Tag Archives: pet health

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Pet First-Aid Awareness

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month! While no one wants to think of their beloved pet being injured, accidents can and do happen. If something should go wrong, being prepared in advance can make all the difference. Of course, if your pet is ever hurt, you’ll need to get them to the vet or emergency clinic right away. However, you may need to stabilize them before transporting them. That’s where first-aid preparation comes in. A local Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on this below.

First-Aid Kit

If you don’t have a pet first-aid kit, we recommend getting one ASAP. You can start with a regular first-aid kit, and then add some things to make it more pet-specific. Your shopping list should include things like non-stick gauze, splints, rubbing alcohol, tweezers, round-end scissors, styptic powder, bandages, and towels. The exact items you need will depend on what sort of pet you have. For instance, if you have a dog, include a muzzle. Even the sweetest pup can bite if they’re hurt!

Information

You could have all the gear in the world, but it won’t do any good if you don’t know how to use it. Print out some pet first-aid brochures, and keep them with the kit. It’s also a good idea to download some pet first-aid apps. The American Red Cross has a good one. Keep phone numbers for your vet and the nearest emergency clinic in your phone and in the kit. Ours is 812-952-3643. Another number which may come in handy is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number, which is (888) 426-4435. (Note: charges may apply.)

Pet CPR

Are you interested in learning more? You may want to consider taking a class in pet CPR. It never hurts to grow and change and learn new things. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use this information, but you never know: it could save your pet’s life!

Prevention

When it comes to keeping pets safe, an ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. Be aware of potential hazards, such as toxic plants, plastic bags, and wires and cords. We also recommend keeping cats indoors, and not letting dogs roam around off-leash. Ask your vet for more information.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Your Home’s Most Dangerous Areas for Pets

All things considered, pets are far safer in the confines of your home than they are outdoors. With that being said, there are many areas that can prove dangerous inside! Learn more below from your vet in Georgetown, IN.

The Kitchen

Any typical kitchen contains various foods that are harmful to pets. The list includes avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, salt, caffeine, chocolate, candy, fatty foods, and much more. Alcohol is another major danger; it affects pets just like it affects us, except that it only takes small amounts to induce poisoning. Keep all harmful foods far out of your pet’s grasp by storing them properly in the refrigerator or cabinets.

Supply Closets

Your supply closet is full of harmful chemicals that pets shouldn’t ingest, including bleach, ammonia, household cleaners, polishes, and even air fresheners. Keep your supply closet closed when you’re not using the products inside, and place the most harmful chemicals on a high shelf where pets aren’t likely to reach.

Medicine Cabinets

Did you know that many human medicines—aspirin, cough syrup, antidepressants, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and more—can prove harmful if a pet ingests them? Never leave medication out on countertops or tables where pets may be able to reach them; after all, a determined pet may be able to chew right through a child-proof plastic cap. Also take care not to mix up your own medications and those of your pet, as this could prove extremely dangerous. Keep the two in separate cabinets if necessary.

The Laundry Room

Some pets—especially our feline friends—may enjoy getting into open laundry units to bed down on warm clothing. If the unit were to be closed and started with the pet still inside, disaster will ensue! Don’t leave washers or dryers hanging open, and always check inside before starting a load of laundry.

Windowsills

Windowsills aren’t very dangerous in the wintertime, when it’s too cold to open the windows, but keep this in mind for the summer: open windows present a falling hazard, especially for pets who lounge on the sill. In fact, veterinarians have a name for injuries sustained from falls: high-rise syndrome. Check all your windows before it gets warmer to make sure they have sturdy screens.

Would you like more advice on keeping your pet safe in your home? Call your Georgetown, IN veterinarian’s office today to speak with an animal-care professional.