We have known for years that the seven years dog age rule was wrong and that dogs race through their growth period and young adult years much faster than humans do. But a recent study from the University of California-San Diego that looked at cell aging in dogs, suggests this aging may be even faster than suspected. Using a new methylation-based formula as a kind of epigenetic clock they compared aging in dog and human cells. This study suggests a 1 year-old dog is similar to a 30 year old person and a 4 year-old dog is about a 50 year-old human. But by age 7 however, a dog's aging slows dramatically compared to people. This study shows the importance of maintaining and monitoring your dog's health as they age, because they have a much longer 'geriatric' period than humans do. Ask us how we can help keep your older dog fit and healthy throughout their senior years.
They are like kids, they want most what their siblings have.
While cats that are strictly indoors don't often get fleas, they can, especially as fall approaches and cooler temperature drive fleas to seek warm spaces. Also house cats can be exposed through other pets in the home who venture out. Using a flea control regularly throughout the entire season (roughly tax time through the New Year around here) may not be necessary, but regular vigilant monitoring of your cats especially after Labor day is very important. Every cat owner should have a high quality flea comb like pictured below and comb their cats especially around the neck and over the back and rump, favorite locations for fleas, at least once or twice a month. If you find any flea dirt or fleas it is time to act before your pet and your home become infested. We can provide you with the flea control choices and supplies you need to keep your house cat free of uninvited guests.
Another very effective cat trap, after empty boxes and clean, warm laundry.
The current pandemic has resulted in a surge of people starting out with a new puppy or kitten. People are home, and have more of the time it takes to raise one of these little cuties. But, just make sure to think that step through before you leap in. That new pet will be a family member long after this crisis has passed and your life hopefully returns to its pre-pandemic state. That new puppy or kitten will need vaccinations, worming, spaying or neutering and other care in the first six months or so of its life. We can guide you through all that is necessary to keep your new family member healthy and off to a good start.
We would greatly appreciate the donation of any used terry cloth towels you may have around the house. Bath and beach towel sizes are best. Finn says thank you!
We are opening at 9 AM despite the weather to serve you and your pets. Evening hours will likely be cancelled however, so if you need us, please call or come in early. We will keep you posted as the day goes on. As always, stay safe.
We will be closed Thanksgiving day, but will be open for normal hours on both Friday and Saturday. Our doctors are available to answer non-emergency medical questions on Thanksgiving day, leave a short message and your phone number on our answering machine and we will return your calls in the late morning and early evening. Remember, be very careful with table food and pets around the holidays, rich holiday goodies often don't agree with pet's stomachs when they are not used to them.