SlimCat Giveaway with Purchase of Hills Diet Food

Do you have a tubby tabby? We can help! SlimCat Interactive Toy and Food Dispenser is a playful way to distribute an adjustable amount of dry food when the cat plays with it. Cats that are overweight can particularly benefit from SlimCat. Receive a FREE SlimCat Ball with the purchase of a 17 pound bag of Hills Metabolic Prescription Diet food! Come into The Cat Practice NOLA today to take advantage of this great offer and sure to SHARE this post with your friends and family!

Halloween Safety Tips

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx

Are You Allergic to Your Pet?

Although more and more people are discovering the beneficial effects of owning a furry bundle of joy, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is allergic to animals. The result? Countless owners in unhappy, unhealthy situations—and their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.

The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander (scales of old skin that are constantly shed by an animal), saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to the urine, dander and saliva of exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted.

Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the companion animal from the surroundings. Heartbreaking? Yes. Absolutely necessary? Not always. Keep in mind that most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, molds and pollens, all of which can be found in the home. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may not have to get rid of your pet. (Conversely, should you decide to remove your pet from your home, this may not immediately solve your problems.) You must also be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to decontaminate your home environment, limit future exposure to allergens and find a physician who will work with you. Our three-part program follows:

Improving the Immediate Environment

1. Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It's a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.
2. Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. Cotton-covered furniture is the smartest choice, and washable blinds or shades make good window treatments.
3. Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Other kinds of bags will permit allergens to blow back out of the vacuum.
4. Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily.
5. Use anti-allergen room sprays. These sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless. Ask your allergist for a product recommendation.
6. Clean the litter box frequently. Use lowdust, perfume-free filler. Clumping litter is a good choice.
7. Dust regularly. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.
8. Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily.

Decontaminating Your Pet

1. Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won't dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur.
2. Wipe your pet with a product formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment. Ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves.
3. Note any symptoms of dermatitis exhibited by your companion animal. Dermatitis often leads to accelerated skin and fur shedding, which will up your allergen exposure.
4. Brush or comb your pet frequently. It’s best to do this outdoors, if possible. (The ASPCA does not recommend keeping cats outdoors, so make sure your feline is leashed if you take him outside.)

Taking Care of Yourself

1. If possible, have someone other than yourself do the housecleaning, litter box work and pet washing, wiping and brushing. If you must clean the house or change the litter, be sure to wear a dust mask.
2. Wash your hands after handling your companion animal and before touching your face. The areas around your nose and eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens.
3. Designate a “pet outfit” from among your most easily washed clothes. Wear it when playing or cuddling with your companion, and you’ll leave other clothing uncontaminated.
4. Find a physician, preferably an allergy specialist, who will make sure that your pet is the cause of your allergies and will help alleviate your symptoms. Medications and immunotherapy (desensitizing shots) can often allow you and your companion animal to remain together happily ever after.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/allergic.aspx

Congratulations Dr. Mark Cousins!

Dear Mark

Congratulations on attaining your certification and thanks for going through the process. I know from personal experience that it was not an easy thing to do.

It is wonderful to see our elite group of people grow and to see it filled with talented professionals like yourself. As dedicated veterinary professionals like yourself get certified, it elevates the status of the CVPP itself.

Best Regards,

Mike Petty

--
President, International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management
Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
Certified Veterinary Medical Acupuncturist
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist
Certified American Academy of Pain Management
www.animalpaincenter.com
734-844-8844

Good Luck, Ben!

Good Luck to The Cat Practice team member, Ben, who is applying to Veterinary School! We appreciate all your hard work and wish you the best of luck!

 

Dr. Cousins: Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner by the IVAPM.

Dear Dr. Cousins, 

It is my honor and pleasure to inform you that you have successfully completed the requirements for the designation of Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner by the IVAPM.

The CVPP designation carries with it honor and responsibility. The honor is the reward for your hard work and commitment to excellence in your profession. It demonstrates to your colleagues and your clients how much you care. The responsibility is to follow the mission of the IVAPM: to promote the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge related to the biology and clinical treatment of pain in animals. Please take the time to be a leader in this field and become active in the work of the IVAPM by serving on a committee within the organization and by mentoring your colleagues with your expertise in the field of pain management. I look forward to seeing you at future IVAPM events and meeting you in person.

Congratulations on your achievement! 

Best regards,

Larry Kimberlin DVM,FAVD,CVPP

Chaiman – Credential Committee – IVAPM

8414 Wesley Greenville,Texas 75402

903-454-1563

larryk@geusnet.com

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

When preparing for emergencies, keep every member of your family in mind, including your pets. All the information in this article comes from www.ready.gov, your location for all the resources you need for any emergency.

If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely on emergency planning done today. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Keep in mind that what's best for you is typically what's best for your animals.

If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets.

Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.

Preparing for Your Pets Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.

Use the Red Cross emergency preparedness checklist for pets as a guide.

WE MADE GOLD LEVEL!

The Cat Practice has been recognized as a Gold Level Cat Friendly Practice by The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). We are thrilled to be awarded Gold status by the AAFP! The AAFP is the national organization dedicated to improving the health and welfare of cats. Their programs are focused on supporting high standards of medical practice, continuing education, and scientific investigation specifically for cats. We are proud that we are one of the first 100 feline practices to make Gold Level! The Cat Practice is honored to be part of this winning team, working to provide cats with the very best medical care in a low-stress setting.

Ultrasound Highlight

Trixie

Trixie was brought into us a few weeks ago and was afflicted with bloody urine that did not stop, even after multiple visits to other doctors. We worked her up and she had multiple, fine stones in her bladder and we then took her to surgery and removed the stones. She is doing great now!

Acupuncture Highlight

Cats & Lilies

Lilies are a popular Easter flower, but did you know that they can actually be toxic to your cat? Like the Christmas poinsettias, lilies can attract the attention of your cat, and then have a toxic effect when ingested. Keep those Easter lilies far from your pet's reach this season, or look into artificial options. The art of artificial flowers have gotten so advanced that your guests won't be able to tell the difference...and your cat will be safe.

It's Poison Prevention Week!

It's Poison Prevention Week and we want to warn you that some common foods can be poisonous to your pet. Foods such as avocado, chocolate, macadamia nuts, and even grapes are dangerous for your pets! We encourage you to invest in some delicious, pet-safe treats and avoid feeding any table scraps to your pet, in order to avoid accidental poisoning.

Click here for a list of people foods that are dangerous to pets!