Pet Care Reminder App!!!

Vethical^® Pet Care Reminder App

 

We know our clients love their pets and want to do what’s best for them. Sometimes, the hardest part about maintaining the preventive care plan prescribed by your veterinarian is actually remembering to do it! For parasite protection medications that are dosed only once a month, this is even more true. 

 

We’ve all had that moment when we find a 6-pack in our drawer and we think – “When was the last time I dosed my dog?”.

 

With the NEW Vethical® Pet Care Reminder App, available now on iTunes and Google Play, you can stop worrying about stickers on calendars, memorizing dates, or forgetting when your pet is due for their annual medication. Simply set up your pet’s parasite preventives in the Vethical Pet Care Reminder app, and never miss another dose!

With this App Users can:

·         Select  VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital at set-up to get local parasite prevalent information, and have a direct line to their veterinarian for questions and refills.

·         Create profiles for each of your cats and dogs – supports both species, and multiple pets!

·         Add a photo of each pet – the monthly reminders come directly from the your pet, with a “Woof” alert for dogs, and a “Meow” alert for cats!

·         Set up reminders for your cat or dog’s Vethical or other products – choose the number of doses they have left, and get a refill reminder before they run out.

Set Refill Reminder

When you administer the second-to-last and last dose, you will receive a refill reminder and receive 5% off your prescription refill.

Not using Vethical products? No problem! You can use the Vethical Pet Care Reminder app for any medication that's given on a monthly basis.

Dog Flu! What should I do? Get the facts about Canine Influenza Virus!

Recent public attention regarding the Canine Influenza Virus “dog flu” has lead many of our clients to ask questions about the disease, its prevention and the potential risk of the virus to their pets.

 This new virus is different from the previous strain of dog flu, H3N8, that's been circulating in the United States since 2004. The new strain, known as H3N2, is believed to have originated in China and Korea and was brought into the U.S. by an infected animal. Cases have been seen in highly trafficked cities such as Chicago and has recorded incidence of spreading.

 Based on clinical signs, there is no way to distinguish this new canine influenza from other respiratory diseases.  The incubation period is 1-3 days from your pet’s exposure to the onset of clinical signs which can include symptoms similar to the human flu such as coughing, nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite, as well as a variety of other symptoms.

 The virus is spread through nose-to-nose contact with other dogs, which can occur at doggy day cares, animal hospitals, dog parks, groomer etc. Objects that have come in contact with infected animal such as clothing can also spread the virus. While a few pharmaceutical companies have started working on a vaccine for this latest “dog flu” strain (H3N2), it will likely be months before it becomes available.

 However, there is a vaccine for the H3N8 canine influenza strain.  Experts do not know for sure if this vaccine protects against the newest “dog flu” strain. Though, due to its highly contagious nature and potential for significant health risks to your canine family member, as a precautionary measure, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital now requires an influenza vaccination for all boarding dogs and elective surgical procedures.

 The vaccination requires a series of two injections, 2 to 4 weeks apart.  In an effort to lessen the financial burden in our practice we are waiving the office visit charge for both injections if seen during our clinic or vaccination appointment hours. 

Walk-in Vaccine Clinic hours are

Monday-Thursday and Saturday between 3:00p- 6:00pm in our Annex. Appointments can be scheduled  Monday-Saturday from  8:00a-12pm .

 Please remember, cross protection between the vaccine and the new flu virus strain is not proven but we firmly believe that this protocol is the best protection for your pet.

 The experts at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital are always available to discuss any questions and concerns you have about your pet's health!

Learn more about CIV and it's trek around our world.

What you need to know about Canine Influenza Virus!!

What you need to know about the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), “dog flu”!

What is this “dog flu”?

Dog Flu is a severe, highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs caused by an influenza A virus. In the U.S., canine influenza has been caused by two influenza strains. Our current vaccine protects against one of these two strains. No vaccine exists yet for the second influenza strain.

How could my pet catch this “flu”?

The “flu” is transmitted through nose-nose contact with other dogs. Interactions between pets at doggy daycares, animal hospitals, dog parks, groomers etc, are all opportunities for the infection to spread. Additionally, objects such as fabrics that have come in contact with the virus can spread the bug.

What happens if my dog gets it?

Clinical signs of “dog flu” and other respiratory infections such as “Kennel Cough” are identical though flu symptoms are more severe. Treatment for the “flu” in a healthy animal consists primarily of supportive care such as fluids and rest. However, a secondary infection can occur due to a pet’s compromised immune system requiring a broad spectrum antibiotic and more intensive hospitalized care.

Will the vaccine prevent my dog from getting sick?

The current “flu” vaccine does not prevent infection of all strands of the influenza virus however; it is proven to protect against our most common strand and it is believed to lessen viral shedding when a dog is infected. It is also know to reduce the severity of the infections and therefore the duration of the influenza viruses.

How can I protect my pup?

A strong immune system supported by a balanced diet and the current “flu” vaccine is the best way to protect your pet from the canine influenza virus (CIV)-“dog flu”

May Patient of the Month- Elijah!!!

This pint sizes powerhouse will certainly have a tale or two to tell his canine companions around the watering bowl. Elijah, a 12 week old Dachshund mix was rescued from abuse, fought Parvo and won the hearts of so many at our hospital. 

About four weeks ago, a young man witnessed Elijah being abused by a group of kids at the Opa Locka TriRail Station. Unable to simply stand by, he stepped in to save him. Once Elijah was safe, the young man was unsure of what to do with this tiny, lethargic puppy and he turned to the VCA HAH for care.

While sitting in our lobby with this pup wrapped in a cloth no larger than a dinner napkin, Fran, the founder of Boxer Friends Rescue,  walked in.  This Good Samaritan’s heart was certainly in the right place when he removed little Elijah from harm but the impending cost of care was a large concern. Fran offered to help.

Initially, Fran thought she could simply hospitalize the little guy while she found an all breed rescue to step in. Unfortunately Elijah was diagnosed Parvo positive. He was very ill and had a very low chance of survival. His blood sugar levels were dangerously low and he needed immediate and intensive medical care. 

Without hesitation, Fran christened Elijah an ‘honorary boxer’ and he was admitted for care. For several days he was in our intensive care isolation ward. He received intravenous fluids and antibiotic while his blood sugar was checked regularly. His temperature was monitored and his symptoms managed. He was a weak little puppy that really needed some R&R.

After a couple of days of care, Elijah began to respond. His blood sugar levels began to regulate, his vomiting subsided and is appetite slowly emerged. It was clear that Elijah was on the mend.

Today, it is hard to see the effect of his early days. Elijah received his first set of vaccinations this week and was even neutered. His foster takes great care of him day to day now but he still needs a fur-ever home. We have no doubt this little bundle will settle in the heart of a family of his own very soon.

While Elijah earned his stripes as a fighter, he certainly won the hearts of the VCA HAH staff as did the Good Samaritans that made all of this possible. If not for their acts of kindness to reach out and simply help this pint sized pup he would not be the energetic puppy we now see (and hear)!!!

To see more about Elijah, check out this video: https://youtu.be/TtsZToWfYD8

Or visit Boxer Friends on-line !