Well help has arrived! Neffsville Veterinary Clinic is proud to introduce client education focusing on oral care for your pet.

Regular oral care for your pet offers the same prevention as a visit to your own dentist. Teeth-cleaning removes hardened plaque (bacteria) and tartar that can become detrimental to the health of your furry companion.

Attendance at the Dentistry Seminar is a great opportunity to learn everything you need to know to keep your pet happy and health when it comes to oral care. The information presented will enable you to identify potential problems and guide you to proper home and veterinary care. We will also give you ‘behind the scenes’ information so that you will understand what is done during a dental procedure.

Call Neffsville Veterinary Clinic today at 717-569-5381 to enroll in our next Dentistry Seminar and learn how to keep your pet’s mouth healthy for life. All attendees will receive a $25.00 Discount Coupon for their pet’s next Dentistry Service.

2012 Dentistry Seminar Schedule

All Seminars are from 7pm to 8pm in our Activity Room
February 21
May 8
August 7
November 13

Neffsville Veterinary Clinic Treatment Area

“The Back” is called our Inpatient Treatment Unit. We have several tables equipped for anything from nail trims to minor surgeries. We have several cages for recovery patients and hospitalized patients. This is the heart of our hospital.

Our treatment area is a better place for procedures rather than the exam room for several reasons:

• We understand this is hard to believe, but pets are generally better behaved and easier to handle when their owners are not with them.

• The Inpatient Unit has better lighting, superior tables, additional staff and all of the necessary equipment to get your pet the care he or she needs.

• Procedures done in the exam room tend to take longer therefore your pets may become more stressed.

Please remember that your pet may not be the only one in the Inpatient Treatment Unit. Another staff member may be trying to restrain a very difficult cat, a doctor may be performing a minor surgery, or another client may be receiving tragic news, so please understand we do not invite clients into this area.

Each member of the Neffsville Veterinary Clinic staff is here because we love pets. We look forward to helping you keep your pet happy and healthy.

Well help has arrived! Neffsville Veterinary Clinic is proud to introduce client education focusing on oral care for your pet.

Regular oral care for your pet offers the same prevention as a visit to your own dentist. Teeth-cleaning removes hardened plaque (bacteria) and tartar that can become detrimental to the health of your furry companion.

Attendance at the Dentistry Seminar is a great opportunity to learn everything you need to know to keep your pet happy and health when it comes to oral care. The information presented will enable you to identify potential problems and guide you to proper home and veterinary care. We will also give you ‘behind the scenes’ information so that you will understand what is done during a dental procedure.

Call Neffsville Veterinary Clinic today at 717-569-5381 to enroll in our next Dentistry Seminar and learn how to keep your pet’s mouth healthy for life. All attendees will receive a $25.00 Discount Coupon for their pet’s next Dentistry Service.

2012 Dentistry Seminar Schedule

All Seminars are from 7pm to 8pm in our Activity Room
February 21
May 8
August 8
November 14

First, let’s identify the causes behind this decline.  During the same 5 year period dogs averaged 2.3 visits per year, and cats averaged 1.1 visits per year.  This is likely due to a misconception on the part of cat-owners that cats are “naturally healthier”, self-sufficient, and will display signs of illness like dogs do.  It is important to understand first that cats are masters of disguise when it comes to disease states.  From young to old, indoor to outdoor, cats are at risk for disease and many of the conditions, if caught early, can be treated.  A visit to the veterinarian should occur not just when vaccinations are needed; yearly to twice yearly visits are recommended depending on age.  A physical examination, temperature, and diagnostic testing are actually MORE important to your cat’s overall health than a vaccine.  The physical examination could prevent more expensive problems and more expensive treatment later on!

Another cause for the decline in veterinary visits is owner stress surrounding the visit.  Have you ever found yourself frustrated and wondering, “How am I going to get this cat in the carrier?”  Once in the carrier, you drive carefully hoping that your precious kitty won’t vomit.  Finally, you make it to the clinic, struggle with the front door, and find a seat on the couch next to a barking beagle.  As your precious kitty’s systems hit “red alert”, you finally are whisked into an exam room and are sure that what follows will be a wrestling match for the ages…Well, have no fear, at Neffsville Veterinary Clinic we are making some major changes to address the stressors associated with you and your cat’s visits. 

To reduce the “carrier-associated” stress, try these helpful tips:

• Several days before the visit place the carrier (assembled) in a favorite room of your home.  Add a blanket or clothing which smells like you, toss in a few treats, and place it in a sunbeam if possible.  If your kitty is particularly skittish consider a pheromone spray called Feliway (available at our clinic) for in the carrier.  In these ways your cat will become acclimated with the carrier prior to being transported in it.
• During transportation, place a towel over the carrier to reduce motion sickness.
• If you are worried about the front door call 717-569-5381 when you are in the parking lot and we’d be glad to get the door for you.

Some major changes are underway in the lobby as well.  When you enter the front door, to the right is the feline waiting area.  We hope this area will be a quiet area for your cat.  Additionally, cat perches are available to place the carrier on; a view from above is less stressful for cats than a view on floor level.  Hopefully, this new arrangement provides a calmer cat for everyone involved.  Don’t get too comfortable though, as our primary goal is to quickly get you and the cat into the exam room.

Once in the exam room our nurses have been trained in creating a feline-friendly visit.  Gone are the days of prying cats out of the carrier.  In its place is a gentler approach of opening the door and allowing the cat time to come out.  The top of most carriers can be removed and your cat can be examined within the bottom-half.  Temperature readings will be left until the end of the examination since this can be the most stressful part of a complete physical exam. 

We hope that these changes result in better healthcare for our feline patients!

Why is Nail Dremeling so important for my pet?
Your pet needs to be able to rely on its feet for getting around throughout its life. Maintaining your pet’s nails is an essential part of being a responsible pet parent. Most grooming professionals agree that nail Dremeling is a much more comfortable method of grooming your pet’s nails than clipping because it grinds off the outer shell of the nail without the pressure caused by clipping that can pinch or hurt the delicate quick within. Although some dogs may be nervous about the sound or vibrations of the Dremel tool at first, it does not cause any pain or discomfort when done properly, Dremeling allows us to file the nails down gradually around the quick instead of simply cutting in front of it. The result is shorter nails with no more sharp edges and a more pleasant experience for your pet. Dremeling also helps the quick to recede, allowing the nail to be groomed shorter each time when the pet is brought in on a regular basis. That means no more clicking in the house and no more scratching people or floors! Plus, your pet will be able to walk comfortably on its feet. Depending on your pet’s activity level, dremeling is recommended every 4-8 weeks. However, if your pet’s nails are overgrown, you can have them done every 2 weeks in two to four sessions in order to help get them back into shape.

 This is one question we are frequently asked as groomers once the weather starts cooling down.  Whether its hair is long or short, your pet needs a well-groomed coat in order to keep it properly insulated.  Many pet parents of long-coated breeds prefer to keep their pets’ coat longer during the colder months in order to help their pets stay warm.  Longer coats need much more attention than short coats, and should be bathed regularly and brushed more frequently to keep it healthy, especially during the colder months when hair can become dry and brittle.  A premium quality oatmeal shampoo and conditioner will restore moisture to both the skin and coat.   It is also very important to have your pet’s nails and feet groomed consistently throughout the year, but even more so during the winter months.  The cold ground can be uncomfortable to walk on for some pets, especially if they are older.  Long, overgrown nails can be painful and excess hair on the pads of the feet can become matted and snared with chunks of ice.  Grooming is very beneficial all year round, but it plays a particularly vital role in your pet’s comfort during the coldest months of the year.

 I’m afraid my pet will get too cold if his hair is cut short during the winter.

While this seems to make sense, your pet’s ability to retain heat has much more to do with the thickness and quality of its coat rather than the length.  Maintaining your pet’s coat is just as important over the winter months as it is during the summer, and may be even more vital to his/her well-being.  This doesn’t mean you can’t leave your pet’s coat longer in the winter, but it is still important to have them brought in for a professional, spa quality bath and brush out, as well as a trim, on a regular basis.  If a dog’s coat is left unattended, it can lead to matting and tangles that will prevent proper air-flow to the skin and can lead to skin issues or other health problems.  Dense matting within the coat can act as a sponge, absorbing the moisture of snow or rain, and may not dry properly.  This dampness will make your pet even colder and take them even longer to warm up again once they do come back inside.  If you do leave your pet’s coat longer, make sure to brush it out more frequently, usually 2-5 times per week depending on the length and thickness.  Being bathed with a quality, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and then thoroughly blown dry will also help to keep the coat healthy and prevent matting.  It is very important to make sure that your pet is completely dry before going back outside.  If you are unable to maintain your pet’s coat, consider taking your pet to the groomer more frequently for just a bath and brushing.  If that is not a possibility, it is still considerably better for your pet to have its hair cut short, than to live with the discomfort of a coat full of matts.  If you are still concerned about your pet staying warm, there are many inexpensive jackets that can be purchased to help him stay cozy during the coldest weather. 

 I have a short-haired dog.  Do I need to bring him in for grooming during the winter?

 Even short-haired dogs can greatly benefit from regular year round grooming.  When the weather cools down and the air gets drier, so does your pet’s skin.  Dry skin can lead to a dull coat creating itching, scratching, and general discomfort.  This means your pet can shed even more than in the winter months.  An oatmeal bath will help restore moisture to your pet’s skin and a quality conditioner will help to seal it in allowing your pet’s skin and coat can retain that moisture.  Having a professional groomer give your dog a bath in the colder months will benefit your pet greatly in the fact that groomers will thoroughly clean your pet to remove dander thus revitalizing the skin and removing any loose coat hairs to protect against the elements. 

Authored Brianna Becker, Grooming Supervisor

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, ethylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!

Should you require medical care for your pet on January 1, 2012, please contact Pets Emergency Treatment Services (P.E.T.S.) at 717-295-7387. They are located at 930 North Queen Street in Lancaster and are open 24 hours on both days. For more information log to http://www.lancasterpetemergency.com

Should you require medical care for your pet on December 25th or 26th, please contact Pets Emergency Treatment Services (P.E.T.S.) at 717-295-7387. They are located at 930 North Queen Street in Lancaster and are open 24 hours on both days. For more information log to http://www.lancasterpetemergency.com