We're excited to offer our clients the convenience of ordering their pet's medications and nutrition through our new on-line pharmacy with delivery directly to your home. You can be assured that all of your medications ordered here are the same manufacturers and guarantee's as we offer from our in-hospital pharmacy. Our veterinarians must approve prescription requests and pets needs to be a current patient of our hospital. We welcome you to click on the "Home Delivery" banner below to enroll your pet(s) and begin shopping!

Canine Influenza Information

With much discussion about human influenze (flu) it is interesting to note that there exists a canine influenza virus also. It is not transmissible to humans, but there seems to be a fair amount of confusion as to whether one should vaccinate one's dog for this problem or not. Currently we are recommending you wait on this. Please read our position on this current topic in preventive medicine... (Download - 88Kb - )

Winter Tips... "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs and all cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If you have an outdoor dog, however, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free dog house that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick to metal.

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injury to a hidden animal, bang on your car's hood or honk the horn to scare them away before starting your engine.

The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet and may irritate the mouth. Always wipe off or rinse your pets feet after exposure. There are pet-friendly deicers available for use.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison and it has a sweet taste that may attract pets. Always wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. There are anti-freeze products made with propylene glycol which if swallowed in small amounts will not hurt pets.

Toxic plants and holiday/winter products in addition to deicers and antifreeze:

• LOW TOXICITY:
  • Poinsetta leaves and stems
  • Balsam, pine, cedar, fir
  • Christmas tree preservatives ( in small amounts)
  • Snow sprays, flocking
  • Tree ornaments (unless swallowed)
  • Styrofoam
  • Icicles (tinsel)
  • Crayons, paint
• Moderate Toxicity
  • Fireplace colors
  • Plastic model cement
  • Holly berries and leaves
  • Bubbling Lights
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Chocolate (dark worse than semi-sweet and milk chocolate)
• Highly Toxic
  • Mistletoe (esp. berries)
  • Epoxy adhesives
  • Antifreeze (see above)
  • Ingestion of anything’Ķstyroform, ornaments, and tinsel may not be toxic but could cause intestinal blockage
    

Other holiday concerns:
If you plan to take your pet with you during holiday visits, make sure that your pet is welcome first (with all the activity, it may be better to board your pet or hire a pet sitter). Holiday treats, such as rich, fatty food scraps, bones from fish, pork, and poultry, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate, can be harmful or toxic to pets. Do not allow friends and relatives to give your pet special treats it could ruin everyone's holiday (including your veterinarian's). Do not allow pets to play with ribbons, yarn, or six-pack beverage holders and don't put ribbons or yarn around your pet's neck. If you want to decorate your pet, invest in a holiday collar. These last for many years, are more attractive, and are a lot safer! Cover or tack down electrical cords.

2009 Dog Beach and Dog Park Information

Current information on requirements for beach and park passes. Download - 48k -

Current Information on MRSA

Maybe you have heard about MRSA and maybe you haven't. ¬ÝIf interested, please take a look at current information about this problem and how it relates to you and your pet. Download - 48k -

Toxicity in Pets
Seasonal Plant Toxicity: Visit this website (.pdf file) for current and timely information about these common questions.

Poisoning in Pets: For more information and for general information about treatment and prevention of animal poisonings you may contact on line the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center. You might want to bookmark this page. For immediate poison information you can call 1-888-4ani-help.

Chocolate Toxicity in dogs. This seems to be a question we are frequently asked. Visit this informative website for more information.


Featured Sites
Dental Care Sites: Visit C.E.T.'s home dental care site, as well as Hill's Pet Nutrition's dental site for up to date information on dental care for your pet.

Traveling with Pets: For those of you who are planning to travel abroad with your pet, you must visit the USDA website for information about health requirements for the country you are visiting.

Pet Health Insurance: Increasingly we are seeing more companies offering pet health insurance. The American Animal Hospital Association has given their seal of approval to two of the companies (PurinaCare and Trupanion) in the United States. Please visit the following web addresses for more information about pet health insurance and the care offered:

www.healthypet.com and www.thebestpetinsurance.com

For more recommended sites, check out our Favorite Links page.

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