Did you know your pet's nutritional needs change throughout his or her lifetime?

"Gluten Free" ... "Mature Adult Formula" ... "Holistic" ... "Grain Free" ... "No By-Products" ... "Active Formula" ... "All Natural" ... "Farm Fresh" 

Huh?

The wording of pet food labels can be confusing. How do you know if your pet's diet is appropriate for her age and lifestyle?

The signs of nutritional imbalances may be obvious when you look at your pet. She may be overweight or have less energy, have a dull coat or dry skin. But it's hard to know if her nutritional needs are being met internally. And it's important to find out, because proper nutrition is a major component of good health. The right food keeps your pet healthy, active, and happy--both inside and out. 

An appropriate diet is vital to your pet's well-being. A good puppy or kitten food provides optimal nutrition and energy for young pets to grow up healthy and strong. A nutritionally balanced adult formula helps full-grown dogs and cats maintain an ideal weight and body condition. And a specialized senior diet gives older pets the nutritional support they need.

We're committed to helping you choose a food that will keep your pet healthy. We'll work together to decipher food labels. We'll explain what certain terms mean--and do not mean. And if a pet food label claims “reduced calories,” we'll tell you if it's the right choice for your overweight pet. We'll recommend the best food based on her age and lifestyle.  

  
So, come on in for your pet's annual exam today. We'll make sure she is getting the nutrition necessary to stay healthy and well.

Your pet’s behaviors may be related to a hidden illness, and you may not even realize it.

Nipping. Scratching. Litter box issues. Leash pulling. Meowing at night. Urinating on the floor. Chewing shoes. Are these behaviors just part of being a “normal” dog or cat?

Some common behavioral issues are due to underlying medical problems and illnesses that are tough for even the most observant owner to recognize.

Your dog urinates on your floor. He may just be excited, but he could have a urinary tract infection. Your cat stops jumping up on your lap. Not because she’s being unfriendly, but because she has arthritis and jumping is too painful.

Don't leave these issues unchecked. Behaviors may worsen, and illnesses progress, putting your pet’s health at risk. Your pet’s quality of life may be compromised.

We can help. If your dog is petrified of fireworks, we can discuss techniques that may give him relief. If your older cat is suddenly drinking more water, a physical exam could reveal an underlying illness. We’ll run the right tests and prescribe medication as needed.
 

We'll discuss your pet’s behavior. Some behavioral issues are related to medical problems, but many can simply be resolved with new training strategies. Either way, we can help correct those behaviors and give your pet a new "leash" on life.

So, come on in for your pet’s annual exam today. We’ll check to make sure all of your pet’s behaviors are appropriate and signs of good health. We are committed to your pet’s well-being, all the way. 

 

Start summer off right!

It’s summer! Time for BBQs, long hikes, and refreshing water play. You and your pet enjoy this time of year. It’s filled with activity, fun, and food.

 

 There are a few things we have to talk about, though. First, is your pet eating the right food for her lifestyle? Meeting your pet’s nutritional needs is vital to her health and happiness. So, before you take your big hike with Fido or start your movie marathon on the couch with Fluffy, bring your furry friend in for her annual exam.

Second, if your pet is just 10% over her ideal body weight (that's just 1 pound for a 10 pound cat), she is at risk of developing serious medical conditions. Who wants that for their buddy? "Not I!" you say. So come in for a checkup and a pit stop at the scale. 

Third, most “people food" is not good for pets, especially food from the grill. For example, feeding your pet chicken bones can cause tooth fractures and tear up her digestive tract.

So come on in today; we’ll examine her thoroughly from nose to tail. And we’ll talk about what she's eating and if we have to make any changes.

Who loves your pet besides you? We do! Have your pet examined today so we can keep her healthy and happy this summer!

Bones, Muscles, and Joints

  Keep your pet moving and grooving this spring!

Musculoskeletal diseases (conditions that involve bones, muscles, and joints) affect pets of all ages. They can have aches and pains like we do. But sometimes these diseases are hard to spot. Think about your furry friend for a moment...

Has he stopped jumping on you when you come in the door?

Has he stopped perching on the window sill?

Is he simply acting “old”?

These changes in activity may be due to weather, age, or good training. However, to guarantee your pet is at his best, we have to rule out any hidden musculoskeletal problems. Infections, hormonal imbalances, poor nutrition, blood disorders, and arthritis can all affect your pet's activity—the way he plays, moves, eats, and cuddles.

The good news is that we have ways to prevent, cure, or manage these conditions, so your pet can continue to have a good quality of life. We are committed to the well-being of your pet for his lifetime. The best way to ensure his health is to come on in for his yearly checkup today. Together, we’ll keep your pet’s bones, muscles, and joints (and all the rest of him!) in good working order.

Is your pet at risk for Fleas, Ticks, or Worms?

 Yes! And they ALL can be tough to spot!

Is your dog very tired? Is your cat eating less than usual? These seemingly minor changes may mean she has a flea allergy, an internal parasite infection, or a tick-related disease.

Let’s talk about fleas first. The majority of pets don’t have fleas, but many have been bitten because fleas are everywhere. Yes, fleas live outdoors but they can live indoors too--even in really clean homes--year-round in any climate. Fleas will gladly hitch a ride on your pet into your house. And all it takes is one flea bite (specifically the fleas saliva), to set off a full blown skin allergy. Pets may scratch their sides, necks, or even lick their paws until they’re red and painful. What pet wants to move around or eat when feeling this miserable?

 

 Internal parasites (such as worms) can infect your pet in a number of ways. Sometimes, it’s hard to know if she has them. But left untreated, worms can be dangerous to her internal organs. They can even cause your pet to lose blood.
 

 Ticks are tricky. Even if you check your pet for ticks they can be tough to find because they’re small, and hide well in dark fur. But it’s crucial to find ticks and remove them quickly. Why? Some ticks carry bacteria that cause disease (such as Lyme disease, but there are many others). And all it takes is one undetected tick bite for your pet to become infected. She can become sick and develop kidney problems. At times, these diseases can be fatal.

Is there any good news?
Yes!

 

 We’re experts when it comes to flea allergies, ticks, and internal parasites. Even if your pet is on a regular monthly preventative, it is still important for us to make sure she is healthy.

So, come on in for your pet’s annual checkup today. We’ll examine her from nose to tail. We will also confirm the prevention you’re using is right for your pet!

It’s spring! Time to check for heartworm disease.

It’s March, and spring is here! Worms in your garden…and worms in your dog? Hold on, let me explain.

The worms you find in your garden dirt are not the same worms that cause heartworm disease in dogs. Mosquitoes carry heartworm larvae. And all it takes is one mosquito to bite your pet for him to become infected.

Here’s the good news about heartworm disease. It’s an illness that is easy and affordable to prevent. The bad news is, if you don’t invest in prevention, your dog is at a high risk of getting sick. Heartworm disease is dangerous to your dog and some signs of the illness are tough to spot. He may be acting fine, but he may have so many heartworms inside his body that it becomes life threatening.

You may be thinking, “my dog stays indoors, so he doesn't need heartworm prevention.” But, heartworms are carried by mosquitoes, which get into everyone’s homes. And one mosquito bite is all that’s needed to spread the disease to your furry friend.

Bring your dog in today for his yearly checkup. We’ll do a thorough exam, including a simple heartworm test, to make sure he is in optimum health. And we’ll talk about the best way to prevent heartworm disease, so your dog stays healthy, happy, and safe.

Mild Winter + Southern Climate + Your Pet + FLEAS

Welcome to 2016! A new year has begun and warm weather barely took a holiday during the winter. This means that the flea population which has been languishing in high numbers is poised to explode with fury as the year rolls into summer. The question is: are you going to wait until you notice a problem, or will you take steps now to fight the surge?  

Consider the Facts

Adult fleas land on the host and feed. Each flea can lay 40-50 eggs every day. The eggs roll off and hatch into larvae in 3-5 days. If the environment is warm and humid, more larvae survive and the problem is worse. If it's cool and dry, the cycle slows and the problem persists longer. Then come the pupae (cocoons) and the newly hatched fleas. At the point you become aware of fleas, the cycle has been churning for up to two months, and your environment is full of hatching and developing fleas. You repeatedly apply insecticides to your pet, even for 2-3 months, and the fleas keep coming. This is because the environment continues to harbor all of the life stages, collectively known as the flea biomass. In order to truly address flea control, the biomass must also be considered and a multi-pronged approach utilized.

But first, a few more ways that fleas get into your house and yard

Pets and Hitchhikers: Fleas can get into your house on socks and other clothing and from your pet, visiting pets, and their bedding. The home is where the flea becomes King! Most of the flea life stages exist in your pet's favorite places (beds, couches, carpet, baseboards, etc.)
Pets, wildlife, and feral cats can be a source of fleas outdoors. Flea larvae love cool, shady areas (e.g., under porches) and mulched areas.
So, in most cases, it is important to treat your house and yard as well as your pet. Diligent house cleaning and vacuuming and indoor/outdoor sprays complete the flea eradication picture along with treatment of all pets.

Comparison of Flea Control Products for the Pet

The most important factors when choosing a flea eradication product are safety and residual killing speed. After dosing, residual killing power tends to decline over time. Remember that it takes only 24-48 hours for a flea to lay eggs. Since larvae will continue to emerge over the next 1-2 months, the product needs to eliminate the biomass within 12-24 hours (the reproductive breaking point) in order to prevent re-infestation.

             

Monthly Topicals: These vary in their ability to achieve and maintain a good killing speed over time. Therefore, some topicals may prove ineffective and/or may need to be repeated more frequently than every 30 days.

            

Monthly Tablets/Chews: These tend to be superior to topicals in terms of the speed and completeness of flea kill. Examples are Comfortis, Nexgard, and Bravecto. There is some evidence that the monthly products may run out of killing effectiveness before 30 days. Bravecto, the newest oral product, is unique in that it has quick killing capability, lasts 12 weeks, and is thus the most capable in eradicating the flea biomass.

You don't have to sing this song!

Take Home Message: EVEN IF YOU DO EVERYTHING RIGHT, IT CAN STILL TAKE UP TO 3 OR 4 MONTHS TO ELIMINATE YOUR FLEA POPULATION (BIOMASS) AND YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO SEE NEW FLEAS HATCHING UP UNTIL THEN.

It takes patience, diligence, and excellent flea control products to win the war on fleas. If your flea control has not been consistent year round, then you may have some catching up to do. The sooner you start, the better.

You CAN make the summer of 2016 Flea Control manageable!

Wellness Testing for Senior Pets

Important Facts about Senior Testing

As pets age, their body systems tend to gradually deteriorate and may lose their ability to function properly. We recommend senior testing to help us detect and treat disease early, so that we can help maintain health and prevent illness during your pet's senior years. Early detection of disease often gives us more effective and less costly treatment options. And senior testing helps establish normal baseline values for your pet, creating a point of comparison for the future.

 
Is your pet a senior?
  
If your pet is 8 years of age or older we consider him or her to be a senior. Your pet may seem healthy well into its senior years. However, many problems common to older pets may not present with symptoms until your pet becomes seriously ill. Senior testing can help us identify problems early enough to institute preventative and proactive healthcare measures.

Which pets should have senior testing?

We recommend senior testing for all geriatric pets, as well as any pets who are exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms: weight loss or gain, increased thirst or urination, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, poor hair coat, coughing, seizures, unusual behavior, or overall decline in condition.


What is senior testing?

Your pet's complete senior testing program includes:

A physical exam is the most important part of a senior care program. Your veterinarian will assess all body systems and check for any abnormalities.

Blood chemistry tests measure levels of various substances in the blood to help diagnose diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney failure.

 
A complete blood count (CBC) provides a detailed look at the blood itself and helps detect anemia or infection. 

A thyroid screen helps diagnose thyroid disease, which is especially common in older dogs and cats.

A urinalysis gives information on kidney function and checks for urinary tract infections.

Radiographs (X-rays) of the chest and abdomen may be recommended.

All senior dogs and cats can benefit from an "early peek" inside to help detect potential trouble before it gets the upper hand and is more difficult and costly to treat.

Let us know if you have any questions about our recommendations, or contact us today to arrange a senior wellness screening for your pet.

My dog has Atopy. Now what?

So, your veterinarian has diagnosed a condition in your dog called Atopy, a contact skin allergy resulting from a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Genetically, dogs with Atopy usually have a defect in their skin barrier which allows the triggering substances (and secondary bacterial and fungal invaders) to penetrate the skin. The result is itching, inflammation, hair loss, and infection.

The list of environmental substances that can trigger this allergy includes:

 

Grasses

 

Pollens

 

House Dust

 

House Dust Mites

...and many others.

The only true way to determine the specific substance(s) that your dog is allergic to is through an Allergic Skin Test. Best performed by a dermatology specialist, this test involves injecting small amounts of many known triggering substances into the skin and evaluating the dog's response to each substance. It may then be possible to develop injections to desensitize your dog to these offending allergens.

  What can you and your veterinarian do to treat the symptoms of Atopy and prevent or lessen the severity of future flareups?

For treatment of current conditions (inflammation/infection) your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics as well as medicated shampoos and ear medications. Therapy is usually very successful in giving your dog relief and treating secondary issues associated with the allergic reaction. Your veterinarian may also recommend supplementing your dog's diet with Vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the skin barrier.

Recurrence of your dog's reaction to the allergic triggers is common and to be expected. However, during the "season" associated with flareups, there are steps you can take at home to reduce and even prevent frequent trips to the vet for treatment. The key is diligent and consistent routine maintenance of your dog's skin during the allergy season. This proactive approach includes:

Medicated shampoos: During flareups or at the first sign of symptoms, your dog should be treated by shampooing at least two times per week. The dermatology experts say every other day is even better.

After shampoo leave-on rinses/conditioners: These products contain various ingredients to prolong the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal power of the shampoo. They also help to restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Topical "spot-ons": Special medicated "spot-ons" have been proven to spread beneficial oils over the surface of the skin to further aid in promoting skin barrier health.

Baby wipes: Non-scented baby wipes can be used to wipe down your dog's feet when he or she comes in from outside, thereby removing allergens.

Note that almost all of these products are available by prescription only, and are formulated specifically to aid in managing diseases such as Atopy. Your veterinarian can help guide you to the right products for you and your dog. And remember: early intervention and consistent management are crucial to get your dog comfortably through the allergy season.

Happy Dental Month!

February is the month dedicated to Pet Dental Health, but the health of your pet's mouth depends upon preventative care all year round.

Dental disease is one of the most common issues we encounter in our hospital. The pain and infection can break your pet's spirit, though this may not always be obvious. The detrimental effects on the mouth and internal organs often result in other serious and expensive diseases.

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to have him or her examined for signs of dental disease. Proper treatment and future preventative care can prolong and even save a healthy life for your pet.

For Pet Dental Awareness month we have chosen a few informative articles that we hope will help you understand the nature of dental disease, and how to prevent and treat it. 

Bad Breath (Halitosis) in Pets (pdf)

Ten Steps to your Dog's Dental Health

How to Brush a Dog's Teeth


Additionally, during the month of February we are offering a 10% discount on dental cleanings!

Post by Herschel Animal Clinic.

It's not too late to make a New Year's resolution - For your pet!

  
2015 has just begun, and now is a good time to think about taking care of everything on your "to do" list for your pet's health. Here are our recommendations for preventative health care to help keep your pet healthy and help you avoid high vet bills.

1. Update your pet's vaccines.

2. Take steps to ensure that you have your pet on Heartworm Prevention and Flea Control.

3. If your pet is not spayed or neutered, get it done as soon as possible.

4. Get those extra pounds OFF! Not only will your pet have more energy and feel better, but you will help prevent many diseases related to being overweight.

5. Have your pet checked for any concerns that have been nagging at you. It may be wise to get that worrisome lump removed, or get a dental cleaning.

6. Consider routine bloodwork for an elderly pet.

Winter Pet Dangers: The Cold Hard Facts

Even in the South, winter can be harsh on pets. Low temperatures are stressful and can be dangerous, but there are several other potential threats that are not as obvious. Could your pet be vulnerable to more than just the cold?

Many dogs and cats use pet doors to go in and out. During colder months, wild animals are more likely to find these doors when seeking shelter. In addition to being a nuisance to humans, these animals may attack your pet.

 
Antifreeze is deadly to pets! It can become accessible when a leak occurs in a car's radiator or if the antifreeze is changed and the old fluid is not disposed of properly. The liquid is sweet and tasty and it takes very little to be fatal.

Outdoor cats may try to get warm by climbing up under a car's hood. When the engine is started, the fan belt can cause devastating injury and death.

*Professional stunt cat. Don't try this at home.

Your dog or cat may be unaccustomed to a radiator or heater being on--and hot! Also, curious pets may suffer burns or worse from a lit fireplace. Supervise carefully to ensure your pets' safety.

Winter is often a time for an increased use of rat poison. Like antifreeze, this product is deadly, so proper use is essential.

Cooler temperatures can make arthritis pain worsen or show itself for the first time. Soreness, stiffness, limping, and other signs of discomfort can be alleviated with medications, and in some cases, lifestyle changes.

Some cats may be reluctant to use a garage or basement litter box in an area that is now much colder than it was in warmer months. The same may be true for a litter box next to a formerly dormant heater or furnace which is currently making a rumbling sound.

With a few precautions and a little common sense you can make the winter season "warm and fuzzy" for your pet.