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December 2010 & January 2011
The Weather Outside is Frightful!
Cold weather is on the way and that means that it is time to give special attention to your pets and livestock both inside and out. Here are a few cold weather animal care tips for the upcoming season.
When you take your dogs out for a “bathroom break,” stay outside with them. If you’re too cold to stay outside, it’s probably too cold for your pet as well. When you bring your pet in, wipe its paws to get rid of any rock salt or ice balls that cling between the toes. Short-coated breeds like greyhounds or Chihuahuas might need to be put in a protective sweater before taking them outside since they can become chilled more easily.
If you have an outside dog and opt not to bring them in for the winter, make sure their shelter is clean, dry and well insulated with straw or wood shavings. Keep a close eye on outside drinking water to make sure that it does not freeze; water may need to be changed several times a day. Nutrition during the winter months is an important concern with outdoor pets. Some pets may need to increase their caloric intake to generate more energy and ward off the cold.
Cats will seek warmth in the winter months in odd places and sometimes that may mean that they fall asleep on, or near, a car engine. Before starting your car, tap the hood of your car to try and chase them out.
If you have further questions about how to keep your pets safe in the winter months, give Alpine Veterinary Hospital a call at (509) 493-3908.
What is DHL-PP/C?
DHL-PP/C is the abbreviation used for the vaccine given to dogs. Each letter stands for a different disease that the vaccine protects against. Puppies must receive a series of vaccinations to be protected and adult dogs require boosters at intervals throughout their life.
DHL-PP/C is the abbreviation used for the vaccine given to dogs. Each letter stands for a different disease that the vaccine protects against. Puppies must receive a series of vaccinations to be protected and adult dogs require boosters at intervals throughout their life.
The “D” stands for distemper, which is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory and nervous system. “H” stands for hepatitis, a once common viral disease of the liver. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of the liver and kidneys and is spread through water, wild animals, and livestock. The first “P” stands for parainfluenza, a virus of the respiratory system. Parvo and Corona viruses both are infections of the intestine making up the last two letters “P” and “C.”
You can help prevent these dangerous infectious diseases by maintaining your pet’s general health and vaccinating your dog regularly as your veterinarian recommends. If you want more information or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (509) 493-3908.
The Iditarod
The Iditarod is unlike any other event in the world. It is a 1,161-mile dogsled race across Alaska’s wilderness. Each team is made up of 12 -16 dogs and the race is generally completed in 9 – 15 days. The dogs are well-trained athletes that begin training as early as late summer. A husky in the Iditarod will burn up to 11,000 calories each day! The 2011 Iditarod begins on March 5th in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Iditarod is unlike any other event in the world. It is a 1,161-mile dogsled race across Alaska’s wilderness. Each team is made up of 12 -16 dogs and the race is generally completed in 9 – 15 days. The dogs are well-trained athletes that begin training as early as late summer. A husky in the Iditarod will burn up to 11,000 calories each day! The 2011 Iditarod begins on March 5th in Anchorage, Alaska.
| December 2010 & January 2011 |  |
| Fall 2010 | |
| (509) 493 - 3908 |