Blog Posts

Guest Post: Welcoming a New Pet into Your Home

9/13/2018

Photo Courtesy of Unsplash

It’s an exciting moment when you decide to welcome a new pet into your home. In no time, you won’t be able to imagine life without them.

But before you can bring anyone home, there are several steps you need take first.

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Recognizing Heat Stroke in Dogs

6/28/2018

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Summer is in full swing, with a steady stream of 90+ degree days in the forecast all around Pittsburgh. As the temperatures rise, keep a close eye on your dog - heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke and put your best friend's life at risk!

The best defense against overheating is an educated pet owner, so we're here to teach you the signs to look for and first aid steps to take in a heat emergency (on your way to the vet).

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Guest Post: Is Your Dog a Bad Neighbor?

2/28/2018

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Image Credit: Unsplash

You keep your lawn manicured, faithfully observe quiet hours, and never leave the trash can at the curb longer than necessary. But is your dog thwarting your attempts at being a great neighbor? Whether you realize it or not, your dog’s behavior could be souring your neighbors’ opinions of your household. As both a pet owner and homeowner, it’s up to you to ensure your dog stays in everyone’s good graces!

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Can I Give My Dog the Flu?!

1/22/2018

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It's all over the media: this year's flu season is BAD. People all across the country are fighting off influenza - and those with dogs might be wondering:

"Can I give my dog the flu?"

It's important to know that Canine Influenza (a.k.a. the "Dog Flu") is a real thing.

However, it's different from the pandemic that has all of America keeping their hand sanitizer within arm's reach.

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Battling Internet Rumors: Swiffer WetJet

1/15/2018

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A false account of a "neighbor's 5-year-old German Shepherd put down due to liver failure...and soon after his housekeepers' two cats also died of liver failure" has resurfaced. The message declares that Swiffer WetJet cleaning solution poisoned all the animals in the house just by using it to clean the kitchen floor.

Know that THIS IS FALSE INFORMATION that has been circulating since May 2004, and it has been brought back to life via social media (there are already 19,000 comments on the post in the image taken just 10 days ago).

We encourage everyone to read this article originally published by Snopes in May 2004. It contains important information, including a statement from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxicologists (direct link to press release is in the article) that explain thoroughly why this is nothing but a myth.

The Internet is a great way to share information, but if something alarms you, investigate it further. Things like this that don't cite sources or appear to come from legitimate experts are all too often created just to incite fear and cause harm to big companies without cause.

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Never Forget to Renew Your Dog License Again!

1/2/2018

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It's January, and dog license renewals are due. With all the holiday hustle bustle, it's easy to forget to write and mail that check, isn't it? What if we told you there's a way to never have to remember to renew your dog's license again?

Pennsylvania State Law requires all dogs over 12 weeks of age to be licensed (they do routine door-to-door visits to check compliance, too - violators are fined $300 per unlicensed dog). A standard license is renewed annually, and is valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. However, microchipped dogs are eligible for a Lifetime Dog License - pay once, and never worry about it again!

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Don't serve Pancreatitis for Thanksgiving Dinner!

11/6/2017

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Image Source: Canna-Pet

Thanksgiving is a time of joy; families gather together and feast on turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, and pie...YUM!

No matter how hard it is, don't give in to those sad puppy eyes at the edge of the table. The day after Thanksgiving is often known in the veterinary world as "Pancreatitis Friday" - a day full of dogs that can't stop vomiting, and come in hunched over with extremely painful abdomens!

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Martingale Collars - not just for Greyhounds!

9/14/2017

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Image Credit: Lupine Pet

Call them what you will: escape artists, "Houdini hounds," wiggle worms...some dogs are masters of slipping their collars. Too many people resort to choke or prong collars, not realizing the potential for injury.

There is a better solution to safely keep your pup on the end of your leash - the martingale collar!

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Vaccine Reactions: When to Worry

8/23/2017

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Vaccine reactions are uncommon, but can be very serious, and in some cases, life-threatening. Know what's normal, and when to be concerned about your pet following a vaccination. Of course, if you're ever concerned about your pet's health, we encourage you to call us! Better to be safe than sorry. :)

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Today is "Check the Chip" Day!

8/15/2017

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Is your pet microchipped? Great! This permanent ID has proven time and time again to be an effective backup for lost collars and tags. But it doesn't stop at just having a microchip implanted!

The #1 reason for microchipped pets NOT reuniting with their owners is that the contact information in the database is incomplete or incorrect.

August 15 is "Check the Chip" Day, so take a few minutes to log in and make sure the info linked to your pet's microchip is up-to-date.

Not sure where to go? Visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org and enter your pet's microchip number to find out where the chip is registered. If you're having trouble finding your pet's microchip number, call us - we can help!