Winter Wonderland

When the temperatures dip below freezing, it's time to get most pets inside. 
One exception is dogs that are bred for colder climates, such as Huskies and Malamutes.  These breeds seem to love the cold and may stay outdoors for longer periods of time if they have adequate shelter, such as an insulated dog house, access to fresh, unfrozen water, and are given adequate amounts of food.  Pets that spend a lot of time outside in the cold may need more calories, so be prepared to increase their daily food allowance.
 

"Ginger"

Photo courtesy of Shane Meyer

First Case of Rabies in a Massachusetts Resident Since 1935

A Cape Cod man contracted rabies at the end of 2011, most likely from a rabid bat.  This marks the first case of rabies in a human in Massachusetts since 1935. 

Most rabid animals show symptoms of rabies, such as aggression, foaming at the mouth, or paralysis.  Bats are unique in that they can infect other animals (including people) with the rabies virus without appearing sick.  Rabies is most often spread through bite wounds.   

Bats found indoors in a room where a person was sleeping or in a room with a child or mentally incapacitated person, should be captured and sent to the State Diagnostic Lab for testing.  This can be arranged through your town's Animal Control Officer, Animal Inspector or through your veterinarian.  A physician should be consulted immediately if the bat is unavailable for testing. 

Rabies in people can be prevented with post-exposure immunization.  Any person who gets bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal or an animal that is unavailable for a ten day quarantine should contact their primary care physician for instructions.

Pet owners can do their part to limit the spread of rabies by keeping dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies.

Happy Holidays!

Pictured:  Bonnie, "Goose", and Bubbles

From our family to yours, may you enjoy the company of loved ones this holiday season!

Pets Feel Stress, Too!

It seems like everyone's stressed during the holiday season!  Did you know that pets can become stressed, too? 

Changes in routine, resulting from holiday decorating, housecleaning, or nighttime shopping trips, can all cause stress in our pets.  Our pets can also sense our moods and emotions.  Whenever we're stressed, our pets go on alert.

Although we can't prevent our pets from getting stressed, here are some ways to help minimize it:

Keep their routine as regular as possible.  Feed them their normal food at the time they expect it and don't forget to refill or freshen their water bowl at least once a day.

Make sure your pets have a safe place where they can get away from the holiday hustle and bustle.  Even pets who enjoy being with people need a quiet place to relax now and then.

Exercise is a great stress-buster, for people and pets.  It's a great way to shrug off that too-much-to-do-so-little-time feeling, burn calories, and reconnect with your pet.

'Tis the Season to Eat!

A turkey dinner with all the trimmings might make people feel bloated and sleepy.  But most pets aren't used to eating rich foods, so a traditional Thanksgiving "human" feast can cause them to have gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).  These conditions can be mild or severe.  In some cases, they can even cause death. 

Signs to watch for include vomiting or retching, diarrhea or straining to have a bowel movement, pacing, painful abdomen, or bloating.  Pets exhibiting any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. 

Anticipating the problem can help prevent a trip to the animal ER.  Ask visitors not to feed pets.  Keep pets confined while meals are being prepared and eaten.  And don't forget to cover, store, or take out the trash!

Giving Thanks

This is the time of year to give thanks, and all of us at Animal Emergency Care have much to be thankful for.  Here is a partial list:

Our Patients:  Large or small, young or old, dog or cat.  They are brought in because they need our help.  We wouldn't exist if it wasn't for them.

Our Clients:  Thank you for caring enough to provide care and comfort for your pets, even on holidays, during the big game, and in the middle of the night.  Your pets appreciate you.

Our Team:  Our veterinarians and technicians must love what they do, because they give up their nights, weekends, and holidays to be here.  Our patients couldn't survive without you.   

What are you thankful for?

Puppy Weekend!

Our receptionists and technicians enjoy some Puppy Love  (From left to right, DeDe, Robin, Disa with new mom, Grace.)

 Our pre-Halloween Nor'easter blew more than snow across our doorstep.

Two litters from Golden Touch Kennels sought shelter from the extreme October weather when their power went out.  Needless to say, the pups and their dams were enjoyed by all!

Curtis and Eric enjoy the Golden touch.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Jonathan Nathanson 2011