Posts Tagged: Pet Safety

Many pet people are also plant people. It makes some sense that those who enjoy caring for one lifeform might enjoy caring for another. A little caution needs to be in place, however, as there are many toxic plants for pets. Read on to learn Long Animal Hospital’s top tips for pet safety around plants. 

Animals are a little bit like toddlers in more ways than one, and the fact that they tend to explore the world with their mouth is no exception. When animals ingest foreign material things can turn serious quickly. Long Animal Hospital and Emergency Center has the information you need, though, about how to tell (and what to do) if your pet swallows a foreign object.

Hazards of Ingesting Foreign Objects

When a pet eats something that isn’t digestible, it can become stuck in the digestive tract, fully or partially obstructing the normal flow of food through the body. This can occur at any point from the esophagus to the colon.

If your dog truly loves the water, it’s okay to allow them to swim unsupervised as much as they want, right? No way! Sure, there are dogs you probably don’t have to worry about as much as others around the water’s edge, but all pets deserve close observation any time they’re close to a pool, lake, river, or ocean.

This summer, don’t allow dog swimming safety to drift away. Be prepared, stay aware, and prevent water-related accidents or injuries.

No Unrestricted Access

Even dogs with significant skills can find trouble in the water. If you have a pool, pond, or other type of water feature on your property, do not allow your dog to have unrestricted access to it. A fence around it is ideal, and some even have alarm systems that alert you if trespassed.

Similarly, pool or hot tub covers are critical when sharing the backyard with a curious canine. Ramps can come in handy if/when a dog goes in the water and needs help getting out. Train your dog to always exit the water the same way every time, so they can easily remember how to get out. Continue…

Modern day living has a lot going for it, but possibly the leading attributes have to do with advances in medical arts. Disease has always been one of our greatest foes, but via timely and routine vaccinations, education, and preventive practices, we can live a relatively healthy life. This goes for our pets, too.

Lyme disease in dogs remains a formidable threat, but there are several ways to counteract possible exposure to this serious illness.

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Like every other veterinary establishment, we encounter pet poisoning situations on a regular basis here at Long Animal Hospital. March is Pet Poison Awareness Month, and what better opportunity to shed some light on the very real risk that many of our foods and household items pose to our pets.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common pet poisoning threats and what we can do to keep our beloved pets safe and healthy.

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The temperature is finally beginning to rise, the flowers are unfurling, and in homes across Charlotte, spring cleaning has commenced.

That’s right, spring has sprung, and for pet parents there are certain things to keep in mind during the change of seasons. Spring safety for pets should be high on your list of seasonal concerns, and your team at Long Animal Hospital can get you started!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Warmer temperatures offer more chances to go for walks, and it’s likely that your dog couldn’t be happier. Spending more time outdoors means more exposure to all that nature has to offer, including external parasites, allergens, and other hazards.

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Many pet owners (and people in general) love cooler temps since all the itchy, bitey, crawly things seem to be less of a problem in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, while we may not see or experience them as frequently, harmful pet parasites remain a problem during the winter months as well.

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes: Not Just a Seasonal Problem

As a pet owner, it’s important to know that pests remain active throughout the year. Check out some of these surprising facts:
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It’s that time of year… Acorns are falling from the trees, seasonal brews are brimming, and bags of candy are spilling out of shopping carts. Fall in North Carolina simply cannot be beat, but there is one event your pet may be dreading. Halloween pet safety is a major concern this time of year, but with our guide, your pet will remain safe, content, and relaxed.

The Day of the…Dread

Halloween is fun, but not for everyone. Sure, some pets are at ease with the constant doorbell ringing, unpredictable shrieking, and strange scents, but they’re an exception to the rule. Indeed, noise anxiety can be so intense for animals, their general wellbeing is at stake. Don’t let this happen to your pet! To ease the suffering, try these Halloween pet safety tips: Continue…

The dog days of summer are nowhere near over in our neck of the woods. While this is good news for those of us who love the heat, it can spell trouble for our pets if we’re not careful.

Heatstroke in pets is a serious concern throughout the warm months, and, as with most areas of health and wellness, prevention is key in avoiding this serious condition.

What is Heatstroke?

Sweating is the most efficient way of releasing excess heat from the body, but our pets don’t sweat like we do, and high humidity can make it even more difficult for a pet to keep cool. When a pet’s body experiences a buildup of stored heat, the internal temperature rises (characterized by a rectal temperature of 105 degrees or higher), and this can lead to multiple organ failure and death when not treated immediately. Continue…

As with any medical emergency, timing can be the difference between successful treatment and heartbreaking tragedy. This is equally true for a pet emergency, which is why knowing how to react in such a situation is crucial.

Pet emergencies come in a variety of forms, from an accidental poisoning to a bite sustained during a dogfight. Some veterinary emergencies are also less obvious than others, which makes knowing what to look for an important skill every pet owner should have. Continue…