Happy Independence Day!

Wishing all a safe and happy Fourth of July!

And please remember more pets are lost on July 4 than any other day of the year.

Independence Day can trigger many pet care problems including heat stroke, anxious, lost, sick, or injured pets.

Here are some tips to get you and your pet through the long weekend.

Loud noises startle and distress pets.  Scared pets have been known to jump out of apartment windows, leap over or dig under fences.  They may also bolt out an open door and become lost and never found.

What does an anxious pet look like?  Signs of anxiety can include pacing, trembling, panting, drooling, attention seeking (vocalizing, pawing, nuzzling, and climbing on people), hiding - looking for a place to hide, and bolting.

• Line up some chemical calm.  Call us in advance to get a medication to keep them calm.  While you are at it, get the location and phone number of the nearest emergency clinic.  Remember to give the medications as recommended -- they usually work best before the fireworks begin
• Set up a safe room.  It's not a bad idea to secure them in a quiet room, or a crate if they're used to one.  Use the radio or television as a distraction from the noise outside.
• Keep your pets secure.  Frightened dogs have been know to go through barriers that would normally hold them.  And cats may be targets of cruel pranksters.
• Prepare for the worst.   Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags.
• Know what to do if you lose your pet.  Start looking as soon as you discover your pet is missing.  Cover your neighborhood with fliers and check with veterinarians, emergency clinics and shelters.
• Heat may be a problem when people take their dogs along to outdoor events.  Don't let having a good time distract you from keeping an eye on your dog.  Be sure they're getting lots of water.  And of course, your dog should never be left in a car, even with the windows cracked, on any warm day -- even a few minutes could be deadly.
• Panting and glassy eyes may be signs of an overheated dog.  Apply as much cool -- not ice cold -- water as you can to your dog's body, and get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.  Heat stress is not something that can wait.  it is a life - threatening emergency.  Older or obese dogs, or short-nosed such as pugs or boxers, are at the greatest risk, as are those with darker coats.

Remember if you are holding a party, try to limit your pets intake of people food.  Or better yet stay away from it altogether.  Hamburgers, steak, and hot dogs may cause your pet to have vomiting or diarrhea.  Grapes and raisins can be life threatening.  Sugar free products containing Xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels in dogs.  Onions and garlic may cause blood disorders.  Macadamia nuts may be harmful as well.

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month

Did you know that April is National Heartworm Awareness Month.  Is your pet protected? Prevention is the key to avoiding a painful treatment, prolonged recovery, or possible death from heartworm disease.

How do dogs and cats get heartworm disease?  There's only one way - through an infected mosquito bite.  It cannot be spread from one pet to another.  Mosquitoes become infected by biting an animal that has the disease.  The infected mosquito then bites a dog or cat and passes microscopic, infective larvae to them.  If the pet is not on a heartworm preventive all year, the larvae mature and multiply, causing damage to the heart and lungs.

We have been asked if indoor pets can get heartworm disease, the answer is yes.  Mosquitoes can get inside a home, particularly in South Florida as your family and pets are in and out of the home enjoying the beautiful weather.  If only takes one bite for a cat or dog to become infected.  Any exposure to mosquitoes, inside or outside, can put a pet at risk.

The best way to prevent this potentially fatal disease is to use and keep your pet on preventive medicine all year.  It's also important to have your pet tested once a year.  Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about heartworm disease and how best to protect your pet or contact Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center for more information.

Traveling with your Dog

Informative infographic from our friends at TakePart.com

Halloween Dangers

Did you know that the week of Halloween is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your pet? Calls to veterinarians and the Pet Poison Hotline increase an average of 12% during this week.   “Each year we experience a sharp increase in calls around Halloween, especially during the weekends surrounding the holiday,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline.

“Most often, these calls involve pets accidentally ingesting Halloween candy or décor. Chocolate is one of the most problematic candies as dogs and cats cannot metabolize it as well as people. Thus, it places them at risk for poisoning.”

According to the Pet Poison Hotline the four most common food-related Halloween hazards for pets are chocolate, candy overindulgence, raisins and candy wrappers.

Let's make it a safe holiday for your pet.

Give the Dog a Bone…

A bone is and always will be a special treat in your dog’s eyes. They love bones, big beef bones. You can pick them up at the grocery store when you do your grocery shopping.

Not only does your pet feel extra loved, but the bonus is that while he is chewing and gnawing on the bone, his teeth are getting pearly white.

There are a few precautions to take to ensure that only enjoyment comes from this treat and not a trip to the vet’s office.

Safe bones for your dog:

• Edible bones: hollow, non-weight bearing bones of birds that is soft and pliable. They do not contain marrow and can be crushed in a meat grinder
• Recreational Bones: big chucks of beef or bison femur or hip bone filled with marrow.

Bone Safety:

• Feed them the bone in their crate, outside, or somewhere the bone will not make a mess
• Supervise your pet while he is working on the bone
•  Separate dogs in a multi-dog home

Avoid giving bones to dogs that…

• Have had dental work done (restorative)
• Are susceptible to pancreatitis
• Could possibly attempt to swallow hole
• May be able to bite it in half

When you give your dog a bone, LEAVE HIM ALONE!

Dogs can get very possessive about their bones. Bones are one of those things that will make a dog growl when you try and take it away from him. Bones are a very special treat and your dog wants to enjoy that treat in a relaxing place where he can truly enjoy it.

Possible Dangers include

•  Broken teeth
•  Mouth or tongue injury
• Gets stuck in dogs esophagus, windpipe, or intestine
• Peritonitis
• Constipation due to bone fragments

Good Dog!

Sit, Stay, Laydown…Good dog!

• A well trained dog does not bother your guests.
• A well trained dog does not come when called.
• A well trained dog does not pull the leash. 
• A well trained dog does not jump on people.
• A well trained dog does not beg at the table.
• A well trained dog does listen to commands when given.
• A well trained dog does go to their spot and chill out.
• A well trained dog does walk on a loose leash.
• A well trained dog does welcome guests without harassing.

An untrained dog has less privileges and interactions with your family. When friends come over to visit, your dog is ushered into his cage or another room to avoid jumping. When the family is having dinner, back to the cage he is sent to avoid begging.  He is only allowed off leash in the backyard, anywhere else he will run and you will have to chase him down.

Dogs are social animals. They love to interact with their family members on a regular basis. Depriving your dog of regular family time is one of the cruelest forms of punishment. Spending quality time with your dog training him to be the beloved family member you brought him home to be is best for the family.

Remember sit, stay, and down are the building blocks for a well-trained dog!

Our Grooming Services

Did you know that Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center offers professional pet grooming? Our staff maintains a clean, secured and stress free environment for your pets safety and hygiene. Proper grooming not only for aesthetic purposes but adds to your pet overall health. Don't hesitate to contact for a consultation.

 

Endless Pool

Endless Pool, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center is one of the animal hospitals that offers an Endless Pool for aquatic therapy and animal rehabilitation on site. Our pool is fully secured and closely monitored for the safety of all animals that board with us.

Kennel and Boarding Facilities

Kennel and Boarding Facilities, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center offers our clients safe and superior facilities for your pets on short or long term stays. Our grounds are fully secured and monitored, have large indoor/outdoor pet runs and webcams. We offer extensive exercise space covered with K 9 Grass artificial turf.

Surgical Facilities at Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center

Surgical Facilities at Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center offers surgical services including orthopedic, laser and therapeutic laser surgeries. Also, we provide advanced dental care including digital dental radiography.

Can I Have A Puppy?

"Please, can I have a puppy?" As a parent, we've all been asked.

Rather than dodge the question, parents should consider whether their family is ready for a pet, says Sharon Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation's leading provider of early childhood care and education.

Bergen suggests that parents weigh the pros and cons of adding a pet to the household before agreeing to a child's request. "A pet can teach children responsibility and become a wonderful addition to a family-or it can be a burden," she says. Bergen recommends families consider the following before deciding.

Who will care for the pet? Families should agree beforehand who will be responsible for feeding, walking, bathing and cleaning up after the pet.

Do you have space for a pet? Families living in apartments or townhouses may prefer a cat, a bird or fish, rather than a Labrador retriever. Check the library or Internet to learn more about different types and breeds of pets to determine the one most suitable for your family.

Owning a pet is time consuming and may be expensive. Family members should realize that they may have to give up other activities to properly care for a pet. If the prospect seems too daunting, parents may suggest waiting until the child is old enough to help care for an animal.

Bergen recommends the whole family meet the animal before deciding to take it home. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, so think carefully before adopting a furry new family member.

Waterdog!

Waterdog!, a photo by Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center on Flickr.

Just enjoying a swim on a hot afternoon in Boynton Beach, Florida

Leash Training Your Dog: Dog Training Advice

As a responsible and caring dog owner, you will undoubtedly spend a lot of your time in training your puppy. You will probably do some crate training, obedience training, maybe even agility training. But, one of the most enjoyable things you can do for your companion is leash training. He may not think very highly of it at first, but once he has the hang of it, your outside time with him will be much more enjoyable for you both.

Most experts recommend that you begin leash training your dog when he is around six or seven weeks old. Usually at this age, he will have a better attention span, and will be up for walks with you.

When you first start walking with your puppy, you may want to allow the puppy some freedom at first, so that he can explore his area and play. The training at this time will be teaching your puppy to stay with you during your walk, and come when you call him. By letting the puppy explore, and then calling his name, he will learn that you want him to come back to you. It is important to praise and reward your puppy when he does come when you call him. Some trainers will use treats to get the puppy to follow them at first. Due to his short attention span, you should not expect this to work for long. You should give the puppy a treat, and let him go play, then try again a little later. By using treats and rewards, and being patient, your puppy will catch on fairly quickly.

When your puppy has mastered the walk without a leash, and coming to you when you call him, you can probably begin training him on a lead. Most veterinarians will recommend starting with a nylon collar before trying a choker collar. Most of the time, the choker collar is not needed, unless you have a very strong willed puppy.

Usually the best place to start leash training is your own backyard. The puppy is probably already very familiar with this area now, so he will be less focused on exploring, and more on training. You also don’t have to worry about other animals on the scene, as you would at a park or local walking track.

Again, when you have the collar on and are ready to begin, bend down and offer a treat to get your puppy to come to you. After successfully doing this a few times, start to walk a little with the puppy on the leash. If your puppy follows you, praise him and give him a treat. In the event he does not follow, which often is the case the first time around, start all over again. Once he starts to follow you without resistance, try walking a little bit further each time. Your puppy will soon learn to be lead, without him even noticing he is doing something he may not want to do.

Continue working with your puppy often, as any training should be ongoing. The more training and practice your puppy gets, the more accustomed to the leash he will become.