Pet Briefs

Vet clinic adds new technician

Sun Dog Cat Moon, a Johns Island veterinary clinic, recently welcomed Melissa Wetter.

Originally from North Carolina, Wetter received a bachelor's degree in biology from N.C. State University and a master's in Denmark. Wetter has worked in the veterinary field for six years. At Sun Dog Cat Moon, she will be a veterinary technician.

The full-service vet clinic is at 2908-A Maybank Hwy. It offers traditional Western medicine and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine under owner Ruth Roberts.

Clinic hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays; 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Call 437-0063 or visit www.sundogcatmoon.com.

Pet Helpers holds fundraising gala

Pet Helpers' fifth annual Fur Ball on Nov. 6 at Memminger Auditorium raised more than $100,000 for Pet Helpers Adoption Center and Spay/Neuter Clinic, 1447 Folly Road. Visit www.pethelpers.org or call 795-1110.

National Dog Show to air

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" will air at noon Thursday on NBC.

Actor John O'Hurley has served as host of the show since its inception in 2002, and will be joined by analyst David Frei, an AKC-licensed judge who has officiated at dog shows all over the world and hosts USA Network's coverage of "The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show."

Three new AKC-recognized breeds will make their national television and major competition debuts at the show. The Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd will be among the breeds competing for Best in Breed, Group Winner and Best in Show. Visit www.nationaldogshow.com.

Bark Busters offers dog-friendly tips

James and Michelle Rodriguez, the local owners of Bark Busters Home Dog Training, offer holiday tips for dog owners on how to keep pets safe.

--Many holiday foods are harmful or even toxic to canines. These include fatty or spicy foods, bread dough, fresh herbs, alcoholic beverages, and sweets of all kinds, especially those with chocolate or xylitol.

--Particularly dangerous are cooked poultry bones. Cooked bones easily splinter, and bone shards can cause choking or get stuck in a dog's gums. Instead, give "dog bones" designed for dogs to chew.

--Discourage your dog from foraging in the garbage. Secure lids on all trash cans.

--While a little taste of turkey or sweet potatoes can make your dog happy, don't overdo it. Too much of a good thing can make him sick.

--Keep your pet away from holiday plants, many of which are poisonous, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and amaryllis. Be sure all potpourri is out of your pet's reach.

--Snow globes can contain antifreeze, which is toxic to dogs. Keep antifreeze products away from your dog. If there is an antifreeze spill, send your dog out of the room while you clean up the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner to ensure the dog does not lick the area.

--Keep electrical wires and batteries out of a pet's reach. Chewing or biting them can cause shock or burns.

--Don't leave lighted candles unattended. A lit candle knocked over by a swinging tail can burn your pet or cause a fire.

--Anchor the tree to the ceiling or wall to prevent it from tipping over.

--Hang nonbreakable ornaments near the bottom of tree.

--Avoid putting tinsel on your tree. If ingested, tinsel can twist in your dog's intestines and be deadly.

--Don't let your dog drink the Christmas tree water. The water may contain preservative chemicals, which can trigger severe indigestion in dogs. Stagnant plain water can breed bacteria and cause nausea or diarrhea.

--Sweep up fallen pine needles that can puncture holes in a dog's intestines if ingested.

--As a general rule, don't allow the family dog to greet unfamiliar guests to avoid stress.

--Give your dog a break by putting him in his crate or a quiet room with doggie bed.

Sent items to pets@postandcourier.com.