Obesity is one of the most common chronic health conditions that veterinarians identify in American pets. Chronic excess weight is linked to a number of serious and costly health problems in pets. These problems are uncomfortable for the pet, can be expensive for the owner to manage, and can significantly decrease a pet’s longevity and wellness. In fact, studies have shown that being chronically overweight can decrease a pet’s lifespan by up to 20%!
Excess fat not only puts additional strain on the supportive structures of the body (bone, cartilage, and soft tissues), but it actually leads to systemic chronic inflammation. Fat is an active, dynamic tissue which secretes proteins and hormones into the body known as adipokines. These adipokines regulate energy homeostasis, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, as well as immune and cardiovascular functions. In cases of excess weight and/or obesity, adipokines begin to have detrimental effects which lead to chronic body-wide inflammation. This inflammatory state can cause or exacerbate many wellness and longevity impacting conditions in the body:
Joint Problems and Arthritis
Exercise Intolerance
Breathing Difficulties
Diabetes
Cardiovascular Conditions and Heart Disease
Immune System Problems and Endocrine Disorders
Dermatitis/Allergies
Cancers
Determining if your Pet is Overweight
How do you know if your pet is “overweight”? Experts believe that a pet is overweight to obese if they weigh 10%-20% more than their “ideal” weight. It is important to note, that this could be a matter of a couple pounds if your pet is small (1-2 pounds for a 10 pound dog or cat) and only five pounds in a 50lb dog!
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo 1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-736-3636 www.sanelijovet.com
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, a time to highlight the importance of good oral health in our canine and feline companions.
Periodontal disease is the number one health problem in pets in the United States. By the age of two, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show some signs of this disease. Despite its prevalence, this preventable condition is largely under recognized by pet owners, so treatment often does not begin until the disease is significantly advanced and may have caused permanent damage.
Untreated, periodontal disease can have body-wide effects in both humans and pets. Local disease effects include inflamed gums, bad breath, acute and chronic oral pain, tooth root infections, jaw bone infections, pathological jaw fractures, and an increased incidence of oral cancers. However, dental disease is also known to produce body-wide effects because it puts sufferers in a chronic state of infection. These systemic effects include kidney, liver, heart, and lung disease, and even diabetes mellitus. It is well-documented that the effects of periodontal disease go far beyond “bad breath”; it can affect your pet’s comfort, well-being, and even shorten their lifespan.
Periodontal disease is generally described in two stages. The early, easily reversible stage called gingivitis and the later stage of the disease process known as periodontitis. The disease process starts with plaque, a biofilm made almost entirely of bacteria which collects on teeth. Plaque is soft and to a certain extent can be removed with regular (once or twice a day) brushing. When plaque remains on the teeth it collects and calcifies, becoming a hard yellowish substance called calculus (or tartar). It is calculus that is at the heart of significant periodontal disease. It cannot be brushed off and requires professional intervention to remove.
Plaque and calculus are laden with bacteria, up to 100,000,000,000 bacteria per gram! It is this bacteria which leads to the progression of periodontal disease. The most dangerous effects of this disease are largely not visible on the surface of the tooth. The bacteria present in plaque and tartar quickly begin to creep below the gumline into an area known as the subgingival sulcus. As the resulting infection progresses, the process begins to eat away at the connection between the tooth and the gingiva (gums), and even into the bone that holds the tooth root (which makes up ½ to 2/3 of an adult tooth) in place. This process starts as infected gums, but eventually leads sub gingival infection, loose teeth, tooth root infection, bone loss, pain, and systemic (body wide) infection.
Since most of this disease process takes place below the gumline, simply chipping away visible tartar or “anesthesia free” dental cleanings are largely ineffective. Properly preventing or treating periodontal disease starts with a thorough veterinary dental cleaning and oral health assessment under anesthesia. This cleaning should include full-mouth X-rays (to diagnose signs of sub-gingival infection/damage), veterinary oral examination, sub-gingival pocket assessment, hand scaling above and below the gumline, ultrasonic scaling, thorough polishing, and fluoride treatment.
Once the teeth have been properly cleaned, a comprehensive home care program can begin. This program ideally includes, daily tooth brushing and may also include dental chews, water/food additives, or even dental health diets.
While the effects of periodontal disease can be significant, the good news is that it is largely preventable with a good home-care program and regular veterinary care. As with most disease processes, the earlier you address this condition the better. Early diagnosis and treatment will result in much less oral disease and a much happier, healthier pet!
If you have any questions about Periodontal Disease or other pet health questions, please contact our hospital at (760) 736-3636.
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-736-3636 www.sanelijovet.com
Experts recommend that all adult pets see a veterinarian once a year for a wellness visit. These exams allow the veterinary team to screen for medical, husbandry, and behavioral concerns on a regular basis. This gives owners tools to help their pet live as long and as happy a life as possible, while potentially identifying early signs of illness and disease allowing for early intervention. Unfortunately, studies have shown that many cats are not getting these visits on a regular basis. This is not because cat owners do not love their feline family members, but because they are concerned about the emotional well-being of their pets.
Many feline owners report that their cats feel an extreme level of stress when going to the vet, which may manifest as hiding, cowering, howling, and even aggression. As a result, many cat owners avoid veterinary visits, sometimes until their pet is very sick.
There are, however, ways to make a cat’s veterinary visit a much lower-stress experience. Working in concert with your pet’s veterinarian and staff, techniques can be employed to lower your cat’s anxiety level before, during, and after the veterinary visit. These calming techniques begin at home, days before your scheduled appointment.
Start with the Carrier: The choice of carrier/crate is extremely important. You may choose a hard or soft carrier depending on your and your cat’s preference, but whichever you choose, it should have a few traits:
It should be big enough for your cat to lie down in while still being light enough for you to carry from the bottom
The carrier should have at least two openings – one at the front and one on the top
It should be easy to take apart so that the cat doesn’t have to be dragged out of the carrier for the exam
It should be sturdy, secure, and quiet
Most cats flee at the sight of the carrier because they only see it when they are being taken to the vet. This does not need to be the case. You can train your cat to love its carrier! First off, do not “hide” the carrier; this will only signal your cat to flee and become stressed when you remove the crate from its hiding place. Leave the carrier out at all times and fill it with soft bedding. Place it in an area that the cat likes to rest and leave the door open, encouraging your cat to use it as a sanctuary. Many cats prefer elevated surfaces, so place the carrier on a secure table or shelf off of the floor. Play with your cat near the carrier, so it becomes part of an enjoyable environment. You may also place favorite toys, treats, or feline calming pheromone spray (“Feliway”) to encourage your cat to go into its carrier. If your cat is reluctant at first, take the top off or the carrier leaving only the bottom tray and the soft bedding. Once your cat starts to use the carrier for sleep, you can put the top back on and continue to encourage your cat to use the carrier as a safe space.
Calmer Transportation:
When it comes time to take your cat to the vet, give yourself time to make it a calmer experience. Don’t rush to shove your cat into the carrier and go. Take the time to lure your cat into the carrier with treats or toys. Place familiar smelling objects in the crate before transport.
Once your cat is in the carrier, cover the carrier with a familiar smelling towel and/or one infused with calming pheromone spray. When moving the crate, carry it from the bottom, at chest height, to prevent too much movement/swinging.
In the car, place the carrier somewhere with lower visual stimuli and little motion. The ideal place is on the floor behind the passenger seat. Keep the towel over the carrier on three sides so the cat has the option to look out of the carrier or hunker in a darker space. Play quiet, calming music while driving as cats may become stimulated by loud noises, and drive calmly trying to avoid sudden starts and stops.
At the Vet*:
Working with the veterinary team, you can make your cat’s time at the veterinary clinic a calmer experience. Leave your cat in the safe space in the car for as long as possible. This may mean calling the reception for check in or walking to the reception desk to check in while leaving your cat in the car, weather permitting. Once in the hospital, keep your cat’s carrier on an elevated surface facing away from the open space of the waiting room where other animals may over-stimulate your pet.
Once in the exam room, remain quiet and calm. Open your cat’s carrier, but do not force them to exit. Offer tasty treats and play with toys if your cat is interested.
*If your veterinarian is currently offering curbside service, leave your cat comfortably in their secure spot in the car until the veterinary staff member comes to get them for the exam.
The Return Home
Remember that your cat may still be in a heightened state of arousal when they come home. This may interfere with their interactions with other pets in the household. When you come home, take the carrier to a quiet, safe space and allow your pet to leave the carrier on its own. Watch for signs of stress or aggression between pets due to behavioral changes or foreign smells on your cat. Distract other pets with treats or play while your cat acclimates to being back home.
Other Tips and Tricks
Bring your cat’s favorite high-value treats along to the veterinary visit. Encourage staff members to feed your cat if your pet is willing to eat
Feed your cat less that morning so they arrive to the appointment hungry and willing to take treats
Purchase calming pheromone spray (“Feliway”) and spray covers, blankets, your car, and yourself 15 minutes before leaving for the vet
For very stressed cats, anti-anxiety medication can make veterinary trips a much calmer experience. Appropriate use of these medications can help your pet immensely, resulting in less fearful visits which will ultimately benefit your pet’s health by decreasing stress and allowing for more comprehensive examinations. Talk to your veterinarian about options for your specific pet.
If your cat has significant fear issues when going to the vet, discuss these concerns with your veterinarian so that their team can devise a plan to make the visit as low-stress as possible. This will help your pet get the wellness care it needs to help it live as long and happy a life as possible.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our hospital at (760) 736-3636.
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-736-3636 www.sanelijovet.com
With their cute round faces, big eyes, and fun personalities, short-snouted breeds such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers have become increasingly popular in recent years.These dogs, along with other flat faced breeds such as Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Japanese Chins are known as Brachycephalic dog breeds.This term refers to the shape of these dogs’ muzzles, which are significantly more compact than other dog breeds.
While charming and adorable, flat-snouted dogs carry with them a special set of dangers vs their longer-nosed cousins.Their flat faces mean significantly shortened facial bones and a shortening of the overlying soft tissue.These structural differences mean both their soft palate (the soft tissue in the back of animals’ throats) and their nasal passage are more compacted, often resulting in a partially blocked airway. This particular set of structural abnormalities is known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.The end result is a relatively obstructed airway which affects the dog’s ability to respirate.
In addition to needing efficient breathing to provide oxygen to the body, dogs rely heavily on their respiratory tract to dissipate heat.Breathing, in the form of panting, is the primary way in which dogs cool their bodies down.This means that efficient breathing is essential for thermoregulation.For Brachycephalic breeds, this vital function is restricted, often severely, which put these dogs in jeopardy during hot weather or extreme exercise.
It is important that owners of Brachycephalic breeds understand the restrictions of their dogs’ anatomies.For starters, these dogs should NOT be asked to participate in activities that require higher respiratory and cardiovascular output. This includes activities such as hiking, running, and jogging, especially during warmer weather.While all dogs need exercise, flat nose breeds benefit from regular exercise that is slow and steady vs fast and/or intense.
In addition, it is important to note that these breeds are especially susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.The best way to deal with this problem is to prevent it and to know the signs of danger.
All dog owners should know the signs of heat-related injury and owners of Brachycephalic breeds should know these can occur much more quickly in their dogs vs. their longer snouted cousins:
Signs of Danger include:
A noticeable rise in breathing volume or a “gurgling” sound when they breathe
Excessive panting and/or panting that appears labored
Bright red gums
Excessive drooling
Glazed eyes
Difficulty walking/walking very slowly
Vomiting and/or bloody diarrhea
Lack of coordination or staggering
Seizures
Unconsciousness
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are life threatening and should be considered a veterinary emergency.
The best way to “treat” heat related injuries are to simply prevent them.The following advise will help prevent heat stroke in your dog:
Be aware of the forecasted temperature and keep your pet out of the heat; for some sun-loving dogs, this may mean locking them indoors during the heat of the day
Limit outdoor exposure during the hottest months of the year
ALWAYS have cool water available.
Walk dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds, on a harness.This will prevent blockage of the airway which is essential for efficient respiration and efficient body cooling
Offer a cooling pad or cool areas for your pet to lie down if they need to cool off
DO NOT exercise your dog or allow them to play outdoors when it is warm outside.Remember that flat-nosed breeds have a lower heat tolerance, so they should be exercised only when it is cool outside.
In addition, studies have shown that brachycephalic dogs who are physically fit are better able to respirate and are better able to manage their body temperatures.This means that healthy weight and exercise are important to preventing heat related injuries.Heed the following advise regarding conditioning your Brachycephalic dog:
In general, squatty flat-nosed dog breeds are not designed for strenuous exercise.Avoid running/jogging, hiking, and similar exercise requiring significant respiratory output
Healthy weight is essential to the wellbeing of all dogs.Your dog, regardless of breed, should have a visible waist and a “tummy tuck” behind their chest when viewing from the side.In addition, your dog’s ribs should be easy to feel when lighting running your fingers down their sides.You should not feel a layer of fat over your pet’s ribcage
Keep your pet physically fit.While it is inadvisable to require strenuous exercise (such as jogging, running, and steep hiking) of a dog with a significantly flattened snout, exercise is still important.Your pet should have mild to moderate exercise daily, ideally twice daily
If you are just starting an exercise program, do so slowly and allow your dog to buildup endurance over time
Always exercise your brachycephalic breed dog a harness.This allows them to keep their already restricted airway as open as possible
When exercising (regardless of ambient temperature) always pay attention to your dog’s breathing.If it becomes louder or seems strained or labored, stop the exercise and allow your dog to rest/cool down. Head home once they are cooled off
Take water with you during exercise with your dog.This will allow you to help them cool down
In general, it is important to remember that brachycephalic breeds often have significantly compromised respiratory tracts.This affects their ability to exercise, handle extreme stress, and to cool their bodies.Neglecting these considerations can put your dog in a life-threatening situation.
If you have any concerns about heat-related injury in your pet or any other concerns about your pet’s wellbeing, contact your veterinarian immediately for expert advise and treatment.
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-736-3636 www.sanelijovet.com
This time of year, many dog owners are hitting trails to enjoy the beautiful weather with their canine friends.Unfortunately, a fun day on the trail can turn into a painful experience for your pooch from a seemingly innocent source.
Foxtails are a frequent sight on trails, open spaces and yards in Southern California.These invasive weeds are named for their clusters of spiked seed pods which resemble the tail of a fox.Foxtails usually appear in our landscape in early spring.Like the rest of San Diego county, they start out soft and green but by then end of the season they have dried to a brittle brown.
The dried, spiked clusters of the foxtail eventually break down into individual spikelets.The pods are spiked and barbed, qualities that help them penetrate the tough San Diego ground.Unfortunately, these qualities also allow them to wreak havoc on your pets.
Foxtails are a common emergency in veterinary medicine this time of year.When a dog comes in contact with a foxtail, the barbs along the spikelet attach to the fur.These barbs allow the foxail to move only one way: forward, while the sharp tip on the spikelet allows it to pierce skin or penetrate dense fur.
Foxtails will attach to almost any part of the dog that brushes against them.Common sites of infestation are ears, eyes, nose, and between the toes.They can also burrow beneath the skin along the body on thick coated dogs.Occasionally veterinarians even see foxtails buried in tonsils or under the gums of dogs who enjoy chewing on these plants.
Once embedded, these seeds rarely work their way out.Their burrowing properties wreak havoc on infected pets and continue causing painful damage until they are removed. Veterinary intervention is usually required to treat foxtail infestation.Sedation or surgery may be necessary, along with treatments to help with pain and infection resulting from “foreign body” invasion.
Signs of foxtails include:
A painful, infected ear
Head tilting or shaking
Acute, severe sneezing
Nasal discharge or bleeding
Squinting, painful eye
Red, painful bumps between toes or under the skin
There are some simple steps that owners can take to help their dog avoid a painful foxtail experience.The simplest prevention is to avoid them altogether.We find foxtails along trails, in open spaces, and in unlandscaped areas.They are common in late spring through summer and can be identified by their bushy clusters of spikes resembling the tail of a fox. Foxtails can even be found in our yards, so carefully inspect unlandscaped areas for these invaders.
Even if you practice diligent avoidance, carefully check your pet after walks or hikes.Common sites of infestation are between the toes, the legs, the underbelly, the eyes, and the nose.With long coated dogs, it is a good practice to brush them out after hikes, as well.Keeping your pet’s feet trimmed short can help prevent these dangerous hitchhikers; some owners even purchase hiking boots for their dogs to protect their feet on trail.
Dogs are not the only ones affected by foxtails.Occasionally we see outdoor cats who have picked one up.We most commonly see foxtails invade cats’ eyes, under their third eyelid.Symptoms include painful swelling, redness, and discharge out of one eye.
Foxtails are not only painful but can be very damaging to your pet.If you think your pet may be infected, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent further pain and injury.
-Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-736-3636 www.sanelijovet.com
Stay at Home orders and the recent COVID pandemic have been a source of stress to many members of our community.Our animal companions have provided comfort and relief from some of the stress we all are feeling; however, some pet owners are reporting concerning changes in their pets at this time.
While it might seem that owners being home all day would be a dream for pets, we need to remember that their world has suddenly been turned upside down, resulting in significant stress.
Dogs, as a rule, tend to turn to their owners in times of stress and discomfort.This is often expressed in things we consider “nuisance” behaviors.Dogs may appear more needy by constantly following, nosing, and otherwise “pestering” their owners for attention.In addition, dogs may act out by being more destructive, barking more, or even hiding in the house.
Cats, on the other hand, often become anti-social during times of stress.Feline family members may look for places to hide in the house and may disappear for hours at a time.Additionally, cats may display destructive behaviors such as increased scratching and inappropriate urination behaviors.
While we can’t change the Stay at Home orders, we can do a lot to help our pets’ stress levels.Patience, consistency, and creativity are key.
Be patient with your pets during this time and give them time to adjust to their “new normal.” Lashing out in frustration will only increase their stress.
Be consistent day to day.Create a routine that your pet can depend on.This does not mean that you can’t mix in fun surprises like hikes, walking adventures, and impromptu play sessions, but keep daily necessities like meal times and walks on a predictable routine.
Give your pets space: Make areas in the house where your pet can have “alone time,” and allow them to choose to be there.Make sure these areas are safe, comfortable, and kid-free.
Create entertainment time: Make time to entertain your pet.Exercise and mental stimulation are not only great stress relievers, but they increase the bond between owners and their pet.There are many easy and inexpensive ways to exercise your pet’s body and mind.Here are a few ideas:
Dogs:
Most dogs love physical exercise of one type or the other.Ideas include playing ball in the backyard, simple neighborhood walks, or hikes on our beautiful local trails.When exercising your dog, always take into account their level of conditioning and physical abilities.Also consider current regulations regarding open trails, protective gear, and physical distancing.
Brain games can be as exhausting and stimulating as exercise for many dogs.Try hiding toys and treats around the house for a game of “find it!” Mix up their meal time with maze/puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and food stuffed Kong toys.Finally, teach your dog some new tricks.Pups both old and young love to learn!
Cats:
Cats benefit from physical and mental stimulation as well.Keep some of those shipping boxes and make a “box fort” for your feline.Few cats can resist the allure of a brand new box or bag!Cats can also benefit from puzzle toys or maze feeders to make their meal time more interesting.Look for puzzle feeders specially designed for cats (and make sure to keep the boxes for additional kitty play). You may also give your cat a new perspective by installing a new cat tree, wall shelves, hammocks, or window shelves for your cat to explore.
Finally, if your pet seems so distressed that it is manifesting physical symptoms.Contact your veterinarian.Psychological stress can be as hard on pets as it is on people, and there are medical options that can give your furry friend relief!
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-736-3636 www.sanelijovet.com
Over the last five years, Advanced Veterinary Care has proudly served San Elijo, providing high quality, compassionate veterinary care to the pets of this wonderful community.To commemorate our five-year anniversary, we are opening our doors to the community we gratefully serve.
We would like to invite you to join us for our upcoming Open House.
Join us in celebrating this milestone with music, food, refreshments, and great company. Tour the hospital, meet our doctors and staff, and have a great time while learning what sets Advanced Veterinary Care apart.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Halloween can be a wonderful holiday for children and adults alike. Many people love to enjoy this festive season with the entire family, including their pets.
To make sure your pet stays safe and enjoys this holiday, we offer the following advice:
Keep Those Halloween Treats Far Out of Pets’ Reach: Halloween candies are the source of several dangers to our animal family members. Most owners are aware that chocolate is toxic to their pets. Chocolate contains caffeine as well as a toxin called Theobromine that in high enough doses can be very toxic to our animal companions. Toxicity is based on the amount of cocoa ingested (dark chocolate contains more) vs. the weight of the pet.
“Healthier” Halloween treats may contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol which is extremely toxic to dogs. Ingestion is a veterinary emergency and can even be fatal to our canine friends.
Overindulgence in candy (or other holiday treats), even those that don’t contain chocolate or xylitol can cause gastric upset or even a dangerous condition called pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). These can be serious enough to warrant a trip to the veterinary clinic or even a hospital stay!
Finally, candy wrappers also pose a risk to indulgent pets. Most pets don’t bother to unwrap the candy that they sneak off with. Ingested wrappers can be very irritating to the intestinal tract and in some cases could even result in an intestinal blockage. Note that even empty candy wrappers are attractive to our pets as they still smell like the treats they once contained.
Beware of Raisins and Grapes: While raisins make for a sweet, healthy alternative to Halloween candies, they can be very dangerous to our pets. Grapes and raisins are poisonous to many dogs (and potentially cats). Toxicity can be severe enough to cause kidney damage or even death in some cases. Experts are still not sure how much grape material is required for toxicity or why some pets react more profoundly than others, so all grape/raisin ingestion is considered a veterinary emergency.
Watch Out for Halloween Plants: Pumpkins, gourds, and corn are traditional Halloween foods and decorations. While eating properly prepared pumpkins, squash and corn is relatively harmless for our pets, in some situations they can be dangerous. Corn cobs are very attractive to dogs. If ingested, cobs very may get stuck in the pet’s intestinal tract and require surgery to remove. Similarly, decorative gourds/squash can be chewed up in large chunks that can get bound up in the intestines. Finally, festive carved Jack o’ Lanterns often start to mold before they are thrown out. If ingested these molds can make our pets ill. Some molds called mycotoxins can even cause neurologic problems in dogs and cats.
Keep Glow Sticks Away from Pets: Glow sticks and glow jewelry are fun and can help keep us safe during Halloween activities. While the glowing liquid inside is not toxic if chewed and ingested it can be very irritating to our pets’ mouths. Ingestion can lead to oral irritation, drooling, pawing at the mouth, and even vomiting. Additionally, ingested plastics can lead to gastric irritation or even intestinal blockage.
Be Careful with Halloween Decorations: Decorations are a traditional addition to Halloween festivities. They are fun for us but can be scary or even dangerous to our pets. Pets can be intimidated by decorations, especially those with eyes, faces, or moving parts. Be sure to introduce pets to decorations slowly using positive reinforcement. Many decorations also require electrical cords or batteries, both of which can be very dangerous if our pets chew on them!
Beware of Costumes: As adorable as our pets are when dressed up, not all pets enjoy wearing costumes. They can be irritating, scary, or even painful to our pets. Some pets may panic when placed in a costume, which can lead to injury. Humans in costume can be very scary to our pets, too. Make sure to introduce your pet slowly to costumed guests and read the pet’s body language. Better yet, find a safe space for your pet to stay if people come over in costume.
Keep Candles Out of Pets’ Reach: Candles are common in Halloween decorations. Remember that your pet does not recognize the danger that candles pose, and they may accidentally burn themselves or knock candles over.
Give Your Pet a Safe Space During Halloween Activities: Trick or Treating and Halloween Parties are fun for us but can be very scary to our pets. Make sure that your pets have safe space in the house away from trick or treaters at the front door, or party-goers in the house. It is also advisable to keep your pets indoors during activities to prevent panicking pets from escaping from the yard.
Make Sure Your Pets Have ID Tags and Microchips: Finally, make sure that your pet has an updated ID tag and (even better) a microchip with updated information. In the event that your pet does escape during holiday festivities, this will make it easy for them to get back home if found.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact us! We are happy to answer any questions you may have! 760-736-3636 or www.sanelijovet.com
Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110 San Marcos, CA 92078 760-736-3636 www.sanelijovet.com
