Issue No. 3 Topanga Pet Resort
A Country Camp for Dogs!		 Nov/Dec 2007
We wish all our valued client's a VERY HAPPY and SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!
 
Holiday Hours: We will be closed for pickup or drop off on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday Nov. 22nd), Christmas Day (Tuesday Dec.25th ) and New Year's Day (Tuesday Jan. 1st.)
 
We hope you have already made your reservations for your pet this holiday season. If not, call our office for availability as space is limited during these busy times.  
Holiday Safety Tips
 
We want the holidays to be a happy time for you and your pet, not a time for an emergency visit to your veterinarian. The food and decorations that make the holidays so much fun for us can be dangerous for your pet. We do not want this article to dampen your holiday spirits, but we do want you to be aware of the dangers and plan carefully to avoid these potential hazards.
 
Thanksgiving Turkey!
Food
Holiday foods we enjoy cooking and eating can be a problem for your pet.
  • Rich, fatty foods, like gravy or grease
  • Alcohol can cause serious intoxications in pets, and many dogs are attracted to it. Every year hundreds of dogs die after a single bout of alcohol consumption.
  • Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components
  • Bones from fish, meat, or poultry can also cause problems if swallowed. Even small bones can splinter causing lacerations throughout the intestinal tract.
  • Tobacco products can be fatal to pets.
  • Uncooked yeast dough can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.
  • Grapes, raisins & Macadamia Nuts all contain dangerous toxins.
  • Remember, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell - juices on plastic or aluminum foil left on countertops are very tempting. If ingested, plastic or foil wrap (cellophane candy wrappers or food wrap) can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
  • Feed your pet(s) before a party so they will not be so apt to beg or steal food.
Training
Our Next Puppy Group Class will be in January 2008!
 
The training class is limited to "10", so call as soon as possible to book a spot for you and your pup!  
 
 
Poisonous Plants
We all like making our homes more festive for the holidays. We enjoy the green foliage and colorful flowers of plants. Unfortunately, many of the plants we have in our homes during the holidays can be poisonous to pets. If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats. Mistletoe upsets stomachs and can cause heart collapse, while hibiscus may cause diarrhea. Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset. So when you brighten up your home, place these plants well out of your dog's reach, or use imitation holiday plants.
 
Decorations and Wrappings
All that glitters is not gold - it could be dangerous for your pet. Ribbons, yarn, string ,adhesives, glue, potpourri, candles are just a few things that are your pet may get into that are hazardous.
 
Christmas Trees
Christmas Trees
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how careful we must be. Christmas trees and their decorations can create hazards for pets.
  • Tree needles can be toxic and cause mouth and stomach irritation. Even needles and the wire of artificial trees could pose a problem. Be sure your dog is not chewing on branches or eating fallen needles.
  • Tinsel's shininess is attractive. When eaten, it can cause blockages, which often require surgery to remove. Leave it off the tree altogether.
  • Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic. If consumed in larger amounts, however, they could cause blockage of the intestine. Try decorating with something less likely to cause a problem.
  • Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of lights can cause problems ranging from burned mouths to electrical shock.
  • Decorating trees with food is asking for problems. Candy canes and gingerbread people can be as enticing to your dog.
  • Because tree preservatives are often sugar-based (and inviting to dogs) and because the water stands so long, the water in the tree stand often harbors potentially harmful bacteria. Fertilizers, insecticides, or flame retardants that were used on the tree may also get into the water. Cover the stand with a tree skirt or use other means to prevent access to the water.
 
Visitors
Some pets love visitors and behave very well. Others may be fearful or aggressive. Some puppies may urinate when meeting people. Still, others may be too full of holiday cheer and over-exuberant. Plan for how your dog will react to visitors. A quiet room, away from the commotion with water and food available will help fearful dogs be more comfortable.
 
Dogs hugging
New Pets
New pets are not good holiday gifts!
Similarly, if thinking about getting a new pet for yourself, remember pets need routine and a time to bond with you. With its noise, commotion, and special hazards, the holiday season is anything but routine. Think about getting your new dog after the holidays. Why not make the holidays more enjoyable for homeless pets? Contact your local animal shelter to see if you can donate food, kitty litter, toys, or time.
 
Pet Gifts and Treats
When choosing a holiday gift for your special friend, be sure it is safe - no small pieces that could come off and be swallowed. Choose healthy holiday treats for your dog and give them in moderation.
 
With all of the festivities, do not forget to relax and spend some quality time with your pet. Your dog will think that is the best gift of all.
 
Recent Fires
Voluntary evacuation during the recent fires
October 22, 2007 was a day filled with anticipation as the Malibu Canyon fire continued to burn. At 3 PM, the Sheriff pulled up in front and let us know that a voluntarily evacuation was in place for our area. We had anticipated this might occur and put our evacuation plan into action.
 
On Sunday when the fire started in Malibu we tried to reach the owners or emergency contact for each dog staying with us. Many owners responded and were able to come and pick up their dogs prior to the roads being closed to non-residents. The dogs that remained with us on Monday afternoon were all transported to Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar. The Guide Dog school is in a residential area and provides a safe haven in an emergency.
 
 
Guide Dogs of America
 
Pat Tomlinson stayed with the dogs at the Guide Dog school for two days until it was safe to return to Topanga. We waited until all roads were open and the fire was contained. The key point is that the dogs were safe and well cared for at all times.
 
Topanga Pet Resort is most appreciative of Guide Dogs of America for allowing us to share kennel space on an emergency basis. Guide Dogs of America is one of our favorite charities and we donate a portion of our profits each year to support guide dog programs. If you would like to learn more about guide dogs please visit their website: www.guidedogsofamerica.org.
 
Just Fun!
  A Puppy's 12 Days of Christmas
Puppies
On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me The Santa topper from the Christmas tree.
 
On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Two leaking bubble lights
 
On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Three punctured ornaments
 
On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Four broken window candles
 
On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Five chewed-up stockings
 
On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Six yards of soggy ribbon
 
On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Seven scraps of wrapping paper
 
On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Eight tiny reindeer fragments
 
On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me My wreath in nine pieces
 
On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Ten Christmas cards I shoulda' mailed
 
On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me Eleven unwrapped presents
 
On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me A dozen puppy kisses And I forgot all about the other eleven days.
 
Most Popular Dog Names
Top 10 Male Pet Names
  1. MAX
  2. BUDDY
  3. JAKE
  4. ROCKY
  5. BAILEY
  6. BUSTER
  7. CODY
  8. CHARLIE
  9. BEAR
  10. JACK
   Top 10 Female Pet Names
  1. MOLLY
  2. MAGGIE
  3. DAISY
  4. LUCY
  5. SADIE
  6. GINGER
  7. CHLOE
  8. BAILEY
  9. SOPHIE
  10. ZOE
New Service Announcement
 
Topanga Pet Resort is now offering "NON-ANESTHESIA" Teeth Cleaning for Dogs. It will be performed monthly, by Kay Douglass of Smile Specialists, at our resort.
Kay will be at our facility the 4th Saturday of every month starting in November. Why not have your dog's teeth cleaned during their holiday stay with us! We are offering this service at an introductory price of $125.00 which is $10 off the regular price of $135.00.
Kay is amazing with all breeds and temperaments. With her gentle, kind approach and skill Kay's work speaks for itself as will your dog's pearly whites.
Please call for an appointment or schedule a cleaning during your dog's stay with us.
 
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