Halloween Tricks and Treatments

Ah, Halloween!  There’s a nip in the air, leaves to chase, and strange creatures ringing the doorbell.  What more could a dog ask for?

And don’t forget the candy.  Many of my canine friends will be keeping both eyes on the candy dish on Halloween night.  Which means their owners should keep the candy dish out of reach and well-guarded.  Just in case.

Halloween can be a busy night at veterinary emergency rooms.  Fortunately, many of these visits can be avoided with a little planning.  Below are some of the more common reasons for canine and feline ER visits around Halloween, along with tips to help prevent them.

1.     Poisoning 

Candy or foods containing chocolate, raisins, or certain types of nuts can cause severe or even fatal reactions in dogs and cats.  Sugar-free candy or gum that contains the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can also be deadly.   

TIP:  Always keep Halloween candy away from dogs and cats.  If you think your pet has eaten food containing chocolate, raisins or grapes, nuts, or xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.

2.    Trauma

Although many pets love to participate in Halloween festivities, others may become frightened and leave the safety of their house.  Pets can be difficult to see at night, especially if they are in or near the road. 

TIP:  Make sure your pet is confined or well supervised during trick-or-treat times and Halloween parties.  All pets should wear an identification tag on their collar in case they accidentally get loose.  A fluorescent or reflective collar makes it easier to see pets at night.

3.    Burns

Curious pets can get their noses or paws burned by playing with jack-o-lanterns.  They may inadvertently knock over candles and start a fire. 

TIP:  Keep lighted pumpkins out of your pet’s reach and don’t forget to blow out the candle when you leave the room!

4.    Foreign bodies

These are things that cats and dogs eat that aren’t digestible, like clothing, candy wrappers, coins, and toys.  Halloween costumes may contain parts that can be easily swallowed.  Pets who ingest foreign objects may need surgery to remove them.

TIP:  Trash cans or wastebaskets should be covered or inaccessible to pets.  If you dress your pet up for Halloween, make sure the costume doesn’t have parts that could easily be chewed off and eaten!

Whatever you do this Halloween, have a good time and remember to keep your pets safe!

Give Your Favorite Technician a Hug!

Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is October 10-16.  This is one of my favorite weeks because I get to show the technicians I know how much I appreciate them. 

What exactly does a veterinary technician do?  Well, many people think of them as a nurse for animals.  That’s a good start, but it doesn’t even begin to describe the jobs that most technicians perform every day.

Let’s look at a typical day in the life of one of our technicians.  (Keep in mind, of course, that no day in the ER is typical!)  Here is a partial list of tasks they would be expected to complete by the end of their shift:

Assist with anesthesia and surgery

Take x-rays

Obtain blood, urine, and stool samples

Perform laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood work

Place intravenous catheters

Prepare and administer IV fluids and other medications

Council owners on disease processes, medication administration, and home care

Provide tender loving care

As you can see, being a veterinary technician is a lot of work!   

What type of training do veterinary technicians need?

There are many types of programs out there.  Some offer a choice of associate’s (2 year) degree or bachelor’s (4 year) degree.  On-line programs are gaining popularity as well.

Here are some websites to visit if you want to learn more:

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America

Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association

To all you techs out there, keep up the good work.  We couldn’t survive without you!