Autumn Pet Dangers & Conditions

The leaves are beginning to turn colors, there’s a chill in the air — Fall is finally here! So turn up the heater, gather everyone around the fireplace, and enjoy the season. But please keep these autumn pet hazards in mind . . .

Fallen Fruit: Apples, apricots, plums and other fruits have pits or seeds that can cause intestinal irritation or blockage. If eaten, rotting fruit can also cause gastroenteritis.

Anti-freeze: Anti-freeze is often used in our vehicles. Please keep it out of your pet’s reach. Even a tablespoon of this green liquid can cause kidney failure. Its sweet taste can be awfully tempting to your furry companion. If your pet has ingested anti-freeze, please contact your veterinarian immediately for emergency treatment.

Rodenticides: Rat/Mouse poison can be poisonous to your cat or dog too! Rodenticides are very palatable and can be very appealing to the fuzzy critters we actually want in our homes. Please keep these poisons out of reach of your pets. If ingestion does occur, contact your veterinarian immediately. It’s also helpful to bring the poison package with you so the amount that was ingested and the ingredients of the poison can be determined.

Mouse Traps: Sticky mousetraps may seem harmless to your pets, but they can cause injury to paws, tails and those cute little faces.

Cold Weather: Dropping temperatures can be just as dangerous and soaring temps. Most pets are not suited for extended periods of cold weather. If you do leave your pet outdoors in the cold make sure they have shelter, insulation such as straw or blankets to trap body heat, and access to fresh water (check often to make sure it’s not frozen). Don’t use space heaters or electric blankets, they can be hazardous!

Arthritis: The colder weather is harder on our joints, and your pet’s joints too! With our warm summers and colder winters, arthritis can be more seasonal. If you notice your pet moving a little slower, limping, or whimpering when he moves, make an appointment with your veterinarian to help make him more comfortable.

Allergies: Blooming weeds and dust can cause your pet to excessively chew, bite and scratch. Watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, hives and rashes are also common symptoms of allergies. As we turn our heaters on, dust and dry air can also cause skin and upper respiratory irritation. Please consult a veterinarian if your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms.

 

— Janni Kimble, Riverwoods Pet Hospital

Ask Dr. Dobson: Cat Vaccinations

Hello!

I was just wondering what your prices are for cat vaccinations, we just got a kitten and are wanting to keep her healthy, but we are college students without much money.  Please let me know!

Thank you.

Hello

Congratulations on your new kitten!! New pets are new expenses and we are here to help.  An exam will be required for your kitten and depending on how old your kitten is, will depend on what vaccines need to be given.  The initial exam is $40.00.  Vaccines are priced as follows, scheduled accordingly.

6-8 weeks  FVRCP   $22.00

9-12 weeks FVRCP  $22.00
FELV     $22.00

12-15 weeks FVRCP $22.00
FELV:  $22.00
Rabies:  $16.50

To try to keep costs down for pet owners, we offer vaccine clinics on Wed. and Sat. that you can come to for booster vaccines after the first exam.  Please let us know if we can help you with any other information.

Thank you, and hope to see you soon at Riverwoods Pet Hospital.

Ask Dr. Dobson: Cat Euthanasia

I have a seven year old cat who keeps getting anal gland infections, I have been unemployed since January and I can’t afford the cost of surgery, or to get his glands expected and given antibiotic every couple of months.  I don’t think I can deal with the cat anymore and I am considering putting him to sleep.  I wanted to know how much you change for euthanasia and disposal.  Or if you know of anyone who could place a cat with a health problem.

Thanks.

Hello

It is recommend you bring your cat in for an exam.  At that time, our doctor will be able to determine if this is something he/she feels if euthanasia is the best option for your pet.   If we have not seen your pet, a physical exam must be performed before euthanasia is considered.  An exam is $40.00 and the cost of the disposal fee will vary.  We understand that cost is an issue for most families, however, we feel this is something you should discuss in person with our veterinarian.

Also, you may consider checking Best Friends Animal Shelter located in Kanab, Utah.  They are a no kill animal shelter and do their best to provide a safe comfortable environment until it is placed in a loving home where they will receive the best care possible.

Thank you
RiverWoods Pet Hospital

Ask Dr. Dobson: Dandruff in a Black Cat

I have a very healthy indoor black cat that has had dandruff all his life since we adopted him 2 years ago. He does not itch or scratch, grooms himself normally but it is getting embarrassing when guests ask what his problem is!

Hello

That is a great question! Things to be considered are the age of your cat, environment (indoor/outdoor), the diet being offered, and how often he is being brushed in assistance to his self-grooming.  Other things to question are the condition of his teeth and body weight, does he seem to have a hard time grooming himself?

There are several things that can cause a poor coat quality in your pet. We would recommend you schedule your cat in for an exam with our doctor because of the extended amount of time your cat has had dandruff.  There can be underlying disease processes in your cat that you may not be aware of without discussing this with a veterinarian.

Please call to schedule your appointment at (801)224-2233 at your convenience.

Thank you

RiverWoods Pet Hospital Staff

Ask Dr. Dobson: Sick Cat

My cat the other day, jumped into my lap, started twitching and puking up yellow bile, she seems ok now, but I was wondering if I should bring her in for a full blood work up just to be safe

Hello,

Your cat may have a small short-lived bug or may have eaten something that did not set well.  Blood work would be a great idea if you would like to know the function of your pets internal organs, hydration status and other things noted on a basic blood panel.

Even though your cat is acting okay now, she may still have underlying disease processes going on that would cause the vomiting and twitching. We would also recommend that your cat be brought in for a well check by our veterinarian so that she may discuss probable causes with you.

Call us at (801)224-2233 for an appointment at your convenience.

Thank you
RiverWoods Pet Hospital Staff

Ask Dr. Dobson: Matted Cat

I have a long haired cat and was unable to brush her regularly. Now her fur is severely matted. I was wondering if your staff can either cut the matted fur off or shave it and how much it would cost.

Hello

Long haired cats do require a lot grooming. If you are unable to brush your cat daily and your cat does become severely matted, We do have a groomer here at RiverWoods.  Some cats require sedation before grooming, due to the stress.  Because sedation may have to be used, we would certainly need to preform a physical exam on your pet before giving in medications.

Our groomer, Judy, has several years of experience with grooming and would be able groom your cat by full shave or lion cut if your cat is severely matted.

Please call to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

RiverWoods Pet Hospital Staff
801-224-2233

Ask Dr. Dobson: Cat with problems

I have an approximately six year old cat who has had no shots.  We found her by the river years ago.  She is currently not eating, drinking or urinating.  She has had no prior problems and we are worried about her and don’t know where to take her, if anywhere.  I am afraid of urgent care being terribly expensive.   I have very little experience in dealing with vets.

Linda

It sounds like you have a sick cat that needs to be seen by a veterinarian soon. There are several things that can cause anorexia, and without examining your pet, it is difficult to give you correct treatment options.  Please call to schedule an office visit at your convenience.  The exam fee is $38.00, at this time our doctor can you an estimate of tests and treatments that may be needed.

Sincerely
RiverWoods Staff
RiverWoods Pet Hospital
(801) 224-2233