How to Make Your Veterinary Visit Easier For You (And Your Pet)

Veterinary checkups are an important part of preventative healthcare.  They give us the opportunity to catch health problems early on, and ensure that your pet is living the healthiest life that it can. 

However, we know that your pets don't always want to make the trip to visit us.  The change in scenery can sometimes be overwhelming.  These tips will help make your next veterinary visit go smoothly!

Tips for a Smooth Vet Visit:

• Make Traveling Comfortable - Let your pet feel comfortable in their travel carrier.  Leave your carrier in your home and let your pet explore the area and feel comfortable inside of it. When you do travel in the car, your pet will know that it's in a space place.
• Bring Medical Records - If you haven't visited our office before, bring your medical records with you.  You can also have your previous vet send or fax the records over to our office.
• Know Medications Your Pet Needs- If your pet is taking any medications or supplements, know how often they take them and how much.  This will help ensure that your pet receives proper, consistent treatment moving forward.
• Ask Plenty of Questions - Don't be afraid to ask questions!  We're here to answer any questions that you have about your pet's health needs.  While you're int he office, get all of your questions out of the way -- no matter how strange you think they are.

Reunion Veterinary Hospital is designed with your cat's needs in mind.  Our cat-friendly veterinary hospital provides your cat with a relaxing and comfortable place for their health care needs.  

Contact us to schedule your next visit!

New Year Resolutions For Your Pets

Have you thought about your New Year's resolutions?  There is no better time to commit to improving your pet care than the new year.  Here are a few resolutions that will help keep your pet healthy through 2016!

Resolutions for Pets:

• Measure Pet Food - It's easy to overfeed your pets.  Use an 8-ounce measuring cup to help make sure that your pet isn't taking in more calories than they need.
• Try a New Activity - Incorporate your pet into your exercise routine.  This it's a great way to bond and its a great way to make sure that you and your pet stay healthy.
• Visit the Vet - Yearly examinations are an important part of making sure that your pet is happy and healthy year-round.  During a visit, we can help address any medical conditions early on.
• Groom Your Pet - Brushing your pet doesn't just help them look nice.  It also removes excess fur from the coat and distributes healthy oils from the skin to the fur. 
• Brush Their Teeth - Does your pet have smelly breath?  Regular cleanings are a great way to keep your pet's teeth in good shape long into their senior years.  Use a small pet-friendly toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup.

Check out this article for more ideas for pet resolutions!

If you have any questions about how to care for your pets in the New Year, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs.

Make Sure Your Christmas Tree is Cat Proof

Are your holiday decorations cat-proof?  Sparkling decorations can attract your pets attention.  Here are a few tips to help you keep your Christmas tree in tact through the holidays.

Christmas Tree Tips:

• Create a Cat Tree - Make your cat a tree of his or her own!  Make sure that it's is secured down with twine to prevent it from toppling.  Use cat-friendly decorations like catnip mice, kitty treats or soft cat toys.
• Avoid Fertilizer - If you have a live tree, don't add fertilizer or preservatives to the water at your tree base.  If your pet drinks this water, they could get sick!
• Add Citrus Scents - Scents like orange or lemon are off-putting to cats.  Vicks menthol is also a good repellent that will keep your pet away from the tree.
• Use Double-Sided Tape - Certain cat training products like Sticky Paws are available in large sheets and strips.  You can apply this tape to your carpet beneath the tree to keep your pet out of danger.

Check out this article for more tips on how to keep your pets safe through the holidays.  As always, if you have any questions about how to care for your pets, contact our office.  Our veterinarians are happy to help you with all of your pet's health needs.

Visit our blog again for more pet care tips!

Giving A Pet As A Gift

Thinking of giving a pet as a gift this holiday season?  While pets can be rewarding, you also want to make sure the recipient is prepared!  Before jumping to a decision, there are a few things you should consider.

Things to Consider:

• Picking the Right Species - Depending on where the recipient of the gift lives, their physical limitations, and whether or not they own other pets plays a role in what type of pet is best for them.
• Don't Make It a Surprise - Pets are a great addition to your family.  However, not everyone is ready to commit to the amount of time, energy and money pets require.  While a surprise is more festive, you need to make sure the recipient is ready.
• Let the Receiver Choose - Let your gift recipient choose their pet.  Picking what pet they want can be just as rewarding as finding a surprise under the tree.  This makes for an exciting gift and some anticipation!

Check out this article for more tips and things to consider before giving a pet as a gift this holiday season.  If you are thinking of giving a pet, bring him or her into our office for a checkup!  We can help make sure that your new pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccines.

Why Does My Cat Meow?

Happy #Caturday! 

Have you ever wondered why cats meow?  

There are several potential reasons as to why your cat loves to meow.  Here are a few of the most common.

Why Cat's Meow: 

• They Want Attention - Not all cats like to be left alone.  Some cats want to play or be pet.  If your cat is meowing, he or she might be looking for some love!  Try playing, grooming or talking to your pet a little bit more often each day.
• They're Hungry - Some cats meow when they want food.  If it's close to feeding time, this might be why your cat is being vocal.  If your cat meows every time you go into the kitchen, don't feed your cat when he or she is crying.  Wait until your cat quiets down before feeding.
• They're Saying Hello - Your cat might just be greeting you!  Some cats meow when people come home.
• They're Stressed - Cats that are under stress can become more vocal.  If there are major changes in your home (a new pet or baby) your cat might be stressed.  Try to help your cat adjust to the new changes.
• They're Getting Older - When cats age, they can become confused and disoriented.  They might meow, especially at night.
• They're Getting Sick - If you're not sure why your cat is meowing frequently, it might be due to a medical issue. It's important to bring your cat in for an exam to ensure that they are healthy!

If you have any questions about your cat's odd behaviors, contact our office at (863) 588-4200! 

Can You Feed Your Pet Thanksgiving Scraps?

While we love to share and celebrate with our pets during the holidays, it's important to remember that certain foods that are good for us can actually be dangerous to our pets.  However, if you know what you can and cannot feed your pet, certain Thanksgiving foods can be healthy for your pets in small quantities.

Just remember that abrupt changes in diet can cause an upset stomach.  Be sure to keep an eye on your pet and make sure that they don't over-indulge.

Food Scraps You CAN Feed Your Pets:

• Turkey - In small amounts, turkey can be OK.  Just be sure that the meat is lean, light meat that is bone-free.  Dark meat is too greasy for your pets and bones can get lodged in their GI track.
• Mashed Potatoes - Plain mashed potatoes (with minimal fat and salt) can be OK for your pet.  However, potatoes with butter and heavy cream can be too fattening for your pets.  Fatty foods can upset their stomach and even be life threatening.
• Green Beans - Plain, unsalted green beans can be a nutritious holiday treat for your pets.  However, avoid offering your pets green beans that are mixed with other ingredients (i.e. avoid green been casseroles).
• Loose Corn - If you are serving unbuttered corn, this can be a healthy treat for your dog.  However, avoid corn on the cob.  Small pieces can cause an obstruction in your dog's digestive system.
• Pumpkin - Pumpkin can actually have several health benefits for your pets.  If you can find unsweetened, natural pumpkin, this can be a great holiday treat for your pet.  Just be sure to avoid pumpkin pie fillings, as they are often high in sugar.

Food Scraps You CAN'T Feed Your Pets

• Turkey Gravy - Gravy is often made from stock, pepper and seasoning.  While it may be a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving turkey, it is too fatty for your pets.
• Stuffing -  Stuffing is often full of fat, butter and ingredients (like onions and garlic) that are very harmful to pets.  As a general rule of thumb, it's best not to offer your pets stuffing.
• Candied Yams - Sweet and buttery yams are too sugary and fattening for pets.
• Chocolate - Chocolate can cause high heart rates in dogs, among other problems.  Avoid feeding your pet anything your are baking with chocolate.
• Alcohol - It may seem obvious, but you should keep alcohol out of reach of your pets.  Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.

If you have any questions about your pet's odd behaviors, contact our office for more information at (866) 588-4200.

How to Celebrate a Pet-Friendly Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner!  Are you planning a Halloween party this year?  Be sure to celebrate a pet-friendly holiday by keeping these safety tips in mind.

Halloween Pet Safety:

• Keep Halloween Candy Hidden - Many Halloween candies, including chocolate and xylitol (found in sugar-free gums and candies), are very toxic to pets.  Be sure to keep these out of reach and be careful to keep them away from your pets.
• Make Sure Your Pet Has ID - Halloween is known for tricks and treats, but this can be frightening for pets.  Make sure that your pet has updated ID tags and if you can, microchip your pet.  In the unfortunate event your pet runs through the door while you're distracted by trick-or-treaters, updated ID tags will help your furry friend safely return home.
• Keep Jack-o-Lanterns Out of Reach - Lit candles inside of jack-o-lanterns might be eye catching to trick-or-treaters and pets alike, but if your pet knocks into them they can also be a fire hazard.  Use battery powered lights or make sure that your pumpkin is out of your pet's reach.
• Make Sure Pet Costumes are Comfortable - Many pets are uncomfortable wearing costumes.  If you do want your pet to wear a costume this Halloween, make sure that there are no pieces that can be easily chewed off.  If you notice that your pet is uncomfortable or it inhibits their sight, hearing or breathing, be sure to remove the costume.

Our experienced veterinarians and staff will help your pets stay happy and healthy this Halloween.  If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, contact our office today!