Posts Tagged: Pet Safety

When our pets cannot join us during travel or a long work day, it can feel pretty devastating. Our little furry friends are often a big part of our family. It’s the least we can do to make sure that they are in good hands when we have to be away. Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital has some tips to help you find the perfect pet sitter or dog walker for your family. 

There have been many famous (and famously eccentric) pet owners over the years. Audrey Hepburn had a connection with a fawn, Elvis kept a kangaroo, and Salvador Dali split his affection between an ocelot and an anteater. Why? Because they could!

Modern day pet ownership continues to have several outliers, including tigers, kinkajous, and teacup pigs, but the strongest pet trends involve the most common companion animals: cats and dogs. 

By Karen Fazio, CDBC

Each Halloween our pets witness very weird situations… adults and children begin sprouting objects from their bodies (hats, cloaks, sticks, candy bags), friendly faces morph into strangers (masks and makeup), and they hear all sorts of odd sounds. One of the spookiest experiences for most is the monsters who threaten to enter the pet’s homes in search of candy. Many pet owners wonder how can I keep my dog or cat safe on Halloween?

Halloween is a fun thrill for most of us, but it can be a really scary experience for a lot of household pets. This is especially true if these pets weren’t exposed to similar experiences while preparing pets for Halloween in a pleasant way when they were puppies or kittens. For example, if a cat was given candy by a costumed guest during the socialization period (8- 12-weeks for dogs, 2-7 weeks for cats) may never be frightened of costumed youngsters as an adult. However, if the pet wasn’t afforded proper socialization, it will likely grow up to be terrified or even aggressive in response to such experiences.

At some point in time, almost all pets eat something other than their designated food. Whether it is scraps from your dinner, a tempting treat left out accidentally in the path of a curious critter, an innocent treat from your grandma, or a trash can raid, pets eat things that they shouldn’t. 

Knowing what potential problems your pet might encounter in your home can make you a better pet parent. One common danger that can lurk in the average home is xylitol. Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital wants all of our readers to be aware of xylitol poisoning in pets and how to best prevent it.

Regardless of how long you’ve shared your space with a four-legged companion, you are probably well aware of their propensity to sniff out food wherever it may be.

The contents of a backpack, purse, lunchbox, craft supplies, or even e-learning supplies at home can be particularly tantalizing, and with school back in session, the opportunities for scrounging are nearly endless.

Unfortunately, these seemingly harmless items can actually pose a significant risk to our pets in the form of toxins such as certain foods, medication, and even chewing gum.

Although we cannot account for everything in life, the degree to which we are successful in emergencies can directly correspond to a high level of preparation.

When it comes to hurricane season in New Jersey, preparation is key, especially when preparing pet emergency preparedness kits. As you think about protecting yourself and your home, make sure you consider how to evacuate with pets in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Nothing says summer like a vacation, but is your pet ready to ride along? Bringing a pet along on a trip can add another layer of fun, but can also lead to more responsibility, planning, and preparation. When traveling with pets, your furry friend’s safety, comfort, and of course fun, all need to be considered well in advance. 

Our tips for traveling with pets aim to help you and your pet make the most out of your summer vacation together!

We’ve entered the season of endless opportunities for outdoor fun. While many pets are content to hunker down at home, others are quite involved in all manner of activities. Swimming, hiking, and traveling are all worthwhile seasonal endeavors, but they can also place your pet at risk. But don’t worry – with some planning and preparation, pets and heat safety will be a regular part of your summer routine.

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Having a pet go missing is every owner’s worst nightmare. Of course, you drive around the neighborhood hanging “lost pet” signs and post to your social media pages, but is this enough?

While nothing is foolproof, there is a way to significantly increase the chances of a happy reunion: pet microchipping. This affordable, noninvasive procedure helps return tens of thousands of lost pets each year, and the team at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital wants you to know more about this valuable resource!

While Jack Frost may be nipping at our toes, February also brings with it the sweet scent of love in the air. We are, of course, referring to Valentine’s Day. Whether you are coupled or not, chances are there is at least one love in your life to snuggle with this Valentine’s Day: your pet. 

From kitten purrs to playful pups, your pets’ paw prints have likely made a lasting impression on your heart. For this reason, and so many others, the staff at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital knows how heartbreaking it would be, should your sweet pet fall victim to the dangers this day can bring. 

From chocolates and flowers to candles and feasts, perils and pitfalls for pets abound come the days surrounding February 14, which is why understanding the finer points of Valentine’s Day pet safety is a must for people and their pets.