Howl-o-ween and Pet Protection!

The following is an excerpt taken from Dr. Kim Smyth of Petplan's October 2014 newsletter which my veterinarian's office hands out to all of their clients. It is an article entitled, "Hair-Raising Hazards" where Dr. Smyth talks about keeping our pets protected during the holiday season ...

'While Halloween can be fanciful fun for adults and children, it can be doggone scary for our four-legged family. In fact, Petplan sees a 284% increase in claims filed for candy-related calamities during Halloween week! But chocolate isn't the only hazard haunting furry friends; raisins, wrappers and random "chew toys" also trouble tummies':

Fright Night for Furry Friends

When pets get their paws (and their jaws!) on the wrong thing, it can cause a real nightmare (on Elm Street or elsewhere). The three main threats are stomach upset, poisoning and intestinal blockages from noshing on non-edible items.

 Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, and its symptoms are typically vomiting and diarrhea. Sugary, high-fat candlies and cakes can cause a flare-up and should be kept well out of paws reach! Gastroenteritis often requires hospitalization and treatment with intravenous fluids and other medications.

Poisoning can occur when our furry friends feast on chocolate, raisons, sugar-free gum, macadamia nuts or even glow sticks used to light the night. Look for signs like drooling, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, lethargy, weakness/collapse, or seizures ~ and get your pet immediate medical attention if you suspect he or she is sick! 

Obstructions happen when a foreign object becomes lodged in an animal's stomach, intestines or bowels, often requiring surgical intervention to remove. Signs of trouble include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal tenderness or pain, straining to defecate, lethargy, and biting and/or growling when handled around the abdomen. Costumes, candy wrappers and plastic pumpkins are common culprits so be extra vigilant about looking out for your pet during the frenzy of all the festivites.

For more information, please check out www.GoPetplan.com/Oct2014-health-tip

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Bewtiching Biscuts

 

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup white flour

1/2 cup water + 1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons dry milk

1/3 cup corn meal

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 cup oats

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

Mix ingredients together to a thick consistency, then roll the dough out about a quarter-inch thick. Cut the dough into two-inch long strips (or use a fun cookie cutter) and arrange on a cookie sheet. Bake for one hour at 350 degrees F.

Homemade Treats for Yule

With the sabbat of Yule approaching, we do not want to forget our furr babies. What do they love most in the whole world (other than us)? Well, treats of course! Here are a couple of sweet little recipes, one for cats and one for dogs, which you may wish to try. Special Thanks to our awesome vet, Eagles Peak Animal Clinic for these great recipes!
 

 Chicken Treats for Cats

1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup cornmeal

1 tbsp. softened margarine

While your oven is preheating to 350 degrees F, combine the chicken, broth and margarine, then add the cornmeal and flour. Knead the dough into a ball and then roll it out to 1/4 inch. Cut into 1 inch pieces and bake for 20 minutes on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Healthy Pumpkin Balls for Dogs

This snack is not only delicious, but it is also filled with fiber, vitamin A, betacarotene, potassium, and iron.

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

4 tbsp. molasses

4 tbsp. water

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix pumpkin, molasses, vegetable oil, and water together in a bowl. Add the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon to the mixture and stir until dough softens. Scoop out small spoonful's of dough and roll into balls on your hands (wet hands work best). Place the balls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and flaten with a fork. Bake approximately 25 minutes until dough is hardened.

(resource: Eagles Peak Animal Clinic Newsletter ~ Winter 2013)

Kitty Litter Cake

KITTY LITTER CAKE

Ingredients:

1 box German Chocolate cake mix

1 box white cake mix

1 package vanilla sandwich cookies

1 large package vanilla instant pudding mix

A few drops green food coloring

A dozen or so small Tootsie Rolls

Serving Dishes and Utensils:

1 NEW cat litter box

1 NEW cat litter box liner

1 NEW pooper scooper

Directions:

1) Prepare and bake cake mixes according to directions in any size pan. Prepare pudding and chill. Crumble cookies in small batches in blender or food processor. Add a few drops of the green food coloring to one cup cookie crumbs. Mix with a fork or shake in a jar. Set aside.

2) When cakes are at room temperature, crumble them into a large, bowl. Toss with half of the remaining cookie crumbs and enough pudding to make the mixture moise but not soggy. Place liner in litter box and pour in mixture.

3) Unwrap three Tootsie Rolls and heat in microwave until soft and pliable. Shape the blunt ends into slightly curved points. Repeat with three or more rolls. Burry the rolls decoratively in the cake mixture. Sprinkle the remaining vanilla cookie crumbs over the mixture, then scatter green crumbs lightly over top.

4) Heat five more Tootsie Rolls until almost melted. Scrap them on top of the cake and sprinkle with crumbs from the litter box. Heat the remaining Tootsie Roll until pliable and hang it over the edge of the box. Place box on a sheet of newspaper and serve with the scooper. Enjoy!