Growing Her Skill Set

Our own Gabby Louis recently completed her training to become an Animal Control Officer (ACO). One of GWLAH’s veterinary technicians, Gabby received her certificate after completing a seven-week course at Bergen County College Career Development Institute and 20 hours of field training. “I decided to become an ACO to help be a voice for animals,” Gabby said. “To help protect them, assist them, stabilize them and transport them, and also to help educate the public on Rabies and other zoonotic diseases.” ACO’s can sometimes have very physically and emotionally demanding duties, Gabby learned. “We handle all types of animals, from pets to wildlife, animal cruelty cases, abandoned animals and we help remove dangerous animals,” she said. “We also have the opportunity to give personal care to the animals housed at shelters.” If the personal care she gives each of our patients at GWLAH is any indication, Gabby is going to make a great Animal Control Officer! Congratulations Gabby! Well done!

New Year's Resolutions . . .

1. Eat better
2. Exercise
3. Take Bella for a check up at Greenwood Lake Animal Hospital

What to do when there is a chill in the air

With the cold weather now fully upon us, the ASPCA has the following tips for keeping your pets warm, safe and comfortable:

• Coming in and out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin.
• Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes.
• Remove any snow balls clinging between paw pads.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry out his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between the toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider purchasing a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
• Bring a towel on long walks to clean stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals, and check for cracks in paw pads or redness in-between toes.
• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If you must bathe, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
• Massaging petroleum jelly or other protectents into paw pads before going out can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation.
• Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
• Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, up off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

Source: ASPCA

O Tannenbaum !

Though it’s not the norm (because what was in 2020?), our office Christmas tree this year featured some rather unusual ornaments that, somehow, just seemed to work. What do you think? Let us know on our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/GreenwoodLakeAnimalHospital

Good Riddance to 2020, Hello to 2021 !

As 2020 draws to a close, and 2021 approaches, the doctors and staff of Greenwood Lake Animal Hospital would like to wish you and yours a happy and healthy new year! Though our celebrations will probably look different this year, we hope you gather as you are able (Zoom anyone?) to count your blessings and welcome a brand new year, brimming with the possibility of an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.