Giving Animals as Gifts

There has been a debate over the years about giving pets as gifts, especially at Christmastime. While it seems like a thoughtful idea, you need to make sure that the person you are giving that cute puppy or kitten to is up for the commitment. And, if you decide to give an animal as a present, that you choose to adopt from your local shelter.

Giving a pet to someone at this time of year should not be a surprise to him/her. If he/she has expressed interest in getting a puppy, make sure to sit down with him/her and discuss his/her situation. You would hate to give him/her a German Shepherd if his/her apartment only allows small dogs. It's a very nice gesture to give a pet for Christmas, but do it the right way.

Avoid giving a child a pet for Christmas unless you know his/her parents are on board with it. Pets are a big responsibility and demand a lot of care and attention. The last thing you would want is for it to be returned to a shelter because the family couldn't take care of it, or afford the costs associated with pet care.

We recommend doing your research before giving someone a pet for Christmas. It's not necessarily a bad thing to give someone a pet as a gift, but know 100% that he/she actually wants it. In our honest opinion, consider giving your friend or family member something that is not living and breathing.

Keep Your Pet Safe on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner, which means lots of food and lots of devouring of food. We want to remind you that just because you can eat certain foods, doesn't mean your pet can. Please take precaution this holiday when it comes to food, so your pet doesn't end up in the hospital.

Remember to not:

Feed your pet table scraps. Most Thanksgiving foods are high in fat and hard for animals to digest. Some foods such as raisins, grapes, and onions are poisonous to your pet. Be careful not to feed your pet pie or any other dessert, and avoid feeding yeast dough, as it can cause gas and bloating. If you would like to include your pet at the dinner table, get him/her a special, nutritious treat.

Give your dog any turkey bones. Although they seem like a nice treat, they can cause an obstruction and tear your dog's stomach.

Leave out the trash. Pets love to go through the remnants of Thanksgiving and can eat some things that can be deadly to them. Make sure to keep trash in a secure bag and closed trash can.

Allow your pet to eat decorative plants. Some plants can be toxic to pets. Keep them away from any plants or table decorations. For a list of poisonous plants to different species, click here.

We hope you and your pets have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

A Time to be Thankful

This is the time of year to be thankful for everything, especially our pets. What do you love most about your pet? Do they greet you at the door with a wet kiss after you've had a long day at work? Are they always your friend no matter what?

This year, make a list of all the things you are grateful for, especially about your pet. We'll share our thankful list with you.

What we are grateful for:

Our Clients

Our patients

The clinic

Veterinarians

Technicians

Modern medicine

Technology

Cures to diseases

Research

Animals

Animal Rescues

Everyday we are amazed at the love people have for their animals. Thank you for letting us help them!

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year!

We Want Your Pet's Blood

It's almost Halloween and we admit it. We are vampires and want your pet's blood. Don't worry, we will only be testing it to detect harmful diseases your pet may have and keep their health in check.

Birds

Your feathered pet needs bloodwork done annually, which can help prolong his/her life. Birds are experts at hiding disease as long as possible. They could be sick for a month before showing signs of illness. By routinely having your bird's blood checked, we can catch things before they progress. Routine bloodwork includes a complete blood cell count, chemistry panel, and triglyceride level.

Reptiles

Like birds, reptiles also can hide their symptoms of disease. By analyzing blood, we can detect disease early and give the proper treatment. Routine blood screening includes complete blood cell count and chemistry panel. Have a small reptile? No problem! We only need a small amount of blood and have been working on small reptiles for years.

Dogs

There are some diseases, such as cancer, in dogs that require blood tests. We also test their blood to check for heartworms. If you give your dog Proheart (heartworm preventative), the first two heartworm tests require your dog's blood to make sure your dog doesn't already have heartworms.
We also evaluate internal organ function allowing us to detect problems early when they are still treatable.  So, if you're asking yourself why your dog needs annual bloodwork, know that it's to prevent harmful diseases.

Cats 

Cats are similar to dogs, in that routine blood screening can detect disease before it progresses. We want your cat to have the longest, happiest life he/she can have. The next time your cat has an exam, make sure to include bloodwork.

Have a happy Halloween and if your pet has not had bloodwork done this year, make sure to set up an appointment.

10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy

Let's face it. Our pets are our babies! We would do anything for them, including keeping them healthy and happy.

Here are 10 ways to keep your pet healthy and happy:

1. Spay/Neuter
2. Good Diet
3. Exercise
4. Clean/Proper Habitat
5. Vet Visits
6. Regular Dentals
7. Vaccinations
8. Parasites Preventative
9. Avoid Harmful Foods
10. Give Attention and Love

Spay/Neuter
Despite keeping down the pet population, spaying and neutering your pet can provide health and behavior benefits. In female dogs, spaying decreases the risk of pyometra and some forms of cancer, a diseases which can be deadly. Males are usually less aggressive and spraying is minimal after being neutered.

Diet
Keeping your pet on a proper diet can help prevent health problems and maintain a good weight. We see multiple overweight animals that have major health problems, some of which can be remedied by a healthy diet. Birds especially need to be on a healthy diet, as a majority of the diseases they get are a result of eating poorly.

Exercise
Just like a healthy diet, exercise can help control weight gain and lessen the chance of getting illnesses, such as heart disease. Just 20 minutes of walking each day can keep your pet in good shape. Some breeds, such as border collies, require much more exercise to stay healthy.

Clean/Proper Habitat
Pets need to have a clean and safe place to live. It is important for cats to have clean litter boxes. Reptiles require cages large enough to be safe and comfortable. Before obtaining a pet, find out what is needed for proper housing.

Vet Visit
Seeing the vet on a regular basis keeps your pet healthy. Birds that regularly see a vet and have blood work done can help detect illness before it gets too bad. Dogs and cats require routine vaccines that protect against harmful diseases.

Regular Dentals
Cats and dogs that have routine professional teeth cleanings are less likely to get periodontal disease, which can affect more than just the teeth and mouth. It can harm the liver, heart and kidneys.

Vaccinations
By keeping your pets up to date on their vaccines, you are helping to eliminate them getting harmful diseases. It may seem like a hassle to get them vaccinated, but in the long run you are keeping them healthy and safe.

Parasites Preventative
You've probably heard us talk about heartworm preventative and how it can prevent a deadly disease. It is important for your dog to receive a heartworm preventative injection every six months. By doing this, you are lessening the chance of him/her getting heartworm disease.  It is also important to prevent internal and external parasites, which can be done along with heartworm prevention.

Avoid Harmful Foods
Admit it. You want to feed your pet table scraps. It seems so innocent, feeding them what you are putting in your mouth. However, animals require a strict diet to keep them healthy. Birds can get sick if they have too much fat in their diet. Dogs can be harmed if they ingest harmful foods such as grapes and chocolate. Be sure to speak to the vet about what is good to feed your pet.

Give Attention and Love
This is self-explanatory. Your pet loves you and deserves your love and attention. Give them plenty TLC every single day!

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah

We've worked with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah (WRCNU) for years and are always amazed every day at all the wonderful work they do for wild animals. They have saved countless lives throughout the years and released animals back into the wild and proper habitats. The community is lucky to have such a great organization that cares so deeply about the lives of animals.

Over the years we've helped WRCNU with many wild birds and other wildlife, but two instances stand out in our minds.

The Beavers and the Fuel Spill

A few years ago, there was a diesel fuel spill near Willard Bay that affected a whole family of beavers. They were brought to us by WRCNU, and not only was their fur and eyes damaged by the fuel, but they had ingested the fuel as well. We knew this because we could smell the fuel in their urine/feces for days after they arrived at WRCNU. It took months to treat them, until finally the whole family was cleared to go back to their habitat. If it hadn't been for WRCNU and their constant care and dedication, those beavers would've suffered or even died. In fact, we thought we would lose some, if not all of these precious animals.

Moving beavers to release location in the Uintahs

One beaver after release

One beaver eating a carrot after he was healed

Dr. Folland taking a blood sample from tail of one of the beavers

Beaver in the back of DWR after arriving at WRCNU

Phoenix the Golden Eagle

Photo by Kent Keller

This story is tear-jerking and completely amazing. Phoenix was only a baby when a terrible wildfire hit part of Utah in 2012. He was found on July 4 among the ashes, feathers and feet burned and separated from his parents. We knew the parents had been there because prey had been found next to him at the bottom of the cliff, where the nest had once been. It was estimated he had spent 10 days with third degree burns before being found! WRCNU obtained him and brought him to us for treatment. It was heartbreaking knowing he had been burned and alone, with no water and only a little bit of food before being discovered. He was in bad shape to say the least. We were unsure of what might happen to him. Things would look up, but then there would be issues with treatment. Somehow he pulled through. He then developed West Nile Virus on September 11, 2015 and survived that as well. With each event he managed to stay alive, along with the help of PCVC and WRCNU. Unfortunately, Phoenix never did make it back into the wild, but he is alive and currently under the care of WRCNU. He is definitely a miracle bird and wears the name, Phoenix, proudly!

July 4 rescue day. Look closely. There is a ground squirrel in the lower right corner and some hindquarter under him (likely a jack rabbit). Photo credit: Kent Keller

2017 photo of Phoenix. 

Photo credit: Kent Keller

Not every case has a happy ending, but most of them do. We thank WRCNU for all their time and sacrifice to help these animals and get them back into the wild (where they should be).

For more information about WRCNU or to donate, please click the links.

Pet Safety for July 4th

The 4th of July is upon us, which means fireworks, picnics, summer heat and more fireworks. Make sure to take precautions for your pet during this holiday and keep them safe.

Fireworks

They are loud and stressful...for your pet. Loud sounds can cause your pet to feel anxious and frightened. They will even run away if they get too upset.

Follow these tips for firework safety:

• Keep them inside the house
• If you leave, put them in a crate or small room like a bathroom
• Prevent them from chewing on used fireworks by cleaning up the yard and street
• Have them microchipped and keep ID tags updated in case they run away
• Check into Thunder Shirt, a special shirt that can help keep them secure and calm

Cook Outs and Picnics

Remember to not feed your pet table scraps, especially meat bones and corn on the cob, as they could cause an obstruction and harm your pet. So your pet is included with the fun, have them eat their own food and treats while you eat your meal (although, they will probably spend the entire time begging, at least they are being offered their own food and not yours).

The Heat

Just remember that July is a hot month and to keep your pet comfortable and hydrated. Don't leave them in a hot car, even if it's in the shade. Keep the pads of the feet off hot cement and asphalt as much as possible or get special booties. 

Have a good time with your pet on this special holiday and be safe! 

Pet Appreciation Week

How much do you love your pet?

This week is pet appreciation week, which is the perfect time to remember how much you love your pet. How many times has he or she helped you through a hard time? Made you laugh when you're feeling blue? Given you warm, wet kisses?

We all have times when our pet knew exactly what we needed. Maybe it was the time your bird started singing Michael Jackson to cheer you up, or your puppy started chasing its tail and made you laugh when you were angry about something. Your pets can sense when something is not right and they try their best to help you in any way possible. They will always love you no matter what.

This week, remember all the fond memories about your pets. Maybe you can recall your chameleon smiling at you, even when he wasn't. Or the time your dog had a really fun adventure in the mud outside and then sprawled out on your white couch. They drive us crazy sometimes, but we absolutely love them. They are part of the family!

Take time this week and remember how much you appreciate your pets. They won't always be around and you should cherish everything about them.

The Facts About Anesthesia

There's no need to be afraid of anesthesia. Although it is normal to feel a little apprehensive when the vet recommends anesthesia for a procedure or surgery on your pet, the concerns should be minimal. Modern anesthetics are very safe when administered by trained veterinarians and technicians. While there is a chance of complications, this is extremely rare.  Not only does your pet remain safe and comfortable during surgery, but comes out a better and healthier animal.

Here's how anesthesia works beginning to end:

1. Preanesthetic medication is administered

After a physical examination and preanesthetic blood profiling, a sedative is given to relax your pet. While being monitored closely by our staff, your pet will soon feel calm and relaxed after about 10 minutes.

2. IV fluids are given

An IV catheter is placed and fluids are given throughout the entire procedure. Some clinics do not include IV fluids during surgery, however, it is beneficial for your pet to be hydrated throughout the whole process. Not only does it prevent dehydration, but helps maintain blood pressure and kidney function.

3. Anesthesia starts

An intravenous medication is administered to your pet and he/she becomes fully sedated within 30 seconds.

4. During the procedure

We have trained technicians and veterinarians that monitor the anesthesia, which is maintained with a gas mixed with oxygen and can be adjusted according to your pet's needs.

5. After the procedure

You pet is never left unattended as they wake up from the anesthesia. Our technicians monitor him/her closely and make sure his/her needs are met. It usually takes about 15 minutes for your pet to come to consciousness. Pain control is important after a procedure and we make sure your pet is as comfortable as possible.

We take these important steps to ensure your pet is comfortable and stable during procedures and surgeries. If you have any questions or concerns about anesthesia or surgery, please don't hesitate to ask us.

Bob Learns the Truth About Fern

Dear Diary,

I once had a lady lover--she was all I ever wanted and more. Every day I dreamt of our lives coming together, a big cage with a waterfall as our home and four or five tiny snakes slithering around as our offspring. We would be one happy family, eating pinky mice and teasing the man who fed them to us. My future was set, I just needed to find a way to get in Fern's cage. How to do it?

Well, I found the perfect opportunity a little past nine on a Wednesday night. The man who feeds me brought my pinky mouse as usual, but there was a loud crashing noise in the back of the clinic that sent him running away without closing the door to my habitat. I slithered down from the branch I was hanging on, and made my way back to Fern's cage. I was so excited! This would be our second encounter (the first was a movie night in my cage).

I climbed up to her cage, where she was sleeping peacefully. She looked splendid! I lightly rapped my head against the glass of her cage. No response. So I tried again. Nothing. Finally, with all my might, I squeezed my head through the tiny crack between the glass and the cage. At this, Fern opened her eyes.

"What do you want?" her eyes told me. This was not the reaction I was expecting. "I'm here for you, my love," my eyes replied to her.

"My love? You mean like brotherly love, right?"

I was really confused. Fern was not my brother. She is a female. Unless...

"Hey Fern! Do you mean to tell me you won't be able to produce my offspring?"

"How would this be possible? I'm a dude snake!"

Silence (well, it was already silent because we were talking with our eyes).

I was in shock! I had no idea this was what I would encounter when I made the journey from my cage to her (I mean, his) cage.

Finally, after much thought, I told Fern that I would love to be his bro buddy. He seemed to like that and we decided to play a joke on the feeder man. We switched cages!

Why Vets are so Awesome

Have you ever wondered why veterinarians choose to be veterinarians? If you think it's just for the paycheck, you have definitely have been misinformed.

A majority of veterinarians select their profession because of their passion for animals. They spend eight years of their lives dedicated to studying veterinary medicine. And it's not cheap. Currently the average student comes out of vet school with a debt of about $200,000. The average salary of a veterinarian is about $45,000-$106,000. They are highly educated, skilled and work extremely hard.

What does your veterinarian know/do? Let's break it down.

1. Performs multiple types of surgeries on all sorts of animals
2. An expert on dental health for animals
3. Reads/interprets lab reports
4. Diagnoses illnesses
5. Performs chemotherapy on cancer patients
6. Writes prescriptions, meaning has a strong knowledge of multiple drugs/side effects
7. Makes informed decisions
8. Gives injections
9. Draws blood (difficult to do on birds and reptiles)
10. Educates on pet care

These are just a few of the things your vet knows how to do. They are also comforters when your pet dies or is euthanized. If you think your vet doesn't care, trust that they absolutely do. They wouldn't have spent years of their lives in an expensive school if they didn't. Many vets have always had compassion for pets and worked hard throughout their lives to practice veterinary medicine.

Dr. Folland knew he wanted to be a vet from a very young age. He cared for all types of animals growing up and developed a passion for birds. When he was a teenager he rode his bike several blocks to work at an animal clinic, where he was a kennel technician. He worked hard in college to get into vet school and then did an avian medicine internship. After his schooling he opened his own clinic and later spent five years getting board certified in avian medicine. His final paper was even rejected a few times until the board finally accepted it.

Our other vets, Dr. Stearns and Dr. Echols, also have their own unique journeys to becoming vets.

We love our veterinarians! They do so much to help animals! Take time today to tell them thank you.

Dr. Stearns

Dr. Folland

Dr. Echols

Find your Pet with a Microchip!

 

How much do you love your pet? Chances are very much. What would you do if you lost your pet? If you knew there was a way to find your pet, would you take the opportunity? There happens to be a solution to finding your lost or stolen pet. And it's called a microchip.

This week, April 15-21, is National Pet ID Week. During this time, we want to remind you of the importance of microchipping your pet. Most people microchip their cats and dogs, but you can also microchip birds.

How Microchipping Works

• A tiny microchip the size of a grain of rice is inserted into your pet via syringe injection at the vet
• Attached to the microchip is a unique ID number that can be detected by a scanner 
• If your pet goes missing, he/she can be scanned at a vet clinic or shelter and the ID will appear on the scanner
• The ID number will be relayed to the microchip company and they can contact you 
• You MUST register your name, phone number and address to the microchip company or they can't link the ID number to you. The microchip is useless if it isn't registered 

Don't worry, the process of inserting the microchip is harmless for your pet. It's definitely worth it if your pet goes missing. We've been able to scan microchips on lost animals and have located the owners. It really works!

We do microchipping at our clinic and can also insert the chip while your pet is under anesthesia for surgery if you prefer that.

It's a terrible thing to lose a pet and we always want your loved one to be found. Definitely consider a microchip!

Heartworm Prevention Month

You've probably heard of heartworms, the stringy things that embed themselves in the hearts of cats and dogs and come from infected mosquitoes. This is known as heartworm disease and it is deadly. But did you know that your cat or dog is at risk of these parasites all year round? Did you also know that heartworm disease can be prevented?

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month and the perfect time to be educated on heartworm disease and prevention.

Has your doctor ever prescribed you medication for some sort of prevention? Birth control for pregnancy? High blood pressure medication to help your heart? Like these types of prevention, heartworm protection keeps your cat or dog healthy and safe. It is something they must be on all year round. They are continually at risk for heartworm disease, as mosquitoes are everywhere and there is no way to track which ones carry the disease.

So what exactly are heartworms?

Heartworms are worms, transmitted by mosquitoes, that damage blood vessels and reduce the heart’s pumping ability in dogs and cats. It results in severe lung and heart disease. Treating heartworms once they are in the body is complicated; it requires strong drugs and/or surgery, and is expensive and a burden on the animal. Many heartworm cases end in fatality if left untreated.

How can I protect my animal?

For dogs, we give Proheart 6 injections. They are administered every six months and the company has a guarantee that should the dog get infected while on the medication, all medical expenses will be paid by them. Don't worry, there is a slim chance of your dog getting heartworms while on this medication.

For cats there are no injections available, but we usually prescribed Heartgard or Revolution to protect them against heartworms.

If your pet is not on heartworm protection, now is a good time to start. With the warm months upon us, there are more mosquitoes and more chances of getting heartworm disease. There have been multiple cases of heartworm disease in Utah and we have diagnosed cases in two dogs in the past year. 

Be prepared, get your pet protected and enjoy the upcoming nice weather!

5 Tips for Making Your Pet Comfortable at the Vet

The veterinary clinic can sometimes seem like a scary place for your pet, especially if he or she has never experienced it before. It can also be stressful to make the trip for an appointment. But don't worry! There are ways to help your pet get accustomed to visiting the vet so that both of you can leave feeling satisfied.

Tip #1: Take your pet to the clinic multiple times before doing any exams or shots. Let him/her walk around and smell everything. It's important for your pet to get to know the staff on a non-invasive basis. Allow them to pet and dote over your loved one. Treats are a great way for him/her to associate the clinic with something good and positive. The staff will always have treats and are more than happy to give one (or two) to your pet. Then when you return for an actual visit, your pet will feel at home!

Tip #2: Prepare your cat for the car ride and vet visit. It's a known fact. Cats do not like cars, let alone the vet. But, there are ways to help them get comfortable with the idea. One thing that is important is get them used to the carrier. Leave it out somewhere in your house with treats inside and allow them to sniff and walk in and out several times. They will still likely hate the car, but at least they are familiar with and are safe in their crate. Again, try going to the vet a few times to get them familiar with a new surrounding.

Tip #3: If you stay calm, they'll stay calm (for the most part). Sometimes our clients can be just as anxious as their pets. It can be stressful to watch your baby being handled and given shots. However, it does not help him/her to see you just as fearful. To him/her, you are his/her protector and parent. If he/she sees you upset, this intensifies what he/she is already feeling. Try your best to be calm and do exactly what the vet tech and veterinarian tell you to do. They are trained professionals and do this on a daily basis.

Tip #4: Bring treats...lots and lots of treats. Who says you can't bribe your pet? Rewarding your pet for good behavior at the vet is encouraged. Also, allowing the vet and vet techs to give treats to your pet shows him/her that they can be trusted (at least a little).

Tip #5: Play with or take your pet on a walk before appointment. This will cut down on nervousness and get some of his/her energy out. It will also help prevent accidents at the vet.

Follow these simple tips and you have a greater chance of having a successful vet visit!

What Your Pet Shouldn't Eat

You may be able to put whatever food you want into your mouth, but that doesn't mean it can go in your pet's mouth. There are some foods out there that are dangerous to animals and could be fatal. An example is chocolate that is ingested by a dog. If untreated, the dog has the risk of dying. Then there are high fat foods such as bread and hot dogs, which if fed, can cause birds serious health problems. 

For this blog, we've picked a few animals to highlight and are providing you with information about the foods they shouldn't eat. It can be a reference if you are unsure about what your pet can or can't have.

If you would like more detailed information about nutrition, contact our clinic for an appointment.

Birds

No flour based foods (breads, tortillas, cookies, crackers, etc.)

No fried foods (skip the French fries)

No animal meats or by-products (dairy products)

No foods sweetened with natural or artificial sweeteners

No peanuts (they carry fungus that can be deadly)

No raw beans or any type of spinach

Guinea Pigs

NEVER feed these foods:

Iceberg lettuce

Rhubarb

Spinach

Dairy

Caffeine

Spicy foods

Mushrooms

Cookies/Bread

Pickled Vegetables

Garlic

Avocado

Nuts/Seeds

Chocolate

Popcorn

Tomatillo

Coconut

Dogs

Alcohol

Corn cobs

Avocado

Chocolate

Coffee

Caffeine

Citrus

Coconut/Coconut Oil

Grapes and raisins

Nuts

Milk/Dairy

Onions

Garlic

Chives

Raw meat, eggs, bones

Salty foods

Yeast dough

Xylitol (common in gum, peanut butter, toothpaste, sugarless foods)

Cats

Onion

Garlic

Chives

Raw meat, eggs, bones

Chocolate

Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, sodas)

Alcohol

Raw dough

Milk/Dairy products

Grapes/Raisins

Dog food

Avocado

Xylitol

The Month of Love

February is the month of love. Between Valentine's Day and Love Your Pet Day, there is big reason to show your pets how much you love them. The bond between human and animal is a strong one. From the moment your snake egg hatches, to the first glimpse of your forever puppy, we all have love stories that have a beginning. Do you remember when you first fell in love with your pet?

Dr. Folland raised his Double Yellow-headed Amazon, Buckwheat, since she was a tiny bird. He was living in Florida at the time, studying avian medicine, and needed a companion. Buckwheat loved her "mama." He taught her things to say, such as "Hey fatso" and "Here kitty, kitty." He also taught her to whistle the tune to "Dixie Land," which she still whistles to this day (well, half of it, at least).

Dr. Folland moved Buckwheat across the country to Centerville, Utah, where he opened his veterinary practice. She became the "clinic bird," greeting clients and their pets the moment they walked in the door.

Everyday she falls more and more in love with Dr. Folland. Each time he walks in the room, she lights up like a firefly. She whistles and cat calls when he passes her cage. The staff always know when Dr. Folland arrives, even before he walks through the front door. He likes to blow leaves off the sidewalk and parking lot of the clinic, and when Buckwheat hears the roar of the blower, she goes nuts!

It's amazing the bond we have with our pets. They depend on us to care for their needs and give them love and attention, and in return, they make us happy by simply being there. For many people, pets are their children. Others make pets part of their family. Animals show us great love! When we have our bad days, we can always count on our pets to cheer us up. They can sense when something is wrong.

All of us at PCVC know how important your pet is to you. We have pets of our own that we love and cherish. This month is a good reminder about how much we love our pets.

Give your loved one an extra squeeze today! 

Dental Care for Pets Too

It is likely you have teeth that need routine care.                                              

If you have good oral hygiene; you brush, floss and swish mouthwash 1-2 times a day. You visit the dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and x-rays taken. If you have a cavity or need a tooth pulled, you contact the dentist as soon as possible.

And when you get crooked teeth, you have an orthodontist attach wire and brackets to them so they can be straight.

Pets have teeth that need attention as well. Just as humans take the necessary steps to maintain their pearly whites, pets (especially dogs and cats) need the same tender loving care.

Have you ever smelled overwhelming dog or cat breath? There may be an infection in its mouth, which is caused by poor oral hygiene and lack of professional dental teeth cleanings.

This is where we come in. Our staff are highly skilled and perform multiple comprehensive teeth cleanings on a daily basis. For every dental, they take time to scale and polish each tooth, take radiographs to detect diseased teeth that may not be visible to the natural eye, chart every pathologic finding and if there are teeth that require extractions, the veterinarian steps in and carefully removes them. We recommend cleanings and oral exams twice a year.

Dental care for your pet is not only about having clean teeth. Periodontal disease is a common issue in cats and dogs that begins with plaque build-up that develops into tartar, which can get underneath the gumline and damage the jawbone and tissues that connect teeth to the jawbone. This disease not only causes pets discomfort and pain in their mouths, but problems can develop in their kidneys, hearts and livers if untreated.




Periodontal disease can likely be avoided by practicing good dental health habits for your pet.

Good Dental Health Habits Checklist

Brush teeth at least once a week (if possible)

Feed Science Diet t/d kibbles

(special dental diet to reduce plaque build-up)

Bi-annual Comprehensive Dental Cleaning and Oral Exams

Give Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews

*Sold at our clinic*

*Sold at our clinic*

February is National Pet Dental Health Month and we encourage you to develop good oral health habits for your pet starting today. Your pet will thank you with his/her dashing smile.

Taking Care of Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are great pets to have. They don't require too much maintenance, have fun personalities and give lots of love!

We want to share a few tips for first time, prospective and current guinea pig owners. These little guys are so much fun!

First, let's talk about food.

Timothy hay is the major source of diet for a guinea pig. In addition to hay, a small amount of guinea pig pellets may be added to the diet . Make sure the pellets are fortified so that they are getting the correct vitamins and nutrients. We also recommend adding Vitamin C to their drinking water, since guinea pigs are unable to manufacture their own Vitamin C. There are also a number of fruits and vegetables that can be used as treats. Consult with us on which fruits and vegetables to give, as there are some they cannot eat. Also, try not to give too many treats so that they can stay on a proper diet. Treats are a great way to bond with your guinea pig!

Housing

Make sure you have a large cage for your guinea pig and provide proper bedding. Shredded paper, recycled paper bedding and shredded aspen bedding works best! DO NOT use pine or cedar shavings as the oils in the shavings can cause respiratory problems. Also, sawdust should not be used as a substrate. Make sure to clean out and disinfect the cage once a week.

GP Food/Housing Checklist

• Large cage. 12' height x 24-36' width
• Proper substrate and bedding
• Vitamin C Supplement
• Timothy hay
• Treats (veggies/fruits)
• Water bottle and dish
• Food bowl
• Safe toys

Care

Nail trims are important for your guinea pig. We perform nail trims at our clinic on a daily basis, so feel free to schedule an appointment with us. Sometimes teeth trims are required as well (do not attempt on your own; only veterinarians can do this). Also, bathing and brushing your guinea pig are good grooming habits to develop. It is good to bond with your guinea pig and take them out to play frequently.

*If you see your guinea pig eating their droppings, this is normal and do not discourage it. Eating feces actually helps them digest and are an important part of their diet.

One last thing.

We want your guinea pig to be happy and healthy. If he/she shows any sign of illness, let us know.  Being a prey species, guinea pigs hide their illnesses very well. Please contact our clinic should any of the below listed signs occur.

Common Signs of Illness

• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Swollen, painful joints and ribs
• Reluctance to move
• Bleeding from the gums
• Straining or uterine bleeding
• Hair loss
• Panting and/or convulsions
• Swelling/lameness of the feet
• Labored or rapid breathing
• Discharge from eyes and/or nose
• Excessive tilting of head
• Diarrhea
• Excessive scratching

Guinea pigs are great pets! If you have any questions about them, always call our clinic. We are happy to help you!  

What is so important about spaying and neutering?

 By having your pet spayed/neutered, you are not only helping to decrease the pet population, but giving your loved one a happy and healthy life.

Millions of healthy cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S. due to overpopulation and homelessness. You can do your part to end this by having your pet sterilized at a young age. There are also health and behavior benefits for your pet that receives the spay or neuter.

Health Benefits

Longevity

Studies show that pets who are spayed/neutered, have a longer life than unaltered animals.

Cancer

Spayed females have a greater chance of avoiding cancer, including breast tumors. Also, females that are spayed before their first heat tend to be healthier than those that wait.

Neutering your male pets can help prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems.

Pyometra

Unaltered female dogs run the risk of contracting Pyometra, which can be avoided if they get spayed. Pyometra is an infection in the uterus that can occur if the female has had several heat cycles without getting pregnant.

Clinical signs of Pyometra are determined by an open or closed cervix. The most common symptom of an open cervix is excretion of pus or abnormal discharge. Other symptoms include fever, lethargy, anorexia and depression. A closed cervix is much more dangerous because the discharge collects in the uterus, causing a distended abdomen. Bacteria from the uterus drains into the bloodstream and the dog can rapidly become ill. Contact our office as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur in your dog.

Behavior Benefits

Females will not go into heat if they are spayed. A pet in heat normally will urinate all over the house, so you are saving yourself a lot of trouble by having the surgery done.

Roaming is less likely in neutered pets. Intact males like to go out looking for females and will leave your house frequently to find them. They risk getting hit by a car or fighting with other male animals.

Neutered males act much better. Intact males mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine everywhere. They are more aggressive and will mount on almost everything, including your leg. Neutering helps decrease this.

Have we convinced you?

We encourage you to do your research before spaying or neutering your pet, however, do take into consideration that there are more pros than cons for having the procedure done. You can make a huge difference in ending pet overpopulation simply by making the first step and scheduling an appointment with us.

Happy National Train your Dog Month!

Why train your dog? Why NOT?

  
Dogs don’t come programmed knowing what sit, stay or come means; nor do they know difference between an expensive pair of shoes or piece of furniture.  The moment we bring home a four-legged animal--sometimes three-legged fur child--we owe it to them to show them the ropes. The house rules need to be clear and consistent. Investing in your dog through training can provide lasting benefits. Training should be approached in a positive hands free manner with the intention of being a calm and consistent leader.  Training also allows quality time to bond with your canine companion which is key.  A genuine bond helps the both of you work as a team. A trained dog has a higher chance of staying in a forever home with a forever family. Out of pure canine logic they display gratitude through loyalty, love and slobber kisses.  It’s a win-win!

--Courtney Stauffer, Certified Dog Trainer


All of us at Parrish Creek highly recommend that as soon as your puppy is old enough, to have him/her trained by a professional dog trainer. By starting good behavior habits, you are providing a safe and healthy relationship with your dog for the rest of his/her life. While it is true that you can teach old dogs new tricks, it is more preferable to train your dog at a young age. Like a young human child, puppies soak things up like a sponge!

This new year, resolve to have your new dog trained. You won't regret it! Contact our resident dog trainer, Courtney Stauffer, for more information on getting started. Visit her Facebook page, Bark to Basics, L.L.C.