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!

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!

14 Years?!?

If your dog hasn't had a dental cleaning in 2-3 years, it's the equivalent of you not going to the dentist for 14 YEARS!

This means they are walking around with infection and inflammation in their mouth. But not only is the infection in their mouth, it can spread to affect their entire body. This can be painful for your pet and expensive for you.

October is Pet Smile Month, and because we believe dental care is so vital to your pet's overall health, we are offering a special incentive to bring in your furry friend: complimentary dental exams and 20% off dental cleanings through October.*

*Excludes: prescriptions, lab work, x-rays, extractions etc. Expires 10/31/2014

Pet Smile Month Kickoff!

Did you know that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three?

Left untreated, harmful bacteria from the oral cavity can spread throughout the bloodstream to infect the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. It is that harmful bacteria which causes your pet's stinky breath!

October is Pet Smile Month and we are offering a special to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy. Get a complimentary dental exam and 20% off dental cleanings through October (expires 10/31/2014, and excludes prescriptions, lab work, x-rays, extractions, etc.)

Make your appointment now!

Geriatric Gauge

As a pet parent, you know a lot about your dog's habits and routines. But will you know when your dog's kidneys begin to slow down? Since your dog can't tell you how she is feeling, regular wellness visits are essential in detecting the developments that come with aging.

In these exams, we can discuss proper senior nutrition, how to keep your senior dog active and do blood work to check for certain health problems and diseases. When caught early enough, many diseases can be properly treated, slowed down or, sometimes, even cured completely. Why not be proactive when it comes to your dog's health?

By maintaining a regular senior wellness exam schedule, issues can be diagnosed and managed or corrected before any serious damage occurs. Ensure your dog lives a health and active life for as long as possible!

Schedule an appointment today!

(PS: You have two more days to get $25 off the Senior Wellness Diagnostics Package!)

In Dog Years

You may have more in common with your pet than you realize. Like humans, dogs need to get health care more often as they grow older. We recommend that senior dogs visit us at least twice a year; more often if certain health issues are present. Just like people, dogs can develop arthritis, diabetes, cancer, hearing loss, liver and kidney disease, hypothyroidism and various other diseases. Wellness visits can help diagnose some of these diseases earlier or, in some cases, prevent them altogether.

Don't assume new behavior is just because of "old age." If you notice any change in your dog's behavior, be sure to contact us about the concerns you have. These behavioral changes can be signs of very treatable medical problems. Improve your dog 's quality of life and help make the "golden years" as comfortable as possible - maintain a proper wellness visit schedule!

Set up your appointment today! And, get $25 off the Senior Wellness Diagnostics Package during the month of September.

Get with the Program

Just like anything else that is good for your pup, vaccinations are best when used in moderation. Underuse can leave your dog exposed and vulnerable to potentially serious diseases, and overuse can cause other issues and concerns. The only way to ensure your dog's vaccination protocol is correct for his unique situation is to maintain his annual - or more frequent! - wellness exams.

These exams give us an opportunity to review your pup's current health status, administer vaccination titer tests and adjust his vaccination schedule if changes in your dog's health or lifestyle warrant it. They are, without a doubt, the best tool we have for ensuring your best friend's continued good health.

Regardless of whether your pup requires vaccinations, his personalized wellness exam schedule should be maintained to help protect your happy future together!

If your pet is due or overdue for a vaccination, schedule an appointment today! And don't forget - you can get 15% off a wellness exam through the end of August (only 6 more days)!

Inoculation Intervals

There has been a lot of debate recently about what a proper vaccination schedule for your dog should look like. Some vaccinations, like rabies, have their frequency dictated by state, provincial or local laws. Other vaccinations have recommended guidelines for when they should be given initially and how often boosters should occur. And for other vaccinations, titer tests have developed that help determine if your pup is still inoculated against the disease the vaccine was designed to protect him from.

The bottom line to all of this is that vaccination schedules are no longer cut and dried. We take into account your dog's age, lifestyle, current health status, environment, and many other factors when determining which vaccines are appropriate for your best friend and how often they should be administered. If a vaccination protocol has not yet been established for your pup, contact us today to schedule a review of his current health status and set up his vaccination program!

If your pet is due or overdue for a vaccination, schedule an appointment today! And get 15% off wellness exams through the end of August!

Epidemic Obstacle

While vaccinations should never be considered a guarantee that your dog will not contract a disease, they provide the best available protection for your canine companion against serious illnesses. Vaccines are available for a variety of diseases, but the most commonly used vaccines protect against the following:

Distemper

A viral disease that causes systemic infection in canines. Survivable, but with costly treatment and long-term, adverse health effects.

Canine Parvovirus

An extremely infectious disease with a high mortality rate if untreated. Transmitted by both direct and indirect contact with infected feces.

Canine Hepatitis

A virus that attacks the liver and kidneys and can cause chronic health issues.

Rabies

A deadly disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It is fatal if contracted.

If your pet is due or overdue for a vaccination, schedule an appointment today! And, through the end of August, get 15% off a wellness exam.