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!

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!)

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.

Your Four-Legged Travel Buddy

Bringing your dog along on a family vacation can be a wonderful experience for everyone, especially if you've carefully prepared.

Traveling by Air

Reserve a space for your dog on the plane with you. In-cabin flying is safer for your pet and allows you to be close. (If your pet isn't allowed to travel in-cabin, we strongly recommend you board her at home rather than send her as cargo.) Your pet will have to go through security, just like you. While your dog will not be required to go through the X-ray machine, your carrier might, so be sure to bring a leash.

Traveling by Car

Your dog should be securely restrained in some way whenever she's in the car. That may mean using a carrier, a special car harness or seat belt for your dog. Use a seat belt to securely anchor the carrier during transit. Your dog should ride in the backseat of the car, and you should never leave your dog in the car alone.

Schedule your travel preparation appointment today - get 15% off through the end of July!

Planes, Trains, Automobiles - And Your Dog

Traveling can be a stressful experience all by itself. Adding your dog can make it even more hairy. Here are some tips for a smooth trip.

If you're flying...

Research your airline's policies regarding pet travel. Some airlines allow dogs below a certain size to ride in the cabin, but only to certain destinations and with specific carriers.

If you're traveling by car...

Get your dog used to car rides by taking short trips first; then increasing the trip length. Study your route so you can identify where to take rest stops. Also, identify veterinary practices at your destination, just in case. We would be happy to share our recommendations.

The most important travel preparation you can make is to visit our office. We can make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and provide appropriate paperwork. We can also microchip your pooch if she doesn't already have one. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date with the registry and on your dog's collar and tag.

Set up your travel preparation appointment today, and save 15% on travel prep/wellness exams through the month of July!

Protect Your Pets' Health

Good health is cheap... until you don't have it.

Then afternoons playing fetch and the sessions of catch the catnip mouse can be replaced by much more expensive activities such as repeated trips to see us.

While preventive care is not possible for every veterinary issue (we haven't been able to predict a broken leg yet!), many conditions are not only more treatable when caught early, that treatment is also often much less expensive.

The best way to make sure that any issues your pet may develop are caught early is to stick to a regular well visit schedule, because - when you think about it - peace of mind is priceless.

Contact us today to schedule a well visit during June 2014 and save 15%!

Be in the Know

We hear it all too often, "I didn't know there was a problem!" Our pets are experts at many things, and hiding illness happens to be one of them.

That's why well visits are so critical to your pet's well being. By regularly checking your pet's vital stats, we can identify and treat issues before they become problems. How often your pet needs to make a visit to our office depends on your pet and his unique needs, such as age, breed and existing health conditions, to name a few. At minimum, we'd like to see your pet at least once a year - remember, that's like you seeing your doctor once every five to seven years!

Make sure you're in the know on your pet's health. Contact us TODAY to schedule a well visit during June 2014, and get 15% off!

The Ick Factor: Worms!

Spring means warmer days - and more icky parasites!

It's a cat's life... and unfortunately, quite a number of opportunistic pests - like worms - are perfectly content to take advantage of them! The major offenders are roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and hookworms.

Your pet can be infected in a variety of ways, from ingesting an infected rodent to nursing (yes, kittens can get roundworms by nursing from an infected mom). Generally speaking, worms are rarely fatal, but they can significantly affect the well-being of your pet, and some can also, unfortunately, pass from your four-legged family members to your two-legged ones.


You should have your pet tested annually, but if you ever notice the following symptoms, please contact our office:

• Coughing or vomiting
• Diarrhea or bloody stool
• Weight loss

Fortunately, worms are one of the easiest parasites to get rid of, and many heartworm medications also treat some intestinal worms.

To help keep your kitty safe, we're offering 15% off intestinal parasite screenings through the month of April! Schedule your appointment today!

March is Cat Appreciation Month

Let's celebrate our feline friends this month!

Cats are one of the most popular pets in America. And why not? They're a great combination of loving, smart, curious and independent, all rolled up in one furry, purry package.

Unfortunately, that independent nature can work against them. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the number of cats who've been skipping their regular wellness exam has been steadily increasing over the years.

One reason cited? Kitty seemed fine.

We can absolutely understand that perception. Cats are truly masters at masking symptoms of pain or illness, which is why regular wellness exams are so important. We have the tools and tests to tease out subtle disease symptoms so treatment can begin before the disease causes too much damage.

To show our appreciation for your fabulous feline, we're offering a 15% discount on feline wellness exams scheduled during March 2014! Schedule your appointment today!