/stings

Lacerations/ Abrasions

Cystitis

Burns

And much more…

 

We at the Mercersburg Veterinary Clinic are very concerned about pain management in pets.  Because of this concern we added Laser Surgery many years ago to decrease pain from our surgeries.  In keeping with this theme in our clinic, we have added the latest technology for joint and soft tissue pain problems, the Companion Therapy Laser.  This Laser reduces swelling in joints and soft tissues which dramatically reduces pain caused by pressure.  Treatments last 3-6 minutes per site and require no anesthesia.  Your pet will be very comfortable as this laser produces only slight warmth in the inflamed tissue.  Laser Therapy for chronic conditions can require up to 5 or 6 treatments to get your pet to a very comfortable situation.  Booster treatments are then required every 4 to 8 weeks afterwards to maintain the reduced pain.

 

Is your pet is a candidate for this therapy?  Please call our staff, or talk to our veterinarian about this technology.

 

Thanks to Companion Therapy Laser for the info provided!

 

 

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Traveling with your pet….
  • When traveling by car you need to determine if your pet is comfortable riding in a car. To determine how comfortable your pet is, start by taking him/her on short rides.
  • Note: If your pet does not ride well, boarding your pet is best.  Remember to contact the boarding facility for reservations and regulations including required vaccines.

 

The safest way to transport your pet while driving…

  • Dogs – Use a carrier that is well ventilated and out of the direct sun or you can use a car approved safety harness.
  • Cats – Always use a carrier that is well ventilated and out of the direct sun to avoid accidents such as cats under your feet.

 

Leaving your pets in a parked car….

  • Never leave your pet in a parked car during warm months.  Temperatures in a parked car can rise to over 100 degrees in a few minutes. Heat and insufficient circulation can lead to heat stroke, suffocation and even death.
  • Brachycephalic (short nosed) dogs do not expel heat as efficiently as other dogs so they become a greater risk for heat stroke.
  • There are products on the market to help with heat such as crate dishes for water, crate fans and covers to resist heat but allows air movement.  Even though these products are available it is still recommended to never leave your pet in a parked car during warm months.

 

Signs of Heat Stroke and what to do….

Taking these simple measures can make a big difference for your pet. If your pet reaches a body temperature of 104 degrees F or above you will most likely see signs of potential heat stroke.  Watch for these signs;

 

  • Extreme panting
  • Labored breathing
  • Gums or eye membranes become a bright red
  • Highly fatigued
  • Possible collapse and unconsciousness
  • Potential seizures

 

If any of these signs are presented, get your pet out of the heat immediately and into the shade.  Use cool wet towels to bring down his/her temperature.  If possible, place him in a tub of cool (NOT COLD) water.  Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Heat stroke is very serious and should be considered an emergency.

 

More traveling tips….

  • Always use a leash before letting your dog out of a car.
  • Have proper identification on your pet.
  • Avoid long exposure to hot pavement.
  • Provide fresh drinking water.
  • Feed your pet 3 hours prior to travel to decrease digestive upset.
  • If traveling by air, contact the airline for regulations for pet travel including required vaccines.
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