National Pet Preparedness Month: Hurricane Season

Are you prepared for your pet’s care in the event of an emergency? A pet emergency preparedness kit should include food, water, leash and collar, bowls, pet ID, medications, immunization records, pet carrier, first aid kit, and a contact list for all pet emergency contacts. Our clinic is located on higher ground than our neighbors and we DO accept pets in the event of an evacuation! 

Rocky the Squirrel Update

Remember Rocky the Squirrel? Rocky the baby squirrel was found by one of our pet parents, seemingly abandoned by his squirrel family. When Rocky turned the ripe old age of 3 months, he was released outside to a tree where he could still have access to Dr. Luna, his “mommy”. Immediately he started foraging for food but he would always return to “mommy” for whatever treats she is willing to give. Over time, this gets to be less and less, but even now, while he has adopted a squirrel family in the area, he still stops by “mommy” just to say hi”. Rocky is happy and enjoying life in the wild. He has found a home nearby familiar people, and is getting along with his new squirrel friends. He forages for his own food, although special treats are occasionally placed out for him.

Antifreeze

As the weather gets colder, pets may seek shelter in garages or sheds while they’re outside. It’s important to make sure that all dangerous chemicals are stored out of your pet’s reach. Antifreeze especially poses a dangerous threat to pets. If you suspect that your pet has consumed antifreeze, please contact us immediately.

Top 10 Safety Tips for Pet Parents

Attention, animal lovers, it's almost the spookiest night of the year! The ASPCA recommends taking some common sense precautions this Halloween to keep you and your pet saying "trick or treat!" all the way to November 1.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause problems. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but they can produce stomach upset in pets who nibble on them.

3. Wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations should be kept out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume may cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also, be sure to try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturale or donning a festive bandana.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/halloween-safety-tips.aspx

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

As June’s National Pet Preparedness Month nears, ensure pets are included in emergency evacuation plans and safety procedures. With owners caring for pets as true family members, the majority of owners stated they would take their pets with them in the event of a disaster including 76 percent of dog owners and 67 percent of cat owners, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2011 / 2012 National Pet Owners Survey. The following are helpful preparation tips and products manufactured by APPA members to keep in mind for the whole family should disaster strike.

Stock Food & Water
Ensure pets have a vast supply of food and water to last for at least three days if needed. Non-perishable canned or freeze-dried foods are great to pack up and easy for storing at room temperature. Visit http://stewartpet.com/our-products/freeze-dried-food/ for a selection of easy-to-store freeze-dried foods by Stewart^®.

Provide Fido with Float Gear
In the case of a hurricane or flood, ensure pets remain safe, afloat and visible at all times. Click Fido into a floatation vest and check out http://www.kurgostore.com/products/Surf%252dn%252dTurf-.html for dog life vests, coats and more.

Pack First Aid Essentials
Prepare for any situation with essential first aid items for pets including bandages, antiseptics, and other proper tools. Should a pet need minor wound treatment or stabilizing, be ready to go with a packed first aid kit. Visit www.PawFlex.comfor disposable, tough and fur-friendly bandages.

Ensure Pets are Identifiable
Should a pet get lost in a crowd or separated during the hustle and bustle of an evacuation, ALWAYS ensure pets are easily identifiable and able to be tracked down no matter where you end up. Double check pets are secure with identification tags and all emergency contact information is up-to-date including alternate contact information in case you are forced to evacuate your house. Visit www.PetHub.com for tags with GPS and scanning capabilities.

National Pet Preparedness Month, created by the American Humane Association and Red Star AnimalEmergency Services™, is designed to encourage pet owners to prepare for disasters including pet first aid kits and safety tips. Visit http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/emergency-services/pet-preparedness-month.htmlfor more information. 

May Pet of the Month: ASA GREY

Hi, guys! I'm Asa Grey! I'm a big girl Boxer puppy, almost 5 months old, and I'm growing up so fast!

I have bigger feet than some of my grown up buddies! I love to share picture everyday and would be happy if you'd stop on by to see my own BLOG at http://iamasagrey.tumblr.com.

Thanks and you all stay cool!

Donation Box for AAHA Foundation

We encourage donations to be made to at our clinic for the American Animal Hospital Association Foundation. This is if someone wants to help pets who need care and services that they cannot get otherwise. The AAHA Foundation seeks to improve the lives of pets. The AAHA Helping Pets Fund works with AAHA-Accredited veterinary practices to identify pets in need.

March is Expanding Girl's Horizons in Science and Engineering Month

March is Expanding Girl's Horizons in Science and Engineering Month! The mission is to encourage young women to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Brandt Veterinary Clinic is proud to offer free tours for schools and scouts of any age group! These hands-on activities for middle and high school girls helps to motivate girls to become innovative and creative thinkers ready to meet 21st Century challenges.

 

 

Tomorrow is 'If Pets Had Thumbs Day'

Dental Health Month Special at Brandt Veterinary Clinic!

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 $15 off any dental performed in February. Mention you saw this ad on our BLOG when you schedule. Call us at 941-485-1555 to schedule your pet's dental appointment today and take advantage of this amazing discount! When is the last time you brushed your pet's teeth?

 

November is National Senior Pet Month

November is Senior Pet Month. Do you have an older cat or dog sharing your home? If so, you know the joys of pets who might have less spunk but more soul. Here are five reasons to love a senior pet.

1. Distinguished look
You know how as we age, we are said to look distinguished? The same is true for our pets. I think senior cats project an air of peaceful dignity. And who can resist the precious gray muzzle of an older dog?
2. Laid-back lifestyle
For kittens and puppies, most any time is play time. Older pets, however, don’t need to release all that youthful energy. They are quieter and often content to just watch what’s going on in the living room or outside the window. Cuddling next to you takes precedence over most anything else.
3. Fewer demands
Older pets still need love and attention, but they don’t require babysitting like a frisky puppy or curious kitten. Some older pets have special medical needs, but after all they’ve given us through the years, it’s an honor to take care of them in return.
4. Wisdom of the ages
When I look into the eyes of a senior dog, I see a world of experience and wisdom. Older pets know what to expect, and are generally reliable and even. They require little training since they already know the rules.
5. They might be just like you!
As we get older, our needs and routines change. We might prefer quiet evenings at home rather than going out on the weekends. We still like to exercise, walk, or even run—but sometimes we go at a different pace. We might even nap in our chair occasionally. If you have a senior dog, you might find that he’s just like you!

Pet of the Month-COCOA

Cocoa is our Pet of the Month! Cocoa is a twelve year old Himalayan and also goe...s by the nickname "Slowbo". He has struggled with health issues in the past and is feeling great now! He eats only a special hypoallergenic diet, and wishes to thank the doctors for getting him on the right treatment. We are proud to honor Cocoa as our Pet of the Month this October. 

Brandt Veterinary Clinic is proud to have four team members working diligently to become Credentialed Veterinary Technicians. Margaret Kennedy, Amanda Fornaro, Shannon Andrews, Danielle Bennett, and Tami Longstreet are all working hard on the completion of their certification, to better provide your pets with the very best in veterinary medical care.

Kitten VS. Apples

Pet of the Month

We are proud to announce that Shakey is our Pet of the Month! He is a 14 year old Yorkshire Terrier and has served as a Therapy Dog for the past 7 years. He is helping his owner battle cancer and is also a regular visitor of the clinic with lots of friends and family.

Meet Harbor - The new dog with the longest ears in the world

A Black and Tan Coonhound named 'Harbor', aged 8, from Boulder, Colorado, USA, has earned a spot in the upcoming Guinness World Records 2012 Edition for having the Longest Ears on a Living Dog.



Owned by Jennifer Wert, Harbor's left and right ears measure 12.25 inches and 13.5 inches respectively.

As a puppy Harbor would struggle with his colossal ears; frequently causing him to trip over them and roll down stairs.

Now at the age of 8 the purebred has grown into his ears (only occasionally tripping over!), the only trouble being caused by the attention he receives from members of the public.

Jennifer explains: "Cars will literally stop in the street to take a closer look and get a picture. Often strangers will tug his ears which he really doesn't enjoy!"

Contrary to popular belief, this particular breed's long ears are for smelling and not enhanced hearing. When moving around Harbor's ears will fall into a rhythm that helps sweep scents into his nose.

Jennifer goes on to say: "Most days I forget how oddly long his ears are. He's a phenomenon in the world and he creates smiles wherever we go."

Harbor takes the new title from Tigger (13.5 inch ears), a bloodhound from Illinois, who sadly passed away of old age two year ago.

Harbor's ear-span is greater than the height of the world's shortest man - Junrey Balawing (PHL) is 23.5 in!
Harbor's ear-span is wider than the smallest road-legal car - Perry Watkin's 'Wind Up' (UK) is 26 inches wide!

You could fit the world's shortest dog (Brandy (US), 6in long) comfortably on each of Harbor's ear twice!

For more amazing record breaking animals plus the latest records in science, nature, sport, entertainment and everything else, check out the upcoming Guinness World Records 2012 Edition on the 15th of September.

Pet of the Month-Zack Konzelman

Zack Konzelman is our August Pet of the Month! Nine year old Zack is a rescued G...erman Shepard who was one of the fortunate ones to be adopted shortly after Hurricane Charlie. He is a regular visitor to our Pet Resort and enjoys Playtime with toys and staff twice daily when he visits. He loves relaxing and loving on our staff, and thinks his bath before going home is truly a spa treatment. What really stands out in Zack for everyone who meets him, is his always undeniably quiet (as long as other dogs aren’t around), sweet and gentle nature. Zack is truly a pet who knows (in his father's words) "love and loyalty". 

BRANDT VETERINARY CLINIC NOW HAS THUNDERSHIRT'S!

Does your dog suffer from anxiety? This is a surprisingly common problem and includes issues like fear of thunder, fireworks, separation, travel, crating, problem barking and much more. Brandt Veterinary Clinic now offers Thundershirt's to help with your pet's anxiety issues, whatever they may be. Thundershirt’s gentle, constant presure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited. Based on surveys completed by over two thousand customers, over 80% of dogs show significant improvement in symptoms when using Thundershirt. Ask us about Thundershirt's at your next appointment.

 

Pet of the Month-Beacon

Beacon is a very vocal cat, extremely nosy and requires lots of attention.  She just celebrated her Golden 21st Birthday this past May which is particularly remarkable since she lost 1/3 the function of her kidneys in 2002 and went into kidney failure.  Her pet parents give her fluids 2'xs a week, which they call her spa treatments.  Since she climbed screaming on top of her siblings at the humane society – which landed her a home – she has extremely spoiled, has a catitude, thinks she is a princess in a fur coat and that her mom and dad are her loyal staff.  Since she was a kitten, she has had her own basket with a handle and a blanket that she sleeps and travels everywhere in.  She even has a real pearl necklace with a bell and fish charm.  Congratulations Beacon & her family – our Pet of the Month

Pets in Cars

It's the first day of Summer! It’s fun to take your pet in the car when you’re running errands, but in the summer heat, the car can become a potential death trap. Inside temperatures can quickly climb to more than 120 degrees on even a mild sunny day. Never leave your pet unattended inside the car during the summer months. Be sure to bring your pet plenty of water to keep them cool as the season heats up!