Holiday Dinner for People and Pets

A turkey or ham with all the trimmings will grace many dinner tables this Christmas. It is natural to share the feast with your family pet. After all, he is family. Make sure you offer a tasty delight and not a tummy ache. Your pet can enjoy some holiday favorites. Others can upset his stomach or worse. Put together a scrumptious healthy feast for your pet. Avoid foods on the do-not-share list.

Read more at https://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/articles/holiday-dinners-for-people-and-pets.html

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Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

Including furry four-legged friends in holiday festivities is automatic for those who consider pets family members. Keep them healthy and happy by maintaining their normal eating and exercise schedules. Be careful to safeguard them against potential dangers of common holiday decorations and treats.

Read more at: https://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/articles/holiday-safety-tips-for-pets.html

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Do you fry your gravy?

Another whacky law. In Redwood, California it is against the law to fry gravy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Have a pet-safe Thanksgiving dinner

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, fun and usually too much food. Your dog can have a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner if you choose dishes that are good for him. Protein-rich turkey is great as are sweet potatoes, green beans. Never give your pup onions, garlic, leeks, or scallions as these lead to toxic anemia and avoid grapes and raisins because they can cause kidney failure in dogs. Make Thanksgiving a happy day for your family, friends, and your dog.

Read more about pet-safe Thanksgiving treats for your pet at http://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/articles/have-a-pet-safe-thanksgiving-dinner.html#article

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Pumpkin for pets

In the fall, stores fill bins with pumpkins in anticipation of Halloween, pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Pumpkin goodies are yummy and high in vitamin A and fiber, low in fat, and have a number of other surprising health benefits. Plain, unseasoned, cooked fresh pumpkin, or 100% canned pumpkin has the same significant health benefits for pets and doesn't require fancy recipes. Put canned pumpkin on your shopping list and take advantage of the many health benefits it has for your pet.

Read more about how Pumpkin can benefit pets at  http://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/articles/pumpkins-can-benefit-pets.html

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Flash was a fantastic teacher's aide

Flash was a very helpful teacher in Dr. Sue's HTT Pet First Aid & CPR class. Muzzling a live dog can be more challenging than muzzling a stuffy, but Flash was very cooperative.

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More from Dr. Sue's HTT Pet First Aid & CPR class

Little Bit and Flash were important teachers in Dr. Sue's HTT Pet First Aid & CPR class. They let students practice taking vital signs. They also allowed students to practice the art muzzling a pet.

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Reporting: Dr. Sue's HTT Pet First Aid & CPR class

Students in Dr. Sue's HTT Pet First Aid & CPR class practiced many techniques on very congenial stuffed pups.

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This Weekend - Canine First Aid & CPR Class

HTT Pet First Aid and CPR Class
C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

It's almost time. Don't miss this valuable class!

You will learn:

• First aid for fractured limbs, bleeding, hyper and hypothermia, choking, seizure and more
• Rescue breathing & CPR

When: November 10, 2018 from 9:00am-4:30pm

Where: Crossroads Veterinary Clinic - Victoria, Texas

Click here to visit Dr. Sue's website for more information and to sign up!

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Halloween safety tips for pets

Halloween ghosts and goblins may put you in a festive mood as children ring the doorbell to trick-or-treat. Unfortunately, those little people in strange outfits may be scary and stressful to your pets.

Be sure to think of your pets as well as the kids when planning for Halloween. Consider a costume carefully if you plan to dress your pet. Remember, Halloween treats are for beggars not for pets. Some candies can be very harmful to your pet. There are pets that prefer to be away from the trick-or-treat excitement.

Learn more Halloween Safety Tips (http://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/articles/halloween-safety-tips-for-pets.html) to ensure both children and pets have fun and regard Halloween as a treat.

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92% of dogs & cats will have an emergency situation in their lifetime

Be ready ahead of time! Take Dr. Sue's HTT Pet First Aid and CPR Class

You will learn:

• First aid for fractured limbs, bleeding, hyper and hypothermia, choking, seizure and more
• Rescue breathing & CPR

When: November 10, 2018 from 9:00am to 4:30pm

Where: Crossroads Veterinary Clinic - Victoria, Texas

Tuition: $139.00, Includes a complementary lunch

Register: Call Dr. Sue at (618) 339-0425, or

visit her website for more information and to sign up!

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Upcoming Canine First Aid & CPR Class

HTT Pet First Aid and CPR Class
C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

You will learn:

• First aid for fractured limbs, bleeding, hyper and hypothermia, choking, seizure and more
• Rescue breathing & CPR

When: November 10, 2018 from 9:00am-4:30pm

Where: Crossroads Veterinary Clinic - Victoria, Texas

Click here to visit Dr. Sue's website for more information and to sign up!

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October 10 is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention in 2017, 56% of dogs and 60% of cats were obese. That means an estimated 50.2 million dogs and 56.5 million cats are above a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight reduces the quality of life of a pet and reduces his lifespan by 2 or more years.

Loving pet owners need to seriously consider their pet's diet and the frequency and type of exercise. It is important to check with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate weight of your pet and to receive a recommended diet and exercise program.

Read Overweight, obese pets can lead to health problems at
http://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/articles/overweight-obese-pets-can-lead-to-health-problems.html

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Keep pets free of tick-borne illness

It is that time of year when your dog or cat can pick up ticks even on a short walk. That should not be surprising because there are more than 90 species of ticks in the U.S., and a single female tick can lay thousands of eggs.

A tick attaches by inserting its mouth parts into a dog's skin and begins to suck blood. A meal can last several days and cause discomfort to your pet.

Ticks are very efficient carriers of diseases that can lead to more than irritation. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis are commonly transmitted by ticks.

Try to avoid tick-borne illnesses by inspecting your pet daily for ticks. Using of a tick preventive recommended by your veterinarian is also helpful.

Read more about tick-borne illness at http://www.holistictouchtherapy.com/articles/keep-pets-free-of-tick-borne-illness.html

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Dog approved people food

We should keep our dogs on appropriate canine kibble or canned food, but sometimes we like to reward them with a little table scrap or a special treat. Here is a list of people foods that should be safe for their tummies:

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Peanut butter - A good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins B and E.

Cooked chicken - Slip a little in with your dog's kibble to add extra protein and a yummy treat.

Carrots - These are low in calories and high in fiber.

Salmon - Cooked salmon is a good source of omega 3 fatty acids which will keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny.

Pumpkin - A good source of fiber and beta carotene. Be sure to use pure pumpkin NOT pumpkin pie filling.

Yogurt - High in calcium and protein. Choose yogurt with active bacteria which act as a probiotic. Don't choose yogurts with artificial sweeteners or added sugar.

Cheese - Low or reduced fat are best. Cottage cheese is a great choice that dogs seem to love.

Eggs - A scrambled egg is a healthy snack that adds protein, riboflavin and selenium.

Green beans - These are a low calorie, filling treat.

Apple slices - These a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. They also freshen the breath and clean residue off teeth. Be sure to core and remove seeds to avoid a choking hazard.

Oatmeal - A great source of soluble fiber especially good for seniors that may be suffering with bowel irregularities. Cook oatmeal before serving and don't use any sugar or flavor additives.

Watermelon - A health-food powerhouse that is low in calories and packed with vitamins A, B6, and C and potassium. Use seedless melons or remove seeds that can cause intestinal blockage. Don't allow dog to have rinds, which can cause tummy upset.

These are just a few people foods that are fine for dogs. They should be offered in small amounts and should not interfere with your dog's normal diet.

People food your dog should avoid

You may know some foods like chocolate can be dangerous for dogs. Some fruits and veggies you might think are healthy should also be avoided.

Grapes and raisins – Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain can occur within a few hours of eating grapes and raisins. As few as four grapes or raisins can cause irreversible kidney damage in a 20 pound pup.

Onions, garlic, and chives – Consuming a teaspoon of powdered, raw, cooked, or other form of these veggies can destroy your dog’s blood cells, causing anemia and irreparable harm to kidneys.

Avocado – The fruit, leaves, seed, and bark of avocado trees contain persin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing in dogs.  Guacamole can be hazardous to your pet.

Rhubarb – Oxalates in rhubarb can cause problems in a dog's kidneys, digestive tract, and nervous system.

Immediately take a dog that gets into any of these foods to your vet or emergency clinic.

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Don't give your dog a hot foot

Summer temperatures are already way past warm and will get higher before the season ends. An air temperature of 77°F is rather pleasant, but the asphalt underfoot is 125°F. That is hot enough to burn paws and destroy skin in 60 seconds. An air temperature of 86°F still seems rather comfortable, but the asphalt your dog is walking on is 135°F. You can fry an egg on the pavement in 5 minutes at 131°F.

Press the back of your hand against the surface for seven seconds. Asphalt, concrete or sand that is too hot for your hand, is too hot for your dog's paws.

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