It is the season of gratitude! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for allowing us to care for your precious pets, and share a few reasons why we are so grateful this holiday season.

For Patience

The past year and a half has definitely tested the patience of people around the globe. And, we see how the gift of your patience has impacted us – right here, and in our community. We appreciate the patience you’ve shown in longer wait times for appointments, curbside protocols and availability of appointment times. We understand it hasn’t been easy, and we appreciate the patience you’ve all demonstrated throughout this period of time.

For Your Kindness Toward Our Staff

Day in and day out, you demonstrate your gratitude toward our staff. You show gratitude for their expertise, compassion and dedication to the veterinary profession. From your words of thanks, to the treats you bring in for our team, to your kind words and positive reviews, never underestimate how it matters to us all. Our days can be long and filled with lots of emotion, and this takes a toll on our team members, especially when we may be short-staffed, or working long hours. These gestures you provide lighten the load we carry, and help us to continue offering our very best.

For Letting Us Be a Part of Your Pets’ Lives

We never forget that we are a part of your pets’ lives and wellness. We understand that the choice you make of veterinary care is an important one to you, and one that is not taken lightly. It is an honor to provide care for your pets throughout their lifetimes. Whether we meet your pet as a kitten or puppy, or we meet them as a senior while you’re continuing to provide the care they deserve into their golden years, or somewhere in between; we are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your pet’s journey.

Have a Safe and Wonderful Holiday Season

We can’t thank you enough for allowing us to care for your precious pets. We are beyond grateful that you chose us as your veterinary family. We hope you have a holiday season that is filled with joy and extra time spent with those that are dearest to you. With the extra bustle, be sure to keep an extra eye on your curious pets – especially as holiday decorations and foods begin to make their appearance.

We wish you and your family all the best this holiday season!

The week of October 17-23 is wonder-fur! Why are we so excited? It’s National Veterinary Technician Week! And we love taking the opportunity to celebrate the hardworking veterinary technicians that make our practice the special place that it is. Are you curious about how our vet techs are vital to the care of your pet when you walk through our doors? Here are 3 reasons we love our vet tech and why you should, too!

1. Veterinary Technicians Get Your Pet’s Vital Signs

Our team of techs are often the first person you see in the exam room. They greet you and your pet, ask if there are any issues we need to know about, and take your pet’s vital signs. This includes taking stool samples, blood samples, and heart rate. They also give your pet a quick look over for any signs the vet may need to know about.

2. Veterinary Technicians Keep Your Pet Calm and Comfy During Their Exam

Vet techs often work as an extra set of hands during your pet’s exam. From holding a Great Dane still to cuddling a cat close enough to keep their claws tucked in, our vet techs keep pets and vets safe. This requires a lot of know-how, patience, and strength. In fact, most vet techs go through extensive schooling and are certified to assist veterinarians.

3. Our Veterinary Technicians Educate Pet Owners

When your pet isn’t feeling their best, it can be difficult to take in all the information you need to know. Thankfully, our techs have a knack for educating pet owners in an easy-to-understand way. This can include explaining:

• What your pet’s test results mean
• How to administer your pet’s medication
• Side effects to medicines
• How to prep your pet for surgery
• How to care for a pet’s wound or incision site once home
• What to expect for specific procedures, including surgeries
• Benefits and information regarding your pet’s behavior, diet, or prescriptions

Our team has extensive knowledge and experience, so they’re also able to answer questions pet owners have.

We’re Thankful for Our Awesome Team of Vet Techs!

While many of our team have been with us for many years, these past two years have been particularly challenging. Our vet techs have gone (and continue to go) above and beyond in the face of the pandemic. While others quarantined at home, our vet techs risked their health and worked tirelessly to care for pets.

It’s hard to imagine our veterinary practice without the helpful, compassionate, and knowledgeable care of our trusted vet techs–and we hope we never have to. If you have the opportunity, we hope you’ll express your gratitude for our vet tech team. We are grateful for them every day, but are happy to pay special tribute to them this week!

Image credit: Elladoro/Getty Images Plus

It crosses every pet owner’s mind: “Is my pet in pain?” And this question comes up more and more as our pets get older. One of the most difficult things about being a pet owner is that our pets cannot verbalize how they’re feeling. This leads us to wonder if our dogs and cats are living their best lives. The last thing you want is your pet struggling with chronic or acute pain, after all. And while your pet will likely never learn to speak human, they often send more subtle signs that they’re in pain. Here are 3 of the most common signs that your pet is in pain:

1. Changes in Behavior

It can be difficult to tell what is normal slowing down due to age for a dog or cat versus what is a change in behavior, activity level, or temperament due to pain.

What’s normal?

Partaking in games, affection, and fun but with less intensity. Many dogs and cats will also become more tired than they did when they were young. Sleeping more often between stints of activity is also normal.

What’s not normal aging?

If your pet’s attitude or interest in their favorite activities abruptly changes, there’s a very strong possibility they’re in pain. Discomfort and pain can make pets feel cranky and grouchy. It also zaps the fun out of playtime, snuggling, and receiving attention.

Many pets will tend to become more irritable over the course of the day. This is due to compounding aches and pains. There’s also a very good chance that if your pet is experiencing pain, they’re not sleeping well which adds to their crankiness.

Some pets may even growl or nip in response to pain. If you stroke your pet and they pull away or turn to nip you, you may have run your hand over a sore area.

If your pet loves snuggling on the sofa, but suddenly refuses to hop up, they’re likely not feeling their best.

2. Obsessively Licking One Area of the Body

Both dogs and cats will obsessively groom an area that is bugging them. The most obvious reason they do this is that they’re surveying and cleaning the area. Secondly, the tongue massages the tissues and increases blood flow to the area for a better immune response.

Not only does licking stimulate more blood flow to an area of discomfort, but it also releases ‘feel good’ endorphins in your pet’s brain.

You may notice your pet licking their paws and joints. This may be due to arthritis pain or over-exertion and soreness. Many dogs and cats will also paw at itchy painful eyes or ears.

3. Difficulty Eating or Lack of Appetite

If your pet loses interest in their meals, they are very likely not feeling well. Injuries can immediately cause a dog or cat to not want to eat. This is part of their fight or flight mentality as a response to pain.

Disinterest in food can be a sign of internal illness, as well. Many hidden conditions can cause a pet to feel lousy, which makes them lose interest in food. The most common internal conditions include:

• Parasites
• A strain or broken bone
• Allergies
• Tumors
• Infection
• Organ problems
• Possible poisoning
• An autoimmune disorder

Oral pain will also cause a reluctance to eat. If your pet skips a few meals or begins eating but stops, check their mouth for broken or chipped teeth. It can be difficult to tell what you’re looking at when it comes to your pet’s mouth, so be sure to make an appointment to see us.

Don’t Let Your Pet Continue to Deal with Pain

If you believe your pet may be in pain, please do not wait to schedule an appointment. Many of the signs we’ve listed could be symptoms of a worsening, severe, or life-threatening issue. We can diagnose your pet and provide the most advanced pain management and treatment.

Proactive preventative care, including dental cleanings, parasite prevention, exercise, regular checkups, and a healthy diet are the building blocks to your pet’s good health. We’re here to help you on this journey.

Cats are wonderful pets; in fact, over 25% of US households share their home with a feline companion, according to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). They’re cute, cuddly, comical, and provide delightful companionship! But there are some things you will want to keep in mind to keep your cat’s health in tip-top shape. Since August 22 is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, we’re sharing 5 habits that positively impact the health of your cat!

1. Feed them a healthy diet

One of the best things you can do for your cat is to feed them a healthy diet. The diet should be high in quality and be appropriate for their overall health needs. For example, we offer diets that help support dermatologic issues, weight problems, sensitive stomachs, and provide overall support for your pet at whatever life stage they are in. You will want to avoid giving your cat junk food or table scraps, which will lead to an overweight kitty and affect their health.

2. Brush their teeth

Brushing your cat’s teeth is one of the easiest ways to support their health. Not only does brushing their teeth remove plaque buildup, but it also helps support healthy gums. Without brushing, periodontal disease can develop – and left to worsen, this can affect your cat’s internal organs, leading to costly illnesses.

Important tip: NEVER use human toothpaste to brush your cat’s teeth. There are toothpastes specifically for your feline friend, and even in flavors they’ll love!

3. Provide mental stimulation

Cats have active minds and a native instinct to hunt. If these two characteristics are not addressed, you may notice destructive behaviors in your cat, or possibly even boredom or depression. Food puzzles, foraging toys (which hide food inside), scratching posts, and vertical shelving for cats to get a “birds-eye view” can go a long way in keeping their minds engaged and their bodies active and healthy!

4. Be on the lookout for behavioral and health changes

There are some signs that can indicate your cat needs attention or medical care. If your cat is showing any of these signs, bring them to see us right away:

• Changes in activity level
• Changes in their appetite
• Hiding
• Signs of pain when touched or moved
• Weight loss

It’s important to note that cats are notoriously good at hiding pain and sickness, so subtle changes can help provide insight into issues that need to be addressed.

5. Remember to schedule their yearly veterinary visit

It is important that you bring your cat in for a yearly veterinarian visit. This ensures that they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and continue to get checkups to ensure that they remain healthy.

As we briefly mentioned before, cats hide illness and pain. Annual veterinary visits provide that nose-to-tail medical insight into changes that may have occurred over the past twelve months. As your cat’s veterinarian, we will check their weight, administer necessary vaccinations, complete any relevant lab work, and check the health of eyes, ears, skin, and teeth.

If your cat is a senior, more frequent visits, such as two times per year, are advised. Generally, cats become seniors around age 10, according to The American Association of Feline Practitioners.

We love seeing your cat!

All in all, there are many habits that will go a long way in keeping your cat healthy. We are here to partner with you in keeping your favorite feline happy, healthy, and part of your family for as long as possible! Give us a call to schedule your cat’s annual visit today!

Pull out the sunglasses, ball caps, and flip-flops! Summer is in full swing. For pet owners, summer offers some of the most exciting activities to keep pets active and elated. Unfortunately, this lovely season also comes along with some less-than-fun hazards that can put a real damper on the joy of summer. While you may know not to leave your pet in the car, there are some other overlooked dangers that arise under the summer sun. Keep your pet safe by avoiding these summertime hazards:

1. The Heat + Fur Coats = Hot Dogs & Grumpy Cats

So, you know not to leave your pet in the car, but did you know that other activities can be equally as dangerous when it comes to the heat? Hikes, backyard time, and even walks can become dangerous if your pet begins to overheat. Even shade can fall short at the peak of summer.

During summer, we see a spike in heatstroke and heat exhaustion in pets. This occurs when a pet’s core body temperature becomes so high, their body’s temperature control mechanisms cannot lower their internal temperature. This can lead to organs shutting down and extreme dehydration.

If your pet begins to pant and does not seem to be able to stop, they could be overheating. If they continue to pant, call us right away.

2. Dehydration Is a Serious Health Hazard

Most pets simply do not drink enough water. This problem is compounded in the summertime when they lose additional moisture from panting. When a pet loses more water than they drink, it can lead to minor or severe dehydration.

Dogs’ and cats’ bodies are 60% water! This is the primary ingredient to cell function, organ function, and overall health.

Keep your pet hydrated on walks and while in the backyard. You can do this by putting out a few extra water bowls. Increase your pet’s overall hydration by adding water or broth to their kibble, introducing a pet water fountain, and even creating pet-friendly popsicles.

3. Standing Water Is a Breeding Ground for Disease

Pets often feel compelled to drink from puddles, lakes, ponds, and containers that collect water. While this may seem natural, these water sources can be fatal or cause severe illness.

Blue-green algae often thrive in warm, standing water. Even small amounts can cause a dog to become extremely ill and possibly die. They can also become ill from licking this substance off their coats.

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that spreads through water sources. It can even be inhaled. These bacteria cause flu-like symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea.

To discourage your pet from drinking from unknown water sources, always provide clean fresh water outdoors and on walks.

4. Skip the Buzz Cut

Many owners ask us if they should shave their dogs during summer (cat owners tend to know to ask this question for some reason). While having your dog groomed and trimmed is okay, completely shaving your dog is a no-go. Not only can buzzing off all your dog’s fur make them vulnerable to bug bites and sunburn, but it can also prevent them from being able to regulate their body temperature as well.

Instead of shaving your dog, brush them extremely well. Removing loose yet caught fur from their undercoat can increase their natural ventilation.

5. Some Dogs Can’t Swim

Who doesn’t love a cool dip in the pool during summer? Pugs for one. Actually, most brachycephalic dogs are not equipped to swim. Their short snouts make it difficult to breathe and the hazard of inhaling water becomes much more extreme for them.

Brachy breeds, along with many others, do not have the right build to stay afloat. Corgis and bulldogs both tend to struggle to keep their heads above water.

Even dogs that are built to swim may not know how to instinctively. This can lead to panic, anxiety, injury, or worse. If it’s time to teach your dog the doggy paddle, remember to start off slow and never leave your dog unattended.

Have a Sunshine-Filled, Fantastic Summer with Your Pet

As summer presses on, we hope you and your pets will enjoy all the fun in the sun you can handle. Keep in mind that back-to-school is right around the corner, so be mindful of beginning an away-from-home routine to decrease the chances of separation anxiety.

If you have questions regarding your pet’s health or think your pet may be experiencing one of these summer health hazards, do not wait to contact us. Your pet’s health, happiness, and other well-being are our top priority.

As summer approaches, so do the booms, blasts, and excitement that come along with this commotion-filled season. From thunderstorms to the Fourth of July, pets experience an array of experiences that can bring out their anxiety. Preparing for the noise, hustle and bustle, and celebrations can reduce your pet’s stress and prevent young pets from trauma that could lead to life-long fears. Unsure how you can prep for booms and blasts? Here are our top tips for helping your pet through the summer celebrations and downpours.

How to Help Your Pet Through Thunderstorms & Fireworks

Spring and Summer showers bring big flowers, but they can also spur thunderstorm anxiety. While anxiety from lightning and thunder mostly affects dogs, many cats also experience stress from the booms, too. If your dog is part of the 30% of dogs that are terrified of thunder or you have a scaredy-cat, you can ease their fear.

Recognizing your pet’s signs of stress and having your pet diagnosed is the first step in helping your pet. Then, prepare supplies that can reduce stress.

Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Cats and Dogs

• Panting
• Dilated pupils and wide eyes
• Pacing
• Hiding
• Shivering
• Excessive grooming
• Vocalizing
• Refusal to eat
• Urination
• Restlessness

Supplies That Can Aid in Pet Anxiety

Medication and Supplements

Ask us about your pet’s anxiety. During your next appointment, let us know how your pet reacts to storms, and we will decide if your pet is a good candidate for a prescription to help them through the storms. We can also recommend supplements that provide pets with stress relief.

Pheromone Support

Many pets get a lot of relief from pheromone collars and diffusers. These products activate a part of your pet’s brain that induces a comforting sensation. The most common are Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats.

Anxiety Vests

When it comes to stress, many pets gain a sense of calm from wearing an anxiety vest. They work by hugging your pet. This pressure causes your pet’s body to release endorphins that create a calming feeling, similar to how a baby feels when swaddled.

Anxiety vests can be compression vests or weighted vests. Just be sure your pet’s vest fits them properly and doesn’t restrict their movement.

How to Calm Your Pet During Booms and Summer Celebrations

Memorial Day and the Fourth of July create the perfect storm of noise, strangers, and dangers. From hot grills to fireworks, it’s best to keep your pet in a room that’s prepped to keep your pet calm.

Create a Commotion-Free Room

1. Choose a room that is far from the noise.
2. Prepare the room by closing the blinds and curtains, putting down comfy bedding, playing calming music, and adding a few comfort items. If your pet is going to be in the room for a while, include a water bowl.
3. Place a sign on the door letting guests know your pet is inside.
4. Walk your dog or play with your cat a few hours before the excitement of fireworks or guests. This will expend some of their nervous energy and reduce the risk of needing to let your dog out.
5. Check on your pet from time to time. Remain calm when you enter and exit the room.

For Pets That Do Not Need A Safe Room

If you plan on letting your pet roam the house during your celebrations, be sure you have them microchipped. The blast and chaos of Memorial Day and July Fourth can cause pets to dart off and become disoriented and lost. A microchip can help your pet find their way home should they become lost.

Ask guests to keep the doors closed. This can prevent a great escape. This will reduce the risk of your pet running into your grill and prevent food handouts that could be dangerous.

Celebrate the Beauty of Spring and Summer without Pet Stress

When it comes to keeping your pet calm, safe, and relaxed during summer storms and celebrations, we can certainly help. If you have questions about your pet’s anxiety, please give us a call. We are here to assist you. Whether your pet needs to be microchipped or you’re looking for assistance when it comes to anxiety solutions, your pet’s wellbeing is our top priority. Don’t wait too long. We tend to get an influx of appointments leading up to the Fourth of July.

You would never take risks when it comes to your pet’s safety, health, and wellbeing. Would you? Well, with the rise of counterfeit prescription drugs and rogue online pharmacies, you may inadvertently be putting your pet at risk [1]. Your pet’s health has always been our top priority which is why you trust us to provide them with the best care.

Why are we the right business to handle your pet’s medications?

1. We Can Help You Save Your Money

We understand that many pet parents turn to big-box retailers or other sources online as a way to save money. Unfortunately, those online retailers with deals that are too good to be true may be cutting corners to turn a profit. Furthermore, you may be paying for those lower prices with a lack of customer care, guidance, and the ability to talk to a real person should you have questions.

Before you place your next order with another pharmacy, give us a call to compare prices. If your pet’s prescriptions are too costly, we can discuss more affordable medications or other money-saving solutions.

2. Your Pet’s Safety Is Our Top Priority

We never cut corners. From the time you order your pet’s prescription to the time you pick it up, we handle the medication with utmost care. We never dispense outdated and expired medications. Additionally, we ensure proper storage at the correct temperature, so your pet’s medications won’t spoil or become ineffective. Furthermore, we only use reputable sources for pet medications.

3. We Offer Service and Insight

We know your pet and are available to answer your questions. Ordering from an online source can be like using an anonymous pharmacist. We understand your pet’s medical history, possible medication interactions, and your pet’s personality and lifestyle. Additionally, we offer unlimited support by answering your questions and providing advice as needed (even for those hard-to-pill pets that can spot their medication from a mile away).

Not all pets react the same way to medications. If you are concerned about how your pet is reacting to their medication. We’re just a phone call away.

4. Using Us for Your Pet’s Medications Supports the Local Economy

When you enter your credit card number into an online pharmacy’s checkout or use a big-box business, you’re sending your money to another city, another state, and possibly another country. When we fill your pet’s prescriptions, you’re keeping money within our community. Not only are you supporting a small business that has been serving our area for years, but we use that money to create jobs.

Your support allows us to keep our hard-working staff employed, even through tough times like those we experienced during the height of the pandemic.

5. We Offer the Latest and Most Effective Medications

As a leader in the veterinary field, we take pride in staying at the forefront of veterinary developments and innovation. When we assess your pet’s needs, we’re able to offer the most up-to-date treatments along with the most effective medications. Why are we so committed to providing pets with better solutions to their medical needs? Prescription innovation can spare your pet unwanted side effects, work more effectively, and provide you more affordable solutions.

Transfer Your Prescription Today to Your Trusted Veterinary Practice

Want a prescription for peace of mind? Choose us for your pet’s medications. Switch your pet’s prescriptions and other monthly needs to the same business you trust with your pet’s health. Transferring your pet’s prescriptions is easy. Just give us a call and we will answer any questions you may have and fill your pet’s prescription ASAP.

Did you know that March is Pet Poison Prevention Month? This month is dedicated to keeping pets safe from accidental poisonings and educating pet owners on how to do just that. Some curious pets cannot help but get into trouble when it comes to exploring household items that can pose a danger. Others may incidentally walk across the garage floor, garden, or sidewalk and wind up ill. To help you better safeguard your pets, check out these common household pet poisons that most people don’t think about.

1. Fabric Softener Sheets

Some pets feel attracted to these thin and fragrant laundry aids. Whether it’s the texture, the way they resemble toys, stuffing, or the scent, many pets have been known to try them out. Unfortunately, most dryer sheets contain camphor, benzyl acetate, and sometimes chloroform. All of these substances can injure dogs, cats, and other pets. Dryer sheets can cause your pet skin, eye, and nasal irritation, fluid to build in the lungs, and kidney failure.

2. Sugar-Free Gum

While you would never give your dog chewing gum, your dog may happen across a pack within reach or find a piece or two in your purse. While this may not seem like a big deal, if that gum is sugar-free (and its sugar-alternative is xylitol), your dog’s life could be at risk. Xylitol, often listed as “sugar alcohol” is what makes dental gum, toothpaste, some vitamin gummies, and many other products sweet. It can also cause your dog’s body to go into shock and even be fatal.

To keep your dog safe, always keep dental products and sweets in a secure location out of reach of your dog.

3. OTC Pain Relievers

Never give your pets over-the-counter medications without consulting us first. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and aspirin, can damage your pet’s liver, cause vomiting and diarrhea, and lead to kidney dysfunction. NSAIDs are especially dangerous for cats.

4. Fertilizer

Fertilizers may not come to mind when you think about your pet’s safety, but many contain strongly scented ingredients that can make it appetizing to pets. These ingredients can include fish meal, chicken manure, and other odorous ingredients that dogs and cats love.

When pets eat fertilizers, they wind up with chemical burns to the mouth, skin, and stomach. Fertilizers also cause vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, stomach pain, tremors, and anxiety.

5. Bar Soap

Soap eating is more common than many pet owners realize. Dogs especially have an affinity for soap. While most soaps are now harmless, your dog may feel pretty awful after munching down on a bar (some dogs may have an allergic reaction to soap fragrances or ingredients, though). They may vomit and have diarrhea–this is often where the danger arises. As your dog’s body tries to clear itself of the soap, they may become dehydrated.

Encourage your dog to drink water and if vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than a day or they seem disoriented or weak, please give us a call. Your dog may need fluids.

Keep Your Pet Safe and Your Home Poison-Proof

Dogs, cats, and other pets have a knack for surprising us with their agility along with their ability to eat the strangest things. Remember to keep anything that may pose a danger out of the reach of your pet. If you believe your pet has consumed something they shouldn’t have, we’re here to help. We can answer your questions and let you know if you should bring your pet in.

Here is a fact we hope you’ll sink your teeth into: preventing periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). By protecting your pet’s dental health, you can extend their life by three years! Along with obesity, dental disease is a leading (and preventable) illness that takes the lives of far too many pets far too early. To make matters even more pressing, over 80% of dogs and 50% of cats over the age of three will develop periodontal disease.

Here’s another fact: February is National Pet Dental Health Month. But we feel 28 days just isn’t long enough. We want this holiday to last a whole year, so we challenge you to try out all 12 of these dental tips over the course of the next year!

1. Schedule Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning

When your pet comes in for a cleaning, we’ll scrape away those years of tartar and rinse your pet’s teeth for an improved clean you can see (and smell). We will also let you know if your pet has any dental issues that need to be addressed with follow-up care.

2. Follow Up After Your Pet’s Dental Cleaning

Broken, worn away, and damaged teeth can cause your pet extensive pain and discomfort. If we recommend a tooth extraction or another dental operation, be sure to schedule the appointment and ask any questions before you leave our office. Most importantly, be sure to keep your appointment.

3. Make Dental Hygiene Fun with Toys!

There are so many toys available now that support your pet’s dental health while they chew and play. Adding a few of these toys to your pet’s playtime can support better dental health in the long run.

4. Dental Care Can Be Tasty

Along with toys designed to scrape away plaque, dental treats can also assist your pet in their dental health journey. Don’t forget to ask your pet to “sit” and “stay,” so they feel like they’re really earning these fun and tasty treats.

5. Water Additives Work

While your dentist recommends you use mouthwash, we recommend water additives made to loosen plaque and destroy oral bacteria. Most are just a capful per water bowl, and they work by making other dental approaches more effective.

6. Know the Signs of Dental Disease and Discomfort

Pets can speak, but they can tell us when their mouths hurt. If you notice your pet

• refraining from eating
• pawing their mouth
• favoring a side of the mouth while eating
• whining while eating or playing

your pet may be suffering from oral pain.

You also want to look for signs of dental disease or damage that require a visit to see us including

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Discoloration along the gumline
• Bumps or sores around the mouth and jaw
• Broken teeth
• Bad breath
• A tooth disintegrating (in cats)
• Blood on toys
• Loose teeth
• Extra or stringy saliva
• Avoiding having the mouth being touched
• A runny nose

7. Switch Your Pet’s Food

Your pet’s diet can benefit their dental health. A high-quality diet or dental food can help clean your pet’s teeth as they eat.

8. Use Dental Wipes

We know that many pets refuse to have their teeth brushed, and it’s easy to give up on the battle when your pet puts up a fight. Dental wipes can be an alternative that may not be 100% as effective as brushing, but they do help.

9. Start Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Use a pet-friendly toothpaste and toothbrush and commit to scrubbing those teeth each night. Encourage a positive association by starting slow and using a lot of treats!

10. Avoid Tennis Balls and Bones

While these items can offer a lot of excitement, they can also lead to broken teeth or wear away your pet’s enamel. Tennis balls can also harbor bacteria.

11. Encourage Your Pet to Drink More

Water doesn’t just prevent dehydration–it also improves your pet’s breath and dental health. Every time your pet drinks, it washes away bits of food and debris that can attract bacteria.

12. Treat Your Dog to Carrots and Celery

While you may have trouble convincing a cat to eat raw carrot or celery, your dog will love these as a treat. They’re healthy, low in calories, and you guessed it–good for their dental health.

As for your kitty, we can recommend some supplements that can help.

Don’t Delay Your Pet’s Dental Health

We hope you will dive in and get started this month and continue your pet’s dental journey all year long. Begin by making an appointment to see us now.

Here’s a tail-wagger for you: 2021 is finally here. We are happy to welcome the new year with smiles and a rejuvenated sense of optimism. As a team, we remain committed to providing pets with the best lives they can experience. We’ve resolved to help pet parents find more ways to keep their pets healthy, happy, and ready to take on this year and beyond. To help you keep better track of your pet’s health and maintenance needs, here is a 12-month plan:

Watch Your Pet’s Weight All Year

We want to encourage you to be vigilant about your pet’s weight. Keeping track of weight gain and loss can help you identify health issues before they worsen. Weigh your pet with your bathroom scale. Weigh yourself. Then pick up your pet. What’s the weight difference?

January

Kick-off the new year on the right paw. Keep your pet active even in cold weather and don’t forget to:

• Schedule your pet’s annual check-up.
• Weigh your pet and record their weight: _____
• Order your pet’s monthly medications & paw balm.
• Sort through your pet’s prescriptions and toss any expired medications.
• Consider a prescription subscription service for your pet.
• Take note of your pet’s meal portions. Are you underfeeding or overfeeding your pet?
• Beginning writing down any behaviors you want to work on with your pet.

February

Snuggle up on your pet and plan to show your four-legged companion some extra love by:

• Refill heartworm prevention, and flea & tick prevention
• Has your pet made it in to see us yet? Don’t forget to schedule an annual exam
• Refill monthly medications
• Check your pet’s weight: _____
• Does your pet need a nail trim? If their nail clack on the floor or their dewclaw looks like a crescent, it’s time for a pet-icure.
• Look over your list of unwanted pet behaviors. Have you worked on them? If you have questions about pet anxiety or newly developed ‘bad bathroom habits,’ we can help. You may also want to consider hiring a trainer.

March

Your pet is lucky to have you as an owner. Here are somethings you can do to extend your pet’s life and luck:

• Do not skip heartworm prevention, and flea & tick prevention–the weather is warming up
• Have you considered monthly prescription refills for your pet?
• Weigh your pet: _____ . Has your pet lost weight, yet?
• Consider ordering a new
  Leash
  Harness
  Litter box
  Toys
• Review your garden safety routines–keep tools out of the grass and off the ground.

April

Spring is here! Warm-up to these pet health ideas:

• Look for signs that your pet is struggling with spring allergies. If you notice the following, make an appointment to see us:
  Itchy eyes or ears
  Paw licking or chewing
  Constant itchy
  Missing patches of fur
  Watery eyes
  Change in coat health
  Excessive sneezing

• Empty debris and containers collecting extra water around the yard
• Did you order your pet’s prescriptions for the month?
• Consider making a grooming appointment
• Remember to prevent your pet from lapping up water
• How much does your pet weigh? _____

May

May your pet’s health be better than ever. Keep up the good work by:

• Put together a pet first aid kit
• Add an extra water bowl to your home to encourage hydration
• Consider ordering pet-safe sunblock
• Don’t lose track of your pet’s weight
• Watch for bees, spiders, and other creepy-crawlers–avoid walking where deer or other wildlife tend to pass
• How much does your pet weigh this month? _____

June

Summer is here, and you’ve done a great job so far this year! Pets and summer are like peas and carrots. Keep your pet safe from the heat and protected from fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

• Ask us about how you can prevent your pet from leptospirosis
• Prepare for the 4th of July by scheduling an appointment this month. If your pet is afraid of fireworks–we can help!
• Check your pet’s microchip and update contact information.
• Six-month prescriptions from January are likely getting low. Refill your prescriptions soon.
• Mid-year weigh-in: _____

July

Just in the knick of summer–keep on track when it comes to pet hydration and heat safety.

• Remember that some people will do fireworks before the Fourth of July and after–be ready with your pet’s anti-anxiety medication.
• Don’t have a prescription to keep your pet calm during thunderstorms? Make an appointment to find out if your pet is a good candidate for anxiety control medication.
• Prevent your pet from drinking from outdoor water sources
• Did your senior pet get to see us last month? Don’t forget to bring them in for their second annual appointment.
• Is your pet shaping up to a beach bod? _____

August

Back to school time is here. Do you know how to help your pet cope with separation anxiety?

• Ask us about how we can help your pet handle their separation control.
• Consider hiring a dog walker, cat sitter, or using doggie daycare to help your pet adjust to back-to-school.
• Did you refill your pet’s prescriptions this month?
• Remember to avoid letting your dog swim in water with visible algae. Blue-green algae is deadly for dogs.
• How’s your pet’s weight?_____

September

Celebrate your pet’s physical health and encourage positive mental health with extra play sessions and outdoor time.

• Did you know pets can suffer from dementia, depression, and anxiety? Keeping your pet mentally active can stave off worsening dementia and reduce or prevent anxiety and depression. Commit to more walks and feather wands.
• If you notice any negative changes in behavior since January, give us a call. If your pet has improved–good for you!
• It’s hot out there–schedule a grooming session.
• Weigh your pet: _____

October

Fall is here. Keep your pet feeling fantastic by keeping all candy stored where your pet won’t find it.

• Fall back into a healthy exercise routine with your dog.
• Don’t forget to check your pet’s medications for refills.
• Begin planning for holiday travel. Boarding facilities fill up fast and dogs require a bordetella vaccine to stay in boarding facilities.
• Weigh your pet: _____

November

You’ve done a great job keeping your pet healthy this year–give yourself a round of “thanks!”

• Book Thanksgiving boarding ASAP if you have not. Book your boarding for the holiday season.
• Remember to keep Thanksgiving guests informed about your pet’s human-food hand-out policy.
• Keep walking and playing through the holiday season to help your pet’s mind stay active and his or her body healthy.
• Even as temperatures cool, continue to provide your pet’s flea and tick prevention.
• How much does your pet weigh? _____

December

You did a dog-gone great job this year keeping your pet healthy and having a great life. Give yourself a special gift as a reward for being a responsible pet owner.

• If your pet experiences stiffness, soreness, or chronic pain, please make an appointment to see us.
• Make your January pet check-up appointment
• Prepare for your pet’s winter with a new sweater, throw blankets, and a warm bed.
• Ask us about how you can help control your pet’s arthritis pain during the cold weather months
• Your pet’s end of year weigh-in: _____

Your Pet’s Health End of Year Review

Print your answers to these questions and bring them with you to your next appointment:

January Weight: ________________

December Weight: ________________

This year my pet began getting treatment for: (ex: anxiety, incontinence, excess weight, allergies) ___________________________

Their treatment is working/still unsure/not working. (ex: anxiety, incontinence, excess weight, allergies) ________________________________

My pet exercises about ____________ hours every week.

I have questions about:

• Flea & tick control
• Heartworm prevention
• Weight loss
• Pet diabetes
• Pet cancer
• Pet arthritis
• Pet anxiety
• Pet separation anxiety
• My pet’s: __ears/hearing, __eyes/sight, __nails, __skin or coat, __ joints
• Digestion or food allergies
• Pet dementia or memory loss

Give Your Pet Their Best Year: Healthy, Happy, & Having Fun

Your pet deserves the best health and best life. If you’re ready to provide your pet with a year of wags, purrs, and happy moments, print out this guide and make an appointment to see us soon. Happy New Year! Here’s to the barkingly best year, yet!