Happy New Year!!!

First 24 Vet would like to wish everyone and their pets a safe and Happy New Year!

We're sure you and your pets had a great holiday, but keep them protected from dangers. When the leaves of a Poinsettia plant are chewed on, they can cause localized irritation of the mouth. If dogs or cats drink the water from your Christmas tree, it can cause digestive upset. Be aware of the extra hazards around the holidays, especially when taking down your decorations.

Happy Holidays!

First 24 Vet would like to wish everyone and their pets a safe and Happy Holiday!

Tis the season to be safe!

Tis the season to be safe! It’s easy for pets to get into trouble during the holidays. Look at all the fun stuff we provide for their curiosity. Gifts, decorations and holiday foods pose dangers for all pets. Be aware of the extra hazards around the holidays. Cats love to play with ribbons and tinsel! If ingested they can sometimes act as foreign bodies causing intestinal blockages. Make sure that your pets are protected from all the festivities this holiday season.

Dogs are Awesome Too!

Holiday Pet Dangers

Homemade Dog Biscuits Recipe

Did you know that 56% of dog owners plan to give their canine companion a gift this holiday season? Are you part of that 56%? If you are stressing about the perfect gift for your furry friend, try this Homemade Dog Biscuit recipe by Martha Stewart.

Ingredients
Makes about 5 dozen
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer's yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup low-sodium canned chicken stock, plus more for brushing

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, yeast, and salt; set aside
2. Place oil in a large bowl. Add stock and flour mixture in three alternating batches, beginning and ending with stock. Mix well.
3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to about 3/8-inch thick. Shape biscuits using a dog-bone-shaped cookie cutter or by cutting around a store-bought dog bone with a butter knife.(Make biscuits that are appropriate for your dog's size.)
4. If desired, you can spell out your dog's name or a holiday message in the dough with a toothpick (wet the toothpick first so it won't stick).
5. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
6. Bake biscuits 10 minutes. Brush with stock; rotate baking sheets, and bake 10 minutes more. Turn off oven, leaving door closed. Let dog biscuits stand in oven to dry completely, about 1 1/2 hours. Wrap as a gift, or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Amazing Pet Story

On Thanksgiving Eve, Bagheera, a 13 week old poodle puppy, wandered into his owner's backyard. Like most Arizonans, his family had a pool. It was a cold fall night and Bagheera, a curious little boy, decided to venture into the freezing waters. Bagheera's family found him shivering and cold in the backyard and rushed him into our ER. His temperature was too cold to register on a thermometer, making him at least 10 degrees below what a normal canine temperature should be. He was in shock and hypothermic. The Dr. and Nurses on staff at First Regional worked vigorously to warm up Bagheera and treat him for shock. He was wrapped in a warming blanket, given warm IV fluids, oxygen therapy and blow dried over the first couple of hours of treatment. Throughout the night, Bagheera's personality started to shine through. He transformed from a freezing, minimally responsive puppy into a barking, tail wagging ball of black fur who gave copious amounts of kisses to anyone in his path. Bagheera continued to improve during his overnight stay and was sent home the next evening to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Great Job to all the staff for their hard work and dedication in making sure Bagheera's family had him home for the Holidays!

Traveling with your pets this holiday season?

The holidays are approaching and many people are traveling to visit their families. Do you have any interesting holiday pet travel tips or stories to share? Leave a comment telling us your pet travel tips.

Stocking up on all the holiday goodies?

Are you stocking up on all the holiday goodies?  Beware of guests who may give your pet cookies, chocolate and other sweets. Those treats are not healthy for them. Your pet’s digestive system is not adapted for such rich foods, and chocolate contains theobromine, which can be harmful and sometimes fatal. Keep plenty of treats especially for your pet around so they don’t get the urge to try and sample some of your holiday feast. Just a tip from First 24 Vet.

Pet of the Month

First 24 Vet is proud to honor Sean as our Pet of the Month.
Sean, his sister Sophie and brother Seamus were released to Scottie Kingdom to find forever homes.
Ken with Duncan riding shotgun made a twenty-two hundred mile round trip mile drive from Chandler (AZ) to Dallas (TX) in May 2010 to meet and greet Sean.
Obviously Sean and Duncan hit it off because Sean is now a forever member of the McLeod Scotties family.

Decorating Dangers

The holidays are a great time for everyone, including your pet, but take precautions this decorating season. Glass ornaments and tinsel can be harmful if swallowed. Extension cords, if chewed, can electrocute your pet. Keep pets safe while decorating for the holiday season.

Christmas Pet Safety