Posts Tagged: Pet Safety

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

Just like in human medicine, vaccinations are designed to help protect your pet from many dangerous, and potentially fatal diseases including rabies and lyme disease. Some of these vaccines are administered annually at your pet’s yearly appointment, some vaccines are given every 6 months, and, finally, a few are done every three years. But, remembering when to vaccinate your dog can be a bit overwhelming for many folks. This is where your pet’s trusty veterinary office comes in! Knowing when and how often these vaccines should be administered, along with maintaining other healthy habits, will help you keep your pet happy and healthy for as long as possible.

But exactly how do vaccines work?

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

Whether you buy a purebred puppy from a breeder or adopt a senior pet from a shelter, keeping them up-to-date on their vaccinations is critical to the overall health of your animal. Protecting your pet against the common infectious and parasitic diseases ensures you have your four-legged friend for as long as possible. Knowing which diseases we vaccinate your pet against, and understanding the importance of why you shouldn’t let those pet vaccines expire, will ensure you provide the best possible life for your furry friend.

But…what’s with all the vaccines?

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

We have all heard them: The Great Leash Lies. We may have even been guilty of saying them out-loud. Our pet is approaching someone and those silly words come out before we can even think; “Don’t worry. He’s friendly!”

OK… But, where is his leash??

Regardless of an animal’s outward demeanor, leashing your pet is not only responsible pet parenting, it’s literally required by law. Still though, every year tens of thousands of people end up in emergency rooms with dog bites. Many of those injuries because a pet wasn’t properly secured and/or the owner wasn’t paying close enough attention. Remember, proper pet parenting starts at home. And it begins with recognizing those menacing Leash Lies and fixing them.

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

Pet safe travel with your critter doesn’t have to be tricky.

Road trips seem to be absolutely essential to the American way of life. The open road, the wind in your hair, the music up… there are few things better in this author’s opinion. And besides, travel is good for us! It opens our minds and eyes to all the beauty in this wonderful world. It also allows us an opportunity to see how people live outside our own home towns. And who wouldn’t want to bring their four-legged best friend along for an adventure?

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

Whether it’s Spring Break, Summer Vacation, or the Winter Holidays, we are always planning and dreaming of the next escape… especially once the travel restrictions begin to lift in a few weeks! Travel is good for us. It opens our minds and eyes to all the beauty in this wonderful world. It also allows us an opportunity to see how people live outside our own home towns. And who wouldn’t want to bring their four-legged best friend along?

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

ANY DOG CAN BITE.

Just because a dog looks small and harmless, doesn’t mean it is. Even the most sweet and loving of animals can bite or snap if provoked. What’s more scary – some owners actually promote aggression in their dogs or allow aggression to go unchecked. This often leaves well-intentioned folks injured or worse.

Do you know how to prevent a dog bite?

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

The ASPCA Poison Control Center handled more than 200,000 cases in 2018 concerning potential poisonings and toxic treats.

We’ve all done it. Your fur-baby is sitting next to your chair, those big eyes fixated on YOUR dinner plate. The anxious shift of the feet as they wait patiently for a reward for being such a good boy or girl. We don’t even think about it. We pick up a juicy cut of meat or a cheesy lump of whatever and toss it down to the eagerly awaiting critter. No big deal, right?

by: MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month, bringing attention to many of the toxins and dangers that may lurk, unknowingly, in your home.

It’s that time of year – Poison Prevention Awareness! The third week of March was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 as National Poison Prevention Week. For nearly 60 years, our government uses this time to educate the public on how to recognize, and protect against, poisonous substances. Over the years, Poison Prevention Awareness has unofficially expanded to the entire month of March, and now includes both humans and animals.

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR

It’s 8:00pm on a Thursday and your dog or cat is starting to act strange. You’re worried that there may be something wrong and you’ve Googled your pet’s symptoms on your smartphone and have read some concerning things. But it’s late, and your vet’s office is closed for the night. Is it really worth it to take your pet to the animal emergency room right now, or do you risk it and wait until your veterinarian is open tomorrow morning?

Can your pet wait that long? Is it a pet emergency?

by MANDI BROADBENT, CSR