Why You Should Microchip Your Pet

Many people consider their pet as a member of the family. Since we see them as one of us, shouldn’t we be taking the extra step to ensure their safety? Accidents happen, and sometimes our pets get lost. Microchipping is a safe and effective technology that allows us to recover our missing pets when these accidents do happen.

How is the Microchip Inserted?

Microchipping is a very quick process that can be done at a scheduled vet appointment. The implantation procedure is simple and virtually painless for your pets. The chip is inserted by one of our veterinarians through an injection, much like a vaccination. After the chip is inserted, you and the veterinarian can go through the microchip registration process together.

How Does the Microchip Work?

Brand new microchip technology has completely changed the microchip and recovery process to one that is very simple. The old system required tedious work, only for the chips to often not be in the database. Luckily, a new system was created by a group of rescuers known as Save This Life, and gave this process a much-needed update.

Now, if your pet becomes lost and is taken to a clinic or vet equipped with a scanner, the process to be reunited is much quicker. With this new system, all the microchips are available with a quick Google search. Simply have someone from the animal clinic scan for a microchip and search the chip number on Google. This will pull up your contact information and send you a GPS location with the location that your pet was found. Additionally, a Lost Pet Alert will be sent out to shelters and rescues within a 25-mile radius of your pet’s last known location. Read more

3 Facts You Should Know About Acupuncture For Animals

Acupuncture continues to grow in popularity in America, as men and women seek natural and holistic treatment options for their health problems. But humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from the ancient art of acupuncture! This practice is even being used on animals! Here’s what you should know if you’re curious about the benefits and safety of acupuncture for your own family pet.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been practiced since the days of the days of the ancient Chinese. Tiny needles are inserted into specific parts of the body to produce a healing response.

This practice identifies precise points on the body and stimulates them for a certain amount of time. The stimulation achieved through acupuncture makes changes to the central nervous system that can relieve pain and resolve other existing problems.

How Can Acupuncture Be Used For Your Pet?

Known as veterinary acupuncture, the process is used the same way it is on humans. The conditions that respond most effectively to acupuncture include musculoskeletal, respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal problems. This means that anything from arthritis, nerve injury, asthma, and dermatitis can potentially be resolved using acupuncture, sometimes in tandem with other mainstream treatments.

Since acupuncture essentially helps the body heal itself by creating specific physiological changes, this can be a powerful tool for vets and pet lovers alike. It is one of the very safest forms of medical treatment for animals, and side effects are very rare. It goes without saying that only a licensed veterinarian is qualified to complete animal acupuncture Read more

3 Reasons Your Pet Needs to Be On a Flea Preventative

As a pet owner, you have an innate sense for your dog or cat’s wellbeing. You know the moment that scratching becomes too fierce or whines become too loud. It makes sense that you want to take every measure possible to keep your pet happy and healthy. In addition to nutritious food and regular walks, a flea preventative should be one of the essential tools you use to keep your pet in his best health.

Fleas Cause Allergic Reactions in Pets and Humans

Fleas are dark, tiny pests that jump from one place to another and feast on the blood of cats, dogs, and even humans. You can recognize fleas from these common symptoms:

  • “Flea dirt” in your pet’s fur
  • Allergic dermatitis on the skin of your pet
  • Excessive scratching, licking, and biting at the skin
  • Hair loss, especially in areas of excessive scratching and biting
  • Scabs and hot spots

Some dogs and cats can even develop anemia from flea infestation, and it’s possible for fleas to carry tapeworm eggs that are given to your pet. Read more

Halloween 101: How to Keep Your Pet Safe

You may not think of Halloween as a risky day for your pets, but the spooky holiday actually poses a number of threats to dogs and cats. Take the following precautions to help your pet have a safe and healthy Halloween.

Keep Candy In a Safe Place

It’s no secret that your dog shouldn’t be feasting on Twix bars on Halloween, so make sure all Halloween treats are stored in a place where your pets can’t access them. Chocolate in all forms is extremely dangerous for cats and dogs, and candy presents a choking risk. Some sugar-free candy even contains the sugar substitute xylitol, which is dangerous to animals.

Decorate With Care

It’s fun to decorate for Halloween with pumpkins, decorative corn, jack-o-lanterns, and candles, but think of the risks they pose to your pets. Curious kittens can easily pull decorations down or knock over flames, and dogs love to nibble on pumpkins and corn. Try to decorate your home with a “baby proof” mindset in order to keep your furry friends safe. Read more

Everything You Should Know About Pets and Car Safety

Florida law outlines specific requirements for child safety in vehicles, but pet safety is a largely overlooked concern. Whether you are driving your cat to the vet or taking your dog along to the beach, it’s important to take proper precautionary measures that keep your pet safe in the car. Use the following guide to double check your safety procedures and protect your furry friend.

Never, Ever Leave Your Pet Alone In a Parked Car

We’ve all heard the heart wrenching stories of babies who lose their lives because they are trapped in hot cars, and animals are just as vulnerable to such tragedies. Even with the windows open, a parked car becomes dangerously hot within minutes. After sitting just 10 minutes in 85-degree weather, your car reaches 104 degrees. Avoid the possibility of heatstroke and death by making sure your pet never stays alone in your parked car, even when the weather feels mild.

Restrain Your Dog Properly

Your dog may want to ride shotgun with the windows down, but there are many safety problems associated with that type of freedom. It is best to use some type of restraint to keep your dog in a safe space. Pet barriers are available to give your pet room to move while still keeping him safely contained behind the rear seat. It’s also possible to purchase a harness that functions like a doggy seatbelt. Read more

Don’t Forget to Microchip Your Pet!

Has your pet ever escaped through a broken fence or darted away in fear during a fireworks show? If so, then you are one of the countless pet owners who understands just how frightening it is to lose your family pet.

According to the American Humane Association, over ten million dogs and cats are lost or stolen every year in American. That means that one in three pets will become lost at some point during their life!

Microchipping your pet is the best and easiest way to locate your lost pet and bring him home safe, but only if you take the preventive measure to have him microchipped now. Here’s what you should know about this essential process. Read more

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pets

Chiropractic care isn’t always given enough attention for its ability to improve health and wellness, especially in pets. If you are tired of watching as your dog suffers chronic pain or loss of agility, chiropractic care could be the answer. This holistic and natural treatment approaches musculoskeletal pain with low force manual manipulation of the spinal column, joins, and other affected areas. Once you read more about the benefits of chiropractic care for your own pet, you’ll realize just how powerful it can be.

Chiropractic Care Treats a Variety of Conditions

Joint, muscle, and skeletal problems are common in dogs, especially in certain breeds predisposed to complications. Chiropractic care can serve as an alternative to medication and surgery or a supplemental measure to a healthy lifestyle and dietary changes. Either way, an animal chiropractor can help treat the following conditions:
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The Importance of Continued Flea and Tick Treatment in the Spring and Summer

Just like allergies wreak havoc on so many children and adults during the transition into spring and summer, fleas and ticks cause just as much discomfort to our pets. This is especially true in Florida, where the warm weather begins extremely early. But just starting a flea and tick treatment isn’t enough! You need to maintain that regimen throughout the warm weather months to ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy.

Here’s What to Know About Fleas

Fleas are bad news. Once they lay eggs on your dog or cat and begin to reproduce, a flea infestation is much harder to stop. Some dogs and cats can even develop anemia from flea infestation, and it’s possible for fleas to carry tapeworm eggs! Read more

How to Help Your New Pet Settle into Your Home

Just like people need time to adjust to new places and situations, so do animals! Some pets adapt to their new surroundings easily, but others need strategic support along the way. This is especially true around the holiday season and into the New Year, when your routines are probably different—and more chaotic!than usual. Take advantage of these tips to help your new pet feel comfortable in your home and avoid common challenges and pitfalls.

Designate an Alone Space For Your Pet

How many times have you escaped to your bedroom or office just to get a little peace and quiet? Give the same ability to your new furry friend. Designate a safe, quiet place where your dog can go to take a break from the action of your household. This could be a crate, an alcove, or an entire room. This special space will establish boundaries for your pup and protect him from feeling too overwhelmed by attention. Read more

Pet Health 101: When to Seek Nutritional Counseling for Your Pet

You know that you need to nourish your own body, get enough exercise, and live a generally healthy life, but what about your pet? If your dog or cat is overweight, suffering from chronic health problems, or displaying sudden changes in behavior, it might be time to seek nutritional counseling.

The Role of Nutrition in Keeping Your Pet Healthy

There is no way to deny that nutrition plays an essential role in the overall health and happiness of your pet. The nutrition that your pet receives is the foundation of his overall wellness, so it should always remain a top priority. Weight problems, diseases, and chronic conditions can all be prevented, treated, and resolved with nutritional management. Since your pet’s nutritional needs change with age and activity level, obtaining professional nutritional support from your veterinarian will ensure that your pet can live a full, active life. Read more