FUR COAT OR NO FUR COAT –WINTER’S CHILL CAN AFFECT YOUR PET

2010-01-21T21:38:00.000-05:00

Winter has descended, with plummeting temperatures and chill winds that will require special attention to your pet’s well-being. Dogs and cats are subject to many of the same effects that humans feel during winter, including frostbite and dry, itchy skin. Consider the many simple steps you can take to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.

The basic rule is an easy one: If it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Bring them inside! If your pet must spend time outside, make sure it has a weatherproof, insulated house to shelter in. A good shelter will be elevated off the ground, just big enough for your pet to move around in, and well-equipped with warm bedding – straw is best - and a flap over the door. Place it is a sheltered spot with the door facing south, away from winter winds.

Inside or out, your pet needs a constant source of fresh water. Check the water dish frequently in freezing temperatures to make sure it hasn’t iced over, or use a heated dish that will keep water from freezing.

Cold weather places extra stress on older and very young animals. Ask your veterinarian for a check-up that can reveal underlying conditions that may prove problematic in cold weather. Cold can aggravate arthritis and other joint problems, possibly calling for changes in your pet’s pain or anti-inflammatory medications.

Your veterinarian can also recommend a good quality pet food that will nourish the skin and coat, preventing itching and flaking. (Creams and lotions are great for human skin, but not for your pet. They will just mat down the hair and rob it of its insulating value.) Avoid bathing, if possible, but if you must, use shampoos that will moisturize the skin.

Remember that animals are also subject to hypothermia and frostbite. These are potentially serious conditions that call for immediate attention by your veterinarian. If you suspect frostbite you can gently soak the area in warm – not hot – water, but do not rub! If your animal becomes weak and lethargic, suspect hypothermia and call your veterinarian immediately!

Here are some special hazards to keep in mind:
Cats love to crawl under the hood of your car to sleep against the warm engine. Be sure to check under the hood or give it a loud bang before starting your engine.

Even a drop or two of antifreeze is deadly to pets, and has a sweetness that makes it attractive. If there is even a chance that your pet has licked antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary care.

Use pet-safe ice melt. Salt can freeze to paws where your pet will lick it.

Winter can be a fun time for you and your pet. What dog doesn’t love a romp in the snow? Using some common sense and a little care will ensure that you both get the most out of winter fun while avoiding its hazards.

The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association"All Things Animal", Issue 3

Welcome

2010-01-16T22:31:00.000-05:00

Your pet deserves the best!

That's why at Plainfield Animal Hospital, we treat each pet as if it were our own.

Plainfield Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital. We have cared for dogs, cats, and exotic pets in the Plainfields and surrounding Central New Jersey communities since 1952. Your pet receives high-quality veterinary care and benefits from our use of advanced veterinary medical equipment, surgical techniques, and specialty pet dental care.

We exist to provide our clients with the highest quality veterinary medicine in a caring and professional environment. We emphasize service through a responsive, professional and communicative staff committed to providing quality care in an effective, courteous, expedient manner.

Our services include routine and advanced treatment for a wide variety of animals. Along with dogs and cats, we have extensive expertise in other species, especially birds, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles and small mammals.

Our entire staff will be sensitive to the needs of the client and will respond with the appropriate sense of urgency to fulfill each client's needs. Each employee understands and is proud of his/her role at Plainfield Animal Hospital and show through their daily interactions with clients that they care.

Our doctors continually stay abreast of current trends in veterinary medicine and are continually improving the quality of the practice by offering new medical services.

Plainfield Animal Hospital is proud to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). What does this mean for you and your pet? Simply put, AAHA-accreditation means your pet receives the absolute best in veterinary medical care. We not only meet the AAHA's rigorous standards for accreditation in areas such as customer service and medical care - we exceed them. Only a small percentage of veterinary hospitals in the country achieve this designation. AAHA-accreditation is another example of our commitment to your pet's health.