Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Did you know that your cat should be in to see us once a year all their life, and sometimes twice a year when they’re over seven years of age? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day—if your cat is due for a visit, call and schedule one today. Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

Over-the-Counter Medications & Pets

Pets are often curious creatures, wanting to check out things around the house. Because of this characteristic, it’s important to always store dangerous substances like medicine far from their reach. Pets have been known to accidentally ingest whole packages of pills and the results are often serious, sometimes fatal. Keep your pet’s safe at home by storing your medicine safely out of their reach.

Did you Know?

Did you know…dogs can smell 44 times better than humans! Can you even imagine how amazing a steak must smell to a dog?

Pets & Pools

Does your pet like to swim? Many pets enjoy the water and love to jump in the pool on hot summer days. Don’t forget that it’s just as important to supervise your pet while swimming as it is to supervise your children. Pets especially may accidentally swallow pool water while swimming, causing them to consume harmful and sometimes toxic chemicals. Instead of letting your pet swim in your family pool, consider getting them a kiddie pool filled with water for them!

Prevent your pet from starting fires

Extinguish open flames: Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

Remove stove knobs: Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house – a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

Invest in flameless candles: These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

Beware of water bowls on wooden decks: Do not leave a glass water bowl for your pet outside on a wooden deck. The sun's rays when filtered through the glass and water can actually heat up and ignite the wooden deck beneath it. Choose stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead.

Pet proof the home: Take a walk around your home and look for areas where pets might start fires inadvertently, such as loose wires and other potential hazards.

Keep your pets safe

Keep pets near entrances when away from home: When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

Secure young pets: Especially with young puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home, such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Practice escape routes with pets: Keep collars and leashes at the ready in case you have to evacuate quickly with your pet or firefighters need to rescue your pet.

Consider using monitored smoke detection services: As an added layer of protection beyond battery-operated smoke alarms, smoke detectors connected to a monitoring center help save pets who can't escape when left home alone.

Affix a pet alert window cling: Write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

Chiropractic Care

Dr. Lyndsey Klemens (Wife of Dr. Jeff Klemens) joined us recently to offer veterinary chiropractic care. She is one of the areas best-trained certified veterinary chiropractors. She trained in Wisconsin and continues to teach at the school on a regular basis. She works with both dogs and horses and other small animals. We are pleased to be able to offer another form of treatment to improve function and relieve pain in your pets.

New Products

In our industry products are being changed or newly introduced regularly. New Flea, Tick, Heartworm and intestinal products have come on the scene.

We will be promoting Vectra3D, which kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes for dog patients. We will carry Trifexis, which kills heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and fleas. Proheart6 is a 6 month injectable heartworm preventative option for dogs.

We will encourage the use of Revolution in cats due to the new evidence showing a greater number of cats, both indoor and outdoor, having disease from Heartworms. Cats and dogs should be on year-round prevention for internal and external parasites based on recommendations from the Heartworm Symposium and CAPC.

Because each pet is unique, ask about what the best prevention choices are for your pet and his or her unique situation.

Highlight on Dr. Jeff Klemens

Dr. Jeff Klemens has now been with the hospital for five years. He has been a great addition to our staff and is one of the best veterinarians in the area.

He is a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan, avid gamer and card player, movie buff and traveler. He loves to cook, sample cuisine from other cultures and will happily try anything once.

We are glad to honor Dr. Jeff Klemens this May for all the hard work and dedication he brings to Michigan City Animal Hospital. 

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

When you’re caring for your lawn this spring, be sure to read the fine print on your fertilizer package. Some of the most common lawn fertilizers can be toxic to your pets, causing a variety of symptoms if breathed in or ingested. Most fertilizers recommend keeping pets and children off the grass for at least 3 days after application, and sometimes longer. Before you apply fertilizer, read the instructions carefully, and follow all manufacturer recommendations. When possible, use pet-safe and child-safe fertilizers, because they’ve been formulated to keep your family safe from toxins.

Pets & Easter Lilies

Lilies are a popular Easter flower, but did you know that they can actually be toxic to your pet? Like the Christmas poinsettias, lilies can attract the attention of your pet, especially cats, and then have a toxic effect when ingested. Keep those Easter lilies far from your pet's reach this season, or look into artificial options. The art of artificial flowers have gotten so advanced that your guests won't be able to tell the difference...and your pet will be safe.

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

March is Poison Prevention Month

March is Poison Prevention Month! Did you know that some of the foods we eat every day can actually be toxic to our pets, such as avocado, macadamia nuts, and even grapes? We encourage you to invest in some delicious, pet-safe treats and avoid feeding any table scraps to your pet, in order to avoid accidental poisoning. Keep your pet safe and healthy this March!

 

Dr. Rex Bailey's Efforts Bring Miraculous Recovery to Poisoned Pet

To protect their own sanity, most medical professionals have been taught to maintain a certain emotional distance between themselves and their patients....Dr. Rex Bailey must have been absent on the day that class was taught.

The Noble and Lorrie McFadden family and their Shihtzu, Carmel, are glad.

McFaddedn's 16 year old son, Bryant Cobb came home to find that Carmel was having seizures, could not hold up her head and her back legs appeared to be paralyzed. Dr. Bailey was determined to help.

After five days of intensive treatment, it appeared that Carmel, who had been poisoned and suffered from the paralysis often associated with botulism, was still shaking and weak and there seemed to be little hope.

The decision was made to authorize Dr. Bailey to stop the dog's suffering. Bailey agreed with the family's decision...or so he thought at the time.

As the doctor was preparing to complete the fatal deed, Carmel held her head up for the first time in five days and despite the continuing paralysis of her back legs, she had begun to eat a bit.

With this new found hope, their efforts were renewed to save Carmel.

For three weeks, Carmel was the focus of various medications and ministrations, including physical therapy to help her regain the use of her back legs. Gradually, she improved and gained strength.

"If there is any miracle here, it comes from the staff, from everyone who worked with Carmel and encouraged her," Bailey says.

The McFadden's remained unaware of the heroic efforts being made on behalf of their dog. They though Carmel was already gone.

Bailey did not call the family because he did not want to risk building up hope again until a recovery seemed certain. When Bailey finally make the call, he found one happy family.

The McFadden's came to visit Carmel and they were thrilled with her improved condition. In just a few days, they were able to take their beloved pet home.

"It's was Valentine's Day when she came home," Lorrie McFaddden says. "What a Valentine's Day Present!"

Dr. Bailey did not charge the McFadden's for all that work.

Carmel improved everyday, and McFadden says her family is glad to give whatever help is needed to aid Carmel on her way to full recovery.

Dental Discount in February

Did you know that poor dental hygiene for your pet leads to illnesses throughout the body? We can help get your pet back on the road to good health in no time…with a professional dental examination. We are proud to offer $25 off dental cleanings in February! Call us to schedule your pet's dental appointment today! When is the last time you brushed your pet's teeth?

 

Valentines Day and Pets

Thinking about spoiling your favorite furry one this Valentine's Day? You're not alone. The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend $367 million on their pets for the holiday. What is the most extravagant gift you've given your pet on Valentine's Day?

Amazing Dog Trick

This courageous canine is able to perform amazing acrobatics. What is the most incredible trick your pet can do?

Cat Steals Dogs Bed