Pet Health
These pages provides general information about some of the concerns we as pet owners may have about the health and well being of our pets. Although some articles may be concerned with specific ailments or conditions, this information is not intended to be a diagnostic tool and the Nanton & District Animal Protection Society bears no responsibility for how this information is used.
If you have specific concerns about your pet, and any symptoms or conditions that they may exhibit, we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian.
If you have specific concerns about your pet, and any symptoms or conditions that they may exhibit, we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian.
Travelling with Pets
Advance planning is necessary to make trips enjoyable experiences for both you and your pets. As you plan your excursions you will be well aware of the surroundings, activities and situations you will be putting yourself into, but your pet depends on you to prepare them for the coming changes. Without adequate preparation the outing can become very stressful for both of you.
No matter where you take your pet, there will be a need to have it leashed or tethered at some time. Although collars are sufficient, harnesses have proven themselves to be more secure and are recommended. Working with your pet on a leash prior to embarking on your journey will make those occasions more enjoyable for your both. Identification tags bearing your name, address, and phone number should be firmly attached to the collar or harness. Microchips or tattoos are also methods of identification that may be considered. Many pets are lost or run away while on trips with their owners. Should this happen, contact the local animal control office as soon as possible.
Your pet should have all its required vaccinations, and you should carry supporting documents to that effect. If traveling out of the country (or to some islands), check with your carrier or agent about restrictions or quarantines as they might apply for each of your planned stops (including your return home).
Although water is permitted, you should not feed your pet for six hours before your departure time. Water should be available in the cage during transit, and replaced with fresh water as soon as possible after arrival. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached and highly visible.
No matter where you take your pet, there will be a need to have it leashed or tethered at some time. Although collars are sufficient, harnesses have proven themselves to be more secure and are recommended. Working with your pet on a leash prior to embarking on your journey will make those occasions more enjoyable for your both. Identification tags bearing your name, address, and phone number should be firmly attached to the collar or harness. Microchips or tattoos are also methods of identification that may be considered. Many pets are lost or run away while on trips with their owners. Should this happen, contact the local animal control office as soon as possible.
Your pet should have all its required vaccinations, and you should carry supporting documents to that effect. If traveling out of the country (or to some islands), check with your carrier or agent about restrictions or quarantines as they might apply for each of your planned stops (including your return home).
Although water is permitted, you should not feed your pet for six hours before your departure time. Water should be available in the cage during transit, and replaced with fresh water as soon as possible after arrival. Make sure the cage has specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached and highly visible.
Moving with Pets
Moving to a new home is one of the most stressful experiences any of us may have, and it is no different for our pets. Here are a few tips that may make moving easier on both you and them.
Moving can be confusing and stressful for pets as their familiar surroundings disappear into boxes. To help ease their anxiety, introduce a pet carrier early so it becomes a safe, familiar space. As moving day approaches, give them extra attention and reassurance. Stressed pets may try to run, so keeping them secure in a carrier before, during, and after the move is a simple, essential way to protect them.
Dogs accept moves more easily than do cats, and those cats accustomed to roaming outside adapt much easier than those that don’t venture out. Pets should be fitted with identification collars with the owner's name and new address. Although identification collars are a good idea all of the time, they are especially important until the move is complete and the pets fully settled into their new home.
Starting with the packing of the first box we must become more aware of where our pets are. Open doors and windows coupled with the activity of packing will make it easier for pets to slip out unnoticed. As the packing progresses so to will be the need to be more watchful. If containment is a difficult, the use of pet carriers becomes an easy way to keep pets secured.
Once arriving at the new home, keep your pets in their carriers until at least one room has been completely unpacked. Once the packing materials and other debris has been removed, release the pets into the room(s) where they will find items and furniture that they are familiar with. Cats should have access to a litter box at all times.
If there is an enclosed exercise area in the yard, dogs can be let out to begin getting familiar with it. Cats will require much more time, and may have to be restricted to the house and their carriers for quite some time. Extra attention, extra food and snacks will all help them to become relaxed in their new surroundings. If there are contractors working, a many of new faces, and a lot of noise you can expect it to slow the process of getting use to their new house. If there are high activity areas in the house it is beneficial to keep the animals in some other part of the house.
The new home has to be established as a source of attention, food, and shelter. It may help to feed several small meals a day and spend extra time giving pets attention. We strongly advise cats be kept indoors as they are detrimental to the wild bird population and can fall victim to foxes, coyotes, large dogs and vehicles. If you feel you must let your cat roam outside, keep it indoors at the new house for about a month as it takes considerable time to establish bond between them and their new home. When the cat is first let outdoors, it should be fasted for 12 hours before going out so that it is really hungry. A hungry cat is much more likely to come when called, knowing that it's home is a source of food and attention. For the first few weeks, cats should only be let out once a day and be called in after no longer than 30 minutes and fed immediately. The frequency and duration of released periods can be extended as the animals become accustomed to their new home.
Pets will often try to return to their old home. You should warn your old neighbours, and the home's new occupants that this may occur. Request that they not encourage this in any way. Ask that they do not feed them, do not talk to them, and otherwise discourage them by such things as spraying them with water.
Moving is very traumatic for our pets, and there are thousands of pets lost every year due to the side effects of moving. Getting your pets accustomed and comfortable in your new home requires some thought an effort, but is well worth it.
Moving can be confusing and stressful for pets as their familiar surroundings disappear into boxes. To help ease their anxiety, introduce a pet carrier early so it becomes a safe, familiar space. As moving day approaches, give them extra attention and reassurance. Stressed pets may try to run, so keeping them secure in a carrier before, during, and after the move is a simple, essential way to protect them.
Dogs accept moves more easily than do cats, and those cats accustomed to roaming outside adapt much easier than those that don’t venture out. Pets should be fitted with identification collars with the owner's name and new address. Although identification collars are a good idea all of the time, they are especially important until the move is complete and the pets fully settled into their new home.
Starting with the packing of the first box we must become more aware of where our pets are. Open doors and windows coupled with the activity of packing will make it easier for pets to slip out unnoticed. As the packing progresses so to will be the need to be more watchful. If containment is a difficult, the use of pet carriers becomes an easy way to keep pets secured.
Once arriving at the new home, keep your pets in their carriers until at least one room has been completely unpacked. Once the packing materials and other debris has been removed, release the pets into the room(s) where they will find items and furniture that they are familiar with. Cats should have access to a litter box at all times.
If there is an enclosed exercise area in the yard, dogs can be let out to begin getting familiar with it. Cats will require much more time, and may have to be restricted to the house and their carriers for quite some time. Extra attention, extra food and snacks will all help them to become relaxed in their new surroundings. If there are contractors working, a many of new faces, and a lot of noise you can expect it to slow the process of getting use to their new house. If there are high activity areas in the house it is beneficial to keep the animals in some other part of the house.
The new home has to be established as a source of attention, food, and shelter. It may help to feed several small meals a day and spend extra time giving pets attention. We strongly advise cats be kept indoors as they are detrimental to the wild bird population and can fall victim to foxes, coyotes, large dogs and vehicles. If you feel you must let your cat roam outside, keep it indoors at the new house for about a month as it takes considerable time to establish bond between them and their new home. When the cat is first let outdoors, it should be fasted for 12 hours before going out so that it is really hungry. A hungry cat is much more likely to come when called, knowing that it's home is a source of food and attention. For the first few weeks, cats should only be let out once a day and be called in after no longer than 30 minutes and fed immediately. The frequency and duration of released periods can be extended as the animals become accustomed to their new home.
Pets will often try to return to their old home. You should warn your old neighbours, and the home's new occupants that this may occur. Request that they not encourage this in any way. Ask that they do not feed them, do not talk to them, and otherwise discourage them by such things as spraying them with water.
Moving is very traumatic for our pets, and there are thousands of pets lost every year due to the side effects of moving. Getting your pets accustomed and comfortable in your new home requires some thought an effort, but is well worth it.
Boarding Your Pet
Few of us look forward to taking trips or vacations leaving our pets behind. On the other hand, some pets do not travel well and making provisions for their care in our absence is the prudent thing to do. On those occasions when it is either inconvenient or not possible to take our pets with us, there are several options to be considered when deciding on their care in our absence.
(1) The length of time care must be provided, (2) they types and/or numbers of pets needing care, (3) the temperaments of the pets, and (4) any existing conditions that need to be addressed. All these factors should be considered when deciding on how to best manage the animals in your absence.
Certainly having friends or family look in on your pets periodically, or even taking them into their own homes is the first options most people will consider. Although familiar faces and/or surroundings can make your absence less stressful on your pets, there are no assurances that there will still not be some changes to their temperament and behavior. As the pet owner, you are very aware of the likes, dislikes, and special needs of your pets, and it is your charge to select people you feel are responsible enough to carry out your wishes as it applies to your pets care.
Many people find it more convenient to engage the services of a professional pet sitter, who would come into your home and stay there in your absence. These people generally have extensive experience in dealing with pets who are somewhat out of sorts because their owners are away, and have established policies and/or procedures for most situations.
Dogs seem to accept changes much easier than do cats, and usually much easier to manage. Cats are more sensitive to their surroundings, strangers, and routines, and are more apt to flee when they become anxious or stressed. It is a wise idea to advise whoever is taking care of what they may expect. When faced with new surroundings or the presence of strangers our pets may not behave as expected. To have pets on leashes when outside (unless there is a secure exercise area), is a good idea. In some instances pet carriers or kennels may be needed.
Some veterinarians offer boarding services, or can refer you to one in your area that is well suited to the kind of pet you have. Most boarding facilities have a working relationship with local vets, and can offer the most secure and safest of options. All pets that are boarded should be current on their vaccinations. Distemper combination, rabies and upper respiratory tract infection vaccines are certainly recommended. Most boarding kennels will require written proof of vaccination and all applicable pet licenses prior to boarding your pet. Be sure to inquire as to these requirements to avoid unexpected complications.
If using a boarding facility, take your pet with you, and make several visits. If using a sitter, have them make several home visits so they are not a complete stranger when they come to stay. Unless provisions are made through a sitter or service, make arrangements with your veterinarian to provide services should the need arise.
A little research, time and effort will go along way in reducing the stress upon your pets, and satisfy yourself that they will be well cared for until your return.
(1) The length of time care must be provided, (2) they types and/or numbers of pets needing care, (3) the temperaments of the pets, and (4) any existing conditions that need to be addressed. All these factors should be considered when deciding on how to best manage the animals in your absence.
Certainly having friends or family look in on your pets periodically, or even taking them into their own homes is the first options most people will consider. Although familiar faces and/or surroundings can make your absence less stressful on your pets, there are no assurances that there will still not be some changes to their temperament and behavior. As the pet owner, you are very aware of the likes, dislikes, and special needs of your pets, and it is your charge to select people you feel are responsible enough to carry out your wishes as it applies to your pets care.
Many people find it more convenient to engage the services of a professional pet sitter, who would come into your home and stay there in your absence. These people generally have extensive experience in dealing with pets who are somewhat out of sorts because their owners are away, and have established policies and/or procedures for most situations.
Dogs seem to accept changes much easier than do cats, and usually much easier to manage. Cats are more sensitive to their surroundings, strangers, and routines, and are more apt to flee when they become anxious or stressed. It is a wise idea to advise whoever is taking care of what they may expect. When faced with new surroundings or the presence of strangers our pets may not behave as expected. To have pets on leashes when outside (unless there is a secure exercise area), is a good idea. In some instances pet carriers or kennels may be needed.
Some veterinarians offer boarding services, or can refer you to one in your area that is well suited to the kind of pet you have. Most boarding facilities have a working relationship with local vets, and can offer the most secure and safest of options. All pets that are boarded should be current on their vaccinations. Distemper combination, rabies and upper respiratory tract infection vaccines are certainly recommended. Most boarding kennels will require written proof of vaccination and all applicable pet licenses prior to boarding your pet. Be sure to inquire as to these requirements to avoid unexpected complications.
If using a boarding facility, take your pet with you, and make several visits. If using a sitter, have them make several home visits so they are not a complete stranger when they come to stay. Unless provisions are made through a sitter or service, make arrangements with your veterinarian to provide services should the need arise.
A little research, time and effort will go along way in reducing the stress upon your pets, and satisfy yourself that they will be well cared for until your return.
Pet Treat Recipes
Wendy's Cheesy Dog Treats1 c Uncooked Oatmeal
1 1/2 c Hot Water or Meat Juices 4 oz (1 cup) Grated Cheese 1 Egg, Beaten 1 c Wheat Germ 1/4 c Margarine 1/2 c Powdered Milk 1/4 tbs Salt 1 c Cornmeal 3 c Whole Wheat Flour |
In large bowl pour hot water over oatmeal and margarine: let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in powdered milk, grated cheese, salt and egg. Add cornmeal and wheat germ. Mix well. Add flour, 1/3 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Knead 3 or 4 minutes, adding more flour if necessary to make a very stiff dough. Pat or roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into doggie shaped biscuits and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour at 300 degrees. Turn off heat and leave in oven for 1 1/2 hours or longer. Makes approximately 2 1/4 pounds. |
Banana Dog Biscotti5 cups flour
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped 1/2 teaspoon baking soda l egg 1/4 cup vegetable oi1 1/2 cups banana, pureed 2 teaspoons vanilla water |
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Place dry ingredients in large bowl. Make a well in the center. Blend egg, oil and banana together. Add into the dry ingredients in well.
Start combining together. Add water, one teaspoon at a time as needed. Knead by hand on table until mixed thoroughly. Form into logs approximately 2 to 2 1/2-inches high. Flatten so that log is 6 to 7-inches wide by 1-inch high. Place on non-stick baking sheets or lightly greased sheets. Bake 30 to 40 minutes. Remove and cool for 10 minutes. Slice into 1/2 to 3/4-inch slices. Place on baking sheets and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool. Store in airtight container. |
Healthy Dog Snacks1 3/4 cups plain flour
2 tsp toasted wheatgerm 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sesame seeds rind of 1 lemon 12 teaspoon butter or margarine 1/2 cup ground walnuts 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract |
Combine all the ingredients. Knead until thoroughly blended. Divide into 6 parts. Roll each into a log. Wrap loosely in wax paper. Freeze. When needed, thaw and slice into 1/2-inch thick slices (across roll).
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place cookies on an ungreased cookie pan. Bake about 12 minutes. Makes 6-8 cookies per roll. |
Rocky Road Carob Bars1/4 C. Granola
1/4 C. Peanuts 1/4 C. Coconut 1/4 C. Oatmeal I 1/4 C. Unsweetened Carob Chips 1/4 C. Peanut Butter 3/4 C. Honey |
In a food processor, grind the granola, peanuts, coconut and the oatmeal, Melt the carob chips, peanut butter and honey over medium heat. Mix dry ingredients into melted mixture until coated.
Pour the whole mixture into a 8 x 8 inch pan lined with plastic wrap. Chill for 15 minutes. Slice it into desires serving sizes. Keep refrigerated. |
Pet Biscuits1 cup ground turkey or chicken
2 cups white flour 1 cup cornmeal 1 egg 3 tablespoons oil 3/4 cup water 2 teaspoons tarragon 15 servings 24-36 biscuits |
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheets. Cook turkey and crumble into bowl with wet ingredients. Mix dry ingredients into separate bowl.
Add the dry to the wet and mix thoroughly. Turn out on floured surface and roll to 1/2 inch thick. Cut with bone cutters or what ever cutters you want. Place on cookie sheets; bake about 15-20 minutes. Cool on racks. Store covered in refrigerator. |
Kitty Pet Cookies1 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup soy flour 1 teaspoon catnip 1 egg 1/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons wheat germ 1/3 cup skim milk powder 1 tblsp unsulphured molasses 2 tblsps butter or vegetable oil |
Set oven to 350 degrees. Oil a cookie sheet. Mix all dry ingredients together. Add in molasses, egg, butter (or oil if using) and milk; mix to combine.
Roll out flat on oiled cookie sheet; cut into small cat bite-sized pieces. Bake 20 minutes. Let cool; store in tightly sealed containers. |
Catnip Tuna Kitty Treat1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder 1/2 can tuna, in oil 1 tblsp vegetable or cod liver oil 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup finely crushed dry catnip |
Preheat oven to 350F and spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray. In large bowl, mash the tuna so that there are no large lumps. Mix flour and milk in the tuna until thoroughly combined. Add water and oil, mix well. Beat an egg until foamy, add and combine thoroughly. Expect the dough mix to be sticky. Shape dough into tiny balls- about the size of a small marble.
Roll the balls in finely crushed dry catnip (I usually rub the catnip between my hands to crush it). Place the balls on the cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 10 minutes then remove them from oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Turn treats over and bake 10 more minutes or until browned. Cool treats completely before giving any to your pet. Store in air tight container in the refrigerator or a cool dry place. |
Tabby Tuna Cakes1 (6 ounce) can of chunk solid white tuna packed in water
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon margarine or butter 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (chicken is best but Italian flavored works too) |
Preheat oven to 325°F. Drain the tuna. Melt the butter and mix with the bread crumbs until they are lumpy. In small bowl mix together by hand the tuna, flour, and bread crumb mixture. When well mixed roll into small 1/2 inch balls and place on foil covered cooking sheet.
Bake about 10 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. I occasionally cut these in half for the baby cat. Leftover may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. |
Doggie Biscuits1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
1/4 cup vegetable oil or bacon grease 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup broth gie Biscuits |
Mix with floured hands and form into ball. Pat flat on floured surface. Cut out using cookie cutter. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
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Doggie Carrot Cake1 cup whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon soy flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4-1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky) 1 egg 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup honey 1 cup baby carrots, grated or ground |
Combine flours, baking soda and peanut butter. Mix in egg, oil, vanilla, honey and carrots until well combined. Pour mixture into a 9x9-inch cake pan. Bake at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely.
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