|
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 pet's 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. For dogs that won't tolerate booties, there is a product called Musher's Secret that can help their feet. It is a vaseline type substance that can be spread on the pads or their feet to create a protective barrier between their feet and the cold snow and ice. Carver Lake has a selection of all of there products.
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.
Just because the weather is cold doesn't mean all outdoor activity needs to end. Just keep in mind that if you are cold, so is your pet. By providing them with the appropriate grooming and clothing you can enjoy the outdoors with them all year long. |
Daycare, Daycare! Read all about it! |
|
 As soon as Kay Ortscheid opens the front doors to the clinic, Riley, her very happy Airdale, announces himself as if to say, "Hey everybody, I'm here for daycare. Time for a treat!" Brooke Borgeson has been bringing her American Eskimo, Gallea, for daycare since puppyhood. Now at the age of 9, Gallea is part of our family. Wolfgang and Schnapps, Miniature Dachshunds, are the best of friends. Wolfgang struts through the clinic as if owns the place while Schnapps hurries to do business outside, then right back in the clinic for a cookie and some snuggle time.
Here at Carver Lake Veterinary Center dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, and reptiles are welcome for daycare. Perhaps you just got a new puppy or kitten and you need help with supervising or potty training them while you are away from home. Maybe you are working long hours and need your pet cared during the day. Perhaps your home is under construction or being shown to sell. No matter the reason, we are very happy to care for your pets during your busy daytime hours.
Daycare is very handy whenever you are having work done on your home. Paint and varnish fumes can be harmful to pets, especially birds. Carpet cleaning and lawn treatments may require that your pet be out of the home as well. Let Carver Lake take care of your pets during these times. We will keep them safe and comfortable so you can focus on taking care of your home.
Each daycare pet gets their very own kennel, unless you prefer your pets to  stay in the same area together. We have blankets and and rugs to keep your pet cozy, and always make sure they have fresh water.
We are very accommodating, and know how important it is to keep everyone happy during their stay. All daycare puppies and dogs get leashed walks around Carver Lake Veterinary Center's beautiful trails. Other pets such as cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, pocket pets, and reptiles, will be given attention too; ensuring that litter boxes and environments stay clean and comfortable.
We recommend that you bring in a supply of your pet's food for that day, this way we can feed them their own food, on their schedule. Furthermore, if they are on special medication, we will administer them at the instructed time.
The pets that come to stay with us on a regular basis enjoy their time here. They look forward to their walks, treats, and snuggle time. Their owners don't have to worry about their pets being at home alone for long periods of time and can relax knowing their critters are safe and comfortable. The staff here at CLVC has fun getting to know the daycare animals that stay with us. At the end of the day, everyone is happy!
If you and your pets are interested in our daycare service, please call or stop by Carver Lake Veterinary Center. We'd love to answer questions or show you  around our facility. Because your pet will be around other animals, we do require that your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and has a current negative fecal sample. Our hours are Monday: 8-6pm, Tuesday - Thursday: 8-8pm, and Friday 8-6pm. We look forward to spending time with your pets...we know how important they are to you!
| |
|
Because pets use their feet to walk, dig, climb, and grip (depending on the species) it is important to keep their feet and nails healthy and well groomed.
 Dogs need their nails trimmed every 3-6 weeks. Because a dog's foot is designed to have them walk on the pad, if their nails are too long it can cause the dog to continually flex their wrists and ankles to walk.
Long nails are also more likely to catch on things and break. When this happens it is quite painful for the dog and can take a long time to heal. If your dog breaks a nail and it is bleeding it is best to contact your veterinarian for assistance.
The fur that grows on a dog's foot should be trimmed. When the fur gets too long it covers their pad and they lose traction. It is like trying to walk on a slippery floor with socks on! In the winter, long hair on the foot can collect snow and make it harder for dogs to stay warm outdoors.
Although cats don't require nail trims like dogs do, many people like to clip their cat's nails in order to help prevent scratching of furniture and carpeting.
Even if you don't clip your cat's nails it is important to look at their feet on a regular basis to monitor for cuts, nail problems, or any other abnormalities.
The fur on the bottom of cat's paws (especially those with long fur) can be trimmed to keep litter from accumulating there.
Birds use their feet for everything from walking to eating!  Without regular foot and nail care many aspects of their life can be affected. Overgrown nails may hook onto toys or perches and then break, or cause injuries as the bird tries to dislodge the foot.
Pockets pets such as guinea pigs and ferrets also require foot and nail care. Watch for any abnormalities and keep nails trimmed short.
As you can see almost all our our pets need some form of foot and nail care. Most of these things can be done at home, or here at the clinic. We are happy to provide nail trims for any animal. We can to teach you how to do it at home if you would prefer.
Pets need their feet to do just about everything. Make sure the stay happy and healthy with regular pedicures! |
Local Pet Events! |
|
The Twin Cities hosts many events throughout the year that involve animals. Coming up in January are a few of our favorites.
THE HUMANE SOCIETY FOR COMPANION ANIMALS
FUR BOWL FUNDRAISER
Flaherty's Arden Bowl
1273 West County Rd E. Arden Hills 55112
Saturday, January 21st, 1:45pm
Sunday, January 22nd, 11:00am or 1:30pm
Join Carver Lake Veterinary Center as we raise money for animals in need at the Humane Society for Companion Animals Fur Bowl Fundraiser.
Carver Lake's bowling team will be at the fundraiser on Saturday, January 21st. If you would like to join our team, or donate pledges please contact Julie at the clinic, 651-578-3290.
For more info on the event please call Karen at the Humane Society, 651-730-6008, ext. 19, or check out their website at www.hsca.net.
THE SAINTLY CAT SHOW
Roy Wilkens Exhibition Hall, River Centre
175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
Saturday, January 29th, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday, January 30th, 9:00am - 4:00pm
At The Saintly Cat Show you will see approximately 250 household cats strut their stuff in hopes of being crowned and caped as King or Queen. There is even a coronation where the Royal Family from last year will crown the newly appointed felines!
You can sign your cat up for the event by calling Linda Mae Baker at 651-455-8043, or email dasibe@att.net.
| |
2201 Ventura Drive