River Oaks Animal Hospital

March is Poison Prevention Month

2012-03-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

March is Poison Prevention Month. Did you know that some of the most common household items that poison pets include human medication, both prescription and over the counter? With over 25,000 reported cases of pets poisoned by eating human medicine, it’s important to exercise extreme caution when it comes to storing these items! Keep your medications high up on shelves and closed inside cabinets, where your pet cannot access them. It’s also important to open bottles over counters so that any dropped pills don’t end up on the floor where they can be snapped up by a curious pet. Use precaution, and give your pet a long, healthy life.

One Happy Dog

2012-01-20T09:47:00.001-08:00

Cat Steals Dog Bed

2012-01-06T12:37:00.001-08:00

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

2012-01-03T09:34:00.001-08:00

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo
Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy
Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey
Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody
VPI's compete list of popular pet names for 2011 will be released in early January, 2012.

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day

2012-01-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! The mission of this day is to save lives by creating awareness of the vital need for pet safety in all areas of travel. Safe Travels!

Pets as Presents?

2011-12-20T09:30:00.001-08:00

It's hard to resist the joy of giving your favorite loved one the pet they've always wanted for Christmas. However, the result of many of these well intentioned gifts is animals that are unwanted, uncared for and oftentimes sent to shelters.

An animal of any kind (even one as small as a fish or a hamster) is not a light, last minute purchase. Bringing a new life into the house should be well thought out and discussed with the entire family.

Holiday pets often get ignored in the holiday rush. Christmas morning is filled with so many presents, lots of food, family and relatives coming over...then there's New Years in a few days. You think it's stressful on you? Thank about what a pet who's never been in your house before would be thinking. A new pet needs lots of quiet and calm. A new puppy or kitten needs to watched constantly and settle into a routine so they can become a happy member of the family. This is impossible to accomplish on Christmas. The new pet will just end up confused and scared.

You should never pick an actual pet for another person, even a child. Bring the child along to pick out the animal and let it be a family event. All animals (even hamsters and fish) have distinct personalities and letting your entire family help with the choice makes the animal more special to them. Besides, don't you want to see how the puppy interacts with your entire family? That great puppy you pick out for your son might not like kids. Your son might decide the puppy you like plays too rough. Your kids may decide they'd rather have a cat!

New Puppies

Almost every child asks Santa for one, however a dog is MAJOR purchase and a new puppy needs lots of attention and care. With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas/New Year holiday, the puppy probably won't get the attention it needs. That's not even taking into account all the ribbon, trees, rich Christmas foods, chocolate and other dangers the puppy could unintentionally get in while your family is busy with their other gifts.

Alternate ideas: Give the kids a stuffed puppy and tell them the new puppy is coming. Wrap a puppy bowl, collar, crate and other puppy supplies with a "certificate" to get a puppy at a later date. All of this stuff should be set up and ready for the puppy when it comes home anyway. This way, you and your family can set it up while you tell them about the responsibility of a new dog. Another great idea is a few books on puppy care (especially if you have an older child).

New Kittens

Kittens don't take quite as much attention as puppies but they can still get into a lot of trouble at Christmas. Kittens are notorious for swallowing tinsel and ribbon and getting lots of stomach problems. Small kittens scare easily and the safest retreat will probably be up the tree which can be dangerous.

Alternate ideas: Cat care kits, litter boxes, cat toys, books on kitten care. The litter box and a bed for kitty should be in place before he gets to his new house. You and the kids can decide where to put it.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

2011-12-19T14:24:00.001-08:00

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:
O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.
Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.
Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.
Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
Leave the Leftovers
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.
That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!
Wired Up
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.
House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.
Put the Meds Away
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.
Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.
A Room of Their Own
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.
New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Dog Waits for Santa

2011-12-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Holiday Pet Gifts

2011-12-15T13:59:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a gift for your canine friend that is sure to get the tails wagging and paws pouncing this holiday season? For the safety conscious pet, you could always get them a new travel carrier or car seat harness. Or for the sophisticated pet, try some baked doggie goods from your local doggie bakery. If purchasing special goodies from bakeries isn’t your thing, make your own doggie treats! For the owner on a budget or for the pet who has everything, the gift of time is the top gift for any pet this year.

Tick Prevention

2011-12-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Here in Florida we have just seen the first real cold front come in, and dragged out our winter woolies thinking how cold it is. Of course, along with the realization that actually, compared to most states we are merely a little cooler, pet lovers need to realize that we are in peak tick season.

There are a number of reasons for this:

1. If you live by a state park and have wildlife such as deer or turkeys straying into your property, you need to realize they are the biggest carrier of ticks, particularly turkeys. As the weather cools, they are more likely to venture further out of the park and into your garden to find food. At the same time, you are less likely to be using your lawn service for pesticide control.

2. With cooler days, we tend in Florida to set about gardening much more enthusiastically, and a very common talk is to redo all the mulch beds. This much is then placed close to the walls of the house and if not from a pre-bagged reputable source can be a major hidey hole for ticks, which then look to your nice cozy house for shelter.

3. Christmas Trees! Yes, that beautiful spruce you got that came freshly delivered from the Carolina's will very often bring some hitchhikers with them, including the possibility of ticks carrying diseases.

Please ensure your pets are protected against ticks. We nearly lost a young, male 4 year old dog from tick borne bacteria that caused his spleen to swell and as the parasite borne by the tick invaded his system his blood platelet dropped to such a point, he needed a life-saving transfusion.

A lot of pet owners are unaware that some of the preventatives sold may only control fleas not ticks, so please ask one of our staff what is the best for your circumstance.

In addition, keep a fine toothed comb by the door or a close bristled brush the pet as soon as they come in from a walk or playtime outside. This simple action can stop the ticks attaching. It is also the reason that we seldom see cats with ticks....they constantly groom themselves.

Don't forget, you are not just protecting your dogs from ticks, but your family too.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

2011-11-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

2011-11-15T09:38:00.001-08:00

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer.

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

My new kitten is beating up on our older cat. Should I stop him?

2011-11-14T08:01:00.000-08:00

This question came hot on the paws of another pet owners question,as to when to stop their rottweiler puppy from playing too roughly. It is always a difficult decision to make to know when play time is becoming more like a free for all. Let’s face it, any parent with more then one child knows this dilemma. So, I tend to use the same guidelines. Name calling and perhaps physical shoving may be ok, but anything rougher is unacceptable. How does this translate in the pet world.

It is vital for both dogs and cats to have physical contact when puppies and kittens, in the form of rough play. At this time, I have had the unique experience of studying six week old puppies in our house, from birth, and make note of the different stages of play and temperament building. There is much growling at this time, and the start of posturing and staring. However, most interesting, is watching the mother dog step in when things get a little too serious, but use the art of distraction to break up a situation.

This is what you should do as well. If nothing else, it should be very much in the front of your pets mind that you do not tolerate fighting in your presence. This is also a safety mechanism in the wild. There has to be a leader, and fights within the pack simply weaken it. A team has to stay together to survive.

You should also be aware that sometimes they may be play fighting. For example, our ten year old cat will rule over the food bowl and definitely put the twenty two year old cat in it’s place. But, if there is an argument over a particular chair the older one reigns supreme and the younger one allows him to chase him around the house. I think the two boys just like the idea of a fight but have learnt that the end result may not be worth it.

Next time your younger pet seems to be going too far, do what a mother would do. Use distraction in the form of food or a toy to dissipate the impending situation.

Canine Influenza

2011-11-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Central Florida Vets

2011-11-02T07:03:00.001-07:00

Click the link to view a Central Florida Vets video! We have three locations in the central Florida area. Please call 407-774-1515 or visit www.centralfloridavets.com for more information!

November is National Senior Pet Month

2011-11-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

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!

Teamwork has never been more adorable

2011-10-14T14:41:00.001-07:00

Wackiest Pet Names of 2011

2011-09-20T14:17:00.001-07:00

Ozzy Pawsbourne and Almost-A-Dog top this year's list of quirkiest monikers.
Fido, Spot or Fluffy? For some peculiar pet owners, these names are just too traditional. Although "Bella" and "Max" currently lead the pack as the nation's most popular pet names, thousands of other four-legged friends have much more distinctive names.

So drumroll, please... the 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names for 2011:
Dogs

Almost-A-Dog
Franco Furter
Stinkie Mcstinkerson
Sir Seamus McPoop
Audrey Shepburn
Dewey Decimell
Knuckles Capone
Beagle Lugosi
Shooter Mclovin
Uzi Duzi-Du

Cats

Ozzy Pawsbourne
Mr. Meowgi
Murderface
Fuglee
Scruffernutter
Corporal Cuddles
Cat Masterson
Spam
Tape W. Orm
Louisiana Purchase

Bath Specials

2011-09-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

Take advantage of the excellent savings we're offering this month. We are giving away FREE baths with our Frequent Bather Club Card. Bring your pet for 8 baths and GET ONE FREE! Call us at 407-774-1515 for more information.

Labor Day Specials!

2011-09-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

We would like to give you these special Labor Day savings! Call us today at 407-774-1515 to schedule your pet's appointment and take advantage of these incredible specials! Limit one coupon per person, per pet, per visit.

Happy Cat Month

2011-09-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

The CATalyst Council has declared September as Happy Cat Month. This month is dedicated to finding ways to keep our feline friends happy, healthy and purring all year long. Click the link for tips to keep your feline friend happy.

Pet of the Month/ Team Member of the Month

2011-08-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our Pet of the Month for August is Matti! Mattie is a ten year old female white standard poodle. She has been a long time patient of River oaks and belongs to Norma, her best human friend.

Our Team Member of the Month for August is Symonique! She is a kennel attendant and veterinary assistant, and also manages to find time to attend school full time. She has two dogs and is known for being a clean freak!

2011-08-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

Don’t run the risk of losing with your pet with no chance of reuniting. Even if your pet never wanders away, remember that in old age, pets have a tendency to lose their scent and can wander too far to retrace their steps. At Pet Care Center of Apopka, we recommend a microchip for every cat and dog.

2011-08-12T13:52:00.001-07:00

Today is National Assistance Dog Day! Assistance Dogs transform the lives of their human partners with physical and mental disabilities by serving as their companion, helper, best friend and close member of their family. We would like recognize and honor the hardworking assistance dogs and honor the puppy raisers and trainers of assistance dogs as well as recognize the heroic deeds performed by assistance dogs in our community.

Pets and Fireworks

2011-06-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July is one firecracker of a day, but maybe not for your pet. We recommend keeping your pet away from sparklers and other fireworks that may be ingested. Please remember their sensitive ears during those firework displays. We can give you suggestions about how to reduce your pet’s anxiety to loud firecrackers. We want you and your pet to enjoy safe summer holidays.

Unlikely Friends

2011-06-17T11:08:00.001-07:00

Did You Know...

2011-06-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Sir Isaac Newton, who first described the principle of gravity, also invented the swinging cat door for the convenience of his many cats? The story goes that Newton, working on laboratory light experiments, was repeatedly foiled by unwanted light from a cat pushing open a door. Not wanting to banish the cat, Newton cut a hole in the door, and attached a piece of felt to block out unwanted light. Since Newton and the cat were now happy, the world's first cat flap solved the light problem nicely. Do you have a Cat Flap in your home for your feline friend? If so, you have Sir Isaac Newton to thank!

Fleas & Ticks

2011-06-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Summers coming and you may not be the only one taking a vacation. Fleas and ticks are out and about looking for a summer cottage. Your dog’s skin is the hot spot for these pesky critters. Be sure to bring your dog in or pickup a flea and tick preventative before the season is in full swing.

Pets and Cookouts

2011-06-07T10:58:00.001-07:00

Cookouts are in full swing! We want to remind you that barbeque and picnic foods should not be fed to pets. Please bring plenty of food and treats for your pets so that they can join in on the fun and food.

Pets and Your Health, Pt 1.

2011-05-20T09:56:00.001-07:00

Could your pet's unhealthy habits be making you sick? Find out how you can minimize the health risks of pet ownership. Make sure you and your pet are...

2011-05-17T09:10:00.001-07:00

Did you know that animals that are overweight live two years less than pets at an ideal weight? Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic among our pets. Diet and exercise are the two most important factors in preventing and treating obesity. We can provide a customized feeding program for your pet and get them back in tip top shape!

2011-05-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Is your pet’s itching and scratching keeping you awake at night? Spring is the beginning of allergy season as the pollen and mold counts rise. Pets are not born with allergies, they develop with repeated exposure. Chewing, biting, scratching, sneezing, itchy ears and watery eyes may be indications that your pet may have developed some allergies. We have developed a comprehensive plan to address these issues and would be happy to help your pet so they can enjoy the spring season as well.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

We would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. You are appreciated and we are sure if your pets could, they would say the same thing! Have a great Mother's Day everyone!

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week!

2011-05-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane Association’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same. While Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, we should strive to always be kind to animals every day. What is the kindest thing you've done for your pet today?

2011-05-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

Let your pet start the spring on the right paw by being a responsible pet owner. Exercise your pet on a leash in public areas and be sure to pick up after their accidents. For that outdoor loving cat consider building an outdoor exercise enclosure and keep them safe while keeping your neighbors happy. Don’t forget your annual parasite prevention especially for pets that leave the yard frequently!

Pets & Lawn Fertilizer

2011-04-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

People use fertilizer to make their lawns and gardens grow healthy and green. We would like to remind you to keep your pet off of the lawn for at least three days, or thoroughly water the lawn and let it dry before letting your pet out. Dogs and cats will eat grass sometimes, and if they eat fertilizer, it could have deadly results. Signs of fertilizer poisoning are vomiting and lethargy.

Avoiding Easter Hazards!

2011-04-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of the holiday season our pets are often prone to new un thought of risks. Nothing makes a holiday more memorable than a panicked trip to the vets. But pet owners need not fret. Here's what you need to know to have an emergency-free celebration this Easter.

Festive Foods:
One of the biggest risks to pets at Easter time is "CHOCOLATE". The canine nose is an expert in sniffing out all the lovely sweet goodies in an instant. And birds, cats & dogs alike are drawn to the bright colors & shiny wrappers. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine that can be toxic to dogs, cats and parrots. Baker's chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine. How a pet reacts to chocolate depends on its size, as well as the amount and type of chocolate eaten. Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of chocolate toxicosis, and while rare, too much chocolate can even be fatal. Carob chocolate is a natural, delicious and pet friendly alternative.

Foil packaging, ribbon and pretty sparkly plastic wadding are irresistible to cats and birds, while a big shiny Easter egg appears as a fun ball for a dog. Pets love to play with these items and they will sometimes swallow them. Known as linear foreign bodies in vet speak, they are indigestible and can cause a partial or complete obstruction. They are often sharp and run the risk of cutting through the wall of the intestinal tract which can cause peritonitis.

While we all love our pets and wish to include them in the festivities, it is important to remember that now matter how much they beg, what they want may not always be what is best for them. Rich fatty foods can cause an upset stomach, vomiting or even pancreatitis in the extreme. Onions either raw or cooked can be poisonous to cats and dogs. As little as one bite of an onion can cause some of the red bloods cells to be destroyed (haemolytic anaemia) symptoms can include pale gums, reddish urine and lethargy.

It is important to remember never to feed your pets cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal damage. The same applies to feeding your pets fish which might contain bones. Bowls of nuts and raisin-laden fruitcakes or chocolate covered sultanas are also common holiday treats. Macadamia Nuts are toxic to dogs. Although one nut is not likely to harm your dog, a number of them could require a trip to the emergency ward. Dogs who ingest macadamia nuts could suffer weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.

Foods that are healthy for us may not be so good for our beloved pets. Raisins and grapes are toxic to cats and dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure and even death. While avocadoes are harmful to dogs, cats, birds and Guinea pigs. They contain a toxic fatty acid called persin which can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, congestion, respiratory disease, fluid accumulation around the heart tissue and may cause death, especially in small animals and birds. So please be careful when serving fruit platters or salads this Easter.

One very real concern to pets are products containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol. This absolutely needs to be avoided. It will cause low blood sugar if ingested in toxic amounts and has been known to cause fatal liver failure.
During the festive season it is easy to forget the dangers of leaving alcoholic drinks within reach of our pets. It may seem harmless enough to offer your best mate a frosty cold one to celebrate alongside the humans. But alcohol poisoning is a very real danger to our pets. Problems equate to the amount of alcohol ingested compared to weight. Even a very small amount of alcohol can cause severe poisoning in a small pet. The yeast contained in beer can also lead to bloating and abdominal pain.

The good news is there is now a specially designed non alcoholic doggy beer on the market called *Paw Rex* It is made with beef stock so dogs love it and even comes in a six pack.

It is also important to remember that most cats and dogs are lactose intolerant so avoid giving them any dairy products. Specially designed lactose free animal products are an available alternative. It's up to us to make sure hazards are kept out of reach and that visitors or children know the risks. Remember prevention is better than cure. For healthy Easter treat alternatives to spoil your best friend, please visit our Pet Gourmet section in this special Easter addition of Pet Scene Magazine.

Unexpected Hazards:
With all the coming and going and busy rush that comes with the holiday seasons it is easy for opportunities to arise to get our pets into trouble. It is not uncommon for visitors who are not used to pets to leave gates or doors open. This welcomes the opportunity for your pet to flee the house with all its strange new smells, noise and people. An open window makes for a great escape root for cats or free flying birds. Many pets wind up getting lost or struck by vehicles as a result of this careless mistake. If you have a pet that becomes nervous around new people or strange activity it may be a good idea to plan in advance to have area of the house or yard which is separate where they can feel safe and secure. Visitors who aren't used to living with pets may inadvertently leave their medications within reach. This brings opportunities for serious problems. Dogs are not deterred by childproof caps and can quickly find themselves in a world of trouble. Warn guests to keep medications well out of reach.

Traveling with pets:
If your going out of town with your pet this Easter there are a few things to remember:

* Make sure your pet is in a cool well ventilated position and never left alone in a closed car, temperatures can sore very quickly.

* Make sure your pet is secured in either a pet crate or safety harness.

* If your pet suffers from motion sickness it's recommended that you consult with your vet prior to travel to arrange an appropriate treatment.

* Make sure you plan for toileting and drink breaks. Our pets need to refresh too.

* If you are planning to go out on the water these holidays be sure to pack your pet a life vest.

* If you are going on holiday this Easter with your pets, be sure you have a full supply of any medications they may be taking with you.

The humble Easter Lily
Many cat owners will be surprised to learn that lilies ( Liliaceae) are extremely toxic to their feline friends. The exact cause is unknown, however even the smallest amounts if ingested by cats can be fatal, while dogs who ingest large amounts only develop signs of mild gastrointestinal upset. Early warning signs of Lily toxicity include vomiting, depression and a lack of appetite. There is no antidote, but with early detection and aggressive treatment the cat stands a better chance of survival. Cats may sometimes appear to be improving after the first onset of symptoms, but 24-72hrs later crash and become critically ill as they go into acute renal failure. If you suspect there is a chance your cat may have ingested this plant it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated cats die within 3-7 days. Cat owners should never grow Lilies in the garden and should ensure that lilies are never part of floral arrangements. This is important to remember these holidays with the popular Easter Lily appearing in most flower arrangements.

We hope that these tips will help you and your pets have a happy and safe
holiday season.

2011-04-19T09:39:00.001-07:00

Sneezing…watery…running eyes and nose…itchy and scratchy skin. Its allergy time. Did you know that your pet suffers from seasonal allergies just as you do? We offer services for your pet to test for allergies, fleas, ticks and other critters to keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

All Paws Pet Talk with special guest Marty Becker!

2011-04-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Easter Lilies and Cats

2011-04-12T06:50:00.001-07:00

Easter Lilies can be a beautiful decoration in the spring season, but did you know that all parts of the lily plant are considered toxic and dangerous to your cat? If ingested, it can cause severe kidney damage and even death. Please be advised that cat owners should remove lilies out of reach of your cat and consider an alternative to the lily such as Easter Orchids and Easter Daisies.

Print the coupon below and receive incredible savings and discounts!

2011-04-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

2011-04-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

Spring is a great time to call in and schedule your pet for their annual vaccinations. After a long winter, pets can’t wait to get outside and get into all sorts of trouble. Make sure they are safe and free from diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

2011-03-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know that a dog’s sense of smell is on average 10,000 to 100,000 times superior to that of humans? Dogs have over 200 million scent receptors in their noses versus humans who have only 5 million. If you were to unfold and spread out the membranes from a dog’s nose, they would be larger than the dog itself.

Scientists have recently discovered that dogs can actually smell the presence of autism in children. A 2006 study found that dogs could also positively identify breast and lung cancer with 99 percent accuracy. It’s not clear whether it’s smell or some other sense that Seizure Alert dogs use to alert their humans of an oncoming epileptic seizure. Whatever the reason, we're glad our canine companions have such a keen sense of smell!

2011-03-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Prevention is key to keeping your pet healthy and disease free…annual fecal exams and vaccinations are part of your pet's overall health and well-being…exams screen for internal parasites and diseases…and vaccinations can save them from those diseases that are avoidable. We want to remind you to bring in a fresh stool sample at the time of their annual appointment. Remember an ounce of prevention will give your pet a healthy life.

2011-03-22T08:38:00.001-07:00

Thinking of adding a new addition to your family circle? There are a lot of things you need to know before you bring home a new puppy or kitten...such as...what am I going to feed my new friend, where will it sleep, and how do I keep him or her healthy? We encourage you to ask questions and offer puppy and kitten packages to help the newest member of your family begin a long and healthy life.

Team Member of the Month

2011-03-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

Technician Julia has been with the hospitals since Jan 2005. She is a very energetic skillful animal nurse who never fails to go the extra mile for your pet, very often checking on them late at night if they are hospitalized. She is seen here with her latest family addition, Maddie, a 10 week old mix she rescued at a flea market. We are proud to honor Julia as our Team Member of the Month!

Spring Cute Pet Photo Contest

2011-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Enter our Spring Cute Pet Photo Contest! Upload a picture of your cute pet on River Oaks Animal Hospital's Facebook Wall and you will be entered to win a prize!

Click here to visit our Facebook page and upload your cute pet picture!

Allergies

2011-03-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Did you know that dogs and cats are like humans when it comes to allergies? Allergies are worse in the spring and fall. Is your cat or dog miserable from constantly scratching and itching? These symptoms may have nothing to do with fleas or ticks. Believe it or not, your pet may have a skin condition or allergy. We offer dermatology services for your pet. If your pet displays unusual lumps, bumps, or red skin, itchy or watery eyes, inform one of our staff members and we’ll schedule your pet for a dermatology appointment.