You’ve probably heard the old adage about curiosity and cats, but dogs are equally compelled (if not more so) to gobble up something unfamiliar. Sure, it’s possible that an entire roll of ingested dental floss could come out of your pet’s rear end intact, but it’s far more likely that he or she will endure a foreign body obstruction.

Gastrointestinal blockages can be painful or life-threatening, making surgery the only viable solution. Because it happens regularly, your friends at West Park Animal Hospital are determined to help before your pet eats something weird.

A Closer Look

Most pets aren’t incredibly discerning when it comes to sampling items. It’s not uncommon for pets to begin toying with an object in play, only to quickly graduate to licking, biting, or chewing. Pica is the term given to the consumption of non-food items (including feces). There are helpful solutions to deter this behavior, but what if you’re not around when your pet eats something weird?

Stuck!

You may not immediately realize that your pet got into something dangerous, as it can take up to a full day for your pet’s digestive system to work from beginning to end. Items “stuck” in your pet’s GI tract can cause pain and discomfort, but results can also be damaging. Please do not delay in contacting us if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Constipation for longer than 24 hours
• Pain or strain while defecating
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Obvious pain when you touch the abdomen
• Inappetance
• Visually upset when you touch or pick up your pet (your pet is normally friendly and relaxed, but suddenly behaves aggressively or defensively)

What We Do

If you know – or suspect – that your pet has a GI blockage, we will confirm that with digital x-rays. Then we can treat in the following possible ways:

• Manage your pet’s pain
• Hydrate him or her with intravenous fluids
• Induce vomiting (if the foreign body is still in the stomach)
• Perform endoscopic removal (via the mouth or rectum)
• Surgery (if the blockage has already moved into the intestines)

As we mentioned, it’s critical not to hold off and wait for the blockage to come out on its own. Foreign bodies can cut off blood supply throughout the GI tract (including the stomach) and may result in more serious damage or tissue death.

Prevention is the Key

An approach similar to preventing a pet poisoning, the key is truly in limiting your pet’s access to dangerous items. Sure, you might think your pet would never have an interest in your gym socks (or light bulb or rubber ducky) – until he or she gobbles them down, that is.

Toys actually intended for pet use can also be perilous. Choose the right-sized toys for your pet, and ones that won’t break. When not in use, store these items in an area that is off-limits to your pet.

When Your Pet Eats Something Weird

Luckily, there are solutions when your pet eats something weird. Remember, time is of the essence; we are here for emergency care every day from 6pm until 1am, and remain happy to answer your questions over the phone.

The post Tasty or Treacherous? What to Do When Your Pet Eats Something Weird appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Who can say no to a basketful of fluffy kittens? Not many of us. It can be overwhelming to take on a litter of new baby cats who need your help, but caring for stray kittens can be a rewarding experience. Keep reading to learn what it takes to get these little bundles of joy off to a good start.

It’s All in the Age

How much and what type of care is needed depends highly on how old your little wards are. Newborn kittens need a lot of help and rely on mom for everything, from food to helping them go to the bathroom.

Determining the age of your kittens can help you understand what they need from you. If mom isn’t around, you may need to bottle-feed the kittens. If at all possible, kittens should remain with their mother until around 5 to 6 weeks of age.

Caring for Stray Kittens

Stray kittens have a few basic needs that they will rely on you to provide. These include:

Warmth – Just like any baby, a kitten is not good at regulating body temperature. Keep your kitten(s) in a warm, dry place (around 90 F for the first week).

Veterinary care – We should examine your kitten(s) to be sure that they are not dehydrated or suffering from any other concerning health problems. It is also important for us to check for parasites and deworm them, even at an early age. Fleas can also severely debilitate or even kill a small kitten and must be treated with safe medications.

Food – If the mother cat is not present, your kitten(s) will rely on you to feed them until they can eat solids around 4-5 weeks of age. Most kittens can be bottle fed with kitten milk replacer (never give cow’s milk). They will need to eat every 3-4 hours around the clock.

Stimulation to eliminate – Young kittens often cannot urinate or defecate without stimulation. The mother cat licks the kitten’s abdomen in order to initiate elimination. You will need to help your kitten(s) by gently rubbing their bellies at each feeding for the first few weeks.

Of course, all kittens need lots of love and affection as well. Luckily, this is the easiest and most fun part of raising kittens.

When to Ask for Help

Helping to raise stray kittens can be rewarding, but sometimes it is a little more than the average pet owner can take on. If you are not able to provide the care required (bottle feeding a whole litter round the clock is demanding) or your kittens are not doing well, please ask for help.

Kittens are very susceptible to disease, particularly upper respiratory infections and diarrhea, both of which can be devastating if not treated appropriately. Please let us know right away if your kittens are not eating well or exhibiting symptoms of illness.

It is okay to ask animal control or a rescue group for help if you are not able to care for stray kittens. Rest assured that they will be in good hands, and much better off than if left to their own means.

Caring for stray kittens is often a wonderful experience, but can be challenging for even the most dedicated cat lover. Should you choose to take on this task, know that West Park Animal Hospital is here to help you with all of your questions and difficulties along the way.

The post The Cutest Endeavor Ever: Caring for Stray Kittens appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

As responsible pet owners, we are happy to give our pets everything they need to live happy, healthy lives: nutritious food, shelter, love and affection, training and boundaries, and of course, quality veterinary care.

Regardless of how much we treasure our pets and how well we care for them, many of us are guilty of telling the occasional “white lie” to our veterinarian. Maybe we have forgotten the last few months of heartworm medication, but we fib and say we gave these doses. Or, perhaps we claim not to know why Fido put on a few pounds, when the truth is that we have been too busy to walk him lately.

The fact is, honesty at the vet is crucially important for your pet’s health and well-being. Our pets rely on us to help them get the care they need, and this often means letting your family veterinarian in on all the aspects of your pet’s care.

What Hinders Honesty at the Vet?

There are a few common reasons why pet owners may be a little less than truthful with the veterinarian, including:

• Embarrassment
• Concern over finances
• Lack of knowledge of the pet’s history
• Concern over the legalities of the situation
• An uncooperative pet

While we understand that you have a good reason for withholding certain details about your pet’s care, we want you to know that we are on your side. Our job is not to judge you, it’s to advocate for and provide top quality care for your pet. That is best done when we have as much information as possible.

Truthfulness Helps You and Your Pet

Providing us with all of the details surrounding your pet’s condition will help us to keep your pet’s treatment:

• Cost-effective – Withholding information may actually lead to unnecessary tests and treatments that could be avoided if we had full knowledge of your pet’s history.
• Efficient – Without knowing the full story, we may not be able to give your pet the treatment he or she needs in a timely manner. This can lead to decreased effectiveness of the treatment, or it can mean you and your pet may run out of options altogether.
• Comfortable – Additional testing and procedures, as well as delayed treatment, can mean discomfort for your pet.

We understand that finances can be a concern when it comes to veterinary care. As long as we have all the details, we are often able to help come up with a solution that works for everyone.

We’re Here for You

At West Park Animal Hospital, we value all of our clients and patients and deeply appreciate the meaning and importance pets bring to our lives. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.

The post The Best Policy: Why Honesty at the Vet is Important appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

It may only be September, but here at West Park Animal Hospital we believe it’s never too early to start thinking about holiday gifts for your pet. Most of our pets probably already have everything they need, so why not try your hand at DIY pet gifts this holiday season?

We’ve come up with a list of our 10 favorite gift ideas, sure to please your pet and your pocketbook.

8 Awesome DIY Pet Gifts

1. Homemade Treats – This is an easy one, because what pet doesn’t love treats? Whip up a batch of peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats or tuna and catnip croutons to surprise your little buddy with this holiday season.
2. Ball Tug Toy – Get the kids involved in making this simple DIY tug-of-war toy out of an old tennis ball and t-shirt. Does your dog love the crinkle of plastic? Swap out an empty water bottle for the ball.
3. Cardboard Mouse – We love this practically free cat toy made out of nothing but cardboard and a free template printed out from your computer.
4. Self-Petting Station – Away from work every day and plagued with guilt about all the snuggles your cat is missing out on? This self-petting station will keep kitty soothed and itch-free until you can take over.
5. Towel Dog Toy – Don’t have a ball or t-shirt, but do have an old towel you no longer use? Turn it into a towel dog toy, one of the easiest DIY pet gifts around, and entertain your pooch for hours.
6. Pipe Cleaner Cat Toys – Kids will love helping you create some fun and pretty cat toys out of regular old pipe cleaners.
7. Sweet Potato Chew Toy – This “indestructible” toy is a fun and thrifty way to provide your best pal with some mental stimulation, along with a dose of important nutrients.
8. Toilet Paper Tube Cat Toy – You can easily assemble this cat toy for the low price of an empty toilet paper roll. If kitty prefers something that rolls, try this slightly more complicated, but just as entertaining, version.

Safety First

As always, keep your pet’s safety needs in mind before beginning your DIY pet gifts. Take your pet’s temperament into consideration, including his or her playing or chewing style, when selecting your project. Make sure your DIY toy doesn’t have any small parts that can be chewed off and create a choking hazard, and that it doesn’t contain any foods that are unsafe for pets.

We welcome your questions and concerns, as well as your ideas for great DIY pet gifts. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Happy Holidays Already? Our Favorite DIY Pet Gifts appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

From the second your pet walked into your life, his or her paw print left a mark on your heart. From the perfect pink paws of the young to the weathered and worn pads of a senior companion, paw care is essential to overall wellness. While year round injury prevention is important, summer months are especially challenging because of hot pavement, packed dirt, and sand.

The Art of the Paw

With their built-in traction, your pet’s paws are made to withstand a variety of rough, uneven, or slick terrain. Paw pads are also great shock absorbers, protecting bones and joints and even insulating the foot from extreme weather.

How Extreme?

Similar to winter paw care, summer paw care takes priority every June. Surfaces like asphalt, concrete, wood, metal, sand, and packed dirt absorb heat all day long, and temperatures can exceed 120 degrees long after the sun sets.  

What Happens

Allowing your pet to walk outside on a hot day can result in painful injuries to the paw pads. This includes blisters, burns, ulcerations, and loose skin. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s definitely too hot for your pet’s precious paws.

Burned Paws

You may notice your pet limping or licking at the feet after spending time outside. If your pet’s paws are burned, try soaking the feet in room temperature water. This will help soothe your pet, but if you see any discoloration or exposed tissue, please contact us immediately.

Paw Care When You Need It

Are you looking for ways to enrich your pet’s life this summer? That’s wonderful! Just remember to keep a close eye on your pet’s feet and paws while walking or hiking. Follow this simple guide if your pet’s paws require basic first aid:

• Clean paw pads with mild antibacterial soap and use tweezers to remove anything that may be embedded (broken glass, fish hooks, jagged stones, etc.). Do not dig too deeply, as this can increase pain and make the injury worse.
• If your pet is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. You may have a pet emergency if bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes.
• Gauze pads will absorb any bleeding and cushion the paw pad. With a self-sticking bandage wrap, cover the entire foot all the way up to the wrist or ankle for maximum protection.

We may also recommend antibiotics and pain medication for burns or foot injuries. Daily attention to re-dressing and bandages is often necessary.

Too Hot to Trot

To prevent accidental injuries this summer, always test ground surfaces before walking on them and encourage play in grassy areas. As a general rule of summer pet safety, try to limit time spent outdoors during peak temperatures. Instead, go outside in the early morning or evening hours.

It’s hot in Cleveland, and your friends at West Park Animal Hospital want you and your pet to enjoy the summer weather safely. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about pet paw care.

The post The Heat is On: Summer Pet Paw Care appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

From boosting energy levels to providing life-sustaining companionship, dogs serve us in so many meaningful ways. Did you know that dogs are also excellent reading partners?

Established, canine-centered literacy programs across the globe continue to positively impact young children learning how to confidently read out loud. Literacy dogs don’t teach kids, of course; rather, they provide a safe, reassuring presence that allows for learners to flourish.

A Supportive Community

The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) began in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since 1999, the organization has trained thousands of human handler/canine teams, launching the concept of literacy dogs into the mainstream. Literacy dogs are typically trained as Good Citizens through the American Kennel Club (AKC) or as therapy dogs, assuring libraries, community centers, and schools of proper behavior around children.

The main purpose of encouraging children to read to dogs is to create a non-judgemental space for children to gain confidence and develop a love of reading. What could be better than that?

Results!

A study at the University of California, Davis confirmed that over the course of a 10-week program, kids that read out loud to literacy dogs improved in school by 12%. Higher reading scores are just the beginning: getting over shyness and gaining confidence enhances social skills and increases empathy.

A Happy New World

Parents and educators know that reading to young children is paramount to their development. When little learners begin to read, it can be very difficult, risky, intimidating, and nerve-wracking. This is especially true in a classroom setting or when sitting with an adult, as the likelihood of mispronunciations and perceived judgemental corrections increase.

Literacy dogs won’t correct a child who makes a mistake. Instead, they provide a quiet, relaxing space for the child to self-correct. Indeed, when alongside an adorable dog, nervous feelings begin to dissipate, making the act of reading possible and enjoyable.

Blooming Confidence

Without fear of judgment or grades, kids can relax and settle into the joyful experience of reading. The fact that literacy dogs make this possible is an added bonus to the research suggesting that kids are more successful in school after developing courage and confidence.

Get Involved with Literacy Dogs

Check with your local public library branch or school district if you either know a child who could benefit from reading to a dog or have a trained therapy dog you’d like to share with the community. Similarly, let us know if you are considering training your dog to become one of the most lovable literacy dogs of all time.

Make a Difference

Literacy dogs are among our favorite heroes. Not only do they bring people together (over books, no less!), they have the capacity to calm nervous early readers, excite those that might be bored by reading, and create a safe place to enjoy the wonderful world of words.

Please let our staff know if you have any questions about literacy dogs. We are always happy to help!

The post Literacy Dogs: A Furry, Non-Judgemental Presence Helps Young Readers appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Every individual is unique with specific triggers that ease stress and increase comfort. Whether it’s a well-worn sweater, freshly churned ice cream, or a walk through a peaceful meadow, we all have soothing items or ideas that bring us to our happy place.

In this way, your fluffy, finicky, and slightly persnickety feline is much the same. What do we mean by this? Boxes, of course! Just when you thought your cat couldn’t get more interesting, let us explore the possible reasons cats love boxes.

Oh, So Warm

While you may not get the urge to squeeze into that box that recently arrived from Amazon, your kitten or aging cat may feel an almost irresistible need. Part of this could be that cardboard (especially when corrugated) is surprisingly insulating. Why would your fur-covered cat require a bit of extra warmth?

Because your cat’s thermoneutral zone ranges from 86 to 97 degrees, he or she may seek a bit of heat in an environment that humans deem “just right.” So, the next time you see your cat curled up in a box that’s obviously too small, it’s because it feels absolutely purr-fect to him or her.

The Feels

Beyond simple temperature boosters, cats love boxes due to their intrinsically seclusive nature. Boxes are wonderful hiding spots, and they allow cats to observe activity without being exposed. In addition, cats may find hopping in and out of boxes rip-roaring fun. Aside from those of us who fall victim to feline surprise attacks, who could blame cats for having a bit of fun?

Like Enya

Have you ever noticed your cat shy away from conflict and loud noise? Providing a place of refuge for him or her offers a type of stress relief akin to soothing music. Life can be noisy, unpredictable, and seemingly unsafe, making cardboard boxes even more attractive to cats.

One interesting study found that domestic cats in animal shelters adjust to their new environment more quickly than those without cardboard boxes for shelter and comfort. In turn, these cats were more interested in humans, possibly increasing their likelihood of adoption.

Cats Love Boxes (And So Do We!)

Because of their “discerning” taste, cats don’t always have an interest in the toys or objects provided by their loving owners. When you find something your feline latches onto immediately, (like a simple box) it’s best to supply them in slow, steady rotation.

If you have any questions (or anecdotal evidence) about why cats love boxes, we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, pick up some recycled boxes and introduce your cat to a whole new world of comfort, warmth, and fun. Enjoy!

The post Flummoxed? Reasons Cats Love Boxes appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Just when you thought you pulled the wool over your pet’s eyes, he or she spits out the pill you oh-so-stealthily slipped into that deliciously creamy Havarti. It’s so aggravating when all your hard work is literally laying on the floor between you… Not to mention a tragic loss of cheese.

The echoes of “it’s for your own good” fall flat: your pet has got you in a corner. Luckily, we’ve got just what the doctor ordered. Our tips and tricks for sneaking medication to pets are coming right up!

A Big Pill To Swallow

Some of the most commonly prescribed pet medications are used to treat infections, pain, inflammation, kill parasites, reduce anxiety, and treat specific conditions like allergies, diabetes, or cancer.

Pets on a prolonged medication schedule tend to grow wise to the normally effective “stick it in some cheese” method, and the revolt is nothing less than frustrating.

Getting Clever

Fear not! Sneaking medication to pets doesn’t have to be tiresome; instead, think of the trial and error period as re-acquainting yourself to your individual pet’s quirks. In short, get clever and figure out what your pet will endure and accept.

Similarly, it’s important to scale back on your stress level. When your pet picks up on your anxiety, worry, or apprehension he or she will react in kind. Set a tone that is light-hearted and reassuring before administering the medicine. Never force the dose.

Sneaking Medication to Pets

Many medications now come flavored, and if it’s an option you could see if your pet will accept it. Alternatively, if your pet balks at a bitter tasting pill, slip the tablet into plain gelcaps. These slide down a bit easier and if you’re masking them in food, the bitterness remains well-hidden.

Taking Time

If you are struggling inside your home, take your pet outside where he or she is apt to become distracted by the all the smells and sights. Get those good feelings rolling and then offer the medication. Follow up with a game, exercise, or special treat to buoy all those earlier positive associations.

The Food Trick

Many medications cause stomach upset and should be taken without food. Otherwise, sneaking medication to pets can be done via regular meals or snacks. Please let us know if you are unsure how your pet’s medication should be given.

Our tips include:

• Cutting larger pills into smaller pieces and cover with wet food. Observe closely to ensure your pet ate all the medication.
• Cooked chicken, tuna, or small hot dog bites, cream cheese, banana, or peanut butter work very well to entice your pet. If your pet spits out the pill, try smaller bits.
• If the bits still aren’t getting eaten, you may grind up the pill and sprinkle over food or treats.
• Edible pill pockets are usually successful
• Become one with the pill dispenser. Sometimes food options fail to inspire pets, especially if they are sick, injured, or have been on medication for a length of time. Once you get into the groove, you and your pet will simply accept the task and move on afterwards (cue the ‘atta boy/girl and lots of back scratches, though).

Somebody’s Gotta Do It

Administering medication to your pet isn’t fun or easy, but it’s part of the job sometimes. Please contact our veterinarians and staff if you need help addressing the needs of your puppy or kitten, or your senior pet. We are always here to support the health of your pet!

The post Who’s The Boss? Tips and Tricks For Sneaking Medication To Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

If you’ve ever walked barefoot across sand or concrete in the summer, you know how painful it can be. Summer heat can also take its toll on our pets’ sensitive paw pads; however, paw care is often neglected. This summer, make sure your pet is protected with these warm weather paw care tips.

5 Paw Care Tips for the Summer

1. Walk when surface temperatures are cool. One of the biggest mistakes that can harm paw pads is not checking surface temps before taking your dog for a walk. Even if it seems reasonable outside, ground temperature can pose a burn risk – particularly asphalt, concrete, and sand. Before you head out, check the surface temperature by placing your palm flat on the ground. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot for paws.
2. Consider dog booties. With a wide variety of choices, dog booties can protect your pet’s paws from heat, broken glass, burrs, and sharp rocks. Just be sure to have your pet properly fitted for optimal comfort and support.
3. Inspect. After romping around outdoors, it’s important to check your pet’s paws for signs of dryness, cracking, or other injury. It’s also a good idea to clean the paws, removing any dirt or potential outdoor toxins (e.g., lawn pesticides).
4. Moisturize. Similar to our own skin, paw pads are sensitive to hot weather. Because so many recreational activities involve asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces, paws can become dry and are susceptible to cracking and bleeding. As part of your paw care routine, use a pet-safe balm or lotion to keep your fur pal’s paws moisturized throughout the year.
5. Keep paws clean and well-groomed. It’s difficult to monitor the condition of nails and paw pads when hair around the feet becomes too long. Keep your pet’s paws healthy by maintaining monthly grooming appointments and keeping nails and feet clean.

This summer, don’t neglect your pet’s paw care routine. When temperatures soar, paw pads become dry, leaving them prone to cuts, scrapes, burns, and other injuries. In addition, don’t forget all the wear and tear that comes with outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. Remember, healthy feet are happy feet!

The post When the Sidewalks Sizzle: Summer Pet Paw Care appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Young or old, we all love a good snack. Fortunately, summer brings countless opportunities for tasty treats, and our pets are only too happy to catch any stray dribbles or crumbs. With our delicious recipes for frozen pet treats, you won’t have to resist those pleading eyes this summer.

Raw and Fresh Frozen Pet Treats

Have you ever offered your pet naked fruits or vegetables? If it’s been a hit in the past, try cutting his or her favorite selections into small, bite-sized pieces. Freeze and dole out when your pet needs a little cooling down or a midday snack.

While you should avoid grapes, raisins, and most citrus fruits, you can opt for these peeled, cored, and de-seeded choices instead:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Melon
• Carrots
• Mangos
• Bell peppers
• Pears
• Any berry variety
• Apricots
• Cabbage
• Asparagus
• Cucumbers
• Green beans
• Cauliflower
• Celery

To minimize uncomfortable gas and bloating, try steaming your pet’s veggies before crisping them in the freezer or fridge. He or she will consider it a real favor!

Scrumptious Pupsicles

Making your own popsicles is fun, and it’s even more delightful to make them for your pet. Frozen pet treats are especially helpful during high temperatures and to combat the dangers of heat stroke (not to mention, they’re totally delicious!).

Using ice cube trays or small disposable cups (try reusable yogurt containers), fill with any of the following combinations:

• Greek yogurt and mashed banana
• Low-sodium broth mixed with any fruit or vegetable from the list above
• Water and a small bite of hard cheese, peanut butter, or hard-boiled egg
• Canned dog or cat food mixed with water and treats (try catnip for your feline)
• Cooked and diced chicken breast

Blend what you can and pour into the cups. For your canine, place a dog chew or nylon bone in the pupsicle before freezing. Place the mold or cup under warm water before breaking out. You’ll be amazed (and amused) at how excited your pet will become!

Your hours of fun in the sun could also include this outrageously large ice treat. Try placing your pet’s favorite toys in the mold for even more entertainment on a hot day.

Frozen Pet Treats

Our veterinarians and staff want to make sure heat safety remains a top priority for your pet. Please contact us with any questions about making frozen pet treats. Happy eating!

The post Brain Freeze! The Best in Frozen Pet Treats appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.