Posts in Category: Pet Safety

There’s nothing like a New England winter to make you long for the warm weather. There is also nothing quite as beautiful. Hampton Veterinary Hospital hopes that you are enjoying the season with your pets. Read on for our best tips for winter safety for dogs. 

Although they might look adorable when they have a little extra floof, obesity in dogs and cats can lead to a lot of health problems. The team at Hampton Veterinary Hospital wants to help you keep your pets as healthy as possible, which is why we think it’s important to understand the dangers of obesity in pets.

Cats are notorious for their independence. Strange cat behaviors are commonplace in any feline-friendly home, so it can be difficult to determine when your cat is acting differently because he or she is in pain. Your friends at Hampton Veterinary Hospital are serious about feline health, and we want to help you determine when your kitty might need a little veterinary help. Keep reading to learn about some of the top warning signs your cat is in pain.

The  dog-days of summer are upon us!  While this can be an amazing and fun season, it can come along with dangers for your pet(s). This blog reviews the more common summer injuries and conditions in pets, with tips on how to best avoid them, as well as knowing when to call your veterinarian.

Bite Wounds

Dog bites can happen any time of the year.  We tend to see this more frequently  in the warmer months as dogs are visiting dog parks, kennels, daycare, etc. Even if a dog bite appears minor, you should contact your veterinarian right away, as prompt care of the wound (cleaning, flushing, antibiotics, etc) is incredibly important; also, some bites can look minor externally but cause significant trauma and damage beneath the skin, sometimes needing surgical intervention.

Heat Stroke

Dogs cannot sweat through their skin (only a small amount through their paw pads), so heat can be especially dangerous. Heat stroke occurs when an animal’s body overheats.  This can manifest as excessive panting, inability or unwillingness to move around, drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea (with or without blood), mental dullness/loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse.

Seek veterinary attention IMMEDIATELY. If you are able, apply rubbing alcohol to paw pads, dampen dog’s body with cool/cold water, get dog to an area with fans/air conditioning, etc.

TIPS:

• DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A CAR UNATTENDED!
• Walk your pet at cooler times of the day (early morning, late evening).
• Always provide ample amounts of fresh, cool water.

Paw Burns/Abrasions/Cuts

If your pet gets a peeling paw pad burn, or gets a bleeding cut/laceration on the paw pad, please call your veterinarian – these need to be medically addressed, and sometimes surgically repaired.

TIPS:

• Do not walk animals on hot pavement; walk during cooler times of the day.
• Booties can be used for short periods to protect paw pads from burns and sharp objects.

Porcupine Quills

If your animal comes into contact with a porcupine and gets quilled, please call your veterinarian immediately. Animals typically need to be sedated in order to remove quills effectively and safely. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PULL THEM ON YOUR OWN, and DO NOT CUT QUILLS.

Skunk Spraying

Skunks are everywhere in New England so it’s not uncommon for your pet to come in contact with them!  Skunk spraying is typically benign (but smelly!).  You can use the homemade remedy below to help remove the skunk spray and smell. However, if your pet gets sprayed in the face — especially if he/she begins squinting — please contact your veterinarian, as there is the potential for eye irritation and ulceration.

Homemade Skunk Remedy Recipe:

• 1 Quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• 1/4 Cup Baking Soda
• 2 tsp Dawn Liquid Dish Soap

Soak dog’s fur with mixture for 20 minutes. Use sponge on head/face to avoid eyes. Thoroughly rinse with water.

Swimmer’s Tail

Also known as Limber Tail Syndrome, this is a condition that occurs when the base of the spine/tail is strained or overly fatigued. It presents as a limber/weak tail, with minimal movement of the tail, and discomfort at the tail base or base of spinal area.

This is common in animals that overuse their tails, who get excited easily, and/or swim frequently.

If this occurs in your pet, please call your veterinarian to schedule an exam – often times, we prescribe pain medication/anti-inflammatories, and will recommend resting as much as possible, and trying to avoid situations where your pet will get overly excited and use its tail.

Ear Infections (Otitis) and Hot Spots (Moist Dermatitis)

Bacterial and yeast infections of the ear canals and/or skin are VERY common in the warmer months, especially in dogs that swim frequently, and/or have seasonal allergies.

ALWAYS contact your veterinarian if you suspect an ear infection, as they can become severe very quickly – symptoms include head shaking, ear scratching, ear odor, ear discharge/debris/redness, etc.  There are no over-the-counter products that will effectively treat an ear infection.

If your dog is an avid swimmer, talk to your veterinarian about ear cleaners that can help keep the ears happy and decrease risk of infection.

ALWAYS contact your veterinarian if you suspect a skin infection, as they can become severe very quickly – symptoms include excessive scratching, moist areas on the skin or in fur, skin odor, skin redness, etc.

If your dog is an avid swimmer, be sure to rinse with clean water (to rinse off chlorine, salt, algae, etc) and towel dry well after swimming.

Black Fly Bites

These are VERY common in dogs during later spring and earlier summer months, and appear as bullseye-looking red spots, typically on regions of the body without hair (groin, abdomen).

These are not anything to worry about and are not typically uncomfortable for your pet; however, if you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Foreign Bodies, Pancreatitis and Gastritis

Foreign body ingestion and stomach/pancreatic upset is not uncommon during the summer months, as barbecues/family gatherings/etc. are very common. Be careful not to give your pet anything that could potentially upset their systems, and advise your guests to be cautious, as well. Common causes include corn cobs (they can get lodged in the stomach or intestines and need surgical intervention to remove), meats and other foods high in fat (pancreas and stomach upset), spices/herbs, meat bones (especially chicken and pork as these splinter), etc.

Animals do not typically tolerate abrupt switches in diet, or getting foods their system is not used to – diarrhea, vomiting and decreased appetite can be signs of an issue.

Firework/Loud Noise Phobia and Anxiety

Some dogs can be very anxious with loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms, which are quite common during the summer! If you believe your pet has anxiety, please contact us; we can discuss helpful tips for desensitization to noise, environmental modification, and possible medications that can be helpful.

If you have any questions, or are concerned that any of these conditions are occurring in your pet, please do not hesitate to call Hampton Veterinary Hospital at (603) 926-7978 or your closest emergency clinic.

Travelling with your pet this summer?  Here is a list of things to consider before you go away.

What to Pack

• A copy of your pet’s updated vaccines, including a current rabies certificate.  Clients of Hampton Veterinary Hospital can access their pet’s vaccine records electronically by signing up for our Pet Page App.

• A collar or harness with identification tags, including rabies and town licensing tags (dogs).  Ideally, your pet should have a microchip.  If not, contact Hampton Veterinary Hospital about having one placed.  Don’t forget to make sure the microchip company has all of your current contact information.

• At least one leash per dog, as well as one back-up leash.

• Water & food bowls – soft-sided collapsible ones can pack easily into a car and are easily carried in a bag or backpack.

• Food – pack enough for an additional 2-3 days per pet just in case you have to extend your stay.

• Medications – bring them in their original packaging with appropriate labels.  Include extra should your time away run longer than expected.  Don’t forget to bring heartworm and flea/tick preventatives if your pet is due for their next dose while you are away!

• Pet Crate or Carrier- many pets find these comforting, especially on long car rides and in unfamiliar surroundings.

• Toys, blankets & bedding.

• If in a remote area, you may want to consider putting together a Pet First Aid Kit
  

Other To-Do’s Before Travelling With Your Pet

• Locate the 24-hour ER veterinary facility that is closest to your destination(s).  Visit The American Animal Hospital Association website to help locate accredited hospitals in the area.

• Travelling by plane?  Contact the airline to ensure that you have all of the necessary information required.  Travelling internationally? Check with the country you are visiting as to what additional requirements they may have.

• Research which hotels, motels, etc allow pets.  National chains that allow pets include RedRoof Inns, Motel 6, and La Quinta.

• Concerned that your pet may experience either motion sickness and/or anxiety?  Contact your veterinarian well-prior to your trip for suggestions or medication refills.

• Locate the nearest boarding options just in case!  Remember, Hampton Veterinary Hospital is an excellent option for boarding in the NH Seacoast area!

Toxins are often not the first thing on your mind when bringing a pet into your home, but there are many more than you may expect!  It is important to know the common pet toxins that can be present so you can take special care to keep them out of your pet’s reach. If you believe your pet has ingested or come into contact with any of these toxins, or if you are unsure, please contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic immediately! Accurate and timely identification of the suspected toxin is very important— TIP: have the container, package, or label in hand; this can save valuable time!

Common CANINE Toxins

• Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
• Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)
• Vitamins and Minerals (e.g. Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen/Advil, naproxen/Aleve, aspirin, etc.)
• Cardiac Medications (e.g. Amlodipine/calcium-blockers, Atenolol/beta-blockers, Aspirin and other blood thinners, etc.)
• Cold/Allergy Medications (e.g. Sudafed/pseudoephedrine/decongestants, phenylephrine)
• Antidepressants (e.g. Prozac, Paxil, Lexipro, etc.)
• Xylitol (e.g. gum, some peanut butters, etc).
• Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
• Anti-freeze

Common FELINE Toxins

• Topical spot-on insecticides (be cautious not to use canine products on kitties!)
• Household Cleaners
• Antidepressants (e.g. Prozac, Paxil, Lexipro, etc.)
• Lilies (EXTREMELY TOXIC – can cause acute kidney failure with just a lick!)
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen/Advil, naproxen/Aleve, aspirin, etc.)
• Cold and Flu Medication (e.g. TYLENOL!)
• ADD/ADHD Medications (e.g. Adderall, etc).
• Mouse and Rat Poison (rodenticides)
• Anti-freeze
• String, yarn, sewing needles, (gift) ribbon, hair ties (foreign bodies)

Common FOOD Toxins (Primarily Dogs)

• Chocolate, coffee
• Macadamia nuts, walnuts
• Grapes & raisins
• Raw yeast bread dough
• Brewing hops
• Products containing xylitol (gum, some peanut butters, etc).
• Onions, garlic (Dogs and Cats)

Don’t hesitate to ask us for a more complete, detailed list of common pet toxins. And remember, we are always here to help! Here is a list of important numbers you may need if your pet comes into contact with a toxin:

Hampton Veterinary Hospital (603) 926-7978

Port City Veterinary Referral Center (603) 433-0056

ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

The holidays ignite our senses like no other time of the year. We are compelled to shop, bake, create, decorate, and give to our heart’s content. Guess who watches all of our antics and indulgences? Family pets, of course. From hanging Christmas lights and dangling ornaments on the tree, to lighting candles and popping cookies in our mouths, they see everything.

None of this would be significant or frightening if there weren’t any associated hazards, but unfortunately there are. Don’t worry: a keen focus on holiday pet safety usually does the trick.