Candy and Sweets

From the overflowing bowls of Halloween candy to a delicious array of Christmas cookies, the upcoming months are full of sugary surprises. None of these human foods are good for pets, but dark chocolate especially should be avoided. Toxic to both dogs and cats, this human snack should be kept away from pets. Many sweets also contain xylitol, a component of non-sugar based sweeteners that is also toxic to cats and dogs.

Decorations

As you take out and put away seasonal decorations, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pets. Especially with a young puppy or kitten, keep wires and electrical cords out of the way to avoid electrical shocks. Pay close attention to your pets and don’t leave them alone near open flames like jack-o-lanterns and seasonally scented candles.

Stress

All but the most social animals will get stressed at some point throughout the holiday season. Especially on Halloween night or during a big party, give your pet a chance to escape the noise and excitement in a separate room.

While many pet owners love to dress their furry friends in festive costumes, pay attention to your dog or cat’s reaction. Many animals do not like these outfits, which can cause them a lot of unnecessary stress. If your pet does enjoy dressing up and showing off, be sure to choose a safe costume that fits them well. Check for small pieces that can be chewed off and avoid any costumes that restrict movement, eye sight or hearing.

Accidents do happen, so call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 if your pet seems ill or has eaten something that may be toxic.

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Dryer Sheets

A seemingly harmless and often used product, dryer sheets contain a few ingredients, like benzyl acetate and ethanol, which are very harmful to cats. Be sure to keep these sheets out of your pet’s reach and be sure to throw used sheets out in a garbage can with a lid.

Aloe

Although the inside of this plant calms and soothes human skin, it is one of many plants that are poisonous to cats. Keep aloe gel in a spot your kitty can’t get its paws and avoid keeping these plants around the house. For a list of other poisonous plants, click here.

Medicines

Medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen cause NSAID toxicity in cats, leading to stomach ulcers and kidney failure. One of the easiest ways for these toxins to be ingested is by licking an owner who has applied pain relief cream or by getting into a bottle in the cabinet. Keep medicines out of your cat’s reach and avoid the use of topical ointments around them. Acetaminophen is also dangerous for cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors. Be careful when taking these products and be sure to pick up any medicines that drop on the floor.

If your cat gets into any of these items or others that you are not sure about and shows signs of sickness or lethargic behavior, be sure to call your local veterinarian immediately.

Serving an array of towns near Kersey, Colorado, Powell Veterinary Service can be contacted at 970-352-9164 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. If your pet becomes ill in the evening hours, call the ASPCA’s animal poison control line at 888-426-4435 for assistance.

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Carried by bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes, most humans come into contact with the rabies virus through the infection of their household pets. If an incidence of rabies is noted in your area, keep cats indoors and watch dogs while they are out in the yard. Early symptoms of rabies include restlessness and a sudden change in mood, as well as fever and the licking or biting of the affected area.

Here at Powell Veterinary Service, we would like to stress the importance of keeping your pet up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. A requirement for domestic dogs and cats, one and three year vaccine options are available and all pets must wear a rabies tag on their collar. Since there is no accurate test for the rabies virus, animals that have not been vaccinated are frequently quarantined and put down for the safety reasons.

If you believe your dog or cat has been bit by a rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately to receive a booster vaccine. Wear gloves and protective clothing while handling your pet and call your local health department to alert them of the incident.

Located at 25505 Co Rd 53 in Kersey, Colorado, we provide preventative care, surgery and specialty services for dogs and cats in the surrounding areas. Request an appointment online or by calling our office at 970-352-9164.

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Each and every bump on your dog or cat’s body is not a cause for alarm, but here at Powell Veterinary Service we recommend you always assess your pet after finding a bump and make an appointment to have them checked out. As long as the mass isn’t painful and does not give off any sort of odor, there is no need to rush in.

At your appointment, we will look over your pet, asking about their medical history and if the lump has changed in size, shape or color since it was first found. A fine needle aspirate can be performed to learn more information about the contents of the mass. A small needle will be inserted into the mass, allowing us to extract a few cells to further examine the contents.

If cancer is suspected, as incisional or excisional biopsy will be recommended and a sample will be sent out to a lab for testing.

If you notice a mass on your pet, pay close attention to its location and size, and call us at 970-352-9164 if it does not go away within a few weeks. Located at 25505 Co Rd 53 in Kersey, Colorado, we service neighboring towns as well.

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Parasites and Bacteria

Stagnant water, from lakes and ponds to puddles are a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria. Parasites including giardia and cryptosporidium are among the most common and can cause vomiting and diarrhea in the healthiest of dogs. Because of their weaker immune systems, puppies and older dogs are more susceptible to parasites and can be affected even more severely.

Whether you and your furry friend are going for a swim or just on a walk after it rains, keep your dog from drinking stagnant water to help prevent sickness. If your dog displays signs of lethargy or begins vomiting, contact their vet immediately to begin antibiotic treatments. For active swimmers, seasonal stool examinations should be considered for the detection of bacterial infections and parasites.

Algae

Toxic algae can show up in lakes, ponds and the ocean, often emitting a sour smell. This algae has been found in areas across the country in a variety of colors ranging from red to green and brown. Most frequently appearing when water is warm in the late summer and fall, symptoms of algae poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and motor weakness. Avoid areas covered in algae and keep your dog from drinking water from an algae-covered body of water.

Water Intoxication

Dogs that love to splash around and play in fresh water are also at risk for water intoxication. When a dog drinks too much water the amount of sodium in their blood becomes diluted and the extra water causes swelling in cells throughout the body, as well as the brain. Nausea and vomiting are common signs of this condition, along with excessive salivation and glazed eyes. Watch your dog as they enjoy their time in the water and be sure to provide them with land breaks to decrease the risk of water intoxication.

Salt Water Poisoning

While salt water poisoning isn’t something we have to worry about here in Colorado, it is important to keep in mind if you plan to bring your pooch on your next ocean vacation. Salt water is toxic to both dogs and humans if ingested in large quantities and can cause diarrhea, dehydration and even seizures. Bring a bowl and plenty of fresh water to the beach for your pup and bring them in from the surf if they try to lap the whole ocean up.

Whether you are interested in testing a stool sample for parasites or are experiencing signs of illness in your dog after a swim, call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164. Our Colorado office provides emergency and wellness care for dogs and cats.

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Known to carry a variety of diseases and able to infest humans as well as animals, ticks are a serious problem for pets and their families. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis and other rickettsial diseases are some common and potentially fatal diseases carried by these pests. The bite of certain female ticks can also cause paralysis in dogs, making prevention even more vital to maintaining your pup’s health. While we don’t have documented cases of Lyme disease in the area, we do recommend vaccination and tick preventative for pets traveling to the Midwest and east coast.

Usually found near the head and neck of the host animal, ticks leave red, swollen welts as they move across the body. Check your pet regularly for ticks during the warmer months and use preventative products to further protect your furry friends. There are a few options available, with topical and oral medications being the most common options. In areas highly susceptible to tick infestation, consider treatment of your pet’s outdoor area.

Both topical and oral medicines have their advantages, and both are carried here at Powell Veterinary Service.  Our oral preventative is called Bravecto and will protect your pet for three months. One of our best topical treatments is called Activyl and is able to both repel and kill ticks that bite your pet.

When using topical medications, it is important to allow the product time to dry properly. Also, products that contain pyrethroid or amitraz are toxic to cats, so in multi-pet households, dogs and cats should be separated during and after treatment.

To learn more about tick prevention and to purchase medication for your pets, contact Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164.

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The first step to help your pet lose weight is to talk to your vet. Have your pet weighed and discuss changing your pet’s food or cutting back on the amount you give them. We recommend a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. When reducing the amount or type of food, cut back slowly to avoid a change in your pet’s metabolism.

Depending on how much weight your pet has to lose, it can take some time. Monitor weight loss by stopping in at Powell Veterinary Service for monthly weigh-ins. A great way to help your furry friend lose weight, and improve their overall health, is to cut back on treats and cut table scraps out of their diet. Crunchy veggies like baby carrots and celery are a low-calorie substitute for your dog.

Daily exercise in another key component to pet weight loss and going for a walk or swim together is great exercise for you too. Try taking your pooch to the dog park to make exercising a fun reward. Cats are a little more difficult to get motivated, so be sure to set aside a half hour a day to play.

In multi-pet households, weight loss can be more difficult. To prevent the sharing of food, be sure to feed your animals separately and do not leave food out throughout the day. If you notice your pets eying their empty food bowl between meals, offer them fresh water instead.

Read our article on pet foods here and call Powell Veterinary Service at 970-352-9164 to begin your pet’s weight loss journey today!

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There are plenty of great benefits to owning a pet. For starters, they make great companions and can provide your children with the opportunity to learn responsibility. Dogs especially can make good protectors as well. But did you know that pets also make us happier and healthier?

In a series of studies performed by Allen R. McConnell, Ph.D. and his colleagues, it was found that pets improve the lives of their owners by providing social support. Pet owners who had positive relationships with their friends and families mentioned having just as strong of a relationship with their pet! They often felt a sense of belonging and increased self-esteem, thanks to their furry family member. Pet owners also showed lower rates of depression and stress than non-owners.

And it’s not just dogs who are man’s best friend – whether you are the proud owner of a dog, cat, horse or lizard, you will feel the benefits of their love and support!

Pets can also provide support for those suffering from high blood pressure or a recent heart attack. Owning a pet is thought to decrease your risk of a heart attack and greatly increases your chances of surviving one. Just the presence of a dog has been shown to decrease an individual’s heart rate and blood pressure.

It has also been shown that babies born into families with a dog or cat are less likely to develop allergies and childhood asthma. Pets are thought to protect against illnesses by exposing children to dirt and dander early in life, training their developing immune systems.

Take care of your furry friend just as they care for you. Contact Powell Veterinary Service online or at 970-352-9164 to set up an appointment for an annual check-up today! Located in Kersey, Colorado; we proudly service neighboring areas including Brighton, Greeley, Gilcrest, La Salle, Loveland and Platteville.

The post Owning a Pet Leads to a Healthier Life first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.