Planning a trip this summer with your best friend?

Did you know... 1 in 6 dogs suffer from motion sickness? Motion can affect the inner ear, which sends signals to the vomiting center in the brain. These signals cause your dog to show signs of motion sickness, like increased drooling, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. Motion sickness can happen when traveling in a car, plane, boat or train.  It can be a stressful situation for both traveling companions.

Before leaving on your trip, visit us to discuss any travel concerns such as intestinal parasite and heartworm prevention, immunization protection and of course, a plan for motion sickness. We may be able to prescribe CERENIA, a once a day motion sickness medication that can be used safely in dogs over the age of 16 weeks.  This medication is given two hours prior to travel.  Dogs should not be fed an hour prior to giving CERENIA to aid in the absorption of the medication.

If traveling by plane, check specific airline requirements and regulations. Some airlines require pets have a Health Certificate 10 days prior to travel, while others will only fly pets certain times of the year.

While on your trip by car, plan several stops along the way. This gives you and your dog a chance to stretch and exercise.  Dogs, like humans need a break from the monotony of the road.

If you are staying at someone’s home while traveling, make sure there are no potential problems – such as allergies, aggressive animals or small children– prior to your trip.  If  there are other pets in the residence where you will be staying, you may want to consider using our boarding facility or find a reliable pet sitter to watch your loved one while you are away.

• Immunization History and Rabies Certificate
• Health Certificate from your Veterinarian
• AVID Microchip
• Collar with current information
• Contact information of Veterinarians along the route
• All Necessary medications
• Recent photo of your dog
• Dog first –aid kit
• Dog Seat belt
• Food, a jug of water and bowls
• Extra leashes
• Towel

 
For more information on Cerenia or any other travel related situation, or if you are looking for ideas for traveling with your feline friend, please give us a call at 602.843.5452

Saving Money on Your Pet Care

Perhaps, Ben Franklin said it best.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  In this economy it can also mean less emergency visits to your veterinarian.  Preventive medicine helps not only your pet, but your pocketbook as well.  For instance,  heartworm prevention  can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars in the long run.  Not only can this disease be fatal, the treatment can be anywhere from a several hundred dollars to upwards of a thousand dollars or more depending on the stage and severity of the infection.  Unfortunately for our feline friends there is no treatment from this deadly disease.  Luckily there is prevention. 

Other things like proper diet, exercise, routine dental cleanings and proper immunizations can all have an affect on your pet's longevity and well being. One of the best ways to save money in the long run is to follow your veterinarian's recommended twice a year comprehensive physical exams and bloodwork for your pet. This helps the veterinarian catch treatable diseases early and can help slow down progressive disease.  This also gives you time to ask any questions or address any concerns you may have regarding your loved one.  Remember, we are here to help you help your pet. 

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Heartworm Disease in Cats Has Serious Consequences

Heartworm disease in cats, or HARD as it is known as, is a serious condition to which no cat is immune.  Cats, unlike dogs very rarely show symptoms and unfortunately, again unlike dogs, there is no treatment protocol once the cat is infected.  Luckily, prevention is easy with the use of Revolution.  Revolution is a once a month topical treatment that not only protects against the heartworm, but also against hookworm, whipworm, roundworm, fleas and ear mites.  For more information or to schedule an appointment for your cat today, please call 602.843.5452.