Money tips for caring pet owners

Everyone is trying to save money these days, including pet owners. But in an effort to cut back on costs, you may hear advice that could end up compromising your pet’s health. Regardless of what you read, providing your pet with regular preventive care is the key to a healthy and long life for your pet. And an investment in preventive healthcare can reduce your long-term pet healthcare costs. How? Preventive care does just what its name suggests – it can prevent diseases that can put your pet’s life in jeopardy and be costly to treat. Regular exams also often catch budding health issues that can become bigger problems if left untreated, saving you hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars as a result and possibly even saving the life of your pet.

First Things First
We recognize that cost is a major concern for pet owners, but selecting a veterinarian involves more than just price-shopping. There are several factors to consider when you choose a veterinarian, such as convenient office hours, how the veterinarian and staff treat you and your pet, and what type of payment options and plans they offer. Cost is often a factor, but it may not be the most important factor to consider. While some veterinary medical services may be offered at very low rates, remember that they also may not include comprehensive services. Make sure you compare “apples to apples,” so you know that the cost estimates you’re getting are for the same services. For example, one estimate might be for surgery alone, while another higher-cost estimate also includes some pre-operative bloodwork and post-operative pain relief; and when you add these services to the lower-cost estimate, the prices are more comparable than you originally thought.

 And what about “Dr. Google?” More and more, people are resorting to the Internet to find information and guidance on health issues – for both themselves and their pets. Sorting out reliable from unreliable information online can be challenging, and the Internet is certainly not a reliable substitute for hands-on evaluation by your veterinarian or physician. Don’t get us wrong. Not all information on the Internet is wrong or misguided. But the AVMA urges you to be very cautious when relying on online information for decisions regarding your own health or your pet’s health. And steer clear of anyone offering online diagnoses or treatment recommendations, either for free or for a fee. They may be bogus, not to mention illegal.

A Penny Now or a Pound Later?
All of the veterinarians interviewed for this article emphasized that annual preventive healthcare exams and regular preventive care – such as vaccinations, heartworm testing, fecal parasite exams, dental evaluation and more – save pets’ lives by ensuring they’re healthy. They can also save pet owners money by reducing or eliminating the risk of health problems that can be more expensive to treat. The cost of preventive care usually pales in comparison to the cost of treating the disease or problem that would have been prevented. Regular exams can also detect problems early, before they become more serious…and probably more expensive to treat. In a nutshell, spending the money upfront on preventive care can save you a lot more in the long run. “Routine monitoring for tick-borne diseases and parasites (including heartworm), as well as keeping your pets up-to-date on medications, can save their lives,” said Dr. Meghan McGrath of Radnor Veterinary Hospital in Wayne, Pa.

 Pets should have annual wellness exams, and some pets may need more frequent exams, said Dr. Michael Cavanaugh, DABVP, American Animal Hospital Association executive director. “Many people ask me, ‘How often should my pet see their veterinarian?’ My typical answer is at least annually, and it depends. Depending on the pet’s lifestage, lifestyle, and overall health status, they may need to be seen more frequently. The individual pet’s veterinarian is best positioned to determine how many visits per year are in order,” Dr. Cavanaugh said.

 Source: By Julie Ciaramella AVMA Communications Division

Groom Your Dog

At Somerset Veterinary Group, we know the importance of pet grooming for their overall health, that's why we wanted to share with you some tips and tricks for making your next at-home grooming a success. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about proper grooming techniques for your pet.

Groom Your Dog

Snip, clip, wash and dry! Groom your dog like a pro.

Ever watched your dog roll on the ground, lick her coat or chew at a mat on her fur? These are her ways of keeping clean. Sometimes, though, she’ll need a little extra help from her friend to look her best.

Make Grooming as Enjoyable as Possible—For the Both of You!

Grooming sessions should always be fun, so be sure to schedule them when your dog’s relaxed, especially if she’s the excitable type. Until your pet is used to being groomed, keep the sessions short—just 5 to 10 minutes. Gradually lengthen the time until it becomes routine for your dog. You can help her get comfortable with being touched and handled by making a habit of petting every single part of your dog, including such potentially sensitive areas as the ears, tail, belly, back and feet.
And here’s one of our most important tips of all—pile on the praise and offer your pooch a treat when the session is finished!

Brushing

Regular grooming with a brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free. And grooming time’s a great time to check for fleas and flea dirt--those little black specks that indicate your pet is playing host to a flea family.
If your dog has a smooth, short coat (like that of a chihuahua, boxer or basset hound), you only need to brush once a week: - First, use a rubber brush to loosen dead skin and dirt.
- Next, use a bristle brush to remove dead hair.
- Now, polish your low-maintenance pooch with a chamois cloth and she’s ready to shine!
If your dog has short, dense fur that’s prone to matting, like that of a retriever, here’s your weekly routine:
- Use a slicker brush to remove tangles.
- Next, catch dead hair with a bristle brush.
- Don’t forget to comb her tail.
If your dog has a long, luxurious coat, such as that of a Yorkshire terrier, she’ll need daily attention:
- Every day you’ll need to remove tangles with a slicker brush.
- Gently tease mats out with a slicker brush.
- Next, brush her coat with a bristle brush.
- If you have a long-haired dog with a coat like a collie’s or an Afghan hound’s, follow the steps above, and also be sure to comb through the fur and trim the hair around the hocks and feet.

Bathing

The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every 3 months or so; your pet may require more frequent baths in the summertime if she spends lots of time with your outdoors. Always use a mild shampoo that’s safe to use on dogs, and follow these easy steps:
- First, give your pet a good brushing to remove all dead hair and mats.
- Place a rubber bath mat in the bathtub to provide secure footing, and fill the tub with about 3 to 4 inches of lukewarm water.
- Use a spray hose to thoroughly wet your pet, taking care not to spray directly in her ears, eyes or nose. If you don’t have a spray hose, a large plastic pitcher or unbreakable cup will do.
- Gently massage in shampoo, working from head to tail.
- Thoroughly rinse with a spray hose or pitcher; again, avoid the ears, eyes and nose.
- Check the ears for any foul odors or excessive debris; if you choose to use a cleansing solution on a cotton ball, take care not to insert it into the ear canal.
- Dry your pet with a large towel or blow dryer, but carefully monitor the level of heat.
Please note: Some animals seem to think that bathtime is a perfect time to act goofy. Young puppies especially will wiggle and bounce all over the place while you try to brush them, and tend to nip at bathtime. If this sounds like your pet, put a toy that floats in the tub with her so she can focus on the toy rather than on mouthing you.

Nail Clipping

Most people really don’t handle their dog’s feet until they are about to clip the nails and then…watch out! Some animals can get very upset at this totally foreign feeling. That’s why it’s a good idea to get your dog used to having her feet touched before you attempt a nail trim. Rub your hand up and down her leg and then gently press each individual toe—and be sure to give her lots of praise and some food treats as you do this. Every animal is different, but chances are that within a week or two of daily foot massage, your dog will be better able to tolerate a trim. Here’s how to do it:
- Begin by spreading each of your dog’s feet to inspect for dirt and debris.
- Use sharp, guillotine-type nail clippers to cut off the tip of each nail at a slight angle, just before the point where it begins to curve.
- Take care to avoid the quick, a vein that runs into the nail. This pink area can be seen through the nail. If your dog has black nails, however, the quick will not be as easily discernible, so be extra careful.
- If you do accidentally cut into the quick, it may bleed, in which case you can apply some styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
- Once the nails have been cut, use an emery board to smooth any rough edges.

Special Breeds, Special Needs

Dogs with loose facial skin or wrinkles—such as shar peis and pugs—will need special attention. To prevent dirt and bacteria from causing irritation and infection, clean the folds with damp cotton. Always thoroughly dry the areas between the folds.
If your dog has long or droopy ears, you should check them weekly. Remove wax and dirt from your pet’s ears with a cotton ball moistened with water or a little mineral oil. You may need to remove any excess hair leading into the ear canal; ask your pet’s vet or groomer to show you how before trying it at home. There are special hair removers that allow you to carefully pull one strand at a time.

Originally published by the ASPCA.

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Dental Care Tips from Somerset Veterinary Group

February is Pet Dental Health Month, and the team at Somerset Veterinary Group knows how important oral health is for your pet. We recommend regular at-home dental care to ensure that your pet's mouth--and the rest of their body--stays healthy as long as possible! We encourage you to read this great article and please contact us right away if you have questions or concerns about your pet's dental care and dental health.

Brushing Your Pet's Teeth

Equally important to annual dental exams at your veterinarian’s practice is home dental care, including brushing your pet’s teeth every day if possible. AAHA recommends a technique for both younger and older animals, although it’s easier to start brushing when your pet is young.

To introduce a fearful cat or dog to the idea of dental care, start slowly and gradually. Dip a finger into beef bouillon (for dogs) or tuna water (for cats) and gently rub along your pet’s gums and teeth. The most important area to focus on is the gum line (the crevice where the gums meet the teeth), where bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Focusing on the gum line, start at the front of the mouth, then move to the back upper and lower teeth and gum areas. Once your pet is okay with a little bit of touching, gradually introduce gauze over your finger and rub the teeth and gums in a circular fashion.

When your four-legged friend can handle the gauze, try brushing with a toothbrush specially designed for pets or a very soft, ultra-sensitive toothbrush designed for people. The bristles should be held at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and be moved in an oval motion. Scrub in the gum line, as this is where odor and infection begin. Gradually add special dog/cat toothpaste (flavored with meat or fish), but never use people toothpaste or baking soda, as both will upset your pet’s stomach.

Use the following process to clean the inside surfaces of your pet’s teeth:

1. Place your hand over your pet’s muzzle from the top
2. Gently squeeze and push his lips on one side between the back teeth (to keep his mouth open)
3. Pull his head back gently so his mouth opens
4. Brush his teeth on the opposite side
5. Repeat this process for the other side

The entire process should only take a minute or two. If your dog or cat continues to resist, try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with only his head sticking out. Above all, avoid overstraining and keep sessions short and positive. With plenty of praise and reassurance, your dental sessions can bring the two of you closer---a closeness that won’t be marred by the perils of dog breath.

Home care can be improved by feeding your pet an unmoistened dry pet food and offering him hard biscuits after each meal. Both dry food and hard biscuits produce abrasion to help keep plaque to a minimum on the crown of each tooth. 

Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care; however, it is necessary to provide optimum health and quality of life. Diseases of the oral cavity, if left untreated, are often painful and can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease.

AAHA encourages pet owners to regularly examine their pet’s teeth for signs of periodontal disease, such as brownish colored teeth; swollen, red, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; loose teeth or loss of teeth; pus between the gums and teeth; broken teeth and any unusual growth in the mouth. Reluctance to eat, play with chew toys, or drink cold water are warning signs of periodontal or gum disease. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs in your pet to schedule a dental exam.

There are two critical components of your pet’s veterinary dental care: oral examinations and dental cleanings. Veterinary dental care begins at the puppy and kitten life stage. As your pet ages, your veterinarian will look for developmental anomalies, the accumulation of plaque and tartar, periodontal disease and oral tumors. Veterinarians can perform a basic oral examination on patients that are awake. However, when a cleaning is required, your pet will need to be induced under general anesthesia wherein a thorough examination will be done prior to the cleaning. Dental cleanings performed while your pet is awake is not only dangerous for the team member performing the cleaning but dangerous to your pet as well.

Since there is an element of risk associated with any medical procedure, it is important that safety precautions are used. Among the many standards in the dentistry section, AAHA accreditation requires that veterinarians perform thorough examinations of the teeth and structures of the oral cavity in patients presented for dental procedures and only properly trained practice team members perform dental procedures. Additionally, AAHA Standards recommend that dental procedures are accompanied by pain assessment and appropriate pain treatment.

For more information on pet dental care, read our AAHA Dental Care Guidelines article.

Click here for an instructive video by the Cornell Feline Health Center on brushing your cat’s teeth.

Originally published on Healthy Pet.

ASPCA Winter Cat Care and Safety Tips

When the weather outside turns cold and snowy, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reminds you to think about your pet's safety and recommends the following winter care tips to protect your companion animal:

1. Keep your cats inside. Outdoor cats can freeze, or become lost or stolen, injured or killed.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under car hoods for warmth. Before starting your car, bang loudly on the hood and wait a few seconds to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Antifreeze, even in tiny doses, is a lethal poison for cats. Unfortunately, its sweet taste attracts animals to it. Thoroughly clean up spills from your vehicle. To prevent accidental poisoning, more and more people are using animal-friendly products that contain propylene glycol rather than traditional products containing ethylene glycol. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4ANI-HELP) if you suspect your animal has been poisoned.

4. Never leave your pet alone in a car during the cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your companion animal could freeze to death.

5. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from drafts and off the floor. Consider a cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.


Originally published on The Cat Channel.

Hurricane Sandy

Dear Owner:

If you become displaced because of the hurricane and need to house your pet temporarily, please contact our Bridgewater office us at (908) 725-1800.  Our hospital would be more than happy to do so at no charge.  If there is a medical emergency and we are closed, please contact Animerge at 908 707-9077 (21Route 206 North in Raritan).

The following guidance will help keep your pet safe during evacuations and other emergency situations.

Hurricane Sandy and Animals
The most important thing a person can do is to plan ahead. If you are asked to evacuate, you need to bring your pets with you. You need to start thinking today about where you will take your pets -- ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if you and/or your pets can stay with them until the all clear is given. An alternative is to find a pet friendly motel. There a number of them listed on the web:

http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-newjersey.html
http://www.bringfido.com/lodging/state/new_jersey/
http://www.funnewjersey.com/upload_user/Weekend_Getaways/HOTELS.HTM

You should have a portable pet carrier for each animal and identification with each animal. Bring copies of the pet's licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet foods, bottled water, special medications and instructions for their administration, any special needs for your pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/petbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for pets.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/pdf/livestockbro.pdf for more information on emergency planning for livestock.

Go to http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/prog/helpfullinks.html for other helpful links.

Listen for public safety announcements and if you are called to evacuate -- DO NOT leave your pets behind!

Provided by: Shari C. Silverman VMD, Principal Veterinarian, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health

Be safe!

Your friends at SVG

2012 All-American Chip-a-Thon

The 2012 All-American Chip-a-Thon will run until Labor Day so make sure your pet is protected by having them microchipped, if they’re traveling with you, or even if they just like to wander. Somerset Veterinary Group will offer microchipping AND the first year of membership with HomeAgain...now through Labor Day for $52.99. Microchipping ensures that your pet has a permanent form of identification linking them to you, in case you should be separated. Call us at 908-725-1800 for more details about the 2012 Chip-a-Thon!

Warm Weather Brings Pesky Parasites

Most pet owners know that the return of springtime temperatures will also hasten the return of itching and scratching due to fleas. What many owners don't know is that besides the irritation, fleas can also spread numerous serious diseases and parasites such as tapeworms. Although fleas seem to hold an upper hand, your veterinarian can help you win the battle against these pests. Watch this video to learn more.

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month. Did you know that some regular household substances can be poisonous to your pet? It’s important to keep an eye on the things that your pet consumes, and that includes things out in the yard! We suggest keeping your poisonous substances, such as fertilizers, pesticides, paints, and cleaning products on high shelves inside the shed or garage. And be sure to thoroughly clean any spills on the driveway or garage floor. You never know what your pet might get into!

Tomorrow is 'If Pets had Thumbs'

Sam is our Pet of the Month! Sam is a nine year old Doberman Pinscher who was rescued at 15 months. Sam has had his teeth brushed everyday along with Hills t/d diet, marrow and nylabones as treats. At the age of 5, Sam had a dental cleaning but only had minimal tartar. Daily oral care and appropriate chewing toys certainly pays off!

 

Puppy Socialization and Exploration at Camp Bow Wow

Check out Puppy Socialization and Exploration at Camp Bow Wow Bridgewater. Somerset Veterinary Group is sponsoring this fun event every Saturday in the months of February and March, making it free for all puppy participants. Join us this Saturday February 11th! Contact Camp Bow Wow Bridgewater at 732-805-0888 to reserve your spot or for more details about this event.

 

 

BREED SPECIFIC PROBLEMS IN DOGS

• Boston Terrier, Pug/French Bulldog/any mixes including these (puggle etc):
• Dry Eye- Don’t produce enough tears and require life long medication to treat
• Corneal ulcers- damage to the cornea that requires treatment and can result in loss of vision or of eye itself
• Facial fold dermatitis- infections in the folds of the face. Require treatment and lifelong cleaning of the facial folds

• Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever:
• Allergies- usually involves itchy skin, secondary infections, ear infections
• Weight gain- can lead to severe problems such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, torn cruciate/other ligaments, endocrine disease, spinal disk injuries
• Cancer- usually involving the liver or spleen. Can cause sudden bleeding into the abdomen which will cause pet to have pale gum color and become suddenly lethargic. Must seek vet care immediately if this is seen

• Bulldogs/brachycephalic breeds (shortened muzzle):
• Brachycephalic syndrome- small nostril openings making breathing more difficult, too long of a palate causing problems with breathing especially when excited. Surgery is available for this problem to help improve breathing, quality, and longevity of life.

• Small Terriers:
• Pancreatitis- inflammation of the pancreas often caused by fatty treats/meals or stress. Can range from minor requiring only a few days of intravenous fluids to severe requiring weeks in hospital. Advise not feeding any fatty meals to these breeds.

• Large breed dogs (Rottweilers, St. Bernards etc.)
• Bone Cancer- usually found in the limbs. The first sign is usually pain on touching the leg, limping, and lethargy.

• Boxers, Doberman Pincers, King Charles Cavalier Spaniels
• Heart Disease- These breeds commonly can develop heart disease at any point in their lives. It can range from mild to severe and usually requires medication daily.

All breeds have the potential for being excellent pets. It is, however, an excellent idea to know the potential problems that you may need to deal with before bringing a pet into your family.

Provided by:

Somerset Veterinary Group

908.725.1800

Pets with iPad Apps

These curious creatures love playing with Pet Apps on iPhones and iPads. If you have an iPad or iPhone, do you have any Pet Apps installed on them? If so, which do you recommend for pet owners and their furry family members?

WINTER IS HERE…SO IS DRY SKIN

We all know that when winter arrives, and the heat goes on in the house, we start to notice that our skin dries out.  We naturally apply hand and body creams and use up tubes of chapped lip medication.  It should be no surprise then, that these conditions also affect your pet.  Dry skin leads to flaking and itching, more dander, and a poorer hair coat.  There are some things that you can do to make your pet more comfortable during these chilly months.

·        Bathe your dog with regular shampoo as infrequently as possible to prevent drying.  Don’t bathe your cat unless there is a specific need.  Avoid using shampoos with perfumes or strong odors.

·        Ask your veterinarian for shampoos that will aid in moisturizing and caring for you pet’s particular skin problem.

·        Gently brush your pet frequently, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for your pet’s particular coat and skin. 

·        Use a good quality pet food.  These nutrients are what will make or break a great hair coat.

·        Don’t use creams or lotions on your pet’s coat; they will just mat down the hair and cause problems.

Fireplaces and wood burning stoves dry out the air even more.  A humidifier is a great way to keep you and your buddies more comfortable.   Drinking lots of water works for your pets as well as you.  Also, check areas like your pet’s ears and belly frequently.  Dry skin often makes the ears itchy and can lead to problems and/or infections.

Baby Deer and Baby Kitten

Exercise: Moving Toward a Healthy Outlook

 Rule #1: Make It Fun!

Like most pet owners you probably have a backyard or a place you let your

dog out to run – and this is his/her daily exercise. Unfortunately most dogs

won’t exercise when they are left outside by themselves. As an owner, you

want what is best for your dog – freedom to play – but you don’t want to turn

that play into work.

Most people don’t equate exercise with fun. In reality, exercise is healthy for your dog’s body and mind. Exercise can be used a reward for your dog – giving you the added benefit of time to bond with your faithful friend – a friend that is counting on you to do what is best for them. Here are some tips that, with your veterinarian’s permission, could turn work into reward:

• Make a Friend! Taking your dog to a local dog park can be a treat for both of you. Your dog can run with some friends while you have a chance to share tips and relax with their companions. If the park does not provide water, be sure to bring some along – making friends can build up quite a thirst.

• Go Fetch! Your dog can “fetch” a lot of entertainment out of something that may not seem all that exciting to you. A favorite toy and a safe area to run can lead to a very happy dog. Just a few safety tips:

   • Don’t use a stick for your game of fetch; many dogs are injured this way.

   • Keep your throws low to the ground to avoid injury to your dog’s legs when jumping to catch objects.

• Hidden Rewards! Put aside some of your dog’s normal diet, or choose another low calorie snack, and hide it inside a toy. You can also wrap a favorite toy or small treat inside a towel and let your dog try to unwrap it. These games provide a workout for both body and the mind – and a reward for persistence!

• Routine Play! An everyday walk can become an amusement park for your dog. Set up a small obstacle course, let your dog jump across a fallen tree, or hide a favorite toy along the way for them to find. You can also add a little resistance (and burned calories) by taking your walk in snow, along a sandy area, or in shallow water.

• Exercise Can Go “Swimmingly”! If your dog likes the water, swimming can be a great exercise. Water provides a soothing space for your dog to make full use of his/her joints. A short swim can provide the same amount of exercise as a hard run, without unnecessary stress to the body and joints.

• Indoor Fun! In cold or inclement weather, fun can also be found indoors. Sign your dog up for an agility or obedience class. You can usually find information on classes in your area from your veterinarian or at a local pet store or grooming shop. Dogs (and their owners) can play and learn at the same time!

Somerset Veterinary Group

1074 Highway 22

Bridgewater,NJ-08807

Phone #908-725-1800

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo
Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy
Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey
Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody
VPI's compete list of popular pet names for 2011 will be released in early January, 2012.

WINTER IS HERE…SO IS DRY SKIN

We all know that when winter arrives, and the heat goes on in the house, we start to notice that our skin dries out.  We naturally apply hand and body creams and use up tubes of chapped lip medication.  It should be no surprise then, that these conditions also affect your pet.  Dry skin leads to flaking and itching, more dander, and a poorer hair coat.  There are some things that you can do to make your pet more comfortable during these chilly months.

·        Bathe your dog with regular shampoo as infrequently as possible to prevent drying.  Don’t bathe your cat unless there is a specific need.  Avoid using shampoos with perfumes or strong odors.

·        Ask your veterinarian for shampoos that will aid in moisturizing and caring for you pet’s particular skin problem.

·        Gently brush your pet frequently, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for your pet’s particular coat and skin. 

·        Use a good quality pet food.  These nutrients are what will make or break a great hair coat.

·        Don’t use creams or lotions on your pet’s coat; they will just mat down the hair and cause problems.

Fireplaces and wood burning stoves dry out the air even more.  A humidifier is a great way to keep you and your buddies more comfortable.   Drinking lots of water works for your pets as well as you.  Also, check areas like your pet’s ears and belly frequently.  Dry skin often makes the ears itchy and can lead to problems and/or infections.

Provided by:

Somerset Veterinary Group

908.725.1800

Dog Waits for Santa

Holiday Pet Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.