This is just a reminder why we vaccinate our dogs and cats for Rabies. It is not just protection for your pet, it is also protection for YOU and the public. Requirements in every county and in every state vary. In Maricopa County, in Arizona, it is a requirement to vaccinate your dog(s) for Rabies and to maintain an annual license. It is not a requirement for cats, but it is still highly recommended. In the last five years (including 2018) in Arizona alone (including Maricopa County), there has been several reported and confirmed rabies cases in foxes, coyotes, bobcats, skunks, and over 80 cases in bats. Any animal can become infected with rabies….there is NO treatment for non-vaccinated pets. Euthanasia is required in any suspect non-vaccinated pet. Treatment in people is only effective when started immediately. PLEASE remember to vaccinate your dog(s) and/or cat(s) for Rabies…..it is important!
A bit of light reading on #Rabies. #WSUCVM #EndRabies #ZeroBy30
Posted by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine on Sunday, February 18, 2018
Paws for A Cause!
We are now accepting donations of dog and cat products for local rescues (KARA, Inc. & Community Paws) through December 31st.
New and gently used items would be be greatly appreciated:
- Towels or blankets
- Pet beds
- Unopened cat/dog food
- Litter
- Toys
- Leashes/collars
- Carriers
Merry Christmas from your veterinary team at Gentle Hearts Animal Hospital.
Remember only 2 more days to enter our pet Halloween costume drawing. Prize includes new dog bed and other fun pet toys/treats. To enter, like and share our Facebook page, then upload a picture of your pet in a favorite costume. One winner will be picked and notified within the week.
Happy Halloween!!
As Halloween approaches, please keep your pet safe. Please remember some cats, dogs and birds get lost or scared in the hustle and bustle of the night’s activities, seeing scary blow-up decorations, hearing loud and creepy noises and reacting to strobe lights. It is best to keep your pets confined to indoors and away from doors that open and close for kids trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Please remember to keep your pet out of the candy bowl and away from Halloween treats. Packaged raisins, grapes and currants are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause extreme abdominal pain and shut-down of the kidneys. Chocolate and cocoa contain a substance called theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. When consumed in small quantities, is can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and in large quantities, it can cause elevated blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, seizures and death. A dog weighing 50#, can be poisoned eating just one ounce of baker’s chocolate or just 9 ounces of milk chocolate. Sugarless candies, gums and peanut butter often contain xylitol, a natural sweetener, which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion of a very small amount can be life-threatening and can cause rapid decrease in blood sugar, can cause seizures and can lead into liver failure. Some essential oils and liquid potpourri, used in some Halloween and other holiday decorations, can be harmful to a pet’s liver or kidneys. A few of these oils include cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree and wintergreen. Poisoning can happen through ingestion or through contact skin exposure. If you feel your pet may have ingested a toxic substance, please seek immediate veterinary care. A pet poison helpline is also available (fees apply) at 800-213-6680 or visit their website www.petpoisonhelpline.com. For more complete information regarding poisons and tips for care in pets, please visit our website gentleheartsanimalhospital.com and click on the Pet Health Library. From our veterinary family to your family, have a safe and fun Halloween!
HALLOWEEN is coming! Go to our Facebook Page (click on the f icon) to enter our Halloween contest for a chance to win a $70 pet gift basket. Be sure to LIKE and SHARE on the post seen below to enter the contest, then post a picture of your pet in their Halloween costume on our page! Or come into our hospital with your pet in costume and we will upload a picture for you! The contest will run through Halloween. A winner will be announced by November 6th. No purchase necessary!
Gentle Hearts Animal Hospital reserves the right to share or discard any image that is posted.
