Uncategorized

Now through the end of March we will be promoting microchipping and we will waive the $17.99 registration fee to HomeAgain to get your pet’s information into the national database.

Each year 1 in 3 pets go missing. Microchipping is the best way to ensure you will be reunited with your pet if they become lost or stolen. HomeAgain registration also includes:

1. You and your pet’s information is included in the HomeAgain National Pet Recovery Database.
2. If you report your pet lost or missing HomeAgain will send out instant lost pet alerts to PetRescuers in your area
3. HomeAgain offers 24 hour support by trained counselors.
4. HomeAgain will enable you to easily create a lost pet post with your pet’s picture.
5. If you lost dog or cat is found more than 500 miles from home, HomeAgain will cover up to $500 to have your pet flown home
6. HomeAgain also offers a 24/7 Emergency Medical Hotline Care program where you can access ASPCA veterinarians at the Animal Poison Control Center

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer. Winter walks can become downright dangerous if chemicals from ice-melting agents are licked off of bare paws. To help prevent cold weather dangers from affecting your pet’s health, please heed the following advice from our experts:

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.

• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

• Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.

• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.

• Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.

• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

• Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.

• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

Tips for Stress Free Visits to Our Clinic

Visits to the vet’s office can be stressful for you and your pet, but there are things you can do to reduce their stress level.  In turn, this will also reduce your stress level.  Reducing the stress level of your pet allows our team to provide a timely and comprehensive examination.  Your pet’s mental health is important to us.   Below are some tips that will reduce your pets stress level:

• Get your pet used to rides.  Take them for rides for no other reason than a fun ride
• Let your pet know a leash or carrier is not just about going to the vet.  Let them get used to the carrier and see it as safe place to play.  Leave it out with the door open.  You can feed and play with your cat while it is in the carrier.
• Bring your pet to the clinic for a non-medical related visit.  (Call ahead and we will let you know  a good time to visit)
• Bring hungry pets to the clinic.  We have healthy treats we can give them to help reduce their stress levels, and reward good behavior
• We have soothing pheromones that can be used to reduce stress levels.  Ask one of our staff members how to use them and how they work
• While at the clinic it is important for you to remain calm.  Talk to your pet in a low soothing voice.

For Cat Owners

There are more cat owners than there are dog owners, but cats make fewer visits to the vet.  Cats need regular visits to the vet just like dogs.  While bringing your cat to the clinic presents a unique challenge, visits can be made with less stress for you and your cat.  Along with the items mentioned above here are some more tips:

• Leave your carrier out and put food and treats in it for your cat. You can feed and play with your cat while it is in the carrier
• Make sure your cats (and all small animals) are transported in a carrier, for their safety and yours.  Secure the carrier and cover with a blanket or quilt
• Consider spraying a pheromone on the bedding in their carrier or on the towel covering the carriers.  Ask us about the benefits of pheromones and the proper way to use them.
• Avoid setting the carrier on the floor while at the clinic if at all possible
• Always allow one of our trained team members to handle your cat.

We have a limited number of carriers if you need to borrow one.  We also do home visits if bringing your cat to us is just too stressful.  Please talk to us about your pets stress levels and we can put a plan in place to address their needs.