We hope you are all staying safe and healthy during this pandemic. We wanted to let you know that we are still here for you. Our hours have stayed the same. At this time, we can see emergencies and acute illnesses. We can also refill your pet’s medications and to pick up food for your pet. We won’t be able to see your pet for any annual visits, routine vaccines, nail trims, etc until at least after April 10. If the stay at home has been lifted, we should be good. If not, we will again have to reschedule routine appointments/surgeries. Thank you for your understanding during this time!
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!
February 14th – Valentines Day (no chocolate! for dogs)
February 20th – “Love your pet day” ?
February 22nd – “Walk Your Dog Day” ?
February 25th – “Spay Day USA” ?
REMEMBER – Chocolate is very bad for your canines. Major signs that they made off with the goods include: 1) Hyperactivity – If your doggie is spasing-out more than usual, check around in their favorite hiding corner for the wrappers that were left behind after they devoured your favorite chocolate. This is usually followed with 2) Vomiting – Unfortunately, the pup will get very sick and might even react allergically. Get them seen as soon as possible if that happens. Contact Us
Parks it under your vehicle. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, chances are they have their favorite spots. In the garage may be one of them during the cold winter months. That means your car is a prime target for a snuggle spot.
If your cat frequents the garage make sure to find out where the are before you pull out the car. They may be on top of a tire or perched near a warm part under the vehicle.
The holidays often bring new friends with us into the new year. For a Guinea Pig there are some things to keep in mind:
Their habitat is one of their most vital needs. Buy as good of one as you can afford. You will need to establish a play area. Socializing with their owners is an important part of their day, so make time to play. Establish with your vet as soon as possible. We’d love to meet them. Make sure to pet proof your home, this includes interactions with other pets. Lastly,Establish routines. Your new friend is a creature of habit, make sure to establish routines that are compatible with your lifestyle and their needs.
We recommend purchasing a carrier that opens from the top and/or has an easily removable top. Pulling or dumping a scared cat from a carrier is stressful.
Place the carrier in a central area of the home at least 3 days prior to your visit. Wipe the carrier with pheromone wipes (Feliway) and place their bed, treats and toys inside. For best results, try keeping the carrier in a quiet location in your home all year round!
When carrying the carrier, use both hands to prevent your cat from being jostled and unbalanced.
When driving, make sure the carrier stays flat and doesn’t tip over.
Cover the carrier to reduce stimuli.
Avoid loud music on the ride over and the way home. Instead, play calming classical music to decrease anxiety.
Speak in a low, calm voice. High pitched praise or reaffirmation often increases anxiety.
If you must wait in the waiting room, face the carrier away from other cats present and place your cat on the seat next to you or on your lap. Never on the floor.
On the day of your visit, if your appointment is in the morning, don’t feed your cat breakfast. If they are hungry, your cat will respond better to food rewards at the veterinary hospital. Cats experience similar endorphin release when eating, like people! (does not apply to diabetic cats.)
If you believe your cat would benefit from an anti-anxiety medication or a natural soothing supplement, please let us know as soon as you arrive.
We hope this helps lessen stress for you and your pet.
We recommend purchasing a harness or fixed length leash. This allows more control during what can be a somewhat anxious visit.
Condition them early to enjoy car rides. Start with short drives around the neighborhood. Feed treats and make the experience happy and positive. Add more and more time as they get used to it. If they ever get anxious, stop and try again another day.
On the day of your visit, if their appointment is in the morning, don’t feed them breakfast, and if your appointment is in the afternoon, only feed a small breakfast. If hungry, your dog will respond better to food rewards at the veterinary hospital. Dogs experience similar endorphin release when eating, like people! Does not apply to diabetic dogs.
Bring in their favorite treat, kibble or toy. You are the best at knowing what your dogs go crazy over!
Avoid loud music on the ride over and on the way home. Instead play calming, classical music to decrease anxiety.
Speak in a low calm voice. High pitched praise or reaffirmation often increases anxiety.
If you have an anxious dog, leave them in the car when you arrive and check in with the receptionist. They will advise you when an exam room is available. You can wait in your car, take a walk or sit outside on our bench. Limiting time in the waiting room creates a calmer visit.
If you believe your dog would benefit from an anti-anxiety medication or a natural soothing supplement, please let us know as you arrive.
We hope this helps lessen stress for you and your pet.
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.
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.
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
The Christmas tree isusually 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.
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 andbaked 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.
We recommend purchasing a carrier that opens from the top and/or has an easily removable top. Pulling or dumping a scared cat from a carrier is stressful.
