From the Desk At the Front

Springtime Safety: Be Safe & Enjoy the Outdoors!

Hi there everyone! It’s about that time for another blog about safety! We at Blandon Family Veterinary Practice sincerely hope that everyone is enjoying the approaching Spring and Summer seasons (I know we are!), however, we just wanted to point out some things to look out for as everyone starts to enjoy the outdoors!

I recently visited a Lowe’s to purchase some mulch for my front flower garden, and there were so many different colors and kinds there, luckily I already knew what I wanted and what kind was safe for my pets. Even though it may not be as aromatic as other brands, pet owners should be on the look-out and be aware of the dangers of Cocoa Mulch.

Just like it sounds, Cocoa Mulch is made of (you guessed it) cocoa, which means that it is just as, if not more, toxic as chocolate itself. Cocoa mulch is significantly more toxic than milk or baker’s chocolate because it is compounded from a higher concentration of theobromine. Theobromine is the toxic compound in most chocolates that is responsible for producing the clinical signs of distress seen in pets after ingestion.

Below I have noted additional information from previous blog posts about the toxicity of chocolate.
* Chocolate is the most common toxic treat during the holidays. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine all contain substances called methylxanthines. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. As somewhat of a guide, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. For example, baking chocolate has the highest level of methylxanthines, while dark, milk, and white chocolate have lower, but still very dangerous, levels of methylxanthines. If ANY sort of chocolate is ingested by either dogs or cats, please seek Veterinary attention immediately.

In addition to the toxicity, Cocoa Mulch smells like chocolate, so it has a tendency to attract pets because they have excellent sniffers. Also, anyone who uses mulch might guess what I’m going to say next…there’s a LOT of it to go around! I have a medium sized flower garden, and I ended up with 8 big bags of mulch! In a worst-case scenario, left to their own devices, most dogs (and possibly outdoor cats) will eat cocoa mulch until you catch them, or until toxic effects start to set in, leading to the ingestion of large amounts of the toxin.

Some other products to look out for are certain lawn care chemicals, pesticides, and
all-purpose herbicides, snail and slug bait traps, and weed killers, to name a
few. Be aware of product labels and know that some chemicals are still harmful
even after they are “dry.”

One last reminder before unleashing you and your pets outdoors!! Here’s a link to my past blog about LEASH SAFETY!  (forgive the pun, I couldn’t resist!) It is very important to remember the etiquette and courtesy of using leash safety as most of us will soon be interacting with each other and each other’s pets as it gets nicer outside!
http://www.blandonfamilyvet.com/2012/11/16/wild-about-leash-safety/

We hope that you and your families enjoy a safe and super fun start of springtime! Feel free to visit us in the office or give us a call!

Our hours are as follows:

Mondays & Fridays: 8am – 4pm

Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11am – 7pm

Every Other Saturday: 8am -12noon

Wednesday & Sunday: closed.

If you have any questions about anything you’ve read, please feel free to call us at 610-268-6208 or stop in to visit us! We would be happy to speak with you and answer your questions to the best of our ability!

Homemade Treats For Your Furry Valentine

It’s that time of year when some people can’t help but exhibit signs of being twitterpated! (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, watch the classic Disney movie Bambi!) – You know what I’m talking about…around Valentine’s Day, love is in the air, cards with heartfelt messages are getting passed around, and lots of chocolate is being bought all over the world!  We as pet owners need to remember that, even though our playful pups and cuddly cats need some extra love on Valentine’s Day too, chocolate is definitely NOT something that we want them to get a hold of!

I’ve noted a section from my Christmastime Pet Safety Blog about the dangers of your cat or dog ingesting chocolate below:

* Chocolate is the most common toxic treat during the holidays. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine all contain substances called methylxanthines. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. As somewhat of a guide, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. For example, baking chocolate has the highest level of methylxanthines, while dark, milk, and white chocolate have lower, but still very dangerous, levels of methylxanthines. If ANY sort of chocolate is ingested by either dogs or cats, please seek Veterinary attention immediately.

If that put a damper on any gift ideas for your pet, have no fear! While we are eating our yummy chocolate treats, I have found some safe, easy to make, homemade treats for your pets to enjoy!

——————————————————————————————-
Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 340g      (2 3/4c) Whole Wheat Flour
• 340g      (2 3/4c) All-Purpose Flour
• 30g      (2T) Brown Sugar
• 5g      (1t) Sea Salt
• 3      eggs
• 225g      (1c) Peanut Butter
• 80ml      (1/3c) Vegetable Oil
• 235      ml (1c) Water

Directions:

1. Combine flours, brown sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add eggs and peanut butter and mix until incorporated.
2. Mix in oil. Next add enough water until dough is smooth and workable.
3. Cover the dough and set aside for 15-20 min. to relax.
4. preheat oven to 375º F & line a couple sheet pans with baking paper
5. Roll out dough to about 3/8″-1/2″ thick. Cut to desired shaped then put on sheet pans.
6. Bake for approx. 40 min. or until biscuits are slightly browned and fairly hard (they will harden a touch more when cool.) Set aside to cool then treat the pups liberally.

—————————————————————————————-

Cat Cheese Treats

You need:
¾ cup of flour
¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
5 tbsp of parmesan cheese
¼ cup of plain yogurt
¼ cup of cornmeal

** Those are just two examples, but you can find some other recipes at these websites! **
http://pinterest.com/newfandhound/dog-treats-homemade/

http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=homemade+cat+treats

Remember, February & March is Blandon Family Veterinary Practice’s Dental Health Season, so call us and ask about a special promotion you can participate in if you schedule a dental procedure for your pet soon! Lindsey is looking forward to helping your pet have squeaky clean teeth! Feel free to come in and visit us! Our hours are as follows: Mondays & Fridays: 8am – 4pm / Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11am – 7pm / Every Other Saturday: 8am -12noon / Wednesday & Sunday: closed.

If you have any questions about anything you’ve read, please feel free to call us at 610-268-6208 or stop in to visit us! We would be happy to speak with you and answer your questions to the best of our ability!

Tis the Season for Christmastime Pet Safety!

As the Christmas season fast approaches, many families will soon deck the halls and trim their trees, if they have not done so already! As we gather with others and remember how important family is to all of us, we must recall that our furry friends are a big part of our family too! Even though we may not realize it, along with all of the hustle and bustle of the season comes a plethora of dangers to look out for. I’m going to touch on a number of items, plants, and foods to keep an eye on, and possibly even avoid, depending on the level of “holiday spirit” your pet displays! I’ve taken many a phone call where I’ve asked and heard, “Your cat ate HOW MUCH tinsel?”…or “I didn’t think he would eat the WHOLE bowl of my homemade chocolate candy!,” so we at Blandon Family Veterinary Practice want to express our wishes for your pet’s safety this and every Christmas season!

• Dangerous Decorations
  • Tinsel is easily swallowed by pets and can easily form severe intestinal blockages. In some cases, Exploratory Surgery is required to remove these obstructions. If you do choose to hang it, try to place it high out of your dog or cat’s reach.
  • Ornaments, especially those made of glass, can become lodged in your pet’s digestive tract. Broken ones can also cause internal bleeding if swallowed, and can cut paw pads if stepped on. Hang any breakable ornaments, or those small enough to be swallowed, out of paw’s reach. Families with highly inquisitive pets should possibly consider investing in larger, softer, or shatter-proof decorations and ornaments.
  • Lights have electrical cords that pets like to chew, which can lead to electrical shock – potentially deadly or with debilitating consequences. Tape down cords or hide them where your pet can’t get to them.
  • Oh Christmas Tree! – You know, that big, sparkly, distracting new thing in the middle of the room? Some pets may not mind it, but others may want to play with (or climb up!) your family’s beautiful tree, and that may not end well… for both your pet AND the tree. Try to make sure the tree has a steady base, and also use a tree skirt to help deter pets from getting at the branches, water, and infrastructure. I’ve always had an artificial tree, but for those of you who have the real deal, beware of using any water additives or fertilizers. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea if the water is ingested
• Poisonous Plants
  • Even when eaten in small quantities, mistletoe can cause your pet excessive drooling and digestive upset. If not taken care of, more serious symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may manifest. In some extreme cases, mistletoe can cause heart collapse.
  • Holly leaves and berries can cause stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats.
  • Lillies (most variations) are the #1 flower often used by florists. Just one or two bites from a lily can result in severe acute kidney failure in cats. It is said that even the pollen is highly toxic.
  • Poinsettia Plants are mildly toxic, but still have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth, as well as an upset stomach in cats and dogs.
  • Yew bushes are not one traditionally cut by people for decorating with evergreen foliage, but just in case you have yews around do not be tempted to use them in decorating.  They are highly toxic to pets and people.
• Festive Foods
  • Chocolate is the most common toxic treat during the holidays. Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine all contain substances called methylxanthines. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. As somewhat of a guide, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. For example, baking chocolate has the highest level of methylxanthines, while dark, milk, and white chocolate have lower, but still very dangerous levels of methylxanthines.  If ANY sort of chocolate is ingested by either dogs or cats, please seek Veterinary attention immediately.
  • Popcorn or cranberry garlands are appetizing to pets, as they can still produce an enticing scent. Dogs, and especially cats, may try to reach this tasty string of garland if not placed high enough!  The biggest problem with such an ingestion is the string.  Strings can cause deadly blockages of the intestines that are difficult to remove surgically.
  • Just a small amount of alcohol can poison your pet. Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach of your pet, and remind your guests to do the same.  Clean up glasses after holiday parties. Pets are often attracted by the sweet taste and smell of certain drinks, especially eggnog.  Remember your pets may weigh half or ten times less than you do, and the effects of alcohol poisoning are inversely that much more dangerous because they’re smaller than you.
  • While you may want your pet to enjoy some extra yummy food during the holidays, make sure they don’t ingest ANY bones. Bones can easily injure the intestine or stomach of your pet, and they can even cause blockages. Make sure waste food and bones are put safely into the trash bin.  The stereotype of bones being a great treat for pets is a nightmare!  If you’ve ever had to be called out of bed at 3:00 AM to come in to remove a life threatening bone blockage from someone’s pet’s intestines… you’d agree.

Well, I hope that I didn’t ruin anyone’s holiday spirit with all of that information! We want your pets to have fun and enjoy the holidays, but rather in the comfort of their own homes, not at the ER! Since it may be helpful to have on hand, I have also added some information below about the Pet Poison Helpline.
____________________________________________
Pet Poison Helpline – 1-800-213-6680. (http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com)
The Pet Poison Helpline is associated with The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. The helpline is staffed by veterinarians and veterinary technicians with special training in animal poisonings; as well as board-certified veterinary toxicologists, internal medicine specialists, and emergency & critical care specialists. This resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year. As of the time of writing, the charge for this service is $39.00.
______________________________________________

Please keep these pet safety tips in mind all year round, but especially during and throughout the holidays! All of us here at Blandon Family Veterinary Practice would like to wish all of our clients and friends a very happy and healthy Christmas Season!

Lindsey is looking forward to decorating the office and hanging up any Christmas cards that get sent our way! Feel free to come in and visit us! Our hours are as follows: Mondays & Fridays: 8am – 4pm / Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11am – 7pm / Every Other Saturday: 8am -12noon / Wednesday & Sunday: closed.

If you have any questions about anything you’ve read, please feel free to call us at 610-268-6208 or stop in to visit us! We would be happy to speak with you and answer your questions to the best of our ability!

Wild About Leash Safety

It has been so AWESOME meeting new furry friends (& their owners too!) but we wanted to remind everyone about a topic that can be helpful for everyone…LEASH SAFETY! — I will also touch on cat safety a little as well!

Upon entering Blandon Family Veterinary Practice, it is imperative that your dog be leashed at all times, not only for the safety of your dog, but for the security of other pets and owners in the office as well. Even though I know that our furry friends are little angels and listen to us really well at home, we all know that they sometimes act differently when they visit us at the office.  (I love my 13 year old dog, Lucky,  but I know that she is kind of naughty at the vet every time, so I know about this first hand!)

With that said, we all need to keep in mind that even though your pet may be expressing good behavior, the dog that comes in next may be super nervous, and if either dog would happen to get off leash, a number of unexpected things could happen. One of the worst situations that could happen is having a loose dog escape the office. They all know where the door is, and it seems as though they all pay attention whenever it opens. Our pups are a lot smarter than we think! By keeping your dog on a leash, the chance of escape is greatly diminished.

There are many reasons why leash safety is so important, but here are just a few helpful tidbits of information that you can use both in and out of the office:

• It’s the Law. Simply put, in many areas, it is the law that dogs must be on a leash. Pennsylvania Leash Law states that is “unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to fail to keep at all times the dog in any of the following manners”:
  • confined within the premises of the owner;
  • firmly secured by means of a collar and chain or other device so that it cannot stray beyond the premises on which it is secured;
  • under the reasonable control of some person, or when engaged in lawful hunting, exhibition or field training.
• Using a regular, non-retractable leash gives the owner more control of his or her dog in most, if not all, situations.
• Using a leash at all times can reinforce good training habits.
• Using a leash keeps your dog from jumping on people you encounter, ensuring that your dog has the chance of being properly introduced.
• A well trained, leash-obedient dog is a pleasure to walk with.
• When you walk your pet on a leash, you can help to monitor the spread of disease. It is less likely that your dog will be exposed to Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, or Giardia. A leashed dog can be restrained or distracted from sniffing the droppings of other animals.
• A leash is commonly referred to as “Your Pet’s Lifeline”, protecting your pet from traffic and unrestrained animals.
• Having your dog on a leash allows us at Blandon Family Veterinary Practice to greet your dog properly, which can lead to a positive relationship that can be reinforced each time they visit us here at the office!

  Don’t think I forgot about our feline friends! It is also imperative that your feline companion be confined in some sort of carrier whenever they visit us at the office. There are plenty of acceptable forms of carriers, such as cardboard carriers or fabric carriers with zippers, but we have found that plastic carriers are usually the best option, since they are usually sturdier and they give cats a little more space to move and look around.There are many advantages to keep your cat confined whenever they are out of their home environment. It is much safer to keep your cat in a carrier, instead of holding him or her in a blanket, for example. I have seen this done before, and it does not end well. Some cats can be easily spooked, and when that happens, again, there could be a number of unexpected things that could happen. Cats can scratch their owners or jump out of their arms. Also, they are really good at finding a hiding spot when they know that we are trying to chase them! When you take all of that in to consideration, I know that it can be pretty tricky to get a cat into a carrier, but it is well worth it!
  We love visitors and we love making new friends!
  Our hours are as follows:
  Mondays & Fridays: 8am – 4pm
  Tuesdays & Thursdays: 11am – 7pm
  Every Other Saturday: 8am -12noon
  Wednesday & Sunday: closed.

  If you have any questions about anything you’ve read, please feel free to call us at 610-268-6208 or stop in to visit us! We would be happy to speak with you and answer your questions to the best of our ability!

Exciting Stuff!

Hello There!

It sure is nice to see some new smiling faces walk through our door! As I’ve been scheduling appointments and having conversations with people over the phone, the schedule is slowly but surely starting to fill up.  Just so everyone knows, I’m always just a phone call or visit away from answering any questions that may arise, and if I can’t answer something, I’d be happy to speak with Dr. Estelle about any inquiries. Family is very important to all of us here at BFVP, and it’s my hope that I can welcome all of our clients into our new family!

It’s great to be meeting and making new friends, both owners and patients alike! Hopefully there will be many more to come!

– Lindsey