The summer party season is here again – although here in sunny Southern California it can be argued that it’s always summer party season.

Just like humans, each pet has their own take on festivities. Some relish in the novelty of guests and enjoy all of the pets, pats, and accidentally dropped morsels, while others may be shy, scared, or just not interested in socializing. Whichever way your furry pal leans, keeping pets safe should be your top priority when planning your get together.

Keeping Pets Safe During Parties

Hosting a party can be a bit distracting, to say the least, which is why your Shiloh Veterinary Hospital family wants to make sure you have the information you need to plan ahead for your pet’s safety and comfort.

• Know thy pet – You know your pet better than anyone, and if they are averse to strangers, crowds, or loud noises it may be better to find a trusted place for them to spend time during the party. A friend or family member’s home, or a boarding kennel or doggy daycare are all possibilities.
• Safe space – Even the most social pet needs a place to unwind and get away from a crowd. Make sure they have access to their bed, water bowl, and toys in an out of the way spot, especially if there will be fireworks or other noisy activities.
• Keep food and drinks out of reach – You can’t have a party without delicious food and beverages, but alcohol, chocolate, Xylitol (a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free items), grapes, onions, garlic, fatty foods, fruit pits, corn cobs, bones, and more pose a serious risk to pets. Keep pets away from the buffet table, clean up discarded plates and cups immediately, and ask guests to not feed your pet.
• Get a sitter – A pet sitter, that is. If you know you will be too preoccupied to manage your curious beast, appoint a guest (a responsible older child or teen is a great option) to stick by your pet and make sure they don’t get into mischief.
• Guard the gate – As guests are arriving and leaving, be sure to watch your door or gate closely, and ensure it’s closed completely. The beginning and ending of parties are the perfect opportunities for little escape artists to slip out for an adventure.

We hope you have a fantastic summer party season! For more tips on keeping pets safe, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff.

The post Party Animals: Keeping Pets Safe and Happy During Summer Parties appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The holidays are a wondrous time of togetherness, food, festivities, and so much love. Good memories are made when we gather together and share the bounties of the year. Then we get to look ahead to a wonderful New Year. 

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we are all about making this time of year one of wonder and safety for our pet companions. That’s why we put together this list of helpful tips you can use this season, and throughout the year.

Don’t Be a Grinch: Keep Your Pet Entertained

We know the next few weeks can be so busy that it can have your head spinning, so it’s easy to forget the exercise and enrichment needs of our little ones. To keep a focus on your pets, here are some things to consider:

• Try a festive stroll through a new neighborhood to look at lights
• Purchase holiday themed toys and plush animals for your buddies
• Make some DIY dog and cat treats (and they can be wholesome, too)
• Put on your favorite holiday tunes and shake your booty – get your pet involved by hopping around and making a game of it
• Take some time to teach your cat or dog tricks you can impress your in-laws with
• Snuggle together on the couch while watching holiday movies and classics

Decor Disasters: Remember to Keep Them Safe

There are a few things to be aware of that can pose risks to pets. We know the dangers are not as fun as the dancing, but bear with us. This is a quick list of all things to remove or put in a place your pet can’t reach.

• Toxic plants (check out the full list via ASPCA)
• Toxic food: chocolate, Xylitol, macadamia nuts, alcohol, grapes, raisins, etc.
• Tinsel and curling string (big danger, if ingested)
• Glass ornaments
• Edible ornaments, gift baskets containing food
• Small toys and decorations (that can be ingested)

Remember that your pet will be fascinated with small things they can put in their mouths but shouldn’t. It can be a drag to put these things out of reach, but better safe than the drag it will be having to go to the animal emergency hospital.

Don’t forget about the little critters, like rabbits, reptiles, and small mammals that can chew on light strings and get electricuted.

Over the Hill and Through the Woods…

It’s fun to bring pets along to visit relatives over the holiday season, but there are ways to make the merriment safer and more comfortable for them. To make the pet travel a friendly one:

• Make sure they are fully vaccinated and on parasite prevention.
• Are they travel ready (healthy and able to make the trek)?
• Use a crate, carrier, or other secure option for the car.
• If you are traveling by air, contact the airline for specific pet requirements.
• Always bring water in the car and a collapsible bowl for your pet.
• Pack all the essentials (food, litter box, waste bags, collar, leash, ID tags, toys, etc.).
• Make plans that include your pet, like pet friendly cafes and patios, parks, and malls.

We hope these ideas help get you inspired to make the best of the holidays with your furry one. If we can offer any more suggestions, or if you would like to make an appointment, please call us!

Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!

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The holidays are upon us, and this fact has many of us jumping for joy. The turkey, stuffing, casseroles and desserts are enough, but add in all the other holiday indulgences and it’s easy to see why so many of us overdo it, and pay for it later. 

For our pets, though, such overindulgence in fatty and rich holiday foods can spell disaster. Every holiday season, pets are seen like clockwork in the animal emergency clinic for pancreatitis, a painful and life threatening condition often caused by the consumption of such foods. 

Avoid a pet emergency this holiday season by learning about pancreatitis in pets and holiday food safety. 

Food Safety

Many of our delicious and traditional holiday foods are toxic to pets, and accidental pet poisonings are unfortunately common during the holiday season. Keep the following food items away from your pet. 

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Yeasted raw bread dough
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Chives, onions, and garlic
• Grapes and raisins
• Raw poultry or meat
• Sage and other herbs

Sometimes our pets’ love of eating can also get them into trouble when they ingest something that causes an intestinal obstruction. Corn cobs, bones, aluminum foil, turkey string, and wrappers are common items ingested by pets that can result in an emergency surgery to remove. Remove temptation by clearing leftovers right away, keeping garbage bins tightly lidded and behind closed doors, and by resisting the urge to share fatty or rich foods with your pet. 

Pancreatitis Basics

You may regret overindulging in pumpkin pie or casseroles, but for pets, eating even a bite or two of fatty or rich foods can be truly dangerous. Pets don’t digest rich foods well, and the result can be gastrointestinal upset and a potentially life threatening condition called pancreatitis.

If your pet is exhibiting any of the following signs of pancreatitis, she needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Hunched position
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty breathing

Holiday Food Safety For Pets

Thanksgiving may pose some risks for our pets, but that doesn’t mean our pets can’t join us in some of the holiday fun. They can even enjoy a few extras this time of year, without the added salt, sugar or fat. 

If you’d like to treat your pet and still practice holiday food safety for pets, try steamed green beans instead of green bean casserole, plain cooked sweet potato instead of candied yams, and a scoop of plain pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie. 

And, remember that not all treats are food! Indulge your pet in play and exercise instead, which is a great way to relieve stress, burn extra calories, and is great for bonding with your pet. Treat your pet to a neighborhood walk, or a game of ball or laser pointer tag when the big meal is over. You can also show your pet how thankful you are for them with lots of snuggles and affection. 

If you have any questions about holiday food safety for pets or pancreatitis, please don’t hesitate to call us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets from Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

The post Pancreatitis and Holiday Food Safety For Pets appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

With Halloween right around the corner, time is growing short to plan for the festivities on this popular holiday. We may be planning a Halloween bash, the best neighborhood trick-or-treating route to take, how to set up the perfect scary scene in our house or front yard, or working on the perfect pet costume for our furry companion.

Along with all this preparation, pets safety should be top priority. Keep reading for common sense ideas for pet costumes and decor from Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Pet Costumes Common Sense

Everyone loves the picture of the dachshund dressed as a hot dog, but are costumes right for your pet? With some time, praise, and patience, your pet may grow accustomed to wearing a costume, but don’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t work out.

Here are some pet costumes precautions:

• Avoid masks or anything that impairs vision
• Costumes should not have dangling parts, like bells or ribbon
• Don’t restrict breathing
• If your pet is biting or chewing at the costume, remove it right away
• Remove the costume if your pet tries to wriggle out of it or seems uncomfortable
• Monitor your pet’s temperature throughout the night to make sure she’s not overheating
• Offer fresh drinking water often throughout the festivities

Dangerous Decor

On fright night, we may enjoy animatronic outdoor witches, goblins hanging from trees, spider webs, and light up spooky decorations. But pets can be scared and stressed by the outdoor and indoor decorations alike. Not only that, but Halloween decor can pose certain health risks to pets that pet owners should be aware of. 

Jack-o-lanterns. It wouldn’t be Halloween without a carved pumpkin or two. But curious pets can easily knock over a lit jack-o-lantern and start a fire. Singed whiskers and tails are also a risk. Keep carved pumpkins outdoors, and consider LED lighting instead of a real flame.

Animatronic decorations. Animatronic decorations can thoroughly scare your pet. Introduce the character to your pet during the day, and let her sniff and examine it without turning on the sound or movement at first. You may need to entice her with treats, and give lots of praise, letting her know she’s safe. Even with these precautions, your pets may never fully appreciate these decorations, so consider either skipping them, or keeping your pet away from the Halloween festivities with a room of her own. 

Electrical wires. Power cords and electrical wires are dangerous due to the risk of electrocution if chewed – curious kittens are especially known for this. And any pet, if wires are left hanging, can become entangled and injured. Keep all wires away from pets.

Other decor. Decorative corn and pumpkins are relatively non-toxic, but if you pets eats them, they can definitely cause GI upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Corn cobs could become lodged in your pet’s intestine, causing a foreign body obstruction that could require emergency surgery to remove. Ingesting some cooked pumpkin is okay, but eating a lot of the raw stuff would cause GI upset and diarrhea. 

Halloween Common Sense for Pet Owners 

In order to have a spooktacular holiday with your pets, a little common sense and preparation goes a long way. Survey your home for the items we mentioned and make sure your pets can’t access them. Keep a close eye on your pet’s comfort and well being, and make adjustments throughout the night. 

We also recommend keeping all pets indoors from prior to dusk and throughout the night. Cats, especially black cats, can become the targets of senseless holiday pranks. 

We hope you enjoy a safe and happy Halloween with your pets. If you have questions about pet costumes, decor, or other health and safety precautions for pets, please give us a call. 

The post More Halloween! Common Sense Pet Costumes and Decor appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Fright Night is almost here, and many of us are preparing our costumes, planning a spooktacular Halloween bash, or looking forward to the neighborhood trick-or-treat jaunt. Many of us like to include our pets on this day, but is that what’s best for them? 

Many pets can greet trick-or-treaters all night or wear their costume with relish. But unfortunately, there are also several pet emergencies that are common on and around Halloween. Keep reading to find out how to keep your pet safe this Halloween.

Tricks and Treats

As with most things, a little advance preparation and awareness can go a long way towards Halloween pet safety. Here are some things to know:

• Treats. You may be thinking that all candy is bad for pets, and you’d be right. Chocolate in particular is toxic to pets and can cause GI upset, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and seizures. Sugar free candy often contains Xylitol, which can cause liver failure. And even candy wrappers like cellophane and aluminum foil can result in a painful intestinal blockage that may require emergency surgery to remove. In addition, other common Halloween treats and rich foods can cause painful pancreatitis. Keep all Halloween treats far away from pets.
  
• Decorations. The Halloween tricks of scary decorations in and around your house can be fun, but are also dangerous to pets. Electrical cords can cause electrocution if chewed by a curious bunny. Light up or moving decor can scare pets, and string spider webs can cause GI problems if ingested. 
  
• Jack-o-lanterns. It wouldn’t be Halloween without a carved pumpkin or two, but curious pets can knock them over, causing a fire hazard. Birds can be especially sensitive to flames and candles. Keep these outdoors and away from pets, and consider LED lights inside instead of a live flame.
  
• Costumes. Many people love pet costumes, but do our pets? Never force your pet to wear a costume, and take it off immediately if she is chewing or pawing at it or trying to wriggle out. Avoid masks and hanging pieces, and monitor your pet’s breathing and temperature throughout the evening to make sure she doesn’t overheat. Costumes should never restrict breathing or vision.
  

Chips and Tags

The constant opening of the front door, the noise, and the general commotion of the holiday creates a real possibility of your pet getting lost. Make sure your pet has a collar and current tags on. 

A microchip is your pet’s best chance of being reunited with you should she become lost. Make sure it is registered with your current contact information. 

Best Practices for Halloween Pet Safety

If your pet has a hard time with noise, crowds, the constantly ringing doorbell, or scary costumes, consider letting her sit Halloween out. 

Create a safe space in your home for her (a back bedroom or a laundry room can work well). Include her bed, toys, a food puzzle, and a white noise machine or soft music. Check on her often and offer lots of praise and snuggles. Some exercise before the festivities begin with help keep her calmer. She’ll be happy to be far from the commotion, and you’ll relax knowing she is away from Halloween dangers. 

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about Halloween pet safety. Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital is here to help! 

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Independence Day is a beloved celebration for so many Americans. Sadly, the noise, crowds, and festivities can be scary – or even dangerous – for our pets. In fact, it’s rare to find a pet that doesn’t react to fireworks or noisy, crowded events by hiding, trembling, becoming destructive, or worse, fleeing the situation in an attempt to escape the source of their anxiety and fear.

Whether you are enjoying the holiday with fireworks, a party, or both, your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital are here to help you create a pet-safe July 4th!

First Things First

The day after July 4th is the busiest of the year for animal shelters. With so many pets trying, and succeeding, to escape their homes during a fireworks display, it’s worth being prepared in advance.

• Make sure both dogs and cats are wearing collars with up-to-date ID tags.
• If you haven’t had your pet microchipped yet, do so now! Collars and tags can come off, and microchipping is your pet’s best chance of being reunited with you should they become lost.
• Be sure that you have registered your pet’s microchip with your current contact information. Update that info now, if you haven’t since your last move.
• Take photos of your pets, just in case.

Pet-Safe July 4th

Just because you share a home with a scaredy-cat (or dog) doesn’t mean that your festivities should be off limits. The following tips can help you and your pet enjoy the holiday as much as possible.

Keep pets indoors – Make sure pets are inside during a fireworks display, and don’t bring them to public 4th of July events. The crowds and noises can be very frightening to even the most docile pets, and the risks of aggression and escape are high.

Create a safe place – Close doors and windows ahead of a fireworks display. Crate-trained pets might feel safer inside their crates, while others prefer to roam freely throughout the house. If you’re having a party or your pet is prone to destructive behavior, set up a “safe room” for them, furnished with their bedding, toys, water, and a fan or radio to drown out noise.

Reduce anxiety – Exercise your pet ahead of the festivities to tire them out and reduce nervous energy. Stay near an anxious pet to offer verbal and physical reassurance. Many pet owners have found success with a pressure-based anxiety garment like the Thundershirt. 

Party safety – Even social pets can fall victim to food poisoning or intestinal obstruction at a party or barbecue. Keep all food away from pets, keep alcoholic beverages out of reach, throw trash away in a covered bin immediately, and put leftovers away as soon as you’re done eating. Keep sparklers and glow sticks away from pets, and make sure they are not near the grill while it’s in use.

For more pet-safe 4th of July tips, or for any other questions regarding your pet, don’t hesitate to contact the staff at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

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