WINTER 2003 NEWSLETTER

SAFETY IN OUR HOMES

Recently we learned of a tragedy that occurred when a cherished 3-year old cat was strangled to death by window cord blinds. A moment of play turned so wrong and claimed its’ life. The owner was understandably distraught with grief and guilt. Her agony made me promise to include in this newsletter a warning to us all about making our homes safer for our pets! Window blind cords can kill even children, and we all generally ignore this danger. Do something now to keep this from happening in your home! There are devices available free from the National Window Council at their website www.windowsafety.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-777-7777. You can also buy window cleets at most hardware stores to hold the ends of blinds and prevent accidental strangulation.

It is a good time to mention that choke chains and collars should NEVER be left on an unattended dog. These are training devices only and the potential for strangulation is high. It only takes a second for the end of that collar to get caught on something and it only takes a few minutes to suffocate. Please take this warning seriously…it has happened to dogs before!    

Another potential danger we don’t always think about is the coverings that are put on pools through the winter. Any dog that tries to walk on the covering or swim in the pool can easily get trapped under the cover and drown. It has happened to beloved pets more than once in my career. You should absolutely try to prevent access to the pool area when the cover is on! Don’t let this happen to your pet, your neighbors pet or a child!

Remember this time of year of the dangers of tinsel and ribbons as well. It is not worth a traumatic and potentially life-threatening surgery to use these items as decoration. There are many other safe, festive choices for decorating trees and presents.

TIPS FOR A POISON SAFE HOUSE

          By: Cornell Feline Health Center

1. Know which plants are poisonous. The ingestion of some plant material by a pet could be fatal.
2. Never allow your pet access to cleaning agents. Some have ingredients that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, while other have a corrosive action and can chemically burn the sensitive mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
3. When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place in areas that are inaccessible to your pet.
4. Never give any medication unless under the direction of a veterinarian. Many that are used safely in humans can be deadly to dogs and cats.
5. Never leave chocolate unattended. One half ounce of baking chocolate per pound body weight or less can be very toxic.
6. Many common household items can be lethal: antifreeze (ethylene glycol), pennies (zinc), mothballs (naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents, batteries (acid or alkali), homemade play dough (salt), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
7. It’s best to keep your kitty inside and your dog in a fenced yard at all times.
8. Before using flea products on your pet or in your household, talk to your veterinarian about what types she/he recommends. Always follow label instructions. Anything labeled “for use in dogs only” should NEVER be applied to cats. When using a fogger or house spray, remove all pets from the area for the period specified on the container.

Doggie Delights

No doggie diners or pooch bakeries near you? Never mind! You can still pamper your pet with a batch of your own doggie delights.

You’ll need:

• 2 Cups whole wheat flour
• ½ Cup uncooked oatmeal
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ Cup applesauce
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• ½ Cup water
• Carob chips (optional: available at most health food stores)
• Cookie cutters (optional: dog theme ones available at some craft stores)
• Rolling pin
• Cookie sheet

How to make them:

1. Combine the flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
2. Stir in the applesauce, honey and water. Then knead until well mixed.
3. Form dough into a soft ball. Spread it out with a rolling pin until the dough is about ¼ inch thick. (If it is too sticky, you can add more flour).
4. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. Or you can just gently tear the dough apart and form it into small bone0shaped pieces. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 325º for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cookies cool completely.
5. If you want, you can melt some carob chips. Then use a toothpick or spoon to decorate the cookies.

Caution: Never feed chocolate to dogs. It can make them very sick. Carob is safe for dogs to eat and most dogs love the taste.

HOSPITAL HAPPENINGS

NEW DOCTOR ON STAFF!

Caran Stouffer, DVM, is a 1989 graduate of Tuskegee University of Veterinary Medicine. She is an Arkansas native that earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She practiced small animal medicine and gained experience in Virginia and California before returning to Arkansas to live and work. She is a skilled diagnostician and considers client education and communication essential to the total care of each of her patients. She is thrilled to be back close to her family including her daughter who lives in Kansas City. She shares her heart and home with her mom, brother and wonderful Golden Retriever Murfee. We are delighted to have Dr. Stouffer join our team!

CAREER DAY FOR THE JUNIOR HIGHS!

Once again New Hope Animal Hospital hosted 8^th grade students from the career orientation program at Elmwood and Oakdale Junior High School. On November 14^th seven Oakdale students who were interested in veterinary medicine as a career visited our hospital from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. They were able to observe surgery treatment and appointments at a progressive well-equipped veterinary hospital. On the 19^th of November seven Elmwood students were hosted as part of this hands-on experience for the students. Our hospital fully supports the education of our children in the humane and responsible treatment of animals.  

SCOUT TOURS ALWAYS FUN!

This quarter we also gave a tour to Girl Scout Troup #17 of Rogers.  About ten girls, their leaders and parents were given a thorough after-hour look at our hospital. We looked at X-rays of broken bones, learned how surgery instruments are sterilized, and saw worm eggs under the microscope. Then to the fun part…the animals. Medical conditions were briefly explained and boarders were given extra attention! Of course everyone wanted to take a stray home, but no one could! We encourage tours by boy or girl scout troops or anyone interested in our facility. Just call ahead so we can set up a time!

PARASITE ALERT

Remember fleas and ticks are a year round problem in our area and prevention should continue throughout the year on your pet.

Heartworm preventative should also be continued year round. These preventatives also protect your dog and cat against other year round parasites such as hookworms and roundworms.