Although fleas and tick can be seen with the naked eye there are also some microscopic intestinal parasites that can only be found on routine fecal examinations.

During the month of April fecal examinations will be reduced to $25.00

Here are some of those not so nice bugs we want to keep out of your pet’s life:

Roundworms- Roundworms, also known as ascarids, are the most common type of intestinal parasite infecting dogs. In fact, many puppies and kittens are born already infected. Your pet can become infected with roundworms by nursing from an infected mother or even while still in the womb. Dogs and cats can also become infected by eating other animals, especially rodents that are carrying developing worms.

Hookworms- Hookworms affect both cats and dogs, although they are more common in dogs. Hookworms are dangerous for three reasons; they suck blood, potentially leading to anemia; they can infect unborn animals in the womb and they can be passed on to humans. The best way to avoid infection is to keep living areas clean of waste material.  

Whipworms- Whipworms are intestinal parasites that infect dogs only, cats are not at risk. Whipworms, which get their name from the whip-like shape of adult worms, live in the colon or large intestine of dogs. They bite the tissue and embed their heads, which allows them to suck blood and irritate the intestine walls. To prevent potential exposure to whipworms, any feces in your yard should be picked up daily. In addition, many heartworm preventives also control whipworms in your dog.

 Tapeworms- Tapeworms are a parasite that can live in the small intestine of dogs and cats. The most common cause for a pet to get tapeworm is by ingesting a flea that contains tapeworm eggs in its larvae. Preventing fleas in your pet will greatly reduce the risk of them becoming infected with tapeworms.

 Giardia- Giardia is a common intestinal parasite that commonly affects dogs, and occasionally affects cats. It is a protozoa that lives in the small intestine and causes diarrhea. Animals become infected when they swallow water or other substances that are contaminated with giardia. Giardia often occurs in animals that have recently been adopted from shelters or purchased from kennels.

Senior pets need a little extra TLC

Advances in veterinary medicine have pets living longer than ever before. However with this increased lifespan comes an increase in the types of ailments that can afflict senior pets. There are a variety of conditions and diseases that senior pets can face, including mobility and weight changes; arthritis; kidney, and liver disease and many others.

 Early detection is the key, many diseases affecting older pets are preventable, or are easily managed, if detected early.  

Start your pet on our Senior Wellness Program now and receive 15% off of a general senior blood work and urinalysis profile done in the month of March

Call the office to schedule an appointment and find out what you can do to help your senior pet.

Spring is right around the corner and so are fleas and ticks

Please remember to start your pet back on flea and tick medication and also heartworm prevention. Now is the time to get your pet back on his or her monthly schedule of preventive care. For more information on our suggested products and to receive coupons go to http://frontline.us.merial.com and http://heartgard.us.merial.com

February is National Pet Dental Health Month

Dental disease can cause serious health problems in dogs and cats–ranging from tooth loss to systemic illness. That’s why it’s important to make sure your pet gets regular dental checkups and that you pay attention to their dental care at home, too!

To help raise awareness of dental disease in pets we will be offering $25 off all dental cleanings in the month of February.

Call the office today to set up your pets dental appointment

610-527-3484

Here are some snow safety tips and games for you dog

Always make sure your dog is adequately protected from the elements. If you have a short haired or small dog you might want to buy him/her a coat or sweater to help stay warm while playing in the snow. Don’t stay out for too long if the temperature is bitter cold.

Have a snow ball fight with your dog! It will only be a one sided fight, but fun non the less. Form snowballs from soft snow and dont pack them too hard, then gently toss them at your dog. Try tossing tighter packed snowballs in the air for your dogto jump at and try to catch.

Make doggy snow angels. If your dog sees you laying in the snow and making snow angels, you can be sure he/she will want to try too. Many dogs love rolling around in the snow.

Shovel paths in high snow to create mazes and run through them with your dog. Play hide and sneak with your dog in the mazes!

With Christmas Hanukkah and New Years right around the corner there are some things to keep in mind to keep your pet healthy and safe.

Decorating the house is a holiday tradition. Make sure that all the tinsel, bows and decorations are up high away from where your pet may be tempted to play or eat them.

Holiday dinners are a time for family and friends to get together and enjoy a good meal. Make sure that all of your goodies are safely put out of your pets reach. Chocolate is toxic to pets and bones from the holiday ham or turkey can be harmful to them too.

Lastly, New Years eve is a time to celebrate the beginning of a new year and all the great things that are to come! Make sure that your pet has a safe and quiet place to spend their new years eve. Many pets can get frightened by the loud celebrations and fireworks that come with the night.

What is canine and feline diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, the clinical name for “sugar diabetes,” is a condition that affects the concentration of glucose, or sugar, in your pet’s blood. Diabetes results when the dog or cat’s body makes too little insulin or doesn’t process insulin properly.

Who is at risk?

Anywhere between 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 pets develops diabetes and those numbers are expected to increase. While any pet can develop diabetes, it frequently affects middle-aged to older dogs, especially unspayed female dogs and overweight pets.

The primary cause of canine and feline diabetes is largely unknown, but experts suggest that genetics’ may play a role. Particularly in cats there is concern with obesity leading to the development of diabetes.

Knowing the signs of diabetes is the first step in protecting your pet’s health. If any of these statements describes your pet, speak with your veterinarian about the possibility of diabetes:

• Drinks more water than usual
• Urinates more frequently, produces more urine per day, or has “accidents” in the house
• Always acts hungry, but maintains or loses weight

If you feel your pet may be at risk for developing diabetes, please call the office to make an appointment to have one of our veterinarians check your pet’s health.

Halloween is a great time of year, children excited to dress up to go trick or treating and plenty of candy in the house. Some of these things could be harmful to your pet. Here are some Halloween pointers:

• Keep all candy out of reach of your pets. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and if consumed your pet will need prompt veterinary care. Candy wrappers can block your pets intestinal tract if eaten in a large quantity.

• Put away all costumes when done trick or treating. Any costumes that contain strings may catch the attention of your cat (or possibly dog) and if ingested could block their intestinal tract possibly requiring surgery.

• Make sure you pet/pets are in a safe place when trick or treaters come over. You do not want any pets getting scared or excited and running out the door.