Winter Pet Safety

If temperatures are dropping and snow is in the forecast in your neck of the woods, the ASPCA recommends the following tips to keep your animal companions safe and sound:

·                       Never let your dog off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Canines may lose their scent in winter weather, and can easily become lost. In fact, more dogs are reported lost during this time of the year than in any other season, so make sure yours always wears proper identification.

·                       Provide your companion animal with a warm place to sleep, far away from drafts and off the floor. Dog and cat beds with a warm blanket or pillow are especially cozy.

·                       Please keep cats inside! Felines who spend time outside can freeze, or become lost or injured. And some outdoor cats seek the warmth under the hoods of cars -- so if there are any such kitties in your neighborhood remember to bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds before starting your vehicle.

·                       Wipe off your dog's legs and belly when she comes in out of the elements. This will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that could hurt your dog should she ingest them when licking her paws.

·                       Puppies can't handle the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be more difficult to housebreak during the winter.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/winter-pet-safety-tips.html

Holiday Dog-Treat Recipe

Visit our BLOG for a dog-friendly treat recipe that your canine companion is sure to love.

Here is a dog-friendly treat recipe that your canine companion is sure to love.
Holiday Dog-Friendly Treat Recipe:
ingredients
1 cup shredded roasted turkey meat
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 sweet potato--baked, skin discarded and potato coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce

directions
In a medium bowl, combine the turkey and breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands, then mix in the egg and sweet potato. Shape into two 1/2-inch-thick patties.
In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Top with the cranberry sauce and let your canine enjoy!

Cat-Friendly Treat Recipe

Ingredients:

½ cup of hamburger

½ teaspoon shrimp paste (see Asian food section of your local grocery store)

¼ cup shelled shrimp, washed in hot water, and minced

½ teaspoon catnip

Directions:

Mix shrimp paste with the catnip and then hand work it into the hamburger.

Add minced shrimp to the hamburger mix and make into little meatballs.

These can be fed raw, or baked at 425° F for 10 minutes.

Customer Testimonials

Thank you so much for helping little Oscar get better after the vaccine reaction.  I was a wreck & so appreciated all your kindness.  Thank you!

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Dr. Rogers & Staff

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God bless you all and everlasting thanks for your care of all my pets, but especially Gilly right now.  I get so frightened for him so knowing you are there is a relief.

You are all wonderful!

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Kootenai Animal Hospital is synonymous with caring and expert animal and customer care.  I have been bringing my animals (and there have been a lot of them) to the clinic for over 8 years.  I wouldn't even consider going anywhere else.  If you are looking for “the best” – look no further.

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Bless you for your talent and skill during her surgery today and for your compassion in helping us make her life a better one.

We appreciate you & all your staff – thank you so much for being there for us.

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Pet Treat Recipe: Pumpkin Ice Treats

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!

National Cat Week: Protect Your Cat This Season

It's National Cat Week! 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!

Saturday is Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Are you a dog owner? The American Kennel Club has established this Saturday as “Responsible Dog Ownership Day”, to remind all dog-owners to do something special for their dog’s well-being. This could include scheduling their annual physical or dental, or getting them microchipped! Whatever you do, make sure that you always practice responsible dog ownership!