On January 15th and 16th the Humane Society for Companion Animals is hosting its annual Fur Bowl Cosmic Bowl-a-thon.  This tournament consists of 2 games of bowling, shoe rental, buffet lunch, and fun door prizes! 

Carver Lake Veterinary Center is sponsoring a team and we hope to raise a great donation to help the shelters care for homeless animals.  If you are interested in pledging money to Carver Lake's team please put it in the mail or drop it off by January 10th.  All proceeds go to the Humane Society for Companion Animals.  Make checks out to HSCA. 

If you have questions about the event please call 651-730-6008, ext.19.  This is a great way to help homeless animals get the care they deserve.  We hope to see you there!

YOUR PETS' WEIGHT LOSS RESOLUTION

Did you know that the majority of pets today are overweight? And that an overweight pet is at risk for early arthritis, respiratory problems, diabetes, and more?

Well, not to worry, if your pet is carrying some extra weight there are ways you can help them slim down and live longer, healthier lives. Start by bringing your pet in to have it weighed and assessed by a doctor. Monitor their weight loss progress by stopping in for monthly weigh-ins. This is not something your pet can do alone. Here are some ways to help your pet stay fit and active.

• Exercise your pet every day
• Limit treats and table scraps given
• Give them low calorie treats such as ice cubes and carrots
• Check with your vet about supplements or medications to help with pain or stiffness that make exercising hard
• Teach them a new trick to keep their mind and body active
• Keep their nails short so walking and running are more comfortable
• Check with your vet about the kind and amount of food you are feeding

Your pets depend on you to keep them healthy. If you follow the advice above your pets will feel better and you will enjoy the company of happy, healthy companions.

Along with the holidays in the Midwest comes winter and dropping temperatures. There are a number of things you can do to keep your pets safe and warm during the cold season.

• Start by making sure your pets are groomed and dressed for the season. A matted coat is not only uncomfortable for an animal, but it also loses its insulating ability.

• Keeping your pets' feet trimmed between the pads and toes will help keep snow from collecting there.

• Smaller dogs and those with light coats may benefit from fleece coats or booties to help them keep the chill out.

• Dogs and cats are not immune to hypothermia (low body temperature) or frostbite and should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time, especially when the temperature drops below freezing.
  
  Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, and shallow breathing. Frostbite is more common on paws, ears, tails, and genitals. The affected area will appear pale and cool at first and then red, swollen, and painful as thawing begins.
  
  Young animals and those with underlying diseases are most at risk. Hypothermia and frostbite require immediate attention by a veterinarian.

KITTEN FINDS NEW HOME FOR THE NEW YEAR

Just before Thanksgiving we got a phone call that a cat had been hit by a car on Lake Road and was still moving.  We quickly sent a rescue group out to see what we could do.  When the group returned they brought with them a small, injured, black and white kitten.  After some medical attention and lots of love this small kitten was healed and winning the hearts of all of us.  She was named Pylon by one of the staff members who had found her.  

Pylon lived here for almost a month and a half hoping for someone to take her home.  We spayed her and socialized her and still she had not found a home.  On New Years Eve, Practice Manager Julie finally gave in to her heart and took her home for the weekend.  One hour later Pylon became Lita and had found a place in Julie's heart and home.