Happy Halloween!
Halloween is lots of fun for people and pets, but it comes along with some hazards too. Make sure to take some precautions tonight to prevent your pets from ending up in a spooky situation at the emergency clinic.
- Keep that candy far away! Never underestimate the lengths that pets will go to trying to access a big bag of Halloween candy! Chocolate is the biggest concern in Halloween candy, although another less common toxin called xylitol can sometimes be found in candy. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which acts as a stimulant in dogs and cats. At lower doses, chocolate can cause GI upset like vomiting and diarrhea. At higher doses, it causes a rapid heart rate, hyperactive behavior, and muscle tremors, and at toxic doses, chocolate causes seizures, heart arrhythmias, and even death. Xylitol is a sweetener found in many sugar-free candies and chewing gum. Xylitol is not toxic to cats, but if ingested by dogs, xylitol can cause low blood sugar and liver failure.
- Confine pets to a safe space during trick-or-treating. Costumes can be very scary, and even normally docile pets might dash out the door when faced with a lot of strange-looking noisy visitors. Pets who feel anxious about doorbells and strangers should be kept in a safe, quiet space far away from the door. Make sure that your pet is wearing up-to-date identification on their collar, just in case.
- Choose costumes wisely. Don’t get us wrong, we love a good festive dachshund in a hot dog suit or kitty wearing a pumpkin hat! Costumes are a fun way to include your pet in the celebration, but it’s important to make sure they fit well without being too tight. Tiny buttons, loose ribbons or strings, or electrical components like batteries can be risky if pets are chewing at them. If your pet is prone to itchy skin or skin infections, it may be best to skip the costume and opt for a cute Halloween collar instead.
Halloween is a fun holiday for families, but it’s important to recognize and mitigate the risks it presents to our furry companions. With a bit of precaution and planning, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween for your entire family—pets included!
Species Spotlight: The Friendly Ferret
Ferrets are lively, social, and curious pets that make fascinating companions. Known for their playful antics, they can be a joy to have around, but they also come with unique needs.
- Personality and Behavior
Ferrets are intelligent, energetic, and social animals. They love to explore and play, and their social nature means they usually prefer to live in pairs or groups. They are mischievous and require lots of supervision to keep them out of trouble.
- Daily Care and Feeding
As obligate carnivores, ferrets need a high-protein, high-fat diet. Feeding specialized ferret food is essential for proper health. They need several hours of out-of-cage playtime each day, and their cages should be kept clean to manage their natural musky odor.
- Housing and Environment
Ferrets need spacious, multi-level cages with cozy sleeping areas, hammocks, and toys. Since they’re escape artists, secure housing and a well-supervised play area are essential. Ferrets are sensitive to temperature extremes, so keeping them in a comfortable room away from drafty doors or windows is necessary.
- Health and Veterinary Care
Common health issues include adrenal disease, lymphoma, and insulinomas, and they benefit from regular veterinary check-ups. Finding a vet familiar with ferrets ensures that your ferret will get appropriate preventative care and are treated properly for diseases.
- Are Ferrets Right for You?
Ferrets are best suited for people who are home often, enjoy interactive pets, and are willing to invest time in daily care. While they bring a lot of joy, they also require dedication and attention.
Ferrets make delightful pets for those prepared to meet their specific needs. With the right care, they’ll reward you with years of playful companionship and unique personality!
Happy National Vet Tech Week!
The third week of October is a very special week in veterinary medicine! National Vet Tech Week is a chance for our profession to honor the hard work, expertise, and dedication of credentialed veterinary technicians. At St. Francis, we use this as a week to celebrate all of our staff members- veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, customer service representatives, and managers. St. Francis truly would fall apart without them! Check out our Facebook page for a series of posts highlighting the importance of each of these roles, and take a moment to give them a huge thank you. They make the world a better place for pets and their people!
Upcoming Closures:
Monday, November 11th: Early Closure at 4 pm
Thursday, November 28th: Thanksgiving Day