 Just like in human medicine, there are resuscitation codes in veterinary medicine. What does this mean, and why is this important? A resuscitation code is a set of instructions indicating what life-saving measures a patient, or in this case a pet owner, desires if their heart or breathing stops. This can be scary to think about, but it is important for your veterinary staff to know your wishes so they can act quickly in an emergency situation. You are your pet’s voice. By thinking ahead and discussing resuscitation preferences, you are taking a powerful step in advocating for their care. So what does CPR look like in pets? Small animal CPR is similar to that in humans, but there are a few differences.
 Asking for a resuscitation code is not meant to stress you out, we are not anticipating an emergency situation, we are just preparing in the event that one does happen. Knowing your wishes before a crisis occurs ensures your pet receives care that aligns with your values and expectations. So what are the resuscitation codes at East Oak?
Thinking about your pet in a life-threatening situation is not easy and talking about resuscitation can feel overwhelming. Our staff is here to support and guide you through the process with compassion. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a resuscitation code:
 No one knows your pet better than you do, but if you are unsure about your decision do not hesitate to ask questions. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer, your decision should reflect what you believe is the best option for your pet; there is no judgement. Emergencies are hard. Talking about resuscitation is hard. But not knowing what to do in a crisis is even harder. By having a resuscitation code in place, you give your pet the best chance—whether that’s through life-saving CPR or through a peaceful passing in accordance with your values.
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Does your pet have some undesirable behaviors, such as tearing things up when you leave the house, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places, or crying/vocalizing all through the night? Less than ideal behaviors seen in our pets can be signs of anxiety. Believe it or not, anxiety is one of the most common conditions we see in our dogs and cats. Anxiety can present in many different ways based on the individual pet themselves. Some common signs of anxiety are:
So what causes anxiety in our dogs and cats? Anxiety in pets can stem from a variety of influences, just as it does in people. It is important to take note of your pet's behaviors as they go about their day and interact with their environment to try to confirm any potential stressors. Some of the most common causes of anxiety in pets are as follows:
I think my pet may be showing signs of anxiety, what can I do? The easiest place to start is with an exam with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will gather information about your dog's personality/behaviors and potential stressors in their life based off of a history that you will provide. Your veterinarian may recommend some diagnostics as well, to rule out any potential underlying issues. This may include blood work, urinalysis, and/or radiographs. A treatment plan will be made based on the pet's history, symptoms, and diagnostics. Some pets require long/short term anxiety medications, while others may need a change in routine. Here are some ways to help manage anxiety in your four-legged friend:
 Understanding the root cause of a pet's stress builds trust and strengthens the relationship between pets and owners. Small steps taken today can help create lasting change tomorrow.
Regular nail trims for your dog are one of the most important grooming practices. Keeping your dog’s nails on the shorter side prevents nails from growing into the paw pads, keeps them walking comfortably, and reduces the chance of them accidentally scratching you. Nail trims can be scary/stressful for some dogs, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be trimming nails like a pro in no time! 1. Know how often to trim your pooch’s nails - Most dogs require a nail trim about once a month. Dogs that are walked on pavement regularly require less trims because they file their nails down. Dogs that are mainly indoors or less active may require trims more often. Be sure to check your dog’s nails periodically and come up with a schedule that is right for them. 2. Get your dog used to their paws being touched - Start slow, casually pick up a paw and inspect all the toes; if your dog tolerates this, give them a treat! Work on getting your dog used to all of their paws being touched/held and once they are comfortable, this will make it much easier to trim their nails. 3. Pick the right grooming tool for your dog - There are different types of nail clippers/grinders. Choose a tool that is appropriate for your dog’s nail size - larger clipper for larger dogs and smaller for more dainty paws. Some dogs will not tolerate a nail trim due to the sound of the nails being clipped. These dogs may do better with a quiet dremel that grinds the nails, instead of clipping them.  4. Know how much of the nail to trim - The “quick,” is the part inside of the nail that has nerve endings and blood vessels; be sure to avoid clipping the quick! Start by taking off a small amount of the nail, and trim more if needed. If you do accidentally clip the quick, you can stop the bleeding with some styptic powder (found at any pet store), or cornstarch or flour.  5. Create a calm, relaxing environment - Make sure you are using an area that has plenty of light, and not a lot of commotion going on. Playing calming music may be helpful for some dogs. The most important part is for you to stay calm during the whole process. Your dog will pick up on your stress and it may cause them to panic during a nail trim if they are already stressed.
7. Small wins are still wins! - Trim as many nails as your dog will allow in one sitting. Clipping 1-2 nails every couple days is still a success, especially if you have a dog that is not very cooperative!
8. Recruit a friend to help hold your dog - Some dogs just are not motivated by food and cannot be bribed with treats and lick mats. It may help to have someone hold the dog, while another person trims the nails. Make sure to keep your dog comfortable while gently restraining them, and let them go if they start to stress. It is better to get a couple nails done, than to wrestle them to get all of the nails done at once. 9. Talk to your veterinarian - If you are still having trouble and your dog just won’t tolerate a spa day, speak with your veterinarian about other tips/tricks/options. Don’t be discouraged, the veterinary staff can help come up with a plan that works for you and your canine companion. Trimming your cat’s nails at home can be a daunting feat, since cats like to do things on their time. With a few tips and some positive reinforcement, you’ll be trimming your feline friend’s nails like a pro in no time. 1. Know how often to trim your cat’s nails - Outdoor cats do not require regular nail trims; they need their nails to defend themselves outside. Younger cats require more frequent trims, some as often as every 2 weeks, as their nails grow faster. Older cats usually require monthly trimmings, but be sure to check your cat’s nails regularly.
3. Know how much of the nail to trim - The “quick” is the pink part inside the nail that has blood vessels and nerve endings - this should be avoided when trimming nails! When trimming your cat’s nails, start with small clips, as it is better to take too little, than too much. If you do accidentally clip the quick, you can stop the bleeding with some styptic powder (found at any pet store), or cornstarch or flour.  4. Practice extending your cat’s nails - While sitting comfortably with your cat, practice holding their paws and gently squeezing to extend the nails, without trimming. This will help acclimate them to having their paws touched. 5. Start with one or two nails at a time - Trimming all of your cat’s nails at once can be stressful, especially if they are not used to it. Trim as many nails as your cat will allow at a time and look at every nail trimmed as a success. 6. Provide lots of bribes! - Use your cat’s favorite treats to show that nail trims can be a positive experience. While trimming, offer a liquid treat or even some canned food that may take your cat a while to finish so they are distracted while you are clipping. You can also offer a treat after every nail that is successfully clipped.
8. Create a calm environment - Be sure to trim nails in a well-lit, quiet place; some calming music may be helpful. Some cats may benefit from pheromones, such as Feliway, which can be sprayed on a towel, or in the area where you will be trimming nails. Make sure that you stay relaxed during the process, as your cat can pick up on your stress.
9. Ask your veterinary staff - If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your vet, as they may have even more tips and tricks for some of our more feisty feline friends. As we approach the Easter Holiday, it is important to remember that some of the holiday staples may pose a risk to our furry friends. Chocolate - Chocolate and Easter go hand in hand, but chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both harmful to pets. Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, tremors, seizures, and an increased heart rate. The darker the chocolate, the more harmful it is, but in the case of any type of chocolate ingestion, contact your local veterinarian, or the Animal Poison Control Center. Easter Basket Grass - Plastic, shiny, colorful decorative grass can be very tempting for dogs and cats to take a nibble. Since the plastic cannot be broken down by the body, it can cause an intestinal blockage if ingested. Instead of plastic grass, consider using tissue paper, or shredded crinkle paper to give your baskets some pizazz, without posing a risk to your pets. Plants + Bulbs - Spring is a time to gift and plant flowers, but it is important to make sure that your pets are not doing more than just taking in the pleasant scents of the flowers. Many flowers and bulbs are potentially harmful for our cats and dogs. Here is a list of potentially harmful plants to keep away from your furry friends, and signs to watch for if they are ingested:  Easter feasts - Common Easter entrees such as turkey or ham are often high in salt, which can cause pancreatitis in both dogs and cats. Popular side dishes contain harmful ingredients such as onions and garlic. Instead of sharing from the table, consider cooking your pet their own Easter dinner of lean meat, such as boiled chicken, and vegetables such as peas and carrots.
Create a safe space if you are hosting for the holiday - Many pets welcome guests during holiday seasons; others prefer to keep to themselves and the added noise/traffic in their home may be stressful. Provide more timid pets with an area that is off-limits to guests, and be sure to include some of their favorite toys, bedding, and treats to keep them comfortable. Keep emergency contact handy - It is important to keep the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number on hand (888-426-4435), in case of any accidental ingestions. Another important contact to keep nearby is that of a trusted friend or family member who can care for your pet if you're unable to do so yourself. This is especially crucial around holidays like Easter when travel plans may be disrupted unexpectedly. Make sure this person knows how to reach you as well as any specific instructions regarding your pet's diet or medication needs. |
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January 2026
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