Spring is finally here, and that means warmer weather and more opportunities to explore the outdoors with our pets. But as much as we adore the season, it also comes with a few risks for our furry friends. 

From seasonal allergies in pets to flea and tick prevention, keeping our pets safe during this time requires a little extra attention. Here’s what the team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center wants you to know about spring pet care.

3 Tips for Springtime Pet Health

Watch Out for Toxic Plants

Spring gardens are beautiful, but not all the plants that decorate our yards and gardens are safe for pets. Many popular flowers and shrubs—like tulips, daffodils, lilies, and azaleas—are toxic to pets if ingested. 

If your pet loves to explore the yard (or chew on things he shouldn’t), consider planting more pet-safe plants in lieu of the dangerous ones. 

Marigolds, sunflowers, and herbs like rosemary and basil are always great picks! If you’re not sure what’s dangerous and what isn’t, check out the ASPCA’s searchable database of toxic and nontoxic plants. 

Beware of Fleas, Ticks, and Other Unpleasant Guests

With warmer weather comes an increase in fleas, mosquitos, and ticks, and trust us, you don’t want these pests hitching a ride on your pet. 

It’s not just because they’re annoying, either. Pests like these can spread all sorts of diseases, including Lyme disease, heartworm, and tapeworm.

Because of this, flea and tick prevention is an absolute must in your springtime pet health routine. If it’s been a while since you last had a flea collar or heartworm medication for your pet, call your vet as soon as possible. 

Your furry friend may need testing and treatment before she can go on another preventive medication. 

Seasonal Allergies in Pets—Yes, They’re a Thing!

Is your dog or cat itching more than usual? Do they spend a considerable amount of time sneezing or licking their paws? 

If so, they might have seasonal allergies.

Just like us, pets can be sensitive to pollen, mold, and grass—all of which run rampant in the springtime. Regularly bathe your pet, especially after any outdoor adventures that involve bounding through fields of blooming grasses and flowers. You can also discuss allergy treatment with your veterinarian to help your pet feel less miserable. 

Springtime Safety Means Springtime Fun

With these spring tips for healthy pets, you can feel confident that:

• Your yard is free of toxic plants
• Your pet is guarded against harmful parasites
• You’re in tune with your pet’s seasonal discomforts

And all of these points make for an excellent and safe spring with your furry family members. If your pet needs preventives for heartworm, fleas, and ticks,  a seasonal allergy checkup, or more tips for outdoor safety for pets, the caring team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center can help. Call us at (530) 673-4744 to schedule an appointment!

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March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22), which means it’s time to start thinking about any potential hazards in your home. This guide will help you figure out the most poisonous hazards to pets that exist in your house. 

Household Toxins

Most pet owners strive to establish and maintain a healthy, safe home environment for their pets. Of the many potentially toxic items kept at home, the following are routinely responsible for making pets very sick:

• Over-the-counter human medications, such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen), cold/flu medications, and herbal supplements
• Prescription medication, including antidepressants, heart medications, birth control pills, and ADHD medication
• Veterinary medications, including parasite prevention medication, can taste good to pets and they may seek them out only to eat far more than prescribed.
• Recreational drugs, such as marijuana, can be harmful to pet well-being. Be sure to store all gummies, vapes, and loose products in a safe place. 

Watch Out for Toxic Foods

Pets are curious, opportunistic, and as it happens, hungry most of the time. Be sure to keep the following foods out of the reach at all times:

• Chocolate
• Coffee and other caffeinated beverages
• Alcohol
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol
• Raw yeast dough

The Garage, Yard and Garden Shed

Beautiful plants can have terrible health consequences for pets. Check out this guide to toxic plants for more information, and be sure to remove these plants from your property:

• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Azaleas
• Lilies
• Sago palms

Household hazards lurking in plain sight can include fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides, and more. Some yard and garden products contain blood or bone meal, ingredients sure to attract rodents and other pests. For safety, store these products in areas inaccessible to pets.

Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, can have a sweet flavor that draws pets in but is highly dangerous. Clean up any leaks from under the car and store appropriately. 

Safeguarding and Supervision

Symptoms of toxicity in pets vary and are largely dependent on the type of exposure. 

• If something is consumed, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, changes to heart rate, and overall agitation. 
• On the other hand, the inhalation of dangerous fumes or chemicals can lead to loss of consciousness or respiratory distress. 
• If a pet’s skin and coat is exposed to a toxic substance, they may show signs of pain, itching, irritation and inflammation. 

Changes to their appearance or behavior may be very subtle at first, and symptoms may not even become obvious for many hours after exposure. By the time help is provided, damage may already be done. 

National Poison Prevention Week

If you have further questions about the ways to promote your pet’s health and safety at home, please call us at  (530) 673-4744.

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As temperatures drop, it’s easy to assume our furry friends will be all right in the cold. They wear furry coats all year long, after all. What more could they need? But pups and kitties get cold, just like we humans do. Whether you live in central California (like we do!) or up north in Alaska—or somewhere in between—winter pet safety is important. 

And when it comes to winter weather, hypothermia is a big threat. In this blog post, the team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center will offer tips for preventing pet hypothermia. 

Cold Weather Risks for Pets: A Spotlight on Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when a pet’s body temperature drops way below its normal range. This occurs after a pet is exposed to cold temperatures for too long, but other factors come into play, too. Cold, rainy weather can also drive hypothermia. If your pet spends time outside in the rain, she could lose her body heat more quickly than she would in dry weather.

Enter hypothermia.

Plus, if a cat or dog has a thin coat, is young or old, or has an underlying health issue that makes it hard to regulate body temperature, they’re at a higher risk.

And then there’s wind, humidity levels, and other potential contributing factors to watch out for.

So what happens if your pet gets hypothermia and his or her body heat drops too low? 

Nothing good. When your pet’s body can’t maintain its heat, vital organs begin slowing down. If not treated right away, this can make your pet incredibly sick, and it can even be deadly.

As much as possible, keep your pet warm and dry throughout the winter. If you go outside to play in the snow or rain, don’t stay out too long—and dry your pet off thoroughly when you come inside. Make sure your pet has a safe, warm place indoors to sleep and spend her days. 

And finally, know the early signs of hypothermia in pets so you can prevent this dangerous condition. 

Signs of Hypothermia in Pets

Knowing the signs of hypothermia in pets can make a life-saving difference. Here are some common symptoms to watch for when you’re out enjoying the winter weather:

• Shivering: This is usually the first sign that your pet is too cold.
• Weakness or lethargy: Your pet may seem unusually tired or lacking in her usual boundless energy.
• Slowed breathing and heart rate: Hypothermia slows your pet’s breathing and heartbeat, which can be dangerous. Watch for strange breathing patterns when you’re out and about in the cold.
• Decreased alertness: Your pet may seem confused, disoriented, or unresponsive.
• Pale or blue gums and skin: Low body temperature can lead to poor circulation, which leads your pet’s gums and skin to lose their usual hearty color. 

The best line of defense against hypothermia is to bring your pet inside and wrap her in warm blankets the minute you see her shivering. 

If you notice weakness, lethargy, slowed breathing, or any of the other signs of hypothermia, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. 

The caring veterinary team at Adobe Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery is here to help guide your pet through any wintry woes. Call us today at 530-673-4744 if you’re concerned about your pet’s reaction to our chillier winter weather! 

The post Understanding and Preventing Hypothermia in Pets During Winter appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.

Halloween can be a fun-filled time for people, but it can be downright spooky for pets! Costumes, loud noises, and colorful decorations can trigger pet anxiety on Halloween and pose Halloween hazards for pets.

Our team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center wants all of your furry little goblins to have a fright-free Halloween this year, so we’ve put together some of our favorite Halloween pet safety tips and tricks to keep your dogs and cats calm and safe.

Calming Pets During Halloween 

Taming pet anxiety on Halloween doesn’t have to be tricky. Simple precautions can  make the night less stressful for your pet: 

• Distribute candy in your driveway or front yard to keep the constant doorbell ringing from startling your pet,. 
• If you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, keep your pet in a quiet room with a bed, food, water, and a litter box (for cats). 
• A new puzzle toy (or interactive toy) is helpful for calming pets during Halloween.
• Leave your pet safe at home when trick or treating.
• Take off your mask (and ask guests to do the same) before interacting with your dog or cat.
• Even a calm pet can be startled by strange costumes and sounds and bolt through an open door. Make sure your pet’s ID tag is current, and have your pet microchipped if you haven’t already.  

Pet-Friendly Halloween Treats
Sweet treats like candy corn, chocolate bars, and raisins are strictly off-limits for cats and dogs, but your pets can join in the fun with these pet-friendly Halloween treats:

• Many pet food companies offer special edition Halloween treats in fun flavors and shapes.
• Search online for DIY treat recipes made with pumpkin, apple, and peanut butter.
• Dogs will enjoy apple chunks, which provide vitamins A and C as well as dietary fiber.
• When making your own treats, avoid using any sugar-free ingredients that could contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which is toxic to pets.

Safe Halloween Decorations for Pets

Lit candles are perfect for eerie atmospheres but present one of the most serious Halloween hazards for pets. Curious pets can be attracted to the flame or scent and burn themselves or topple the candle over and start a fire. Choose battery-powered décor when possible. If you must use electric-powered lights, keep cords tucked away and light strands where your pet can’t reach them. Remember that some fall plants like chrysanthemums (mums) are toxic to pets. 

Halloween Costume Ideas for Pets
If dressing pets for Halloween is in the plans, select a costume that doesn’t inhibit your pet’s ability to move, see, or breathe. Play dress-up before the big night to make sure your pet is comfortable. Consider simple accessories instead, such as a Halloween-themed bandana or cape. Avoid costumes with small pieces that your pet could ingest. 

Halloween Pet Safety Matters

A Halloween with more fun than frights is possible with a little pre planning to protect your pet. If you’d like more Halloween pet safety tips, please contact our team at (530) 673-4744.

The post Preparing Your Pet for Halloween: Tips and Tricks appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.

The temperatures are high, the sun is shining, and it is peak time to have fun outdoors with your pet. In the dog days of summer, though, keeping pets cool is key. Adobe Animal Hospital has some top veterinary advice for the summer heat to help you and your pets enjoy it without issue.

Summer Pet Care

With the warm weather comes some special summer pet care considerations. While proactive pet care is important no matter the time of the year, during this time we need to pay special attention to:

• Parasite prevention: Higher temperatures means more activity from things like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Ask us about how you can best protect your pet.
• Grooming habits: A well-groomed coat can help keep pets cooler. Never shave down a double-coated pet as their undercoat can help insulate against heat and protect them from the sun’s rays. Rather, a clean and mat-free coat is the way to go! Also be sure to rinse down your pet with clean water after a dip in the pool, lake, or the ocean, and clean ears with a drying cleanser after water exposure. 
• Sun exposure: Pets can get sunburned just like we can. Keep them out of direct sunlight—especially during the most intense parts of the day. Consider a pet-safe sunscreen for pets with light or short coats and less pigment in vulnerable areas like the ears and nose. UV protective pet clothing can also be helpful.  
• Other critters: If you and your pet are more active, you can bet that other critters are as well. In particular, be cautious of snakes and other reptiles who may be sunning themselves in the sunshine. It is wise to be sure that your pet is up to date on wellness care and vaccines in case of an encounter with wild animals or other pets. 

Heat Stroke in Pets

Pets who become overheated may develop heat stroke, a life threatening condition that occurs when body temperatures remain too high for too long. Without intervention, these increased temperatures can lead to shock, organ failure, seizures, and even death. 

Any animal is at risk, but in particular, those who cannot cool themselves as efficiently may overheat easier. This includes any brachycephalic breed like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, but also very young animals, senior animals, and those with existing heart or breathing conditions. 

In the early stages, heat stroke in pets often looks like excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet may be overheating, move them to a cool area and contact us right away. Heat stroke in pets is an emergency. 

Tips for Keeping Pets Cool

Keeping your pet cool in the summer months is key, as heat stroke is a serious problem that should be avoided at all costs. Make sure that the summer months are safe and fun by:

• Keeping your pets indoors during the hottest part of the day
• Making sure your pet has enough to drink with our best pet hydration tips. These include: being sure fresh, cool water is available at all times, and upping water intake with canned food or frozen treats like a frozen Kong or flavored ice cubes
• Providing access to a cool shelter at all times
• Keeping your pets off hot surfaces like pavement and sand
• Never leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle
• Busting out the misters and lawn sprinklers
• Providing a wading pool (just be sure to always supervise pets around water)

No matter how you choose to spend your summer, make sure that your pets are safe and cool by taking some extra precautions. We love to see you, but we would rather it not be for an emergency!

The post Keeping Your Pets Cool and Safe During the Dog Days of Summer appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.

While Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to love and connection, it can pose a serious risk for our furry friends. From chocolate to flowers, there are potential pet hazards at every turn. Have no fear, however, with our pet safety tips, you can achieve peace of mind while celebrating loved ones.

Bringing Pet Safety Into Focus

If a pet poisoning occurs on or around Valentine’s Day, it is critical not to wait for symptoms to improve. Know the signs of poisoning and seek emergency help immediately. 

Valentine’s Day-themed chocolates are a big threat to pet safety. If your eager pet finds his way into a box of heart-shaped chocolates, it could lead to serious health issues. If your pet has ingested a toxic amount of chocolate, the following symptoms can develop between 6-12 hours after consumption:

• Racing heart beat
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Excessive thirst
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• High blood pressure

Our pets cannot metabolize chocolate’s key chemical compounds: caffeine and theobromine. When absorbed by the bloodstream, caffeine and theobromine have dire side effects and can even cause death. The severity of a chocolate poisoning depends on the amount consumed, and the type of chocolate (dark chocolate is more toxic). If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, you should call your veterinarian immediately.

Flowers and More

Have you noticed that store-bought flower arrangements or bouquets usually contain at least one lily? Valentine’s Day pet safety depends on removing lilies from any arrangement before you bring them home or display them. 

Valentine’s Day signature bloom, roses, aren’t quite as toxic as lilies, but they shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as safe, either. A pet may leave a large bouquet of roses alone, but if they do eat the petals or stems, expect a little GI upset. Thorns can also cause injury to pets. 

Lastly, be sure that a pet cannot access cut flowers. Pesticides and other chemicals may be on the flower blossom, stem, or can leach into the water. 

Other Considerations

Just because you have pets doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some Valentine’s traditions, though. What all pet owners can do is safeguard their pet’s health by limiting their exposure to known toxins, like chocolate and flowers. 

Additionally, be on the lookout for any symptoms of a foreign body obstruction. Pets can inadvertently eat gift wrap, ribbon, foil wrappers, and tape. Please act quickly if you notice:

• Vomiting or nausea
• Appetite loss
• Depression
• Lethargy 

If you have any questions or concerns about Valentine’s Day pet safety, please give us a call at  (530) 673-4744. Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center is always happy to help!

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Pets are innately vulnerable to illness or injury no matter how hard we try to protect them. In order to safeguard pet health and wellness, we recommend yearly or biannual wellness exams. These can lead to early detection and effective treatment of various health conditions. Even with regular wellness visits, accidents can happen. The week of January 15-21 is National Pet Safety Week. As a way to enhance animal well-being, this special event is worthy of our collective time and attention.

Contagious Disease

Disease prevention is at the cornerstone of preventive veterinary care. Pets receive their first round of vaccinations by the time they reach 8 weeks of age. Core and non-core vaccinations are discussed at every wellness exam, and boostered every year if appropriate. As a result of this practice, contagious diseases are diminished threats to pet safety and health. 

Along the same lines, it is essential to limit the risks associated with ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. These parasites spread diseases like Lyme, heartworm, and tapeworm. Keep your pet safe from parasites by adhering to a year-round parasite prevention schedule. 

Prevent Loss or Separation

Pet identification is crucial, and most pets are highly attached to their collars and ID tags. Unfortunately, collars can come off or be purposefully removed leaving pets virtually unidentifiable. Consequently, missing, lost, or stolen pets have more difficulty being returned to their rightful owners. 

Your pet’s microchip is the only way to truly protect them from permanent loss or separation. While it doesn’t track their location, microchips can be scanned to pull up identification and contact information in a national database. In this way, pet microchips are essential in reuniting pets with their families.

An Eye on Preparation

Nobody enjoys thinking about the likelihood of natural disasters or other calamities, but fires, floods, and other emergencies are always possible. Pet safety hinges on owner preparation to get through dangerous situations. 

We recommend that owners establish and maintain a pet safety kit that holds the following:

• Food and water to last between 3-7 days (rotate expired items out as needed)
• Pet waste bags, litter, and wipes
• Treats and toys
• Harness, leash, and collar with ID tags
• Reflective gear and flashlights
• Bedding
• First aid kit
• Prescription medication
• Crate or travel kennel
• Recent picture of your pet
• Printed medical records (including microchip, prescriptions, and history)

Have an evacuation plan in place that includes destinations, maps, and contact information for motels, veterinary hospitals, and shelters. 

National Pet Safety Week

An eye on pet safety is crucial all year long, but during National Pet Safety Week pet owners can strengthen their approach to protecting their best friends. 

If you need help addressing any of these components of pet safety, please give us a call at (530) 673-4744. Our veterinary team is always here to help you at Adobe Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery Center. 

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By the time summer lets go and autumn moves in, pets and their people may be relieved that heat stroke and dehydration are in the rear view. That doesn’t mean, however, that the approaching weeks aren’t full of their own threats to pet safety. On the contrary, Halloween can be highly dangerous to the pets in our care. With special attention and thorough preparation, our team can help you prevent illness, injury, loss, and other consequences associated with Halloween. 

How to Know

Many pets are perfectly happy to go with the flow, regardless of the time, event, or stimuli. Others may be highly sensitive to crowds, costumes, and the associated sights and sounds. It’s a good idea to carefully consider where your pet resides on this spectrum. 

Even if you have a good idea how they might react to squealing kids or scary noises, your pet could surprise you. A normally relaxed pet may be triggered by something. Reacting to your pet’s needs and quickly providing for them is at the center of Halloween pet safety. 

A Place to Wait It Out

Sometimes, the constant doorbell ringing or knocking can rattle a pet’s nerves. You can promote pet safety and well-being by setting up a back room just for them. Dim lighting, white noise, snacks, and plenty of water can soothe any anxiety related to Halloween. Spend time with them after you turn off the porch light, and give them the attention they deserve.

To prevent accidental loss or separation, be sure that your pet is either safely contained or leashed the entire evening. Check their collar and ID tags, and update their microchip if contact information has recently changed. 

Safe Inside

Cats, especially black cats, should stay indoors prior to and during Halloween events. If you and your pet typically walk at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing and lights. 

Halloween Candy and Pet Safety

Prevent a pet emergency caused by Halloween candy in these ways:

• Never allow your pet to get their paws on chocolate candy, nuts, raisins, or goodies sweetened with xylitol. This includes artificially sweetened mints or gum, and baked goods. 
• Eliminate their exposure to alcohol, marijuana products, and caffeinated beverages, (including energy drinks). 

• Keep unsafe items on high surfaces they cannot access
• Pick up any discarded wrappers or packaging
• Store backpacks, purses, or bags behind closed doors. 

Other Dangers

Halloween pet safety requires a cautious approach to the following:

• Candles (always used battery-operated lights in jack o’lanterns, but be sure your pet can’t eat them).
• Halloween decor and festive displays, including string lights, animatronic displays, webbing, and even scarecrows.
• Costumes can be fun for a quick picture, but unless your pet is completely relaxed wearing a costume please remove it before they become distressed. Remove any attachments or embellishments that could endanger their health. 

Pet Safety and Comfort

Your pet’s health is our number one priority. Please call us at (530) 673-4744 with any questions or concerns. Our veterinary team is always here for you at Adobe Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery Center.

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