Dr. Rice’s Tip of the Month

Welcome to Dr. Rice's Tip of the Month pet care corner, where each month we bring you expert advice on how to keep your pets healthy, happy, and safe. From seasonal precautions to everyday health tips, Dr. Ashley Rice's insights are an invaluable resource for pet owners. Stay tuned for our latest installment and discover the best ways to care for your animal companions.

October 2024: Holiday Food Safety to Keep Your Pets Healthy

The holiday season brings festive meals and celebrations, but sharing table scraps with your pets can lead to serious health emergencies. Dr. Ashley Rice explains why keeping holiday foods away from your furry friends is crucial for their well-being.

The Danger of Table Scraps

Fatty foods like turkey skin, ham, and meat drippings can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. This condition often requires immediate veterinary care and can become chronic if your pet has experienced it before.

Hidden Hazards

Holiday meals pose additional risks beyond pancreatitis. Bones from turkey, chicken, or ham can splinter and cause severe internal injuries or become lodged in your pet's digestive tract. Even small amounts of these foods can lead to serious complications that may require emergency surgery.

Safe Alternatives

Instead of sharing your holiday meal, treat your pet to specially formulated holiday-themed pet treats. Consider these pet-safe options:

  • Cooked, unseasoned green beans

  • Plain, cooked sweet potato (no seasonings)

  • Pet-specific treats from your local pet store

Prevention Tips

Keep your pets safe during holiday gatherings by:

  • Securing trash bins containing food waste

  • Informing guests not to feed your pets

  • Storing leftovers immediately after meals

  • Creating a quiet space for your pet away from the dining area

If you suspect your pet has consumed harmful foods or shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately. Remember, showing love for your pets doesn't mean sharing your holiday feast – keep them safe by sticking to pet-appropriate treats.

September 2024: Unlock Affordable Spay/Neuter Services for Your Pet

Essential Tips for Low-Income Pet Owners

At Blue Mountain Humane Society, we are committed to providing accessible and affordable spay/neuter services to low-income pet owners. Our mission is to ensure that every pet can receive the spay/neuter care they need, regardless of their owner's financial situation. However, we understand that navigating the eligibility criteria and scheduling process can sometimes be challenging. Here are some essential tips to help you plan ahead and ensure a smooth experience for both you and your pet.

  1. Check Eligibility Criteria: Before scheduling an appointment, make sure you meet our eligibility criteria, per Washington state law. This includes income guidelines and specific documentation requirements. You can find detailed information on our website at https://bluemountainhumane.org/spay-and-neuter-faq.

  2. Gather Necessary Documentation: Ensure you have all the required documents ready. This typically includes proof of public assistance (for Tier 2 pricing), identification, and any other paperwork specified by our clinic (such as a rabies vaccination certificate). Having these documents prepared in advance will help expedite the process.

  3. Understand Scheduling and Payment Processes: Familiarize yourself with our online scheduling and payment procedures. All our scheduling is done online, and we require a non-refundable deposit to reserve your appointment. Please note that the deposit must be made with a debit/credit card online.

  4. Plan Ahead: Schedule your appointment well in advance to ensure availability. Our clinic schedules appointments online on a first-come, first-served basis, so planning ahead helps ensure that your pet can be seen at a time that works best for you.

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your pet receives the spay/neuter services they need without unnecessary delays. At Blue Mountain Humane Society, we are dedicated to supporting you and your pet by providing comprehensive assistance with spay and neuter services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

August 2024: Protecting Your Pet from Foxtails and Cheatgrass

This time of year, it's crucial to be aware of the dangers posed by foxtail and cheatgrass seeds to our furry companions. These barbed grass awns can cause serious health issues if they attach to your pet's fur or become lodged in their body.

Key points to remember

  • Foxtails are most prevalent from late spring through early fall.

  • They can embed in your pet's skin, ears, nose, eyes, mouth, and paws, among other places.

  • åSigns of foxtail problems include excessive licking, pawing at face, head shaking, holding ears down, sneezing, and limping.

Prevention tips

  1. Avoid areas with tall grasses during foxtail season.

  2. Regularly check your pet's coat, especially after outdoor activities.

  3. Consider trimming long-haired pets, especially their feet during summer months.

  4. Use protective gear like booties for high-risk activities.

If you suspect your pet has encountered foxtails

  • Carefully remove visible seeds with tweezers if easily accessible, and your pet will allow it.

  • Do not attempt to remove deeply embedded foxtails yourself.

  • Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms. Sedation may be required in order for your veterinarian to safely remove the grass awns. They do not work themselves out, rather they can migrate further into the body.

Remember, early detection and prevention are key to protecting your pet from the dangers of foxtail and cheatgrass seeds. Stay vigilant and enjoy a safe summer with your furry friend!

July 2024: The Importance of Spay/Neuter and Regular Veterinary Care

As we celebrate our clinic's recent success in providing spay and neuter services, I want to emphasize the crucial role these procedures play in pet health and population control. Spaying or neutering your pet not only helps prevent unwanted litters but also reduces the risk of certain health issues and behavioral problems.

For those who qualify for our low-income programs, I encourage you to take advantage of our affordable spay/neuter services. Visit our Spay and Neuter FAQ page to learn more about eligibility and to schedule an appointment.

While we specialize in spay/neuter procedures and preventative care, it's important to remember that your pet needs comprehensive care throughout their life. For routine check-ups and other medical needs, I highly recommend establishing a relationship with one of our excellent local veterinary clinics. Regular visits to a full-service vet are essential for maintaining your pet's overall health and catching any potential issues early.

By combining our specialized spay/neuter services with regular care from local veterinarians, we can work together to ensure the best possible health outcomes for pets in our community. Remember, a healthy pet is a happy pet!

June 2024: Protecting Pets, Ensuring Peace of Mind with Microchipping

In a world full of uncertainties, keeping our pets safe is paramount. That's where microchipping steps in — a tiny device with a colossal impact on pet safety.

Microchipping is a procedure that involves implanting a tiny chip, no larger than a grain of rice, under the skin of pets. This chip carries a unique identification number that is registered in a database with the pet owner's contact information. In the event that a pet goes missing and is found, veterinarians, animal shelters, and rescue organizations can scan the microchip to retrieve the owner's details and facilitate a happy reunion.

Why is it crucial? Unlike collars and tags, which can fall off or become illegible, microchips provide a permanent form of identification. This significantly increases the chances of lost pets being returned to their owners. In fact, studies have shown that microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners, while microchipped cats are over 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families.

Moreover, microchipping is a quick, safe, and relatively painless procedure that can give pet owners peace of mind, knowing that they have taken a significant step towards protecting their pets. It's a small investment that can make a world of difference in the life of a pet and its owner.

At Blue Mountain Humane Society, we understand the critical role that microchipping plays in animal welfare. That's why we are proud to offer microchipping services, not only to safeguard your pets, but also to help keep them out of the shelter. We believe that every pet deserves the chance to be safely returned home, and microchipping is a key component of making that possible.

For those interested in our microchipping services, we invite you to call us at 509-525-2452 and speak with one of our customer service representatives. We ask that you call ahead to ensure that one of our Animal Care Staff members is available to perform the microchipping service for you and your pet. Though we may be able to accommodate walk-ins, you may have to wait a bit until we have enough staff to help. Alternatively, if you are low-income and your animal also needs spayed/neutered, we offer microchipping at a slightly lower cost at the time of surgery. Visit our spay & neuter page to learn how you can qualify.

We are committed to supporting the well-being of all pets in our community. Together, we can take a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of our beloved animal companions.

May 2024: Preventing Heatstroke in Pets

As warmer weather approaches, we want to remind you to be aware of the potential for heatstroke in your beloved pets. It doesn’t have to be a heat wave outside to create an unsafe environment. A Stanford University Medical Center study found that when left in a car on a relatively cool (70°F) day, the temperature within a vehicle may increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour regardless of the outside temperature. So, whether it's a car ride, outdoor playtime, or a leisurely stroll, our pets can quickly succumb to the heat if we're not careful. Breeds with squishy faces like Frenchies, pugs and Boston terriers can be especially at risk!

With a little awareness and some quick action, we can keep our pets safe and cool. Keep an eye out for signs like excessive panting and drooling, which could signal heatstroke. More severe signs of hyperthermia include restlessness, lethargy, dizziness, or unsteadiness on their feet. You may even notice their gums turning bright red, blue, or purple. If you suspect your pet is overheating:

  1. Get them to a cooler spot ASAP, and do not leave them unattended.

  2. If possible, check their temperature and write it down for your veterinarian.

  3. Give them a cool bath or dampen their ears and paws. Set up a fan and direct it toward the dampened areas.

  4. Seek immediate care with your veterinarian.

  5. Do not force feed them water or attempt to cool them too rapidly.

Remember, it's not just about cooling them down; it's about getting them the help they need fast. Hyperthermia affects almost every organ system in the body and can be fatal. So, don't hesitate to act if you notice any signs of heat distress. Remember to avoid leaving your pets in the car, even with the windows down, don’t allow them to overexercise in the heat, and be mindful of those breeds that are especially at risk. Our furry pals will thank us for it!