Christmas Tinsel and Pets

Did you know that tinsel could be deadly for pets? The colored foil that looks so pretty hanging up with our Christmas lights has sharp edges that could cut our pets inside if they swallow it. We recommend avoiding tinsel entirely for safer and healthier options!

Pet Treat Recipe: Pumpkin Ice Bites

Want your dog to have a delicious and safe holiday treat? Here's a simple recipe you can make at home:

Blend 1 cup of canned pumpkin with 1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt and freeze in an ice tray. Dogs can be given these one cube at a time (outside, because they can be a little messy for carpet!). 

This mixture can also be stuffed into a Kong or rubber stuffable toy and frozen. That will allow hours of dog entertainment!

Cats & Car Engines

Have you heard about the danger of car engines for outdoor cats? Our car engines often stay warm for hours after our cars have been shut off, making the perfect warm place for an outdoor cat to sleep. If a car is started while a cat is lying on the engine, the cat could be injured or killed! Always knock on the hood of your car before you start it…you could save a life!

Black Cat Safety

We would like to remind you to keep your black cat in a safe place at home this year on Halloween, because these poor, innocent creatures have often been targeted negatively on this holiday. In order to ensure your pet’s safety, we recommend keeping them inside until the holiday is over. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about this precaution!

October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month

This month is National Animal Safety and Protection Month, which means that now is a great time to think about your pet’s safety around your home! A good way to observe the holiday is by removing pet-dangers from your pet’s reach, by creating an evacuation plan for your home in the event of a fire or other disaster, or by creating a pet-friendly first aid kit. There’s nothing wrong with being prepared for the future!

Pets & Truck Beds

Did you know that letting your pet ride in the bed of your truck can be extremely dangerous, even if you’re traveling at low speeds? Dogs are known to jump and run after things or animals that appeal to them, and jumping from a moving vehicle can cause serious injury. We ask that you NEVER let your pet ride in the back of a truck, but always inside where they are safely secured.

Pets & Camping Safety

Camping with your pet can be a fun adventure, but also a dangerous one! It’s important to be fully prepared for bringing a pet with you into the woods BEFORE you go. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all parasite prevention, and be sure to pack plenty of food and water. If you’re filtering your water, don’t forget your pet needs filtered water too! And most importantly, check campground rules where you’ll be staying, because some campgrounds don’t allow pets because of the danger of large wild animals, like bears! Make sure you keep your pets and family safe, and have a great trip!

Pets & Bees

Bee stings are painful and irritating, even for people who don’t experience severe allergic reactions. It’s the same for pets. If your pet is stung by a bee, it’s important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible, in order to lessen the irritation, and to apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling. Remember to be as calm as possible, because your pet is looking to you for assurance that everything is going to be okay. Keep an eye on your pet for the next 24 hours to watch for any additional symptoms of illness, and bring them in for a check-up if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Dangers of Dogs in Parked Cars

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

What if a tornado like the one in Joplin struck your town or what if you had to deal with a flood like the one in Memphis? These are frightening questions, but their answers will come easier if you've taken the time to prepare yourself and all your loved ones, both human and animal. June is National Pet Preparedness Month so it’s important to think about your pet’s disaster preparedness plan as well as your own. We recommend setting aside the food and medication that your pet could need for several weeks, as well as a first aid kit for your pet, just in case. This is also a good time to make sure that your microchip is registered to the proper contact information, including a cell phone in case your family is forced to evacuate your home. We want to help you to all that’s necessary to ensure that you and your pet will be reunited if you’re separated. 

Pets & Easter Grass

Did you know that the cute green plastic "grass" we often use to stuff Easter baskets, could actually be fatal for your pet to ingest? You may not think your pet would eat that, but after filling a basket with tasty candy and treats, the grass can smell really good to your pet. Avoid using that dangerous filler this Easter season, and think about your pet's safety. What are some of the things you use to fill Easter baskets instead of dangerous plastic grass?

Oncology Services Now Available at Animerge!

We are proud to announce that starting TODAY we will be taking oncology appointments. An Oncology Specialist is now on staff and is dedicated to the compassionate treatment of pet cancer. An experienced Oncology Specialist will go over your pet’s diagnosis and treatment with you and educate you on your pet’s condition. Call us at 908-707-9077 for more information about our Oncology services.

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

ONCOLOGY at ANIMERGE

We are excited to announce that we have added oncology referral services. Beginning soon, Renee Alsaraff, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology) and her associate, Seth Glasser, DVM, Practice Limited to Oncology, will be seeing oncology cases at Animerge one day per week.

Dr. Alsaraff has been practicing in New Jersey for fifteen years. Originally from Michigan, she graduated from Michigan State University Veterinary School in 1991. While there, she established MSU's Pet Loss Support Group. Designed to provide support to those who have lost a beloved pet, the group still helps bereaved owners today. Following veterinary school, Dr. Alsaraff completed an internship as well as an oncology residency, research and radiation therapy training at the Animal Medical Center in NYC. She conducted research at Memorial Sloan Kettering and had additional training in radiation at the University of Kansas. Dr. Alsaraff has authored several journal articles and chapters and has most recently participated in clinical cancer studies with Cornell University.

Dr. Glasser was born in Manhattan and raised primarily in Sullivan County, New York. After attending Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, Dr. Glasser conducted pharmaceutical research and development. He attended Tufts University Cumming's School of Veterinary Medicine where his interest in medical oncology developed. Dr. Glasser did an internship at the University of Minnesota and came back to the Northeast for a three-year oncology residency at the Animal Medical Center and Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers.

Both doctors have a very similar practice and treatment philosophy - to practice the highest standard of medical care with sincere compassion in a collaborative, team-oriented manner, which makes them a perfect addition to Animerge. They will work hand-in-hand with our other specialists and emergency veterinarians and, as always, with you, the primary care veterinarian.

Please do not hesitate to call us with any question you may have or to schedule a consultation for a client. We look forward to providing you and your referrals with this beneficial service.

Antifreeze Toxicity

Antifreeze may not sound appealing to you but once your pet gets a whiff of that sweet smell, they would love a taste. Antifreeze, even in small amounts is dangerous to your pet. Be sure to wipe up antifreeze spills or puddles and keep the lethal liquid stored away from pets. The signs of antifreeze poisoning include drowsiness, lethargy and paralysis of the hindquarters. If you suspect your pet has consumed antifreeze, please call us at 913-649-0440 immediately.

 

Raw Food Diet Controversy

National Pet Travel Safety Day

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! When traveling with pets it's very important to ensure the safety of all passengers on board...even our furry ones. What is the furthest distance you have traveled with your pet?