Happy Work Anniversary to Amber Garrett!

We at Fayette Veterinary Medical Center just want to take a moment to celebrate Amber Garrett’s work anniversary. This year will mark a very special anniversary for Amber. This will be her last here at FVMC. Amber has been with us since June 8, 2001. She started working in the kennel as a kennel technician and has worked her way up to one of our senior surgical technicians. Amber will be leaving us in the fall to start nursing school. It has been her dream and goal to become a nurse and we have and will continue to prayerfully support her. So Happy 12 Year Anniversary Amber, we love you and hope for nothing but the best in your future!

What Would You Do If....

...your dog ate the bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips that was left out on the kitchen counter?

 ...your cat had a seizure right in front of you?

 ...your dog fell down the stairs and started limping?

 ...your cat was overheating on a hot summer day?

To avoid the feelings of panic that may accompany these situations, we recommend the following steps to better prepare you for a pet medical emergency. The following links summarize the basics you need for giving first aid care to your pet.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.

First aid supplies
Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies.
How to handle an injured pet
Knowing how to comfort an injured pet can help minimize your pet's anxiety and also protect you and your family from injury.
Basic pet first aid procedures
Read our simple instructions for providing emergency first aid if your pet is suffering from poisoning, seizures, broken bones, bleeding, burns, shock, heatstroke, choking or other urgent medical problems. Print out a copy to keep with your pet emergency kit.
First aid when traveling with your pet
A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet in first aid situations while you are traveling. Remember: pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home.
Pets and disasters
Whether confronted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, or unexpected catastrophes such as a house fire, you need to be prepared to take care of your animals. A pre-determined disaster plan will help you remain calm and think clearly.

Additional pet first aid links

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)/Healthy Pet: Pet First Aid
• The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Basic First Aid for Your Pet
• American Red Cross: First Aid for Pets
• VeterinaryPartner.com: First Aid and Emergency Care

Adapted by an article posted by the AVMA.

It's National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

It's Allergy Season Again!

 

Any veterinarian who sees allergic dogs has listened to the frustrations of the owners in dealing with the itch, the odor, the hair loss, and the never-ending nature of this disease. Many owners, especially those who have no experience themselves with allergies, have unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved. It is critical to help them understand that allergies are forever......and they will probably always itch more than "normal" dogs.  This is a hard reality to accept, but to be successful in management of allergies, we must be glad when small changes occur over a long period of time.  It is critical to have great follow-up and lots of communication with your veterinarian in order to tailor a plan that fits the patient.  Multimodal treatment usually follows smart diagnostics.  "Guessing" is not the smart way, because treatment for one itchy problem may make another worse.  Let's talk about allergies and see that patient.  Even though it is allergy season, skin infections, parasites, or auto-immune diseases may still be the primary cause of your pet's itchy problem.  Call for an appointment today.

February is Pet Dental Health Month

Did you know that a healthy mouth is a necessary aspect of your pet's overall physical health? February is Pet Dental Health Month and we urge you to bring your pet in for a dental appointment this month and receive a 10% discount on the total cost of the dental, just mention you saw it on Facebook!!! Keep your pets’ mouth fresh and disease free this February! www.fayettecountypets.com

Laser Therapy

Fayette Veterinary Medical Center is proud to offer Class IV laser therapy to our clients as an effective treatment for many cases of acute and chronic pain, inflammation and wound healing. Laser therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, and has the benefit of being a drug-free, non-surgical, safe means of providing lasting pain.



 

National Pet Travel Safety Day

Are you taking a road trip this winter? Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day, a day set aside to remind pet owners of the importance of pet safety on the road. It’s important to use restraints that are designed for pets when you’re traveling in a car or even restraining a carrier. If you have questions about travel safety for pets, we’ll be glad to answer them!