Free Photo with Santa!!

 Free Photo with Santa!!

Pet photos are rarely simple but they are always super fun! 

This Saturday, our pet community came out VCA Hollywood’s 8^th Annual Free Pet Photo with Santa Event. With over 800 photos taken, the weekend proved to be a success.

Now a regular fixture in our holiday traditions, Santa's visit marks the end of our Pet Food Drive for Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets Program and we are grateful to all who came, donated and shared in the fun with the Big Bearded One! Every year, Santa is sure to make time to visit our hospital staff to ensure he shares his holiday spirit.

Visit our Facebook page for great photos of some of the fur-families that joined in the fun as well as outtakes of the hilarity that ensues whens Santa suits up with a lot of animals!

 facebook.com/VCAHollywoodAnimalHospital

*These collections are full of some "great shots" and also some silly, "feline in your face", "dog on your lap good" times. Enjoy!

More info on our inspiration for the Pet Food Drive.

Meals for Companion Pets Founded in 1999, the Meals for Companion Pets Program is a volunteer-driven effort providing pet food to homebound and disabled seniors in Broward County. Research shows that seniors with pets are less likely to exhibit depression, report feelings of loneliness and experience illness. But taking care of a pet – feeding, grooming and veterinary care – can be financially and physically burdensome to seniors. More often than not, a devoted animal lover with limited access to food will feed their hungry pet before they feed themselves. Pet food is provided through the generosity of local donors and grants and is delivered on the third Saturday of each month. Volunteers are always needed on the third Saturday of the month to pack & deliver food.

https://www.mowsoflo.org/meals-for-companion-pets

Pet Food Drive Results

PET FOOD DRIVE RESULTS!

The results are in. This year’s VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Pet Food Drive was a success! With a total collection of 2100 lbs of food, there is enough food to meet the needs of our pet community for months to come. Through the Meals on Wheels Companion Pet Program, homebound seniors with pets, will receive pet food monthly to ensure that no pet is left hungry.

VCA Hollywood is proud of our partnership with this community to get the word out about the work of this wonderful organization. We are also overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and the fellowship displayed by local groups like Miami Dade College-North who took up this cause and organized their own annex drive to support our collection.

For over 70 years, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has put our pet community first and we feel grateful to have an organization of pet loving people driving the volunteer efforts at Meal on Wheels Companion Pet Program.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Meals for Companion Pets Founded in 1999, the Meals for Companion Pets Program is a volunteer-driven effort providing pet food to homebound and disabled seniors in Broward County. Research shows that seniors with pets are less likely to exhibit depression, report feelings of loneliness and experience illness. But taking care of a pet – feeding, grooming and veterinary care – can be financially and physically burdensome to seniors. More often than not, a devoted animal lover with limited access to food will feed their hungry pet before they feed themselves. Pet food is provided through the generosity of local donors and grants and is delivered on the third Saturday of each month. Volunteers are always needed on the third Saturday of the month to pack & deliver food. To get involved to help volunteer or make a pet food donation, please contact them at 954.714.6924 or info@mowsoflo.org.

News You can use: What you need to know about Kennel Cough?

What is Kennel Cough?

Known by most as Kennel Cough but also goes by Canine infectious respiratory disease complex. This is a group of multiple pathogens which together can cause respiratory disease in dogs. Infection is most commonly seen in dogs which are exposed to areas with large groups of dogs, commonly shelters, kennels, groomers, dog shows, and vet clinics. The disease is very contagious and easily spreads through these areas with lots of dogs. The most common bacteria that play a role in this complex are parainfluenza virus, canine adenovirus(CAV-2), Mycoplasma, and Bordetella. The disease can range from mild clinical signs to severe depending on the bacteria involved and the dogs immune system.

How is kennel cough spread?

Kennel cough is spread through respiratory secretions and from objects which have been exposed to these secretions. So that means even if your dog is never playing with another dog who has the virus, if they sit on the same table or play with the same toy they can become infected. The incubation period is 3-7 days which means your dog can be exposed but you don’t see the signs for up to one week.

What do you see?

The most common sign of kennel cough is coughing. The clinical signs vary and are usually split between uncomplicated and complicated cases. Those which are uncomplicated you commonly sick dogs which exhibit a dry cough and sometimes discharge from the eyes or nose. Some animals which fall into the complicated category exhibit moist cough with discharge and also occasionally bronchopneumonia.

 

Diagnosis

Most cases are diagnosed based on the history of being in an area with many dogs, ie kennel, dog park, dog show, etc. Clinical signs the dog is exhibiting are also an important role in diagnosis. In cases which are complicated sometimes blood work, thoracic x-rays, cytology, or PCR panels to look for viruses are used.

Treatment

Most cases which are uncomplicated are told to restrict the dogs exercise mainly then depending on the extent some are prescribed cough suppressants and occasionally antibiotics if bacteria is suspected. Those cases which may have more severe effects like bronchopneumonia may need nebulization, drugs to dilate the airways, antibiotics and restricted exercise. The prognosis when treated is good to excellent.

Prevention

Vaccination is a good way of avoiding kennel cough or decreases the likelihood. Bordetella vaccine given through the nose helps to prevent or decrease clinical signs associated with kennel cough. The vaccination is mandatory for most boarding facilities as well as many large dog shows. There is also an injection form of the vaccine as well as one put into the mouth. Kennel cough can also be prevented by avoiding areas with large groups of dogs and good sanitation in areas with lots of dogs.

Dr. Natalie Savo

https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/natalie-savo