2015 marks Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital’s 13th year as a Connecticut vet. Dr. David J. Lambert and our whole veterinary team have been honored to take care of pets in Killingly, Brooklyn, Plainfield & beyond for over a decade. We want to help you ring in the New Year by offering some great pet health resolutions. Try 1 or all 3. Any change you make will be a step in the right direction for keeping your cat or dog healthy!
1. Give your dog their heartworm & intestinal parasite preventative once-a-month, every month.
Office pup, Archer, likes to take his Trifexis hidden in a Lean Treat.
At QVVH, we test your dog annually for heartworm. Why? We know how detrimental it can be to your dog’s health. Do your part by giving them a vet-approved heartworm preventative, such as Iverhart Max or Sentinel Spectrum, once a month. Request a refill on your dog’s heartworm prevention here for pick-up at the hospital or order it online from our safe pharmacy for convenient home delivery.
Tip: Put a reminder in your smartphone to notify you to give your dog their heartworm preventative on the first of the month. You can also keep an eye on our Facebook, where we’re sure to notify you each month.
You can discover more about the dangerous effects of heartworm disease here.
2. Start an at-home dental care plan for your pet.
Archer keeping his chompers healthy!
Approximately 68% of dogs and 66% of cats have some sort of dental or periodontal disease after age 3. (A periodontal disease is one that affects the areas surrounding teeth, like the gums.) Most dental or periodontal disease is the result of bacteria build up.
At QVVH, we have a variety of pet-safe products that help to prevent bacteria from collecting in your cat or dog’s mouth. The best option is to brush your pet’s teeth with a toothpaste made for pets, like the type we carry from CET. Not sure about brushing? There are chews and water additives you can use to make a big impact on your pet’s dental health.
Unsure of where to start with your pet’s at-home dental care? Feel free to contact our veterinary hospital to discuss a custom, at-home dental care plan for your pet! The Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital staff would be happy to discuss the ways to keep your pet’s smile healthy.
If you’re feeling curious, find out more about dental disease in cats or in dogs.
3. Microchip your cat or dog
When you first get a pet, there’s a lot of things you need to take care of. You might get overwhelmed with learning about vaccines, scheduling a spay or neuter appointment and the added responsibility. At QVVH, our veterinary staff always tries to encourage microchipping your pet. However, we thought the New Year was a good chance to remind you of making this important choice if you haven’t already!
Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital has just started using Home Again microchips. Why? They have an amazing network, including a smartphone app, dedicated to finding your pet if they ever get lost. When you get your pet microchipped at QVVH, you’ll get a year of Home Again service for free! You can schedule a visit easily online to get your pet chipped ASAP.
Tip: If your pet is already microchipped, be sure to update your contact information frequently. Most companies allow you to do this easily online. A few clicks can help ensure your beloved cat or dog will find their way home.
Happy New Year to you & your pets! What’s your pet’s resolution for the New Year? Write it in the comments below!
