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!

How to Own a Pet Even Though You Have Allergies

Allergies are tough.  Itchy, watery eyes and congestion can be hard on any pet lover.  If you or a family member suffers from pet-related allergies, there are ways to help make breathing easy.  With a few changes to your home, you can enjoy sharing your home with your furry friend.

How to Reduce Allergens at Home:

• Vacuum Often - Dander and saliva can trigger allergic reactions.  Have tile or wood floors in your home when possible, and vacuum surfaces frequently.  This will help keep dander from coming into contact with you.
• Install An Air Purifier - Air filters help remove allergens from the air. You and your family will be able to breathe a little bit easier.
• Wash Your Pet Regularly - Give your pet a bath regularly.  If you bath your pet once a week, not only will the feel cleaner, they'll also be less prone to leaving dander around your home.  Just make sure that you use a safe shampoo that won't dry out your pet's skin.
• Use Washable Pet Bedding - Just as you wash the sheets on your own bed, you should wash your pet's bedding.  This will help keep allergens out of the cloth and help reduce allergy symptoms.

Still not sure how to reduce allergens and live happily with your pet?  Our experienced veterinarians can help you determine ways to live with your pet without putting your health at risk.  Contact our office to schedule an appointment for your pet.

Keep Your Cat Parasite Free

When was the last time you brought your cat to the vet?  Regular vet visits are one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and parasite-free.  Here are a few helpful tips and recommendations.

Parasite Control Tips:

• Visit the Vet - Having your cat examined annually will help make sure your pet is healthy and parasite-free.
• Test for Heartworm - Heartworm disease often goes undiagnosed.  It's important to have your pet tested for heartworm disease periodically or when your pet experiences any of the associated symptoms, including weight loss, asthma-like attacks and coughing.
• Administer Anthelmintic Treatment - Kittens should be treated starting at two weeks of age.  The treatment should be repeated every two weeks until they are eight weeks old.
• Conduct Fecal Exams - Fecal examinations should be conducted two to four times during a kittens first year of life.  Adult cats should receive exams once a year, depending on their health and lifestyle.

Internal and external parasites are a common problem among pets.  Check out this article for more tips on how to keep your cat parasite-free.  You can also contact Reunion Veterinary Hospital with any questions you have about parasite control or to schedule an appointment to diagnose, treat, and prevent parasites.

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Get Rid of Your Pet's Fleas

Fleas are every pet owner's worst nightmare. These tips will help you manage your pup's fleas and help rid the infestation from your home.

How to Get Rid of Fleas At Home:

1. Treat Your Pet - The first thing you should do is bring your pet to the vet to be treated for fleas. If you have multiple pets, make sure that you treat all of your pets, as fleas can leap from one pet to another.

2. Vacuum Your Home - Vacuum more than just your carpets. Be sure to vacuum the rugs, your pet's bedding and any other area that your pet spends time. Vacuuming helps eliminate any flea eggs that may have been laid around the house. You should also be conscious to throw the bag away immediately after vacuuming.

3. Wash the Bedding - Wash your pet's bedding to remove any eggs that might be hiding. You should also wash your own sheets if your pet is known to curl up with you in your own bed!

Having trouble with fleas? Give our office a call at (863) 588-4200!

How Well Do You Know Your Celebrity Pets?

How Well Do You Know Your Celebrity Pets?

REUNION VETERINARY HOSPITAL, PLLC

www.ReunionVetHospital.com

There have been many famous pets that have captured our hearts in TV, movies, and even as internet sensations.  While your own furry friend will always hold the #1 spot - which famous pet is your favorite?

Famous Furry Friends:

Lassie - Although Lassie is a fictional character, this famous pet was played by a Rough Collie named Pal in 1943.  Since then, 10 generations of Pal's direct descendants have portrayed Lassie in film and on TV.  This is quite the celebrity dog family!

Toto - Another fictional character, but Toto was played by a female brindle terrier named Terry.  She was paid more than other human actors at $125 per week!

Pluto - Disney fans are no stranger to Mickey Mouse's pet Pluto.  He's one of the most upbeat members of the Disney team. 

Air Bud - Remember the movie Air Bud?  This Disney/Warner Bros film revolves around Buddy the dog who knows how to play basketball.

Garfield - We're all familiar with this cartoon cat.  Garfield is the most popular cartoon cat world-wide!

Grumpy Cat - This internet celebrity is known for her grumpy facial expression.  The permanently grumpy-looking face is actually due to an underbite and feline dwarfism. 

Check out this list for more famous pets.

How to Introduce Kids to Your Dog

How to Introduce Kids to Your Dog

REUNION VETERINARY HOSPITAL, PLLC

www.ReunionVetHospital.com

While dogs are a loving part of our families, it's important that young children understand how to interact with them safely.  Even a gentle pet can bite if provoked.  Since it's National Dog Bite Prevention Week, here are a few tips to help kids interact safely with pets.

Preventing Dog Bites:

• Avoid Dress Up - While kids love to play dress up, many dogs do not.  Try to discourage kids from dressing up your pet.
• Understand Body Language - Young children can have a hard time understanding a dog's body language.  Teach younger children to be gentle and as they get older teach them to understand different signs of a dog's behavior.
• Know When to Leave Them Alone - Dogs should be left alone when eating and when they are asleep.  There should be places that your pet feels safe.  When you catch your pet by surprise, they might accidentally bite out of defense.

Read more about Dog Bite Prevention Week and how you can teach kids to understand the importance of respecting dogs and avoiding bites on the American Medical Veterinary Association website.

What to Do If Your Pet Has Fleas

What to Do If Your Pet Has Fleas

REUNION VETERINARY HOSPITAL, PLLC

www.ReunionVetHospital.com

Itchy Pet?  It's flea season!  Unfortunately, warm weather also means that pet owners need to be on the lookout for fleas.  These small dark insects love warm and humid temperatures.  If your pet has fleas, here are a few tips to help get your pet back to being happy and healthy.

How to Treat Fleas:

• Treat All Pets - If just one of your pets is infected with fleas, it's important to treat all of them.  While fleas do not have wings, they do have strong legs that allow them to jump long distances.  It's important that all of your pets are treated for fleas, including both indoor and outdoor pets.
• Clean Your Home - Vacuum your rugs, wash your bedding and clean your upholstery.  This will help get rid of anywhere the fleas might have jumped to.
• Visit Our Office - We can help you determine what flea treatment will be the best option for your pet.  There are topical, liquid shampoos, sprays and powders available on the market.  We will help you determine which prescription will be the safest and most effective option for your pet.

Check out this article for more tips on what to do when you discover your pet has flea.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about how to care for your pets health.