COVID19 UPDATE

4/1

Hello everyone! Thank you all for your understanding and support while we all adjust to the changes that have been brought on. As we continue to evolve with the current pandemic, we would like for everyone to know that we will continue to provide the best medicine possible for your furry family members as well as continue to provide you with the same treatment (as close as possible) that you are accustomed to! We have sent out an email with more details on some recent changes but here are a few things we would like to share.

*We are still at this time open normal business hours and have increased all current sanitation procedures again!

*Please call to schedule an appointment.  There are some appointments that we will need to postpone, but please call us and we can discuss your particular need.!

*Please call the clinic when you arrive for your appointment (or if you are picking up food/medications)

*At this time, we are not permitting clients into our facility.  We will bring your food/medications out to you.  If you are here for an appointment, we will get a history from you about your pet and take your pet into the clinic where our doctors will perform their examination and we will call or come out to explain to you our findings and any needed recommendations.

We are all in this together. We will continue to keep you informed as we change protocols or as regulations change what we are permitted to do. PLEASE call if you have any questions.

Thank you,
The entire TLC Pet Hospital Staff

 

Health Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that we will no longer be performing any elective surgeries for the next few weeks. This includes spays, neuters, declaws, general mass removals and routine dental cleanings. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however, with the short supply of medical supplies, we need to help any way we can to conserve. We appreciate your understanding!

Winter Weather Tips for your Pets

To Sweater or Not To Sweater

Sure, it’s cute, but does your pup really need a dress up? Well, January 14th is dress up your pet day, so obviously there are pet owners that take this very seriously. In reality, if you have a thin animal that doesn’t have a lot of body fat, or a short hair that doesn’t have a lot of insulation, then you do need to take precautions to keep them warm when they are out in the elements.

Careful on the Ice

This goes for all of you. Animals can slip and fall on the ice, same as use. If ice exists, try going to the park for your walk instead.

I’m Cold

Older animals, short-haired and skinny dogs get cold faster. Be especially careful with puppies.

Leave Animals Home

Treat cold weather the same as you would hot weather. Don’t leave your pets in the car during cold weather.

Keep Them On Leash

Keep your dogs on leash when you are out. Especially in snowy conditions where the animal may not be visible because of snow depth. If you are dealing with a puppy, double up on this rule. An untrained, inexperienced pup can get in more trouble faster than you or they may expect.

Luna chasing in the snow

Wipe Their Feet

Many of you probably leave your walking shoes by the door. Roads are full of chemicals this time of year. Salts, anti-freeze and de-icers are used everywhere. Remember to wipe down your animals feet to keep those out of your house and out of their mouths.

Happy Holidays! The Season Is Full Of Pet Pitfalls

Merry Christmas - Closed Monday

  • No Chocolate. Dogs can be made extremely ill by chocolate. Signs may include hyperactivity and vomiting.

  • Watch Out for Tinsel and String Both Cats and dogs get into wrappings and trimmings for the tree. Do your best to keep these out of animal’s reach.

  • Holiday Plants can be toxic to pets

Christmas Tree

Don't let your kitten get into the Christmas TreeThe Christmas tree is  usually the center piece of most of our homes during the holidays. But, we shouldn’t let their beauty cover up the fact that they are still mildly toxic to our animals. With the many species of trees that we bring into our homes, fir tree oil can irritate our pets mouths and stomachs. Symptoms of consumption include excessive drooling or vomiting. Make sure to also clean up tree needles since they’re not the easiest to digest for anyone. 

Woman with her dog at Christmas

Too many needles can cause GI irritation, vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction or punctures. Be aware your animal won’t be drastically affected if they eat a few fallen pieces from the tree but make sure it’s not a regular snack that may eventually cause serious consequences.

Lilies and Daffodils

Aside from the holiday treats and  baked goods that you’ll be gifted, be aware that any bouquets or plant kits thatinclude lilies and daffodils are very harmful to cats and dogs. Plants that are in the lily, Narcissus, and daffodil families are very toxic to our pets. Symptoms include gastrointestinal signs, cardiac arrhythmia, kidney failure, convulsions and even death.

Poinsettia Plant

There have been talks that these red beauties are extremely toxic, however this assumption has been dubbed an urban legend dating back to 1919. The sap of Poinsettias are known to be mildly toxic and irritating, causing nausea or vomiting when consumed but it does not cause death.  So it would still be a good idea to keep your curious four-legged friends away from these holiday bloomers to save them from getting a belly ache.

Mistletoe and Holly

Hanging the mistletoe and holly in your doorway and hard to reach places may not be a bad idea. Even though we adorn both of these holiday trimmings in any spot we need more holiday cheer, both are very toxic for our pets. If you find your fuzzy fellow making these a mid-day snack call your vet or poison control as soon as possible for advice.

Old dog merry Christmas

National Pet Wellness Month

Dog walk wellness

October is Pet Wellness Month! Just so happens, pet wellness is our specialty. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Keeping on top of your pet’s vaccinations, diet and exercise is a full time job. We’re here to help. Whether your pet needs a check-up or a heartworm test, we can help you keep on track. Ask about our wellness programs designed for your pet’s needs.

Fear Free New Year

New Years Activity tips for dogs for a Fear Free celebration

Tackling Canine and Feline Frets and Fears During New Year’s Festivities

New Years Activity tips for dogsNew Years festivities can be a time of stress for many dogs and cats. From a pet’s perspective, loud, unpredictable noises and celebratory fireworks explosions are threatening and an understandable cause for alarm. Some animals react as if their very lives hang in the balance. For pets whose people are hosting a party, the presence of strangers and the change in environment — decorations, scented candles or potpourri, furniture moved around — can also be distressing. Thankfully it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some tips to help your dog or cat keep calm and carry on as they join you in welcoming in the New Year.Continue reading

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas puppies

We hope you and your pets have a wonderful and relaxing holiday. 

WE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY DECEMBER 24th – 25th

Taking FEAR FREE to the Next Level

We’re taking FEAR FREE to the next level to insure that your dogs and cats have the most positive experience they can when visiting the veterinarian.

What is Fear Free?

Several of our team members have gone through the Fear Free Certified Professional program.

Utilization of Fear Free methods and protocols leads to better healthcare, satisfied clients and relaxed patients. It also reduces or removes anxiety triggers, which creates an experience that is rewarding and safer for all involved, including your pet(s), you and your veterinary healthcare team. Read More

Heartworm Special

Heartworm test - treatment

We are focusing on Heartworm this month and want to remind you to have your animals tested for heartworm and we highly recommend preventatives. This nasty, invasive parasite is introduced usually through a mosquito bite. The treatment is not pleasant for owner or pet. We recommend regular testing and medication to prevent heartworm in the first place.Continue reading