Fall Newsletter

Oakton-Vienna Veterinary Hospital

320 Maple Ave, East
Vienna, VA 22180

(703)938-2800

ovvhpets.com

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Fall into fun!

   If your pet is a fan of playing and hiding in the fallen Autumn leaves then why not rake a nice pile for them to dive into? Our pups are often attracted to leaf piles because they gather new scents, textures and sounds to explore.  This activity can be a lot of fun and is good physical and mental exercise for your pet, but there are a few safety precautions to consider first.  Dog jumping in leaves

   It is best to only allow your dog to play in freshly raked, dry leaves, and to always supervise playtime.  Check the leaf pile for sharp objects, such as broken sticks, glass or rocks prior to letting your pup jump in. Avoid older leaf piles as wild critters may use these as hiding spots, and dampened piles may develop mold. Overly excited dogs may accidentally ingest dirt, leaves, or other non-edible items, so give your pup a break if they are getting too wild.  Be aware of any trees or plants in your yard that may have toxic leaves.  Finally, fleas and ticks can hide away in leaf piles as well, so be sure your pet is up to date on their monthly flea and tick protection.  Come see us and get a $105 rebate on 12 months of NexGard Plus Parasite Prevention!

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Gold pawTake a HikeGold paw

 

Now that temperatures are cooling down it’s a great season to take your dog or cat for a nice hike and let them enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of nature! The cool, crisp autumn air will be enjoyable to both you and them.    

Make sure to bring along water to keep your friend hydrated and use parasite prevention monthly to keep them safe from ticks, mosquitos and fleas. Also, never push your best friend too far. Breaks are highly recommended. You can check out this video on how to train your cat to walk with a harness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= etaaYEuMhx8

Gold pawTake a Stroll Gold paw

 

Did you know that pet strollers exist?
Some may think this is a silly idea but it is a fantastic way to get your senior pet or indoor-only kitty outside to enjoy the fresh air.  Look for a stroller with a safety clip to keep your pet in the seat, comfy padding and a zippered screen. Most are designed to be easily foldable for storing and they are even made for large breed dogs, too. 

Walk your pet on gentle terrain for an enjoyable ride and bring along water and snacks. These strollers are designed specifically for pets and  should not be used for humans as different safety standards in manufacturing may be used.


Halloween Safety

        Keep your pets inside Halloween night.  Avoid allowing  them near the frequently-opening doors  to prevent an accidental escape.

Do not give your pets candy.  Keep your Halloween stash out of reach at all times.   Chocolate and Xylitol (a sugar substitute) are highly toxic to dogs.  Even candy that is not toxic can cause stomach upset. For more information go to petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/   

Frequent visitors and spooky costumes can cause anxiety.  Calming supplements and medications can help!  Give us a call to discuss this with a doctor if your dog or cat has trouble coping during the holidays.  

Glow Sticks and candy wrappers can be mistaken as toys.  Playing with these may lead to accidental ingestion and an ER visit.  Keep glow sticks out of reach and toss wrappers immediately.

Educate children about holiday safety for your pets.  What is safe for us is not necessarily safe for our pets.  Read through this list with your kids. Children are great learners and love their animal besties! 

Pumpkin treat recipe

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Send us your best Halloween and Fall photos through Social Media.  We love to see your pets in costume and enjoying the season!

www.instagram.com/oaktonviennavet/  Instagram logo

Facebook Icon www.facebook.com/oaktonviennavet

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