Pets as Presents: Don't Let Pets Get Lost in the Tinsel

It's hard to resist the joy of giving your favorite loved one the pet they've always wanted for Christmas. However, the result of many of these well intentioned gifts is animals that are unwanted, uncared for and oftentimes sent to shelters. 

An animal of any kind (even one as small as a fish or a hamster) is not a light, last minute purchase. Bringing a new life into the house should be well thought out and discussed with the entire family. 

Holiday pets often get ignored in the holiday rush. Christmas morning is filled with so many presents, lots of food, family and relatives coming over...then there's New Years in a few days. You think it's stressful on you? Thank about what a pet who's never been in your house before would be thinking. A new pet needs lots of quiet and calm. A new puppy or kitten needs to watched constantly and settle into a routine so they can become a happy member of the family. This is impossible to accomplish on Christmas. The new pet will just end up confused and scared. 

You should never pick an actual pet for another person, even a child. Bring the child along to pick out the animal and let it be a family event. All animals (even hamsters and fish) have distinct personalities and letting your entire family help with the choice makes the animal more special to them. Besides, don't you want to see how the puppy interacts with your entire family? That great puppy you pick out for your son might not like kids. Your son might decide the puppy you like plays too rough. Your kids may decide they'd rather have a cat! 

New Puppies

Almost every child asks Santa for one, however a dog is MAJOR purchase and a new puppy needs lots of attention and care. With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas/New Year holiday, the puppy probably won't get the attention it needs. That's not even taking into account all the ribbon, trees, rich Christmas foods, chocolate and other dangers the puppy could unintentionally get in while your family is busy with their other gifts. 

Alternate ideas: Give the kids a stuffed puppy and tell them the new puppy is coming. Wrap a puppy bowl, collar, crate and other puppy supplies with a "certificate" to get a puppy at a later date. All of this stuff should be set up and ready for the puppy when it comes home anyway. This way, you and your family can set it up while you tell them about the responsibility of a new dog. Another great idea is a few books on puppy care (especially if you have an older child).

New Kittens

Kittens don't take quite as much attention as puppies but they can still get into a lot of trouble at Christmas. Kittens are notorious for swallowing tinsel and ribbon and getting lots of stomach problems. Small kittens scare easily and the safest retreat will probably be up the tree which can be dangerous. 

Alternate ideas: Cat care kits, litter boxes, cat toys, books on kitten care. The litter box and a bed for kitty should be in place before he gets to his new house. You and the kids can decide where to put it.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
  
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Dog Waits for Santa

Holiday Pet Gifts

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.

 

National Mutt Day!

Today is National Mutt Day! National Mutt Day is all about embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs. There are millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs sitting in shelters, which are desperately searching for a new home. Consider a mixed breed pet for your next furry family member! 

 

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

November is National Senior Pet Month

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!

Talking Dog

Teamwork has never been more adorable

Wackiest Pet Names of 2011

Ozzy Pawsbourne and Almost-A-Dog top this year's list of quirkiest monikers.
Fido, Spot or Fluffy? For some peculiar pet owners, these names are just too traditional. Although "Bella" and "Max" currently lead the pack as the nation's most popular pet names, thousands of other four-legged friends have much more distinctive names.


So drumroll, please... the 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names for 2011:
Dogs

1. Almost-A-Dog
2. Franco Furter
3. Stinkie Mcstinkerson
4. Sir Seamus McPoop
5. Audrey Shepburn
6. Dewey Decimell
7. Knuckles Capone
8. Beagle Lugosi
9. Shooter Mclovin
10. Uzi Duzi-Du

Cats

1. Ozzy Pawsbourne
2. Mr. Meowgi
3. Murderface
4. Fuglee
5. Scruffernutter
6. Corporal Cuddles
7. Cat Masterson
8. Spam
9. Tape W. Orm
10. Louisiana Purchase

Happy Cat Month

The CATalyst Council has declared September as Happy Cat Month. This month is dedicated to finding ways to keep our feline friends happy, healthy and purring all year long. Click the link below for the top 10 ways to keep your feline friend happy.

Don’t run the risk of losing with your pet with no chance of reuniting. Even if your pet never wanders away, remember that in old age, pets have a tendency to lose their scent and can wander too far to retrace their steps. At Hillview Veterinary Clinic, we recommend a microchip for every cat and dog.

 

Today is National Assistance Dog Day! Assistance Dogs transform the lives of their human partners with physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, best friend and close member of their family. We would like recognize and honor the hardworking assistance dogs and honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs as well as recognize the heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our community.

 

Unlikely Friends

Pets & Heat

Now is a wonderful opportunity to have fun and frolic with your pets…but be careful. While exercise is important for pets, overexertion during hot weather can commonly cause heat stress. Make sure your pet has an ample supply of fresh drinking water at all times and a shady spot to retreat to for protection from the midday sun and heat.

Pets and Trucks

Did you know that riding in the back of trucks is not safe for your pet and in some states it’s actually illegal?  While any dog would love the wind blowing through its fur, other things are blowing through that wind too.  This increases the risk for you dog to get hit with flying debris which might cause injury that you might not even be aware of.  Keep your pet in the cab of the truck, preferably in a crate that will not slide around with sudden stops.  

Dr. Josh Talks about Heartworm Disease

We would like to remind you to never leave your pet alone in a car during hot weather. Even if parked in the shade with a window open, temperatures can quickly soar to 120 degrees. This type of heat can result in heatstroke and severely harm your pet. Signs of heatstroke include panting heavily, staring, anxious expression, high fever, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and collapse. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. Bring them inside where it is cool and be sure to provide access to plenty of fresh, clean water.

 

Spring is the perfect time to play with your pet outdoors…but before you grab that Frisbee and dog to go to the park, talk to us about annual examinations, vaccinations and heartworm preventatives. Schedule your pet for their annual vaccinations and yearly heartworm check so that you two can have a great spring season.

Happy Mother's Day!

We would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day weekend to all the pet mommies of fur babies and other pets! We hope you have good memories on Sunday, May 8th and that you do something special with or for your pet that day. Have a great Mother's Day everyone!

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week!

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane Association’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. While Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, we should strive to always be kind to animals every day. What is the kindest thing you've done for your pet today?

Pets & Flowers

We would like to remind you that there are many toxic plants and flowers that begin to show up in the spring. Common poisonous flowers include lilies, azaleas, hydrangeas, hemlock, rhododendrons, gladiolus, oleander and hibiscus…all causing vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes death if ingested in large enough quantities. Remove all plants where pets roam unsupervised and, if decorating the inside of your home, please consider using pet-friendly silk flowers instead. 

The weather is getting warmer and our pets are enjoying the outdoors longer as the urge to explore new territories grab their attention.  Don’t run the risk of loosing with your pet with no chance of reuniting. Even if your pet never wanders away, remember that in old age, pets have a tendency to lose their scent and they can wander too far to retrace their steps. Microchipping is a great way to easily identify pets and get them home safe. The microchip contains all of your pet's information and will speed the process of returning your beloved companion home, if lost or stolen.

The weather is getting warmer and it is the time when we start to fire up our barbeque grills. We want to remind you that barbeque and picnic foods should not be fed to pets.  Please bring plenty of food and treats for your pets so that they can join in on the fun, food and sunshine.

Free Rabies Vaccine when you buy 6 doses of FRONTLINE Plus! Act fast!
Offer ends May 31st, 2011!

 

As winter leads into spring, there are other safety concerns that you should be aware of regarding your pets. One of the main concerns involves lawn and garden products. Fertilizers can be very harmful and even deadly to pets so be sure to keep these products out of reach. Follow the directions on the fertilizer bag to the T! 

Team Member of the Month

Hillview Veterinary Clinic would like to honor Megan Luc as our Team Member of the Month this April! We appreciate all of Megan's contributions to the practice!

Easter Lilies can be a beautiful decoration in the spring season, but did you know that all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic and dangerous to your cat? If ingested, it can cause severe kidney damage and even death. Please be advised that cat owners should remove lilies out of reach of your cat and consider an alternative to the lily such as Easter Orchids and Easter Daisies. 

Did you know that heartworm, fleas, ticks and other parasites could be prevented?  These pesky critters can wreck havoc on your pet's body.... and…make their lives miserable.  We recommend simple screenings and year round prevention for Heartworm Disease, which can often be fatal, to alleviate your pet from suffering.

Hillview Doggie Makeover Contest

Is your four legged , furry best friend in need of a makeover? Has you dog’s fur become a little unruly and difficult to manage? How about the nails? Are they bringing the outside odors indoors?

If you answered yes to these questions, then your doggie is in desperate need a makeover. You will need to ...submit one photo along with 50 words or less as to why your dog is in need of a makeover. Entry deadline is April 30, 2011.

The winning dog will receive a Spa Day at Hillview Bed & Biscuit @ Hillview Bed & Biscuit 14277 National Rd., SW Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 (614) 866-2290.

The winning pooch will be pampered from head to toe. First your dog will be given a personal style consultation to determine the best cut for their fur type.
An expert grooming will follow.
Then treat time.
Your pooch will be treated to a luxurious, moisturizing bath to bring out the inner shine in their coat.
Followed by a style blow dry to get that fur looking its best.
Let’s not forget about the pawdicure. Color to be selected by the pawdicurist.
Then another treat time. Can a dog ever have enough treats?
A $100 value...Free to the winning Dog...!!!

The day ends with a memorable photo to capture their day of relaxation for their proud owner. Not to mention all the star treatment they will receive for being the contest winner, including photographs along with pawautographs for all their new found fans. Who will be the lucky dog to receive a full day of pampering? Stay tuned to find out…..

Team Member of the Month

Hillview Veterinary Clinic is proud to honor Cindy Evans, groomer, as our Team Member of the Month! She have been grooming dogs of all breeds and size for 29 years and has especially enjoyed the last 5 years working with the staff and most important of all, You the client! We appreciate Cindy and all her contributions to our facility!

Did you know that fleas can survive in the cold winter weather? We recommend keeping your pet on a year round flea and tick preventative as well as a year round heartworm preventative, to ensure that your pet remains happy and healthy throughout the entire year.

Pet photos- March 2011, owned by Lorie & Greg Bochra. Tazz, Daisey, Dorie, Bailey & Dallas!!

Is your pet starting to get a little grey around the muzzle? As your pet ages, it is important to maintain optimum health for their quality of life. Senior pets need more extensive risk assessment visitations. Teeth should be brushed daily, exercise routines are important and remember obesity is the number one health problem in older dogs. With routine blood and urine analysis and more frequent risk assessment exams, your pet will live a long and healthy life.

As always, exercise is important even in the winter months! If there’s snow on the ground, check your pet’s paws for ice balls or injuries. Rinse feet off if your pet has walked where de-icers have been used. If your pet is having difficulty exercising due to depth of snow, slick icy surfaces, or appears to be winded, we recommend that you shorten the usual exercise times and monitor for any unusual signs. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any harmful toxins from de-icers or anti-freeze, please let us know immediately, so that we may advise you about what to do next.

Laser Therapy

Did you know that dental care is an extremely important component of your pets overall health? More than 80% of dogs and cats over the age of three suffer from dental disease. Dental disease can lead to secondary conditions affecting your pet’s heart, liver and kidneys. Infected teeth and gums are especially dangerous to your older pets. Hillview Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive dental care including regular dental cleanings.

Before & After Dental Pictures

 

Pet of the Month

Coty is our Pet of the Month this February! Coty is owned by Teri and John B. who are great clients of Hillview Veterinary Clinic / Bed & Biscuit. Coty is enjoying his new plush bed...

" It is Good to be Coty"

Announcing Pet Dental Month 2011

Have you noticed that your pet's breath is bad? Do you actually push him or her away from your face because of the smell? Is your pet sensitive around the face or muzzle? If you life the side of your pet's lips, do you see pearly white teeth and normal pink gums, or brownish yellowish tartar and red, swollen gums? Just think how you would feel if your teeth and gums were in the condition that your pet's are in!

Many pet owners question why it is important to have a pet's teeth cleaned? Good dental health is a vital part of your pet's general health. Research has shown that dogs and cats with poor dental health are highly likely to develop other diseases from bacteria entering the bloodstream through inflamed, bleeding or infected gums. These bacteria settle in the liver, kidney, urinary bladder, and heart tissue and cause infection in these organs. Moreover, when a pet has a chronic oral (mouth) infection, this is also very hard on his or her immune system, and can limit his ability to fight off other infections and diseases. Make no mistake: periodontal (gum) disease and abscessed teeth are VERY PAINFUL for your pet and having these conditions treated will help your pet live a longer, healthier and pain free life!

The American Veterinary Medical Association has declared February as National Pet Dental Month. To honor that occasion, the doctors and staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic/Bed & Biscuit have decided to offer a Twenty Percent (20%) discount on all dental related cleaning services performed in February. If you are uncertain if your pet's teeth need cleaned, we will be performing free oral examinations in February. Please call lour office at 614-866-2290 to schedule an appointment for your oral examination or dental cleaning in February!

In addition, we would like to offer all pets who receives a dental workup and cleaning at Hillview, a Free bag of C.E.T. Enzymatic Chews, excellent means to maintain good dental health.

Thank you for allowing us to care for your pet's health!
The Doctors and Staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic/Bed & Biscuit
Please call our office: 614-866-2290 OR
visit us online at: www.hillviewvet.com OR
Email us at drjosh14277@aol.com with your questions!

BUY FRONTLINE OR HEARTGARD AT HILLVIEW VET AND ENTER TO WIN A FREE GARMIN GPS!

PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Have you noticed that your pet’s breath is bad? Do you actually push him or her away from your face because of the smell? Is your pet sensitive around the face or muzzle? If you lift the side of your pet’s lips, do you see pearly white teeth and normal pink gums, or brownish yellowish tartar and red, swollen gums? Just think how you would feel if your teeth and gums were in the condition that your pet’s are in!

Many pet owners question why it is important to have a pet’s teeth cleaned? Good dental health is a vital part of your pet’s general health. Research has shown that dogs and cats with poor dental health are highly likely to develop other diseases from bacteria entering the bloodstream through inflamed, bleeding or infected gums. These bacteria settle in the liver, kidney, urinary bladder, and heart tissue and cause infection in these organs. Moreover, when a pet has a chronic oral (mouth) infection, this is also very hard on his or her immune system, and can limit his ability to fight off other infections and diseases. Make no mistake: periodontal (gum) disease and abscessed teeth are VERY PAINFUL for your pet, and having these conditions treated will help your pet live a longer, healthier, and pain free life!

The American Veterinary Medical Association has declared February as National Pet Dental Month. To honor that occasion, the doctors and staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic / Bed & Biscuit have decided to offer a Twenty Percent (20%) discount on all dental related cleaning services performed in February. If you are uncertain if your pet’s teeth need cleaned, we will be performing free oral examinations in February. Please call our office at 614-866-2290 to schedule an appointment for your oral examination or dental cleaning in February!

In addition, we would like to offer all pets who receive a dental workup and cleaning @ Hillview, a Free bag of C.E.T. Enzymatic Chews, excellent means to maintain good dental health.

Thank-you for allowing us to care for your pet’s health!
The Doctors and Staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic/Bed & Biscuit
Please call our office: (614)866-2290 OR
Visit us online at: www.HillviewVet.com OR
Email us at: drjosh14277.com with your Questions!

Dr. Josh and Tessa-TEETH

Team Member of the Month

Hillview Veterinary Clinic is proud to honor Amber Schweikert as our Team Member of the Month. She has been a member of the staff at Hillview Veterinary Clinic for 11 1/2 years and has worked in all areas of the Hillview business. She has lived in Reynoldsburg all her life. Time away from work is spent spoiling her animal family and spending time with family and friends. We are proud to have Amber as a part of our team!

SENIOR PETS

Older pets tend to have a tougher time when the weather changes. If you’ve noticed your senior pet struggling to go up and down stairs, or having trouble rising up after a nap, they may be having an arthritic flare-up. We can prescribe them anti-inflammatory medications to help them feel younger again during the colder weather.

Cats & Car Engines

If the weather starts to get chilly, make sure your pet has some place warm to stay. Look before you start your car, tap on the hood, or better yet, open it. Cats love warm places and they will often climb onto car engine compartments to get warm. Lacerations, burns and other injuries can occur for a cat when an engine starts. Always know where your pets are, especially when the weather turns colder.

Hero Saves Poisoned Dog

Pet of the Month

Hillview Veterinary Clinic would like to honor Reeses as our Pet of the Month. Reeses Thall is an eight year old domestic short haired cat. In this picture she is playing "I Spy". Can you find her?

 

 

Tip for Dogs with Dry Skin

Here’s a tip for dogs with dry skin...bathe them less often, and make sure to brush their coat in an effort to rid the skin of dander. When you do bathe your pet, make sure to use a shampoo and rinse made for their special needs. Do not use a shampoo or conditioner made for people. If you would like some help picking out a dog safe shampoo and conditioner, please bring it to our attention at your next visit.

Book Club Selection!!!

Attention Book Club Participants! It's time to reveal January's Book Club selection! This month's selection is 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' by Garth Stein. Take this month to read the selection and check in with us on Monday, February 14 to discuss the themes and topics of the book and post your feedback. Enjoy!

Click here to view the amazon.com site and learn more about the book.

New Year's Resolution

Does your New Year’s Resolution involve getting your pets behavior in check? We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression. Make 2011 a great year for you and your pet!

Click below to view a pet behavior video from The Rachael Ray Show.

Anti-freeze Danger for Pets

When the weather starts to cool off, be mindful of dangerous chemicals normally used during the colder seasons, especially anti-freeze. Pets actually love the taste of antifreeze and will sneak a taste any chance they get. So be sure to wipe spills or puddles and keep this poisonous liquid away from pets.  Even a teaspoon of anti-freeze can seriously harm your pet. Signs of anti-freeze poisoning include drowsiness, lethargy and depression. Keep pets safe as the weather gets colder this season.

Heartworm Reminder

Did you know that heartworm is a disease you can prevent your pet from having?  Heartworms are a constant threat to your animal, which is why our hospital recommends heartworm screening and prevention for your pet.  The most common signs of heartworm disease in cats are coughing, vomiting, breathing difficulties, weight loss and lethargy and are often mistaken for other conditions such as asthma, pneumonia and digestive problems. In fact, the most common clinical signs of heartworm disease in cats actually resemble bronchial asthma. The only way to know for sure is to have us examine and test your pet. This pre-emptive approach can spare your pet the pain of this often fatal disease.

Staff Member of the Month

 Hillview Veterinary Clinic is proud to honor Missy Campbell as our January Staff Member of the Month. Missy has been working for Hillview for 8 1/2 years. She is the kennel manager and is a huge "Animal Cop" fan. Missy has a big heart when it comes to animals, and she enjoys working with the pets every day! After a har...d day of work...Missy enjoys going home and cuddling up with her own pets on the couch. Missy is a valuable member of the Hillview team and we are happy that she enjoys her work so much!