Monthly Newsletter

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Browse our latest news below to catch up on what you may have missed or revisit useful tips and announcements:

2025 Monthly Newsletters

https://www.amcny.org/2025-pet-holidays-and-veterinary-awareness-days/

December 2025 – Safe Toys and Gifts Month

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month! The risk when it comes to toys would be the possibility of an obstruction. This would lead to needing exploratory surgery. There are a few things to consider when it comes to the holidays and what toys and gifts you can spoil them with.

It is important to consider your pet’s size and breed. Make sure that toys are appropriate for their size. Avoid small parts that can easily be swallowed like buttons, eyes, or squeakers. Choose toys that are durable and made with pet-safe material. Make sure toys don’t have sharp edges which could injure your pet. Monitor their playtime by regularly checking toys for any damage that would warrant them needing replaced. Toys containing stuffed materials like cotton and foam should be used with discretion. Some pets don’t tear them up and are fine to have them while others tend to rip them up in seconds, exposing the stuffing which allows them the chance to swallow it.

When it comes to the holidays, safe decorations are something to be considered. Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments should be out of reach from your pets. Certain plants that are common around the holidays, like poinsettias and lilies, are toxic to animals. Make sure that food treats are made from ingredients that are safe for your pet and are not given in excess.

The holidays are such a fun time of the year! Let’s make sure our pets also get to enjoy it but in a safe manner.

August 2025 – Itchy Pet Awareness Month

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! Itchiness in pets can look like excessive licking, biting, scratching, or rubbing. Skin issues can be tricky because there are multiple causes for itchiness. These can include allergies, parasites, or skin infections. What precautions can you take and when do you see the veterinarian?

Allergies can be either environmental or food-related. Environmental allergies are also known as atopic dermatitis. This can be caused by allergens like pollens, molds, dust mites, and grass, that are found in the pet’s surroundings. An immune response to these allergens is triggered which leads to itchy skin. There are many treatment options available depending on the pet’s response which include antihistamines, medicated shampoos, supplements, or immunotherapy. Allergy testing is also available to see specifically what your pet may be allergic to. Food-related allergies are less common than environmental allergies but result from an immune response to certain ingredients in your pet’s food. The most common food allergens include proteins like beef, chicken, lamb, and soy. Less common food allergens can include grains like wheat, corn, and rice. Treatment for food-related allergies involve feeding your pet a different food with a novel protein and carbohydrate. Unfortunately, these food trials can take up to several weeks to see improvement.

Parasites can also be the cause of itchiness. Fleas and mites are the culprit for this. It is always best to keep your pet on reliable prevention. Not all over-the-counter prevention works, so it is recommended to get a product from your veterinarian. There are multiple options including Bravecto, Simparica Trio, Credelio, Nexgard Combo, and many more.

With allergies and the effects of itchiness, secondary skin infections can appear. This is why it is important to consult with your veterinarian if your pet is exhibiting any itchiness. There are so many factors that can be the cause of it and many treatment options to resolve it. Treating itchiness can be a lot of trial and error, but it is worth it to keep our fur babies comfortable!

New editions are added monthly — check back often for updates!