Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center hopes that you and your pets are able to ring in 2025 right—safe and healthy! As you prepare to welcome the new year, please consider New Year’s pet safety pointers to help everyone celebrate at their best:

New Year’s Pet Safety

There are plenty of New Year’s pet hazards that can make things less-than-safe for dogs and cats. When preparing to celebrate, take the time to think about what things might pose a danger to your pet. 

When it comes to New Year’s pet safety, be wary of:

• Feeding potentially toxic foods, especially at chaotic celebrations 
• Hazardous decor—like candles, wax warmers, and liquid potpourri 
• Decorations, like confetti, that could pose a choking hazard
• Stressful situations with a lot of noise and/or strange people
• Don’t force your pet to be a party animal; all pets need a safe, quiet place to relax during gatherings
• Scary fireworks that can be loud and lead to stress and anxiety
• Unsecured trash items
• Hazardous items in the personal belongings of houseguests
• Open doors that could pose an escape hazard

New Year’s Eve Pet Tips

To keep pets safe during New Year’s celebrations, it’s important to have a plan. Our practice recommends being prepared by:

• Creating a secure environment — Noise and commotion can be very stressful for many pets. Create a calming corner by providing a familiar, comfortable crate or bed in a dimly-lit area. Use white noise and pheromones to create a soothing space to help in keeping pets calm during celebrations.
• Asking about medications — If you think fireworks and jubilation are going to be too much for your four-legged family member, contact us to discuss options for mild anti-anxiety options.  
• Updating identification — Scared animals and people coming and going can create a perfect environment for a pet to slip out of a door. Be sure that your pet’s identification tag and/or microchip have up-to-date information. 
• Looking at things like a pet — Take some time to look at things from a pet’s point of view. That unattended dish of chocolates? A purse on the ground full of sugar-free gum and prescription medications? Be sure to make some adjustments to keep your pet safe.

With some planning and attention to detail, both the pets and people in your life can celebrate safely. We are wishing you a Happy New Year from our family to yours!

The post Preparing Your Pet for a New Year’s Celebration: Safety Tips and Stress Management 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.

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it’s also important to remember that hot weather can pose a significant health risk to our furry companions. At Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center, we want to help you ensure your pet has a safe and happy summer. 

In this blog post, our animal hospital experts will share advice for pet owners on essential summer safety guidelines, pet hydration tips during outdoor adventures, and heatstroke prevention in pets.

Keeping Your Pet Cool and Hydrated

Heatstroke is a serious threat to pets during hot summer months. Here are some tips to prevent heatstroke in pets and keep them hydrated:

• Provide ample fresh, clean water at all times. Refresh their water bowl throughout the day, especially after exercise or playtime. You can also add ice cubes to their water to keep it cooler for longer.
• Limit walks and playtime to cooler hours of the day. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for outdoor activities.
• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even for a short period. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even on a mild day, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke.
• Create cool spaces for your pet to relax indoors. This could be a shaded area in your house or a basement. Consider using a cooling mat or fan to help your pet stay comfortable.

Safe Summer Activities for Dogs

Summer is a great time to bond with your dog over outdoor activities. Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe during summer outings:

• Choose dog-friendly activities. Swimming, hiking on shaded trails, and playing fetch in a cool park are great options.
• Avoid hot asphalt. The pavement can get scorching on hot days and burn your dog’s paws. Opt for grassy areas or invest in dog booties for walks during peak sun hours to protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces.
• Bring fresh water and a portable bowl on all outings. Take frequent breaks to allow your dog to drink and cool down for optimal pet hydration during summer.

Recognizing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion in Pets

Knowing the signs of heatstroke can help you identify a potential emergency quickly. Here are some things to watch for as part of your emergency pet care in summer:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Stumbling or incoordination
• Seizures

If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek immediate veterinary care.

Additional Summer Pet Safety Tips

Here are some additional tips to protect your pets from summer hazards:

• Apply sunscreen to pets with light fur or hairless skin. Talk to your veterinarian about a pet-safe sunscreen for areas like the ears, nose, and around the lips to prevent sunburn.
• Beware of harmful summer pests. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos can become more prevalent in summer. Talk to your veterinarian about year-round pet parasite prevention.
• Keep your pet’s identification tags up-to-date. If your pet gets lost during an outing, an ID tag is the best way to ensure they are returned to you safely during this time of increased risk.

Schedule an Appointment with Adobe Animal Hospital Today!

At Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center, our staff is committed to pet health during summer and well-being throughout the year.  If you have any questions about protecting your pets from summer hazards or would like to schedule a wellness exam for your pet, contact us today!  Call us or conveniently schedule an appointment online. 

The post Ultimate Guide to Summer Pet Care: Tips from Our Animal Hospital Experts appeared first on Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center.

Vacation season is in full swing, and if you’re planning a trip that includes your pet, we’ve got you covered with essential pet travel tips from our team at Adobe Animal Hospital & Laser Surgery Center. 

The First Stop on Your Journey: A Vet Visit

Has it been a while since your pet’s last checkup? If so, contact us for a wellness and preventive care visit. Whether you’re flying with pets, taking a road trip with pets, or staying in a hotel with pets, it’s important to make sure your pet is properly vaccinated. Depending on your destination, we might recommend additional vaccines. We’ll also make sure your pet is healthy enough for travel and protected against fleas, ticks, or other parasites your pet could encounter in a new environment.

Road Trip with Pets

If you’re planning a summer road trip with pets, it’s important to keep in mind that while some pets love nothing more than cruising down the highway, others experience travel anxiety in pets. Here are some pet travel safety tips for taking a road trip with pets: 

• If your pet has never traveled far by car, regularly introduce your pet to the car and take frequent short trips before your vacation. Reward your pet with treats for staying calm. 
• For the safety of you and your pet while traveling, keep your pet properly restrained using a pet carrier anchored to your back seat or a seat belt restraint/tether made just for pets. 
• Map out plenty of pit stops so your pet can take frequent potty and exercise breaks.
• NEVER, ever leave your pet alone in a parked car. 
• Have your pet microchipped if you haven’t already. 

Flying With Pets 

If you are planning to fly the friendly skies with your pet, a critical first step is to contact the airline directly for details about their pet policy. Rules and restrictions vary from airline to airline—and also by destination. Here are important tips for flying with pets:

• If at all possible, you want your pet in the cabin with you. 
• Book direct flights if you can.
• Check the airline’s vaccination and documentation policies. Contact us as soon as possible if we can help. 
• Ensure that your pet’s carrier meets the airline’s requirements.
• Air travel is dangerous for breeds with short nasal passages, such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats. Your Adobe Animal Hospital veterinarian can help you understand potential pet travel safety risks.

Additional Pet Travel Safety Tips

• Pack medications, proof of vaccines, and safe drinking water in addition to your pet’s food. 
• Scout out the location of nearby veterinary hospitals ahead of time in case your pet gets sick or injured while on vacation. 
• Pack plenty of extra potty pads and cleaning wipes.

The team at Adobe Animal Hospital wants you and your pets to enjoy the summer travel season! Contact us at (530) 673-4744  for more pet travel tips.  

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