Introducing A New Family Member To Your Home
Many families welcome a new pet into their home around the holidays. This adjustment may end up being very easy, or it may be a delicate process that takes some time. Especially if there is another pet already in the home. How quickly your new pet adjusts depends on their personality. Here are a few tips to help make bringing your new addition home a little easier.

  • Allow your new pet to familiarize itself with its new home. Temporarily confine existing pets to a room to give your new pet a chance to feel more comfortable with its surroundings.
  • Introduce your pets indoors, in controlled situations. Keep dogs on a leash and immediately put a stop to any aggressive behavior.
  • Give them time - don't force them together. Some pets are naturally more timid or unsure around other animals. Let pets adjust at their own pace. They may want to just sniff each other through a gate at first and that's fine. Give them time to gain confidence and decide when to face his or her new housemate.
  • Praise, praise, praise and give lots of rewards. Every time your new and old pet do something good with each other, praise and reward. The idea is to associate each other with good things!
  • When introducing a cat to a dog do NOT hold the cat in your arms. A frightened cat may scratch. Put the dog in a kennel or behind a secure gate and allow the cat to approach the dog. Never allow the dog to chase or corner the cat - even if it's out of playfulness or curiosity.
  • Give your pets separate food and water bowls, in separate spaces. If you are introducing cats, also provide separate litter boxes. Feed your new and existing pets in different locations to prevent any conflict over food.
  • Be especially careful when introducing dogs or cats to caged animals. Dogs and cats can live in harmony with rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, etc... but should be introduced under strictly controlled supervision. Remember, cats are very agile, so placing a cage high up on a shelf doesn't necessarily protect the caged pet.
  • Always supervise your pets until you are absolutely sure they get along. Until then, separate your pets by confining at least one of them to its own room. Only allow them to interact with each other with your supervision.
Don't miss our 12 days of Christmas giveaways!!!
Don't forget your pets flea & heartworm prevention!
It's Toe-tally Important

Did you know that overgrown toenails can cause health issues for your pet? Overgrown nails place an un-natural pressure on the nail beds, and can curl under and grow into the paw pads. Long toenails may even alter your pet’s posture by applying excessive pressure to joints and tendons in the front paws and hind legs. This can have a significant impact on mobility, especially in older patients. So as small as it may seem, keeping up with your pet’s nail trims are “toe-tally” crucial.

If you are unable to do it yourself, don’t worry! We offer nail trims at office visits and in our pet resort. Call today to schedule your pet’s nail trim at 337-984-7611.
Employee Of
The Month

Congratulations to Dr. Gordy Labbe on being our November Employee of the Month! In his few months here he has gone above and beyond to comfort our hospitalized patients and their owners during difficult situations. We're proud to have such a compassionate person on our team!
Cat Proofing
The Christmas Tree

If you own a cat, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to keep them from climbing all over the Christmas tree. Lights and ornaments are tempting and they may want to explore. Here are a few suggested tips that have had great results for keeping your pet safe and out of harms way.

  • Soak ribbons in orange oil and tie them all over the inner and lower branches of the Christmas tree. You can also use orange peels.

  • Cats hate tin foil. If they get curious about the tree put tin foil around the base of the tree. 

  • Cats don’t like pepper either. Sprinkle black or red flakes around or near the Christmas tree.

  • Get Shatterproof ornaments.

  • Put cloves in whole oranges and hang them by the ribbon on your tree.

  • Get a skinny tree eliminating the cat to be able to climb into it.

  • Anchor the Christmas tree to the wall or put a toddler gate around it to keep the cat (or dog) out of it.


  • Keep your tree apron secure around the bottom of the tree so your pet cannot get to the water.

  • Avoid tinsel.
Having trouble with your overly anxious or energetic dog?

Many dogs have trouble with anxiety because of a genetic basis, but there are numerous causes. Socialization with other dogs and spending time at Doggie Daycare are a great solution to this problem for a lot dogs. This is a great thing to try before jumping into lifelong medication for anxiety. Don't forget that we have multiple trainers at Lafayette Veterinary Care Center who can help work one on one with you and your pet to help control anxiety and/or energy issues.
L afayette Veterinary Care Center
337-984-7611
info@LafayetteVets.com