Our Next Vet Clinic: November 5

Haunted photos from our Scary Tail Trick or Treat

This is our haunted photo set as part of our 2016 Scary Tail Trick or Treat.  Pets and their people had their pictures taken in this ghoulish setting.

Watch my blog to see all the scary pet pictures!

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Our Next Vet Clinic: October 29

Team members from Pet Supplies Plus were on WXYZ TV with the latest in pet costumes for this Halloween.

 

Rabbits need to chew to avoid dental problems

Pet rabbits are adorable, but need more care than many bunny owners might realize.

One thing that surprises many new bunny families is that rabbits have 28 teeth – including molars and incisors. Very few of these teeth are visible without a special instrument that your veterinarian* will use to check your rabbit’s teeth.

NOTE: Rabbits need veterinary care just like any pet. As prey animals, they mask their illness and often do not show signs or symptoms until it’s too late.  So at least annual preventive care is essential.

Your rabbit’s 28 teeth can grow tooth spurs and sharp edges that can prevent your rabbit from eating and cause extreme pain. So it’s important to help your rabbit keep his or her teeth properly worn down by providing things to chew on. Some options include:

• Special bunny size lava rock blocks
• Special wood blocks made just for bunnies (Get these at a pet supplies store. Do NOT use just any wood as some can contain toxic finishes that could be fatal to your rabbit.)
• Timothy hay which should be provided to your rabbit in unlimited quantities. (Watch for my upcoming blog: Rabbits need fiber from HAY for healthy digestion.)

*IMPORTANT NOTE:  Do NOT assume that the same veterinarian who you take other pets to will care for your rabbit.  Not all veterinarians see rabbits.  Therefore, it’s best to find a good vet for your bunny BEFORE you need one – and also to schedule annual wellness exams. 

AS ALWAYS, CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT YOUR PET’S OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLBEING.

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Get your pet’s picture taken at our Haunted Photo Set. If you dare.

Trick-or-treaters can have their picture taken at our haunted photo set  featuring Frankenstein and his ghouls.

Donate $5 to get a photo print and $10 for a digital photo flash drive with multiple photos.  All donations go to Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue.

See pictures from our Haunted Photo set 2015.

For more information, call the White Lake store at 248-889-4131 and Bloomfield Twp. store at 248-333-7545.

Photos courtesy of Pet Supplies Plus.

Our Next Vet Clinic: October 15, 2016

Dog-walking safety: stay in control, protect against other dogs, predators

All dog owners love the chance to let their dog have a good run and get some exercise.  But save any off-leash running for the dog park as letting your dog out of your control just anywhere could result in serious injury or worse.

When walking your dog in public, make sure you have complete control.  This means the leash – no more than SIX FEET in length – should be firmly in your hand.  Avoid using a retractable leash unless you are in a fenced-in yard or dog park.  Even though you may be comfortable with, and trust YOUR dog’s behavior, you cannot control OTHER dogs who can quickly approach and distract your dog.

If you have a SMALL dog (or any pet), say 15 pounds or less – be on the lookout for birds of prey, like hawks, that can quickly snatch small pets.  When hungry, hawks and other predator birds are not intimidated by humans and can act in the blink of an eye with heartbreaking consequences.  Also be on the lookout for coyotes and foxes that are becoming more prevalent in urban and suburban areas, especially during dusk and dawn hours.

Finally, avoid using your cell phone while walking your dog.   This includes talking, texting, tweeting and all cell phone activity.  It can and will distract you from all of the above.  It can also take your attention away from oncoming traffic.  Instead, enjoy this time with your pet.

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Scary Tails Trick-or-Treat puts a HOWL new spin on BEGGING for TREATS!

Bring your pets and kids in costume to my White Lake Pet Supplies Plus at 6845 Highland Rd. from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, October 29 at and to my Bloomfield Twp. Pet Supplies Plus store at 2057 S. Telegraph Rd from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 30 for our Scary Tails Trick-or-Treat.

We will have begging stations around the stores with species-appropriate treats and food samples for pets along with Halloween candy for kids.  Trick-or-treaters will get a free Pet Supplies Plus begging bag.  Participating brands include:  Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Fromm Family Foods, Merrick, Earthborn Holistic and Pro Pac Ultimates.

All kinds of pets are invited to Scary Tails Trick-or-Treat, but they must be kept from getting loose.  Large pets must be on a maximum six-foot leash;  smaller pets can be paraded in wagons, pet strollers and pet carriers, which can also be part of the pet’s costume.

There is no charge to participate!  For more information, call the White Lake store at 248-889-4131 and Bloomfield Twp. store at 248-333-7545.

Choosing safe Halloween costumes for your pet

In 2014, Americans spent an estimated $350 million on Halloween costumes for their pets.  (Source: National  Retail Federation)  That’s a lot of costumes.  But how do you know if you are choosing the RIGHT costume?

First of all, keep in mind that some pets are not comfortable in ANY type of costume.  Do not force your pet to wear a costume.  If he or she struggles and tries to get out, or looks stressed or unhappy, you are better off to look at some costume alternatives.  Be sure to follow my blog and watch for a future post on “Fun alternatives to Halloween pet costumes.”

If you think that your pet will tolerate a costume, then make sure that you do not choose one that may cause injury or discomfort.    For example:

• Avoid any type of face or ear covering like masks that may confuse or disorient your pet.
• Watch out for ties or decorations that hang down and could trip your pet — or get tangled in their legs..
• Choose a costume in which your pet can easily stand and move.
• Avoid costumes that have removable parts – that could fall off — or get chewed off — and potentially choke your pet. Or take off any removable pieces before you use the costume.
• Avoid costumes that are restrictive in any area of your pet’s body, especially the neck. Always check to make sure you have a loose, comfortable fit around the neck, tail and legs.
• Choose bright colors so that people can easily see your pet – especially if you are going to be in a crowded or dimly lit place.

See more tips on having a safe Halloween with your pet at http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/halloween-safety.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/