Yes, we live in the north and have very cold and snowy winters. Intuitively one would think that this would help kill many parasites. Believe it or not we do actually see lots of pets with intestinal parasites in Massachusetts. Even pets that spend all or much of their time indoors or a fenced yard are not immune. Pretty much every day we see fecal test reports come back from the lab with positive results. Read more: https://dedhamvetassociates.com/blog/the-importance-of-parasite-testing
Happy first day of fall! As summer comes to a close, what are you and your pets looking forward to?
☕️Pumpkin spice everything?
🎃Pumpkin carving?
👻 Halloween?
New England has been on it’s typical roller-coaster of weather. We have had days colder or warmer than typical every season and it can be hard to guess what season to dress for. All of these factors add up to changes in the usual mix of pests, parasites, pollens and molds. Read more: https://dedhamvetassociates.com/blog/why-is-my-dog-itchy-this-fall
Happy National Dog Week! We love celebrating our canine friends every week and we’re sure you are too! Share a photo here of your pup!
Now that the weather is getting cooler, fleas are on the hunt for warm bodies and a way to get inside to survive the winter. Late fall and early winter is commonly the peak of new flea infestations. Read more: https://dedhamvetassociates.com/blog/the-secret-lives-of-fleas
September is National Pet Health Insurance Month and we are taking one day each week to spread awareness about the importance of pet insurance.
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Tip #3: Give yourself peace of mind for the unexpected. Even with every precaution, our pets can get injured or fall ill unexpectedly. With pet insurance, an unexpected emergency room or surgery bill can be much easier to manage and will allow your pet to get the care they need to get better faster.
This week is National Vet Tech Week and we are so excited to spend the week celebrating our team! 👏 You probably know all of our techs, but do you know how much skill and knowledge each one contributes to your pet’s health?
Dedham Veterinary Associates is excited to welcome Dr. Susan Tinkham to our team. She brings with her years of experience with challenging internal medicine cases and great skills in surgery and dentistry. Penelope and Otis were so happy to meet her. Learn more about her: https://dedhamvetassociates.com/dr-susan-tinkham
Taking our dogs on a walk is something we do every day, but do you know all the ways is benefits not only your pet, but you as well? Different dogs have unique exercise needs, but in general, walking your dog at least 30 minutes per day can do wonders for their health, help with behavior issues, and most importantly will be a fun activity for both of you to bond over! Check out this graphic to learn more!
We love dogs of all shapes, colors, and sizes here, but did you know that black and dark coated dogs are generally less likely to be adopted than dog with different fur colors? Today is National Black Dog Day and it’s another day we think should be celebrated every day! Have a dark coated pup in your family? Share a photo with us!
Did you know that vaccinating your pet for rabies helps save the lives of both pets and humans? Today is World Rabies Day and we’re doing our part to spread awareness of this very preventable disease. Take a moment and check out this article on how you can do your part as a pet owner to control the spread of rabies and keep your pets safe!
AVMA.ORG
Rabies and Your Pet
You may have caught a news story that the population of rats is on the rise in residential and suburban areas in Massachusetts. Read more: https://dedhamvetassociates.com/blog/increases-in-the-rat-population-may-be-harmful-to-dogs
Veterinary technicians are amazing. Each day they arrive to work, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. They have devoted their lives to helping our pets. Thank you veterinary technicians everywhere. Meet our team: https://dedhamvetassociates.com/team
Last week, we celebrated pugs and today, we’re celebrating pitties on National Pit Bull Awareness Day. These pups can get a bad rap and are often misunderstood, but we know the truth about their sweet, lovable, and happy go lucky nature. These pups have so much love to give and we feel so fortunate any time we get to experience it here in our office! Share a photo with us of your pibble and help us end the stigma for these amazing creatures.
Halloween is next week and while it may look different than we’re used to, there can still be lots of pet hazards to be aware of. Check out the tips below for some ways you can keep your pets safe as Halloween approaches!
Today is National Pug Day and we’re taking a moment to acknowledge the joy these little guys bring to so many lives! If you have or know a pug, you know how sweet, silly, and snuggly these pups are. Share your favorite pug photo or pug story with us in the comments!
Did you know that an estimated 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the United States are overweight? Today is all about bringing awareness to healthy weights for our pets!
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With so many options for food and often differing opinions on nutrition, we know it can sometimes be hard to know what’s best for your best friend. Does your pet need to lose a few pounds? Don’t worry, our team is here to help you come up with a plan that works for everyone. Know that it’s never too late to get started and even a modest reduction in weight can add years to your pet’s life by significantly reducing their risk of life threatening diseases.
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Check out the article below for more information:
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/your-pets-healthy-weight
Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this Thanksgiving: https://dedhamvetassociates.com/blog/be-aware-of-these-potential-holiday-pet-hazards
November is National Pet Diabetes Month and we have been taking some time each week to spread awareness and information about the condition.
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This week, we are wrapping up our awareness series by talking about the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of diabetes, your veterinarian will perform a blood test. Those results combined with the symptoms a pet is showing will allow for a diagnosis. Treatment for diabetes in pets generally consists of insulin injections, proper diet, and daily exercise, but every pet is different, so your veterinarian will provide your pet with the best course of treatment for them. With proper management, pets diagnosed with diabetes can live long and healthy lives!
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Your veterinarian is your best resource for questions related to your pet’s specific health and needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns!
November is National Pet Diabetes Month and we have been taking some time each week to spread awareness and information about the condition.
This week, we’ll start by talking about what signs and symptoms pet owners can be on the lookout for if they are concerned about a potential diabetes diagnosis. Every pet is different, but diabetes in pets can cause symptoms including: excessive drinking & urination, weight loss, decreased or increased appetite, cloudy eyes, and recurring infections. If your pet is showing these symptoms, be sure to check in with your veterinarian for the best course of action. In part 3 of this series coming next week, we’ll discuss diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in pets, so stay tuned.
It’s National Take a Hike Day and during the pandemic, hiking and walking has certainly been a favorite activity among a lot of people we know! If you're getting out and enjoying the great outdoors with your pet, share a photo with us in the comments!
At Dedham Veterinary Assoicates we are wishing all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Please order any food or medications ahead and be aware that we will close at 1pm on Wednesday, November 25th and then we will be closed on Thursday, November 26th for Thanksgiving. Regular hours resume at 9am on Friday, November 27th. Visit our online pharmacy to have food and medications shipped to your door: https://dedhamva.vetsfirstchoice.com/
November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month and we’re doing our part to spread knowledge to help pets live long and healthy lives! Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in both dogs and cats in the United States. While in many cases, cancer is difficult to prevent, there are some things every pet owner can do to reduce the risk. Regular preventative care with your veterinarian is the best way to ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.
Did you know that Golden Retrievers are the third most popular breed in the United States, according to the AKC? We’re not surprised! With their hearts of gold, this adorable breed is known for being devoted, active, intelligent, loving, and the perfect family dog. If you’re looking for a best friend who will go from hiking buddy right to snuggle buddy, then this breed is for you! Have a golden at home? Share a photo below and tell us your favorite part of having a golden!
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Cody loves to catch snowballs! Do your dogs enjoy playing in the snow?
Celebrating Groundhog Day and hoping Spring is on its way!
Due to inclement weather, Dedham Veterinary Associates will be closing at 3pm on Monday, February 1st 2021. We plan to reopen Tuesday, February 2nd at 9am. If you have an appointment and have not yet heard from us please call the office ASAP (781-326-2800). Any questions can be emailed to info@dedhamvetassociates.com. All voicemails and emails will be returned as soon as possible.
In case of emergency the following facilities are open 24/7 regardless of weather:
Veterinary Emergency Group (Urgent Care): 617-712-0576 - 165 Needham St, Newton
Blue Pearl (ER): 781-684-8387 - 180 Bear Hill Road, Waltham
Tufts (ER): 508-668-5454 - 525 South St, Walpole
Angell (ER): 617-522-7282 - 350 S Huntington Ave, Boston
Did you know that colder weather can cause some pet medical conditions, such arthritis, to flare up and cause more discomfort? If your pet is overdue for their annual exam, now is a great time to book and make sure your best friend is as healthy and comfortable as possible heading into the winter!
Did you know that your pet’s dental health is one of the most important aspects of their overall health? if left untreated, gum disease can negatively impact your pet's quality of life, causing pain, tooth loss, and in severe cases, impacting organ function and even your pet's life span. The good news is that all of these things are preventable with regular dental cleanings and at-home tooth care!
We know that not only finding the time for home care can sometimes be difficult, but our furry best friends also don’t always cooperate. Check out this great video for some awesome and realistic home dental care tips, including some steps you can take to get your pet comfortable with (and maybe even looking forward to!) daily tooth brushing.
YOUTUBE.COM
The Tooth Matters: At Home Dental Care for your Pet
