The Ick Factor: A Mite-y Problem!

For something so small, typically less than a millimeter in length, mites can wreak an awful lot of havoc on your pet. Different types of mites may target different areas (ears are a popular destination for the pests), but they can all cause intense itching.

Additional symptoms of mite infestation include hair loss, skin lesions, head shaking, and redness. Unfortunately, th
ese symptoms can be very similar to other conditions. The best way to make a diagnosis of mite infestation is by a skin scraping taken at our office. And keep in mind, if you live in a multi-pet household, that if one pet is diagnosed with mites, you will want to talk with us about whether all your pets should be treated.

Call today for an appointment, and together, we can avoid a mite-y bother!

PS: Don't forget, you can still get 15% off intestinal parasite screenings through the end of April. Make your appointment today!

The Ick Factor: Nit Picking!

Excessive scratching can mean your pet is hosting unwelcome company.

If your cat is up to scratch, she may be hosting some unpleasant hitch-hikers: lice and ringworm. While both pests cause your pet to itch and scratch, they also have more individual symptoms. Feline ringworm infection often causes circular patches of hair loss on the head or ears, while lice may cause your pet's coat to appear dry or generally unkempt. And while lice are happy to stick to your cat, ringworm will take whatever warm-blooded host it can get - including you.

The treatment for these conditions is fairly straightforward, but please contact our office any time you notice new or atypical behavior in your pet. While the cause may be something treatable and relatively benign (like lice), it can also be a symptom of other conditions - like a metabolic disorder - that may require more intensive treatment.

Call TODAY to send unwelcome company packing!

And don't forget - intestinal parasite screenings are 15% off through the end of April. Schedule your appointment today!

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!

Finicky Feline Foods

Your cat is a unique individual, just like you. And just like you, your cat will benefit from a diet that caters to his unique needs.

To make sure those individual needs are getting met, we recommend having his nutritional needs analyzed. A senior cat with kidney disease is going to have different nutritional needs than an adult cat who could stand to lose some weight.

We can match the right food to your cat's distinct needs to help ensure you both enjoy many long years of each others' uniquely satisfying company.

Schedule an appointment today! Only a few days left to get 15% off Feline Wellness Exams!

Don't Let the Fur Fly!

Cats are not well known for their acceptance of change. And your cat carrier is the ultimate symbol of change about to happen. No wonder many cats react to the sight of their carrier - not to mention your attempts to get them in that carrier - with a less-than-cooperative attitude.

In the spirit of keeping your kitty's fur where it belongs (and not flying all over the place!), try these tips to get your cat at least comfortable with his carrier.

If your carrier makes an appearance only once every six months or so, your cat will continue to react poorly to it. Consider leaving it out and making it more of a refuge and pleasant place for your cat. Add bedding, a few treats and a favorite toy.

Reward good behavior. When you see your cat behaving calming around the carrier (sitting next to it, sitting on it, sitting in it), reward him! Cats respond much more positively to rewards than they do to punishments, so help them associate the carrier with getting a reward.

PS: Don't forget that we're celebrating Cat Appreciation Month with 15% off Feline Wellness Exams during the month of March! 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!

Say Cheese!

Pet dental cleanings don't work quite the same as our own.

We understand that the mild discomfort that may happen during a visit to the dentist is for our own good, and we are able to avoid squirming or shifting due to that discomfort (usually). Your pet, though, doesn't.

Initial exams are typically done while your pet is awake (depending on temperament), but a full dental exam and cleaning are done while your pet is under anesthesia. We don't use anesthesia lightly, but doing so allows us to fully inspect and clean your pet's mouth without the risk of accidentally harming your pet if he jerks or moves.

Once your pet is under, we can conduct a more thorough exam and use tools - such as a scaler (the metal hook tool your dentist uses is a scaler, although ours are made specifically for our patients' mouths) to remove plaque that could lead to periodontal disease, without troubling your pet.

Contact us today to schedule your pet's dental visit!