We recently asked our staff why they were thankful for their pets.  The reasons range from the silly, to the practical, to the sentimental.  However, there is no doubt that our pets bring endless joy to our lives.  Take a look at our fur-family and why we are so glad they’re ours.

I am thankful for my animals because they snuggle with me on the couch. -Casey

I’m thankful for Steven for never getting mad at me when I make him wear things like trench coats and parading him around. -Shawna

Payton and Ginger warm my heart. Also thankful for the daughters who brought them to me! -Sarah

I’m thankful for my dogs keeping the couch warm for me. – Dr. Brandilyn Wagoner

I’m thankful for Storm. My first pet I got when I moved back home and has given unlimited snuggles for the past 8 years. -Cassie

I am thankful for my pets and they all truly enrich my life. This is a picture of Sage. She is always a ray of sunshine  and waves hello at me every time I come home. -Dr. Ellis

I’m thankful for Emma and how hard she works to be a rockstar in the competition ring. -Jess D

I’m thankful for my pups Diesel and Princess for always making me smile! Everyday I come home to happy dogs, greeting me at the door with excitement and wagging tails. -Danielle

I’m thankful for Fergus, for being my right hand man day in and day out. -Jess D

I’m thankful for my cat Selia because she is a good snuggler and she’s always there for me when I’m down. -Kayla

Routine check-ups by a veterinarian are essential to keeping your cat healthy.  In the United States there are actually more pet cats than pet dogs. However, dogs are much more likely to be brought to the Veterinarian.  In fact less than 50% of cats are brought to the Veterinarian for annual check-ups. Many cats are only brought in when they are sick.

Why is it important to bring my cat to the veterinarian?

During an annual check-up at the Veterinarian your cat will receive a nose-to-tail physical examination.  During this exam, your veterinarian will be able to detect any signs of illness. Identifying potential problems before they become actual problems will lead to better outcomes for your pet.  Cats are excellent at hiding sickness and pain. This is a throwback to their days as wild animals, when any weakness would make them a target for predators. Your veterinarian may be able to detect these issues before your cat would let on to them.  Another great reason to visit the veterinarian is immunizations. Even if you have an indoor cat, they should be immunized. Read more about immunizations HERE. Trips to the veterinarian will also include recommendations for parasite prevention.

But my cat doesn’t like going to the veterinarian!

I don’t think most of us like going to the doctor for our annual check-ups or to the dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning, but we do it anyway because we know it’s the best thing for our health.  Same with cats. There are, however, ways to help your cat be less stressed about their visit.

The Carrier

Make the cat carrier a home away from home for your cat.  Don’t only bring the carrier out for the dreaded trip! Leave it out all the time.  Put it in a room where your cat likes to spend time. Make it a comfy and cozy place by adding blankets and toys.  If they become accustomed to the carrier it will be a lot easier to get them into it when needed. You can use treats or a synthetic pheromone (spray or wipe that makes the carrier more relaxing – think lavender scent for humans) to make the carrier especially enticing on days when you have somewhere to be and they are being stubborn!

The Car

Go on pretend trips to the veterinarian office.  A lot of times the car ride is difficult for our feline friends. You can get them used to it by taking them for short car rides.  Consider going around the block, then increase the distance as they become more comfortable. If you are going to the vet office to pick up medication consider bringing your cat along. This will teach them that not every trip involves needles. As a reminder your cat should always be transported in a carrier, and never loose in the car. A loose cat could impede your driving and is harder to corral once you have reached your destination. Cats are quick, and a loose cat could make a break for it once the car door is opened.

If all else fails…

If your cat still becomes very stressed about going to the veterinarian, ask about sedatives that can be given prior to your visit.  These may help to calm your cat down.

It is every pet owner and veterinarian’s sincere wish for their companions and patients to live long and healthy lives.  Routine veterinary care is a part of that. If your cat hasn’t been to the vet office in a while, please consider calling to book an appointment today.

Vaccines are just as important for our four-legged family members as they are for us.

What are vaccinations?

Vaccinations, or vaccines, are designed to trigger an immune response.  When given they cause your pets immune system to prepare to fight off the disease if needed.  This means that if your pet is ever exposed to the disease their immune system will know what to do to fight it off.

Why is it important to vaccinate your pet?

Many veterinary experts agree that the widespread administration of vaccines has prevented illness and death in millions of pets. Not only do they protect your pet from deadly diseases, they improve their quality of life and life expectancy. In the case of communicable diseases, such as rabies, vaccinating your pet also protects you. Vaccines can also prevent large veterinary bills, as the vaccines are far less expensive than the treatment should your pet contract one of those illnesses. Lastly, some vaccines are simply required by state and local law.

Vaccines Frequently Recommended at our Clinic:

Dogs

Distemper Vaccine

The Distemper Vaccine protects dogs from the Distemper Virus, Adenovirus, ParvoVirus, and Parainfluenza.  We recommend starting the vaccine cycle at 8 weeks, with boosters at 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. After that, the Distemper Vaccine is given once per year*.

Rabies Vaccine

The Rabies Vaccine is required in New York State. The first time a rabies vaccine is given it is good for one year.  After that, it is good for 3 years. You will often need proof of Rabies Vaccination to take your dog to public places, such as state parks.  You will also need it to have your dog licensed in your municipality.

Lyme Vaccine

The Lyme vaccine has arguably become one of the most important vaccines we offer due to the high prevalence of Lyme disease in our area.  The first Lyme Vaccination requires a booster one month later. However, if the booster is not given within 3 months, the cycle will begin again.  Once the first vaccine, and booster are given, the Lyme Vaccine is done yearly. Even with the Lyme Vaccine, a year-round Tick Prevention is recommended.  You can read about our Flea and Tick Prevention options for both dogs and cats HERE.

Heartworm Test

While not a vaccine, per say, the Heartworm Test is another preventative measure we recommend yearly.  The Heartworm Test checks, not only for Heartworm, but also for Lyme disease, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia (the three of which are tick-borne diseases).  A Heartworm Test requires our Veterinarians to draw a small amount of blood from your pet, and is completed that day in our office.

Cats

Distemper Vaccine

Cats also receive the distemper vaccine.  The vaccine protects against the Panleukopenia Virus (also known as Feline Distemper), CaliciVirus and Rhinotracheitis.  Just like in dogs, the first vaccine requires a booster in one month, then it is given yearly*.

Rabies Vaccine

The Rabies Vaccine is required for all cats in New York State regardless of whether or not they go outside. The first vaccine given is good for one year, then it is required every three years.

FELV (Feline Leukemia Virus) Vaccine

The FELV Vaccine is recommended for cats who are routinely outdoors and may be exposed to cats who carry the Feline Leukemia Virus.  The vaccine itself is not without risk, which is why it is not given unless needed. If needed, we offer a combination vaccine with the Distemper Vaccine, to reduce the number of injections your cat receives.

*Vaccine schedules stated are basic guidelines.  Your pet’s vaccine schedule may differ based on health, age, allergies, etc.

The Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays! Every year staff from the Boght and Oakwood Veterinary Clinics get together for fun, food, and fireworks.  And you’d think a party of Veterinarians and clinic staff would mean lots and lots of pets… right? Well, not so much. While we would all love to be able to bring our pets to all the parties, we are also aware that holidays like the 4th of July pose significant safety hazards to our furry best friends. Here are some ways you can keep your pet safe this 4th of July.

First and foremost, leave your pet at home for parties.  Crowded and unfamiliar places can cause panic. If your pet loves people and parties check with your hosts if there is a safe place, inside, for your pet to go if they are getting overwhelmed,  or before the fireworks begin. Please do not plan to put your pet in the car for fireworks. If it is hot, there is an obvious risk for heat stroke. However, even if it is a cool enough evening the stress of being so close to such loud noises and bright lights can cause your pets to become agitated and hurt themselves.

During fireworks the best place for your pet to be is inside.  You want them to feel safe and comfortable. If your dog is crate trained that is an excellent option.  If they are not crate trained you may want to consider closing them into a bedroom or other place where they are comfortable and away from exterior doors.  You can play calming music to muffle the noise of the fireworks, and give them a special toy or treat to distract them.

Any summer gathering can have dangers for our furry friends. If you are having a backyard barbeque keep an eye on your pet and the table scraps.  Corn on the cob, and chicken bones, both very popular summer cook-out foods, can cause intestinal blockage. Make sure you have garbage cans readily available for your guests to place their scraps.  Also, be sure that you communicate with your guests to not feed your pets from the picnic table. The high fat content and grease in our food can cause quite the upset stomachs in our pets. Pets should absolutely not be given alcohol!  Read more about why, and other foods that are poisonous to pets HERE.

We hope that all of our patients have a safe and happy holiday!

May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month.  And, while this observance is technically for humans, our four-legged friends can suffer from seasonal allergies and asthma as well. As we head into the time of excessive pollen it is important to know the signs of seasonal allergy suffering in your pets, and what you can do about it.

So, what can you do if your pet is struggling with allergies this spring? First, you can try to limit time outdoors, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when pollen counts are the highest. Try to keep your pet away from places where pollen likes to collect.  These common trouble areas include the deck, and patio chair cushions. If your pet loves to lay outside you can hose off a section of the deck or patio for them to lay on. Even if they don’t have allergies, but you do, this is a great step to take. Another easy way to stop pollen from coming into the home is to wipe your pet with a damp towel whenever they come in from outside. Doing this for all pets, not just those with allergies, will be immensely helpful. Make sure that you are washing your pet’s bedding regularly.  If you have large dog beds that can’t easily be washed, put a blanket or towel down over the bed. Then you can wash those as needed. If your pet likes to play with soft toys they should also be washed frequently. It is also a good idea at this time of year to vacuum or mop weekly.

If your pet continues suffer from allergies there are also medications that can be prescribed by a Veterinarian.  Just like in humans, allergies in pets cannot be cured, only managed.