Ring In Your Best New Year!

The New Year brings a fresh start, one that we can use to reflect upon our lives and accomplishments. It also give us an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning that allows us to focus on the future and re-direct our lives in a way that will bring us re-newed or continued happiness. 

At each year-end, my staff and I re-cap the past year and plan for the coming year. This allows us an opportunity to celebrate what we did well, recognize hard work and commend individual successes, and to set goals for the upcoming year. It is often an exhilirating process, especially when we focus on the many lives we touch and heal every day. 

Beginning each new year with solid direction and desired outcomes in mind, sets us up for great success. It is important to set goals with detail and a clear picture of the end result. Many things can and will happen along the way but regardless of how we get there, we learn a great deal from the journey. The important thing is to set the goals. By doing so, we focus our energy and determination on those and can live our best life!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Merry Christmas and A Blessed Holiday Season

Christmas and the holiday season bring us much joy and hope. It is the season when we think of others, buy presents, wish everyone the joy of Christmas and the holidays, spend time with family and friends and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. 

Personally, I am so blessed to have a loving family and great friends in my life. I am equally blessed to have a chosen profession that continues to give me much joy with an amazing staff that makes my professional life so rewarding. I am further blessed to have wonderful clients, who demonstrate each and every day, the love and commitment that they have for their “best friends”. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our pets. I want to warmly thank you for allowing us to serve the needs of you and your pets and for being a part of our family.

We wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, a Blessed Holiday Season and a Happy Health Filled New Year.

Examinations Are Important

If you have a pet, chances are you have had him or her to a veterinarian. You may be a pet owner who takes their pet to the vet at least once a year, or you may only visit when your pet is sick. It's a personal choice, one that is measured against need, finances, and time constraints. Some pets need to see their veterinarian because they are sick. But what about seeing your vet in order to keep your pet well?

Veterinary medicine has changed over the years. Just like your own healthcare, pet care has improved a great deal. More people than ever before treat their pets just like children or family members. Our pets are worth that level of care and affection. However, sometimes pet owners do not realize just how important an annual or bi-annual comprehensive physical examination is to the overall health and well-being of their pets. Because your pet ages five to seven human years, it is important to visit your veterinarian each year.

The actual physical examination is one of the most comprehensive diagnostic tools that your veterinarian uses to detect health or disease in your pet. The exam begins with a thorough history of your pet which includes a discussion about changes in eating, sleeping, voiding, and behavior patterns. Daily lifestyle, living environment, and age are also considered.

The "hands on" part of the physical exam starts with checking weight, temperature, pulse, and respiration. Weight is an important consideration in your pet’s health because even an extra two pounds could mean the difference between your pet being fit and healthy or obese. Next, the eyes, ears and mouth are examined. Eye examinations can reveal health issues such as anemia, infections, glaucoma, cataracts, high blood pressure, jaundice, kidney problems and even allergies. Your pet’s gums, teeth, tongue and palate can reveal tartar buildup, dental abnormalities, fractures, loose teeth, tumors, and infection.

After checking their head and neck area, your pet's heart and lungs are listened to with a stethoscope. This can detect early signs of heart or respiratory disease. And finally, the external reproductive organs, skin, and abdomen are examined. Abnormalities, including enlarged organs, masses or painful areas can reveal problems with the stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver and other organs. Because the skin is the largest organ, it is a good indicator of your pet's overall health. The skin is checked for fleas, ticks, other external parasites, tumors and wounds, and signs of allergies or infection.

Vaccinations, internal and external parasite control, stool and blood analysis, and other diagnostic tests are all important. But good health begins with the examination. Because your pet cannot vocalize his or her feelings, you must rely on annual or bi-annual physical examinations by your veterinarian and your at-home observations to assess your pet’s health. Regular examinations will help your pet live a longer, happier and healthier life!

Make Pet Care A Breeze

The holidays are approaching and we should be happy and focused on the reason for the season. Instead, many of us are worrying about what to buy, who did I forget, and can I afford this. Despite the best plans, sometimes we are faced with unplanned costs. Not that any time is a good time but this is not the time of year you want your pet to get sick or need to see the vet!

My staff and I understand that this time of the year is difficult for many of us. To help with unplanned care or treatment plans that have been put off, we offer Care Credit. Care Credit allows you an opportunity to get your pet treated and pay for the costs over time. You can use this revolving credit line for illness or wellness visits. And as long as it is paid on time, there are no fees or interest!

Just to give you an example, we had a client just yesterday who had a pet that needed unexpected surgery. The estimate for the surgery was $748.00. She applied for Care Credit, was approved (which is easier than you think) and was set up for her six-month, no interest payment plan. What that means is that she will pay less than $125 per month over the next 6 months. And her first payment isn't due for another several weeks. Her pet will have surgery this week and she won't have to come up with $748 all at once. No fees, no interest.

If you would like more information, visit carecredit.com or call our office. Approval takes about 15 seconds and you can use the credit over and over - kind of like a revolving credit line. It's a win-win situation, especially at this time of year!