November is Pet Diabetes Month—the perfect time to discuss what it means to have a pet with diabetes and learn the early signs. Diabetes is estimated to affect one in 200 cats and one in 300 dogs. Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders in pets. With proper treatment and nutrition, your pet can have a long, happy life!

What is pet diabetes?

Pet diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, occurs when the body can’t effectively move glucose (sugar in the blood that comes from food) into cells, resulting in too much glucose in the blood and insufficient in the cells. As a result, cells can’t function properly, and the body must get energy from other sources, including muscles and fat.

In a diabetic pet, insulin, a hormone that allows glucose to enter tissue cells, doesn’t bind properly with cell receptors, or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. This is what causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream and is the reason why it is unable to be a source of energy for the body.

What are the early signs of diabetes?

The first step in getting proper treatment for your pet is proper diagnosis. Pet owners can look for certain signs to know when to call their veterinarian for testing. Some signs include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss
• Cloudy eyes (dogs)
• Weak hind legs (cats)
• Chronic infections

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, call us at $phone.

What are the different types of diabetes that occur in pets?

There are two types of diabetes in pets. Type 1 diabetes is an insulin-dependent condition that typically requires lifelong therapy and is most common in dogs. Type 2 diabetes requires insulin, but remission may be possible Type 2 diabetes is most common in cats.

What does life with a diabetic pet look like?

Diabetes can be a serious health condition that can lead to severe illness or death if left untreated. With proper management, your pet can still live a happy and active life. Management often includes at-home blood glucose monitoring, insulin, diet, and exercise.

If you think your pet is exhibiting signs of diabetes or have any questions about pet diabetes, call Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic at (408) 736-8296.

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Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with everyone in your family, including your pets! Show your pet you’re thankful for them with these safety tips to keep them happy and healthy during the festivities.

Say No To Turkey Treats

While it may be tempting, do not give your pets turkey on Thanksgiving. It can cause intestinal upset, and some seasonings and dressings have potentially toxic ingredients. Undercooked or raw turkey may contain dangerous bacteria, such as salmonella. Do not give your pet the leftover carcass or any bones, as it can upset their digestive tracts or cause intestinal blockage.

Garlic, Onions, Leeks, & Chives, Oh My!

These seasonings are present in many Thanksgiving foods like vegetables, stuffing, and gravy. They may taste delicious to us, but they are toxic for your pets and can cause the destruction of their red blood cells. Avoid giving your pet anything cooked with these ingredients.

Dangerous Desserts

Do not feed your pets any of your delicious desserts. If you plan to bake desserts this Thanksgiving, it’s also important to keep your pets away from the batter, especially if it contains raw eggs. This could also contain salmonella bacteria that could result in food poisoning. Chocolate is toxic for dogs and cats—so are raisins, currants, and the sugar substitute, xylitol. Be sure to keep all desserts out of your pet’s reach.

Bread Dough is a No-Go

Raw yeast bread dough is a no-go for pets. If a cat or dog ingests raw yeast bread dough, the yeast continues to turn into carbon dioxide gas and alcohol, resulting in a potentially life-threatening emergency that could require hospitalization.

Have a Furry Friends Feast

While you enjoy your meal with your friends and family, give your pets something special of their own. Whether it’s a toy or a treat, your pet will be thankful they’re safe.

We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for the opportunity to care for your pets.

If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic at (408) 736-8296.

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National Animal Shelter Week – Why Adopt?

November 6-12 is National Animal Shelter Week! If you’re considering adding a new furry family member to your household, check out your local shelters and rescue groups. There are so many reasons to adopt a pet from a shelter—here’s why:

Save A Life

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 6-8 million animals end up in shelters yearly, and, unfortunately, not all of them find homes. Only 30% of pets are adopted from shelters, meaning there is plenty of room for more people to give a deserving pet a loving home. By adopting from a shelter, you are saving a life and being part of the solution.

An Amazing Selection of Pets

While the number of pets in shelters shows the pet overpopulation issue, you’re more likely to find your “soul pet” or the perfect pet to complete your family. Shelters are home to various breeds and ages, and the wide selection means you’ll be able to find the “purrfect” cat or your ideal canine cuddle buddy.

Great Value

The adoption fee at shelters is significantly less than most stores or breeders. Many shelters offer reduced adoption rates for senior dogs and cats and even have special rates on bonded pairs.

Save on Veterinary Costs

Most shelter pets are already spayed or neutered, saving you the cost of those surgeries. Many shelters give pets their initial vaccinations, deworming procedures, and microchips. Some shelters also partner with a local veterinary office and can provide vouchers for a free or reduced-cost first veterinary exam or training classes.

A Life Long Best Friend

Giving a shelter pet home is not only a wonderful thing to do for the pet but a fantastic thing to do for yourself and your family! Providing a home to a shelter pet will result in a lifelong friend and companion.

If you have questions about adopting a shelter pet or setting up an appointment for your newly adopted shelter pet, please call Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic at (408) 736-8296 today.

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Not sure what all a vet technician does?

When a tech takes your furry friend into the exam room to be seen by the veterinarian at Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic, they perform the preliminary essential tasks that are necessary for accurate diagnosis by the doctor. Such tasks include:

• Taking and monitoring your pet’s temperature and vitals
• Assisting the veterinarian during the pet’s physical exam
• Preparing the patients for surgeries and other procedures
• Caring and monitoring for the pet after surgery
• Collecting and testing lab samples
• Taking and developing x-rays
• Administering medications
• Collecting and updating patient records

Our technicians do all this while also keeping your pet calm and safe while at the hospital.

As the saying goes, veterinarian technicians were created so pets can have their own heroes. We want to thank our extraordinary technician team for all they contribute to our hospital family and to the families of our patients!

If your pet is due for an appointment with Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic in Sunnyvale, CA, please call (408) 736-8296 to book an appointment with our veterinary team!

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Don’t sweat it

Dogs do not sweat through their skin, only through the pads on their feet. They pant to circulate air through their bodies to cool down.

How are cats so flexible?

Cats’ bodies have over 230 bones (humans only have about 206)! Additionally, their pelvis and shoulders are loosely attached to their spine, adding to their ability to squeeze into very tight places.

A dog’s nose always knows

Dogs have roughly 4 times as many scent cells as cats, and 14 times more than humans! Some breeds, such as bloodhounds, have even more.  No wonder they can smell dinner from any room in the house.

Cats vs. Goldilocks

Cats prefer their food at room temperature. Like Goldilocks, they do not want their meals to be too hot or too cold.

Dogs see a few colors of the rainbow

Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not color blind; they see shades of blue, yellow, green, and gray. Red is a color that registers on a grayscale in a dog’s vision.

One of a kind

The nose pad of each dog and cat has a unique pattern like each human’s distinctive fingerprints.

Dogs are family

75% of people sign their dog’s name to their annual holiday card and why wouldn’t they?!

Are tigers a close ancestor to domestic cats?

House cats share almost 96% of their genetic makeup with tigers. They also have many of the same behaviors such as scent and urine marking, prey stalking and pouncing.

Let sleeping dogs lie

Around 45% of dogs in the U.S. sleep in their owner’s bed. Oh, and all dogs dream, but puppies and seniors dream more frequently than adult dogs.

We hope you enjoyed learning some interesting traits about your pets. If your pet is due for a wellness exam with Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic or you have any questions about their health, please call (408) 736-8296 to schedule an appointment!

Fun Fact Sources:

• https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/animals/fun-facts-about-pets
• https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/bid/197570/did-you-know-pet-fun-facts
• https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/ownership-adoption/pet-ownership/pet-owner-topics/fun-facts-about-pets/
• https://www.purina.co.nz/articles/cats/behaviour/common-questions/fun-facts
• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-facts/

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Back to School

You may be so busy shuttling your kids to the store for new school supplies, that you may not notice a few markers or glue sticks missing. While most back to school supplies have low toxicity as they’re designed for children, they can still cause issues with your pets. Items that are small enough to be chewed on or swallowed may cause intestinal blockage problems down the line. Keep backpacks on a shelf or hook to keep your curious pets from getting into things they shouldn’t.

Candles

Candles are a great addition to the fall décor and smell of your home. However curious pets are notorious for making big problems, and a knocked over candle can cause a much larger issue for your home and family. If you’re going to have candles lit, place them in an area where they can’t be reached, and keep an eye on your pet so they don’t burn themselves.

Looking out for wildlife

Seeing the colors change on the trees is one of the best parts of the autumn, which makes a walk or a hike with your pet a great activity. If you’re heading out with your furry friend, be sure to lookout for other wildlife. As fall progresses, snakes begin to prepare for hibernation, which increases the possibility of bites to unsuspecting pets, and humans too.

In addition, wearing bright colors and staying in safe, open areas are simple solutions to stay out of harm’s way. Make sure to always have your pets on leashes when walking and keep them within a fenced area when you’re playing outside.

Poisonous Foliage

Knowing which popular fall plants can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses will help you choose safe fall foliage for your home and keep you aware of what to watch for when you take your pets out. Some popular fall plants that are poisonous to pets include mums, red maple trees, gingko trees and especially mushrooms.

Fall is the season for wild mushrooms to be popping up in your yard and the woods. Many varieties of mushrooms can be poisonous and even deadly to your pets, but it’s best to consider all mushrooms something your pets should stay away from when they’re outside. If your pet does end up ingesting any of these plants, seek veterinary help immediately.

Cold Weather Poisons

As the weather cools, rodents tend to move inside to nest for the winter. It can be a time when the use of rat and mouse poisons increase. These poisons are highly toxic to your furry friends, and if they ingest them the results can be fatal. If you use these products, consider where you use them in your home and make sure they’re out of the reach of your pets.

Something you may have not considered before, if you change the coolant in your car, be careful as to where you spill. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are toxic to animals, so be sure to clean up after a change.

Take away

Be careful with your pets in the fall, and at any time of the year. Consider what can be left out, and what they have access to. Be sure to keep toxins out of reach, and keep in mind that some toxins may not appear toxic to you, but they can be harmful to your pets. If you pet ingests anything potentially poisonous or comes into contact with another wild animal and needs medical attention, please call Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic at (408) 736-8296.

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Immunization helps stop the spread of these diseases and keep everyone healthy. When you bring your kitten or puppy to our veterinarians will administer species-appropriate vaccines to give them a solid start in life.

Vaccines for Puppies and Kittens

Getting a new puppy or kitten is extremely exciting! Puppies and kittens should start their immunization process when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Both species receive core vaccines that protect against the most common and dangerous diseases they can contract. The necessary vaccines for kittens and puppies are:

Kitten Vaccines

• Panleukopenia AKA feline distemper
• Feline calicivirus
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis
• Rabies
• Feline chlamydiosis
• Feline Leukemia Virus

Puppy Vaccines

• Canine parvovirus
• Canine hepatitis
• Distemper
• Rabies
• Leptospirosis
• Parainfluenza
• Bordetella

Other vaccinations may be available depending upon where you live and your pet’s individual risk factors. You can discuss the intended lifestyle for your pet with our veterinarians and decide which additional vaccines are appropriate.  

Vaccinations for puppies include protection against diseases they are likely to encounter when they are outdoors.  

Following Up with Booster Shots 

For vaccines to be most effective, you need to bring your kitten and puppy to the veterinarian for booster vaccines. Boosters support the pet’s health as the maternal antibodies leave their immune system. If you are in the Sunnyvale area, please make sure to give us a call at (408) 736-8296 and ask questions about which vaccines are right for your pet. 

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Leave Your Pet at Home

Don’t take your pet to the store with you and leave them in your car during the heat of the day. Even if you think you will only be a few minutes, that is enough time for your car to get hotter and hotter and your pet will suffer from overheating. Do not risk a fine or putting your pet in danger — just leave them at home for their own safety.

If you plan to take your pet for a walk, be aware that asphalt and concrete absorb heat from the sun, causing these surfaces to become uncomfortably hot. Dog and cat paws are easily burned, so we recommend waiting until dusk or early evening to take a long walk. If daytime is your only available walking time, we encourage you to find a grassy surface or dirt path during the heat of the summer.

Trim but Don’t Shave a Coat

Pets with long or thick coats typically get the most uncomfortable in the hot weather. Getting them a nice trim can help cool them off. However, please talk with your groomer about how to shave the coat down because your cat or dog needs protection from the sun.

Animals are also susceptible to sunburn and suffer the same discomfort as humans. Frequent and repeated sun exposure without applying sunscreen or protective coating can eventually lead to skin cancer in the burned area. Protecting pink noses and skin with pet-friendly sunscreen and limiting exposure to bright sunlight during the summer is also important. If blisters form, make an appointment with in Sunnyvale for further treatment.

Keep the House Cool for Your Pets

Are you in the habit of turning up the temperature on the AC while you are gone for the day? Do not go too far up the dial, as your pets must also stay cool. We understand turning up the temperature a couple of degrees to save on energy costs, but please make sure the house does not get too warm. Your pets need to stay comfortable, too, and they rely on the AC just as much as you do.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Staying hydrated is important year-round, but please make sure your pet has access to fresh water regularly. If you are feeling adventurous, creating a doggy water park with sprinklers, or filling a pet pool may be fun!

Pay Attention for Signs of Distress

It is normal for a dog to pant in hot weather and for a cat to look lazy as they sleep away in the heat of the day. But if your dog or cat is exhibiting any of these following symptoms, they are overheating, and you need to act, get your pet to right away. Please give us a call at (408) 736-8296 when you are on your way.

Signs of overheating include:

• • Excessive panting
  • Disorientation or confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Drooling
  • Rapid breathing and pulse
  • Stumbling or staggering
  • Bright red tongue

Remember: if you’re hot, so are your pets. These signs tend to be more subtle in cats than dogs, but they are still a sure sign of heatstroke in either species. Don’t overlook their need to stay cool in hot weather and make the effort to give them a comfortable environment. Everyone stays happy and healthy when care is taken to avoid the worst of the summer heat. Please seek emergency veterinary care if your pet is not responding to attempts to cool down their body.

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Prepare Early & Communicate

If you live in an area prone to certain natural disasters, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, you should plan accordingly and always evacuate early. Below are preemptive steps related to your pet’s safety, but please visit Ready to prepare your entire family.

1. Share Your Plan: Once you have created your family disaster plan, ensure everyone within the household knows the details. (i.e., Who is grabbing the supplies? Who is in charge of the checklist? Who is loading up the pets if evacuation is needed?)
2. Find a Pet-Friendly Safe Haven: Do not leave your pets behind! Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside, so it is important to find places that will. Please contact [hospital name] at [phone number] or a local animal shelter for a list of pet-friendly locations to consider. You can also ask friends or family members outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take your pet (or your entire family).
3. Microchip Your Pet: Collars with ID tags are great, but microchipping your pet adds an extra layer of security and safety. Ensure your contact information for the microchip is always up to date and include an emergency contact outside your immediate area.
4. Rescue Alert Stickers: As an extra step, you can order Rescue Alert Stickers to place on your front door and notify people that you have a pet inside.

Assemble Your Emergency Kit 

Once you have completed the above, we recommend assembling a family AND pet emergency kit stored near the main exit in your home or vehicle in case evacuation is needed (supplies should be updated at least 1-2x each year, i.e., expirations).

• Container to fit all of the following items + a printed checklist of the below to tape to the lid: 
  • Food + Water
    • Store a minimum of 7-14 days worth of supply of water, pop-top canned or air-tight sealed dry food, and bowls
  • Medicine
    • Include 2-weeks worth of medication in a child/pet-proof container with clear labeling (name and dose)
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Collar (with ID Tags), Leash, or Harness
  • Traveling Bag, Crate, or Carrier
    • Label these items with your preferred animal hospital and owner information
  • Grooming Items
  • Sanitation Materials
    • Litter, litter box, poop bags, pooper scooper
  • Copy of Medical Records + Microchip Information
  • Familiar Items
    • Toy, blanket, or bed
  • A Picture of You & Your Pet
    • In case you need to make “Lost Pet” posters

Download and print ASPCA’s checklist here.

Stay Informed

If a disaster hits, ensure you and your family stay current on current conditions. Remember to comfort your pet during a disaster. He or she is likely just as frightened as you are, and hugging them will help keep your pet calm (it will probably help you too.) If your pet is not ready to be comforted, do not force it. Let the pet come to you when he or she is ready. Ready.gov suggests the below ways to stay informed:

• Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.

• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.

• Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.

For Additional Information

AVMA – Emergency Care – Pets & Disasters
FEMA – Basic Disaster Preparedness

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Why Pets Get Lost 

Pets can go missing for many reasons. They may escape from an enclosed backyard or inadvertently get let out by your kids during a playdate. They might break away from the leash while you’re on vacation or jump out of the car when you stop at a gas station. Pets are also notorious for panicking when they hear the fireworks and thunderstorms that are common during the month of July. 

A dog that gets off the leash or wanders may get picked up by a Good Samaritan. However, if your dog gets into a car with a stranger, it can be harder for you to find them. Dogs that get lost may also roam around, unable to find their way home. This is especially a concern if your dog is frightened. Wandering dogs may get in accidents or be attacked by another animal, making it physically impossible for them to return to you. 

The most common lost cat scenario involves the cat getting trapped somewhere. When cats don’t feel well, they tend to seclude themselves. This can make it tough for you to find your cat even if they haven’t left the neighborhood. If your kitty found a safe place to hide in someone else’s car, she might accidentally get transported far away from home. 

Tips for Pet Loss Prevention 

Of course, the best way to help a lost pet is to prevent the animal from going missing in the first place. However, an ID tag on their collar is a great place to start remembering, the collar should fit snugly enough that your pet can’t slip it off. Check the hardware on the collar regularly to prevent wear and tear. 

Microchipping is also a great way to keep tabs on your furry friend. A microchip is a rice-sized implant embedded under your pet’s skin and remains in place for life. Most people know they can bring an animal to a veterinarian, shelter, or rescue organization to scan the pet for a microchip. When your pet’s microchip is scanned, a unique number will be displayed on the scanner’s screen, matching up with your contact information in a database. If you have your animal microchipped, make sure to keep your data updated.  

Although it is important to let your pet have fresh air regularly, keeping it indoors is one of the best ways to prevent losing your pet. Cats can easily jump a fence, and dogs may not be as agile, but they may try to create their own escape routes. If you can keep your eye on your pet while it’s outdoors, you can better prevent a lost animal or pet-snatching scenario.  

What To Do If Your Pet Does Go Missing 

First off, start looking for your pet immediately. The longer you wait, the lower your chances are of recovering your furry friend. Putting up signs and letting neighbors know can help everyone stay on the lookout for your furry loved one. It is also a good idea to call your local veterinarians and animal shelters. They will let you know if a rescuer brings in your animal. 

Unfortunately, repeatedly calling your pet’s name can make them more frightened, especially if others have tried to do already. If you catch a glimpse of your pet running free, don’t chase or call them. Even trying to approach your pet slowly can freak it out if it’s already panicked. Getting down on your knees or even lying flat on the ground can help them stay calm. Lastly, you can calmly lure them towards you with a treat. Patience is key! 

If you have any questions or want to get your pet microchipped, please call Sunnyvale Veterinary Clinic at (408) 736-8296 in Sunnyvale, CA.  

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