I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :
P E T H E A L T H
L I B R A R Y
2
N E X G A R D 2
H O L I D A Y P H O T O S /
P E T F O O D D R I V E 3
H O L I D A Y H O U R S /
C L I N I C N O T E S 3
N O V E M B E R D E N T A L
S P E C I A L 4
With the upcoming holidays, it is important
to realize there are some holiday pet haz-
ards to be aware of. In order to have a hap-
py holiday season, certain precautions
should be taken.
Decorations are commonly ingested by
pets, so try to put them out of reach. Hang
garland or other ornaments high enough the
pets can't jump to grab them. A trick to keep
dogs away from the tree is to place the tree
in a child's playpen or dog's exercise pen.
Tinsel is one of the most dangerous deco-
ration as it actually cuts through the intes-
tine when ingested and is hard to diagnose
on radiographs. Symptoms of foreign body
ingestion are vomiting, lethargy, decreased
appetite, and poor water consumption.
Both dogs and cats have been known to
chew on extension and power cords.. This
can cause symptoms ranging from burns to
the tongue and lips to death from pulmo-
nary edema (fluid in the lungs causing diffi-
culty breathing). A tip to help avoid this
problem is to hide the cords in hard plastic
PVC pipes where possible. Also you can
spray a bitter tasting substance, such as
Bitter Apple, on the cords to dissuade them
from chewing on these dangerous wires.
Holiday time usually involves family din-
ners with rich food and relatives who may
not understand that feeding the dog table
food can cause severe problems. Veterinari-
ans see many cases of pancreatitis in dogs
around the holidays from eating meat or
other fatty foods. Pancreatitis is an inflam-
mation of the pancreas that can be mild to
severe. Symptoms are vomiting and diar-
rhea, a painful ab-
domen, lethargy
and a lack of ap-
petite. The treat-
ment for pancrea-
titis is generally
hospitalization
with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Certain plants associated with the holi-
days can be toxic to pets. Poinsettias can
cause irritation of the mouth and stomach
to cats and dogs. Additionally, holly can
cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression.
Mistletoe is very toxic, causing vomiting
and diarrhea, cardiovascular collapse, trou-
ble breathing, low heart rate, and low blood
pressure.
A great resource for inquiries of what is
toxic, the degree of toxicity, and proper
treatment, is the ASPCA Animal Poison
Center. Veterinarians with specialties in
toxicology are on staff 24 hours a day, sev-
en days a week to answer your questions.
Their phone number is 1-888-426-4435.
There is no state or federal funding for this
poison control center so there is a consul-
tation fee. You can also visit their website
at http://www.aspca.org for helpful infor-
mation.
H O L I D A Y H A Z A R D S
O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5
A S P C A
A N I M A L
P O I S O N
C O N T R O L
C E N T E R
24 Hours Day/
365 Days Year
P E T H E A L T H L I B R A R Y
Page 2
Please check out the new, extensive “Pet Health Library” on our website.
Here you have access to hundreds of articles on all aspects of pet care, in-
cluding conditions, diseases, treatments, medications, etc. You can easily
search for handouts and articles written by veterinary professionals, based
on topics, species or breed. This is a valuable, trusted resource for infor-
mation regarding your pet. However, this information should not be used in
place of seeing your regular veterinarian.
To access the library, simply visit www.allcreaturesanimalcl.com and
choose “Pet Health Library” under the “Pet Education” tab on the main page.
N E X G A R D
NexGard is a new product by Merial, the makers of Frontline. It is the first chew that offers protection against both
fleas and the American dog tick. It contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, in a palatable beef flavored chew, which
kills fleas by over-stimulating their nervous system. It is not unusual for fleas to become more visible on a pet after ad-
ministering NexGard due to this overstimulation. NexGard provides
100% flea kill within 24 hours of administration and continues to
work for a full 30 days.
An advantage of NexGard over previous topical products is that
pets can be bathed or swim after dosing without any effect on the
product. NexGard’s oral administration is also an advantage for pet
owners who have dogs and cats as there is no chance of exposure
through contact. However, care must be taken to make sure that
the product is not ingested by cats as NexGard is for dogs, weighing
at least 4 pounds, only. Talk to our staff today if you think this prod-
uct suits your pet’s lifestyle and your needs.
For a limited time, get your first dose of Nexgard FREE!
Page 3
C L I N I C N O T E S
Looking for a great holiday gift for a pet lover? Ask us
about an All Creatures Gift Certificate!
It is our policy to require 24 hour notice on all medica-
tion refills. Please be aware of when your pet is nearing
the end of their supply, so that we can be alerted in
time to prevent any lapse in medications. If you need a
refill from a secondary source (i.e. compounding phar-
macy, 1-800-PetMeds, Walgreens), please contact
them. They will fax us a request which the doctor will
review and fax back at the earliest convenience (within
24 hours). Additionally, please make sure you pay at-
tention to prescription labels for reminders of lab work
or rechecks required before the next refill. Your under-
standing and cooperation with this matter is appreciat-
ed.
If you love your care and service at All Creatures,
please refer a friend. When they provide your name
during their first visit, your account will be credited
$25! As a welcome, they will also receive $25 off
their first visit!
Some medications may be available through a
“human” pharmacy. If you are interested in this op-
tion, please discuss with the veterinarian.
OUR HOLIDAY HOURS
Thursday, November 26: CLOSED
Thursday, December 24: 7:30 — 12:00
Friday, December 25: CLOSED
Saturday, December 26: CLOSED
Thursday, December 31: 7:30—12:00
Friday, January 1: CLOSED
December 1 - December 31 Help us in helping the needy pets throughout the community, by
donating pet food during the holiday season.
Bring in at least 10 cans or 1 bag of pet food and
receive a $10 credit on your account!*
*Limit one $10 credit per account
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE Join us on Saturday,
November 21 from
10am– 1pm for
holiday pet photos,
provided by
GreenScreen
Entertainment!
Photos are $10.
A USB with your photo is
available for an extra $7.
*CASH ONLY*
*All pets must be brought in on
a leash or in a carrier*