NOVEMBER 2007 ISSUE
It’s
hard to believe that Halloween is over and the holiday season is almost here. Before the season gets too hectic, we want to be sure to
thank you for sharing your pets with us this past year.
To
begin our season, drawing entries for our annual Pet Gift Basket are available
at all three locations.
With
Thanksgiving around the corner, we’d like to offer some tips on caring for your
pets before and after the guests arrive. Because it’s only natural to be
distracted and even swept away by the festivities and seeing friends and family
after many months, it may be best to prepare for your pets in advance.
v An
inflammation of the dog’s digestive gland, Pancreatitis, is very serious and
can lead to fatality. Contributing factors are rich and fatty foods like turkey
skin and gravy; many of the foods we hate to love. Onion consumption can lead
to ‘Heinz body anemia’ in both cats and dogs. The enzymes in some chocolates
can be fatal.
v Feed
pets before family and friends arrive for the festivities. Because people can’t
resist sharing, and probably don’t know that many foods are actually harmful,
be sure that your guests are asked not to feed your pets.
v Beware
of both cooked and raw bones. Any poultry or brittle bone is a no-no, as
well as pork bones, which, when digested, can ‘set’ like cement and cause
painful and dangerous blockages.
v You may want to
share Thanksgiving with your pet by mixing a bit of white turkey meat or broth
with her regular food.
v Invest
in some chew toys or ‘food occupation’ devices to distract your pet from
temptations (some found in our Gift Basket).
v If your pet is out
and about while you dine, be sure he can’t get into the kitchen where it’s all
too tempting to ‘counter surf’.
v Be sure that lids
to trash cans are securely attached.
v If your dog is
sociable, rather than isolating him in another room to protect him from spilled
or exposed food, consider putting up a baby or pet gate.
v If you don’t have a
fenced in yard, and guests arriving and exiting the house, be sure your pets
don’t take advantage and escape.
v Remember
too, if your pet is skittish or shy, he won’t understand the sudden onslaught
of both familiar and strange faces. If you think he’s overwhelmed, keep him in
a room where he can feel safe with his bed or crate.
Our staff is excited about the upcoming season and we look
forward to grooming your pets for the holidays. Because the rush can sometimes
be overwhelming for even veteran clinicians and staff, we ask for your patience
and request your assistance with the following:
v In order
to avoid a No-Show fee, remember to give us 24 hours notice if you need to
cancel.
v Please be sure to
heed nature’s call and walk your dog just prior to appointment time.
v Since
it’s unlikely that we’ll be done if you arrive early for pick up, please let us
know if you need a specific pick-up time and we will do our best to be done.
v With
this in mind, we understand time constraints, but please understand that if we
rush, our work on your pet won’t meet expectations, nor do we wish to stress
pets in a hurried environment.
v Please
be sure that your written instructions are included if someone other than you
is bringing your pet to an appointment.
v Throughout the
year, we try to be flexible with our hours; please understand that our own
family responsibilities make opening early or staying late impossible over the
holiday season.
And, for the sake of yourself,
family, friends, and pets, please remember to drive carefully.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Written by Rebecca Nilson-Owens
FEATHERLE PET
703-430-0414; featherlepetcaresterling@verizon.net
703-221-3647; canineclipperschool@verizon.net