Dog Dental Care

You may not realize it, but your dog needs dental care too. Really bad dog breath isn’t normal and could be a sign of something worse. Pet parents may miss periodontal disease because bad breath is often one of its only symptoms, and this can lead to serious consequences for your pup.

Periodontal disease begins with plaque buildup. This can cause gingivitis, and if left untreated, the teeth can eventually rot. The final stages of this disease can be very painful for your pooch.

You can save your dog a great deal of pain and grief by bringing him in for regular exams and dental cleanings. Prevention is always the best way to keep your pup healthy and happy!

To get your pup on track with his dental health, we're offering complimentary dental exams and 20% off the dental cleaning through February 2015!
(excludes: prescriptions, lab work, x-rays, extractions, etc.)

Food for Thought

You already know the importance of proper nutrition for a long and healthy life. With all the dog food choices out there, you also know how hard it can be to find the right balance of nutrients for your pup. When you're reading a dog food label, be on the lookout for these ingredients and certifications to help ensure your dog is receiving the nutrients she needs.

• High-quality proteins. Look for chicken, turkey, lamb or beef, and avoid by-products.
• High-quality carbohydrates. Your pup needs her potatoes or whole grains, too!
• Certification by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Look for a statement that it is complete and balanced nutrition for dogs.

Since every dog is unique, bring your pup to see us so we can properly determine her diet requirements. Together, we can ensure your pup lives the healthiest life possible.

And don't forget - there's still a week left to take advantage of 15% off New Year's Wellness Exams!

Pill Prompt

If your dog is on medication, you know how important it is not to miss any doses.

The effects of missing a dose will vary depending on the medication, and while some effects may not be as obvious as others, it doesn't mean they don't exist. Missing flea and tick medication could not only result in a very visible infestation to the environment, but also leave your dog vulnerable to tick-borne diseases and skin issues caused by fleas. Missing certain daily medications, such as those for heart conditions and seizure treatment, can have life-threatening effects within hours of the missed dose.

The important thing is to establish a medication routine. It often helps to tie it in with an existing task like brushing your teeth (daily) or paying the rent or mortgage (monthly).

PS: Don't forget - you can get 15% off New Year's Wellness Exams through January 2015! Schedule your appointment today!

Sit, Stay, Well!

Since your dog can't tell you when she doesn't feel well, paying close attention to her appearance and behavior is an important way to monitor health.

• Coat - It should be shiny and without excessive shedding.
• Eyes - If you can clearly see your pup's third eyelid, that is an indication that her eye hurts or she is ill.
• Physical Activity - It should be consistent both in level and response.
• Eating, Drinking & Sleeping Habits - A change could indicate an underlying health issue.

Another way to keep your dog healthy is to schedule regular wellness exams. We are trained to see things you may miss, so these checkups can help us identify health problems before they become too significant. We know you want to provide the best care for your dog, so don't delay scheduling an appointment any longer!

New Year's Wellness Exams are 15% off through January 2015!

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

We wish you and your pet a healthy and happy holiday season. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe during your celebrations.

• Place your Christmas tree in the corner of block it off from your pet.
• Keep decorations out of your pet's reach. Low hanging tinsel, ornaments or lights are hazards to your pet's health.
• Keep holiday plants away from your pet. Mistletoe, holly, amaryllis and cyclamen are all poisonous to pets. Poinsettias are toxic, as are live trees.
• Burning candles should be placed on high surfaces. This can prevent fires and accidental burns.
• Keep your pet away as you wrap gifts. String, plastic and wrapping paper cause intestinal blockage if ingested.
• Keep holiday food away from your pet. Many rich and fatty holiday foods can cause serious problems for your pet.
• If you have guests, make accommodations for your pet. Your pet may be fearful of visitors or extremely excited. Either way, a quiet room away from visitors and food may be in order.

Contact us with any concerns you have about your pet's safety as we enter the holiday season. We want this to be a joyful time for you and your pet!

Doggy Debut

Introducing your new dog to your resident pets is a process that requires patience and care.

Introduce pets on neutral territory. A nearby park works perfectly for this. Make sure you have at least one person present per pet, to keep animals from running off.

Don't force any interaction. Some pets will prefer to view each other from a distance first.

Give each pet his own food and water bowls, toys and bed. This will help prevent squabbles.

Keep your pets separated when you are away.

Use positive reinforcement.

If you notice introductions are not going smoothly, please contact us immediately. Most conflicts can be resolved with a little professional guidance. With some careful planning and supervision, you can ensure your new dog is happily and successfully welcomed into your family.

And don't forget: we're offering Complimentary New Pet Exams through December 2014! Make your appointment today!

Animal Arrival

Careful preparation is essential to helping your new pet make a successful adjustment to your home. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your new adventure:

• Pet-proof your home. Move cleaning products or hazardous materials out of the way. Remove any shoes or cords that could be chewed.
• Provide a comfy bed for your pet. This can keep your pet cozy and off your furniture!
• Keep common houseplants out of reach. Some plants may be poisonous to pets.
• Don't leave snacks sitting out.
• Keep medication put away and secure.
• Cover up heating vents. Be careful not to obstruct the vent and create a fire hazard.
• Keep certain rooms closed. If you don't want your pet roaming around unsupervised in certain areas, keep the doors shut.

With a little planning, you can ensure your home is prepped and cozy, and that your new pet is happy and healthy!

PS: We're offering COMPLIMENTARY NEW PET EXAMS through December 2014! Schedule yours today!