Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

With the Christmas and New Years' holidays fast approaching, we wanted to remind everyone of some very important tips to keep your four-legged friends safe and healthy: (from Robin Tierney, Partnership for Animal Welfare )

• Many holiday plants can lead to health problems in dogs and cats. Among the plants to keep out of reach are holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lillies.
• Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.
• Pine needles, when ingested, can puncture holes in a pet's intestines, so be sure and keep areas free of pine needles.
• The extra cords of holiday lights can look like chew toys to pets. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries.
• Anchor Christmas trees to the ceiling with a string to keep them from falling on pets.
• Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water may contain bacteria.
• Do not put aspirin in the tree water (some folks do it thinking it will keep the tree more vigorous)..if a pet ingests the aspirin-laced water, their health or even life may be at risk.
• Pets, particularly cats, may be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Hang tinsel high to keep out of reach of pets.
• Keep ornaments out of reach of pets. Ingestion of any ornament, which might look like toys to pets, can result in life-threatening emergencies. Put away toys after children open their gifts. Small plastic pieces and rubber balls are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs.
• Keep candles on high shelves. Use fireplace screens to avoid burns.
• Holiday guests and other activity can be very stressful and even frightening to pets. Make sure pets have a safe retreat in the home, and are wearing current ID tags in case the escape out a dog when guests come and go.
• Do not let guests feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate and alcohol, that can cause illnesses ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to highly serious pancreatitis and other toxic reactions. In addition, candy wrappers, aluminum foil pieces and ribbons can choke pets.
• If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-3-ANI-HELP.
• Now is also a good time to check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other safety devices around the home.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

Fetch the Fruitcake Event

On Saturday, December 5th Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation will be hosting the Fetch the Fruitcake dog event in Central Park! The event, which begins at 12:00 p.m., will allow dogs to sniff out fruitcakes and dog treats, and some of these will be prize cakes! Bring your best friend and join in the fun, and be sure and check your goody bags for valuable coupons from Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel!

Thanksgiving Dinner!

Bring your best friend to Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel, located at 376 Gradle Drive, for the Thanksgiving Holiday, and treat them to a special holiday meal for Turkey Day! While you are enjoying your Thanksgiving feast, your furry friend can also feast on turkey with all the trimmings for just an additional $5.00! Beginning on Wednesday, November 25th we will be roasting a turkey right here in the center......yum!

We have just a few spots left, so call (317) 848-7387 to make your reservations now! Don't forget to make your Christmas reservations too!

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, so we wanted to share a few special senior friends who are desperately in need of homes:

Please contact the Hamilton County Humane Society

for more information or to adopt these special pets! And remember, Best Friends Pet Care in Carmel has started our Angel Tree Program, partnering with the Humane Society to collect toys, treats and other gifts for homeless pets this holiday season. Stop in and see us at 376 Gradle Drive in Carmel to make a donation today!

The Dolphin In Water Adventure- in Indiana!

Have you dreamed of swimming with the dolphins but didn't think it was possible in the midwest? Well believe it or not, the Indianapolis Zoo offers a Dolphin In Water Adventure program that takes you in the pool with the dolphins!! I haven't tried this, but it seems like a great opportunity and it is very reasonably priced. If anyone has done this I would love to hear your comments. For more information on this program visit the Indianapolis Zoo Website.

Angel Tree Program Aids Homeless Animals

Although it might seem early, Best Friends in Carmel will be putting up our annual Angel Tree this week! Pets are the latest victim of the economic downturn, and more and more pets are being surrendered to local shelters as families struggle to make ends meet. This has put a strain on shelter resources.

The Angel Tree Program was created in 2000 to help local shelters and rescue groups provide for the homeless pets in their care, and encourages pet lovers to donate food, treats, toys and other supplies needed by local shelters. From the week of Thanksgiving through the entire Christmas season, we will partner with the Humane Society of Hamilton County and other local rescue groups to find homes for adoptable pets and collect donations for the shelters.

Animal lovers are invited to stop by Best Friends at 376 Gradle Drive and select a dog or cat stocking from the Angel Tree in our lobby. Listed on each stocking is information about a pet in need of a new home, as well as details about supplies needed by the shelter. Donors are asked to purchase only the specific supplies requested by the shelter and only new items will be accepted.

For more information, please feel free to call (317) 848-7387. Please remember animals in need the holiday season!

New Pet Stylist at Best Friends Carmel!

Best Friends Carmel proudly welcomes pet stylist Meagan Llerena to our staff! Meagan joins veteran stylist Olga Kudinova and is already settling in and making pooches beautiful!

Meagan has four years of experience in the grooming industry and is skilled in working with virtually every breed. Whether your best friend is in need of a simple bath, or a more customized haircut and style, Meagan is taking new clients and is available for consultations and appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Regular grooming is essential to your pets' health and happiness, and helps make them look and feel their huggable best!

For more information, please feel free to call us at (317) 848-7387. We look forward to hearing from you soon!