Holiday Decoration Safety for Pets

Tinsel can be a very dangerous holiday decoration with pets around! The little pieces of colored foil have sharp edges that can cut and twist internally if swallowed. Make sure you keep this tinsel out of their reach, or exchange it for safer options. Ask us if you have questions!

Pet Treat Recipe: Pumpkin Ice Bites

Want your dog to have a delicious and safe holiday treat? Here's a simple recipe you can make at home:

Blend 1 cup of canned pumpkin with 1 cup of plain non-fat yogurt and freeze in an ice tray. Dogs can be given these one cube at a time (outside, because they can be a little messy for carpet!). 

This mixture can also be stuffed into a Kong or rubber stuffable toy and frozen. That will allow hours of dog entertainment!

National Cat Week

It's National Cat Week! As the days start getting shorter and cooler, your outside cat, as well as other cats in the neighborhood, may be looking for warm places to spend the night. A common place for cats to go for warmth is under the hood of cars, because engines retain their warmth long after the car has been driven. If a car is started under these circumstances, great injury, or even death, can occur for the cat. Protect your outside cat, and your neighbors’ cats, by knocking on the hood every morning before you start your car. 

Halloween Pet Safety

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx

Candy/Chocolate Danger for Pets

During Halloween, our pets are often exposed to more dangers than at any other time of the year. Kids often spread their Halloween treats on the floor, and candy is often kept in bowls on low tables or on the floor for trick-or-treaters. For your pet’s safety, please be sure to keep them away from easily-accessible treats that could be toxic to them!

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Is your pet over their healthy, ideal weight? Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, a day set aside for pet owners with overweight pets, or pets that are headed toward obesity. Just as a reminder, it’s important to get your pet out doing active things, and make sure they’re eating a good diet! Being at their ideal weight can help them live a longer, healthier, and happier life!

Saturday is Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Are you a dog owner? The American Kennel Club has established this Saturday as “Responsible Dog Ownership Day”, to remind all dog-owners to do something special for their dog’s well-being. This could include scheduling their annual physical or dental, or getting them microchipped! Whatever you do, make sure that you always practice responsible dog ownership!

Fall Football Gatherings & Pets

Are you going to a football game or tailgate party this fall? We encourage you to keep your pet safe during these kinds of events. Portable grills can be extremely dangerous because they can be knocked over by rambunctious children and pets, and can burn them. Also, many of the junk foods that we eat when we’re at games and tailgate parties can be dangerous for our pets to eat. Don’t forget to keep your pet safe this season.

The New England Americana Festival Comes to Harvard Square September 13 - 15, 2012

The Harvard Square Business Association is thrilled to welcome the New England Americana Music Festival for three days of music and theatre.

August 22, 2012 Cambridge, MA Any roots music lover will tell you that Cambridge has been a breeding ground and focal point of traditional American music for generations. The musicians, venues, and fans for and traveling through Cambridge over the years have paved a way of brotherhood, support, and yes, even a little love fo r all those who follow.

This is why, without question, New England Americana (www.newenglandamericana.com) has eagerly moved from their quickly growing annual New England Americana Festival across the river from its former home in Boston.

This year, with Cambridge as its modest host, the New England Americana Festival will take Harvard Square, the heart of the city, by storm. By featuring over 50 local acts on over 6 stages in 5 different venues around the Square, the New England Americana team is taking Third Annual 3-day Festival to a completely different level, cementing themselves as a yearly must-see event. Atop the pleth ora of musical performances, the Festival will be accompanied by local non-profit organizations, raffle prizes,the occasional burlesque performance by local theatre troops, and much more.

Festivities start on Thursday and Friday with two stages at the revered Club Oberon. The Festival will continue on Saturday day with a free outdoor stage in Winthrop Park, then move inside to three of the Square's historic venues: the legendary Club Passim, Tommy Doyle's (formally the House of Blues), and Charlie's Kitchen.

Thursday and Friday, September 13 - 14Club Oberon2 Arrow Stre etDoors at 6pm, Event starts at 7pm
$15

Saturday, September 15Club Passim - Tommy Doyle's - Charlie's Kitchen -Winthrop ParkHarvard SquareFree outdoor stage at Winthrop Park from 2pm - 7pmBlock Party between indoor venues begins at 7pmWristbands to enter all venues: $153-Day passes are available for $35

Artists Performing on Thursday:
Atwoods Bluegrass Band (Featuring Jimmy Ryan, Erin Royer, Scotty Corneille & Sean Staples)
Three Day Threshold
Old Jack
Patrick Coman & The Lo-Fi Angels
Rick Berlin & The Nickle and Dime Band
Chasing Blue
Larcenist
Jeff Conley
Audry Ryan

Artists Performing on Friday:
Dennis Brennan Band
Bow Thayer & The Perfect Trainwreck
Coyote Kolb
John Colvert & The Great Brighton Fire
Sam Reid & The Riot Act
This Way
Tallahassee
Adela & Jude
Eric Royer & His Guitar Machine

Special Performances by BABES IN BOINKLAND

Artists Performing on Saturday:
At Club Passim:
Ryan Fittzsimmons Band
Susan Cattaneo
The Wh iskey Boys
Sam Otis Hill & Co.
The bean Pickers Union
Red Heroine

At Charlie's Kitchen:
Abbie Barrett & The Last Date
Dietrich Strause
Daniel Byrnes Band
JD & The Newton Gang
Brian McKenzie
The Little War Twins

At The Loft Stage @ Tommy Doyle's
The Rationales
Comanchero
Highway Ghosts
the Silks
Jeff Byrd & Dirty Finch
Tad Overbauch & The Late Arrivals

Free Daytime Outdoor Stage at WINTHROP PARK
Sarah Blacker
Greg Klyma
Brian Carrol
Cask Mouse
Fiddlin Quinn & His Big Folks Band

Please visit www.newenglandamericanafestival.com for more information and complete festival line-up.

For more information about the New England Americana Festival and other events in Harvard Square, please visit www.harvardsquare.com.   

Pets & Allergies

Did you know that your pet can get allergies just like us? When we suffer from allergies, we get sore throats, runny noses, and sinus headaches, but our pets get ear infections, and itchy, rashy skin. If you notice these symptoms in your pet, let us know right away. We can provide allergy testing for your pet and there are remedies that can make them feel comfortable again!

Pets & Truck Beds

Did you know that letting your pet ride in the bed of your truck can be extremely dangerous, even if you’re traveling at low speeds? Dogs are known to jump and run after things or animals that appeal to them, and jumping from a moving vehicle can cause serious injury. We ask that you NEVER let your pet ride in the back of a truck, but always inside where they are safely secured.

Over-the-Counter Medications & Pets

It’s important to keep your medicines out of your pet’s reach at all times, because human medication can be toxic to your pets! When your pet feels sick or is acting under the weather, never give them a human medicine, but bring them in for veterinary care instead. Even if you mean well, a dose of human medicine could be fatal to your pet.

Pets & Insects

Flying critters don't want to share the sweet aroma of summer as it blooms in your garden. Watch your pets while they are outside, because they might be getting up close and personal with a bee or other insects which may result in a nasty sting. We want your pets to enjoy their frolic through the flowers.

Cleaning Pet Toys

Playing catch, chewing on squeaky toys, and playing tug-of-war are all exciting and fun things for dogs to do. There is no need to throw away and replace dog toys just because they are dirty. Man's best friends have their favorite toys, and some tend to wear out more quickly than others. Keeping toys clean and well-maintained will ensure that they are around for a long time.

Pets In Cars

During the hot, summer months, please consider the safety of your pet when you take them for a ride in the car. Remember that even if you’re planning on running into a store for just a minute, it’s too dangerous to leave your pet in the car. Just a few minutes in a car during the summer months can raise the temperature to unbearable levels. Exposure to such extreme heat can result in heatstroke, which can cause brain damage or even death. Leave your pets at home in the air conditioning this summer if it gets too hot.

June is Social PETworking Month

June is Social PETworking Month! This is a month designated to help pair families with homeless pets. The campaign allows Facebook, MySpace and Twitter addicts to put their hours online to good use by advertising adoptable pets to their networks to help get them seen and into loving homes. So if you know of any pets in need of good homes, take to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and get the word out this June!

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

Did you know that lawn fertilizer can be toxic to your pet if consumed? If your dog likes to roll in the grass, dig holes, or lick their feet after coming inside, you should use caution when choosing your lawn fertilizer. Always read all packages carefully before purchasing, as most manufacturers have specific recommendations about how long your pets should remain off the grass after application. When possible, use products specifically labeled as "pet-safe", to lessen the danger.

Pets & Easter Lilies

Lilies are a popular Easter flower, but did you know that they can actually be toxic to your pet? Like the Christmas poinsettias, lilies can attract the attention of your pet, especially cats, and then have a toxic effect when ingested. Keep those Easter lilies far from your pet's reach this season, or look into artificial options. The art of artificial flowers have gotten so advanced that your guests won't be able to tell the difference...and your pet will be safe.

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month. Did you know that some of the most common household items that poison pets include human medication, both prescription and over the counter? With over 25,000 reported cases of pets poisoned by eating human medicine, it’s important to exercise extreme caution when it comes to storing these items! Keep your medications high up on shelves and closed inside cabinets, where your pet cannot access them. It’s also important to open bottles over counters so that any dropped pills don’t end up on the floor where they can be snapped up by a curious pet. Use precaution, and give your pet a long, healthy life.

 

Tomorrow if 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

February Pet of the Month

We are proud to announce Bear as our February Pet of the Month! She's nine weeks old and a big fan of all the ladies at Cambridge Vet Care. Thank you to Bear's owner, Amanda Burke, for asking to nominate Bear as Pet of the Month!

 

Cambridge Veterinary Care is getting ready for a red HOT holiday!!!

Amazing Dog Trick

This courageous canine is able to perform amazing acrobatics. What is the most incredible trick your pet can do?

Cat Steals Dogs Bed

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo
Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy
Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey
Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody
VPI's compete list of popular pet names for 2011 will be released in early January, 2012.

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day!

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! The mission of this day is to save lives by creating awareness of the vital need for pet safety in all areas of travel. Safe Travels!