Click. Play. Learn.
Dogs In Parked Cars
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is warning pet owners—dog owners in particular—that leaving a pet in a parked car, even for just a few minutes, can be a deadly decision. On sunny
days, the temperature inside a parked car can rise faster than you think, and every year many dogs die from heat stroke because they were left in cars. Dr. Kimberly May of the AVMA talks to an animal control officer about the dangers of leaving your pet in a parked car
Read More
Pet Microchipping
Even the most responsible pet owner could leave the garage door open or forget to close the gate, resulting in a lost pet. Microchipping your beloved pet could be the difference between having your pet
returned and not being able to find them. While it is estimated that nearly 3 million pets in shelters are euthanized annually, some of those animals are pets whose owners were unable to find them. AVID, one of the major microchip manufacturers, states that approximately 1,400 pets with microchips are reunified with their owners per year, saving them from euthanasia.
The pet microchip technology continues to evolve. Currently, microchip implants are designed to last the extent of your pet’s life and are also composed of biocompatible elements that can coexist with your pet’s body tissues without causing harm. Currently, microchips can be placed in a variety of pets, including reptiles, dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, and birds. You also do not need to worry about someone stealing your information from the microchip or reprogramming it – only a veterinarian, animal shelter, or animal control center can scan the microchip.
Reasons for microchipping a pet:
What does microchipping involve?
Implanting the microchip is a quick and easy process that is relatively painless for your pet. We prefer to implant the chip during a vaccination series because the sensation is very similar to getting a shot. The microchip is about the size of a single granule of long-grained rice and is injected under your pet’s skin with a needle and syringe. The standard injection site is between the shoulder blades, and there is no anesthetic involved when implanting the microchip. While the chip can migrate from the initial injection site, trained technicians know to scan a pet’s entire body before determining whether your pet does or does not have microchip identification.
How are pets found?
More often than not, pets are recovered at animal shelters. Whether your pet was brought into a veterinarian’s office, an animal shelter, or was recovered by animal control, all agencies are trained to scan all pets upon receiving them. After scanning the implant site with a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, the technician will be able to see a unique identification number that coordinates with your contact information, your pet’s name, your pet’s veterinarian, and the animal shelter they were adopted from, if any. You will then be contacted and informed of where you can pick up your pet.
If you have further questions about pet microchips or would like to schedule an appointment for microchipping, contact our office at your convenience.
Read More
The pet microchip technology continues to evolve. Currently, microchip implants are designed to last the extent of your pet’s life and are also composed of biocompatible elements that can coexist with your pet’s body tissues without causing harm. Currently, microchips can be placed in a variety of pets, including reptiles, dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, and birds. You also do not need to worry about someone stealing your information from the microchip or reprogramming it – only a veterinarian, animal shelter, or animal control center can scan the microchip.
Reasons for microchipping a pet:
- It can help return a lost animal to their proper owner.
- Microchips help animal shelters avoid the unnecessary expense of boarding an animal that belongs to a loving home.
- Microchips provide a permanent method of identifying your pet. If your pet is lost/stolen and its collar is removed, a vet/shelter can still return your pet home.
- Some countries require a microchip that must also be cross-referenced with an up-to-date vaccination record before an animal is allowed to enter the country.
- They can help distinguish the legal owner of a pet when the ownership of the animal is in dispute.
Implanting the microchip is a quick and easy process that is relatively painless for your pet. We prefer to implant the chip during a vaccination series because the sensation is very similar to getting a shot. The microchip is about the size of a single granule of long-grained rice and is injected under your pet’s skin with a needle and syringe. The standard injection site is between the shoulder blades, and there is no anesthetic involved when implanting the microchip. While the chip can migrate from the initial injection site, trained technicians know to scan a pet’s entire body before determining whether your pet does or does not have microchip identification.
How are pets found?
More often than not, pets are recovered at animal shelters. Whether your pet was brought into a veterinarian’s office, an animal shelter, or was recovered by animal control, all agencies are trained to scan all pets upon receiving them. After scanning the implant site with a radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, the technician will be able to see a unique identification number that coordinates with your contact information, your pet’s name, your pet’s veterinarian, and the animal shelter they were adopted from, if any. You will then be contacted and informed of where you can pick up your pet.
If you have further questions about pet microchips or would like to schedule an appointment for microchipping, contact our office at your convenience.
Read More
Preventing Dog Bites
In 2010, nearly 5 million people were bitten by dogs in the United States, and nearly a million people, more than half of them children, require medical attention for dog bites every year. In this video, Dr.
Ron DeHaven, chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), gives some sensible advice from the AVMA about preventing dog bites. He introduces Kelly Voigt, a dog bite victim herself and expert, who explains how to educated children to avoid dog bites.
Read More
Summer Pet Hazards
Summer is a fun time for people and pets, but it also comes with some hazards. Ticks and fleas, heat exhaustion and other outdoor factors can pose a dangerous risk to your pet. Dr. Hlede explains some
of the risks and offers tips on how to keep your pets safe during this summer season!
Read More
Read More
Traveling
When leaving on vacation, many pet owners opt to leave their pet behind at a boarding house or with family or friends; however, you should know that you can always take your pet with you. Traveling with
your pets allows them to experience new sights and smells, averts separation anxiety, and prevents you from worrying about your pet while you’re away. Before traveling with pets, be sure to check local regulations regarding pet travel and safety. Also confirm that the places you will be staying (hotel, friend’s house, etc.) allows pets. Always make sure traveling pets have proper identification tags on their collars, as well as internal microchips for added safety.
Airplane
Each airline has different regulations regarding pet travel. Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin when kept in a carry-on, others do not. Most airlines require a certificate of health and proof of vaccination dated no more than 10 days prior to your flight. Many also recommend that pets traveling in winter months travel midday and in the early morning or late evening during summer months. It is also recommended that you purchase a non-stop flight which does not change planes. The following requirements are true for most major airlines:
Car
Traveling by car is one of the most common ways pet owners travel. For pets accustomed to car rides, travel is fairly easy on both pet and owner. Pets will need a comfortable area to lie down, frequent stops for exercise, and ventilation via windows. Be sure to bring your pet’s leash and an adequate supply of food and water for the trip. Pets should never be left in the car alone and should never have access to a fully opened window. If you are traveling with cats, it is suggested that they remain in a small crate which allows more security than being allowed to roam the car.
Bus or Train
Generally, pets are not allowed on trains or buses, though some exceptions do exist. If you plan on traveling by bus or train, be sure to check with local regulation. Service pets for owners with disabilities are usually allowed on most trains and buses.
Read More
Airplane
Each airline has different regulations regarding pet travel. Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin when kept in a carry-on, others do not. Most airlines require a certificate of health and proof of vaccination dated no more than 10 days prior to your flight. Many also recommend that pets traveling in winter months travel midday and in the early morning or late evening during summer months. It is also recommended that you purchase a non-stop flight which does not change planes. The following requirements are true for most major airlines:
- Allow your pet a familiar toy during the flight.
- Attach a pet water container to the side of the crate.
- Crate must have slits for ventilation and handles to grip.
- Crate should be lined with absorbent materials in case of pet accident.
- Crate should have contact information labeled clearly on it along with a current photo of the pet owner.
- Pet should have proper identification on collar.
- Pets need to be secured in a bolted crate.
- Trim your pet’s nails to avoid catching on crate openings.
Traveling by car is one of the most common ways pet owners travel. For pets accustomed to car rides, travel is fairly easy on both pet and owner. Pets will need a comfortable area to lie down, frequent stops for exercise, and ventilation via windows. Be sure to bring your pet’s leash and an adequate supply of food and water for the trip. Pets should never be left in the car alone and should never have access to a fully opened window. If you are traveling with cats, it is suggested that they remain in a small crate which allows more security than being allowed to roam the car.
Bus or Train
Generally, pets are not allowed on trains or buses, though some exceptions do exist. If you plan on traveling by bus or train, be sure to check with local regulation. Service pets for owners with disabilities are usually allowed on most trains and buses.
Read More
Pet Toys
Playing and chewing are natural canine behaviors. Though some dogs will play or chew more than others, dog toys are essential items for all dogs. In fact, behavior problems can develop when dogs do not
have the proper outlets to follow their instincts.
Dog toy options are nearly endless, so choosing toys for your dog can be overwhelming. Some owners end up with a heap of toys gathering dust because they do not interest their dogs. How do you choose toys that your dog will actually like? A dog's toy preference depends on her personal style of playing and chewing. Try a few different types of toys for your dog and learn how she likes to play and chew. If you seem to end up with too many toys, try putting a bunch of them away for a while and reintroduce them in the future. Months later, your dog will think they are brand new. You can use the following list as a guide to choosing the best toys for your dog.
It's important to remember that all toys can pose a risk if your dog ingests them, so play should be supervised, especially with aggressive chewers. No matter how durable a toy seems, there is still a possibility that pieces can be chewed off and ingested. Read More
Dog toy options are nearly endless, so choosing toys for your dog can be overwhelming. Some owners end up with a heap of toys gathering dust because they do not interest their dogs. How do you choose toys that your dog will actually like? A dog's toy preference depends on her personal style of playing and chewing. Try a few different types of toys for your dog and learn how she likes to play and chew. If you seem to end up with too many toys, try putting a bunch of them away for a while and reintroduce them in the future. Months later, your dog will think they are brand new. You can use the following list as a guide to choosing the best toys for your dog.
It's important to remember that all toys can pose a risk if your dog ingests them, so play should be supervised, especially with aggressive chewers. No matter how durable a toy seems, there is still a possibility that pieces can be chewed off and ingested. Read More
Teeth Brushing
Brushing your pet’s teeth as little as one time a week can cut down on 50-60% of tartar build-up. Using dental products specifically designed for pets, including Oravet and CET, can help protect gums and
lessen tartar. Dry pet food is better for teeth than canned food; it causes abrasion to tooth surfaces when chewed, helping remove tartar build-up. Other treats such as raw-hide can also help remove built-up plaque. There are many pet toys that support dental health. Buying your pets these toys not only entertains them, but offers a dual purpose in helping clean teeth.
Remember, creating a smooth clean tooth surface makes it more difficult for tartar and plaque to build up!
If you would like to schedule a professional dental cleaning for your pet, call our office to schedule an appointment, and allow your pet to experience a healthy smile!
Read More
Remember, creating a smooth clean tooth surface makes it more difficult for tartar and plaque to build up!
If you would like to schedule a professional dental cleaning for your pet, call our office to schedule an appointment, and allow your pet to experience a healthy smile!
Read More
Periodontal Disease
In an added effort to provide your pet with quality care, we offer pet dental services in our veterinary office. It is estimated that 80% of pets exhibit the beginning stages of periodontal disease by age 3,
which is why dental exams and teeth cleanings are essential. Also, studies indicate that pets with good oral hygiene tend to live 2 to 4 years longer than pets who neglect dental care. While periodontal disease is entirely preventable, when left untreated it can lead to cardiac disease, kidney infection, liver infection, or stroke.
Reasons for regular dental check-ups:
What does a pet dental exam involve?
Pets can experience many of the same dental issues that humans do, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, necessary tooth extraction, and deep scaling. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help you avoid the costliness of involved dental procedures and can help prevent your pet from unnecessary suffering.
Pet dental exams are similar to human dental exams and involve teeth cleaning and buffing. Additional services offered include sedation dentistry and dental X-rays. If more serious conditions are discovered, root canals, tooth extraction, etc. might be required.
During your pet’s teeth cleaning, a dental technician will gently clean the surface of the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler that cleans using the vibration of sound waves and water. The waves push the water creating tiny scrubbing bubbles that implode on tooth surfaces and kill microbes as they separate plaque from the tooth structure. After scaling the teeth, the technician lightly buffs and polishes your pet’s teeth to complete their dental cleaning.
After the cleaning, we will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your pet’s oral health. You will receive at-home oral hygiene tips specific to your pet, and if any serious dental conditions exist, you will be notified prior to any treatment planning.
Read More
Reasons for regular dental check-ups:
- Avoid tooth loss due to periodontal disease
- Help your pet avert unnecessary pain
- Help your pet maintain healthy and functional teeth
- Improve foul breath
- Prevent potential damage to the brain, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys
Pets can experience many of the same dental issues that humans do, including gingivitis, periodontal disease, necessary tooth extraction, and deep scaling. Regular dental exams and cleanings can help you avoid the costliness of involved dental procedures and can help prevent your pet from unnecessary suffering.
Pet dental exams are similar to human dental exams and involve teeth cleaning and buffing. Additional services offered include sedation dentistry and dental X-rays. If more serious conditions are discovered, root canals, tooth extraction, etc. might be required.
During your pet’s teeth cleaning, a dental technician will gently clean the surface of the teeth with an ultrasonic scaler that cleans using the vibration of sound waves and water. The waves push the water creating tiny scrubbing bubbles that implode on tooth surfaces and kill microbes as they separate plaque from the tooth structure. After scaling the teeth, the technician lightly buffs and polishes your pet’s teeth to complete their dental cleaning.
After the cleaning, we will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your pet’s oral health. You will receive at-home oral hygiene tips specific to your pet, and if any serious dental conditions exist, you will be notified prior to any treatment planning.
Read More
When To Visit The Vet
Information coming soon.
Read More
Read More