December 07, 2007
What's in This Issue:
A quick list of what's in this issue:- Site Updates
- Contest Voting Update
- Holiday Behavior Issues: Decorations
- Specials
- Excerpts from an Article by Dr. Siegler at ONP
Updates to the site
New pages and updates:*NEW* Hidey Hole Beds
*NEW* Cat Christmas Toys for 2007
Hav-a-heart traps is updated to add some additonal sizes
There was a new story submitted, ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, and you can find it under "Story Submit" using the form. I'm hoping to move the stories to another section of the website soon.
Holiday Kitty Contest Voting Updates
Holiday Kitty Contest Voting Update:Submissions are slow. If there aren't enough submissions, voting will not take place. I have one submission waiting in the wings, and that person will win the more than $35 in products that have been donated so far.
However, to add interest, you can still get your photos in! How about "too much turkey" or "overindulgence at the food bowl" or "turkey attack!" or some such??? I know these things happen - I've experienced them all. So, where are your photos???
As soon as I have a couple of photos, I'll put them up.
Holiday Kitty Issues-Decorations
Holiday Kitty Issues: DecorationsWhat kitty can resist all those glittery decorations around the house at this time of year? You put them there just for her, didn't you?
So, be sure you put unbreakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree. Stay away from tinsel, or keep your cat out of the room with the tree. Tinsel can be very bad becasue if ingested, it can tie your kitty's intestines in knots. That could put kittie's life in jeapordy, so keep tinsel away from cats. Angel hair is not any better - Angel hair is spun glass - like fiberglass, but longer strands and not as pure. Bad for kitties again. Use garlands, ornaments and bells.
The lights twinkling can draw kitty's eye to the display, but the electric cord can be a problem. Watch to make sure kitty doesn't get too close. Keep cords up and out of the way.
Ribbons for the most part aren't too bad. Bows make nice batty balls for cats, too. And they don't break. If you can spare one or two, go ahead and give them to kitty so she can be part of the fun.
Specials and Coupons
I've put things on the pages for you instead of adding too many specials to this issue. I do have some calming drops for you, however. Use these links for a quick jump to the item:
Cat DVD: Kitty Goes Hunting & Fishing
Vetri-Science Fast Balance - G.I.
Safety Tips
by Dr. Larry Siegler, Resident Veterinarian, Only Natural Pet SuppliesIf you suspect your companion has ingested broken glass, plastic or other sharp objects, call a veterinarian. While you are waiting, give her supplemental fiber to bulk up the stools and help it pass through her system. Canned pumpkin (1/4 to 1 cup) can help, whole wheat or high fiber bread, or Metamucil (1/4 teaspoon for cat).
Watch your companion’s water bowl closely – dogs especially will drink more water when stressed, so keep fresh water available at all times. DO NOT let pets drink the water in the bottom of the tree. To be safe, do not add anything to the tree water like fertilizer or aspirin. And be sure to keep holiday plants such as poinsettias, holly and mistletoe out of reach. Remember to warn visitors as well to keep medications and personal care products (and maybe their shoes if you have a chewer) out of a pet’s reach.
Chocolate can be very toxic to animals, so make sure the people treats don’t turn into “pet” treats. It is best to keep your companion’s diet as routine as possible during the holidays. Even though it is tempting to share all the delicious holiday food with your cat or dog, keep in mind that stress can make their digestive system more sensitive and they may not tolerate the extra goodies as well as they might at other times of the year. If your dog or cat does manage to get into the holiday food, watch closely for any reaction. Call a veterinarian if you see signs of serious vomiting or diarrhea or if the animal develops a fever. For milder reactions, a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin along with a bland diet of white rice and boiled chicken can sooth the digestive tract. Vetri-Science Fast Balance - G.I. and LoveMyPet Diarrhea Relief are excellent remedies to keep on hand for periodic cases of diarrhea and stomach upset.
This newsletter is produced for YOU, the reader. Please let me know if you want to see anything in here that hasn't been covered for a while. You can view all the past issues and look deeper into the new information I've found.
You can always write to me about the content in the newsletter.
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