Earlysville Animal Hospital


Keep your pet healthy and safe all year 

Sometimes it's the little things that can make a big difference in protecting pets and maintaining their health.So, your pet's vaccines are up to date. They take their heartworm preventative each month. They have had the proper training. You feed them great nutrition and keep their weight normal.  They get exercise every day. You give them plenty of love. What else can you do to keep them safe and healthy? Here are some suggestions to consider!



JANUARY 

BEWARE OF WINTER HAZARDS!

If it's bitter cold, don't leave your pet in the car or outside for long periods. A "fur" coat may not be enough!

Clean up antifreeze spills right away. Even though it is poisonous to pets, they're attracted to the smell.

Just as you wipe your feet when you come in, clean off your pet's paws, too. Rock salt, ice clumps and rocks can cause discomfort.



 

Watch for wagging tails that may get too close to hot fireplaces and burning candles.

FEBRUARY
DOWN WITH DOGGIE BREATH!
DOWN WITH OVERWEIGHT PETS
NATIONAL BIRD FEEDING MONTH
 
February is National Pet Dental Health Month - the perfect time to remind you about the importance of good dental care for your pet. Without regular cleaning and treatment, built-up plaquue and tartar can damage your pet's gums and teeth - just like in humans. Call to schedule a routine dental exam and we can show you how to take care of your pet's teeth with brushing, special diets, chew toys and other dental product aids.





February is also Obesity Awareness Month. Our pets are affected by the obesity epidemic. Overweight pets are at risk for: 
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • High Cholesterol
  • Heart Disease
  • Heart Failure
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney Disease
  • Cancer
  • Pain
  • Diminished Quality of Life
  • Premature Death
    We can advise about proper weight for your pet, diet suggestions, and the new medication, Slendrol.     
    •  
    MARCH
    SPRING SPRUCE-UP TIME
     
    Freshen up! Just as you like to step out in style for spring, how about some pampering for your favorite pal, too. Schedule a grooming to trim, clip, and wash away the winter grime.

    Go shopping! Out with the old, dirty outdoor toys, and in with some new clean, fun toys.

    Remember to replace dog beds at least once a year to help control one of the most potent allergens our pets live with, dust mites.
     
    APRIL
    CHOCOLATE IS A DOGGIE NO-NO!
     
    It may be a sweet splurge for us humans, but it can be toxic - even deadly - for your pet! So, lock up the chocolate and keep some healthy, doggie-friendly snacks on hand.
    MAY
     FITNESS FOR LIFE!
     
    Exercise is fun and healthy for your pet. Be sure to keep them moving. The newest recommendation for arthritic pets is daily, moderate exercise. Exercise will help overweight pets lose weight. Doing activities with your pet, like playing chase or going for a hike, is good for your pet's mental health as well. 






    Remember, you can teach an old dog new tricks. This is a great time to sign up for a class at one of the areas dog schools that use positive training methods.     Golden Rule Dog Trainingis the school in our back yard run by licensed veterinary technician, Patty Worthington. We also highly recommend Canine Campus and Good Dog Training.
    JUNE
    TRAVELING TIPS WITH FIDO AND FIFI
     
    Carry proof that your pet's shots are current. Be sure to have their rabies certificate. We can give you a duplicate if you need. 

    Securely attach an ID tag to his collar with an emergency phone number.
    Bring two leashes in case one gets lost.

    Before you travel, find     "pet friendly" lodging. 

    Carry a first-aid kit and keep our number handy in case you need to refill a prescription or get advice.

    It's OK to pamper your pet with toys and healthy treats. Remember, this is a "family" vacation.
     JULY
     THE HEARTBREAK OF HEATSTROKE
    Heatstroke can be fatal. Signs may include excessive panting and salivation, unresponsiveness, anxiety, warm, dry skin, a high fever, fast heart rate, weakness, the inability to move and eventual collapse. if your pet shows any of these signs, hose them down, pack towels soaked in cool water around the body and bring them to our clinic (or the nearest veterinary clinic) immediately. Protecet your pet from summer heatstroke by never leaving him in a closed up car or outside for prolonged periods on very hot days.
     

    AUGUST 

    THOSE MEAN STREETS -- "YOUCH!"
    Asphalt on a hot day not only burns the bottom of your feet, it can also burn the pads of your pet's feet! This may result in pain and damage to his or her paws. They become extremely hot and can burn a pet's feet very quickly. Paw protectors are available at local pet retail and online stores. Be sure to examine your pet's paws frequently to make sure they are not cracked or lacerated.
     
     SEPTEMBER
     THAT ITCHY, SCRATCHY, YUCKY FEELING

    Pet's suffer from allergies, too! Dry, itchy skin may be a sign of an allergy. Many things, including fleas, pollen, foods, or even fabrics and cleaning materials around the house, can cause allergies. It's important to treat your pet year-round for fleas and ticks, which can pose potentially serious health risks for your pet and entire family. If your pet is experiencing symptoms of allergies, bring him in for an evaluation and treatment. Oh, what a relief!



    Did you know allergy testing is available for your pet? Veterinary dermatologists offer the "scratch" test, intradermal skin testing. We can also send a blood sample from your pet to a lab to have a regional allergy panel done. With this information, we can formulate a treatment plan that may include elimination of allergens when possible, an allergy "vaccine"  to improve your pet's immunity to allergens, or medication tailored to your pet's individual needs.

     
    OCTOBER
    WHAT'S EATING AWAY AT YOUR PET?

    Nasty internal parasites, such as hookworms and roundworms, may pose a danger to your pet all year round. They may also cause health problems to family members, especially young children. 

     

     

     

     

    Heartworms, spread by infected mosquitos, may lead to heart failure in dogs and severe respiratory disease in cats. The best way to protect your pet is with monthly treatments that are effective in preventing heartworm disease and highly effective in controlling other parasites. We recommend your dog receive a monthly oral dose of Interceptor® or Sentinel®. For your cat, we recommend monthly Revolution®, a topical product applied directly to their skin. If your pet is not already on a 12-month treatment program, call us to discuss this important matter. 

    Be sure to drop off your pet's stool (fecal) sample twice a year. We will send it to the lab to make sure they do not have intestinal infections with parasites or the protozoa, giardia.

     
    NOVEMBER
    SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS

    If you are a pet, the holidays can be stressful, just as they are for you. Following are a few tips to keep your pet safe and sound:

    When entertaining, if things get too noisy, find a quiet place where your pet feels safe, such as a kennel or pet bed.

    Beware of things like tinsel, electric cords, ornaments and ribbon (don't forget chocolate and some holiday plants!). If eaten, they can be dangerous of even be fatal.

     
    DECEMBER
    HERE'S TO A SAFE, NEW YEAR!
    Here are a few practical suggestions for pet-proofing:

    Keep pet's away from cigarettes. Second hand smoke is damaging to your pet's lungs and can cause bronchitis, lung disease, and lung cancer. Also, dogs may think cigarette butts are new treats but there is nicotine in them that is poisonous to pets.

    Never leave medicine bottles within your pet's reach. We have had pet's eat a variety of over the counter and prescription medications that can cause damage to their stomach, liver, and kidneys.  If you find your pet has eaten any drugs, call us right away.

    Some dogs are fascinated by paint balls and will eat them and get very ill so be sure and keep them put away. 



    Toilet bowl cleaners can be toxic. So, drinking water out of the toilet is a no-no. Keep the lid down!

    Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic are highly toxic to pets, so these are tastey treats we can't share with our pets.