Holiday Pet Safety Tips

The Holiday season, from Thanksgiving until New Year's, can be a very busy time. Taking extra time to plan for the pets in our lives can make everyone's Holiday safe and enjoyable.

Having visitors can be fun but it can also be stressful and our pets feel the same way. Keep to routines as much as possible. Walks and feeding for dogs should stay the same. Having a quiet zone set aside for both dogs and cats is a good idea. With doors opening and closing make sure that indoor cats are safe. House guests should know who is allowed outside and who is not.

All of that extra food can be tempting, keep in mind the pets in the family. Do not leave food on kitchen counters or tables unsupervised. Keep the garbage container in a cabinet or securely closed. Let house guests know whether or not it is okay to feed table scraps. If you do allow feeding from the table make sure it's only a small amount. Ingesting food they are not accustomed to, or fatty foods, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Holiday beverages can also be a hazard; don't leave drinks unattended or where they can be sampled.

Holiday plants can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies should be out of reach or not used at all.

Putting up a tree is part of the Holidays in many households, but planning can make a big difference. Secure the tree to the ceiling or a railing to avoid it falling or being pulled over. Tape down or cover all cords to avoid electric shock. Unplug the tree when you are not home to supervise. If you use a live tree do not let the pet drink the water. If using tinsel, hang it high and securely, tinsel can pose a serious problem with intestinal blockage. Hang non-breakable ornaments on lower branches and keep breakable ornaments up high away from curious pets.

Many people want to give pets as Holiday gifts; a better idea is making an adoption kit. Include toys, a bed and if a dog is intended, a collar and leash. Make a certificate to include in the kit, detailing how the pet will be chosen (Shelter vs. Breeder). Then bring your new pet home when you have more time to spend with them.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Halloween Safety Tips

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increaing the chances that he or she will be returned to you. 

SOURCE: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/halloween-safety-tips

Top 5 Thanksgiving Treats For Pets

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving and give thanks for good food, good friends and even your cranky family members, don’t forget the furry or feathery member of the family — your pet. Of course, a pet doesn't need a toast in its honor to feel appreciated, but a special treat would probably elicit an extra lick or cuddle from your best four-legged friend. Just remember that the holidays aren't an excuse to break from tradition and serve your pet chocolate or other foods that might upset its sensitive stomach. However, there are some terrific Thanksgiving treats that are perfectly pet-safe and guaranteed to make your critter feel extra-thankful for such a thoughtful pet parent. Here are just five.

1: TOYS

If your pet is on a restricted diet or doesn’t usually handle new food well, pick out a toy that your animal will go gaga for. Consider a squeaky toy shaped like a turkey bone or a carrot. Some retailers carry “pampered pet” lines, in which you’ll find toys shaped like wine bottles or sushi (if turkey and all the fixings isn’t your thing). McCulley recommends interactive toys that dispense treats as a great way to keep your pet occupied while you’re entertaining human guests. By the time your furry friend has gotten all of the kibble out of the toy, you’ll be cleaning off the table and ready to spend the afternoon curled up in a turkey-induced coma with your pet.
Some one-on-one time like this is probably the best treat of all for your pet, but any of these five ideas can also help make sure your pet is a grateful gobbler this Thanksgiving.

2: BISCUITS AND OTHER TREATS

If you aren’t up for making your own treats or don’t have any leftovers, you can find a large variety of treats available at pet superstores or even your local market that will leave your pet feeling gracious. McCulley says ingredients like pomegranate, acai berry and quinoa, which have been fads in people food for the past few years, are now crossing over into pet treats. Look for items that are made with human-grade ingredients to ensure your furry friend is getting the very best. Many organic treats are made with natural ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and apple with ginger or cinnamon for a fun Thanksgiving twist.

3:TURKEY TREATS

If you like a traditional feast with a big turkey as the main dish, your pet is in luck. There are quite a few ways you can prepare some of your leftover turkey that will be paw-licking good. Be sure to remove any skin and bones and don’t serve your pet any turkey that’s been sitting out longer than two hours to avoid risk of salmonella poisoning. Skinless, boneless turkey is a great treat for most cats and dogs. Cut up a few pieces and add it to your dog’s regular food to give it its own Thanksgiving meal. For cats, try pureeing turkey with sweet potatoes or pumpkin and adding it to their regular food or letting them lick it straight from the spoon. And if you’ve ever wondered what to do with turkey giblets, try boiling them up for a yummy pet treat.

4: BONES AND CHEWS

It might be tempting to toss a turkey bone your dog’s way during the holiday, but according to L.A. Animal Services, turkey bones can easily break, and the sharp splinters could cause damage to your dog’s intestines. If your pooch goes nuts for bones, look for store-bought bones or chews in special Thanksgiving flavors that will be a real treat without the risk. Pet trend expert Janet McCulley recommends turkey-flavored bones, or even organic dog chews made out of sweet potatoes or apples. Make no bones about it, you will be thankful your canine has a yummy Thanksgiving treat without the threat of a visit to the emergency animal hospital.

5: FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Not all pets can eat meat, including most pocket pets like gerbils, hamsters, rats and birds. Many people love these small pets, but often overlook them when it comes to holiday treats. Pocket pets can have small treats occasionally, but according to the educational staff at Drs. Foster and Smith, they tend to like treats better than real food, so it’s best to dish them out sparingly. In general, raw vegetables like carrots and broccoli are OK to give a small rodent, so when you’re preparing your Thanksgiving meal, save a few pieces for your pet. Pet birds also love fresh veggies and fruits, including cooked sweet potatoes and cranberries, which are both common staples on many Thanksgiving tables. Cooked vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peas are terrific options for cats and dogs, too.



Source: http://animal.discovery.com/pets/thanksgiving-treats-pets.htm

Is Your Cat Missing the Litter Box?

You have a problem. Your cat is thinking outside the box, and not in a good way. You may be wondering what you did to inspire so much “creative expression.” Is your cat punishing you? Is Fluffy just “bad”? No, and no. House soiling and missing the litter box is a sign that your cat needs some help.

 According to the Winn Feline Foundation, house soiling is the number one complaint among cat owners. The good news is that it is very treatable.

 An accredited veterinarian can help you determine if the problem is medical or related to social or environmental stressors. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will ask you specific “where and when” questions

 Health factors 

Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a specialist in feline urinary disorders at The Ohio State University, and founder of the Indoor Cat Initiative says that many veterinarians recommend a urine test for every cat with a house soiling problem. The urinalysis will determine if blood, bacteria, or urinary crystals are present — signs that your cat might have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).**

 FLUTD is very common and can cause painful urination. Cats that begin to associate the litter box with pain will avoid it. Other medical possibilities include hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis and muscle or nerve disorders that might prevent your cat from getting to the litter box in time.  

 Environmental factors

If there is no medical cause, the next step is to look at environmental factors. Start with the litter box. Your cat might be avoiding the litter box because it is not cleaned well enough, you’ve changed the type of litter you use, or there is only one box for multiple cats.

Another possibility is that your cat is “marking” — spraying urine, typically on vertical objects such as walls and furniture, or in “socially significant” areas near doors or windows. Both male and female cats mark. The most common offenders are cats that have not been spayed or neutered.

Buffington says that stress can cause elimination problems too. For example, subtle aggression or harassment by other house cats or neighborhood cats may be an issue.

 Indoor Cat Initiative

Even unremarkable changes in your home can make your cat anxious or fearful. Look around. Did anything change right before your cat started having problems? Did you get a new pet? A new couch? Maybe you just moved the old couch to a different part of the room, or had a dinner party. Cats are sensitive creatures and changes that seem small to you can throw your cat off his game. Check with your veterinarian about finding solutions that work for both you and your cat.


 Source:
http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/cat_care/behavior/missing_the_litter_box.aspx

Pets as Christmas Presents

Sometimes it may seem like a cute idea to give someone a pet as a Christmas present, but it’s important to give that some extra thought before you do it. Most pets that are given up lose their home because their owner loses interest in them or is unprepared for the responsibility of pet ownership. This is a huge problem seen among pet owners who receive their pets as “gifts.” Children especially are given the mistaken idea that pets are all fun and games, but they are not fully ready to take on the responsibility of feeding, walking, cleaning, and training their pet.

Instead of giving pets as presents, we recommend getting acclimated to the idea of bringing a new pet into your home. Bringing your children to volunteer at an animal shelter or babysitting the pet of a friend or family member can help. Children and potential pet owners (no matter their age!) need to be reminded that pets aren’t just cute; they are also hungry, need to exercise, and need to use the bathroom. They can be messy when they aren’t fully trained, and the training process can be difficult too.

Please, don’t adopt until everyone in your family is READY. 

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital team members volunteered to walk to raise money for Ridgefield Organization Animal Rescue (ROAR). They also volunteered with CT State Animal Response Team (CTSTART). CTSTART helps animals during times of emergency. We have such an amazing team and we love working with the community to raise awareness about organizations that are important to us!

What is a hotspot?

Question

My dog was recently diagnosed with a "hotspot." Can you tell me more about this skin condition?

Answer

“Hotspot” is a general term used to describe the angry reaction that your pet’s skin is displaying. It may also be referred to as “acute moist dermatitis.”
Hotspots have many causes, but are usually the result of self trauma and subsequent infection that occurs as your pet tries to relieve himself from a pain or itch. An underlying allergy is most often the cause of the pain or itch. Some breeds are more prone to seasonal allergies, so you may see hotspots at the same time each year.
There are three types of allergies that may lead to hotspots:

• Inhaled allergy (pollens, dust, molds)
• Insect allergy (fleas, bee sting, spider bite)
• Ingested allergy (food)

Please discuss treatment options, which may include thorough cleaning, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents, with your veterinarian.
For more information, see Library Articles Skin Problems in Pets, Allergies and Spring Allergies.

Originally published on Healthy Pet.

Pet of the Month: Professor Higgins

This is Professor Higgins, our three year old bi-color, seal point Ragdoll.  He was a very sick boy when he first came to Quarry Ridge.  He had a serious nasal infection, but Dr. Cobelli solved his problems and he's a very healthy kitty cat now.  It takes a Ragdoll a couple of years to achieve their adult coat.  You can see his youthful coat in the photo where he's looking directly into the camera.  You can also see his beautiful blue eyes. Photogenic, isn't he? He's also a rascal.  We call him "The Lyin' in Waiter" for his habit of coming out of nowhere to pounce on us. He also likes to help us make the bed. 

National Pet Preparedness Month

This month is National Pet Preparedness Month. In order to be sure your pet is prepared for a disaster, make sure your safety kit includes food, water, leash and collar, bowls, pet ID, medications, immunization records, pet carrier, first aid kit, and a contact list for all pet emergency contacts.

Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day this Monday! Remember the men and women who dedicated their lives to our nation’s freedom.

April is Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month!

Did you know that Lyme Disease is a deadly illness passed by ticks? April is Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month! It’s important to always keep your pet protected from tick bites in order to prevent Lyme Disease! Ask us for details about our tick preventative options.

Kashie: March Pet of the Month

March Pet of the Month: Kashie is a 16 1/2 year old cat. Kashie and her siblings, Smudge, Luna and Cinder are all rescue cats. We are glad to honor Kashie as our March Pet of the Month!

Case of the Month: Riley

13 year old Riley is our February Case of the Month! Riley had a benign fatty lump growing for years with no problems. We attempted to remove the lump last year. However, due to a heart arrhythmia, Riley would've been put at risk and the surgery was put off. This year Riley fell on icy steps. The injury made it difficult for Riley to walk. Dr. Stuart revisited surgery and the mass had to be removed.

After surgery the lump was weighed and it weighed in at 14 1/2 pounds!!!! Surgery was extensive lasting 3 1/2 hours. Due to a large amount of excessive skin and disturbed blood flow, the skin did not heal well, and Riley needed to go back in for a second surgery the following week. She had the incision redone.

She's doing fabulously and is recovering from the surgery, anesthesia and is walking well!!!

Ten Steps to Your Dog's Dental Health

Did you know that regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and providing her with a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys can go a long way toward keeping her mouth healthy? Many pooches show signs of gum disease by the time they’re four years old because they aren't provided with proper mouth care—and bad breath is often the first sign of a problem. Give your dog regular home checks and follow the tips below, and you’ll have a very contented pooch with a dazzling smile. 1. The Breath Test Sniff your dog’s breath. Not a field of lilies? That’s okay—normal doggie-breath isn’t particularly fresh-smelling. However, if his breath is especially offensive and is accompanied by a loss of appetite, vomiting or excessive drinking or urinating, it’s a good idea to take your pooch to the vet. 2. Lip Service Once a week, with your dog facing you, lift his lips and examine his gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. His teeth should be clean, without any brownish tartar. 3. Signs of Oral Disease The following are signs that your dog may have a problem in his mouth or gastrointestinal system and should be checked by a veterinarian: •Bad breath •Excessive drooling •Inflamed gums •Tumors in the gums •Cysts under the tongue •Loose teeth 4. The Lowdown on Tooth Decay Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause build-up on a dog’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. One solution? Regular teeth cleanings, of course. 5. Canine Tooth-Brushing Kit Get yourself a toothbrush made especially for canines or a clean piece of soft gauze to wrap around your finger. Ask your vet for a toothpaste made especially for canines or make a paste out of baking soda and water. Never use fluoride with dogs under six months of age—it can interfere with their enamel formation. And please do not use human toothpaste, which can irritate a dog’s stomach. Special mouthwash for dogs is also available—ask your vet. 6. Brightening the Pearly Whites Taking these steps will make brushing a lot easier for the both of you: •First get your dog used to the idea of having her teeth brushed. Massage her lips with your finger in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks. Then move on to her teeth and gums. •When your pooch seems comfortable being touched this way, put a little bit of dog-formulated toothpaste or a paste of baking soda and water on her lips to get her used to the taste. •Next, introduce a toothbrush designed especially for dogs—it should be smaller than a human toothbrush and have softer bristles. Toothbrushes that you can wear over your finger (or a clean piece of gauze) are also available and allow you to give a nice massage to your dog’s gums. •Finally, apply the toothpaste to her teeth for a gentle brushing, as in step 7. •A veterinary exam beforehand may be helpful to find out if your dog’s gums are inflamed. If your dog has mild gingivitis, brushing too hard can hurt her gums. 7. Brushing Technique Yes, there is actually a technique! Place the brush or your gauze-wrapped finger at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and clean in small, circular motions. Work on one area of your dog’s mouth at a time, lifting her lip as necessary. The side of the tooth that touches the cheek usually has the most tartar, and giving a final downward stroke can help to remove it. If your dog resists having the inner surfaces of her teeth cleaned, don’t fight it—only a small amount of tartar accumulates there. Once you get the technique down, go for a brushing two or three times a week. 8. Know Your Mouth Disorders Getting familiar with the possible mouth problems your dog may encounter will help you determine when it’s time to see a vet about treatment: •Periodontal disease is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum that can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Signs are loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing and nasal discharge. •Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by accumulation of plaque, tartar and disease-producing bacteria above and below the gum line. Signs include bleeding, red, swollen gums and bad breath. It is reversible with regular teeth cleanings. •Halitosis—or bad breath—can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by bacteria growing from food particles caught between the teeth or by gum infection. Regular tooth-brushings are a great solution. •Swollen gums develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck between the teeth. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth at home and getting annual cleanings at the vet can prevent tartar and gingivitis. •Proliferating gum disease occurs when the gum grows over the teeth and must be treated to avoid gum infection. An inherited condition common to boxers and bull terriers, it can be treated with antibiotics. •Mouth tumors appear as lumps in the gums. Some are malignant and must be surgically removed. •Salivary cysts look like large, fluid-filled blisters under the tongue, but can also develop near the corners of the jaw. They require drainage, and the damaged saliva gland must be removed. •Canine distemper teeth can occur if a dog had distemper as a puppy. Adult teeth can appear looking eroded and can often decay. As damage is permanent, decayed teeth should be removed by a vet. 9. Chew on This chew toys can satisfy your dog’s natural desire to chomp, while making his teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help massage his gums and help keep his teeth clean by scraping away soft tartar. Ask your vet to recommend toxin-free rawhide, nylon and rubber chew toys. P.S.: Gnawing also reduces your dog’s overall stress level, prevents boredom and gives him an appropriate outlet for his natural need to chew. 10. Diet for Healthy Teeth Ask your vet about a specially formulated dry food that can slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. Also, avoid feeding your dog table scraps, instead giving him treats that are specially formulated to keep canine teeth healthy. Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-care-dental-health.aspx

February is Pet Dental Health Month at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital!

Did you know that a healthy mouth is a necessary aspect of your pet's overall physical health? February is Pet Dental Health Month the team at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital urges you to bring your pet in for a dental appointment this February! We want your pet to have a happy and healthy smile!

National Pet Travel Safety Day

It’s National Pet Travel Safety Day. A day to remember that protecting your pet on the road is extremely important! If you’re traveling by car, remember your pet should always wear a seat belt or be strapped in in a carrier. If you have questions about travel safety, we’ll be glad to help!

October Pet of the Month: Lola

Lola is our October Pet of the Month! Lola is an 18-month old Briard who is definitely one of the family. In fact, she thinks she owns the place! As much as she rules the roost, she also likes to pretend she's a lap dog by cuddling with eac

h of her people as often as possible. True to her origins, she's a fan of Brie cheese (well, ANY cheese), romping in the snow and corralling small children when sheep aren't available. Lola loves Dr. Cobelli and everyone at Quarry Ridge and she doesn't hesitate to stand at the counter on her hind legs to say hello every time she visits. We are proud to honor Lola as our Pet of the Month!

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Is your pet above their ideal weight for their size? Overweight pets are prone to organ health problems such as heart and liver disease, and could develop joint health problems as well. We can help you develop an exercise and diet plan to get them on the road to good health and good fitness! Give us a call today


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Are You Allergic To Your Pet?

Breathe easy! 

You can still keep your animal companion!

Although more and more people are discovering the beneficial effects of owning a furry bundle of joy, the fact remains that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is allergic to animals. The result? Countless owners in unhappy, unhealthy situations—and their beloved pets are the cause! Allergen is the medical term for the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Touching or inhaling allergens leads to reactions in allergic individuals. Symptoms can include red, itchy, watery eyes and nose; sneezing; coughing; scratchy or sore throat; itchy skin, and most serious of all, difficulty breathing.

The most common pet allergens are proteins found in their dander (scales of old skin that are constantly shed by an animal), saliva, urine and sebaceous cells. Any animal can trigger an allergic response, but cats are the most common culprits. People can also become allergic to the urine, dander and saliva of exotic pets such as ferrets, guinea pigs, birds, rabbits and rodents. There is no species or breed to which humans cannot develop allergies. Fur length and type will not affect or prevent allergies. Certain pets can be less irritating than others to those who suffer from allergies, but that is strictly on an individual basis and cannot be predicted.

Once the diagnosis of a pet allergy is made, a physician will often recommend eliminating the companion animal from the surroundings. Heartbreaking? Yes. Absolutely necessary? Not always. Keep in mind that most people are allergic to several things besides pets, such as dust mites, molds and pollens, all of which can be found in the home. Allergic symptoms result from the total cumulative allergen load. That means that if you eliminate some of the other allergens, you may not have to get rid of your pet. (Conversely, should you decide to remove your pet from your home, this may not immediately solve your problems.) You must also be prepared to invest the time and effort needed to decontaminate your home environment, limit future exposure to allergens and find a physician who will work with you. Our three-part program follows:

Improving the Immediate Environment

1. Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It's a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.
2. Limit fabrics. Allergens collect in rugs, drapes and upholstery, so do your best to limit or eliminate them from your home. If you choose to keep some fabrics, steam-clean them regularly. Cotton-covered furniture is the smartest choice, and washable blinds or shades make good window treatments.
3. Vacuum frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Other kinds of bags will permit allergens to blow back out of the vacuum.
4. Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Our modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it’s smart to let in some fresh air daily.
5. Use anti-allergen room sprays. These sprays deactivate allergens, rendering them harmless. Ask your allergist for a product recommendation.
6. Clean the litter box frequently. Use lowdust, perfume-free filler. Clumping litter is a good choice.
7. Dust regularly. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.
8. Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily.
9. 
   

Decontaminating Your Pet

1. Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won't dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur.
2. Wipe your pet with a product formulated to prevent dander from building up and flaking off into the environment. Ask your veterinarian to suggest one that is safe to use on animals who groom themselves.
3. Note any symptoms of dermatitis exhibited by your companion animal. Dermatitis often leads to accelerated skin and fur shedding, which will up your allergen exposure.
4. Brush or comb your pet frequently. It’s best to do this outdoors, if possible. (The ASPCA does not recommend keeping cats outdoors, so make sure your feline is leashed if you take him outside.)
5. 
   

Taking Care of Yourself

1. If possible, have someone other than yourself do the housecleaning, litter box work and pet washing, wiping and brushing. If you must clean the house or change the litter, be sure to wear a dust mask.
2. Wash your hands after handling your companion animal and before touching your face. The areas around your nose and eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens.
3. Designate a “pet outfit” from among your most easily washed clothes. Wear it when playing or cuddling with your companion, and you’ll leave other clothing uncontaminated.
4. Find a physician, preferably an allergy specialist, who will make sure that your pet is the cause of your allergies and will help alleviate your symptoms. Medications and immunotherapy (desensitizing shots) can often allow you and your companion animal to remain together happily ever after.

September Team Member of the Month: Beau

Beau Vitanza, Co-Office Manager at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital, is the Team Member of the Month for September.

Beau started out as a client of the practice. About a year after Dr. Cobelli moved the practice to our current, larger facility and started expanding the number of doctors and staff, she hired Beau to help her out in the office on a part-time basis. Beau started on December 5, 2002. Her position has now evolved into a full-time position and she is definitely the "jack-of-all-trades" person in the practice.

Beau graduated from Georgetown University and practiced as a registered nurse before going to work as Office Manager for five years for her husband's executive search firm.. Her interests include gardening and her newly adopted 12 year old Labradoodle, Angus. After years of having Great Danes, Angus came into her life through the practice when one of our dog-training clients was looking for a home for him. Beau fell instantly in love with him and says he is both well-trained and a joyous clown.

When asked about her favorite things about the practice, Beau stated that it is the employees. According to her, "We have a lot of fun--great employees who have great repoir with our clients. And, of course, working with all the animals is always fun."