A Few Reminders to Help You Enjoy a Wonderful Holiday Season with Your Pets
We excited to be entering the holiday season! Here’s a roundup of our most useful advice for keeping your cats and dogs safe through the holidays.
5 Holiday Foods that Are Safe Pet Treats
When we treat ourselves, we also want to treat our pets! These are healthy treat options from the holiday table. Remember, treats are good in moderation, so think in bites, not bowls.
Plain Cooked Lean Meat, Poultry or Fish
Raw Baby Carrots or Frozen Green Beans
Plain Scrambled or Boiled Eggs
All-Natural Peanut Butter
Plain, Cooked Pumpkin, Canned or Cubed
20 Foods & Ingredients to Keep Away From Your Pet
On the other hand, there are plenty of foods that are dangerous to share with pets. Never give your pets these items:
Raw meat, poultry or fish
Cooked or raw bones
Onions
Garlic
Chives
Leeks
Avocados
Mustard – the seeds, powder or condiment
Raw yeast dough
Raisins and grapes
Nuts
Green tomatoes
Raw potatoes
Alcohol
Chocolate
Caffeine
Candy and gum
Macadamia nuts
Pecan pie
Anything containing the artificial sweetener xylitol
Dangerous Holiday Pet Pictures You Should Never Take
Holiday pet photos are darling, and we love them as much as anyone. However, it’s never the right time to put a pet in danger for a picture. Here are basics guidelines:
No tinsel or ribbon
No toxic plants
Absolutely no alcohol
Avoid light strings
Avoid toxic foods
Christmas Decoration Safety
Decorating is half the fun of the season! Here’s some guidance for mixing pets and pretties:
Secure Your Christmas Tree to the Wall
Keep Tree Water Clean and Fresh
Avoid Tinsel with Cats
Salt Dough Ornaments Are Toxic
Keep Glass Ornaments Out of Reach
Keep Batteries Out of Reach
Unplug Your Christmas Tree when You’re Out of the Room
Extinguish Candles when You Leave the Room
Avoid Decorating with Toxic Plants
Keep Potpourri Away from Pets
Cats Often Try to Eat Confetti
Noisemakers Disturb Many Pets
Fireworks are a Dog’s Worst Enemy
We hope you and your pets enjoy the holidays! Contact us with any questions.
Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disease that can affect pets, not just humans. For Pet Diabetes Month in November, we’re highlighting the risk factors, prevention steps, symptoms and treatments for this disease. The Merck Veterinary Manual explains:
“Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism due to relative or absolute insulin deficiency. Most cases of spontaneous diabetes occur in middle-aged dogs and middle-aged to older cats.”
“Diabetes mellitus occurs when a pet’s body doesn’t produce enough insulin (i.e., Type 1 diabetes) or doesn’t properly respond to insulin (i.e., Type 2 diabetes). Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels, and pets with diabetes cannot properly regulate their blood glucose. Persistently high blood sugar can damage organs, nerves, and tissues, making early diagnosis and management critical for long-term health.”
Risk Factors for Diabetes in Pets
There are certain risk factors that predispose a cat or dog to diabetes, including:
All dogs as they reach middle age and all cats as they reach senior years.
Un-spayed female dogs.
Obesity in dogs.
Although any dog can develop diabetes, some small breeds are more at risk, like Yorkshire Terriers, Border Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, Cairn Terriers, and West Highland White Terriers.
Some cat breeds are more at risk, like Tonkinese, Norwegian Forest Cat, Burmese, Russian Blue, and Abyssinian.
Cats with a body weight over 8.8 pounds (4 kg).
Pets with pancreatitis.
Long-term use of steroid medications.
Preventing Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes prevention should be a focus for all pet owners. Keeping your pet at a healthy body weight and regular exercise are the best steps (and they both promote an overall healthy lifestyle).
Symptoms of Diabetes in Pets
Pets with diabetes will usually display one of more of these signs:
Increased drinking
Increased urination
Weight loss, despite a good appetite (or even increased appetite)
Decreased appetite
Lethargy and weakness
Cloudy eyes
Chronic or recurring infections
If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to reach out to your veterinarian. Untreated diabetes is a dangerous condition.
Managing and Treating Diabetes in Pets
Treatments for diabetes in pets can be time-consuming, but the disease can often be well-managed. AAHA points out:
“In cats, diabetic remission is a reasonable goal. Excellent home care with dietary management, obesity treatment, and monitoring can lead to a cat no longer needing insulin therapy! Unfortunately, remission seldom occurs in dogs.”
Here’s what to expect if your pet is diagnosed with diabetes:
Insulin injections, which your veterinarian will give you a schedule for
Special diabetic pet food
Consistent exercise
Weight management
Oral medication for some cats
Routine blood glucose testing
Do you have questions about your pet and diabetes? Contact us.
Pets don’t want a spooky season (even if some do enjoy the attention they get from wearing costumes). Here’s how to promote safety for your pet during Halloween:
Keep candy away from your pets
Choose comfortable costumes
Be careful about dangerous decorations, like lighted pumpkins, candles and dry ice
Stay visible while outside, with light clothing, reflective tape and/or flashlights
Keep your pet relaxed, perhaps in their own room away from the Halloween celebrations
Use ID tags and microchipping
Keep cats indoors and know they might try to escape while giving out treats to trick-or-treaters
National Pet Wellness Month
Key focus areas for pet wellness include:
Preventative check-ups: nose-to-tail exams
Nutrition and weight: combating pet obesity
Routine care: Vaccines and parasite control
Mental and physical enrichment: Exercise and mental stimulation
Adopt-A-Dog-Month
Choosing adoption gives a deserving dog a second chance while making room in the shelter for another animal in need.
Shelters and rescue organizations are home to dogs of every age, size and personality.
Many adopted dogs:
Are already socialized and house-trained
Have received vaccinations, spay/neuter services and veterinary care
Moving less: Limping, stiffness or trouble with stairs
Jumping less: Cats stop jumping to high places
Changes in grooming: Licking one spot too much or not grooming at all
Changes in behavior: Hiding, acting withdrawn or showing sudden anger when touched
Bathroom trouble: Accidents inside or trouble getting in and out of the litter box
If you suspect your pet is in pain, talk to us about a pain management plan. If your pet is suffering from osteoarthritis, these medications may be able to help:
Librela: Give your dog more days of play
Solensia: Help get your cat back to their “normal”
Contact us with any concerns you may have about your pet.
The happiest cats are the healthiest ones. For Happy Cat Month, let’s do a little check-in with our kitties. How many of these boxes are checked for your feline friend?
Maintains a healthy weight, between eight to 12 pounds, depending on breed.
Gets good nutrition through a reputable cat food brand and occasional healthy treats. Ideally, is fed canned food.
Has constant access to fresh, clean water
Access to scratching posts or other toys that let your cat be a cat
Access to environmental enrichment and vertical climbing space
Enjoys playtime with their humans (depending on age and temperament!)
Gets the right amount of love and attention from their humans (some are more cuddly than others!)
Prevention of parasites, like fleas, ticks and ear mites
Has had a wellness exam in the last 12 months, including blood and fecal tests
Enjoys good dental health through following your veterinarian’s recommendations
Is spayed/neutered
Happy Cats at Companion Care Animal Hospital
Here are some happy cats who have visited us at the hospital lately!
Has it been awhile since your cat has been in for a wellness visit? Let’s give them a head-to-tail exam and help them live their healthiest, happiest life. Contact us.
Get Caught Up on Important Vaccinations for Your Pet’s Long-Term Health
Vaccines help teach your pet’s immune system how to recognize and fight off certain disease-causing agents. They work by stimulating the immune system’s production of antibodies that identify and destroy these agents (before they can cause disease). Companion Care Animal Hospital recommends essential vaccines for our cats and dogs.
Recommended Vaccinations for Cats
Starting when kittens are six weeks of age, they should begin the vaccine schedule. These are standard vaccinations for cats:
Feline leukemia (FIV)
Feline viral rhinotracheitis
Feline Panleukopenia
Rabies
Feline Calicivirus
Chlamydia
In addition, your veterinarian may also recommend this vaccination for your cat:
Bordetella
Recommended Vaccinations for Dogs
Six-week-old puppies should start receiving their vaccines, as certain diseases affect puppies most seriously. These are standard vaccinations for dogs:
Canine distemper
Canine parvovirus
Infectious canine hepatitis
Rabies
Canine influenza (dog flu)
Canine Tracheobronchitis (canine cough)
Leptospirosis
In addition, your veterinarian may also recommend this vaccination for your dog:
Lyme disease
Some Health Benefits to Pet Vaccination
When enough pet’s are immunized, both pets and people benefit. For example, because rabies vaccination is so widespread, there are usually less than 10 human deaths reported in the US each year.
“Studies consistently find that vaccinated pets are strongly protected against illnesses like parvovirus, distemper and panleukopenia, among others. Early-life shots are particularly important because maternal antibodies wane. Staged vaccine schedules for puppies and kittens are specifically designed to cover this high-risk window.”
Serious diseases can be fatal to your pet. And while immunizations can carry risk, side effects in dogs are reported at 0.4% and 0.5% in cats. Temporary side effects can include tiredness, mild fever or swelling around the injection site.
You and your veterinarian know your pet best. Certain pet habits or lifestyles affect which vaccinations are recommended. Contact us with your questions and concerns, and increase your awareness of pet immunization. Let’s work together to help your pet live their healthiest, happiest life.
August is a Hot Time for Pet Adoptions and Shelter Donations
Clear the Shelters is an annual pet adoption campaign in its 12th year. Along with adoptions, it has raised more than $5.6 million in donations for shelters nationwide. In 2025, over 160,000 pets were adopted! Here’s more info:
“NBCUniversal Local is teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear The Shelters in August 2026, a nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 1 million pets have found their forever homes since 2015.”
Cincinnati-Area Clear the Shelters Locations
Louie’s Legacy is one of the largest foster-based rescues in the US, and it’s based right here in Cincinnati! Founded in 2009, Louie’s Legacy has saved the lives of tens of thousands of animals.
The rescue works with Clear the Shelters and has adoption events at these Cincinnati-area PetSmart locations:
Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue – PetSmart- Western Hills, 6068 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45211, (908) 280-5024
“At 11 years old and 25 pounds, Dino is proof that age is just a number. This sweet, easygoing guy is looking for a family to spend his golden years with, and all he really wants is a comfortable spot to relax and people to love.”
“Danica is an 8-year-old, 30 lb beagle mix with big brown eyes who just loves kisses, scratches and cuddles and being close to her people. Her superpowers include being a fast and eager learner, loving all people everywhere, and getting along great with other dogs and her cat sister. She loves to just explore the outdoors and sniff around still.”
“Meet David Bowie, an 8.5-year-old, 100-lb Lab mix who is looking for his forever family. David Bowie is the definition of a gentleman. He’s currently living in a foster home with other dogs and mellow cats and has been doing well in that environment. However, he may truly thrive as the only pet in a home where he can soak up all the love and attention and be the center of his person’s world. Don’t let his age fool you! While DB is perfectly happy lounging around the house and soaking up the cozy life, he still gets excited for walks and enjoys getting outside.”
“This sweet girl is around 3 years old and weighs around 8 pounds. Though Sugar Mama is shy, she is also incredibly sweet. It will take her some time to settle into a new environment, but once she does she will show you her heart of gold! Fast movements startle her, so she would do best in a calmer household. Once she builds trust with you, she loves to chat with you and come to you for love and affection!”
“Wiggles is a 8-month-old short-haired kitten with a gentle, shy nature and a heart full of potential. He may be a little reserved when first meeting new people, but with patience and a calm environment, his sweet personality starts to shine through. Once he feels safe, Wiggles enjoys quiet playtime, soft pets, and cozy spots where he can relax and observe the world around him. He’s the kind of kitten who forms deep bonds with his people, offering soft purrs and quiet companionship.”
“Wren is a 9-month-old short-haired sweetheart with a curious spirit and a gentle soul. She’s the perfect mix of playful and affectionate—always ready to chase a toy one minute and curl up beside you the next. With her bright eyes and soft coat, Wren has a quiet charm that wins people over quickly. She’s still young, so she loves exploring her surroundings and discovering new things, but she also appreciates a cozy spot for naps and some good chin scratches.”
We hope one of these lovely cats or dogs speaks to your heart. If adopting another pet isn’t right for your family right now, consider donating to Louie’s Legacy.
Summer in Cincinnati is reliably hot and humid, which can be dangerous for people and pets alike. We can take some advice from the SPCA of Texas, where hot weather is no surprise.
Heat exhaustion starts when your pet’s body temperature elevates to 104 degrees F. Heat stroke can rapidly follow.
What Are the Danger Signs of Heat Stroke?
Heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst
Bright red tongue and mucous membranes, which turn grey as shock sets in
Thick saliva, drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea
Unsteadiness and staggering
Lethargy
Which Pets Are Most Susceptible to Heat Exhaustion?
Dogs and cats with short noses and flat faces, such as pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats
Long-haired and thick-furred pets
Puppies and kittens
Seniors (most dogs over seven years old and cats over 10)
However, even if your pet doesn’t fall into the high-risk categories, heat exhaustion can come on rapidly and advance into heat stroke.
What About Cats & Heat Exhaustion?
The signs and risks of heat exhaustion in cats are very similar to dogs, so the above chart applies to both. Here’s what’s different for cats:
Cats don’t pant to release excess heat. They must rely on grooming themselves and finding shade
Since cats don’t pant, you’ll look for open-mouthed breathing as a sign of overheating
Flat-faced, brachycephalic cat breeds like Persians are more susceptible to heat exhaustion
We recommend keeping your cat indoors in an air-conditioned environment during very hot days.
What to Do if You Suspect Heat Stroke in Your Pet
Move your pet to a cooler environment right away. An air-conditioned room is best. If that’s not available, provide shade and a fan
Wet their body with cool water (not ice water)
Offer clean water
DON’T: immerse in ice water or wrap them in a wet towel
Call your veterinarian right away
How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Your Pet
The best advice for preventing heat stroke in your pet is to be mindful that summer temperatures can lead to dangerous situations quickly.
Keep your pet inside the air-conditioning during the heat of the day
Take walks in the early morning and late evening, keeping them shorter than usual
