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.

Birds and bloodwork

Why does my bird need to have bloodwork? This is a question we often encounter from some of our clients when we suggest a blood screening, and it is a reasonable question.

Birds are unique animals. They require a lot of care and attention both at home and in a veterinary clinic. When a bird is in the wild, it hides signs of illness for as long as possible to protect against predators and also to blend in with its flock. Birds in captivity have similar behavior. If your pet bird is sick, he or she has probably been sick for a while. Routine blood screening allows us to detect diseases early on before your bird starts showing symptoms. And the sooner we are able to identify an illness through blood testing, the sooner we can control or cure it. Don't wait until it's too late!

What's included in annual bloodwork?

Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)
Chemistry Panel
Triglycerides

CBC
We learn information about your bird by monitoring the red and white cells, and platelets. By doing this, we are able to detect signs of infection, cancer, anemia, and much more.

Chemistry Panel
This helps us get an idea of how the organs are functioning inside your bird. Although an organ appears healthy on an x-ray, this doesn't always mean it is functioning normally. This is why we recommend pairing bloodwork with x-rays to get the best results and confidence that your bird is indeed healthy.

Triglycerides
This is a type of fat found in the body and when elevated, it could indicate dietary imbalances, liver disease or even reproductive problems. Most issues in birds are a result of poor diet, which usually consists of fatty foods.

X-rays+3 types of bloodwork=confidence in your bird's health

Our Avian veterinarians are trained to draw blood from all types and sizes of birds, and our technicians are skilled in bird handling. Be assured that your bird is in safe hands.

Make a resolution this year to give the best care possible to your little feathered friend!

We love Tracy Aviary!

What many may or may not know about Dr. Folland is his involvement with Tracy Aviary. For over 20 years, he takes the weekly drive into Salt Lake City to treat numerous birds in the area south of Liberty Park. We have a special place in our hearts for the Aviary and its many programs, events, shows, education and conservation efforts.

Most of the birds at Tracy Aviary sustained injuries in the wild and now after being rehabilitated, play a huge role in educating people about conservation and protecting wildlife and habitats. Some of the resident birds include bald and golden eagles, tropical birds, owls and the infamous Andean Condor, Andy.

Throughout the years, our clinic has seen and helped the birds of the Aviary, whether it's the angry hornbill, the sweet owl or the magnificent eagles. We support the efforts of the Aviary and its programs. Nature in the City is one of the many wonderful programs that helps children and people of the community get outside and explore nature in their backyards.

There are many opportunities to get involved with Tracy Aviary. They always take donations, including the option to adopt a bird (not to take home) and provide it with food, toys and other necessities. There are also many volunteer opportunities for all ages and groups.

If you haven't experienced the Aviary, we highly recommend you take advantage of what it has to offer. You aren't simply watching birds, but learning about how you can help endangered species in the wild. We have the responsibility to protect nature and its beauty.

Thank you, Tracy Aviary!

Xylitol and Peanut Butter

Please be extra careful when feeding your dog peanut butter.

Do not let your dog do this!

Although peanut butter is a good way to disguise medication, and a yummy treat for your dog, it can contain a dangerous ingredient that could cause death: Xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free foods such as gum, toothpaste, mouth wash, candy, peanut and nut butters, etc. If a dog ingests it, there can be serious problems, just like there can be issues if a dog eats chocolate. So make sure you add Xylitol next to chocolate on your list of things dogs can't eat.

Please be extremely careful when using peanut butter as a treat. ALWAYS check the label for Xylitol before giving it to your dog. The safest way of avoiding an issue is to avoid peanut butter altogether, but if you do let your dog snack on peanut butter, double check the ingredients.                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                          
Symptoms of Xylitol poisoning:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Lack of coordination
• Depression/lethargy
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Coma

If your dog does ingest peanut butter with Xylitol, immediately contact us or the Animal ER.

Visit the Pet Poison Helpline for more information.

Your Snake's Habitat

So, you have a new snake? Did you know that one of the most important things for a healthy snake is a proper habitat?

We often encounter snakes that come in with health concerns (burns, respiratory issues, difficulty with shedding, etc.) that are related to their housing. Snakes are wonderful animals, but realize that they have specific needs to be healthy and happy. By providing your snake with the best care you possibly can, you will have one grateful reptile!

Cage

It is important to obtain a cage that is the correct size for your snake. The dimensions are as follows:

Length=snake's body length
Width=half the snake's length

Temperature

One issue that causes health problems and can be easily remedied is the temperature of your snake's cage. The temperature varies depending on the type of snake you have. Here are the correct temperatures for the most common snakes:

Ball Python

Ball Python
Basking spot: 83-85℉
Cool end: 80℉





Corn Snakes
Basking area: 88-90℉
Cool end: 72-80℉

Corn Snake

Dumeril's Boa

Boas
Basking area: 85-90℉
Cool end: 80℉

*Some species of boa, such as the Dumeril's boas, should not be exposed to temperatures above 85℉. The Kenyan sand boa needs a basking area of 95℉*
Ask one of veterinarians about the temperature needs of your specific snake.

Humidity

Ball Python
Enclosure should be 60-70%                                        

Humidity Box

Corn Snakes
Enclosure should be 30-40%

Boas
Enclosure should be 60-70%
*Some species vary*

To keep enclosure humid:

• Mist cage (not animal) 1-2 times a day
• Provide humidity box
• Repti-Fogger with humidity controller

These are just a few of the requirements to get you started. We recommend visiting one of our exotic veterinarians for more tips. They are more than happy to provide you with the most current and accurate information about snakes and answer your questions.

The Loving A.R.M.S. Fund

If you've been to our clinic before, you may have seen this jar sitting at the front desk. The Loving A.R.M.S. (Animals Requiring Medical Services) Fund was started by PCVC to aid animals and their owners, who do not have significant funds to pay for veterinary expenses, and give them a second chance at life.

Throughout the lifetime of our fund we have helped a kitten who was seriously burned, saved an egg-bound snake, and provided emergency surgeries to pets who may not have survived without the fund.

All donations for our fund come from our generous clients. Our hope is that every animal can have a long, healthy life. However, sometimes unexpected events occur, and pets become injured or sick. If their owners are unable to afford the medical expenses, there may be no other option but to have the pets euthanized.

Due to the costs associated with veterinary care, we depend on our fund to help those animals and their owners who do not have the financial means to pay for services (surgeries, treatments, medications, etc.). The more money we receive for our fund, the more animals we can give second chances.

We accept cash and cards. Cash can go right into the jar on our desk. If you would like to leave a donation with your credit card, just tell one of our receptionists that you'd like to make a donation to The Loving A.R.M.S. Fund.