Animal Clinic at Thorndale's Annual Pet Photos with Santa

Our Pet Photos with Santa event is being held this Sunday, December 9th from 11am-2pm.  It will be in our office located at 431 Bondsville Road, Downingtown, PA 19335. 

Clocks for Seeing Photography will once again be taking our pictures.  For those of you familiar with our practice, this means you will get the opportunity to see Eric again!  We are asking for $10 donations in exchange for receiving 1 printed photo in a holiday card.  The pictures will also be available for download on Clocks for Seeing's website a week or so after the event.

100% of the proceeds will benefit Hurricane Sandy disaster relief for animals.  We will be donating to the Monmouth County New Jersey SPCA, who has been assisting pet owners who have been displaced and affected by the hurricane.  

Additionally, we will be accepting donated items for the Pet Pantry at the Monmouth County SPCA.  These items can be dropped off anytime at our hospital.  They are in need of the following donations:

• Plastic cat carriers
• Disposable litter pans
• Dry and wet cat food
• Cat litter
• Wet dog food
• Small bags of dry dog food (under 10 lb.)
• Dog treats

We will continue to accept donations through December 22nd.  

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Halloween Pet Costume Contest!

The Animal Clinic at Thorndale is doing a Halloween Pet Costume Contest!

The winners will receive a gift certificate and a prize!

Our staff will be voting on the following categories:

• Scariest
• Funniest
• Cutest
• Most Original
• Celebrity Look-a-Like
• Owner/Pet Look-a-Like
• Best Dressed
• Biggest Sports Fan
• Best Pals
• Best Costume - Dog
• Best Costume - Cat

To submit your pet in the contest, send us a photo of your pet in their Halloween costume, along with the pet's name, the owner's name and phone number to:

• E-mail: animalclinicatthorndale@verizon.net
• Fax: 610-873-1827
• Mail or Drop-Off: 431 Bondsville Road, Downingtown, PA 19335
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnimalClinicAtThorndale and send us a message!

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"Losing a Pet and the Grieving Process" - Free Lecture at Penn Vet

Wanted to pass along this information on a free lecture this weekend for those interested.  

Penn Vet Hosts Free Lecture, “Losing a Pet and the Grieving Process”

Grief Counselor Michele Pich slated to speak at Saturday, September 8 event

On Saturday, September 8 the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) will host a free, open-to-the-public lecture called “Losing a Pet and the Grieving Process” at Penn Vet in Philadelphia, PA.

Beginning at 10:00 AM, Michele Pich, Ryan Hospital’s grief counselor, will cover the benefits of the animal-human bond and how a break in that bond influences a person’s life.  She will talk about the stages of grief, what to expect when grieving the loss of a pet and the importance of having a support system in coping with that loss. Ms. Pich will also give suggestions for memorializing and honoring the ones we have lost.

Who: Penn Vet, dog and cat owners, interested members of the public.

What: Free lecture titled “Losing a Pet and the Grieving Process,” featuring Michele Pich of Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital.

Where: School of Veterinary Medicine, Hill Pavilion, located at 380 S. University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

When: Lecture beginning at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 8, 2012 and ending at 11:30 AM.

To register: Registration is required as seating is limited. This lecture is appropriate for all ages, but participants are asked to not bring their pets. To register, contact Michelle Brooks at mibrooks@vet.upenn.edu or 215.898.1480.

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Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian

Getting a cat into a carrier can be frustrating and time-consuming.  It can be stressful, on both the owner and the cat.  We feel bad for the owners who come into our office late and out of breath, with scratches on their arms.  We found a guide to help!  

http://catvets.com/uploads/PDF/2011FelineFriendlyClientHandout.pdf

One important point to take from this handout is to give your cat time to adjust to the carrier, using a lot of positive reinforcement in the form of treats or affection.  Also, stay calm - the more anxious you are, the more fearful the cat will be.  When choosing a carrier, quality does not have to equal expensive.  A hard-sided carrier that opens from the top is ideal.  

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Rabies in Chester County - Is Your Pet Protected?

Every few months, we get updated information about rabies cases in Pennsylvania.  The map of PA breaks down the cases for each county.  Of the 155 cases of rabies from January 1-May 31 of this year, Chester County had 8 cases.  That might not seem like a lot, however, Chester County had one of the highest numbers in the state.  The 8 cases include a bat, a skunk, a white-tailed deer, 4 raccoons, and last, but certainly not least, a cat.  Obviously, rabies exists in our area, which makes us wonder... Why are so many pets unprotected?

We understand that in our current economic conditions, money is tight, to say the least.  Did you know that our office will administer ONLY a rabies vaccine without a physical examination?  That means all you have to pay is $26 for the vaccine.  Without a rabies vaccine, you are exposing your pet to potential risks, even if they are indoor only, as pets can get out or wildlife can into your home.  If a pet has a possible exposure to rabies and is not vaccinated, euthanasia could be a potential outcome, or a minimum of a 6 month quarantine.  

Another consequence of an unprotected pet?  Fines.  It is Pennsylvania law for all dogs and cats with exposure to humans to be vaccinated against rabies. You could pay up to $300 for every day that your pet has not been vaccinated.  So if your pet is overdue for a rabies vaccine, you could be looking at a hefty fine.  

Like many things in the medical profession, prevention has a cost, but treatment is incredibly expensive.  Our goal is to prevent the financial strain and headache by helping your pet stay as protected as possible.  Feel free to give us a call with any questions, or to set up an appointment.

You can find additional information about rabies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/  

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Diamond Dog Food Recall

You may have heard that there are Diamond dog foods being recalled due to testing positive for salmonella.  Below is a link to an article explaining the recall.  It is important to check your supply if you are using these foods and watch out for the symptoms that the article addresses.  It is always a good idea to wash your hands after handling your pet's food to prevent the spread of infection, as it can be passed to humans.

Diamond Further Expands Dog Food Recall

Also, Diamond has set up a website for the recall, which can be found here:  http://diamondpetrecall.com/

If you have any questions, or feel your pet may be showing symptoms, feel free to contact us.


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First Aid Tips For Your Pets

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First Aid Supplies

Phone numbers and your pet's medical record (including medications and vaccination history) Veterinarian: Emergency veterinary clinic: Animal Poison Control Center: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)(there may be a fee for this call)	You need to know these numbers before you need them. If you do not know the number of the emergency clinic in your area, ask your veterinarian or go to the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Web site for a searchable list of emergency clinics by state.
Gauze	For wrapping wounds or muzzling the injured animal
Nonstick bandages, towels, or strips of clean cloth	To control bleeding or protect wounds
Adhesive tape for bandages *do NOT use human adhesive bandages (eg, Band-Aids®) on pets!	For securing the gauze wrap or bandage
Milk of magnesia Activated charcoal	To absorb poison. Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison.
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)	To induce vomiting. Always contact your veterinarian or local poison control center before inducing vomiting or treating an animal for poison
Digital Thermometer —you will need a "fever" thermometer because the temperature scale of regular thermometers doesn't go high enough for pets	To check your pet's temperature. Do not insert a thermometer in your pet's mouth—the temperature must be taken rectally.
Eye dropper (or large syringe without needle)	To give oral treatments or flush wounds
Muzzle (in an emergency a rope, necktie, soft cloth, nylon stocking, small towel may be used)	To cover your pet's head. If your pet is vomiting, do not muzzle it!
Leash	To transport your pet (if your pet is capable of walking without further injury)
Stretcher (in an emergency a door, board, blanket or floor mat may be used)	To stabilize the injured animal and prevent further injury during transport

Tips When Traveling
1. Be sure to pack a simple travel-size first aid kit for your pet, similar to the one you keep at home.

2. Be sure to have handy the phone numbers of your veterinarian, the national animal poison control hotline (888.426.4235) and a 24hr emergency hospital in the area you will be visiting.

3. Your pet should be wearing an ID tag that contains your home information and contact number in addition to a travel tag or collar with information on where you will be staying.

4. Perform a daily "health check" on your pet when away from home. Contact your veterinarian or a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.


More Resources
American Veterinary Medical Association

American Red Cross Read more...

It's National Frog Month

Red-Eyed Tree Frog- Creative Commons: Matt MacGillivray, 2011 

Never heard of it before?  Don't worry, neither had we! But to help you get started on the right foot this April here are three great links to check out.

6 Ways To Tell If You Are A Frog

How To Celebrate National Frog Month

Things You Can Do To Celebrate National Frog Month

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National Puppy Day

Photographer: neiljaxx

It's National Puppy Day today.  So got out, find your favorite pup and give it a big hug!

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The Animal Clinic at Thorndale Provides Answers To Common Questions

At the Animal Clinic at Thorndale we strongly believe that the more information our client's have available to them the better the care our patients receive. To that end we have put together a list of some the most commonly discussed topics between clients and our staff here at the Animal Clinic at Thorndale.  We hope you find the information to be educational and helpful in the day to day care of our furry friends.  Enjoy!

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Do you know what today is?

If you don't I'm sure your dog does.

IT'S NATIONAL DOG BISCUIT DAY!

Be sure to celebrate by offering your favorite pooch something tasty to eat today.  Just don't overdo it.  We wouldn't want them to get sick.

Photo Credit: pbump

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A Few Tips To Help You Brush Your Pet's Teeth

Struggling to brush your pet's teeth?  Don't worry!  The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) has produced a video with some simple tips you can use to make routine teeth brushings a reality for your cat or dog.

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February Is Dental Health Month!

Q: What's the most common disease to affect dogs and cats over the age of three?

A: DENTAL DISEASE

Photo Credit: lovingshiva

Dental plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease are inevitable parts of life for animals just like for people. Humans brush daily and visit their dentist on a regular basis to minimize and prevent dental disease. Sadly our pets don't always get such good treatment. When was the last time you brushed your pet’s teeth or even looked in their mouth?


To help celebrate Dental Health Month we are offering a FREE fluoridetreatment for every pet that comes in for a dental cleaning during the month of February.


Remember, now is as good a time as any to start daily tooth brushings with your pet or to schedule that professional cleaning you have been putting off.  Your pets are worth the little extra effort it may involve and they will thank you for your extra loving care.

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