Author: Veterinarian

National Black Cat Day

Celebrating Black Cat Day –

Did you know? Black is the most common color that cats come in. There is a lot of stigma and superstition around black cats that leads to trouble for these dark colored felines.

While in the U.S. and other countries a black cat might be a sign of bad luck in other countries it’s the opposite. In Britain, Japan and Ireland, a black cat crossing your path is considered a sign of good luck.

Black cats are often ignored at adoption centers and some shelters won’t even take black cats in October. Cruelty to black cats is so bad around Halloween that it is recommended that you keep your black cat inside.

The reality is that these kitties are lovable, wonderful companions and we highly recommend their adoption and care.

Tricks Not Treats – Halloween No, Nos

No Chocolate. Dogs can be made extremely ill by chocolate. Signs may include hyperactivity and vomiting.
Pit bull Awareness Day October 27th, 2020.
Black Cat Day October 27th, 2020.

Welcome to TLC Pet Hospital. Keep your pets safe this Halloween. Keep them away from candy and wrappers. Make sure you have a doggie treat just for them.

KEEP THE TREATS AWAY FROM DOGGIES

Treats, Wrappers and Especially CHOCOLATE need to stay out of dog’s reach to help avoid tummy trouble or an emergency visit to the Vet!

A Quiet Place

If your dog gets anxious around a lot of activity, find a safe quiet place for your pet to be. Soft music and low light can help calm your pet. Make sure they have their toys and blanket.

A Safe Distance

To keep dogs and cats out of trouble, keep them away from the front door either by getting them out of the way or even using a baby/doggie gate to keep them away from trick or treaters. It’s also a good idea to keep cats inside during Halloween, lest they be caught up in mischief.

National Adopt a Dog Month

Thinking about getting a new pet?

It’s National Adopt A Dog Month, so be on the look out for shelter pets if you are looking for a new dog. Adopting a dog is a wonderful opportunity to help in your community.

Read our veterinarian to do list when adopting a new animal into your home.

World Rabies Day

It’s World Rabies Day –

While rabies is a 100% preventable disease, more than 59,000 people die from the disease around the world each year. World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on our efforts to control this deadly disease and remind ourselves that the fight is not yet over. CDC on Rabies

At TLC Pet Hospital we want to remind you to keep up with your Rabies vaccinations for your pets. This is a requirement of the City of Albuquerque in order to license your pet in the city limits, but it is also important for the health of your pet. No one wants to risk rabies in their pet. Wild animals including squirrels, bats and raccoons can be carriers that can spread the disease to your animals. Rabies infections can lead to death for both pets and humans, so do your part and keep up with your pet’s vaccinations.

It’s Animal Pain Awareness Month

Animal Pain Awareness –

It’s very difficult when we know that our loved ones are in pain, and our pets are no different. There are lots of reasons why a cherished pet might be in pain and having pain awareness can help reduce stress for you and your pet. Certain disease states and post-operative states have a lot of pain involved. Arthritis, degenerative joint disease or hip dysplasia and post-surgery healing may have varying levels of pain associated with them. Just like humans, long term use of drugs can take a toll on mood and other body systems. There are some other options to help long-term pain.Continue reading

ABQ Top 10 for Heartworm

Albuquerque is on the top 10 cities list for heartworm disease.

With recent rains, mosquito counts will be on the rise. Get a heartworm test and preventive medication with us.Continue reading

Fireworks Friendly

Don’t forget to find a safe and quiet place for your pets, especially if they get nervous around fireworks. Be aware of the presence of pets at all times if you are shooting off fireworks.

Hot Pavement, No Dogs Allowed

Hot Pavement Doesn’t Require Hot Temperatures

Don’t go out for walks once it gets past 80 degrees. Especially on dark pavement, but gravel trails get just as hot under the New Mexico sun.

Make sure that you have plenty of water for you and your pet. Continue reading

Lyme Disease Prevention Month

It is Lyme Disease Awareness and Prevention

Lyme Disease can have serious negative effects in animals and humans. Long term effects include neurological damage. Here is the link to a fact sheet and crossword puzzle for the kids:

Crossword Puzzle

“Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks.”

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/