How to protect your pets during freezing temperatures

To say it's cold out there is an understatement!  With wind chills in the sub-zero range it is dangerous for people as well as animals.  Protecting your pets from the elements is extremely important and can be a matter of life or death.  Here are some tips:

1.  Bring your pets inside! This is the best case scenario.  Limit your pet's time outdoors to quick potty breaks and put them in a sweater if they tolerate it.  If your pet cannot come indoors, at least put them in an insulated garage with warm, dry bedding.

2.  If you cannot bring your pet inside provide adequate shelter:  Provide an insulated shelter such as a doggloo or well made doghouse.  Make sure that it is elevated a few inches off the ground and faces away from the wind.  Also, cover the opening with a water-proof flap like plastic or burlap and fill with STRAW.   Hay or blankets can get wet and moldy.

3.  Make sure outdoor water bowls are thawed! Frequently check water bowls and break ice as needed.  Also be sure to use a plastic bowl as it doesn't freeze as quickly and wet tongues can't stick to the plastic.

4.  Protect against frostbite and chemical burns from ice melt products.  Be sure to shovel around dog houses and walkways to keep paws from being snow-packed and frost bitten. Wipe paws when they come inside and use pet-safe ice melt products.  Many can cause burning and irritation or be harmful if ingested.

5.  Bang on your car's hood before starting it.  Many outdoor cats will seek refuge in the warmth from your vehicle's engine so be sure they have time to escape.

6.  Keep your pets well groomed.  A clean, well groomed coat will help keep pets insulated.  However, try not to shave hair down to the skin during winter months.  Also, if you give your pets a bath make sure their coat is completely dry before allowing them to go outside.

7.  Don't leave pets in the car!  It can be just as dangerous to leave pets in cars in the winter as it is in the summer.  In the cold your car can act like a refrigerator and won't offer any protection from the cold.

8.  Keep rodenticides out of your home.   During the winter mice want to seek refuge in your home and it is tempting to use rat poisons to help control them.  The best advice is to not use them at all.  These poisons are just as tasty to your pets as they are to the rodents and can be fatal if ingested.  Even if you think that you are keeping them out of reach, some determined and resourceful dogs can still find ways to get to them.  Also rats and mice can drag the poisons out and into the reach of your pets.   Finally, your pet can ingest the toxins by eating a rodent that's already eaten the poison.   Use live traps instead and eliminate their food source by keeping crumbs cleaned up and pantry foods stored in mouse-proof containers.

Finally, if you see a pet in your neighborhood that isn't being properly cared for in the weather contact your local Animal Control or sheriff's office.  Report what you see and note the date, time, location and description of the animal. Also, respectfully follow up with the animal control agency a few days later if the situation isn't remedied.

Stay warm everybody!  

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T

Kutter Pet Care Center

Including Your Pet in Your New Year's Resolutions

It's New Year's Eve a time to look back on the year in review and to look forward to 2014.  If you are like many people and making resolutions for yourself try including your pets!

Commit to More Exercise: An easy way to bump up physical activity is to commit to daily dog walks. It’s less easy to skip daily activity when that sweet pup is expecting his evening walk.  Also, Wichita offers a few dog parks that you and your pooch and visit for a game of fetch.  If you have a cat, invest in a laser pointer or cat nip toys in get them moving.

Shed Those Extra Pounds: Weight loss is a popular goal this time of year, but being overweight isn’t just a problem for people. For pet parents with an overweight canine or feline companion, getting rid of those extra pounds is a great resolution. Owners can help their pet achieve a healthy weight by encouraging activity, giving out fewer treats and following their vet’s weight loss advice.

Resolve Not to Skip the Vet: Annual Veterinary exams contribute to the overall wellness of a pet. An annual checkup makes it possible for health conditions to be addressed early on, ensures that a pet’s vaccinations always remain up-to-date, and provides an excellent opportunity for owners to speak with a vet about any questions or concerns they have regarding their pet’s health.

Help Animals in Need: People can experience a big boost in their own mood from doing something good for others. Volunteering or donating at a local animal shelter such as the Kansas Humane Society is a great way for animal lovers to feel better about themselves in 2014.

If Quitting Smoking Isn't One of Your Resolutions, Resolve to Smoke Outside:  Everyone is aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke for people but did you know that it is just as harmful to your pet?  In addtion to respiratory problems, second-hand smoke can increase your pet's chances of getting cancer.

WE AT KUTTER PET CARE CENTER WISH EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY 2014!

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T
Kutter Pet Care Center

Does my pet really need a teeth cleaning?

So your Veterinarian recommended a dental cleaning.  Naturally, you're a little curious and apprehensive.  We understand!  Hopefully this post can answer some of your questions.  In the human world, teeth cleanings are recommended every 6 months and that's with us brushing and flossing twice daily.  Imagine not ever brushing your teeth and never having a professional cleaning...yuck!  Teeth cleanings, otherwise known in the Veterinary world simply as dentals, are medical procedures done under general anesthesia. During this procedure the teeth and mouth are thoroughly examined, the teeth are ultrasonically and hand scaled to remove plaque and then polished.  Also loose and infected teeth can be extracted.

Dentals are not just cosmetic!  While your pet will get whiter teeth and fresher breath, there are so many more benefits.  Removing bacteria-laden plague will prevent or slow down the 4 stages of periodontal disease which can cause pain and tooth loss.  Also, if your pet has a loose or infected tooth, removing it will eliminate any pain.   Additionally, plaque, when left unchecked can cause serious heart and kidney damage.

Anesthesia is a must!  In order to safely scale and polish your pet's teeth, they must be under anesthesia.     Many pet owners are afraid to have their pet's teeth cleaned because of this.  While any kind of anesthetic procedure has risks, complications are few and far between and we do everything we can to make it as safe as possible.  While they are under, your pet with be intubated to prevent aspiration of fluids and have access to the airway in case of emergency.  Also monitoring equipment is used to ensure safety. 

Some groomers will advertise anesthesia-free cleanings but a bit of advice:  Don't do it!  They use sharp hand-scaling instruments that can cut or cause injury to the gums.  Also this procedure only removes the plaque that is above the gum line; it's the plaque that's below the gum line that causes the periodontal disease.  Also, by scaling without polishing they create microgrooves on the tooth surface that allow plaque to build faster than before. Because of this many states have already banned this dangerous procedure.

Dental cleanings are great for prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.  If your veterinarian has recommended this procedure, they have your pet's best interest in mind.

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T
Kutter Pet Care Center 

Why does cold weather cause my pet's joints to be stiff?

Chilly temperatures can cause aging pets to be stiff in the joints and discourage them from normal activities that they enjoy.  If your pet seems slow getting up, limps, is sleeping more, or eating less a trip to the Veterinarian could be in order.  During your pet's exam the doctor will determine the cause and discuss treatment plans with you.  

Osteoarthritis is the most commonly diagnosed cause of cold weather stiffness.  We offer several treatment options including:

• Supplements- Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used.  We offer Joint Flex chews- a tasty supplement that your dog will think is a treat
• Anti-inflammatories- Over the counter pain medications for humans are NOT safe for pets.  Your Veterinarian can prescribe a pet-safe medication. 
• Dietary-  Hill's Prescription diet J/D is a food that contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, a natural anti-inflammatory to alleviate pain
• Laser Therapy-  Using a special type of laser light, it decreases inflammation and encourages the healing process
• Chondroprotec Injections:  A series of injections to stimulate regeneration of cartilage tissues.

How can you help your pet at home?

• Make sure your pet is at a healthy weight.  Even slightly overweight pets can suffer greater chances of joint pain.  Our staff can help you determine a weight loss plan that works for your pet. 
• Keep your pet warm.  Allow older pets to be indoors when the temperature drops.
• Provide soft, warm bedding.
• Slick floors are hard for your older pets to get around on.  Provide mats and area rugs to help them get traction.

TOGETHER WITH HELP FROM YOUR VETERINARIAN YOU CAN HELP MAKE YOUR DOG'S WINTER SEASON ENJOYABLE AND PAIN-FREE!

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Cats and Other Holiday Quandries

The Holidays are fast approaching and many folks have already begun celebrating.  This can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous time for your pets.   Suddenly our homes are filled with strange new objects and visitors.  There are many new sights and smells that a curious pet can get into trouble with.  When making your holiday plans, be sure to keep your pet in mind.

• Yuletide plants such as Holly and Poinsettias, while not toxic, can still occasionally cause mild G.I. upset if ingested.  The best rule of thumb is to try to keep them out of reach to curious nibblers.
• Having guests over for parties or relatives over to stay can be stressful.  Make sure that your pet has a place to retreat if frightened.  Also keeping pets in a kennel or small room away from the activity can prevent accidents like escaping from a frequently opened door.
• Cats sometimes can't resist chewing on cords which can lead to possible electrocution.  Make sure to keep cords covered and/or out or reach.
• The Holidays are a time to indulge in all sorts of yummy treats but make sure they are out of your pet's reach.  Every December Veterinary clinics have an increase in pets that come in for things like chocolate ingestion and pancreatitis.  Don't let your pet be one of them! 
• When wrapping gifts make sure your kitty cannot get into the ribbons!  Due to the barbs in a cat's tongue they cannot help but to swallow string when they chew on it which can cause serious bowel obstructions. 
  

The Staff at Kutter Pet Care wish you a safe and Happy Holidays!

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T.

Kutter Pet Care Center 

Can pets get fleas in the winter?

It is a common misconception that pets cannot get fleas in the winter time and therefore, many pet owners are taking their pets off of their monthly flea preventatives.  Here in the Midwest, it is especially important to keep you pet on year-round parasite prevention.

• Treating fleas only in the Summer makes it difficult to prevent initial infestations.  Once fleas are noted, they have already produced thousands of eggs in your home.  These eggs will hatch out in the months to come and your pet will need a preventative to kill these new fleas.
• Due to changing climatic conditions, flea and tick "season" also is changing.   Milder winters means thriving flea and tick populations.  
• Fleas can live inside homes no matter how cold it is outside! 
• Many of our staff and clients reported seeing ticks and mosquitoes in January of last year!!!  

Be sure to purchase a your flea preventatives from your veterinarian.  They will be able to recommend the right product for your pet and unlike stores, they will have manufacturer guarantees. 

-Amanda Ward, R.V.T.

Kutter Pet Care Center 

What are those white worms in my pet's poop?

                                                                                                                                                                      

WHAT ARE THOSE WHITE WORMS IN

MY PET'S POOP??????????

  

They’re creepy, they’re gross, and they are coming from your beloved pet!  If you see worms in your pet’s stool, or around his bottom it could be:

TAPEWORMS:  The most common sighting.  They look like either dried pieces of rice stuck to the fur around the anus or small (less than 1 inch) worms that change shape (either rounded or elongated).  These are actually segments of the tapeworm called proglottids that break off and get passed in the stool.  The causes of tapeworms are either from flea infestation or by ingestion of infected rodents.  They are diagnosed by observation and treatment is by prescription.  To prevent re-infestation, keep your pet on a veterinary flea preventative.

Tapeworm proglottids

MAGGOTS:  If you are seeing small white worms only on the stool outside during the summer, they are most likely maggots.  Flies lay their eggs on the feces and they hatch out into maggots within a day’s time.  While tapeworms are smooth and solid in color, you can see black ends and segmented bodies in maggots. Your pet does not require treatment but it might be helpful to make sure stool is picked up daily in the summer. 

ROUNDWORMS:  If you see long, spaghetti-like worms in your pet’s feces, they could be roundworms.  These are diagnosed by observation or by a microscopic fecal test.  Treatment is available by prescription.  To prevent re-infestation keep your pet on a year-round heartworm preventative that includes intestinal parasite control. 

Roundworms

It’s never pleasant to describe or discuss finding these parasites but it’s important to get your pet checked by its Veterinarian.  While intestinal parasites are easy to treat, they can cause serious health problems if left unchecked. 

 -Amanda Ward, R.V.T.

Kutter Pet Care Center