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Keeping Cats Safe Outdoors

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Bubba the Cat | Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, SeattleBy Bubba the Cat
Public Relations Officer

Allowing us cats to roam outdoors is a decision that requires careful consideration.

There are camps on both sides of the issue, passionate about their opinions regarding whether we cats should to be allowed to roam, as we’re not a native species to North America and there are dangers out there.

Recent research has shown owned cats roam an average territory of 5 acres, considerably larger than most people’s backyards (feral cats have even larger territories). I used to be one of those guys, wandering the streets of Lynnwood looking for the lady cats.

Beyond neutering, vaccinations, parasite prevention medications, a microchip, safety collar, and ID tag, what can be done to keep our outdoor feline colleagues safe and healthy? And what about our impact on the outside world?

The benefits of allowing a cat to roam

How to keep your cat safe outdoors | AtlanticVetSeattle.comOn the one hand, kitties allowed outdoor access tend to exhibit fewer behaviors you humans find objectionable, like destructive clawing and urine marking – a stimulated mind is a healthier mind.

My kitty counterparts allowed outdoors are more likely to maintain their body weight in a healthy range and refrain from excessive grooming because they get more exercise and don’t eat out of boredom.

The drawbacks of allowing a cat to roam

On the other hand, cats allowed outdoors face considerable danger—including death—from cars and urban predators (raccoon, coyote, eagle, and big dogs).

They often get into fights with other cats over territory boundaries, risking dangers ranging from bite wounds and abscesses, to life-threatening viral infections like feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline infectious viremia (FIV).

They frequently are exposed to internal and external parasites (intestinal worms, fleas, mites, ticks), which they can pass to their human families.

Ornithologists (those scientific types who study birds) blame them for dramatic declines in wild bird populations.

And some cats just plain get lost and never find their way back home.

A better alternative: Cat yards

But there’s a compromise I’d like you to consider that’s gaining popularity: outdoor cat yards. In the 10+ years of providing house calls for cats throughout the Seattle area, our doctors have seen an amazing variety of cat yards exhibiting cat families’ creativity and love for their furry friend(s).

Using a  wide variety of configurations and materials, folks have constructed outdoor spaces for their cats to play, lounge, and explore that keep the cats (and birds, for the most part) safe while providing exercise, mental stimulation, fresh air, and a place to catch a sunbeam in warmer weather.

Some of these enclosures resemble three-season porches; others enclosed a portion of the backyard, keeping a kitty contained and other animals out; still others were an enclosure attached to the side of a house with a cat door in a window, providing easy access. I’m secretly jealous and have been promised a cat yard “someday” when we remodel. Sigh…

Ideas for configuring an outdoor cat space

There are companies, like Purrfect Fence, that specialize in helping cat people configure the outdoor space they have available into a pleasing (from both the humans’ and cats’ perspectives) outdoor play space.

However, more than half the cat yards our docs have seen were constructed from scratch with re-purposed materials by ingenious owners who didn’t have a large budgets.

  • One owner created a Japanese-themed garden in his side yard with cat fencing hidden in a non-invasive bamboo hedge.
  • Another created what she called an underground “chunnel” connecting the only space available for a cat yard located 10 feet away from the side of her house.
  • Others were built underneath a back deck or overhang using deer fencing purchased at a hardware store, providing access through a sliding glass door beneath the deck.
  • Some used aviary netting on an existing cedar fence to enclose the entire backyard. Each of these enclosures featured with homemade climbing things, scratch-able surfaces, and shelves for lounging.

See why I’m jealous?

If you’re interested in outdoor enclosures for your kitty, I’ve heard there are lots of ideas and pictures on the internet.  Just do an image search for “cat yards” or “cat enclosures.”

And please remember my feline colleagues in outdoor enclosures still need parasite prevention.

Please send me pictures if you build an enclosure for your lucky kitty!

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

“Pets Need Dental Care Too” is a theme that has gained momentum over the past two decades as we’ve recognized that our furry family members need the same kind of attention to their dental health we do to ours.

Benefits of Oral Health

Besides improving their breath, caring for pets’ oral health is an important part of maintaining their overall health and quality of life. Poor oral health can affect a pet’s entire body, including their ability to eat, as well as their immune system and internal organs.

Abscessed or broken teeth and severe gingivitis hurt, yet many pets hide their pain. Pet owners often don’t recognize the changes they are seeing in their pet’s behavior, thinking the pet is “just getting old” when in fact the pet is dealing with constant pain. Some pets completely mask their pain.

Chronic inflammation in the mouth can also lead to oral cancer, a very serious, life-threatening situation that may be treatable if detected early.

Non-Anesthetic Teeth Cleaning

Besides traditional dental care services and digital dental x-ray, Atlantic Veterinary Hospital is one of the handful of veterinary hospitals in Seattle offering the very popular non-anesthetic teeth cleaning (dental prophylaxis) for carefully screened pets with early dental disease.

Pets with mild tartar and gingivitis may be good candidates for the procedure, which is done with an awake pet lying across the lap of the veterinary dental hygienist. The hygienist carefully charts each tooth; cleans the teeth and under the gums; then polishes the teeth – just like the procedure we have done at our dentist’s office.

If any problems are found, they are brought to the attention of one of our supervising doctors, who develops an alternate treatment plan.

Related Article:

Dog Flu Outbreak in Seattle: Call Us Today to Schedule a Vaccination

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Dog Flu Outbreak in Seattle: Get your dog vaccinated at Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, SeattleYou may have heard about the recent outbreak in the Seattle area of a new type of “dog flu” affecting pets across the country. This highly contagious and potentially very serious respiratory infection is caused by canine influenza virus H3N2.

Chances are, if your dog is exposed to H3N2, he or she may become infected.

Dogs that are in contact with other dogs may be at high risk of infection with H3N2. This includes dogs that are boarded, enrolled in day care or training classes, go to groomers, or visit our local dog parks.

Dogs can spread the virus even if they don’t appear sick.

The virus can be spread dog-to-dog or through objects, including dog toys, bowls, and human hands, clothing, and shoes.

Severity of symptoms vary from a mild cough and runny nose, to a high fever, decreased appetite, severe pneumonia, and extreme lethargy. Symptoms can persist for weeks.

If you have a puppy, elderly, or pregnant dog, or a dog that has a chronic illness, you should take extra precautions.

The best prevention is vaccination.

The good news: our office now has vaccines available to help control illness associated with H3N2.

We also have a second vaccine for another type of canine influenza, H3N8, which is likewise capable of causing severe respiratory disease in dogs (but to date has not been reported in Seattle).

Vaccination against both types of canine flu helps to ensure maximum protection. This is particularly important if you plan to board your dog in the near future or send him or her to a grooming or daycare facility.

We are now requiring all dogs that stay with us for boarding, grooming, or bathing to be vaccinated for both canine flu viruses H3N2 and H3N8.

We are offering a new Canine Upper Respiratory Package that includes both initial flu vaccines, plus the 3-week boosters.

If your dog is a current patient and up-to-date on his or her other vaccinations, the flu vaccines can be given during a brief complimentary nurse appointment.

For the time being, we are discontinuing day admission (drop-off) exams for sick dogs.

These are still available for cats and well dogs.

If your dog develops a cough, nasal discharge, or fever, please call us right away.

We are developing infectious disease protocols to help protect all our patients, and will advise you regarding how to bring your dog to our office to minimize the risk of infecting other patients.

If your dog becomes ill after hours, please call Seattle Veterinary Specialty Center on Capitol Hill at 206-624-9111.

More Information:

Downloadable PDF fact sheets:

Visit these helpful websites:

Please Excuse our “Dust” as We Go Greener!

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Under ConstructionIn our continued efforts to improve our abilities to care for the needs of you and your pet, we are in the process of “going greener.” Starting in early November, we’ll begin our transition to electronic medical records and digital X-ray radiography, a process that will require a few months to complete.

Our purpose in these improvements is to enrich the human element of our services, an important and enjoyable part of our work. The changes will enhance our internal and external communications; increase our efficiency; and improve patient care – our primary concern.

For example, you’ll soon be able to access your pet’s physical exam notes, laboratory results, X-rays, discharge instructions, and preventive care reminders right from home.

Digital X-ray will give us higher-quality diagnostic images and faster turn-around on reports from the radiologist – from days down to hours.

We’re very excited! We’ve been prepping for these changes for months and upgrading our computer hardware. Staff training begins at the end of October. Unfortunately, we anticipate a bit of temporary “construction dust” as we transition, and sincerely appreciate your feedback, positive or otherwise.

The changes are a big endeavor, and we’re bound to have a few temporary glitches along the way as we move beyond paper charts and chemical-laden X-ray films to efficient, concise electronic records and digital radiographs. If we make a mistake or miss something, please call it to our attention right away and we’ll do everything we can to fix the problem.

For example, we recently had a few cats receive dog reminders as we were making adjustments to our computer coding (Sorry! Our sincerest apologies to our kitty patients – we know you’re not a dog!).

Thank you for your continued good faith, friendship, and feedback. It’s sincerely appreciated.

Dr. Laura Monahan, Owner

A Match Made in Heaven… Again

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Three weeks ago Saturday I received a frantic call at 6 a.m. from my sister-in-law in Massachusetts. Early morning phone calls are never good news. As I picked up the receiver, a flush of dread washed over me.

My SIL was so choked with emotion, it took a couple of tries to figure out what had happened. Turns out, she had been caring for my mother-in-law’s beloved dog, Suki, for the weekend. Suki had slipped out through a tiny hole in the backyard fence and was killed on the road in front of her home. I offered to call my MIL to break the sad news. As a veterinarian, I’ve had more experience with that sad task, but it’s never easy.

My MIL is a recent widow and lives alone. Suki was her constant companion. I placed Suki, a rescued Coton de Tulear I found through www.petfinder.com, with her seven years ago. She doted on the fluffy pooch like a small child, and her grown children feigned jealousy. She was stoic when I gave her the sad news of Suki’s passing, but she rang off quickly. I knew she was crushed.

I immediately turned to www.petfinder.com again, my very favorite website, to start the task of finding another dog for her, having no idea when she would be ready, if ever, to open her heart to another dog.

There are so many dogs on Petfinder that need homes. A cute little Havanese mix named Star stood out as a possible match, but she was located in New Jersey, six hours away. I submitted an application for Star on behalf of my MIL and waited, holding my breath.

A week later, I finally had the courage to approach my MIL with the difficult question: “Are you ready for another dog?”

Her answer was a resounding – and unexpected — “Yes!”

I immediately phoned the rescue organization in New Jersey who had lovingly fostered Star back to health from a previous life of neglect. They informed me that they’d had no less than 30 applications for Star, but if my MIL would drive down to meet Star within 24 hours, they’d move her to the top of the list.

I phoned my MIL back with the news and got an even bigger surprise – this senior widow, mother of six, ultimate planner, and organizer extraordinaire would be ready to leave within the hour for the six-hour road trip to somewhere in New Jersey. My jaw dropped; her courage, adventurous spirit, and spontaneity amazed me. My sister-in-law threw her toothbrush and pajamas in a bag and rode along — Thelma-and-Louise-style, 2012 edition.

And so it goes. Little Miss Star, surrendered by her original owner with hair so matted she had to be shaved to the skin, was riding shotgun the next day, on her way to her new forever home in Massachusetts. Star has no idea what a wonderful life is in store for her, but this now fluffy little wiggle butt has already charmed the badly bruised heart of a senior lady.

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Join Us at the Furry 5K This Sunday

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

This Sunday, June 10, marks the 13th Annual Furry 5k, a popular local event that’s an important fundraiser for the Seattle Animal Shelter.

Held at nearby Seward Park, participants can walk or run (with or without their dogs) the 3-mile loop around the park. The atmosphere of the event is one big celebration! And, it’s great exercise for you and your pooch.

Atlantic Veterinary Hospital participates in the Furry 5k as one of our community outreach programs. And, interacting with all the people and dogs wonderfully enjoyable!

Look for our booth. We’ve got staff on hand to answer questions, a free drawing with cool prizes for people and for dogs, treats, and free promotional items.

So finish your coffee a little earlier this Sunday morning, step into your athletic shoes, roust your pooch if you choose, and join us help the animals! We’ll be glad to see you.

You can register online at www.furry5k.com or at the event.

About The Seattle Animal Shelter

Since its beginning in 1972, the Seattle Animal Shelter has helped thousands of people and their pets. SAS finds loving, responsible homes for orphaned animals through its animal shelter; educates citizens regarding responsible pet ownership; provides a low cost spay/neuter program; enforces animal control ordinances; investigates animal cruelty and abuse; and reunites lost pets with their owners. SAS is located in the Interbay neighborhood of Seattle between Magnolia and Ballard on 15th Avenue West (one mile south of the Ballard Bridge).

Help the Animals Fund

The Help the Animals Fund was established in 1977 to provide veterinary care and supplies for sick, injured and abused shelter animals. The fund also supports a variety of other programs, including public education, volunteer programs and foster care programs. The shelter receives no funds from the City of Seattle to provide vet care for adoptable animals. It is through donations that we are able to provide life-saving veterinary care.

Seattle Animal Shelter’s veterinary expenses total $104,000 per year and every year the need grows greater. The Help the Animals Fund relies solely on donations from individuals, companies and SAS fundraising events such as the Furry 5K. Without the Help the Animals Fund, many of our shelter animals could not be saved.

All of the proceeds from Furry 5K will go to the Help the Animals Fund. All donations to the fund are tax deductible.

Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Your Pets

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

One year ago today a catastrophic tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, severely damaging or destroying a large number of homes, leaving pet owners and pets with no place to stay. Animal control officers were overwhelmed with more than 1,300 pets requiring emergency medical care and shelter.

When natural disasters like this $2.8 billion tornado occur, it is a quandary for all parties involved. Resources must be quickly obtained and organized, and lives — both humans and animals — are at stake.

Volunteers in Joplin worked around the clock to rescue, identify, provide medical attention, comfort, house, and feed pets separated from their owners in the mayhem and confusion that followed the massive disaster. Many pets eventually made it back to their owners, but a large number did not and were euthanized or adopted out across the country. Similar scenes ensued after Hurricane Katrina and the recent floods in Iowa and Mississippi.

 

Sixty-three percent of Americans have a feline friend, canine companion, or other type of pet, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. When disaster strikes, pets are often lost or have no place to stay if owners must move to a shelter or a temporary home that cannot accommodate them.

Planning and preparing our family and pets for the unexpected can provide a huge sense of relief now – and perhaps save lives later. What should be included in a disaster preparedness plan?

First, pet owners need to identify friends and family outside their regions who are less likely to be affected by the same disaster and ensure that pets are properly identified. Pet ID tag information should be current and pets need to be microchipped.

Atlantic Veterinary Hospital carries the new, 15-digit, universal ResQ microchips. These microchips can be placed under the skin on the back of the neck during a quick nurse visit and cost $46. Your contact information can be quickly and easily updated as needed online any time at no additional cost.

Second, have an emergency kit for your pets. The kit should include:

  • A crate
  • Extra leashes
  • Photos of your pets
  • Contact information for Atlantic Veterinary Hospital
  • Your pets’ microchip information
  • A pet first aid kit
  • A supply of pet food and any medications

Chocolate Poisoning Requires Immediate Attention

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Easter morning was a bit of disaster at my house. Jester, our black lab mix, helped himself to two 16-ounce milk chocolate bunnies from stocked baskets the Easter Bunny had mistakenly left on the couch, within easy reach of a dog nose.

Fortunately, Jester is a large dog and it was milk chocolate. Other than some mild intestinal distress and a very wired pooch, things went okay. We were lucky!

Recently, another patient at Atlantic Veterinary Hospital wasn’t so lucky. A 26-pound dog, he helped himself to a 3-ounce 70% dark chocolate he found in a purse left on the floor. The dog suffered a severe reaction which would have been life threatening if he hadn’t received immediate, life-saving treatment.

His wise owner called us right away, and after calculating the chocolate-to-dog-weight ratio, we advised immediate veterinary care. The owner arrived in minutes; we induced vomiting and started emergency care, but it was a rough afternoon for the dog and owner until the signs of toxicity improved over several hours. Fortunately, another happy ending.

Theobromide and caffeine, found in most chocolates, are toxic to dogs and cats if they ingest enough – and it doesn’t take much, especially in small pets that eat dark or baking chocolate.

If you find evidence your pet has eaten chocolate, please seek immediate medical attention.

During business hours, clients may call Atlantic Veterinary Hospital for advice, at (206) 323-4433.

After hours, call the nearest veterinary emergency facility or the ASPCA National Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

You’ll need to know your pet’s weight, the type and amount of chocolate eaten, and when the pet ate the chocolate.

Here’s an article with more information about chocolate toxicity in dogs and cats.

Image: Jeroen van Oostrom / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 28th

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

Every year, thousands of pets and children accidentally ingest medications that were not intended for them, often making them very ill or even killing them.

Finally, there’s a better way to dispose of expired or unused drugs than flushing them down the toilet (where they contaminate our water supply), tossing them in the trash, or leaving them to gather dust in the medicine cabinet.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the 4th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Drop-off expired or unused medications (human or pet) at Atlantic Veterinary Hospital through noon this Saturday and we’ll take them to a disposal site for you along with our expired inventory.

Or, check-out the Office of Diversion Control website to find the nearest medication collection sites.

Americans that participated in the DEA’s 3rd National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October, 2011, turned in more than 188.5 tons of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal.

Please protect your family, both the two- and four-legged members, and clean out your medicine cabinet.

Green Power = Green Discount at AVH

Posted by Dr. Laura Monahan

As the weather starts to warm and we’re all thinking spring, we encourage you to make use of our Green Discount.  Atlantic Veterinary Hospital is the only veterinary hospital we know of that offers one.

Energy use makes our biggest impact on environment. So, if you walk, ride your bike, carpool, or use public transportation to reach our hospital, we thank you by offering a 5% discount on all products and services during your visit.

We continue to explore additional ways to make our hospital more environmentally responsible, from the energy, water and supplies we use, to the products we stock and recommendations we make.

For example:

  • We support Seattle City Light’s Green Power Program. The Green Power Program funds local renewable energy demonstration projects in Seattle and the suburban areas that City Light serves. It also funds renewable energy education and training programs for teachers, students, and the general public.
  • We use LED and fluorescent lighting throughout the hospital
  • All office and cleaning paper products we use are made of 100% recycled materials
  • We compost, reuse, and recycle everything we possibly can
  • All of our cleaning and laundry products (except small amounts of necessary disinfectants) are biodegradable and environmentally safe
  • All our appliances are Energy Star rated
  • During our recent mini remodel, we used environmentally-friendly paint and other products
  • Our new email reminder system decreases the amount of paper used for reminders

Share your ideas with us about how we can continue to decrease our carbon footprint!

Atlantic Veterinary Hospital in Seattle serves the following neighborhoods: Mt. Baker, Columbia City, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Seward Park, Capitol Hill, Leschi, Central District, Madison Valley, International District, and Georgetown.

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