Costume Contest « Merrill Animal Clinic

Greetings! Fall is officially here, the leaves are finally changing! We at Merrill Animal Clinic are excited to share the newest edition of our monthly newsletter with another money saving opportunity for you. As well as, more helpful tips to keep your pets safe, happy, & healthy this holiday season and beyond!

Photo Courtesy of Stan & Cathy Rogaski

MAC’s November LOW COST Special Offer

We are offering Low Cost Spays & Low Cost Neuters for the month of November only. Call for prices as they are based on the weight of your pet. See our coupon at the end of this Newsletter

for more details.

Avoid Feeding People Food, Especially During the Holidays

All pet owners know our furry family members will beg and plead while you try to eat, especially

at the holidays. We discourage you from giving into those sad eyes and drooling tongues, even for just a tiny tidbit of ham, chicken, or turkey from your plate, for a few reasons. Pet need specifically formulated nutrients that are provided for them in premium pet foods. And all the ”extras” that they consume off of your plate will sway their appetites from their regular diet. A sliver of ham or turkey from your dinner plate can make them very sick. Even small amounts of “people food” especially pork or other fatty food can cause colitis, gastroenteritis, and even pancreatitis. There are a number of foods that you wouldn’t think are bad for pets that can actually be toxic.

Onions, garlic and other root vegetables can be toxic to pets and should never be offered in any form. Avoid offering cats & dogs Thanksgiving stuffing and gravy, as they are often onion flavored. Even dehydrated onions can be harmful. Onions and Garlic contain (N-propyl disulphide)

that destroys red blood cells in pets, causing a form of anemia called Heinz body anemia. Raw tomatoes & raw potatoes are members of the Solanaceae family of plants and are in the same family as Deadly Nightshade. They are dangerous because they contain a poisonous alkaloid called Glycoalkaloid Solanine, which can cause symptoms such as violent lower gastrointestinal upset. The stems and leaves are especially toxic.

Some people believe just a tiny bit of alcohol never hurt anyone. Unfortunately, that is not truefor pets. They not only get sick and disoriented, but it can cause urination problems, coma and even death from alcohol poisoning. It really doesn’t take much. So try not to feel compelled to share your libations with your furry family members. And if you would never do such a thing, then be sure to keep your drinks out of their reach at least.

Bones from the table and even the butcher can splinter and become hazardous to your pet’s health regardless if they’ve been cooked or not. The sharp splinters can get stuck in your pet’s teeth and throat. They can rip, puncture and migrate through the body and not necessarily through the normal path of least resistance either. All table bones are dangerous but chicken, turkey, pork and veal bones are the most harmful.

Most people know chocolate is toxic to pets. But did you know bakers chocolate, cocoa powder & cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms? Even just letting your pet lick the bowl or a spoon can make them very sick. Semi-sweet and dark chocolate is the next most hazardous form.

And milk chocolate is the least dangerous, but should still be avoided as it can lead to a nasty attack of pancreatitis which is still potentially life threatening. Caffeine is another ingredient in chocolate that can be harmful to pets, potential side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac

& respiratory arrest.

Milk and milk based products can cause intestinal upset. Grapes and raisins should be avoided as they can cause severe health issues. All parts of avocado fruit including the seeds, leaves, and bark can be harmful causing diarrhea and vomiting.

During the holidays we bakers are often tempted to give our pets a taste of uncooked batter and the like. But beware, raw eggs should never be given to your pets. The yeast in bread dough is dangerous and should be avoided as it can expand in your pet’s stomach. Salt is another culprit in both baking and cooking. It can lead to not only pancreatitis, but also bloat from too much water intake as well as sodium poisoning in large doses. Macadamia nuts can be life threatening, and some of the symptoms seen can include vomiting, tremors, loss of coordination, hypothermia, or hyperthermia. Artificial sweetners found in gum, candy, and baked goods can be toxic as well. Xylitol is an everyday product that should be avoided as it can lead to loss of coordination, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and eventually liver failure.

All Tobacco products can be fatal to pets if ingested. That includes cigarette butts, cigars, pipes, nicotine gum & patches, as well as chewing tobacco. Signs of Tobacco Poisoning are increased salivation & panting, hyperactivity, vomiting, and diarrhea. Advanced signs are twitching,

muscle weakness, collapsing, increased heart rate, coma and, cardiac arrest.

If you must give your pets treats at the holidays or throughout the year introduce pet safe treats in small amounts slowly. Try to avoid high calorie goodies as they lead to obesity. Ideal treats are great-tasting, low calorie, nutritious and low fat. We often recommend raw carrot slices, green beans & plain rice cakes as substitutes to commercial dog treats. When in doubt just offer a piece or two of your pet’s kibble. They are usually just as content.

Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about proper nutrition, treats, diet, weight issues or any other health concerns.

Kathy’s Costume Corner

Recently, I spent several delightful weekends with my Frenchie Truman. We competed in the Dogtoberfest Costume Contest, and we came away with ”Best in Show,” as well as “Best Boy Dog.” Truman dressed as Ceasar, and his stroller was decorated as his royal palace, which generated a lot of excitement. Truman adores all of the adulation, not to mention all the treats and toys. Our next event was Yappy Hour at the Landing, with the only requirement being “BYOD.” We came away with a win for “Most Original.” Our next contest was at Petsmart, where we came in 2nd place. The 1st place winner was an adorable 17 year old Pomeranian dressed as a pilot with his own plane. The competitions were all a lot of fun, but now it’s time to start thinking of something for next October that will top “Little Ceasar.”

Announcing October’s Fall Festival Photo Contest Winners

Our Canine Winner is:

Molly “Cowgirl” Byrd

The winners of our Fall Festival Pet Basket’s are Molly Byrd & Annie Harms!

We would like to thank all of the participants of MAC’s Fall Festival Photo Contest. Our staff truly enjoy all of your furry babies photos. And we encourage you to post them on

Our Facebook Page, e-mail them or bring them into our office & we will be happy to scan them into your pet’s health record and return them right back to you.

Our Feline Winner is: