Can Cats Get Stuck in Trees

The answer is yes. Cats can get stuck in trees and they can die or become seriously injured in the process of getting down by themselves. A cat’s claws are not designed for descending, they are designed for climbing up; unlike a squirrel who can climb in every direction, a cat needs their head up in order to climb up, and the only way to get back down would be to go backwards.

FUN FACT: The only cat that can climb down a tree head first is the Margay, or Tree Ocelot- a rare cat found in the rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

So why would a cat climb a tree to begin with? She might be chasing or running from something… She might just be curious! Cats love to climb, and the most danger comes to indoor cats who have less experience. When panicked, a cat will likely continue to climb upwards and this is where the danger comes… A cat can survive for over a week in a tree and even survive a high fall, but if the cat climbs so high they cannot be heard or seen, they could eventually die of starvation, dehydration, or from contact with a predator.

What should you do?

Take immediate action if it is a kitten, declawed, an indoor cat, the animal has been up there for multiple days, the weather forecast is cold, wet, rain, or a storm, you suspect an injury, the animal is wedged, there is chance of attack by an animal.

Keep dogs and excitable children away from the area to prevent the cat from getting nervous and climbing higher. Do your best to keep your pet calm and let them know you are there by calling their name. You could also try tempting them with food or treats. This may encourage them to climb down.

If it is unsafe for you to rescue your pet on your own, you should not wait long to ask for help. Contrary to popular belief, most fire departments do not perform cat rescues. You might try this directory to find a cat rescuer in your area: http://www2.catinatreerescue.com/view/directory.cfm. 

If you cannot find help there, you might call a local tree care company for help. 

Keep your Pet Safe this Halloween and Avoid These Dangers!

As fun as Halloween is for people, especially children, it’s actually a pretty dangerous time for pets! Veterinary and emergency centers see a 12% increase in calls during the Halloween holiday. Below are a few tips for keeping your animals safe.

Candy is not for pets.

In fact, a lot of candies can even be lethal your pet, especially dark chocolate. Some other candies that are dangerous include candy corn and other high-sugar candies, candy with wrappers, hard candies, and sugar-free gum. But remember, that all candies are made for humans, not pets, so be sure to keep your candy somewhere pets cannot get to it.

Prepare Trick-or-Treaters!

If your pet does not do well with strangers, consider keeping them in another room if you plan to give out candy. If you do not want to keep your pet away, you might consider leaving a bowl of candy outside with a note that says “Take 1”. Never leave your pet outside on Halloween as this is a big night for “pranksters” and there have been instances of harm caused to pets left out on Halloween.

Black Cats on Halloween are at Greater Risk

Prepare your outdoor cat (especially black cats) a few days before and after Halloween by keeping them inside. Due to their ties to urban-legends like witchcraft, they are at a high risk to cruelty-related incidents during the month of October.

Keep Lit Pumpkins and other Decorations Away from Pets

A pet can catch fire or burn easily near a candle pumpkin or knock it over, causing a fire. Other decorations might be electrical or made of glass that could cause serious injury to your pet.

Think Twice about Costumes

Unless you know your pet will enjoy being dressed in a costume, you may instead consider a festive bandana or collar. Many costumes can be choking hazard or cause discomfort to your pet. Be sure the costume does not restrict their movement, hearing, ability to breathe, or bark/meow and be sure the fabric does not cause irritation.

­­

7 Dogs Having Fun in Piles Of Leaves… Guaranteed to make you smile!

1. When you're way too comfortable.

2. Best friends!

3. Best. Day. Ever!

4. Two kids playing with their pup :)

5. Almost missed him!

6. This landing is gonna be EPIC...

7. Freedom!!!

x

Fall Safety: The Season of Toxic Mushrooms

Pets are explorers and wanderers, and because of this they are at a higher risk for consuming toxic mushrooms in the fall season. The good news is, 99% of the mushrooms you will find in your yard or on a hike thru the woods are non-toxic, but it is important to remember that dogs and cats are not able to sniff out the toxic ones, so the best solution is to discourage investigation and consumption of mushrooms all together.

Some of the initial symptoms of toxic mushroom consumption include: bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, fever, and elevated heart rate. Without treatment of these symptoms, the pet is at high risk for liver and kidney failure within 3-5 days.

Three of the deadliest mushrooms your dog or cat might consume include:

Pets are attracted to these mushrooms due to their fishy odor.

If your pet may have been poisoned by a mushroom, try to get a sample of what they consumed to aid in identification. Immediately call your veterinarian or poison control center. Stay safe this season and keep an eye on your pet.

Our Recipe for Homemade Dog Biscuits

Baking your own dog biscuits can be a fun way to reward your pet for good behavior… And aside from being a fun activity, they are also healthier for your dog than the store-versions. See below for the recipe for homemade dog biscuits (Recipe credit to Cesar Milan).

*Note: buy all organic ingredients for an even cleaner alternative to store-bought treats!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (substitute regular flour or oats if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• 1 tsp. salt (or less)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. Beef or chicken Bouillon granules (can substitute beef or chicken broth/stock)
• ½ cup hot water
• Optional: Add bacon or chicken broth, eggs, oats, liver powder, wheat germ, shredded cheese, bacon bits, to (your dog's) taste

Directions

1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.    Dissolve bouillon in hot water

3.    Add remaining ingredients

4.    Knead dough until it forms a ball (approximately 3 minutes)

5.    Roll dough until ½ inch thick

6.    Cut into slices or bone shapes (you can purchase a bone shaped cookie cutter to make shapes with)

7.    Place dough pieces on lightly greased cookie sheet

8.    Cook for 30 minutes

Taking Care of Your New Kitten

It’s well into kitten season, and many people are bringing home a new kitten to become part of their family. Here are some important tips for taking care of your new addition.

1.     Find a safe space. Your new kitten should stay in only one room or an enclosure, such as a cage or pen, so that it can gradually adjust to its new surroundings. Try to find a place without any long curtains, cloth furniture, breakable items, or easily-opened cupboards. In many ways, a new kitten is like a crawling baby, so you may want to install child-proof latches in your home, particularly since kittens love to get into small spaces. Check for any potential dangers including fireplaces, poisonous substances, and plants to make your kitten as safe as possible. And always keep any windows, gates, and doors securely fastened to make sure your kitten stays secure and where you want it to be!

2.     Introduce a litter box. Having your kitten in one room is an important part of litter box training. Place a litter tray with low sides in a corner of the room away from the food and water bowls. It’s a good idea to place a mat or other covering underneath the litter box to make clean-up easier. After your kitten gets used to using the litter box, you’ll be able to move to a container with higher sides to keep litter from spilling out, but at first you want to make the litter box as accessible as possible.

3.     Create a warm haven. It’s a good idea to provide a cardboard box with soft bedding, a cat basket, or a semi-enclosed cat bed so that your cat has a safe place to hide until it’s feeling more confident. You’ll want to make sure that this sleeping space is away from any drafts so your new kitten doesn’t get chilled.

4.     Provide a scratching area. Some cats prefer an upright scratching post while others are drawn to a scratching pad. You may want to offer both at first so that you immediately train your kitten to only scratch on an appropriate surface. This will go a long way towards protecting your furniture and carpets in the long run.

5.     Play with your kitten. While kittens need a lot of sleep, in between naps they will have bursts of playful energy. Spending time playing with them using specific, safe toys that they will become familiar with is another way to channel their innate instincts into activities that don’t interfere with your lifestyle or damage your belongings. And playing with them is also a great way to bond!

6.     Feed your kitten carefully. When you first bring a kitten home, it’s a good idea to feed it the same food as it has already been eating, as a sudden change in diet may cause stomach upset and/or diarrhea. If you want to change their food, do so gradually by mixing it with the food it is used to and gradually increasing the amount of the new food. Kittens should be fed small amounts 3-4 times a day until they are at least six months old, and it’s a good idea to buy a high-quality, name-brand kitten food that has been specially formulated for their nutritional needs.

If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your new kitten, don’t hesitate to contact the veterinary staff at BregmanVeterinary Group. Soon after you welcome your new kitten, you should schedule its first vet appointment, and its first vaccinations should be given at 8-10 weeks of age. We look forward to meeting your new family addition!

Bringing the dog along: Beach Day Edition

The sun is shining, the van is packed and the kids won’t stop kicking and screaming the drivers seat. They say a dog is man’s best friend, but you’re unsure if you can handle the pooch on top of the already hectic environment. Not to fret, bringing the dog along for a beach day doesn’t have to be a hassle – you’ve surely got enough on your plate. Just follow these tips and everyone, dog included, will be taking in some Oceanside rays.

Find a Dog Friendly Beach

It’s important to note that not all beaches allow pets. So, when you have your destination in mind, double check by calling or going online to make sure your little drooling companion is legally able to visit.

Fresh Water, and Plenty of It

Just because Old Yeller spent an hour frolicking in the ocean doesn’t mean he’s hydrated. Make sure you bring along a dish and some fresh water to provide hydration. Salt water, and

Shady Naps

 We all have that one Irish friend who can’t tan. Sure, it’s entertaining to watch as the sun turns him into a lobster by 2 pm, but you don’t want that for your dog. Make sure you have an umbrella or small tent-type shader to provide your mutt shelter from the sun.

Choppy Waves are No Good

Large waves or areas with a lot of boats and jet skis can frighten dogs, so it’s best to stay away. Not to mention, if your dog isn’t the greatest swimmer, you might want to keep them away from heavy wave action.