How to stay safe when life gets LOUD

With the July 4^th celebrations upon us, it’s time to have the ever popular talk about loud noises, and what it means for your dog. About one third of dog owners report their fuzzy friends have what we in the ‘biz’ call “noise aversion”... or a fear of loud noises. These loud noises could be in the form of thunder, loud cars, construction, or at this time of year, fireworks.  Dogs relay their fear of noise in a variety of behavioral ways including panting, trembling, drooling, cowering, and escape behavior. Escape behavior is particularly dangerous to your canine companion if you happen to be out of your home or in a public place when the event strikes. Here’s a refresher course on how to keep your furry friends safe at this potentially stressful time of year:

                Be ahead of the game: Anticipate events and weather (as best you can in these parts) and anything else that can be a potential stressor for your pooch and set him up to win. This may be making sure he’s in a safe place in the morning if you know there will be storms later in the day, medicating him, or making sure you’re able to be with him at the time of the event.  

                 Plan for the best; prepare for the worst: We all know that even with the most meticulous planning, things can still go wrong. There are a couple ways to be prepared; one is making sure you know where your local emergency clinics are in case something goes wrong outside of your regular veterinarian’s business hours. Another simple method is making sure your pet has proper identification in the event of an escape. Many larger pet supply stores can hook you up with a personalized tag in a matter of minutes. Alternatively you can have your pet microchipped, and their ID can travel along with them forever. Microchipping is a quick procedure that can be done by your vet, typically without sedation.

Know their limits: As much as you may wish you had the kind of dog that could peacefully sit through a fireworks finale, or won’t wake you up at 3 am because a storm is coming, not everyone is that lucky. A dog’s tolerance to stressful events can often run on a sliding scale of positive and negative reinforcements. Meaning, if your dog already stresses out at certain events, forcing him to do them are not the way to get him accustomed to them, it’ll just make it a more stressful event. Talk to your vet or a trainer about steps you can take to help your furry friend work through his fears. Bonus points: training can help you bond with your pooch.        

                Know when to ask for help: There are many products on the market that claim to help with your pet’s stress level. Though you can spend the time and effort to sift through the product claims, remember that it’s our job to do that; let us help! You may have already heard of the newest product we’re carrying to help pets with their noise related stresses; Sileo. In a nutshell, it’s a product that can be administered to your pet at the time of the stressful event. Feel free to call us and ask what the best course of action is to help your pet with their stresses.

                Having a reactive pet can be a little stressful to YOU as well. As with any issue you may face on the long and windy road of pet ownership, remember that we here in the vet care industry want nothing more than to help you keep your pet safe and healthy. Though it’s been said, many times, many ways, keep your pets safe this Independence Day.

A day in the life of…a BAH Cat boarder

              It was a morning, like any other morning. I woke up, slinked down the hall and awaited my human to serve me breakfast. I couldn’t ignore the fact that something felt off.  I could feel it in my whiskers that day... Also, THE CARRIER was in the kitchen. I was going somewhere, and I probably wouldn’t like it.

I attempted a casual game of hide and go seek, emphasis on the hide part. I carefully sauntered towards the Livingroom, hoping to make my escape under the couch and out of reach of my human.  Just as I was home free, my human caught on to my master plan and lifted me up and into her arms. My human loaded me into THE CARRIER (I didn’t make it easy on her, don’t worry) and she carried me to the car, but not before commenting on my winter weight gain... a low blow.

I don’t know how long I spent in the car, it could have been minutes, and it could have been years. The car finally stopped and after a short walk, the front of THE CARRIER opened. I was greeted by a stranger. She sure seemed to be excited to meet me. My human was talking to the stranger, so I took it upon myself to leave THE CARRIER. We were in a nice room with photos of cats, and a big window. I hear words like “boarding” and “tlc package” being thrown around. Bath? No, you’re nuts. No bath for me. But a bedtime snack does sound good.

My human leaves, but this new human assured me I would be well taken care of and I was promised some “fun”. I was skeptical, but kept an open mind. I needed to meet with a doctor for a quick exam before settling in, so they put me in temporary accommodations and I have to say, they were quiet nice. I stayed on the second floor of the feline hotel and had use of a very large window, all to myself. I had my exam with the doctor, we had an open dialogue regarding my health and agreed that I’d chase more toys and ease up on the fancy feast.

After my appointment my new friend brought me downstairs and showed me my official room. We felines have our own wing of the hospital. It’s a quieter space, separated from the canines, that lends well to our more reserved nature and superior intellectual side. It has a large bird mural and a very well kept fish tank. Our rooms are spacious kitty condos for one. My happy new friend explained to me that my human sprung for the elite “tlc” package. I was quite relieved, I love being pampered. I settled into my room, explored each level, and decided that the second floor was my favorite as the south facing window looked in on the fish tank. My stay at hotel BAH was a flurry of excitement. My new human friend changed my cushy bedding twice a day, my meals were timely and she was always very attentive to my needs. Once a day, I was taken out of my room and was able to choose from a selection of toys and played to my heart’s content. Each afternoon I was offered some treats and that would entertain me until dinner time.

I almost couldn’t believe it when my new human friend took me out of my cozy room and tried to place me in THE CARRIER that brought me here. No! How could it be? We had gotten so close, shared so many memories. I seethed with anger until I heard a familiar voice. It was my human. As much fun as I had at hotel BAH, I was looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. Overall, I was quite pleased with the accommodations offered and if I have to be placed in THE CARRIER, I would be ok if I ended up back at hotel BAH!

A day in the life of a BAH Boarder: Canine Edition

Ever wonder what happens after you drop off your pup for boarding here at Brookfield Animal Hospital? Well here’s an inside look at the boarding process, and the steps we take to make sure your pooch is happy, healthy and well taken care of. Don’t be disappointed if your furry friend doesn’t look back after being dropped off.  We’d like to think it’s because they have so much fun with us during their stay.

Arrival: Drop off time is at your convenience. Upon arrival with your dog, you’ll be escorted into an exam room, where you can fill the kennel staff in about the details of the stay. We will go over any medical issues and/or vaccines your pup may need, because after all, we are a vet and your canine’s health is priority one. We’ll also go over optional services for your pet such as exercise time, baths (free with a 7 night stay) and our popular “TLC” (Tender Loving Care) package.  Speaking of the TLC package, 9 out of 10 dogs surveyed prefer it. That 10^th dog? He just doesn’t know about it. The TLC package includes a special memory foam mattress, a homemade bedtime snack, extra snuggle time with our terrific kennel staff, a daily photo that is texted right to you, as well as a full “report card” that tells you about your pet’s stay. After the quick meeting, your pooch is ready to check into their bunk for the stay. Our accommodations consist of  two 4 by 6 runs back to back and your pup gets all of it to romp around, redecorate, feng-shui and whatever else they feel is necessary to really make the space theirs.

Morning activities: Kennel staff arrives at 7:45 am, and breakfasts start then. After the pups finish their food, those who opted for extra exercise time will go out for a morning frolic while a kennel staff person cleans and gets the bunk all cozy for your dog’s return. Outside time is always enjoyed with a staff member, not other dogs, just to keep things safe. Any pets going home that day get ready for their parental reunion, while those staying longer have some midmorning down time.

Midday Activities: All who get lunch will have it served around 12. This is when the “TLC” pooches get their special attention and their mini photo-shoot.  It’s the highlight of any dog’s day (and usually the staff member’s too!)Often times the pups will take turns following around a staff member, enjoying some play in our outdoor area, and some snuggles indoors. We provide toys, and the kisses are free. Dogs who want a little extra cardio will get the other part of their half hour of extra exercise time, as well.  

Evening Activities: Dinner starts promptly at 4 (dogs love the early bird special).  After, they have time to settle down, hear a bedtime story and have their bunks tidied up one last time before everyone is tucked in for the night around 8:00. One of our technicians will complete final rounds around 8 PM to make sure all is well.

So there you have it, morning to night, your canine companions are kept clean, happy and social. Our kennel staff members are true animal lovers at heart and care for your furkids as they do their own. We’re proud of our boarding facility and love to show it off so if you’re in the neighborhood, stop in and we’d be happy to give you a tour.

Kate Dickson

Preventatives As Far as the Eye Can See

                Last week I dropped some knowledge on the good, the bad and the ugly on heartworm disease. If you remember, the only good news was that it is very easily preventable. When I first started working in the veterinary field, my own head spun with the options available for heartworm prevention…there’s a LOT out there. While most of the oral preventatives are based around a few of the same formulas, they are marketed under many different names. We here at Brookfield Animal Hospital love nothing more than making life a little easier for you and we offer what we think is the best out there for heartworm preventatives (or HWP as we say in the biz). That being said, there are a couple different ways to get the preventative INTO your dog or cats system. We offer injectable, oral and topical formulas. Confused yet?Don’t panic, here’s what you need to know to make your choice easier:  

                Injectable: we offer an injectable HWP called Proheart. The injection is good for 6 months, no muss, no fuss. We offer the option to save a couple bucks by purchasing a year’s worth of protection, though the pet still needs to come in every 6 months for the injection. It can be administered by one of our technicians, so no doctor visit is necessary.  

                Oral: we have pared down our chewable HWP options to just one; Interceptor Plus. You may remember the days when we had some other choices lining our shelves. We have chosen Inteceptor Plus as our go-to oral HWP because it protects against heartworm in addition to quite a few types of intestinal parasites that your dog could pick up in the world, all while being very affordable. It’s the best bang for your buck, so it made our decision easy. We do offer a couple of the other brands of chewable preventatives on our online pharmacy, so if you or your dog is a creature of habit, feel free to seek and purchase.

                Topical: we carry Revolution for both cats and dogs. Revolution is the ONLY heartworm preventative we carry for cats. Feline revolution also guards against common intestinal parasites as well as ear mites, fleas and ticks. It knocks out just about any kind of icky thing you don’t want in your cat’s system in one fell swoop. What’s not to like? Canine revolution also takes care of fleas, ticks, and is even used for certain parasitic skin conditions as well as heartworm. It’s a fast drying liquid that is applied on the pet monthly at home.

                HWP, like all medications, comes with the expected ‘buyer beware’ caveats. It is highly recommended that you purchase your HWP directly from a veterinary practice. Price comparing and purchasing online to save a few dollars may seem like a savvy way to shop, but you may be selling your furry friend short, pun intended. When you purchase HWP directly from a vet, you’re also purchasing a manufacturer’s guarantee stating that, should your pet come up positive for heartworm, they’ll cover the cost of treatment. Purchasing from a third party often negates this guarantee. Regular heartworm testing is required for a vet to dispense HWP, and keeps you compliant with the guarantee, while no doubt easing your mind that your pet is happy and healthy..and that’s what our lives are all about, isn’t it? As always, feel free to call in and chat us up about heartworm, prevention and beyond, we’re up for a good conversation anytime!

Kate Dickson

Dogs, Cats and Heartworm... Oh My!

For many of us April means spring showers, the beginning of warmer weather and not knowing if the sweater you walked out of the house with will be too much or not enough. However, to a veterinarian, April means Heartworm Awareness Month. Here we'll cover the ins and outs of this nasty parasite, and justify our reasoning for always asking "do you need to purchase more heartworm preventative?" when you're here. We have your beloved pet's well-being in mind, we assure you.

Let's get the scary truths out of the way; heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal parasitic infestation that can affect dogs, cats, ferrets and other mammals. For our feline friends, though heartworm disease isn’t as common as it is in dogs, it’s presence may remain unknown until a pet becomes very sick or even passes from it as it is tough to diagnose and there is no treatment available. For the kitties, prevention is the ONLY option to stay safe against heartworm. For our canine companions, heartworm disease often exhibits no symptoms until its advanced stages, so routine testing is the primary way to diagnose. Treatment is costly and not without risks as it requires multiple injections and the pet's activity level must be severely restricted.  The term “heartworm positive” can be a tough thing to hear, but there is a silver lining to the situation: heartworm disease is easily preventable.

So we covered why you don’t want heartworm disease to be a part of your furry friend’s life, now let’s talk about what you can do to prevent it. We’ve made that simple for you and the answer is…well, PREVENTATIVES! We offer an array of heartworm preventatives that can be found in our hospital, and additional varieties can be found at our online pharmacy, right on our website. The key to getting the most peace of mind out of your preventatives is consistency. Give the preventative on the same date, each month. We recommend keeping your pet on preventatives year round. Why? Let’s just take a brief moment to reminisce on our 50 degree December. Holiday cheer wasn’t the only thing abound at that time.. the mosquitoes were too.

                So your pet is on preventatives (year round) and we are abundantly proud of you but guess what…that’s half the battle!  What else can YOU be doing to prevent heartworm disease? Talk about it! Knowledge is power and although the details about heartworm don’t often come up in conversation when faced with juicy gossip and recaps of what happened on the Walking Dead (don’t get me started), make it a point to share some of these pieces of knowledge I’ve shared with you today. Getting one more pet on consistent heartworm prevention can mean one less heartworm positive dog or cat, and one less pet owner who has to face some tough and expensive choices.

Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions, we love to answer them! Tune in next week where I offer you a handy informational insider’s guide to our heartworm preventatives.

Kate Dickson

BAH Receptionist

What Is Canine Influenza Virus?

There are many causes of kennel cough, both bacterial and viral. Canine influenza virus (CIV) is one of the viral causes of kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory disease has affected thousands of dogs in the United States. Because CIV is a relatively new virus, most dogs have not been exposed to it before. Dogs of any age, breed, and vaccine status are susceptible to this infection.

How Could My Dog Catch Canine Influenza Virus?
CIV is easily transmitted between dogs through a combination of aerosols, droplets, and direct contact with respiratory secretions. The virus does not survive for a long time in the environment, so dogs usually get CIV when they are in close proximity to other infectious dogs.

Which Dogs Are Prone to Canine Influenza Virus? 
Any dog who interacts with large numbers of dogs is at increased risk for exposure. Pet owners should consult their veterinarian for information about the canine influenza vaccine.

What Are the General Signs of Canine Influenza Virus? 
While most dogs will show typical signs of kennel cough, but a small percentage of dogs will develop a more severe illness. Signs of canine influenza virus include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Variable fever
• Clear nasal discharge that progresses to thick, yellowish-green mucus
• Rapid/difficult breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

Can Dogs Die From Canine Influenza Virus?
If CIV is quickly diagnosed and treated, the fatality rate is quite low. Deaths are usually caused by secondary complications, such as pneumonia. It is important that dogs with CIV receive proper veterinary care.

How Is Canine Influenza Virus Diagnosed?
Veterinarians will typically conduct a thorough physical examination and run a series of tests to diagnose the illness.

How Is Canine Influenza Treated?
Because CIV is a virus similar to the flu in humans, there is no specific antiviral medication available. However, supportive care and appropriate treatment of secondary infections are important. Your veterinarian may advise the following to soothe your dog while the condition runs its course:

• Good nutrition and supplements to raise immunity
• A warm, quiet, and comfortable spot to rest
• Medications to treat secondary bacterial infections
• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration
• Workup and treatment for pneumonia

Be advised, while most dogs will fight the infection within 10 to 30 days, secondary infections require antibiotics and, in the case of pneumonia, sometimes even hospitalization.

What Should I Do if I Think My Dog Has Canine Influenza Virus? 

If you think your dog has canine influenza virus, immediately isolate him or her from all other dogs and call your veterinarian.

Can I Catch Canine Influenza From My Dog?
So far there has been no evidence to indicate that dogs can transmit CIV to humans.

How Can I Help Prevent My Dog From Spreading the Disease? 
Any dog infected with CIV should be kept isolated from other dogs for 10 to 14 days from the onset of signs. Dogs are most infectious before signs are apparent, and can continue shedding the virus for approximately 10 days. This means that by the time signs of the illness are seen, other dogs may have already been exposed.

Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/canine-influenza-viruscanine-flu

Easter Pet Poisons

The veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline receive hundreds of calls this time of year from pet owners and veterinarians concerning cats that have ingested Easter lilies.

“Unbeknownst to many pet owners, Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “All parts of the Easter lily plant are poisonous – the petals, the leaves, the stem and even the pollen. Cats that ingest as few as one or two leaves, or even a small amount of pollen while grooming their fur, can suffer severe kidney failure.”

In most situations, symptoms of poisoning will develop within six to 12 hours of exposure. Early signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Symptoms worsen as kidney failure develops. Some cats will experience disorientation, staggering and seizures.

“There is no effective antidote to counteract lily poisoning, so the sooner you can get your cat to the veterinarian, the better his chances of survival will be,” said Brutlag. “If you see your cat licking or eating any part of an Easter lily, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately. If left untreated, his chances of survival are low.”

Treatment includes inducing vomiting, administering drugs like activated charcoal (to bind the poison in the stomach and intestines), intravenous fluid therapy to flush out the kidneys, and monitoring of kidney function through blood testing. The prognosis and the cost – both financially and physically – to the pet owner and cat, are best when treated immediately.

There are several other types of lilies that are toxic to cats as well. They are of the Lilium and Hemerocallis species and commonly referred to as Tiger lilies, Day lilies and Asiatic lilies. Popular in many gardens and yards, they can also result in severe acute kidney failure. These lilies are commonly found in florist bouquets, so it is imperative to check for poisonous flowers before bringing bouquets into the household. Other types of lilies – such as the Peace, Peruvian and Calla lilies – are usually not a problem for cats and may cause only minor drooling.

Thankfully, lily poisoning does not occur in dogs or people. However, if a large amount is ingested, it can result in mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Other Dangers to Pets at Easter Time

Pet Poison Helpline also receives calls concerning pets that have ingested Easter grass and chocolate.

Usually green or yellow in color, Easter grass is the fake grass that often accompanies Easter baskets. When your cat or dog ingests something “stringy” like Easter grass, it can become anchored around the base of the tongue or stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. It can result in a linear foreign body and cause severe damage to the intestinal tract, often requiring expensive abdominal surgery.

Lastly, during the week of Easter, calls to Pet Poison Helpline concerning dogs that have been poisoned by chocolate increase by nearly 200 percent. While the occasional chocolate chip in one cookie may not be an issue, certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The chemical toxicity is due to methylxanthines (a relative of caffeine) and results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and possibly death. Other sources include chewable chocolate flavored multi-vitamins, baked goods, or chocolate-covered espresso beans. If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.

Spring is in the air and Easter is a wonderful holiday. Remember that your pets will be curious about new items you bring into your household like Easter lilies, Easter grass and chocolate. Keep them a safe distance away from your pets’ reach and enjoy the holiday and the season.

SOURCE: http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/easter/

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

What is veterinary dentistry, and who should perform it?

Veterinary dentistry includes the cleaning, adjustment, filing, extraction, or repair of your pets' teeth and all other aspects of oral health care. These procedures should be performed by a veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist. Subject to state or provincial regulation, veterinary technicians are allowed to perform certain dental procedures under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The process begins with an oral exam of your pet’s mouth by a veterinarian. Radiographs (x-rays) may be needed to evaluate the health of the jaw and the tooth roots below the gumline. Because most dental disease occurs below the gumline, where you can’t see it, a thorough dental cleaning and evaluation are performed under anesthesia. Dental cleaning includes scaling (to remove dental plaque and tartar) and polishing, similar to the process used on your own teeth during your regular dental cleanings.

Oral health in dogs and cats

Your pet’s teeth should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:

• bad breath
• broken or loose teeth
• extra teeth or retained baby teeth
• teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
• abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
• reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• pain in or around the mouth
• bleeding from the mouth
• swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian. Always be careful when evaluating your pet’s mouth, because a painful animal may bite.

Causes of pet dental problems

Although cavities are less common in pets than in people, they can have many of the same dental problems that people can develop:

• broken teeth and roots
• periodontal disease
• abscesses or infected teeth
• cysts or tumors in the mouth
• malocclusion, or misalignment of the teeth and bite
• broken (fractured) jaw
• palate defects (such as cleft palate)

Periodontal disease is the most common dental condition in dogs and cats – by the time your pet is 3 years old, he or she will very likely have some early evidence of periodontal disease, which will worsen as your pet grows older if effective preventive measures aren’t taken. Early detection and treatment are critical, because advanced periodontal disease can cause severe problems and pain for your pet. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.

It starts with plaque that hardens into tartar. Tartar above the gumline can often easily be seen and removed, but plaque and tartar below the gumline is damaging and sets the stage for infection and damage to the jawbone and the tissues that connect the tooth to the jaw bone. Periodontal disease is graded on a scale of 0 (normal) to 4 (severe).

The treatment of periodontal disease involves a thorough dental cleaning and x-rays may be needed to determine the severity of the disease. Your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary dentist will make recommendations based on your pet’s overall health and the health of your pet’s teeth, and provide you with options to consider.

Why does dentistry require anesthesia?

When you go to the dentist, you know that what’s being done is meant to help you and keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist uses techniques to minimize pain and discomfort and can ask you how you are feeling, so you accept the procedures and do your best to keep still. Your pet does not understand the benefit of dental procedures, and he or she reacts by moving, trying to escape, or even biting.

Anesthesia makes it possible to perform the dental procedures with less stress and pain for your pet. In addition, anesthesia allows for a better cleaning because your pet is not moving around and risking injury from the dental equipment. If radiographs (x-rays) are needed, your pet needs to be very still in order to get good images, and this is unlikely without heavy sedation or anesthesia.

Although anesthesia will always have risks, it’s safer now than ever and continues to improve so that the risks are very low and are far outweighed by the benefits. Most pets can go home the same day of the procedure, although they might seem a little groggy for the rest of the day.

What can I do at home for my pet’s oral health?

Prevention of the most common oral disease in pets consists of frequent removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth that are not kept clean. Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective thing you can do to keep their teeth healthy between dental cleanings, and may reduce the frequency or even eliminate the need for periodic dental cleaning by your veterinarian. Daily brushing is best, but it’s not always possible and brushing several times a week can be effective. Most dogs accept brushing, but cats can be a bit more resistant – patience and training are important.

There are many pet products marketed with claims that they improve dental health, but not all of them are effective. Talk with your veterinarian about any dental products, treats, or dental-specific diets you’re considering for your pet, or ask your veterinarian for their recommendation.

SOURCE: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Pet-Dental-Care.aspx

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Happy in Winter

Who said pets can’t have fun in the winter?! Although temps in the North can get pretty frigid in January, it’s still important for your pet to stay active and stimulated for their overall health. Consider Brookfield Animal Hospital’s list below of five ways to keep your pet happy in the winter, and give us a call at 203-775-3679 if you have any questions.

Play Hide and Seek

Everyone likes a game of hide and seek every once in a while, including your pet. Simply hide your pet’s favorite toy or treat in a place where they can see. Then, let them have fun retrieving it. For cats, you can try leaving the toy or treat high on the highest level of their tower so they have to climb up to get it.

Teach Your Pet a New Trick

Both dogs and cats can learn tricks, so why not use those winter hours indoors to teach your furry friend a new trick? Training your pet can strengthen your bond with them and improve their overall behavior, so it’s certainly worth the effort. Remember to always reward your pet for doing the trick, and limit the training sessions to about 15 minutes a day.

Buy an Interactive Toy

Many pets tend to get a little lazy, both physically and mentally, during the winter, but with an interactive toy, you can change that. From laser pointers to food toys, there are many options available that can provide some mental stimulation for your four-legged friend. They can also help your pet get some exercise in, too.

Take Your Dog to an Indoor Park

You know your dog needs exercise, but your home or apartment just isn’t spacious enough for them to run around. If this sounds like YOUR situation, consider visiting an indoor dog park. Indoor dog parks are climate-controlled and offer spacious areas for your canine companion to run around and play.

Install a Window Perch (for Kitty)

Since cats tend to lie around for most of the day, once they reach a certain age, installing a window perch is a great way to keep them busy and stimulated throughout the day. Many cats love to bird watch and watch the snow fall, so by having a padded perch installed on your window, you can keep your cat happy and alert during those cold winter days.

How Safe is Your Pet this Season?

The veterinary team at Brookfield Animal Hospital wants to ensure that your best friend is safe all season long. There are many new dangers that pets may encounter around the holidays. We’re always here to answer your questions about your pet’s needs.

Top 5 Most Common Holiday Dangers for Pets

These are some of the most common dangers that we often see during the holiday season:

•  Alcohol. While we can handle having a few drinks in celebration of the season, our pets cannot. It’s important to always keep alcoholic beverages out your of your pet’s reach to ensure that they’re safe from the danger of alcohol poisoning.

• Christmas trees. It isn’t the holiday season without a festive tree! However, these lovely decorations can also cause a few hazards in the home. Christmas trees can be knocked over by overly adventurous and curious pets, causing damage to the home and injury to the animals! Another danger posed by Christmas trees is their ornaments and tinsel. If these are chewed up or eaten by your pet, they can be extremely dangerous to their digestive system, get caught in their intestines, and cause potentially deadly blockage.  

• Electrical cords. Does your best friend like to chew? The sight of all those new cords under the tree may be too appealing for your pet, so we recommend disguising and hiding electrical cords to prevent your pet’s curiosity. It’s also important that they never be left unattended around the decorations!

•  Holiday meals and sweets. You hear all year round that there are foods your pet should never consume, but during the holiday season we have so much more of those dangerous foods around the house! Traditional holiday meals contain so many of those dangers, like poultry bones, onions, garlic, grapes, and more. In addition, we often do a lot of baking during the holidays, introducing our pets to even more potential dangers with chocolate, sugar, macadamia nuts, raisins, and more. Keep those foods and treats out of your pet’s reach at all times!

•  Dangerous holiday plants. For some odd reason, the most popular plants to bring inside the home at the holidays are toxic to your pet! Amaryllis and lilies of all kinds are dangerous and we recommend keeping them out of your pet’s reach at all times so that your pet doesn’t have access to the leaves or berries that may fall off. You may also want to consider purchasing silk flowers for the look of the festive plant without the dangers. 

If you have any questions about your pet’s safety and well-being this holiday season, the veterinary team at Brookfield Animal Hospital can help! Please contact us today to ask us all of your pet safety questions. That’s what we’re here for! Have a happy and safe holiday with your pet this year. 

Veterinary Boarding at Brookfield Animal Hospital

Have you ever considered boarding your pet while you take a family vacation or a weekend trip? Not all boarding facilities are created equal. At Brookfield Animal Hospital, we are so proud to be able to offer veterinarian-staffed boarding to offer pet owners peace of mind about their pets’ safety while they stay with us.

Our animal hospital is staffed with veterinarians 7 days a week, ensuring that your pet will be cared for in the event of illness or a veterinary emergency. Many pet boarding facilities are staffed by employees rather than veterinarians and veterinary professionals, making them ill-equipped to provide for your pet’s needs should a medical situation arise. That is not the case at Brookfield Animal Hospital, where your pet can be treated promptly.

Additional Benefits to Veterinary-Staffed Boarding

We can also provide veterinary treatment to our guests, if scheduled in advance. We can do dental cleanings, administer vaccines, conduct annual examinations, etc., while your pet is staying at our facility, saving you future trips to the vet.

Tour the Brookfield Animal Hospital Boarding Facility

If you’re a new client at Brookfield Animal Hospital or if your pet has never boarded with us, we welcome you to come in for a tour of our boarding facility. We would love for you to see what we have to offer. Schedule a tour or book your pet’s reservation with us today!

Gluten-Free, Grain-Free and Natural Diets

We all know that good nutrition is important to health.  To help you make informed purchasing decisions, we’ve written a series of articles to help answer the question: “What should I feed my pet?”  In this blog article on pet nutrition, we will continue to try to demystify pet food selection by discussing gluten-free, grain-free, and natural diets.

In order to appeal to consumers, many pet food companies use terms like “natural”, “holistic”, “organic” and “human grade” with varied meanings.  The term "human grade" does not exist in any legal capacity so any company can claim their pet food contains “human grade” ingredients.  Since there are no official rules governing the labeling or organic foods for pets, monitoring and testing whether a pet food truly is organic is a low priority for the USDA.  Likewise, “holistic” is simply a marketing term without any specific definition and, since the term is not regulated, can be used on any pet food label.  AAFCO, the pet food industry’s regulatory body, does regulate “natural” to foods where NONE of the ingredients and components of ingredients are chemically synthesized (vitamins may be added).  This regulation does not apply to the food’s name, however.

With the growing number of people diagnosed with gluten allergies, pet food companies have begun marketing foods as grain or gluten-free.  But do these diets benefit pets?  Properly cooked grains in pet foods are highly digestible and dogs and cats can digest the carbohydrates from grains with an efficiency of greater than 90%.  Grains also contain fiber, which supports gastrointestinal health, as well as essential fatty acids and other nutrients that contribute to a healthy skin and coat.  Although allergies to proteins in grains can occur, less than 1% of dogs are sensitive to grains, far less common than allergies to animal protein sources.  Gluten allergies in dogs are very rare and have been reported primarily in Irish Setters.  Just as wheat gluten is added to breads to enhance their texture, a small amount in pet food helps canned formulas, kibbles and treats hold their shape.  Especially with dogs, gluten-free and grain-free diets do not typically provide superior nutrition than diets which do contain grains.

Although pet food packaging terms may not be very helpful information when choosing a pet food, the nutritional analysis does offer consumers some factual information.  Watch for our next blog explaining pet food nutrition labeling.

3 Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Who says Halloween is just for kids? Nowadays, more and more pet owners are involving their pets in this fun-filled holiday. If you’ll be one of them, it’s important to use caution, since Halloween can be actually be a dangerous time for a pet if you’re not prepared. Consider the following three pet safety tips by Brookfield Animal Hospital, so your four-legged friends can have a safe, happy Halloween with you and the rest of the family.

1. Choose Your Pet Costume Wisely

Dressing a pet up is one of the most popular and probably most enjoyable ways to include a pet in the Halloween festivities. Whether you’re thinking of dressing up your fur baby as an Ewok, a comic book superhero, or maybe even a piece of food, always consider the comfort level of the costume you choose before leaving it on your pet. Keep in mind that not all pets will tolerate wearing anything more than their own fur, no matter how comfortable the costume. Also, some costumes can actually be dangerous if they fit too tightly or have sharp pieces or pieces that can pose a choking hazard. If possible, try to get your pet comfortable in the costume a few days before Halloween. And if, after all your preparation, your pet still appears uncomfortable or downright irritated in the costume, don’t force them to wear it. Just hope for better luck next year.

2. Provide Pet Identification

Halloween is one of the most common times of the year that pets go missing. Sadly, this can be the result of being stolen from their own yards or from making a quick dash through the front door after seeing it continuously open for costumed trick-or-treaters. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your pet has sufficient identification that includes your current address and phone number.

A microchip is another great method of pet identification that we recommend. A microchip is a tiny device that’s about the size of a grain of rice that’s placed just under the surface of the skin, near a pet’s shoulder blades. Your pet’s microchip can contain a unique bar code that links to your contact information and can be scanned by most animal hospitals and shelters. Having both an ID tag and microchip can greatly increase the chances of  safe, happy reunion, should your pet ever become separated from you on Halloween—or any other time of the year.

3. Use Caution with Candy and Decorations

Did you know that chocolate is one of the toxic foods to pets, due to the presence of the alkaloid theobromine? Although the amount of theobromine varies in different types of chocolate, typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the toxicity. The clinical signs of chocolate toxicity can range from vomiting to diarrhea to seizures and can take several hours to develop. The sugar substitute xylitol, which is common in many candies, is another ingredient that’s toxic to pets and can result in hypoglycemia if ingested. It’s best to keep all the sweets out of your pet’s reach.

Decorations like candles and lit jack-o-lanterns can also be dangerous to a curious pet that might accidentally knock them over, so use caution if you plan to have these around your home this Halloween.

Feel free to contact us at (203) 775-3679 if you have any questions about the tips mentioned above or if you’d like to learn more about Brookfield Animal Hospital. We hope you and your family—fur babies included—all have a safe, fun Halloween!

Are By-Products and Corn Bad?

Despite current pet food advertising campaign claims, the majority of by-products and corn in pet foods are a cost effective means to provide very good nutrition to pets.  Remember that advertisers want to sell their product.  Pet food companies know that pet owners are willing to pay a premium if they perceive that a pet food provides better nutrition for their pet.  Therefore, pet food is marketed towards those perceptions and not towards nutrition facts.  Many pet foods are now made to look like food that their owners eat or touted to be the same as what your pet would eat in the wild.  But, is feeding your pet the same as you or a wolf really the best nutrition for your pet?  Let’s take a look at by-product and corn facts.

A by-product is any ingredient that is produced or left over when some other product is made.  Broths and gelatin are examples of by-products.  In pet foods, by-products come from “clean” animal parts such as liver, kidneys and other organs which, although not aesthetically pleasing for we humans to eat, may provide superior nutrition compared to “traditional“ animal parts.  Muscle meat is deficient in many nutrients, including calcium and other vitamins and minerals.  These nutrients are abundant in meat by-products and boost the nutrient value of a pet food.  Using these other animal parts allows the whole animal to be utilized thus decreasing waste.  While we in western cultures may not choose to eat those parts, your pet would definitely eat those nutritious parts if hunting their food.

Corn provides an inexpensive, good source of carbohydrates, protein and essential fatty acids in the diets of dogs and cats.   Although cats, which are true carnivores, may do better with a primarily protein diet, decades of dog domestication have created dogs that are omnivores, digesting both protein and carbohydrates well.   Corn gluten meal contains 60-70% protein with many essential amino acids.  Corn gluten meal is easy to digest, making its nutrients readily available to your pet.  When combined with other protein sources, corn meal can contribute to a highly digestible and nutritious diet.  There are 5 grades of corn quality, of which human food traditionally uses grades 1 and 2.  Quality pet nutrition companies also use grade 1 and 2 for their pet foods.  Incorporating some corn allows companies to provide good nutrition while keeping their price reasonable. 

When it comes to pet food, advertising may be misleading.  We’ll continue to discuss the nutrition “facts” in coming articles.

Make Sure They Can Get Home: Check Your Pet's Microchip

Is your pet's microchip up-to-date? If your pet were lost, would an animal hospital or shelter be able to contact you once your pet was found?

It's important to get your pet microchipped; but it's just as important to make sure that microchip contains the correct information in order for your four-legged friend to get home.

How does a microchip work?
The microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is injected by a veterinarian or veterinary technician just beneath your pet's skin in the area between the shoulder blades. This is usually done without anesthesia, and the experience can be compared to getting a vaccination.

Each microchip has a unique registration number that is entered into a database or registry, and is associated with your name and contact information. If your lost dog or cat is found by an animal hospital, shelter or humane society, they will use a microchip scanner to read the number and contact the registry to get your information.

Make sure you can be found, too
While it may be comforting to know the microchip won't get lost or damaged, and that it will probably last the pet's lifetime, the microchip is useless if you're not updating your contact information with the registry. If your pet has been microchipped, keep the documentation paperwork so you can find the contact information for the registry. If you don't have the documentation paperwork, contact the veterinarian or shelter where the chip was implanted.

Keep in mind there are more than a dozen companies that maintain databases of chip ID numbers in the U.S. By using AAHA's Universal Pet Microchip Lookup at petmicrochiplookup.org, you can locate the registry for your chip by entering the microchip ID number. If you don't have your pet's microchip ID number, have a veterinarian scan it and give it to you.

Only about 17% of lost dogs and 2% of lost cats ever find their way back to their owners. Prevent the heartache and ensure your pet has an up-to-date microchip.

Originally published by Healthy Pet.

Pets and Water Safety: Pools, Boats, and Lakes

Summer has finally arrived and your four-legged friend can enjoy the cool water just as much as you do. But there are some things to be considered before letting your dog or cat dive into the summer fun.

Prepare & Plan Ahead

• Pet Identification: Pet identification is a must, either in the form of a secure ID tag or a microchip, or better yet, both. Make sure your microchip is registered and up to date with contact information.

• Personal Floatation Device: It is highly recommended that your pet don his/her own life vest when on or around water. These can be found either online or at your local pet supply store.

• Obedience Training: Obedience training goes well beyond household manners. Having a dog who will obey your every command, including a solid “wait” and recall, in any situation will help you and your furry friend avoid hazardous situations and can even save his/her life. Teach your pet location specific routines, like where the steps are in the pool or how to get back onto your boat. Practice them frequently, so if a “pet overboard” situation occurs, he or she knows how to get out of the water safely.

• Get Familiar with the Water: Familiarize yourself with any body of water before allowing your pet to take a dip. Be aware of tides and currents and don’t let your pet to swim in any hazardous areas or conditions. Get to know your pet’s athletic ability and limitations. Learn to read body language and recognize when he/she is becoming fatigued so that you can call them out of the water before he/she becomes too tired to swim.

• First Aid: Know basic first aid for your pet and consider learning pet CPR. If an emergency should arise, proper steps taken in the field can save your pet’s life.

• Bring Fresh Water for Your Pet to Drink: Offering water often will help avoid having them drink salt or potentially contaminated water.

Swimming Pools

Pools can be fun for the whole family, but, like children, your pet should never be granted access to your backyard oasis unsupervised. The best solution to this potential problem is enclosing the pool with a secure fence. If you don’t have a pool, a nice way to offer your pet that cool-water relief from the heat of the summer is a hard, plastic kiddie pool. A few inches of water will be just enough for the pet enjoy and is safe for pets of all shapes and sizes. But be sure to empty the pool after your pet is done cooling off. Standing water attracts mosquitoes, which transmit heartworm disease.

Boats

You and your pet should “test the waters” before actually setting sail together. Get your pet used to the water and the boat a little bit at a time at the dock or even on the trailer in your driveway. Once they are comfortable with the vessel, start by taking short trips. Pets can become motion sick, just like you and me. Speak with your veterinarian about medication that can manage this problem.

We’re all familiar with house training, but how about boat training? To make your nautical outings are a complete success, teach your pet to “do their business” in a specific location on the boat, and, for you go-getters, on command.

So, whether it’s a quick dip or a day-long cruise, you and your pet can safely enjoy the water together. Just take some time to plan ahead and have fun in the sun!

For more information, please visit The Pet Connection: Splish, Splash, Caution and

YachtPals’ Boating with Dogs and Cats

By: Katie Brunetti, Veterinary Technician

Hiking and Biking and Dog Parks...Oh My! Off Leash Safety

By Kate Dickson

Customer Care Coordinator

Brookfield Animal Hospital

The moment the temperatures rise above freezing, your dog is thinking one thing; DOG PARK! Dog parks are a great way for your pup to burn off extra energy, lose those winter pounds they may have gained and of course, to socialize. Socializing and exercise are key to help your dog stay happy and balanced, but keeping him safe during these activities is just as important. Whether you’re taking your pup on a long hike, a jog around the block or a quick jaunt to the dog park, there are certain steps and precautions you can take to make sure everyone has a good time and comes home tired, happy and ready to relax.

                When it comes to exercise, your dog’s body needs time to adjust to vigorous movement, much like yours does. Although you can see the eager look in your dog’s eyes when you say, “Wanna go for a walk?,” it’s best to ease him into a walking/jogging routine. Start small and give him plenty of time to rest up between active periods. Stay vigilant and take notice if your pet exhibits any change in gait, limping or damage to their paw pads. Gradually increase the activity level and you’ll reach your goal before you know it.

                When taking your pet on a trip, near or far, don’t forget to pack supplies for him as you would yourself. Extra water, a bowl, some snacks and an extra leash are just a few suggestions. It’s also not commonly known, but dogs can also get sunburned! It’s a good idea to apply some dog-safe sunscreen to your pooch before heading out, and reapply if you’re spending more than a couple hours in the sun. Always make sure your dog is wearing proper identification as well as a current rabies tag at all times, in case you get separated during your outing.

Adventures are sure to strengthen your bond with your pup, but never underestimate the power of good recall! Recall is the ability for your dog to come right to you when you call him, either using his name or another command. If you intend on having your dog off-leash in public, a strong recall is invaluable.

                Dog parks are a great tool for socializing your dog at any age, but keep in mind that the only supervision present is other pet owners. It’s a great idea to read up on some basic dog language to ensure your dog is having fun and behaving appropriately.  Dogs communicate in many different ways, but eye contact and body posturing are the easiest mannerisms to pick out. A dog in play is often loose and wiggly. Adversely, a warning sign for other dogs is stiff posturing and direct eye contact. An easy way to stop any potential issues before they arise is to simply walk in-between the two dogs, focusing on your dog and taking his attention away from the other dog. Dogs can absolutely get tired out and cranky, so know when it’s time to pack it up and head home.

Always be an advocate for your dog. You are the sole person responsible for their health, safety, behavior and well-being. Reach out to your veterinarian if you have questions about their health. Keep them well exercised in both body and mind and get the most out of your summer!