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.

Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets Results!!

 RESULTS FOR MEALS ON WHEELS FOOD DRIVE FOR PETS AT VCA HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL HOSPITAL and FREE PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA FUN!!

This weekend Santa served up some serious holiday spirit to our local pet community, their humans and the staff at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital! From 9-noon, over 100 people stopped by to get their Free Photo with Santa and ensure their wish lists made it directly to the big man. Every dog, cat, parent and child took home memorable photos and memorable experiences with the big bearded one.

A special appearance was made by our friends at Boxer Friends Rescue who set up shop to provide shade to our attendants as well as homemade seasonal paraphernalia to doll up our photo stars.

As also, the last day of our Meals on Wheels Food Drive for Pets, generous donations poured in to top our results off at 2400 lbs. of food and over $1000 in donations. These donations will support the pets of homebound seniors in So Florida for the next few months and the money will go to the purchase of food thereafter.  

Meals on Wheels South Florida’s Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets Program was started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Seniors on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. Through the support of volunteers and donation from events like our Meals on Wheels Food Drive, pet food is delivered once a month to these loyal companion animals. For more information about Meals on Wheels for Companion Pets, please visit https://www.bmow.org/programs/companionpetprogram/.

“Now in our 6^th year of partnership with Meals on Wheels South Florida, we could not be more proud of our community and our combine commitment to support the animals that support us.”

-Dr. James Herrington, DVM VCAHAH Medical Director

"The quantity of food used monthly by Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets is around 800 lbs. alone for the southern portion of Broward County. The food collected during this drive will go a long way to help feed our client’s furry family members.” said Bobbi Arnold, Co- Chair of Broward Meals on Wheels for pets.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Meals on Wheels South Florida delivers pet food once a month to home-bound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets. We request small contributions per pet for each delivery made. Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donors like Banfield Pet Hospital, VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, PetSmart and more!  If you would like to get involved with our pet program to help volunteer or make a pet food donation, please contact us at 954.731.8770 or info@mowsoflo.org.

For more information please visit https://www.bmow.org/programs/companionpetprogram/

Boxer Friends Rescue Boxer Friends, Inc. was established in 2000 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Florida charitable organization.  They are comprised 100% of volunteers devoted to helping pure breed Boxers in need in the south Florida area. They rely solely on adoption fees, our fundraising events and the generosity of your donations. To learn more about Boxer Friends Rescue please visit, http://www.boxerfriends.org/  or email info@boxerfriends.org.

VCA Hollywood Food Drive for Pets!!!!

6th Annual VCA Hollywood Food Drive for Pets

VCA Hollywood and Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Companion Pets (BMOW) is proud to once again join forces to collect food for pets of homebound seniors throughout Broward County. Once a month, volunteers deliver pet food to homebound seniors who need assistance taking care of their in-home pets. Pet food is provided through the generosity of community donations. When: November 10th- December 16th Monday- Saturday 7:30am- 7:00pm WHERE: VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital (Drop off sites in both the main hospital and annex building) 2864 Hollywood Boulevard, one block east of I-95 Hollywood, Florida 33020 954.920.3556 HOW: Just stop by with a donation of canned, dry, or dehydrated food for cats or dogs. BMOW clients are in particular need of Cat food this year. Each year, we are affirmed that this effort positively impacts our community. Through the generous support of our sponsors, VCA Hollywood will once again match a portion of the donations received. “Each month, Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Pets uses over 800 lbs of pet food alone for the southern portion of Broward County. This food collection goes a long way to help feed the furry family members of the seniors in need here in Broward.”                     -Bobbi Arnold, Co- Chair of Meals on Wheels of South Florida for pets. For additional information about BMOW, click here!  Click here to learn more about our Food Drive for Pets and the success of past years!! ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: VCA Animal Hospitals have earned a solid reputation for offering the very best in veterinary medicine as well as the latest technological advances and therapies. We believe that giving back to the community that support us is paramount. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Meals on Wheels of South Florida for Companion Animals started when volunteers began to notice clients sharing their meals with their pets. Senior on a restricted budget can have a difficult time meeting their own needs and often the needs of their companion animals can be neglected. With only the support of volunteers and donation this organization provides delivery of food for these loyal pets once a month to clients of BMOW. For more information visit www.bmow.org or call VCAHAH. Follow us on Facebook  to track our event. The Health Care Team at VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital Celebrating 70 years of servicing the community!!! est.1947 Very special Thank You! to our sponsor that support our community enrichment efforts!

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital 2864 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, FL 33020 P • 954-920-3556 www.VCAhollywood.com

March, is "Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month!

March, is "Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month!

Many people may not realize that hundreds of guinea pigs are relinquished to shelters each year when their owners decide they can no longer care for them.

Domesticated guinea pigs are also known as cavies. Guinea pigs are generally gentle animals, and make good family pets, especially for children over six years of age.

As with all other pets, small children, should be supervised by an adult while handling a guinea pig.
Guinea pigs may live as long as 10 years, so the decision to adopt one must be made carefully.

Guinea pigs require daily care including feeding, watering, cage cleaning, exercise, and companionship. They are social animals, and will definitely want to be a part of your family.
There are 13 breeds of guinea pigs, differing in hair types, colors, and markings. The variety certainly is remarkable.

To adopt a friend for life, the Humane Society of Broward County requires the following adoption fees.

• $30.00 for Guinea Pigs

These fees include:

• Spaying/neutering for every animal
• Treatment for fleas & ticks
• Preliminary vaccinations and de-worming
• Overall wellness check

Quick Guinea Pig Facts:

• Lifespan: 4–6 years
• Also called: Cavies
• Weight: 1.5–2.5lbs
• Related to: Rodents
• Originated from: South America
• Personality traits: Docile, gentle, cheerful, harmless

If you are considering adding these fury friends to your family, here are some caring tips to consider.

Feeding:
Guinea pigs love to eat! They should always have fresh timothy hay available to munch on, as well as clean water in a ceramic bowl they can’t tip over. Guinea pigs should be fed pellets daily, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, corn, cucumber, carrot, apple, kale, red and green peppers, and strawberries. Foods with vitamin C  are especially important since guinea pigs cannot synthesize it on their own. Remove uneaten food from the cage daily.

Housing:
Treat your guinea pigs to the largest cage you possibly can, especially if you have more than one. Avoid cages with untreated metal bottoms, which can hurt their feet. You can easily build your own custom cage: find instructions at guineapigcages.com/cubes. Cavies (like their name suggests) should live indoors so they are protected from the elements and predators.
To clean your furry friend’s home, please stick to mild soap and water

Grooming:
Many guinea pigs enjoy being brushed. Brushing helps remove loose fur so they don’t ingest it when they groom themselves. Brush them at least once a week. Do not bathe your guinea pig unless you absolutely have to. Be very careful that you don’t cut your pet’s claws too short. To be safe, have your veterinarian show you how to do it the first time.

Exercise:
Ideally, your guinea pigs’ cage is large enough that they can run around and play with each other throughout the day. These little guys don’t need exorbitant amounts of exercise, but they will surely enjoy being allowed to explore a room in your house for a short time while you supervise them.

 To see all of the adoptable guinea pigs at the HSBC, just click here.

Source :http://humanebroward.com/guinea-pigs/

Abandoned Dog Turns His Life Around By Landing A Full-Time Job At A Gas Station

A dog, abandoned at a gas station by his previous owners when the area was nothing but a construction site has turned his life around by landing himself a job.

Two years ago, in the town of Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil. Sabrina Plannerer purchased a Shell gas station and discovered an adult dog named Negao, roaming about the site. After learning he'd been abandoned by his former owner and seeing he was too frightened to leave, Plannerer adopted him.

 "We adopted him immediately and got him all the care animals need," Sabrina told  Dodo.com "We bought him food, a dog house, and a leash to take him on walk."

 But Sabrina didn't just give Negao a home – she also gave him a purpose. His very own job!

Sabrina was unsure how Negao would react to the bustle of business in the place he'd been calling home, but he has proven to be a natural at providing world class customer service.

 "Negão waits for people to arrive, and then goes up to say hello, winning them over with his charms," Plannerer says. "Customers love him. Some people even bring him toys."

The hardworking pup has become a poster dog of sorts for a local initiative started by the charity group FERA, which aims to pair stray dogs with businesses in the event they cannot find a stable family to live with.

"It's been sensational, encouraging people to have more respect for animals," a spokesperson from Grupo FERA tells The Dodo.com. "And workers enjoy having the companionship of a 4-legged colleague."

All involved hope that Negão's story might influence other establishments to hire a canine staffer, also. After all, who wouldn't want to be greeted like this when checking off your daily to do's!

Read more at:
https://www.thedodo.com/dog-job-gas-station-2259388006.html

Photo credit: Sabrina Plannerer

Importance of Pet Oral Health

Good oral health is an important part of good general health for your pet.

Signs of oral and dental diseases in dogs and cats:

 - Bad breath.

 - Loose teeth or teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar.

 - Your pet shies away from you when you touch the mouth area.

 - Drooling or dropping food from the mouth.

 - Bleeding from the mouth. 

- Loss of appetite or loss of weight (this combination can result from diseases of many organs, and early veterinary examination is important).

It's also important to know that there are multiple stages of pet periodontal disease and without proper veterinary dental exam, cleaning and radiographs, there is no way to know if your pet’s oral health is at risk.

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital has extended their dental special through March 31st! All dental cleanings at 20% off, PLUS free dental products with your purchase! Book your pet's cleaning today (954) 920-3556. 




SOURCE: http://www.avdc.org/ownersinfo.html http://avdc.org/AFD/five-stages-of-pet-periodontal-disease/

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital is offering 20% off a dental cleaning & FREE dental products! Schedule your pet's next wellness exam before March 31st! 

Here are some reasons why dental care is so important for your pet: 

1. A pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath!

2. Dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart.

3. Retained baby teeth can cause problems in pets too! Did you know that full grown dogs have 42 teeth and full grown cats have 30 teeth? Before their adult teeth grow in, though, their baby teeth have to fall out. Sometimes, not all of the baby teeth want to come out. This can lead to problems like gum irritation and tartar buildup.

4. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems, saving you tons of money over the long term!

5. You need regular dental care and you brush your teeth everyday – why wouldn’t your pets? Your veterinarian and these handy videos can help you learn to brush your dog's teeth and your cat's teeth.

6. Did you know that 4 out of 5 dogs over the age of 3 years have some sort of periodontal disease? It can be caused by the buildup of plaque, so it’s important to go in for regular dental checkups and cleanings. 

7. Pets that don’t get dental care can painfully lose their teeth – this can be terribly painful and cause serious health problems.

8. Your dog and cat are very good at hiding pain – you might never know that your pet has a serious dental problem until it’s very advanced. This is yet another reason it’s important to take your pet in for regular dental checkups.

9. Teeth wear out! Your pets are tough on their teeth. 

10. Periodontal disease affects up to 80% of all adult pets. It is 2.4 times more expensive to treat dental disease than to prevent it. 

Call us at 954-920-3556 and ask us how you can SAVE on incredible dental care and products. 

SOURCE: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/10-reasons-why-you-should-take-care-your-pets-teeth 

Photos with Santa= Huge Success for Community and BMOW Food Drive!!!!

Now in its fourth year, our VCA HAH Pet Photos with Santa is an established stop on St. Nick's pre-holiday route. Each year, we invite our clients -and frankly anyone with a pet- to join us for this FREE event to pose their furry baby with the big bearded one! 

This year we were joined by the local rescue group Boxer Friends, who helped entertain the masses as over 100 people ( an increase of 50% from last year) all came to captured the memory of their dog, cat and ferret! with Santa himself. 

As always, this event falls on the final day of our Annual Broward Meals on Wheels for Pets Food Drive. Through the generosity of our pet parents we collected over $200 which goes directly to BMOW to purchase food for the pets of home-bound seniors in our county.

***A special thanks to our local media  for sharing the event and helping us make this a HUGE success.***
 

Enjoy the beautiful photos and some of the hilarious outtakes both with our pets and our staff on our FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1021055581271430.1073741890.211727045537625&type=3

Zoonotic Diseases

In 64 million American household’s pets are a source of joy and perhaps even the key to longer, healthier lives. However, pet-owning households with young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems need to be aware that their animals can play host to disease-causing microorganisms.

Humans are not likely to catch a disease through their pets, but in very rare cases it can happen. Fortunately, most of these diseases rarely occur in healthy individuals, are mild and can be easily treated. Others, like toxoplasmosis, can be far more serious. Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are called zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases usually live out their complex life cycles in animals, but sometimes cross into human bodies. Usually contracting a pet-borne disease requires very close contact with animals or their excretions, so zoonotic diseases can be avoided with common sense, cleanliness and regular pet examinations and vaccinations.

Children often put their hands in their mouths, providing an easy route for bacteria to travel into their bodies. For example, children who eat dirt are more susceptible to contracting zoonotic diseases. Children also are more susceptible to pet-borne illness because they carry fewer antibodies than adults do. The same holds true for puppies and kittens, making them more likely to carry disease than older dogs and cats.

Although the chances of getting a zoonotic disease from your pet are slim, these are some common pet-borne illnesses that can make people sick:

Salmonellosis

This bacteria generally makes its way into human bodies through contaminated food. The bacteria can be passed through animal feces and may cause symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea and exhaustion.

Roundworms

Roundworm eggs and microscopic adult worms can be excreted in the feces of dogs and cats infected by the worms. Children may be at a higher risk for contracting roundworms because they play near pets or touch infected feces and put their hands into their mouths. Because of the risk to children, all cats and dogs should be taken to their veterinarians for regular fecal examinations. Also remember to cover all sandboxes when not in use to prevent children from contacting contaminated feces. Symptoms can include fever, cough, loss of appetite, weakness and lung congestion.

Cat Scratch Fever

This bacteria is usually transmitted from cats to humans through scratches. The bacteria is found on nails or claws and can cause high fever, loss of appetite, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. In otherwise healthy people, Cat Scratch Fever is usually mild and resolves itself. However, the bacteria caused by Cat Scratch Fever can be extremely dangerous or even fatal if left untreated in immune-compromised individuals. It’s important for these pet owners to tell their doctors they own a cat. Young children should be sure to wash scratches thoroughly with soap and water.

Strep Throat

Though your pet is probably not the culprit bringing strep into your household each year, the possibility does exist. Recently, researchers have found that it’s more likely that people are infecting their pets. In any case, keep your children from kissing, licking or exchanging food by mouth with their pets.

Ringworm

A fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails, ringworm starts as a rapidly spreading hairless, circular lesion. Humans can be infected through use of contaminated objects like hair brushes, towels or clothing or by contact with infected animals like cats, dogs, mice, rats and guinea pigs.

Scabies

Also called sarcoptic mange, scabies is a skin disease caused by itch mites which burrow under the skin. Scabies cause intense itching and scratching that can result in severe eczema. Humans can be infected through contact with infected animals.

The most effective way to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure your good health is to ensure good health for your pets. This means taking your pet to the veterinarian for regular exams and vaccinations. Most pet owners find that by following their veterinarian’s nutritional and health recommendations, their pets will lead happy, healthy lives with little risk of zoonotic infections.

SOURCE: https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/general_health_care/diseases_transmitted_by_pets.aspx

Hurricane Season Has Begun! Are You Ready?

In Case of a Hurricane: TAKE YOUR PETS WITH YOU! 

Hurricane season runs June 1- November 30. Be sure to include your pets in your disaster preparedness planning. If you’re riding out the storm in the home of a family member, friend or neighbor, take your pets with you.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 

ANIMAL SUPPLIES CHECKLIST: 

FOOD

• Two Week Supply
• Manual Can Opener

WATER

• Two Week Supply

BOWLS 

• For food and water that attach to cage

PORTABLE CARRIER/CRATE 

• Large enough for pet(s) to stand and turn around in. 
• Each pet in separate crate. 

IDENTIFICATION

• Collar, Tag, and Leash 
• Microchips (Registered with national database) 
• Current photo of every pet WITH OWNER 

PET FIRST AID KIT 

• First Aid Guide Book 
• Roller Bandages 
• Scissors 
• Gauze 
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Medications 
• Medical Records (stored in waterproof container or plastic zip bag) 

CAT LITTER AND LITTER BOX 

• Litter Scooper

CLEANING SUPPLIES 

• Paper Towels 
• Disinfectant 
• Plastic Trash Bags
• Hand Sanitizer 
• "Quick Bath" wipes 
• Plastic poop bags 

BEFORE A Hurricane Approaches: 

Disaster kits and emergency supplies should be ready prior to hurricane season. Once a hurricane warning is declared, preparations should focus on securing your home and property.

• Protect the areas where wind can enter. Secure windows and doors, preferably with permanent, County-approved storm shutters. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" plywood. You’ll need to cut the boards to fit to have it ready for installation. Tape does NOT prevent windows from breaking.
• Bring in lawn furniture, garbage and recycling carts and other items that are not tied down and could become airborne.
• If you own a boat, use double lines at a marina or consider dry-dock storage.
• Protect your electronics with surge protectors and waterproof coverings.
• Fill prescriptions of emergency medications (consult pharmacist as needed).
• Monitor the storm’s progress.
• Visit www.miamidade.gov or call 3-1-1 for updates on County services. Depending on conditions, bus, rail, garbage collection and recycling service, as well as airport and seaport operations, could be affected.
• Preparedness is not expensive. Many disaster kit items such as flashlights & batteries, garbage bags, etc., may be found around your home.

During a Hurricane: 

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should: 

• Monitor your radio or television for weather updates and instructions from public safety officials. 

• Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows. 

• Take your emergency kit and disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room. 

• If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker. 

• Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source. 

• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances. 

• Avoid using the phone and do not take a bath or shower during the storm. 

• Fight the temptation to go outside during the “eye of the storm.” There’s only a brief period of calm before hurricane force winds return. 

• Keep children informed about what’s happening and watch for signs of stress. 

• Keep animals in their carriers.

Sources:
http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/library/hurricane-guide.pdf
www.miamidade.gov/fire/ consumer-survival-kit.asp
http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf
http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/disaster-preparedness.asp