Resources and Frequently Asked Questions

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Recommended Pet Foods

Much research has been done over the past few years directly relating unbalanced pet foods to Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), commonly called enlarged heart disease. While there is strong evidence of inherited heart disease, just as in humans, it is found that 81% of pets with DCM are on an unbalanced diet. Also, if caught in early stages, by switching to a balanced food, the heart has been seen to repair the damage and return to normal size. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have 5 food brands that are approved as balanced and complete, thus not contributing to DCM.

Purina

Iams

Eukanuba

Science Diet

Royal Canin 

There is a long list of pet foods to avoid. Some of the brands not to feed include; Blue Buffalo, Rachael Ray, 4Health, Natures Balance, and Fresh Pet. These have been shown to cause enlarged heart disease in multiple research studies. The current guidelines are to avoid foods that are Grain Free, Raw, Exotic proteins and ingredients, or Home made diets. 

In addition to being unbalanced:

Grains are rarely a food allergy found in dogs and cats. 

Raw foods are dangerous in transmitting salmonella and other bacteria to humans through animal feces.

Exotic proteins and ingredients are expensive and unnecessary.

Home made diets can be made balanced and complete, however, these recipes should only be obtained through a veterinary nutritionist, are very difficult to keep balanced and complete, and are extremely expensive. 

If you have any questions about the food your dog or cat is currently on, please feel free to contact the clinic. We would be glad to assist.

A good antihistamine to use in animals for minor skin allergies is chlortrimeton/chlorpheniramine. It is available over the counter from most pharmacies under the trade names such as "Allertabs" or "Allergy Tabs" and usually comes as a 4 mg. tablet. Most dogs can take 1/2 to 1 tablet once or twice daily as needed for itching. 

If this does not help then we probably need to examine the skin at the clinic.

We appreciate your commitment to your pet's health.  Spaying or neutering will prevent many illnesses, breast and ovarian cancer, and behavioral problems such as urine marking.  Spaying and neutering also saves lives by reducing the number of unwanted cats that are euthanized every year due to overpopulation.  Here is some information to consider during your pet's recovery:

1.  Most cats do quite well after surgery.  If your cat does not, please let us know what is going on.  Some cats are groggy after surgery and do not eat the first night they go home.  For the first night home, only offer small amounts of food and water (about half of what you normally offer).  

2.  Exercise restriction is important for the first week.  For most cats, it is best to simply confine them inside of the house for one week.  Any jumping, climbing trees, or strenuous activity should be avoided.

3.  If you see your cat licking on the incision we can provide you with an Elizabethan Collar.  The incision should not appear red or infected.  It should be dry and clean.  Do not put any alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the incision because that can slow down the healing process.  If necessary, you may clean the incision with warm water and a soft cloth.  No bathing for the first two weeks.

4.  There should be no stitches that need to be removed after neutering.

Thank you for sharing your pet with us! If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office.

We appreciate your commitment to your pet's health.  Spaying and neutering will prevent many diseases, such as breast and ovarian cancer.  Spaying and neutering also saves lives by reducing the number of unwanted dogs that are euthanized every year due to overpopulation.  Here is some information to consider during your pet's recovery:

1.  Most dogs do quite well after surgery.  If your dog does not, please let us know what is going on.  Some dogs are groggy after surgery and do not eat the first night they go home.  For the first night home, only offer small amounts of food and water (about half of what you normally offer).  They should feel good, they should eat well, and the incision should not be red, swollen, or oozing.  

2.  You will be sent home with pain medication.  Read and follow the label directions carefully.  Do not give your dog tylenol, advil, ibuprofen, etc.  These are not safe for the use in dogs.  It is best to give these pain medications with food.

3.  Exercise restriction is important for the first week.  Moderate exercise is allowed, but we recommend that your pet avoid strenuous activity.  It is best not to let them run free.  Only take them outdoors on a leash.  A kennel, garage, or keeping them inside works well. 

4.  At least once a day look at the incision.  Make sure that they are not chewing or licking on it.  If you see your dog licking on the incision we can provide you with an Elizabethan Collar.  The incision should not appear red or infected.  It should be dry and clean.  Do not put any alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the incision because that can slow down the healing process.  If necessary, you may clean the incison with warm water and a soft cloth.  No bathing for the first week and no swimming until two weeks after surgery.

5.  There should be no stitches that need to be removed after spaying.  If there are visible sutures they will need to be removed in 7-10 days.  This visit is free, but please call ahead and schedule an appointment.

Thank you for sharing your pet with us! If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office.

There are a few things that can be done to help a dog or cat with pain management. If the pain is unknown or increasing, it is best to have your family member come into the clinic to be seen. In cases where a little pain management will help, Aspirin is helpful for dogs. DO NOT GIVE Aspirin to a cat. 

DO NOT under any circumstances give a dog or cat:

• Tylenol 
• ibuprofen 
• Excedrin 
• naproxen 

You do not need to have an appointment to get flea and tick medications, although an appointment is recommended once a year. There are different types of medications available, such as credelio, seresto collars, and nextgaurd. We also carry Simparica Trio which not only covers fleas and ticks, but also helps prevent heartworm, roundworm, and hookworms. 

If you are struggling with fleas, it is good to know: 

• Flea eggs can live dormant for up to 3 months. 
• Fleas are only on the body when feeding. 
• It is recommended to treat your pet year round, but at minimum for 6 months to help eliminate fleas. All animals in the household will need to be treated for treatment to be effective.