An Itchy Situation

If you notice your pets scratching more than usual, they may be hosting unwelcome visitors.

Lice and ringworm are two common, unpleasant hitchhikers. Both can cause your pets to itch and scratch, but they have more individual symptoms that set them apart from one another.

Ringworm is a fungus that leads to hair loss and scaly patches of skin on your pets' heads, ears, paws and limbs. It is easily transmitted to other animals and humans.

Lice can cause your pets' hair to appear matted and unkempt. Though lice can be transferred from dog to dog and cat to cat, they do not move from one species to another.

Treatment for these conditions is rather straightforward. Contact us today if you suspect your furry friends may have some unwelcome company. We will help your pets send those unwanted parasites packing!

This month's special: 15% off Intestinal Parasite Screenings. Make your appointment today!

The Gift of... Eeeewwww!

If you live with pets, chances are you will probably receive an unwanted present in the form of a dead animal. Your reaction to this gift is important.

Don't be alarmed. This is a normal animal behavior. Cats especially are instinctively wired to catch prey.

Don't scold your pet. You don't want to punish this natural behavior.

Check if the animal is dead. If it isn't dead, you will need to decide if it can be let go again or if you need to contact animal control.

Remove the dead animal from the area. Make sure you dispose of it properly so your pets cannot find it again and play with it or even eat it (even the fattest of house cats finds prey irresistible!). Wear gloves and wash your hands, since wild animals can carry diseases.

Though this gift may not be what you were expecting, it's nice to know your pets were thinking of you!

Bunny Fever

While you and your dog are out for a nice spring walk, your pooch just might make some discoveries. One of those might be a rabbit's nest!

If you find a baby out of the nest, and it is injury-free, return it to its nest with as little contact as possible. If the baby is injured, call our office immediately or contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Protect the nest from your dog. You can either restrict your dog from the area or build a barrier. Keeping your dog away from the nest for at least two weeks should suffice.

The mother isn't gone. Do not disturb the bunnies because the mother will most likely return at night when you are not around.

By following these steps you can help baby bunnies survive their first few weeks of life and more!

Cheers to Safety!

If you are having St. Patrick's Day festivities at home this year, keep your pets' safety in mind.

Don't leave alcohol unattended. Whether it is green or otherwise, alcohol can be deadly to your pets. If your pets will be mingling with guests, make sure you clean up any spills immediately.

Have a safe room if you're throwing a party. It might be best to keep cats or excitable dogs isolated from the hustle and bustle.

Traditional Irish foods aren't good for your pets. Many of these foods can spell trouble for your pets' digestive tracts.

Keep your pup away from parades, parties and bars. If you must take your pup for a walk, try to do so away from large crowds.

Keep your cat indoors. With all the partiers out and about, this is the safest choice.

Make sure your pets have current identification. If your pets get spooked and run off, it is imperative that they have all of their identification information updated.

Costumes. If you dress up your pets, make sure the costumes fit properly and don't obstruct your pets' vision or breathing.

By practicing a little holiday care, you can ensure you and your pets have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day!

Dental Special Extended

It isn't too late to take advantage of our February dental savings!

We are continuing our dental special into March. A happy pet with healthy teeth just might give you something to smile about, too.

Contact us today to capitalize on these savings!

20% OFF Dental Cleanings through 3/15/2015!

Dental Issues

You love seeing your dog flash a smile. Keep your pup smiling by keeping an eye out for signs of dental issues before they become a bigger problem.

Bad breath. Persistent bad breath that is worse than usual may be a sign of a bigger issue.

Swollen or bleeding gums.

Discolored teeth and excessive drooling.

Behavior. Your dog may struggle with eating because of pain, which may cause him to be more lethargic or grumpier than normal.

If you notice any of these signs of poor dental health, contact us to schedule your pup's next dental visit. Taking preventive action can help your dog avoid future health problems.

And don't forget: we're offering complimentary dental exams and 20% off the dental cleaning through February 2015!
(excludes: prescriptions, lab work, x-rays, extractions, etc.)

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!