Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Team Member of the Month

From the time I was old enough to talk, I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian. The bond between humans and animals played an integral part in my development as a person. Growing up I always had pets (from cats to snakes to hamsters to fish). I now have 2 cats: Gracie, who I adopted during my senior year of vet school, and Millie, ...who was abandoned at my last job and came home to live with me. I was born and raised in northern New Jersey (a real Jersey Girl!). I graduated from William Paterson University of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s degree in biology. I attended Kansas State University School of Veterinary medicine and graduated in 2010 (go Cats!). My veterinary interests include cardiology, exotic animal medicine, and feline medicine and surgery. In my spare time I enjoy running, reading, playing video games, watching anything on the history channel, and watching and playing sports. I am a lifelong NY Giant and NY Yankee fan. I love football, baseball, and college basketball. I am excited to be joining the team at Pekin Veterinary Clinic. I look forward to living in Pekin and getting to know the people and the community and most importantly, meeting the Pekin pets and providing them with the best care possible.
-Dr. Huber (Pekin Veterinary Clinic's Team Member of the Month)
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimates more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have oral disease by the time they are three years old. What are you doing to ensure your pet's dental needs are cared for?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Pet of the Month

Pekin Veterinary Clinic is proud to honor Baitley Maddox as our Pet of the Month! Baitley is owned by Hazel Maddox.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Job Shadow Day!

 This photo is of Brittany Neill. Brittany did a Job Shadow Day on Saturday with Cindy at Aboard the Ark. Brittany is from Midwest Central High School.
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. Pekin Veterinary Clinic provides comprehensive dental care including regular dental cleanings.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Do Your Pets Sleep in Your Bed?

Do your pets sleep in your bed? Dr. Michael Cavanuagh, AAHA Executive Director, talks about the recent report about risks associated with pets sleeping in your bed.

Water Treadmill

Stacey Berlett is doing water treadmill therapy with a pet.  Stacey received her certification in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee in December of 2010.  She joins Dr. Jess as our second Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practictioner, providing therapeutic care for your pets.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Valentine's Day Tip



Mmmm…candy!  But not for Fluffy!  Chocolate, in all forms; is dangerous for both dogs and cats.  The plastic or foil wrappers are dangerous if ingested.  Make sure to keep pet treats at hand. When everyone else is enjoying the Valentine’s Day fun, let your pet in on the fun too!  This will lessen the temptation to try to steal human treats.  However, if you suspect that you pet has gotten into chocolate, or any other harmful substance; please call and we will guide you about what to do next. We care about your pet’s health.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Three New Loveable Breeds Join AKC Family

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) expanded its litter of registered breeds on January 1, to welcome the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund and the Xoloitzcuintli --growing AKC’s family to 170 breeds.
"The AKC is delighted to introduce these three distinct breeds to the public," said AKC Spokesperson Gina DiNardo. "Each loveable breed has a unique and diverse history and is a wonderful addition to the AKC."
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) expanded its litter of registered breeds on January 1, to welcome the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund and the Xoloitzcuintli --growing AKC’s family to 170 breeds.

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog was bred to move cows from pasture to pasture in the Swiss Alps. The breed is medium-sized and prized for its agreeable nature, trainability, and devotion. Entles are an active, high energy and physical breed with above average exercise requirements, so they are best suited for active families and not the casual dog owner. Additional facts on this breed can be found on the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association’s website at: www.nemda.org

The Norwegian Lundehund is known for having six toes on each foot and the ability to tip its head backward until it touches its backbone. These unique characteristics enabled the Norwegian Lundehund to climb steep, rocky cliffs and navigate crevices where the Puffins, a bird they were bred to hunt, nested. Lundehunds make loyal and playful companions, but can be wary of strangers if not socialized. Additional facts on this breed can be found on the Norwegian Lundehund Association of America’s at: www.nlaainc.com

The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-etz-queent-lee) is one of the world’s rarest breeds and is still considered a "healer" in remote Mexican and Central American Villages today. The breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard; and two varieties: hairless and coated, which makes the Xolo ideal for those looking for a dog with more variety. They serve as an excellent companion for families due to their attentive and calm nature and require moderate exercise and grooming. Additional facts on this breed can be found on the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America’s website at: www.xoloitzcuintliclubofamerica.org


In addition, the AKC also welcomed the following breeds into the Miscellaneous Class: Bergamasco, Boerboels, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos, Sloughis, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Pumi, Dogo Argentino and Wirehaired Vizsla.

For breeds to become AKC-registered, they must first be recorded with an accepted registry. The AKC Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®) is the AKC's recording service for purebred breeds that are not yet eligible for AKC registration. After a breed is entered into FSS the recognition process begins with a written request to compete in the Miscellaneous Class from a National Breed Club. While there is no established timetable for adding new breeds, dogs typically compete in the Miscellaneous Class for one to three years. More information on the process can be found at the AKC’s Web site.