Animal lovers want to help pets year round, but the holiday season brings extra special ways we can all participate. From adopting and donating to fostering and volunteering, there are lots of ways to make a difference, and there’s something for everyone to get involved. We hope you’ll join the team at West Park Animal Hospital as we give back to pets in need this holiday season!

 

Season of Giving

While many families consider the holidays a wonderful time to open their hearts and homes to pets in need, it’s not possible for everyone to adopt. Maybe you already have a pet or perhaps your lifestyle isn’t conducive to pet ownership. Whatever the case may be, don’t worry too much – there is a silver lining!

If This, Then That

There are many different ways to help pets in need. Consider some of the following ideas:

• Adopt – Between 9-10 million pets are euthanized each year because there simply isn’t enough room to house them. Bringing home a pet from a rescue or shelter is an amazing experience for both people and pets. However, this is not a decision that should be made lightly. Please only adopt if you can provide for a pet for their entire life.
• Foster – For those who can’t commit to lifelong pet ownership, fostering is an excellent opportunity to care for pets in need. Providing them with a daily routine, comfortable housing, opportunities for exercise, and cultivating a human-animal bond helps them on their journey to finding a forever home. Worried about becoming too attached? We understand, but knowing you opened up space for another homeless pet might make you feel better.
• Volunteer – Your time and skills can be put to work in various ways. In addition to cleaning, helping with paperwork, and walking/playing with animals, you can also help spread the word. Liking and sharing posts from various shelters or rescues can raise awareness among your own friends and family. Similarly, consider helping out others who care for a pet, such as an elderly neighbor. Offer to take their pet to the groomer or help them as they attend their regularly scheduled wellness exam. Every little bit counts!
• Donate – Shelters and rescues are always in need of more supplies, such as food, bedding, toys, leashes, collars, bowls, and financial assistance. Donating money to different organizations can go a long way. Ask friends and family to give to your preferred shelter instead of presents.
• Educate – Many people don’t realize the benefits of adopting from a shelter or rescue instead of a breeder. Likewise, you can help educate others on the benefits of spaying and neutering pets in our community.

Pets in Need

We encourage you to check out the following organizations for specific opportunities to help pets in need this holiday season:

• Pets of the Homeless
• PAWS Foster Home Program
• CITY DOGS Cleveland (support their mission to raise pit bull awareness)
• Donate to the city’s newest kennel
• Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter
• Pets In Need

Lastly, don’t forget to thank your own pet for being so wonderful! Whether it’s extra play time, special treats, or simply more cuddles, your pet will love spending time with you no matter what.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. From all of us at West Park Animal Hospital, thank you for caring about pets in need!

The post Full Bowls, Happy Hearts: Helping Pets in Need this Holiday Season appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

‘Tis the season, and as the holidays approach, maybe you’ve decided to adopt a pet as a gift for someone close to you. As we all know, every pet is a gift. And at the holidays, it may seem natural to give a pet as a present. This can be a wonderful way to help shelter pets in need as well as add joy and fulfillment to the animal lover in your life.

The thought of a new pet can bring excitement, but one of the biggest mistakes people make is surprising their partner or child with a new pet. Although it may be a surprise, it may also backfire.

 

First Things First

The first thing to address is whether or not the recipient is ready to care for and commit to a new pet. Even the most dedicated pet lover may not be in a position to take a new pet into their home. Pets require a lot of attention, time, socialization, and money. Believe it or not, it’s important to actually ask the recipient if they want a pet. Once you’ve established that they do, and are in a position to responsibly care for a new pet, you are in a position to proceed.

If the receiver is a child, the ASPCA recommends waiting until age 10-13 before considering a dog as a gift for a child. At that age, children have a greater capacity for responsibility and more interest in taking care of a pet.

Remember that pet ownership is personal. Each species and breed of pet is unique and has its own needs, personality, and care requirements. Pets have different behaviors and tendencies. Puppies and kittens are a lot of work, especially during the busy holiday season. Adult pets have fully formed personalities that can be more easily and perfectly matched to their new pet parent.

Wrap Up Excitement

Although the thought of a child opening a box with a puppy inside may seem adorable, it is a bad idea for everyone involved. Instead of unwrapping a package with a pet inside, your recipient will get something even better: the chance to pick their perfect companion at the local shelter or rescue organization.

How you lead up to the visit is up to you! Consider these options:

• Wrap up a stuffed animal in the likeness of the pet you’d like to give with a note promising to visit the local shelter to pick out the perfect match.

• Give the necessary supplies for pet care, such as a collar and leash, food bowls, crate, brushes, cat tree, or aquarium.

• Wrap up learning tools such as books, videos, or magazines that discuss how to care for the pet. You could also give a gift certificate for puppy training classes or the like.

• A homemade gift certificate for wellness exams, grooming, dental care or even pet insurance costs.

Adopting a Pet for the Holidays

Consider that the holidays are very busy time, and it may be stressful to add a new pet to the chaos. Pets take time to acclimate to a new home and routine. Visitors from out of town and holiday gatherings can be stressful to any pet, let alone a new pet. It may be best for everyone to wait a couple of weeks until the excitement of holiday time has dissipated and a new pet can come into a quiet and low key environment.

Then, visit your local shelter or adoption event and pick out that perfect pet together. The good news behind all this planning is that pet presents generally work out. There is little evidence to suggest that giving pets as presents is a bad idea. A survey conducted by the ASPCA found that eighty-six percent of pets given as gifts stayed in their homes, and that 96% of respondents said that receiving a pet as a gift either improved or had no effect on their love and attachment to the pet.

If you have questions or concerns about adopting a pet for the holidays, please give your friends at West Park Animal Hospital a call. We’re here to help!

The post A Pet Present: Adopting A Pet for the Holidays appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Cats are amazing animals that are capable of living in extreme climates, but that doesn’t mean constant exposure to the elements is good for their health. Domestic cats that are allowed to roam outside or those that live exclusively outdoors (e.g., feral or stray cats) have more to contend with than just the weather. As a result, many owners choose the indoor-only lifestyle for their pet.

But what about cats that dart out at night or the ones who hang around the neighborhood that don’t seem to belong to anyone? Aside from protecting pets from potential illness and injury, winter cat care can be a real struggle. Fortunately, the team at West Park Animal Hospital is here to help!

The Edge

When it comes to cat health and longevity, domestic felines definitely have an edge over cats that roam or live outside. With regular meals, routine medical attention, litter box maintenance, and snuggles on demand, pet cats certainly enjoy unparalleled comfort and care.

Where are They?

It’s not uncommon for pet cats to find themselves outside on a frigid day or evening. It can happen accidentally, but if your pet is already allowed to go outside, they might push their limits and remain outdoors when they probably shouldn’t. Despite having furry coats that add some protection, cats can suffer from hypothermia and frostbite.

What Can You Do?

If your cat wants to stay outside for longer periods of time, be aware of the following risks:

• Seeking a heat source, cats may choose to crawl up under the hood of a car. It’s usually pretty warm next to the engine block, but if an unsuspecting driver starts up the car, your pet can find themselves in deep trouble. It’s always a good idea to pound the hood or door before starting up.
• One of the biggest threats to winter cat care is antifreeze, which is highly poisonous to cats. Be sure to clean up any spills or leaks and know the signs of pet poisoning.
• Road salt and other deicers can damage your cat’s paw pads or cause harm if ingested. While you can’t control what your neighbors use, choose only pet-safe products for your driveway and sidewalks.

Winter Cat Care

Community cats or animals that live without the care of owners need a little looking out for, as well. May we suggest:

• Building a kitty cottage (like a catio) for neighborhood strays is an excellent way to preserve their health this winter. Use materials like wood or durable plastic bins, and keep it off the ground. Openings into separate chambers shouldn’t exceed the size of a cat’s face. Use flaps to protect them from the weather, and lay down absorbent straw, not hay. This alternative will hopefully keep cats out from under the hood of your car!
• Provide non-freezing water in a heated electric water bowl or fill deep dishes with hot water.
• Wet food may be used more efficiently by cats in cold weather, but it can freeze. Provide both to support winter cat care in your neighborhood.

If you’d like additional help with winter cat care, please let us know. Thank you for caring so much about your own pet and other kitties in our community!

The post What Everyone Can Do to Promote Winter Cat Care appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Americans love Thanksgiving because of family traditions. Some play or watch football, others volunteer. Collectively, we all love the together time of the holidays, but let’s be honest. It’s the food that seals the deal. In other words, our nationally consistent table traditions keep us coming back for more (and more) until the leftovers are packed up for Black Friday snacks.

Everyone wants a Thanksgiving to remember, but certainly not at the expense of the family pet. With abundant ways for them to find trouble, we want to remind everyone of the dangers of pancreatitis in pets and how you can prevent it this holiday season.

 

Common Occurrence

Unfortunately, one of the most common reasons for pet emergency care this time of year is pancreatitis in pets. When the pancreas, the organ that secretes insulin required for blood sugar regulation, as well as produces enzymes that aid in digestion, becomes inflamed, symptoms can range from mild to severe:

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Drooling
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Decreased appetite
• Repeated vomiting with or without diarrhea
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or distension
• Restlessness
• Hunched posture

We don’t know the exact cause of pancreatitis, but limiting exposure to rich, fatty foods certainly decreases the risk.

Previous episodes of pancreatitis all but guarantee re-occurrences, leading to chronic pet pancreatitis. Also, the following health conditions may impact pets already at risk:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Cushing’s disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Abdominal trauma
• Use of certain medications (like antibiotics, cancer drugs, etc.)

Thankful for Emergency Care

The prompt diagnosis and proper care of pancreatitis in pets is essential to prevent the inflammation from affecting other vital organs. Blood tests and other diagnostics can help us diagnose and treat pets. In mild cases, special instructions for feeding and oral medication may get the job done, otherwise hospital care, IV fluids, and supportive medications are required. If insulin production has been affected, we will address this in the treatment plan, as well.

Preventing Pancreatitis In Pets

Since the exact cause is unknown, and there is no cure for pancreatitis in pets, it’s critical to prevent this from happening to your buddy.

• Do not feed your pet any scraps from the holiday dinner table (and ask that no one else does, too)
• Restrict your pet’s exposure to bacon, chicken or turkey skin, dark meat, gravy, and anything swimming in butter
• Crate or board your pet during the holidays to ensure their safety, comfort, and well being
• Keep trash cans covered, and garbage bins sealed at all times
• Clear countertops of anything even remotely enticing to your pet

Our veterinarians and staff love seeing you and your pet – and are always available when you need us. However, we truly hope you can avoid a pet emergency this holiday season.

The post Say No to Gravy: Rich, Fatty, Indulgent Foods Can Trigger Painful Pancreatitis in Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

While there are many contributing factors to your cat’s overall wellness, what you put in their food bowl might be the most important. In other words, a balanced diet is what truly lays the foundation for a long and healthy life.

Unfortunately, while feline nutrition is essential, the marketing of commercial pet foods can make the simple act of providing your pet with a high-quality meal frustrating and confusing.

First: The System

Pet food manufacturers must adhere to FDA pet food regulations, and products must meet the standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). States where food is manufactured and sold have additional sets of regulations and restrictions.

What these layers of government scrutiny mean for feline nutrition is that commercially available products are considered safe.

A Step Further

Cat food labels are somewhat confusing. What do they mean? For starters, feline nutrition must be complete and balanced, and any food that’s worth your money should clearly indicate that on the label.

Additionally, the appropriate product will specify which life stage the food is designed for: kitten, adult, or senior. Lastly, there are cat foods that aim to support dental health, weight loss, hairballs, mobility, and more.

The Pet Food Institute is very informative when trying to determine the necessity of the following components of feline nutrition:

• Protein – As obligate carnivores, cats need meat to gain essential amino acids. Necessary for the production of the body’s enzymes, hormones, and more, animal meat (not plant proteins like legumes, grains, and some vegetables) provides a cat with ultimate nutrition.
• Fat – Fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are critical to cat health. In the wild, cats get plenty of fat through their herbivorous prey, like rodents.
• Vitamins – Like us, cats thrive on vitamin-rich food. They must have fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Water-soluble vitamins include C and B complex. Again, feline nutrition depends on animal sources of protein.
• Water – Eating a dry kibble diet can rob a cat of their daily water requirement. Canned food can be a good option for many pets, and all cats should have unrestricted access to clean, fresh water.

So Many Choices

With all the different options, it can be difficult to know what’s best to support feline nutrition. Owners should watch out for the following phrases that may be found on pet food products:

• Raw food or B.A.R.F. diets (i.e., Biologically Active Appropriate Raw Foods) definitely address your cat’s need for meat, but they can also expose your pet to food-borne illnesses. Microbial contamination may not be worth the risk to your cat’s health. An unbalanced raw diet can also lead to deficient feline nutrition.
• Grain-free diets can be successful alternatives for some pets with certain health issues, but, in general, they lack nutrients that would otherwise round out a balanced diet. When cooked properly, grains are digestible, offer vital carbohydrates, and help reduce calories and fat. Furthermore, grain-free diets can lack key amino acids that are essential to feline nutrition.

A+ Feline Nutrition

It’s important to consult your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet. We can help you find the right balance for your cat’s unique needs. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

The post Truth and Consequences: Prevailing Myths of Feline Nutrition appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Halloween is just around the corner, and besides carving pumpkins and picking out the perfect costume, plenty of candy is likely on the agenda for kids and grownups alike. Chances are good that the family pet is also highly interested in these seasonal goodies, but the dangers associated with sweets far outweigh the benefits.

Keeping candy and pets separate on Halloween – and all year long – should be a top priority in every home.

Candy and Pets

All candy and sweets have the potential to negatively affect our pets, but some pose more of a threat than others.  

• Chocolate – When it comes to toxic people foods, chocolate is one of the worst offenders. The level of toxicity varies depending on the amount and type consumed (dark or baker’s chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate) and the size of the pet. Watch for signs of chocolate toxicity, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, agitation, and increased heart rate.
• Xylitol – This popular sugar substitute is commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, peanut butter, vitamins, toothpaste, and other personal care products. It’s highly toxic to pets and can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar. It can also lead to kidney failure if not treated promptly. Symptoms include weakness or collapse, trembling, seizures, vomiting, and lethargy.
• Raisins – Usually considered a healthy treat, raisins can be quite toxic to pets. Even small amounts of raisins or grapes can cause kidney failure. These foods should always be stored out of your pet’s reach.
• Overindulgence – Even if the candy being consumed is “safe,” too many sweets can result in tummy troubles or, in severe cases, pancreatitis (a potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition). Call us at once if your pet shows signs of pancreatitis, which can include diarrhea, lethargy, swollen abdomen, or signs of pain.
• Wrappers – It’s rare that a pet will bother to remove the wrapper before devouring a piece of candy. Unfortunately, eating wrappers can lead to dangerous intestinal obstructions which may require surgery to correct. Call us or bring your pet in immediately if you notice vomiting, loss of appetite, or straining/inability to defecate or urinate.

The Best Protection

As with most of life’s problems, prevention is always the best line of defense. Keeping your pet from getting into the candy is as simple as making sure your stash is stored securely out of reach and that your pet is properly supervised. Keep that bowl of goodies stored up high or in a cupboard or closet. Ask your own little ghosts and goblins to dump out the evening’s haul on the kitchen table rather than the living room rug.

Your friends at West Park Animal Hospital want to wish you and your pet a safe and happy Howl-o-ween! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about candy and pets.  

The post Halloween Candy and Pets: A Scary Combination appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Orthopedic problems are an incredibly common source of pain in pets, and managing these issues often requires a multi-pronged approach. One of the foundations in orthopedic pet pain management at West Park Animal Hospital often includes a joint support supplement. Glucosamine for pets can play a central role in helping our patients feel better.

What is Glucosamine?

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that results in degeneration of the joints over time. It is a common problem in our pets, with over 20% of the dog population being affected. The causes include:

• Defects in the formation of the joint itself
• Defect in the body’s manufacturing of joint cartilage
• Trauma to the joint
• Instability in joint
• Inflammation within the joint
• Wear and tear over time

Arthritis in pets results in pain and decreased mobility. These things can have a huge impact on the overall quality of life for our patients. Thankfully, our veterinary professionals have many options for our pet patients when it comes to pain management. Typically, multiple treatments are combined to reach the best effects for an individual animal’s situation.

Glucosamine for pets is often a recommendation for many of our patients with orthopedic disease. Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate are often combined in supplements in order the help regulate the manufacture of cartilage within the joint, provide potential anti-inflammatory effects, and stop the synthesis of destructive enzymes within the joint itself.

While there is equivocal evidence in the scientific literature about how effective these supplements are and at what doses, we often recommend glucosamine for pets with orthopedic disease due to our positive clinical impressions and low risk of side effects.

How Glucosamine for Pets Helps

When recommending glucosamine supplements for pets, we have several goals in mind:

• Decreasing the wear and tear on the joints over time, especially joints that overloaded due to issues in other limbs
• Slow the progression of arthritis by decreasing the production of cartilage damaging inflammatory substances
• Decreasing the inflammation that can contribute to pain
• Improve willingness to use joint and prevent further restriction of motion and muscle atrophy

Because nutraceuticals such as joint supplements are not regulated by the FDA as of this time, it is important to choose a brand that is trustworthy. We are at the manufacturer’s mercy as to the quality of their ingredients, their processing techniques, and production of voluntary research regarding their products.

Likewise, while many pet foods and treats include glucosamine and chondroitin in their ingredients list, it is unlikely that they have enough in a serving to reach therapeutic levels in the pet. In order to want to manage pet pain effectively, we will need to supplement beyond these products.

If we recommend glucosamine supplements for your pet, we are happy to make recommendations for specific brands and products that we find to be trustworthy and effective. Don’t hesitate to call us if you need help choosing one.

Managing pet pain and arthritis often needs to be a multi-pronged approach including things like pet rehabilitation therapy and  pharmaceuticals, and glucosamine supplementation can be an effective part of the plan. Its potential benefits can be a great foundation when trying to help our pets function the best that they can.

The post Managing Pain with Glucosamine for Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Halloween is right around the corner, and we can’t wait for pumpkin  carving, bobbing for apples, and costumes! This year, we’ve put together a fun list of the best pet costumes, and we’re excited to share with you.

Remember that not all pets like getting dressed up, so before you partake of this tradition, spend some time getting your pet acclimated to the process. If they still don’t like to wear a costume, don’t force it – enjoy other aspects of Halloween. A Halloween movie marathon under the covers with our pets sounds pretty good, too!

But, if your pet does like to dress up, you’ve come to the right place!

Best Pet Costumes

Food costumes – who doesn’t love the hot dog costume, especially when worn by a dachshund? Pancakes, eggs and bacon, a pumpkin spice latte, and cupcakes also all make adorable pet costumes.

Animals – animal costumes are fun ways to let your pet express her wild side. A skunk, squirrel, and bat are all great for small dogs and cats. Big dogs can look amazing as a lion, a cow, or a horse.

Superhero – our pets are all superheros to us, so what better way to celebrate this fact than by dressing them us as superdog or supercat? All you need is a cape, a superhero suit, and boots.

Star Wars – we’re talking the old school version, folks. Yoda, Chewbacca, and an Ewok are all stellar pet costumes!

Traditional – a black cat dressed as a witch, a ghost dog, a mummy, and a puppy pumpkin are all costumes that we think are cute, squared.

Creative – these twists on well known costumes can be especially great due to their irony. Cue: dog wearing a UPS delivery man costume, Ghostbusters, a pirate, and Beetlejuice. So much fun can be had when you think about your pet’s personality, breed, and what costumes might fit best.

Bonus Points: Pet and Owner Duo Costumes

If you’re really into the Halloween costume thing, West Park Animal Hospital also knows a thing or two about duo costumes for pets and their people (ahem!).

• Dracula and pet bat
• Chef and lobster
• Lion-tamer and lion
• Hotdog vendor and hotdog
• Princess Leia and Ewok
• Elliot and E.T.

Whatever you decide, Halloween promises to be so much fun. Remember to keep pets safe this Halloween as you participate in the festivities. Call us if you have dressed up with your pet, and let us know what you consider the best pet costumes!

The post Halloween Fun: Best Pet Costumes for 2018 appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

We love the autumn season. Cooler weather, beautiful fall foliage, apples, pumpkins and Halloween. What’s not to love? This year, why not include your pet in many of the festive fall activities you yourself love to do. It’s a matter of getting creative and thinking outside the box, and at West Park Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you do just that!

Fall Fun For Your Pet

Pumpkin and apple picking – taking a romp in your nearby apple orchard or pumpkin patch could be great fun for your dog. Just remember to check that the farm is dog friendly before you go. Your dog would also love to help you navigate the corn maze, and taste some apple and pumpkin treats of his own. Bonus: outdoors, fresh air, and exercise for all!

Pumpkin carving – After you bring home your pumpkins, treat your pets to a pumpkin carving party, starring… them! Try your hand at carving your cat, dog, or rabbit, or stick to a paw print. Your dog, cats, and small pets would also love a little cooked fresh mashed pumpkin as a treat – the health benefits abound!

Halloween movie marathon – We bet all your pets love to snuggle up on the couch, and a scary movie is a good excuse to have them under the blankets with you all night. This is a great tradition if your pets get stressed by all the trick or treating hullabaloo. Leave a bowl of treats on the doorstep so you and your pets can snuggle in peace!

Costume party – Your dogs can get in on the fun here. Invite some of your canine friends and have them play games, give treats, and have a contest for the best costume. Make sure everyone is safe by inviting those pups you know well.

You could also host a cat-themed Halloween party. Dress up your cats in their best costumes, and serve cat themed appetizers and cat desserts. Of course, no cat themed party would be complete without a kitty litter cake!

Oktoberfest – although the Cleveland Oktoberfest is over, we recommend hosting your own Oktoberfest themed gathering in your backyard. This way, you can include your dogs in the fun without the stress of taking them to such a big event. Lederhosen and steins are mandatory.

Fall hiking – fall hiking is absolutely gorgeous, and there are many trails to choose from.  Your dog will love to join you for a day of crisp autumn air, earthy smells, and beautiful fall color. Just remember to make sure your dog is protected from fleas and ticks.

We hope you’ve gotten some inspiration from these ideas, and that you’re planning on including your pets in your fall fun. If you have other ideas, call us and let us know what you’re doing!

The post Fall Fun For Your Pet appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.