By Dr. Jana Bryant, CityVet Oak Lawn

Being a pet owner is a wonderful thing, but it also requires a significant financial investment. Having a pet also means that sometimes there will be unexpected situations that require extra expenses. 

Follow these tips to cut costs and reduce the likelihood that your pet will need to undergo a costly treatment or procedure later down the road. 

Schedule Regular Exams -- Don't skip regular check-ups with your veterinarian, regardless of your pet's age or current health. Preventative care is the best way to catch ailments before they have time to develop into something more serious and costly. Also, keep your pet's medical records organized and accessible so that if you relocate or need to visit another veterinarian, you won't risk duplication of vaccines or mis-diagnosis. 

Feed a Healthy Diet -- At CityVet, we believe that understanding your options and choosing to feed a healthier food will make a difference in your pet's health and help them live a long, happy life. Healthy doesn't have to be expensive. Start by talking to your veterinarian for a diet recommendation, consider meat-based and grain-free diets, and learn how to spot poor-quality ingredients on food labels. 

Practice Prevention -- Dogs and cats, especially ones that live in Texas, should be on a year-round parasite preventative. Flea and tick infestations can cause a host of medical problems, ranging from minor skin irritations to life-threatening anemia. Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites and can be deadly. Prevention is easy but treatment for dogs is costly and there currently is no treatment for cats. Ask your veterinarian to review parasite preventative options recommended for your pet and your budget. You should also pay attention to your pet's dental health. Start brushing teeth daily when your pet is young and keep up with professional dental cleanings BEFORE your pet has stinky breath, tartar and gingivitis. 

Consider Pet Insurance -- Some pet insurance policies can save you cash, but before purchasing a plan, be sure to do your research, read the fine print, and make sure it is a good financial choice for you. CityVet recommends VPI or Petplan. 

Groom at Home -- Depending on your pet, you may be able to save money by bathing at home. Breeds such as Maltese, Poodles or Shih Tzus require regular grooming to prevent damage to the eyes or ears. Bathing and brushing your pet regularly helps to prevent matts that can cause skin damage. The next time you visit CityVet, ask for a Care to Share card. When you refer a friend and they schedule with us, you'll both receive 50% off your next groom. 

These tips were provided by Jana Bryant, DVM, Lead Veterinarian at CityVet Oak Lawn. To schedule an appointment  with Dr. Bryant, call (214) 219-2838. 

By Dr. Leigh Johnston, CityVet Preston Royal    

 

Q: I'm planning Thanksgiving dinner and want to ensure my family and guests don't feed my pet something that will harm him. What foods should we watch out for?

A: There are many people foods that can be harmful to pets. Here are a few common foods that pet owners need to be aware of during the holiday season. 

 

Bones - While you may be tempted to throw your dog a bone from the turkey remains, please refrain from doing so. Bones are sharp and can puncture or even block your pet's insides, especially poultry bones that can splinter easily. Don't leave plates of bones sitting around and dispose of them in a place your dog can't get to. 

 

Raw or Undercooked Meat - Any meat that you feed your pet should be well-cooked, boneless, skinless and lean. Like humans, pets can contract salmonella. Plus, turkey skin is high in fat, hard for pets to digest, and can cause very painful illnesses, such as pancreatitis.  

 

Sage, Nutmeg and Other Spices/Herbs - Many spices and herbs contain essential oils or sulfides, which are toxic and can cause stomach upset and destruction of red blood cells leading to anemia. Nutmeg, found in sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, has mild hallucinogenic properties that, when ingested, can cause seizures, tremors and centralized nervous system problems. Note that both pumpkin and sweet potatoes are good for your dog; just make sure no nutmeg or butter is on them. 

 

Onions and Garlic - Onions are toxic to dogs and can lead to a dangerous anemia that can go undetected for days. Make sure your dog stays away from the pearly whites, yellows, and reds. Garlic is another no-no. 

 

Walnuts and Macadamia Nuts - These two nuts in particular are extremely harmful. A toxic reaction to macadamia nuts may result in an inability to stand, vomiting, muscle tremors, and elevated heart rates. 

 

Chocolate - There is always extra chocolate around during the holidays and it can be very toxic to our pets, especially dark chocolate. Chocolate contains Theobromine, a chemical similar in action to caffeine. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors and occasionally, seizures. Make sure that all chocolate is out of your pet's reach. 

 

In addition to making sure your pet avoids these foods, be cautious of wrappings like aluminum foil, plastic wrap and wax paper. If your pet ingests some of the wrapper, it can lead to intestinal obstructions. Also look out for tooth picks, skewers, and used silverware. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something harmful, please call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, at (800) 213-6680. 

  

This answer was provided by Leigh Johnston, DVM, of CityVet Preston Royal. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnston, call 

(214) 361-0444. 

Have a question for our veterinarians? Submit it to News@cityvet.com and it could be chosen to appear in an upcoming newsletter! 

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