We Need Your Feedback!

 Bow Ties Are Cool :)

With our recent re-certification  through the American Animal Hospital Association, we were given a new tool.  It is an online client survey, that is completely secure and the results are compiled for us over 90 days and then we receive a report, for our eyes only.

You may remember if you came in from April through June last year we handed you a survey too.  Why do we do this?  We try once a year to reach out to as many of you as we can to get your feedback, good and bad.  It allows us to tweak our process to make your experience better.  So, please take a moment and click through to this year's survey.

http://www.aahanet.org/surveys/css.aspx
 The first question will ask for a PIN. Use: 5124231.

Thank You!!!

Thick With Ticks

picture taken from Wisconsin Department of Health Services

We have been awarded with a mild winter and an amazing start to spring.  With this, we will also have to pay the price with a buggier spring and summer.  I know that the kids and I have already gotten our first mosquito bites!  Important for our pets, and especially in our area of the country is going to be an active and dense tick season.

Below are some interesting facts from a recent article in Veterinary Practice News Magazine, April, 2012.

"An unseasonably warm U.S. winter not only has meant non-stop tick-sightings, it could mean a boom in the parasite population this spring-- or sooner, parasitologists say.  This correlates with a higher prevalence of tick-borne diseases in dogs and humans."

"Ticks are expanding their domains, possibly by hitching rides on migrating animals or animals in wildlife relocation programs.  These factors coupled with people moving outward into tick-endemic areas, have resulted in higher risk of tick-borne disease transfer to animals and humans."

"Currently the only tick borne disease that can be prevented is Lyme disease."

There are a number of good flea/tick products on on the veterinary market.  A few have as high as 96% effectiveness even on day 30.  "No product is 100% effective, but regular use greatly decreases the number of parasites that can live on the pet, this, in turn, decreases the chances that the pet owner may be bitten."

So, bottom line, prevention is key.  Through both Lyme vaccine and flea/tick protections, you can protect not only your pet, but also the people in your household.  Ask us about the best product's for your pet's lifestyle.

Dental Month's Almost Here

Dental month is fast approaching!  This is a continuation of our dental tips leading into February.  I will be covering tips six and seven today.

Tip 6~  Dont' Get Bit

• If brushing your dog's teeth is too stressful for your dog, don't put yourselves through it.

Tip 7~ Dental Friendly Treats

• Feed carrot or apple slices as treats to help with your dog's weight control and dental health.

Weekly Dental Tip

This week we are covering dental tips four and five.

When it comes to toothbrushes, keep an open mind.

• One dog may prefer a finger toothbrush while another may simply prefer that you use a gauze square with some pet toothpaste.

Never use human toothpaste on your pet.

• The fluoride in human toothpaste can be toxic for pets.  After all, your dog would probably prefer liver or poultry-flavored pet toothpaste!

Dental Tip # 3

Say Cheese!

This weeks tip for better at home dental care~
Keep it short and make it fun!

Especially when you are starting out, make each session a few minutes long and follow it with a play session or some other kind of reward. 

This begins to reinforce with your pet that playing with their mouth (just like with their feet) isn't a chore.   It has it's own rewards, and many times tasty ones.

Quick Dental Tips

Happy New Year!  If you are like most pet owners, you're thinking, "Pet Dental Program?  No Way!", but just like you, your pets need to have their teeth cared for.  Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3!  With a few easy at home care tips and periodic dentistry by your veterinarian, you can maintain good dental health for your furry companion.  This will help prevent, stinky breath, gum disease, periodontal disease, and the systemic complications (organ damage) that can occur with excess oral bacteria. 

February is National Dental Month and is already fast approaching.  So we are going to do a weekly post for the next eight weeks on quick at home dental tips.  In this week's post, we are going to  jump in and do two tips.

1.  Start Early~ It's never too early to get a puppy used to handling of all kinds from handling the paws for nail trims to working in the mouth for tooth care.  If your starting with an adult dog who has just had a professional dental cleaning, start three to five days after the dental to prevent new tartar accumulation.

2.  Go Slow and Give Rewards~  Start by gently rubbing your fingers along the side of your dog's mouth so he/she gets used to the sensation, and then be sure to give him/her praise.


Stay tuned for more weekly tips as we approach dental month~  most importantly if you have questions feel free to call for advise, this is not to be stressful for you or your pets!

Share The Warmth

The cold weather months seem to be creeping upon us, with some of our first measurable snow expected this evening.  Our staff has been spending much of their down time hard at work making no sew blankets that we will be donating to local organizations.  As many of our initial blankets (25 of them!) were either smaller or fun themes, our first drop off will be to HALO women's and children's shelter. 

We are hoping to keep this project moving beyond the holidays and through the winter months.  We have so many here locally in need.  Our next focus is going to be senior citizens who need a little extra TLC.  If you would like help us Share The Warmth, we are looking for donations of  fleece fabrics (2 yards of a print & 2 yards of a coordinating solid).  Thank you for helping us make the dark winter months brighter for those in need.

Amy Ray