Friend or Foe: Essential Oil Diffusers

We've seen a lot in the news recently about the potential dangers of essential oil diffusers to our pets. Our question is, are they really dangerous to pets, or is this just a bunch of media hype? Unfortunately the answer is vaguely both, but the truth is we don't know much.

There aren't any scientific studies we have found that tell us whether or not essential oils diffused in the house are an immediate risk for pets. This however is what we have found:

• If you are going to use an essential oil diffuser make sure that the pet isn't locked in that room. Either don't give them access to the room or make sure they are able to go to and from that room willingly.
• Make sure that your pet does not get into the concentrated oil before it is diffused. This can cause serious problems for pets. If this does happen it is best to contact your veterinarian.
• Cats and dogs both have stronger sense of smell than we do so even if it isn't necessarily harmful to your pet, higher concentrations of essential oils can be irritating to them. Also be aware that cats are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs are.
• There are essential oils that can cause problems for different animals, however diffused essential oils are not a problem as a whole. Your best bet is to know what you're using and ask your veterinarian if it is safe to use. If they don't know the answer they should be able to consult a specialist and find out the answer for you! 

To make a long story short, there is not a lot of regulation on the essential oil market, so make sure you do your research, know what you're getting, and check with your vet if you're concerned that it might be harmful to your pet!

Puppy Socialization Classes

Thinking about getting a new puppy, or just adopted a furry little friend? According to veterinary behaviorists, puppy socialization classes are one of the most important classes you can take your pup to in order to start off on the right paw! 😉 Click here to see the official statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior regarding puppy socialization! Scroll down to learn more about what a puppy socialization class is and why they're important!

Ariel says lets learn more about classes!

Who?: Puppies between 7-14 weeks old. This is ideally when you want them to start class according to behaviorists! But the younger the better!

What?: Puppy socialization classes are the first step in training. During these classes you will learn about positive reinforcement and the best ways to introduce your puppy to new things to ensure they have a positive experience! You'll also learn important things such as crate training, how to deter biting, and lots of other good information to know for young puppies!

When?: The earlier the better! It is important for puppies to take this class when they are young, especially during the first three months of their life because that is when they are most perceptive to socialization - when sociability outweighs fear. Veterinary behaviorists do not recommend starting this class after a puppy is between 12-14 weeks old, as that critical socialization period is over.

Where?: It is best to do these classes with a reputable trainer. You can search online to find a reputable trainer near you!

Why?: One of the main goals of these classes is to help puppies learn to be confident in the world around them instead of fearful. The more you expose them to when they're young (without overstimulating them), the more they're likely to have a good experience to that stimuli in the future!

Another Wild Visitor

Today we had the pleasure of meeting another wild friend from Oaken Acres Wildlife Center! But first we have an update on our eagle friend! He is doing much better now and is eating on his own, he has been named Freddie! He is scheduled to have part of his wing amputated later this week!

Now onto our new wild friend, an opossum! This opossum unfortunately was in to see us today to have one of it's eyes removed that had ruptured. Dr.Diemer was able to remove the eye without complication and we hope this helps her live a more comfortable life! Here's some pictures from today!

Follow Oaken Acres on Facebook for more updates on our wild friends!

Before the surgery, resting comfortably in her crate

Look at those feet! Aren't they neat??

 Waking up from surgery

                 Resting comfortably after surgery!