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Owning a pet
is a large responsibility. Naturally, you want the best for your
pet. On this page, we have compiled valuable information to assist
you in owning and caring for your pet. With specific questions or
concerns, we invite you to
contact us.
COMMON HAZARDS TO YOUR PETS
HEALTH
Do not allow your pets to be near
alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages, candies including chocolates,
fatty foods, chicken or turkey bones, grapes or raisins, onions,
medications including over-the-counter human medications, or sugar and
salt.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS INJURED OR ILL
Be sure to have our telephone number, (540) 433-9174 posted in plain
view in the event of an emergency. Here are some emergency actions
that you can perform before help is available:
- Apply pressure to slow external bleeding with a
clean
bandage. If swelling occurs below the
bandage, loosen
or remove it.
- In the event of a fracture, move the animal as little
as
possible during transport while getting
your pet to our
clinic as soon as possible.
- In the event of shock, your pet will have pale gums,
show signs of weakness and heavy breathing.
Bring
your pet to our office as soon as possible.
- Heatstroke will show the same signs as shock.
Remember to never leave your pet in a
parked vehicle on.
warm days. Even with windows open,
the vehicle can
quickly become warm enough to cause
heatstroke in
your pet, causing brain damage or death.
- If you suspect your pet has become exposed to poison,
contact us immediately. Act as quickly as possible.
KIDS AND PETS
Six months to a year: Keep pet food and feeding areas away from
crawling and toddling children. A child of this age will grab at whatever
is in his or her path, so ears and tails are a target, and children have
to be carefully supervised around animals to avert any unexpected
reactions.
1-3 years: A time of exploration and for putting things in the mouth.
A dog or cat who is possessive about his or her toys and food can be
potentially dangerous to a child. The child is eye level with a medium to
large dog, and dogs can see that as a threat. This age group is especially
vulnerable to a biting dog.
4-6 years: By now, a child has mastered quite a lot of language and
can understand more about how to interact with another living being, but a
firm eye on the situation is still needed.
6-10 years: Your child can now help look after a pet - feeding,
cleaning up, walking, and playing with a cat or dog or any other animal in
the house.
Teens: Just a warning about this group. At some point in the teen
years, your child may develop other priorities in his or her life, such as
sports, band, boys, girls, existential philosophy, or shopping. Pet care
chores can suddenly and dramatically go onto the back burner. Parental
supervision is a must.
18-20 years: Many kids will be going away to college or joining the
military. You need to be ready for the likelihood that taking care of the
animals will revert back to the adults or other children in the family.
Partial Source:
Best Friends Animal
Society
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ONLINE
RESOURCES
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Purina Pet Food Pet Care Information
Healthypet.com
ASPCA Pet Care Information
PetEducation.com
Best Friends Animal
Society
Growing Up With Pets
A
parent's resource for raising happy kids with healthy pets.
Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
VPI Pet Insurance
Care Credit
Flexible
patient/client payment program
Hills Pet Nutrition
My Vet Online
Healthy Cats For
Life
Purina Brand
Veterinary Diets
Products
available at Ashby Animal Clinic
Pets Best
Insurance
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