It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

February is Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month? Dental health is an essential part of your pet’s overall physical health, and a healthy mouth is often directly linked to physical health. Ketchikan Veterinary Clinic is proud to offer 20% off basic dental prices AND after your pet's dental appointment, you'll receive a FREE take home dental kit! Call us today at 907-225-6051 for more details!

Winter Pet Safety

If temperatures are dropping and snow is in the forecast in your neck of the woods, the ASPCA recommends the following tips to keep your animal companions safe and sound:

·                       Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Canines may lose their scent in winter weather, and can easily become lost. In fact, more dogs are reported lost during this time of the year than in any other season, so make sure yours always wears proper identification.

·                       Provide your companion animal with a warm place to sleep, far away from drafts and off the floor. Dog and cat beds with a warm blanket or pillow are especially cozy.

·                       Please keep cats inside! Felines who spend time outside can freeze, or become lost or injured. And some outdoor cats seek the warmth under the hoods of cars -- so if there are any such kitties in your neighborhood remember to bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds before starting your vehicle.

·                       Wipe off your dog's legs and belly when she comes in out of the elements. This will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that could hurt your dog should she ingest them when licking her paws.

·                       Puppies can't handle the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be more difficult to housebreak during the winter.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/winter-pet-safety-tips.html

Sidewalk Salt

Did you know that ice melt and sidewalk salt can be dangerous for our pets? It can be abrasive to their sensitive paws and can also be toxic to them if they lick it off! It’s important to always wash your pet’s feet with mild soap and warm water when they've been outside, and use pet-safe ice melt when possible.

Christmas Tinsel Safety

Did you know that tinsel could be deadly for pets? The colored foil that looks so pretty hanging up with our Christmas lights has sharp edges that could cut our pets internally if they swallow it. We recommend avoiding tinsel entirely for safer and healthier options!

Pet Treat Recipe: Pumpkin Ice Bites

Want your dog to have a delicious and safe holiday treat? Here's a simple recipe you can make at home:

Blend 1 cup of canned pumpkin with 1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt and freeze in an ice tray. Dogs can be given these one cube at a time (outside, because they can be a little messy for carpet!). 

This mixture can also be stuffed into a Kong or rubber stuffable toy and frozen. That will allow hours of dog entertainment!

National Cat Week: Protect Your Cat This Season

As the days start getting shorter and cooler, your outside cat, as well as other cats in the neighborhood, may be looking for warm places to spend the night. A common place for cats to go for warmth is under the hood of cars, because engines retain their warmth long after the car has been driven. If a car is started under these circumstances, great injury, or even death, can occur for the cat. Protect your outside cat, and your neighbors’ cats, by knocking on the hood every morning before you start your car.