Halloween Safety for Pets

Here are some tips to keep your pet happy and safe this Halloween.

• No candy! Treats made with chocolate and the artificial sweetener xylitol are toxic to pets and other treats can cause an upset stomach.  If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, or the animal poison control center at (888) 426-4435.
• Be careful that no one slips out the door. With trick-or-treaters in and out all night, a pet can sneak out, so it might be a good idea to confine pets away from the door. Make sure all identification tags are up to date, just in case.
• Watch out for fire hazards. If you choose to put candles inside your pumpkins, put them in an area where they won't be knocked over by a rambunctious pet.
• Make sure your pet's costume fits properly.  It shouldn't restrict your pet's ability to see, hear, bark or meow, move, or breathe. Put the costume on your pet a day or two before Halloween for a test run. If your pet seems annoyed or uncomfortable, you may want to consider a different costume, or even a Halloween bandanna.
• Unless your pet is the most social of creatures, keep them at home during your trick-or-treating adventures. Many pets aren't used to crowds, and lots of kids in costumes can cause anxiety.

Smile, it's the Winter White Special!

According to estimates by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) , most pets (80% of dogs and 70% of cats) will have some form of periodontal disease by the time they reach 2 years of age. Brushing your pet's teeth can help prevent periodontal disease. The AVMA recommends brushing your pet's teeth at least several times a week, but once dental disease is present, the best option is periodontal scaling under anesthesia.
Now at VACC you can take advantage of our Winter White Special. This periodontal package includes the following for only $298 (that's a savings of 36%!):

• A preoperative exam with your pet's veterinarian
• IV catheter placement and fluid therapy
• The safest human-grade anesthetics available
• Constant monitoring of your pet's vital signs by the doctor/technician team assigned to them
• Periodontal scaling
• Teeth polishing
• Day hospitalization
• Nail trim

*Preoperative blood work, dental x-rays, and medications are not included, and this offer cannot be combined with any other discount.

If your veterinarian has ever recommended cleaning your pet's teeth under anesthesia, now is the time. Stop by or give us a call at (508) 394-3566 to make an appointment.

Meet Baxter, Our Latest Hero Pet!

Baxter led his owners to his missing brother, Bailey.

Baxter and his brother Bailey got loose on September 25th and were missing for more than a week. As you can imagine, their owners were heartbroken, and did everything they could to find their dogs. After a week and a half of worry, Baxter was found, but Bailey was not with him. His owners brought him back to the place where he was found and he led them right to Bailey, who had gotten his leash snagged in a bush.

Way to go Baxter, you deserve your place in the Hero Pet Club!

Introducing the Hero Pet Club

Our first member of the Hero Pet Club is Tiberius, the Welsh Corgi. Tiberius was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. He has been coming to VACC for chemotherapy treatments and he is a perfect patient. We are all hoping for a speedy recovery for our friend Tiberius.