Trifexis Promotion

Parasites are practically everywhere and they pose a threat to your dog's health. That's why you need to take action to make sure your dog is protected. Luckily, with Trifexis, it's easy! Trifexis kills fleas and prevents flea infestations, treats and controls hookworms, whipworms and roundworms, and prevents heartworm disease. Receive a $20 mail in rebate when you purchase a year's supply (12 doses) of Trifexis or receive a $10 mail in rebate with the purchase of a 6 month (6 dose) supply. The team at Pembroke Veterinary Clinic would be happy to answer any questions you might have about Trifexis and how it can help your canine companion. Call us today at 757-464-0169 for more details!

  

Over-the-Counter Medications & Pets

It’s important to keep your medicines out of your pet’s reach at all times, because human medication can be toxic to your pets! When your pet feels sick or is acting under the weather, never give them a human medicine, but bring them in for veterinary care instead. Even if you mean well, a dose of human medicine could be fatal to your pet.

Roxy: Recent Boarding Guest

Going on a trip this summer? Schedule your pet to board with us! Here are some photos of Roxy, a recent boarding guest. She loved her stay and enjoyed all the attention she got while she was here.

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month and Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat-Month!

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month and Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat-Month! If you are thinking about adding a new feline companion to your family, we suggest you visit Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center at 341 South Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach or Norfolk. They are working hard to find homes for some very sweet and loving cats.

Allergies and Pets

Allergies in pets can be manifested in many different ways, just like in people. Pets with allergies can have skin issues, chronic ear infections, anal gland issues, or frequent soft stools.

Disaster Planning Tips

Whether it’s a large-scale natural catastrophe or an unforeseen emergency that causes you to leave your home temporarily, everyone’s family can benefit from having a household evacuation plan in place before disaster strikes. Every disaster plan must include your pets!

1. If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive in a disaster by themselves. If they do survive, you may not be able to find them when you return.

2. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out, well in advance of needing them, which motels and hotels in your area allow pets. Alternatively, arrange in advance for family or friends to house your pets in case of emergency. Include Pembroke Veterinary Clinic’s phone number (464-0169) and the Animal Control office number (385-5000, option 2) on your list of emergency numbers to call for information regarding pets during a disaster.

3. Ask your veterinarian or a veterinary care team member about microchipping your pet. In the event of separation during a disaster, the microchip placement and pet registration may help you and your pet be reunited easier. Make the microchip part of your family's preparation before disaster strikes. Don't forget to update your registration when your information changes.

4. Prepare a Disaster Kit for your pet. Keep an Evacuation Pack and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is located. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. (Visit the A merican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals website ( www.aspca.org ). Look under “Disaster Preparedness” to order a Free Pet Safety Packet and a Free Pet Rescue Sticker. To purchase a pet first aid kit and guide book, you can visit the ASPCA store to buy one on-line. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack  include:

a. Medications and medical records in a water-proof container

b. Information on feeding schedules and medical conditions

c. First Aid Kit

i. Three to seven days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food. Be sure to rotate the food every two months.

ii. Disposable litter trays (Aluminum roasting pans are perfect.)

iii. Paper towels

iv. Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

v. Disposable garbage bags for clean-up

vi. Pet feeding dishes

vii. Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security.)

viii. Photocopies of feeding schedules, notes on medical conditions, and medical records (with the name of your veterinarian/veterinary hospital) in a waterproof container. Include a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires. (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)

ix. At least 7 days' worth of bottled water for each person and pet. Store the water in a cool, dry place, and replace it every two months.

x. A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each  pet  

xi. Flashlights

xii. Blankets (for scooping up a fearful pet)

xiii. Especially for cats: Pillowcase or Sack, toys, scoopable litter

xiv. Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner (or newspaper).

xv. Name and number of your pet’s veterinarian: Pembroke Veterinary Clinic, Inc., 4548 Wishart Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455, 757-464-0169, pemvet@pembrokevetclinic.com .

5. You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Some items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp,  rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

6. Place up-to-date Pet ID tags on your pets and have recent photos of your pets handy in case you are separated and  need to  make a “Lost” poster.

7. If you have no alternative but to leave your pets at home, there are precautions you MUST take. Remember that leaving your pets at home alone can place them in great danger! Confine your pet to a safe area inside - NEVER leave your pet chained outside! Place notices outside in a visible area stating that pets are inside. List the pets that are inside the house and where the pets are located. Provide a phone number where you or an alternate contact can be reached, as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.

8. For more information:

§ Visit Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org and click on “Emergency Services.”

§ Visit American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at www.aspca.org and click on “Disaster Preparedness.” 

Pets & Potting Soil/Mulch

Did you know that up to 15% of commercial potting soil contains roundworm eggs? Roundworms, hookworms, and other intestinal parasites can cause serious illness in pets. Some of these parasites are even transmissible to humans! When decorating your lawn this season, be sure to use pet friendly potting soil and mulch, as mulch can also contain cocoa beans, which can be harmful to your pet. We can help with fecal tests that identify intestinal parasites as well as medications to safely and effectively control them. Call us at 757-464-0169 for more information on parasite prevention for your pets.

Poppy

This is Poppy! She comes to see us every day for Day Care while her mom is at work. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, your pets need a safe place to stay while you have work done in your home, or just because your pets need someone to play with while you're out for the day...give us a call. When your pet stays for Day Care for 4 days, the 5th is FREE! Poppy loves coming to see us every day and really enjoys her walks outside. We think if she could talk, Poppy would highly recommend our Day Care Services.

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Pets and Obesity

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese...that is 93 million pets! The extra weight puts them at greater risk for many health problems. These include osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes, kidney disease, many forms of cancer, and heart and respiratory problems. Each of these health issues can decrease the life expectancy of a pet by an average of 2 - 2 1/2 years. If you suspect that your pet may be overweight, you are probably correct. Ask us to help you develop a weight loss plan for your pet and give them the gift of better health.

Pets & Medication

Please do not give your pet ANY medication without first consulting a veterinarian. Even though you are trying to help your pet, you may be doing more harm than good. Medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be dangerous and potentially fatal if given to your pet. Ibuprofen toxicity can lead to gastric ulceration, renal failure and liver failure. Aspirin toxicity can cause gastric ulceration and an inability for blood to clot. If you feel your pet is in pain, please call our office and schedule an appointment. Our veterinarians can examine your pet, and make sure he or she receives the proper treatment and medications.

Pet Poison Helpline

PET POISON HELPLINE

24/7 Animal Poison Control Center

1-800-213-6680

Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour animal poison control service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet. We have the ability to help every poisoned pet, with all types of poisonings, 24 hours a day. Our knowledge and expertise of pet poisons will put your mind at ease when dealing with a potential emergency.

In order to provide this critical service, please be advised that there is a $39 per incident fee, payable by credit card. This fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case.

Emergency Instructions

Did your dog or cat just eat something poisonous? Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 for help immediately! The sooner a dog poisoning or cat poisoning is diagnosed, the easier, less expensive, and safer it is for your pet to get treated!

What to do if your dog or cat is poisoned:

• Remove your pet from the area.
• Check to make sure your pet is safe: breathing and acting normally.
• Do NOT give any home antidotes.
• Do NOT induce vomiting without consulting a vet or Pet Poison Helpline.
• Call Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.
• If veterinary attention is necessary, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

Detailed Instructions:

1. Immediately remove your pet from the area, and make sure no other pets (or kids!) are exposed to this area. Safely remove any remaining poisonous material from their reach.
2. Check to make sure your pet is breathing normally and acting fine otherwise.
3. Collect a sample of the material, along with the packaging, vial, or container, and save it – you will need all that information when you talk to your veterinarian or to a Pet Poison Helpline expert.
4. Do NOT give your dog any milk, food, salt, oil, or any other home remedies! Also, never inducing vomiting without talking to your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline – it may actually be detrimental or contraindicated to induce vomiting!
5. Don’t give hydrogen peroxide to your pet without checking with a vet or with Pet Poison Helpline first. For you cat lovers, hydrogen peroxide doesn’t work well to induce vomiting (it just causes massive foaming and salivating instead!), and stronger veterinary prescription medications are necessary to get your cat to vomit up the poison Kitty ingested!
6. Get help. Program your veterinarian phone number, along with an ER vet and Pet Poison Helpline’s phone number (800-213-6680) in your cell phone so you will always have immediate access to help.

Keep in mind that the prognosis is always better when a toxicity is reported immediately, so don’t wait to see if your pet becomes symptomatic before calling for help. It’s always less expensive, and safer for your pet for you to call immediately. Remember that there’s a narrow window of time when we can decontaminate (induce vomiting or pump the stomach) in the case of a poisoning!

(Information obtained from Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-213-6680)

Top 10 Most Frequently Reported Poison Dangers for Dogs in 2011

The veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline have perused their records for 2011, and determined the “Top Ten List” of potential poisons in our homes and yards that were the most commonly reported during 2011.

“Each year we examine our records to determine what contributed to the most calls from pet owners and veterinarians,” said Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC and associate director of veterinary services for Pet Poison Helpline. “Since we spent the most time diagnosing and specifying treatments for dog-related emergencies, we’ve broken them down and produced a ‘top ten list’ designed to educate dog owners and provide veterinarians with the latest facts and statistics.”

Below is the Top Ten List from Pet Poison Helpline. Items are presented in order of frequency starting with foods, which accounted for the highest number of poisoning cases in 2011. 

1. Foods – specifically chocolate, xylitol, and grapes/raisins.

Certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs. The chemical causing toxicity in chocolate is theobromine (a relative of caffeine). The darker, more bitter, and more concentrated the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is. Many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerous to dogs. When ingested, even in small amounts, it can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar or even liver failure. Raisins and grapes are often overlooked as one of the most toxic foods to dogs, and can result in kidney failure.

2. Insecticides – including sprays, bait stations, and spot on flea/tick treatments.

Ingestion of insecticides and pesticides, especially those that contain organophosphates (e.g., disulfoton, often found in rose-care products), can be life-threatening to dogs, even when ingested in small amounts. While spot-on flea and tick treatments work well for dogs, they can be very toxic to cats when not applied appropriately. Cat owners should read labels carefully, as those that contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids (a derivative of the Chrysanthemum flower), are severely toxic if directly applied or ingested.

3. Mouse and rat poison – rodenticides.

There are many types of chemicals in mouse and rat poisons, all with different active ingredients and types of action, making all of them potentially poisonous to dogs. Depending on what type was ingested, poisoning can result in internal bleeding, brain swelling, kidney failure, or even severe vomiting and bloat. Mouse and rat poisons also pose the potential for relay toxicity, meaning pets – and even wildlife – can be poisoned by eating dead rodents poisoned by rodenticides.

4. NSAIDS human drugs – such as ibuprofen, naproxen.

Common drugs including NSAIDs (e.g. Advil^®, Aleve^® and Motrin) can cause serious harm to dogs when ingested, causes stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as potential kidney failure. The use of human NSAIDs in dogs is dangerous and should never be given without consulting Pet Poison Helpline or a veterinarian.

5. Household cleaners – sprays, detergents, polishes.

Strong acidic or alkaline cleaners pose the highest risk due to their corrosive nature, and include common household products like toilet bowel cleaners, lye, drain cleaners, rust removers, and calcium/lime removers. Remember that “natural” does not necessarily mean safe, as some natural products can cause severe reactions. While general cleaners like glass products, spot removers and most surface cleaners have a wide margin of safety, it is still wise to keep them out of reach.

6. Antidepressant human drugs – such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Effexor.

Of all prescription medications, antidepressants account for the highest number of calls to Pet Poison Helpline. When ingested, they can cause neurological problems in dogs like sedation, incoordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.

7. Fertilizers – including bone meal, blood meal and iron-based products.

While some fertilizers are fairly safe, certain organic products that contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal and iron may be especially tasty – and dangerous – to dogs. Large ingestions can cause severe pancreatitis or even form a concretion in the stomach, obstructing the gastrointestinal tract.

8. Acetaminophen human drugs – such as Tylenol and cough/cold medications.

Sizeable ingestions of acetaminophen can lead to severe liver failure and even dry eye in dogs. However, it should be noted that it is a more significant threat to cats, as a single Tylenol tablet can be fatal. 

9. Amphetamine human drugs – ADD/ADHD medications like Adderall and Concerta.

Medications used to treat ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) contain potent stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. Even minimal ingestions by dogs can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.

10. Veterinary pain relievers – specifically COX-2 inhibitors like Rimadyl, Dermaxx and Previcox.

Carprofen, more commonly known by its trade name Rimadyl, is a veterinary-specific, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. While it is commonly used for osteoarthritis, inflammation, and pain control in dogs, if over-ingested in large amounts, it can result in severe gastric ulceration and acute kidney failure in dogs.

Information from Pet Poison Hotline24/7 Animal Poison Control Center

800-213-6680

Microchipping with ResQ

Pembroke Veterinary Clinic, Inc

4548 Wishart Rd.

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

www.pembrokevetclinic.com

757-464-0169

 

ResQ™ Pet Identification System

 

The ResQ™ pet identification system is a safe and convenient ISO-compliant microchip system designed to help reunite lost pets with their owners.

ResQ is the first ISO-compliant microchip system for companion animals available in the United States.  It utilizes technology recommended by most major pet welfare organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

ResQ Microchip

·         Each microchip contains an individual, pre-programmed code that is permanent, unique, and cannot be altered.

·         The microchip is approximately the size of a grain of rice, which is implanted into a pet using a single-use syringe.

·         The microchip is unbreakable, does not require a battery, and is engineered to last a pet’s lifetime.

·         A ResQ microchip can be read by any ISO-compliant scanning device worldwide.

ResQ Scanner

·         The ResQ pet identification system offers a sophisticated scanner available for U.S. shelters and veterinarians that can recognize all brands of tested microchips currently sold in the U.S., including encrypted and unencrypted 125 kHz microchips, as well as other ISO-compliant 134.2 kHz microchips.  To further support ISO-compliance, Bayer and its partners, are donating 20,000 RresQ scanners to shelters across the country.

PetLink™ Pet Registration Database

·         ResQ is supported by a no-cost pet registration database in the U.S. that allows for a true, no-cost registration and lifetime updates.

·         PetLink™ provides 24/7 customer support, including contact numbers for non-ResQ microchip manufacturers and protection for pets regardless of their country of origin.  To learn more, visit www.petlink.net.

Pembroke Veterinary Clinic will initialize registration with PetLink.net.  Please visit  www.PetLink.net  for more information.

Information provided by www.BayerDVM.com

Trifexis

Parasites are practically everywhere your dog goes, in your home, in your yard, just about everywhere. That's why you need to take action to make sure your dog is protected. Luckily, with Trifexis, it's easy. Trifexis is a once-monthly tablet that kills fleas, prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infections. And since it's beef-flavored, your dog will think it's a tasty treat! Call us at 757-464-0169 for more details about Trifexis.

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

Dental

Dental disease can be detrimental to the health of your pet, and it can also be painful due to swollen, bleeding gums.  Professional dental cleaning by a licensed veterinary professional can keep your pet healthy and pain-free.  Look at these before and after photos.  Contact us if you believe your pet may be a candidate for professional cleaning.  Remember that during the month of February, you can save 15%!

Referral Program

The healthcare team of Pembroke Veterinary Clinic values your patronage and is grateful for the confidence in our services that a recommendation shows.  In return, we like to show our thanks with a small gift for each referral that we receive from current clients.

                                            Referral Gifts

1. $25 credit to your account, plus a Pembroke Veterinary Clinic coffee mug.
2. $15.00 credit to your account, plus a gift certificate for 2 days of pet boarding OR a pet Spa Day (bath, nail trim, ear cleaning) at Pembroke Veterinary Clinic, and an eco-friendly shopping bag.
3.  $15.00 credit to your account, plus a movie gift certificate for $20.00.
4.  $15.00 credit to your account, plus a gift certificate for a complimentary Spa Day (bath, nail trim, ear cleaning) OR 2 days of pet boarding at Pembroke Veterinary Clinic.
5. $15.00 credit to your account, plus a gift bag filled with over the counter nutritional, grooming, and retail pet products from the shelves of Pembroke Veterinary Clinic.
6. $15.00 credit to your account, plus a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers to brighten your day.
7. $15.00 credit to your account, plus a complimentary bag or case of Royal Canin pet food.
8. $15.00 credit to your account, plus a restaurant gift certificate for $50.00.
9.  $15.00 credit to your account, plus a complimentary ResQ pet identification microchip and implantation procedure- $50.00 value.
10.  $15.00 credit to your account, plus a preferred client status (10% off future visits).


(Management reserves the right to change or cancel this program at any time as deemed necessary by the owners and managers of the hospital.  This notice in no way implies a contract with any person.)

FORL

Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL's) are a common cause of oral pain in cats. In this condition, the hard surfaces of the tooth root are destroyed by cells called odontoclasts. FORL's generally appear as a red swelling on the tooth where the tooth meets the gumline. The best treatment for these lesions is extraction. Although the cause is unknown, routine dental care may help to prevent FORL's. Semi-annual dental examinations can aid in early detection of dental disease.

 

Feline Leukemia Virus

Should you be concerned about Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)? The answer is yes if your cat has frequent contact with other cats or kittens. Research indicates that FeLV is highly contagious among cats of all ages. Among cats, it is spread by saliva, urine, and blood. A small blood sample is all that’s required for the FeLV test. What are the signs of feline leukemia virus? Weight loss, recurring or chronic illness, lethargy, fever, diarrhea, breathing difficulty or rapid breathing. Make an appointment by calling us at 757-464-0169 if you suspect any sign of feline leukemia virus or if your cat has had close contact with a suspected cat.

 

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo

Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy
Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey
Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody

Today is National Pet Safety Day

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! The mission of this day is to save lives by creating awareness of the vital need for pet safety in all areas of travel. Did you and your pet travel over the holidays and if so, what tips might you have for others?