ASPCA Winter Cat Care and Safety Tips

When the weather outside turns cold and snowy, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reminds you to think about your pet's safety and recommends the following winter care tips to protect your companion animal:

1. Keep your cats inside. Outdoor cats can freeze, or become lost or stolen, injured or killed.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under car hoods for warmth. Before starting your car, bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Antifreeze, even in tiny doses, is a lethal poison for cats. Unfortunately, its sweet taste attracts animals to it. Thoroughly clean up spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisoning, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4ANI-HELP) if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.

4. Never leave your pet alone in a car during the cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your companion animal could freeze to death.

5. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from drafts and off the floor. Consider a cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.


Published at CatChannel.

Obscure Dog Breed of the Month: Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a bichon-type dog related to the French Bichons and the Italian Bolognese.  This is the “Official Dog of Madagascar”, and has even been honored on a postage stamp in 1974.

Cotons, from the French word for cotton, have a very cottony or fluffy haircoat rather than silky.  They have a long topcoat which, when left long, resembles a bale of cotton.  Accepted colors for this breed are white, white & black, or tri-colored; however, the all white dogs are preferred by show breeders.

This breed is very friendly, gentle, affectionate and alert.  They are very sociable and get along great with children.  Since they are small, they make a great apartment dog for someone in that situation that wants a small, loyal friend.  They are also great watchdogs due to their attentiveness.  Their most endearing “trick” is their tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs. 

If you own a Coton de Tulear, please feel free to let us know about them or post pictures.  For more information about this cute breed, reach out to www.dogbreedinfo.com.

Trent: New Veterinary Assistant

We are proud to highlight Trent, Veterinary Assistant. Trent graduated from the University of Colorado, Denver with a BA in Fine Arts. He enjoys music, art and the outdoors. His cattle dog, Cash, is an avid Frisbee dog!

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Vectra3D

We are proud to offer VECTRA3D, a new flea & tick alternative that also repels or kills four other external parasites...and it's cheaper than Frontline Plus!!

Call us at 913-649-0440 or stop by our clinic for details.

De-Clawed Feline

How to Clean an Ear and Administer Medication

Obscure Breed of the Month-American Hairless Terrier

           This month’s Obscure Breed profile is on the American Hairless Terrier. This cute little terrier originated in the United States, hence the name.  It was bred to be a rodent hunter, just like its close cousin, the Rat Terrier. 

            While they are hairless, any skin color is considered acceptable.  An average adult size is 14-17 pounds, standing about 14-15 inches tall. They are considered intelligent, alert, lively, playful, feisty and inquisitive. They are highly trainable with a high activity level.  Owners of this breed had better be ready to PLAY, as this breed needs daily exercise and lots of it.  

            This pet is a great playmate for larger dogs, but be careful with pets the same size or smaller. Apparently they are “prey driven” and will chase and hunt smaller animals.

            If you are interested in more information about this playful breed, go to www.ahta.info.

Did You Know...

Did you know that Sir Isaac Newton, who first described the principle of gravity, also invented the swinging cat door for the convenience of his many cats? The story goes that Newton, working on laboratory light experiments, was repeatedly foiled by unwanted light from a cat pushing open a door. Not wanting to banish the cat, Newton c...ut a hole in the door, and attached a piece of felt to block out unwanted light. Since Newton and the cat were now happy, the world's first cat flap solved the light problem nicely. Do you have a Cat Flap in your home for your feline friend? If so, you have Sir Isaac Newton to thank!

 

Cat-Stravaganza

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month and Animal Haven kicked off the summer with a spectacular cat adoption promotion – our summer “Cat-Stravaganza.” Through Labor Day Weekend we are waiving ALL adoption fees on adult cats to approved adopters! 

Click here to learn more about “Cat-Stravaganza.”

Fleas & Ticks

Summers coming and you may not be the only one taking a vacation. Fleas and ticks are out and about looking for a summer cottage. Your dog’s skin is the hot spot for these pesky critters. Be sure to bring your dog in or pickup a flea and tick preventative before the season is in full swing.

 

Pets and Cookouts

Cookouts are in full swing! We want to remind you that barbeque and picnic foods should not be fed to pets.  Please bring plenty of food and treats for your pets so that they can join in on the fun and food.  

Obscure Cat Breed of the Month

CHARTREUX

Known for their hunting prowess, Chartreux cats may have been taken in by those monks long ago to rid the monastery of vermin. Today, however, Chartreux cats are popular because they make terrific companions. They are amiable, loyal, and vocally quiet, and when you sit down next to your Chartreux you invariably end up with a lap full of cat. 

Known as quiet, sweet cats, Chartreux cats also have a playful, comical side that they keep well into adulthood. They seem to have a well-developed sense of humor, and enjoy a good game of fetch or a playful romp with their friends and family. They are very intelligent cats; they quickly learn their names and will come when you call, if they're in the mood, of course. 

Although the Char-treux is sometimes unflatteringly called a 'potato on toothpicks' because of its stocky body and slender legs, the Chartreux is extremely agile. The body type is sometimes called primitive because it is neither cobby nor classic, but is instead husky and robust. 

The Chartreux is generally a healthy and hardy breed, but some lines are known to possess the recessive gene for medial patellar luxation. The condition is genetic in origin, but the exact mode of inheritance is not yet known.

Remember to make hotel reservations for your pet over Memorial Day!!

Remember to make hotel reservations for your pet over Memorial Day!! Pets do not always travel well, so a cozy stay at Cherokee’s boarding facility may be just the solution. We board our cats and dogs in separate facilities, which greatly reduces the stress of boarding. Please call our office at 913-649-0440 or click here below to find out what we have to offer your pet.

Obscure Dog Breed of the Month

              

  The Leonberger dog, also known as a “Leo”, is a multi-purpose working dog that originated in the 1800s in the city of Leonberg, Germany.  The breed founder, Heinrich Essig, claimed he developed the breed by crossing Newfoundland, Saint Bernards, and Great Pyrenees.  Although the breed’s original purpose was to work as a family, farm, and draft dog, today the Leo’s most important job is to be a loyal and steady companion.

                The Leonberger is large and muscular, but surprisingly agile and light on its feet, which makes it a great agility trial competitor.  Males are typically larger than females; most adult Leos weight 100 pounds or more. Although this breed is gentle and friendly, they are not for everyone.   Obedience training is a must due to their size and strength.  They are generally calm and easygoing, but must have daily exercise.   They can be easily trained for pet therapy due to their demeanor.

                Leos have medium-length to long water-resistant double coats, which enables in their role as water rescue dogs. Male Leos have a luxurious, lion-like mane.  Like many double coated breeds, Leos shed a fair amount and need daily brushing.

                Excellent family pets, Leos are friendly and playful with children who are taught to respect the dog. The typically get along well with other dogs, and some can even coexist with other household pets, such as cats, if introduced properly.

                The average life span for healthy Leos is 7-10 years, which is typical of many large breeds.  Like all breeds, the Leo is susceptible to certain hereditary diseases. 

                If you are interested in owning a Leonberger, it is highly recommended that you research the breed thoroughly AND speak to longtime Leo owners.  Do not rush into getting one of these dogs; they take an owner who is willing to put the time and effort into maintaining their energy level and care. However, the effort is well worth the love returned by this gentle giant.

Did you know that animals that are overweight live two years less than pets at an ideal weight?  Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic among our pets.  Diet and exercise are the two most important factors in preventing and treating obesity.  We can provide a customized feeding program for your pet and get them back in tip top shape!

Team Member of the Month

Jessica has been a Veterinary Assistant at Cherokee since 2007.  She will graduate this May with her degree in Veterinary Technology from Maple Woods.  Jessica enjoys being a part of the quality veterinary care offered at Cherokee. When not at work or school, she spends her time with her two dogs, Kirra, a golden retriever, and Lina, a yellow Labrador.

Allergies

Is your pet’s itching and scratching keeping you awake at night? Spring is the beginning of allergy season as the pollen and mold counts rise. Pets are not born with allergies, they develop with repeated exposure. Chewing, biting, scratching, sneezing, itchy ears and watery eyes may be indications that your pet may have developed some allergies. We have developed a comprehensive plan to address these issues and would be happy to help your pet so they can enjoy the spring season as well.

Happy Mother's Day!

We would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. You are appreciated and we are sure if your pets could, they would say the same thing! Have a great Mother's Day everyone!

 

Traveling for Memorial Day?

Making a decision about lodging for your pet can be difficult, and the staff at Cherokee Animal Clinic understands your concerns. Let our caring staff provide the comfort, nutrition, security, and fun for your pet…and provide you with peace of mind while you’re away. Be sure to book your pet's boarding reservation for the Memorial Day weekend soon, as spaces tend to fill up quickly.

Click here to learn more about our boarding services...