Holiday Dog-Friendly Treat Recipe

Here is a dog-friendly treat recipe that your canine companion is sure to love.

ingredients
1 cup shredded roasted turkey meat
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 sweet potato--baked, skin discarded and potato coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce

directions
In a medium bowl, combine the turkey and breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands, then mix in the egg and sweet potato. Shape into two 1/2-inch-thick patties.
In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the patties and cook, turning once, until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Top with the cranberry sauce and let your canine enjoy!

Cat-Friendly Treat Recipe

Ingredients: 

6 ounces undrained tuna 

1 cup cornmeal 

1 cup flour 

1/3 cup water

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Measure all the ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Roll out into 1/4 inch thickness and cut into treat sized pieces. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool. Give to your cat and watch them gobble it up! 

Holiday Foods

During the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your pet is safe. Many of the foods we eat for the holidays are dangerous for our pets and could injure them or make them sick. Sugary treats, turkey, and especially turkey bones are things our pets should avoid. Keep an eye on your pet this holiday!

Pets & Fall Leaves

Fall is the season for making leaf piles, and your pet may love to join you in those autumn games, but before they do, make sure you’re aware of the dangers! Many pests may be lying in wait for your pet to arrive, so be sure that your pet is fully covered with their flea, tick, and heartworm preventative, just in case!

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, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx 

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.

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.)

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. 

Saturday is Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Saturday is the American Kennel Club’s “Responsible Dog Ownership Day,” reminding dog owners about the importance of proper pet care. We encourage every dog owner to do at least one extra special thing for your pet this weekend, whether that means getting them microchipped, scheduling a physical examination, or adopting a brand new family member from a rescue group! However you celebrate, we ask that you always practice responsible dog ownership!

Times Are Tough For Our Furry Friends Too!

To help keep your Pet Kids happy & healthy Banderas Pet Hospital is pleased to announce our

"LOWERED FOOD COST" for your pet kid's nutritional & prescription food needs.

Take advantage on orders in full cases or larger bulk bags to help you save!

We are happy to special order any selection of canned cases or bulk bags for your convenience.

Give us a call or stop by and check it out!

949-766-4449

Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

How long has it been since your cat visited us at Banderas Pet Hospital? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day! If your cat is due for a visit, it’s time to get them checked. Remember, there’s supposed to be 6-12 months between each visit, depending on your pet’s age! Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

Pets & Camping Safety

Camping just isn’t the same without the dog, but make sure that you’re prepared for a pet-friendly campsite before you go. Be sure your pet is up-to-date on all flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, and that he or she has plenty of their own food packed for the trip. Don’t forget to bring some toys for your dog, like a ball to throw around at the campsite! Does your dog like to go camping with the family?

Did you know?

Did you know…dogs can smell 44 times better than humans! Can you even imagine how amazing a steak must smell to a dog?

Pets & Cookouts

The weather is getting hot and it’s time to fire up the barbeque grills. Food at a cookout may taste great to you, but it’s extremely unhealthy for your pet, so please don’t feed them any table scraps. Bring plenty of food and treats for your pets so that they can join in on the fun and food.

World Pet Memorial Day

Today is World Pet Memorial Day. Having a pet adds joy to a home and the experience of raising one is invaluable. World Pet Memorial Day is a time where everyone who lost a pet pays their respects to their departed friends and remembers the memories that was once shared with them. What can you do today to memorialize your beloved pets?

Pet Appreciation Week

Did you know that this week is Pet Appreciation Week? This week has been set aside in appreciation of the pets in our lives. This is the week to pamper your pet for all that they bring into your life.  We encourage pet owners to take a little extra time with your pet this week to show them that you appreciate their companionship in life.

Top 10 Things To Do Before Your Bring Your New Cat Home

Congratulations, the cat's out of the bag! You've just entered into a wonderful relationship that's bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot—that is, by being well-prepared for your new arrival—you can move through that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through and get right down to the lovin'!

1. Make Sure Everyone In The House Is Prepared To Have A Cat

Talk to your family members before bringing a new cat home. Make sure everyone knows that the fun begins only after kitty feels safe and her needs are met. Once you're sure everyone is ready for feeding, litter changing and grooming, you can divvy up chores among family members so everyone is prepared to care for kitty before she arrives.

2. Do You Know What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You?

The average cat has a vocabulary of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and meowing—not to mention a wide-range of playful and serious body language. Taking a glance at our Cat Care section will help you understand your cat's behavior before you're faced with her mysterious cat calls, pouncing and nocturnal romps.

3. Stock Up On Supplies Before Kitty Arrives

Have all of your cat's needs ready so she can get right down to the business of making herself at home. Kitty will need:

• A litter box and the brand of litter she's been using
• Food and water bowls and the food she's used to eating
• A sturdy, rough-textured scratching post—at least three feet high—that allows her to stretch completely while scratching
• Safe, stimulating toys. Hint: If you give her toys that make noises, you'll know when she's playing.
• A bed lined with a soft, warm blanket or towel
• Grooming tools: a high-quality brush and nail clipper are a good start

4. Identity Is Key

Proper identification is a necessity. If your kitty is indoors-only, an ID tag or implanted microchip will help ensure she'll be returned to you if she gets out and can't find her way home. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. We caution against letting cats outdoors, but if you do—or if a window or door is left open—a safety collar and an ID tag may be what bring your missing cat home.

5. A Room Of One's Own

Choose a low-traffic room your kids and other pets don't frequent—this will be your cat's safe space to sniff, eat, scratch and play while she gets her bearings. Arrange her food and water bowls, bed and litter box—and scatter her toys around. You can even clean off a windowsill for her and have soft music playing. She'll appreciate the chance to feel out her new family from inside her haven.

6. Routine Behavior

Give your cat a little structure to lean on. For the first few weeks, provide him with the same kind of food and feeding schedule he had before living with you—and give him the same brand of litter, too, for a familiar scent and feel on his paws. Later on, if you wish to switch to different products, you can make a slow transition.

7. What's New, Pussycat?

With a whole new life in store for her, Kitty will need some time and space to check out her surroundings and all of her new play things. Give her time alone in her room to get comfortable before you come in to play with her. If you have other pets, it's a good idea to leave your new cat in her own room for a few days will allow the other animals in the house to get used to her sounds and scent. (Hint: Watch from the door to see how she leaves her carrier. Whether she pussyfoots into a dark corner or zooms out into the room, you'll know how she feels about her new surroundings.)

8. Introducing Kitty To The Pack

Go slow at first. A cat may need seven to fourteen days to relax into her new environment. If you have kids, let them introduce themselves one at a time. Hold up on the meet-and-greets with friends, neighbors and relatives until your kitty is eating and eliminating on a normal schedule. If you have other pets, don't let your new addition have free run of the house. This is the territory of the animals who have lived with you already. Allow all of your pets to meet in the new cat's territory—and make sure you're there to supervise.

9. Cat-Proof Your Home

When your cat is ready to explore the rest of her new home (for short excursions at first), be sure to get rid of stray items she might chew on or swallow, like toilet paper, tissues and paper towels. Pens and pencils may need to be kept in drawers. You may also have to tape wires to baseboards and put caps on outlets.
Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons, and rehome any houseplants that might be toxic to her. Make sure foods that aren't healthy for a cat's tummy are placed securely out of reach.

10. Visit The Vet Within Her First Week

Last but not least, bring your new feline to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption. Make this appointment even before you bring your kitty home.

 http://www.aspca.org/adoption/adoption-tips/bringing-your-new-cat-home.aspx

Pets & Fireworks

Banderas Pet Hospital would like to remind you to be aware of your pet’s fears this season. As Memorial Day celebrations fill our town with the loud sounds of firecrackers exploding, we may find it exciting, but your pet may find it to be terrifying. Please keep your pet comforted by containing them in a relaxed environment, as far away from sudden and unexpected sounds as possible. If you need additional advice for dealing with pet anxiety, please let us know and we’d be happy to help. 

Pets & Swimming

Is your dog a swimmer? Remember to protect their ears from infection. Dogs can develop chronic “swimmer’s ear” from water that gets lodged in the ear canal after a dip in the water. Because of the shape of a dog’s descending ear canal, it is difficult for water to drip out. The moisture left over in the ear canal is the perfect environment for ear infections. After your dog is finished playing in the water, take a towel and gently cover your dog’s ear and gently shake their head. This will keep any excess water from settling in your dog’s ear canal. When bathing, water can get trapped in a pet’s ear canals and cause the same kind of infection. If your pet is still experiencing irritation, call us and we'll be happy to help in any way we can.

Heartworm & Pets

Warm weather means the return of mosquitoes and the heartworm disease that they carry. Because a single bite from a mosquito could transmit the deadly heartworm parasite to your pet, it’s important that your pet stay on a heartworm preventative at all times. We can’t prevent the mosquitoes from biting, but we can prevent their harmful effects. We would love to discuss heartworm prevention for your pet!

Pets At Play with Banderas Pet Hospital

2012-04-24_15_34_01.mp4 Watch on Posterous

 

See above clip for happy pets playing at Banderas Pet Hospital during their vacation stay.

Even our Pet Kids like to have their own get away once in a while...

So they can just be dogs sometimes.

Enjoy clip of playing.

Pets & Grills

The weather is getting warmer and many people are firing up their grills for burgers, hotdogs, steaks and ribs. Dogs love the smell of meat, and some dogs will do anything to get some for themselves. Knowing this, it's important to use extra caution around the grill during cooking. Remember, your dog won't use caution about which part of the meat he eats if he grabs a piece, and swallowed bones could mean injury, or even death. It's just not worth it! Keep Fido inside during the grilling festivities.

List of Poisonous Plants

[A]

Aloe

Amaryllis

Andromeda Japonica

Asian Lily (Liliaceae)

Asparagus Fern

Australian Nut

Autumn Crocus

Avocado

Azalea

[B]

Bird of Paradise

American Bittersweet

European Bittersweet

Branching Ivy

Buckeye

Buddist Pine

[C]

Caladium

Calla Lily

Castor Bean

Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron)

Charming Diffenbachia

Chinaberry Tree

Chinese Evergreen

Christmas Rose

Clematis

Cordatum

Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)

Cornstalk Plant (aka Corn Plant)

Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman)

Cycads

Cyclamen

[D]

Daffodil

Day Lily

Devil's Ivy

Dumb Cane

Deadly Nightshade (aka English Ivy)

[E]

Easter Lily

Elephant Ears

Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern)

Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather)

English Ivy (aka Deadly Nightshade)

[F]

Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

Flamingo Plant

Florida Beauty

Foxglove

Fruit Salad Plant

[G]

Glacier Ivy

Gladiolas

Glory Lily

Gold Dieffenbachia

Gold Dust Dracaena

Golden Pothos

Green Gold Nephthysis

[H]

Hahn's self branching English Ivy

Heartleaf Philodendron

Heavenly Bamboo

Holly

Horsehead Philodendron

Hurricane Plant

Hyacinth

Hydrangea

[I]

Iris

[J]

Japanese Show Lily

Japanese Yew (aka Yew)

Jerusalem Cherry

[K]

Kalanchoe

[L]

Lace Fern

Lacy Tree

Lily of the Valley

[M]

Macadamia Nut

Madagascar Dragon Tree

Marble Queen

Marijuana

Mauna Loa Peace Lily (aka Peace Lily)

Mexican Breadfruit

Mistletoe "American"

Morning Glory

Mother-in-Law

[N]

Narcissus

Needlepoint Ivy

Nephthytis

Nightshade

[O]

Oleander

Onion

Orange Day Lily

[P]

Panda

Peace Lily (aka Maana Loa Peace Lily)

Philodendron Pertusum

Plumosa Fern

Poinsettia

Precatory Bean

[Q]

Queensland Nut

[R]

Red Emerald

Red Lily

Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)

Red Princess

Rhododendron

Ribbon Plant

Rubrum Lily

[S]

Saddle Leaf Philodendron

Sago Palm

Satin Pothos

Schefflera

Spotted Dumb Cane

Stargazer Lily

Striped Dracaena

Sweetheart Ivy

Swiss Cheese Plant

[T]

Taro Vine

Tiger Lily

Tomato Plant

Tree Philodendron

Tropic Snow Dumbcane

Tulip

[V]

Variable Dieffenbachia

Variegated Philodendron

[W]

Warneckei Dracaena

Wood Lily

[Y]

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Yew (aka Japanese Yew)

Yucca

Ear Infections ..Leading Reasons for Vet Visit!

Ear infections leading reason for vet visits

   

 

For dogs it’s the ears, for cats it’s the bladder.

That’s what most often leads owners of ailing pets to the veterinarian, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance .

VPI, which describes itself as the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, sorted its database of 485,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 dog and cat medical conditions in 2011.

Ear infections, skin allergies and skin infections were the most common reasons for dogs to visit the vet.

With cats, the top three were bladder infections, chronic kidney disease and over-active thyroids.

“The large number of claims received for these medical conditions attests to their common, often repetitive, and sometimes chronic nature,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.

“While many pet owners fear major accidents and illnesses, which can cost thousands of dollars to treat for a single incident, repetitive and chronic conditions can be just as detrimental to a pet’s quality of life and financially burdensome to the pet owner.”

In 2011, VPI received more than 62,000 canine claims for ear infections.

Here are the top 10 conditions dogs for which dogs were treated, according to the VPI study:

1. Ear Infection
2. Skin Allergies
3. Skin Infection
4. Non-cancerous Skin Growth
5. Upset Stomach
6. Intestinal Upset/Diarrhea
7. Arthritis
8. Bladder Infection
9. Bruise or Contusion
10. Underactive Thyroid

 

Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding

We have changed the name of our hospital to Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding. We are still in the same location, with same team and same wonderful pet services. We are working hard to make this a seamless transition for our clients and we are grateful for your patience. Please call us at 949-766-4449 with any questions.

Pets & Easter Egg Hunts

Easter egg hunts are so much fun for kids, and sometimes even for adults! Finding that brightly colored egg stuffed with a surprise is exciting! But don't forget the dangers of failing to find an egg that's been stuffed with candy. Your dog leads with their nose, and if you don't find it, your pet might! Consider stuffing your eggs with something safe for pets this year. If Fido finds them, he'll be less likely to break them open and eat what's inside.

Untitled

In Febuary Dr. Eberhart, Hospital Director of Banderas Pet Hospiotal, attended the worlds premier veterinary conference, Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas , Nevada.

During this 5 day, 15,000 attendee event he attended seminars on Dermatology, Emering Trends in Laser Surgery & Therapy, Stem cell Therapy & Banking - Regenerative Medicine, Feline Urology, Chronic Ear Infection, Periodontal Disease- The Painful problem, and Geriatric Issues- Improving thier Quality of life to name a few.

He was also invited to participate in a focus group, along with a select group of 8 veterinarians on Cardiology Testing.

Banderas Pet Hospital & Boarding has recently changed it's name from Dove Pet Hospital & Boarding and is located on Avenida de las Banderas in Rancho Santa Margarita. 

Check us out at:     rsmVet.com

Pets and Obesity

Did you know that if your pet maintains a healthy weight, it can lengthen their life expectancy by as many as two years? Diet and exercise are the two most important factors in preventing and treating obesity. What is your favorite activity to do with your pet to keep them in shape?

 

Congratulations to One of our own!

Dove Pet Hospital's lead technician, Daniel Tavares has passed his State Bar exam and is now a

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).  This license allows him to do procedures that only an RVT or a Doctor is licensed to do. 

Daniel graduated from Professional Veterinary Assistant School 1st in his class in January.

Congradulations Daniel, we are very proud of you!

Hey Sports Fans!

Hey Sports Fans... It's SUPERBOWL time!!!

Dr.Eberhardt is a proud fan and sharholder of the Green Bay Packers.

Come visit us at Dove Pet Hospital to see autographed Green Bay Packer helmet signed by Brett Farve himself, Also soon to join Dr. Eberhardt's collection will be autographed helmet by current favorite Aaron Rodgers...and view our Green Bay Packers stock certificate!

GO PACKERS!!!!!!

 

 

Hey Sports Fans!

Hey Sports Fans... It's SUPERBOWL time!!!

Dr.Eberhardt is a proud fan and sharholder of the Green Bay Packers.

Come visit us at Dove Pet Hospital to see autographed Green Bay Packer helmet signed by Brett Farve himself, Also soon to join Dr. Eberhardt's collection will be autographed helmet by current favorite Aaron Rodgers...and view our Green Bay Packers stock certificate!

GO PACKERS!!!!!!