Rabies is Preventable

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can affect humans and animals.  In animals once gotten the disease is fatal.

Rabies is spread in this area mostly by bats or skunks; however any warm blooded mammal can contract rabies.  This includes our precious companion animal.  Because of this you should never touch or handle a bat, skunk, or any other wild animal and you should have your pets vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.  The vaccine is given every 1 – 3 years depending on the type of vaccine used and the laws of the state and county.  

Rabies causes acute encephalitis.  In animals the first sign of rabies may be non- specific and include lethargy, fever, vomiting and anorexia.  The signs will progress within days to cerebral dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, ataxia, abnormal behavior, aggression, self- mutilation and eventually death.

If you or your pet are bitten by a stray animal, wild animal or a bat you should immediately wash the area with soap and water.  Then you should contact your doctor or veterinarian and health department, they can guided you with what to do next.

For more information about rabies you can go to  HYPERLINK "http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/" http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ or you can contact us with any questions you may have about your pets.

Blueberry Doggy Cheesecake

Blueberry Doggy Cheesecake

Ingredients:

2 cups pureed blueberries

8 ouches cream cheese at room temperature

1/2 cup oatmeal

2 cups whole wheat flour 

1 teaspoom valilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Puree blueberries and mix with cream cheese. Add other ingredients and knead until dough is formed. On floured surface, roll sought to 1/4" thickness

and cut into chaps using a cookie cutter of your choice. Place the treats on a greased cookie sheet and bake 15-20 minutes.

Cool and refrigerate.

10 Things We Want Clients to Know

• Heartworm prevention should be given year round.

• We have a pet crematory on site.

• Do not give human medication to your pet without consulting your veterinarian.

• If a product says not to use it on cats, then do not use it.

• We are available 24 hours a day for emergency care. 

• Veterinary medicine is expensive and specialized.

• We offer chemotherapy.

• Internet pharmacies may not be as they appear.

• Over 60% of pets are obese

• The mouth is a gateway for diseases.

Thinking of getting a new dog?

Always research the dog breed before adding one as a new pet to your family. 
There are many different breeds of dogs, from fluffy and small to huge and protective. Often, people see an adorable puppy and without thinking they bring it home without any background or research of the breed. A high percentage of these puppies end up in a shelter because either the dog wasn't a good fit in personality or the health care cost doesn't fit into the budget. And please note, it is not the dog's fault if the owner has not done their homework on dog training! So, here are some things to think about when looking for a pet.

1. The larger the dog the higher the cost of food and health care
2. Breed personality: does it do well with children and other pets?
3. Does it need lots of exercise, or is it good for apartment life?
4. Common breed health issues
5, Grooming costs
6. Does it need a fence? (The answer is most likely yes)
7 What is the average lifespan?
8. Do you have time to train a puppy or is an adult dog a better fit for you?

Resource: AKC.com

by Tracy Frost

Freezing Canine Semen

We are a Canine Freezing Center for Synbiotics Corporation.  Dr. Tritsch can collect the semen from a stud dog.  The semen is then evaluated, frozen and stored for later shipment to anywhere in the world.  

Once the semen is collected it is evaluated for motility and morphology and the sperm are counted.  The semen is then cooled and frozen in individually labeled straws. The entire process takes 4-5 hours.  The semen is stored in liquid nitrogen, which keeps the semen viable for an indefinite period of time.  

Freezing Semen can help the owner preserve the qualities of a stud dog long after the dog has pasted away.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED

Don't panic. Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere with the process of helping your pet.

Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely collect and have at hand any material involved. This may be of great benefit to your vet and/or APCC toxicologists, as they determine what poison or poisons are involved. In the event that you need to take your pet to a local veterinarian, be sure to take the product's container with you. Also, collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.

If you witness your pet consuming material that you suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects. Sometimes, even if poisoned, an animal may appear normal for several hours or for days after the incident.

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a $65 consultation fee for this service.

Be ready with the following information:

• The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
• The animal's symptoms.
• Information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.
• Have the product container/packaging available for reference.

Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the APCC.

Be Prepared

Keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center—(888) 426-4435—as well as that of your local veterinarian, in a prominent location.

Invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. The kit should contain:

• A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
• A turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
• Saline eye solution
• Artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
• Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
• Forceps (to remove stingers)
• A muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
• A can of your pet's favorite wet food
• A pet carrier

Always consult a veterinarian or the APCC for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item.

*P.S. Visit the ASPCA Store to purchase the ASPCA First Aid Kit!

PUPPY TRAINING

PUPPY TRAINING

Spending time exercising and socializing your puppy is one of the most important gifts you can tie to your new family member.

Lack of socialization is a common cause of behavior problems later in life.  Some good ways to insure a well rounded, socialized puppy many include puppy classes, which not only teach obedience, but introduce your puppy to other dogs and people.  Go for car rides, run the vacuum cleaner, give your puppy a bath, or go out to meet your neighbors.

Exercise and mental stimulation are also very important to raising a well rounded puppy. Playtime with your puppy is great bonding time, and gives your puppy a chance to learn how the world works. Many unwanted behaviors can be linked to inadequate exercise and mental stimulation.  Provide safe, interactive toys for your puppy to play with.

Your puppy will also need to experience some alone time.  Time to rest and time to play on their own.  This will aid in the prevention of developing separation anxiety. 

Another very important aspect for you new puppy is potty training.  With patience, your puppy will develop good bathroom habits.  Remember that your puppy will learn best with a consistent routine and positive reinforcement.  Using a crate can help ease the potty training process.  It is important to know that a crate is not a place of punishment; it is meant to be a safe haven for your puppy.

Owning a new puppy is a big learning curve. Most importantly, have lots of fun together. Set your puppy up for success by making the process fun and positive.

Enjoy your time with your puppy and remember he is learning every day and you are his best teacher.

Jane Bishop, VT