Don't Ignore Breathing Difficulties in Short-nosed Dogs

Unfortunately, the only thing normal about noisy breathing for dogs with "pushed-in" faces is that it is an expected response to a shortened upper jaw, which creates excess soft tissue in the back of the throat.

Some dogs are affected to the point where they experience brachycephalic (the scientific term for breeds with pushed in faces) obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS. If left untreated, problems can get worse to the point where an animal can collapse due to a lack of oxygen.

Owners of affected dogs may be putting them at risk if they do not recognize the problem and seek treatment, according to researchers Rowena Packer, Dr. Anke Hendricks and Dr. Charlotte Burn of the United Kingdom's Royal Veterinary College.

In their 2012 study, the researchers discovered that owners of such dogs as pugs, English bulldogs, Pekingese, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Shih tzus and others were not aware of the signs of BOAS. In fact, 58% of surveyed owners said their dogs did not have breathing problems even when more than two-thirds of the dogs showed difficulties during exercise.

What to watch for
According to Packer, while it is not yet known which are the best predictors of BOAS, signs to look for include:

• Increased and abnormal breathing noise that sounds like snoring, both when the dog is awake and asleep
• A shortness of breath while exercising or playing
• Effortful, labored breathing with obvious abdominal movements
• Interrupting exercise, play or eating to catch their breath
• Inability to exercise for reasonable periods of time without becoming out of breath
• Difficulty cooling down after a walk; panting for long periods
• Physical collapse while exercising
• Difficulty sleeping and/or periods where the dog stops breathing during sleep
• Restlessness and difficulty getting comfortable at rest, stretched out head and neck position, forelegs spread and body flat against the floor
• Gastrointestinal (GI) problems, such as difficulty swallowing, and bringing up food, stomach content or a lot of saliva.

"If you notice these signs, take your dog to your veterinarian for an assessment to learn whether they are compatible with the disease or due to a different problem," says Hendricks.

"If left to develop," says Burn, "BOAS can lead to secondary problems due to the effort required to breathe—putting pressure on the voice box, digestive system and heart. In addition, the more severe the breathing problems, the greater the severity of GI signs. They may reflect inflammation of the esophagus, stomach ulcers and, in some cases, hiatal hernias, when part of the stomach can become displaced into the chest cavity during breathing."

Option for severe BOAS
If your veterinarian believes the dog may have BOAS that requires treatment, he or she may refer you to a veterinary surgical specialist. There, the dog's airway is likely to be examined under general anesthesia to assess whether it shows the abnormalities associated with BOAS—an elongated soft palate, collapsing voice box and narrowed nostrils.

If present, these abnormalities would be surgically corrected, says Packer. That could mean, for example, that excess tissue in the nose and throat would be removed.

Surgery may improve clinical signs, she says, but the dog may never be "normal," because of the head structure and is likely to remain susceptible to heat stress.

For severely affected dogs, where significant secondary problems have occurred—for example, severe laryngeal collapse—then treatment choices may be limited. In some cases, either permanent tracheostomy or euthanasia may be recommended.

"That is why it is vital," says Hendricks, "that owners recognize the clinical signs of BOAS and perceive them to be a ‘problem' as early as possible, so that these secondary changes can be avoided by early intervention."

Options for mildly affected dogs
For all dogs, including those that have had surgery or have been determined by a veterinarian to only be mildly affected, owners can help with some lifestyle changes, says Burn. Owners should do the following:

• Closely monitor the dog to keep it at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can exacerbate the condition.
• Use body harnesses rather than collars on walks so the airway is not compressed by a neck collar if the dog pulls at the leash.
• Avoid walking on hot or humid days. On particularly warm days, keep dogs calm and indoors in a cool, aerated room with access to water.
• Avoid having dogs in particularly stressful or exciting situations.

Originally published by Healthy Pet.

Springtime Pet Safety Tips

Spring has sprung, and with the change of season, our thoughts inevitably turn to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects. But the new balmy weather can prove not-so-sunny for curious pets—or their unwitting parents. Before you embark on seasonal chores or outdoor revelry, take inventory of potential springtime hazards for your delicate, furry friend. To help you out, our ASPCA experts have come up with a few seasonal tips that will help prevent mishaps or misfortunes. 

Screen Yourself Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk—especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows. If you have adjustable screens, make sure they are tightly wedged into window frames.

Buckle Up! While every pet parent knows dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the bed of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them. 

Spring Cleaning Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets’ way! Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.

 Home Improvement 101 Products such as paints, mineral spirits and solvents can be toxic to your pets and cause severe irritation or chemical burns. Carefully read all labels to see if the product is safe to use around your furry friends. Also, be cautious of physical hazards, including nails, staples, insulation, blades and power tools. It may be wise to confine your dog or cat to a designated pet-friendly room during home improvement projects. 

Let Your Garden Grow—With Care Pet parents, take care—fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet ingests them. Always store these poisonous products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Check out our full list of garden care tips. 

Poisonous Plants Time to let your garden grow! But beware, many popular springtime plants—including Easter lilies, rhododendron and azaleas—are highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if eaten. Check out our full list—and pics!—of toxic and non-toxic plants for your home and garden.

Ah-Ah-Achoo! Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause minor sniffling and sneezing as well as life-threatening anaphylactic shock. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. · 

Pesky Little Critters April showers bring May flowers—and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet. · Out and About Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please. 

 Source: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/springtime-safety-tips

Reasons To Act More Like Your Pet

Pets aren’t always easy to take care of, and they often require a substantial time commitment (something you’re all too aware of at, say, 3 a.m., when Bing Clawsby is finally ready to go outside and do his business). But pets provide an amazing return on that time investment, especially when it comes to your health. Case in point: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than non-pet owners. But that’s not all. Pets also model many surprisingly healthy behaviors that humans would do well to emulate. Here are just a few, according to veterinarians, dog trainers, and other pet experts. 

1. They focus on what matters most. You may get grumpy after a bad day at the office, but your pooch never does. “Companion animals mostly care about food, love, and shelter (not always in that order). As long as they have those things, they don’t need much else,” Mary Gardner, DVM, a veterinarian and cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice tells Yahoo Health. “Pets also don’t complain much at all. People believe they hide their pain; I simply think they manage it differently.” If humans could model these behaviors, Gardner adds, we’d be healthier, happier, “and more people would want to be around us.” 

2. They practice portion control (even if not by choice). Snowball might not want to limit her kibble intake any more than you want to limit your tortilla-chip intake. Nonetheless, she typically eats reasonably sized helpings of nutritionally balanced food — and never gets to eat straight out of the bag. Follow her lead. “Both animals and people need structure and regulation when it comes to portion size,” says Jme Thomas, executive director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue based in Redmond, Washington. 

3. They know how to de-stress. Your pooch doesn’t pour a glass of cabernet when the going gets rough (though, yes, it would make a very popular YouTube video if she did). She may, however, start begging for a walk or to play a game. Smart dog! “Actively seeking healthy activities — that function as de-stressors when stress levels are high — helps to reset people as well as dogs, and bring us back to a productive and functional status, from which many things feel a lot more ‘do-able,’” Marisa Scully, a certified dog behavior specialist in Philadelphia, tells Yahoo Health. 

4. They hit the hay. People don’t get enough sleep: According to a 2014 survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 45 percent of Americans said that a lack of sleep had impaired their activities at least once in the previous week. Learn from your cat or dog, who knows just how important it is to get enough shut-eye, says Jeff Werber, VVM, president and chief veterinarian of Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. “Whether it’s a lazy dog day afternoon, or a quick cat nap, you won’t find them burning the candles at both ends.” 5. They stretch! There’s a reason one of the most common yoga moves is named downward dog. Dogs (and cats) stretch constantly — and we should do the same, notes certified dog behavior consultant Russell Hartstein. Why? Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce your risk of injury. 

6. They’re open to new things. Animals are naturally curious. “Open a box or empty a bag and before you know it, your cat will have climbed in to investigate. Walk your dog past a gardener planting flowers and chances are she will check it out before moving on,” Werber says. “And they’re always up for some fun. A game of catch, a walk, a visit — bring it on.” Since research has found that seeking out new experiences can keep people feeling young and healthy, we’d do well to follow suit.

7. They’re comfortable getting zen. Numerous studies have found a correlation between mindful meditation and reduced stress, decreased heart disease, and a stronger immune response — and that’s something your cat already knows how to do instinctively. “Each morning I sit on the sofa with my cat, Turtle, while I drink my first cup of coffee,” says Kristen Levine, a pet living expert. “We spend about 10 minutes together, her getting neck and head rubs, me enjoying her purring and having a few meditative moments at the start of the day.It sounds simple, and it can be, but depending on the activity, it can have a powerfully relaxing or invigorating effect for both human and critter.” 

Source: https://www.yahoo.com/health/7-health-lessons-our-pets-teach-us-112252958927.html

Pets & Chewing

It is natural for puppies to explore their environment; however, their natural curiosity often leads to frustration on your part when they chew your favorite slippers. While you may be tempted to punish your naughty pup, reinforcing good behavior is much more effective and will keep you and your dog happier. Chewing is a natural behavior that helps dogs relax and aids in dental health. It is important to provide proper chew toys for your dog. Additionally, giving your dog a specific time for chewing will help them ”wind” down for the night (similar to humans reading a book before bed).

Anxious chewing

However, not all chewing is good for your dog. Destructive chewing may be related to anxiety. It is important to teach your dog that he cannot always receive attention on demand. To reduce anxiety, train him to lie on his bed or in a crate, rather than constantly at your side. For dogs with separation anxiety, begin with short departures and then gradually increase the length of your time away to help them be comfortable and calm while you’re gone.

Anti-chew sprays

Anti-chew sprays can be used to deter your pup from chewing on household items. If you witness your puppy chewing on a household item, calmly walk over and spray the item with the anti-chew spray and firmly say ”leave it”. Instantly redirect your puppy’s attention by animating the dog toy in order to get him excited enough to chew it. Once the dog wants the toy give it to her and then softly praise the dog and back away (avoid turning this into an active game of tug-of-war; you simply want to get the dog interested in the toy). This will give the dog something to chew on and still remain in the calm state she was in previously.

Teething

Chew toys are a great way to keep your puppy busy as well as relieve pain associated with teething. Once the teeth erupt, the real chewing begins. The teeth seem to need “setting” into the jaw and this is accomplished through hard chewing. Present your puppy with a variety of toys to determine which types he likes best (avoid giving him chew toys that resemble household items that you do not want him to chew, i.e. a toy shaped like a shoe). Rotate different toys to keep your puppy’s interest and reward your puppy with praise when he chews on them. If the puppy seem to seek out a certain items that are not for chewing, try finding toys with similar textures because they may need that texture for dental health. Remember, buying a bunch of toys is a lot less expensive than replacing the furniture that he may chew up.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/dog_care/behavior/chewing.aspx

Riddick

Riddick has a history of eating silly things... socks, toys, dish rags... 

He had not been feeling so great, so he was having a Barium Series done to check for a foreign body (a blockage in his intestines). 

A special liquid is given, it contains Barium - a metal radio-opaque solution, that shows up on a radiograph. Several radiographs (X-Rays) are taken over a period of time. We track the Barium flowing through the GI system. 

Riddick did great, what a lover-boy! No sock this time and now he is feeling great!
  

                                              

Dangers of Pets in Hot Cars

BBQs and Pets

The end of May usually means the beginning of the summer season, and it’s often celebrated with picnics and barbecues. But if your pet is around during your summer cook-outs, keep them safe and away from grills, and keep picnic food far from their reach.

Tips on Being a Responsible Pet Owner

Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it's a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a dog into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that dog ownership entails. If you already have a dog, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner.

Here are some essential tips on being the best pet owner you can be:

• Think first- For example, recognize the commitment, evaluate your lifestyle, make a list, choose a breed, get a good breeder referral, contact some breeders in your area.

• Make the Commitment- pick your pet after you have researched the type of breed you want your pet to be, including their health risks. 

• Get Ready- Dog proof your home, make a schedule for you and your pet, buy some toys, a collar, contact your Veterinarian!

• Bring Your Dog Home- Housetrain, set house rules, name your dog, let your dog adjust, keep your dog healthy.

• Be a Friend- Play! Go on Walks, Talk to your dog, Give treats, Love your dog, give your time, leave the radio on, plan activities with your dog, give a massage, make that tail wag, go on trips, etc.

Source: http://www.akc.org/public_education/responsible_dog_owner.cfm#keephealthy

Cooper & Ruby

Hey, All! It’s Captain Cooper again, signing in for duty. 

Well it’s the month of November and I’m positive that Ruby is the most thrilled about it! There always seems to be a lot of people food and smells around the holidays.  

Although I do think she’s scheming something in that calico head of hers. She has been trying harder than normal to get in the garbage and I was almost certain the Technicians had broken her of that nonsense.

Anyway, as you know I am quite the helper here at Pekin Veterinary Clinic and I spend most of my day on the counter top supervising the Technicians and Veterinarians. We've all got to be on our toes and someone has to whip them into shape. 

I also enjoy sitting on their paperwork or obstructing the view of the computers during working hours; everything must be approved by me, so I find this part of my job very essential.

As I said before, Ruby and I are very anxious for Thanksgiving to get here. 

Many clients and employees bring us treats, but we have found in the past that the Technicians usually get to them first or rudely interrupt our chowing down on the good smelling “people” food; but I’m sure it is meant for us!

Note from Technician:  “Remember, pet owners, be careful around the holidays because the food that tastes good to us also tastes and smells good to your furry family members. The doctors here say you shouldn't treat your pets to a Thanksgiving dinner because changing their regular diet can cause stomach irritation and diarrhea.”

I figured I could let her slip that in for the less sophisticated cats, but I just say that’s what the litter boxes are for!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Signing out,

Captain Cooper

Zeus’s Story PART ONE

Pekin Veterinary Clinic would like to introduce you to Zeus Craig, patient to our vet clinic and proud member of the Craig family. Zeus is a 9-year-old Yorkshire Terrier who is making a name for himself on the stage, but he hasn't always wanted to be a star.  He was originally adopted in Bloomington, IL, but now lives with his mom, dad, and two feline sisters in Marquette Heights.  

 Zeus came upon his acting career by accident. His mom, Erin Craig, was in a production called, "Anything Goes," this past summer at Corn Stock Theater.  As part of the production, they needed a small dog to play the part of Mrs. Hardcourt's pet.  Erin volunteered Zeus for the job.  He appeared in four scenes and even led the way down the ramp onto the stage during one of his appearances.  He became a favorite among theater goers and cast members for his calm demeanor and ability to look cute on cue.

After this production, he was asked to play the part of Toto in the Caterpillar Employees Mixed Chorus fall production of, "The Wizard of Oz."  Zeus literally jumped at the chance to return to the stage.  But this role required much more concentration and flexing of his acting chops.  He not only appeared in more than half of the scenes throughout the show, but he also had to take stage direction, which included eating a treat on cue, and running on and running off stage.  He even had to pretend to fall asleep when the Wicked Witch cast a spell on Dorothy and her friends. 

Please check back to hear what motivates Zeus, our famous companion, and how life is at home with the Craig family. 

Case of the Month: Clark

Clark is a 3-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat who presented to the Pekin Veterinary Clinic because he was straining to urinate and the owner was seeing blood in his urine (hematuria). He was also acting like he was in pain and was not eating or drinking at home. On physical examination, Clark's heart rate was greatly increased (tachycardia) and he had a large hard bladder on abdominal palpation. When Clark's abdomen was manipulated, he was extremely painful.

At this time, Clark was taken to our ultrasonography room to assess his bladder on the ultrasound and collect a urine sample by cystocentesis. The ultrasound showed that the bladder was very large, distended and contained a lot of foreign material. The urine sample that was collected revealed that the urine was very bloody and contained an abundance of what appeared to be crystalline material. The urine sample was sent into the laboratory for urinalysis. The urinalysis revealed that the bladder contained crystals (struvite) and blood from the inflammation of the inside of the bladder wall from the crystals.

Clark was in very critical condition, so it was decided between Clark's mom and the veterinarian that he needed to be treated as soon as possible for this condition. We started by collecting Clark's blood and assessing his kidney function and electrolytes. His blood work showed that both of his kidney values were highly elevated. His blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 119 (normal range 10-30) and his creatinine was 9.8 (normal range 0.3-2.1). The electroyte that was dangerously high was potassium (this is a common bloodwork finding in cats who cannot urinate due to having stones lodged in their urethra).

Clark was immediately anesthetized to relieve his pain and so that we could unblock him by passing a sterile urinary catheter. We needed to unblock Clark as soon as possible to decrease his chance of complications from his condition. These potential complications included: bladder rupture from overextension of the bladder wall, irreversible kidney damage and/or adverse effects on the heart from the high potassium. Once anesthetized, we unblocked Clark's urethra which was blocked with multiple small crystals. After the urinary catheter was placed, we flushed that bladder with a mixture of sterile saline and lubricant to try to remove as many of the crystals from the bladder and urethra as possible.

A sterile urine collection system was placed on the end of Clark's urinary catheter so that his urine output and quality could be assessed. An intravenous catheter was placed in Clark's cephalic vein so that he could receive fluids to correct his electrolyte disorders and flush the kidneys to bring down the elevated kidney values. Clark was given oral pain medications to help keep him comfortable. He was also given an antibiotic to decrease his chances of getting a urinary tract infection as a result of the urinary catheter being placed. Clark rested for the remainder of the afternoon and evening without complication.

Cooper and Ruby

Cooper 
I would like to formally introduce myself. Many of you have had the chance to meet all the doctors and other team members here at Pekin Veterinary Clinic. What most people aren't aware of is; who around here actually keeps the clinic in running order.

That would be me. My name is Cooper. If you've had the luxury of touring my clinic, you've probably noticed a handsome orange tabby cat supervising the technicians and other team members in the treatment area. With so many women in one place, someone has got to keep them in line. Don’t get me wrong; they are all exceptional at their jobs.

Although, sometimes they get too busy, and I have to remind them that dinner is promptly at 4:00 p.m. Well, since I’m such a nice boss and don’t complain, I generally just stare them down and that usually sends that message across. But if that doesn't work, I politely let Ruby ring the dinner bell, since she never misses a meal. Most of the time, you can find me leisurely watching the commotion from the doctor’s desks, but every now and then I like to retreat. I like to get away from it all and spend some time in Dr. Jess’s office or even steal a few moments of music and peace in Tammy’s office on her window sill. It’s truly hard, you know, to keep such a busy clinic running so smoothly.
Signing out, Captain Cooper

Ruby
Hello. My name is Princess Ruby and I just want to let all my fans know that I didn't always look this good. These crazy people at Pekin Veterinary Clinic gave me a home back in March of 2011. I used to weigh a good 24 ½ lbs, and they thought that was too much for a princess like me to weigh. After some hard work for both me and the team at Pekin Veterinary Clinic, I now weigh 11 pounds and 4 ounces!!! I’d have to say that’s quite the accomplishment. Every woman knows dieting is NOT the most fun thing to do.

Now that I’m at home here, I want to share my daily life, trials of dieting, and how important I am here at the clinic. You see this place wouldn't run as smoothly if it weren't for me. Oh, and there is this annoying orange tabby here, they call him Cooper, and sometimes he thinks he runs this place but we shall see about that…after all, I am the PRINCESS.
We’ll chat again soon, XOXO
Ruby

Have you ever known a cat who likes to swim?

North Pekin Fire Department learn Pet CPR at Pekin Veterinary Clinic

 North Pekin Fire Department personnel learn basic pet CPR and how to use a pet oxygen mask kit at the Pekin Veterinary Clinic. The kit was donated to the North Pekin Fire Department by Invisible Fence of Peoria/Bloomington as part of its "Project Breathe", a program which was established with the goal of equipping every fire station in American and Canada with pet oxygen masks. The company has set up a website, www.invisiblefence.com/O2, where people or companies can support the effort.

Proper use of a pet oxygen mask kit is demonstrated by the Pekin Veterinary Clinic. The kit was donated to the North Pekin Fire Department by Invisible Fence of Peoria/Bloomington, and veterinary clinic staff educated fire departemtn personnel about the proper application of the masks. The masks allow firefighters to give oxygen to pets who are suffering from smoke inhalation when they are rescued from fires, often saing pets' lives.

Source: Pekin Daily Times

National Pet Preparedness Month

This month is National Pet Preparedness Month. In order to be sure your pet is prepared for a disaster, make sure your safety kit includes food, water, leash and collar, bowls, pet ID, medications, immunization records, pet carrier, first aid kit, and a contact list for all pet emergency contacts.

What would you do if…

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

 ...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

 ...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

 ...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies
Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.
How to handle an injured pet
Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.
Basic pet first aid procedures
Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.
First aid when traveling with your pet
A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.
Pets and disasters
Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid
• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet
• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets
• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care

Adapted by an article posted by the AVMA.

It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Candy/Chocolate Dangers

Candy and chocolate are delicious snacks for us, but dangerous for our pets to eat! Be sure to keep all sweet treats out of your pet’s reach this holiday season, to ensure they are happy, healthy, and safe.

November Pet of the Month: Buddy Norman

Buddy Norman is our November Pet of the Month! Buddy is a very sweet Westie Mix. His owner's name is Paula Norman. Buddy has been coming to our facility for grooming for about 5 years. He is such a joy to groom, as his grooming history cards says he is 'a very sweet boy!' Congratulations to our November Pet of the Month Buddy Norman! See you next month, Buddy!

Holiday Foods

During the holiday season, it’s important to make sure your pet is safe. Many of the foods we eat for the holidays are dangerous for our pets and could injure them or make them sick. Sugary treats, turkey, and especially turkey bones are things our pets should never eat. Keep an eye on your pet this holiday!