World Pet Memorial Day

Today is World Pet Memorial Day. Having a pet adds joy to a home and the experience of raising one is invaluable. World Pet Memorial Day is a time where everyone who lost a pet pays their respects to their departed friends and remembers the memories that was once shared with them. What can you do today to memorialize your beloved pets?

Pet Appreciation Week

Did you know that this week is Pet Appreciation Week? This week has been set aside in appreciation of the pets in our lives. This is the week to pamper your pet for all that they bring into your life.  We encourage pet owners to take a little extra time with your pet this week to show them that you appreciate their companionship in life.

Pets In Cars

During the hot, summer months, please consider the safety of your pet when you take them for a ride in the car. Remember that even if you’re planning on running into a store for just a minute, it’s too dangerous to leave your pet in the car. Just a few minutes in a car during the summer months can raise the temperature to unbearable levels. Exposure to such extreme heat can result in heatstroke, which can cause brain damage or even death. Leave your pets at home in the air conditioning this summer.

Social PETworking Month

June is Social PETworking Month! This is a month designated to help pair families with homeless pets. The campaign allows Facebook, MySpace and Twitter addicts to put their hours online to good use by advertising adoptable pets to their networks to help get them seen and into loving homes. So if you know of any pets in need of good homes, take to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and get the word out this June!

Farmer's Market Summer Hours

If you enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables but don't have the time, energy or space for a garden of your own, why not visit a local community farmer's market? Fresh fruit and veggies are great for both you and your pet. Especially if your veterinarian has recommended your pet lose some weight. Carrots, green beans and asparagus are great to give your dog as a treat instead of the usually doggie cookie. Here is a list of some local farmer's markets: 

-Caste Village Shopping Center on Monday 3pm-7pm
-Bethel Park Community Center on Tuesday 3pm-7pm
-Carrick Shopping Center on Wednesday 3:30pm-7:30pm
-Pleasant Hills Presbyterian Church on Thursday 3pm-7pm
-Mount Lebanon Uptown Business District on Saturday 9am-noon

Pets & Swimming

Is your dog a swimmer? Remember to protect their ears from infection. Dogs can develop chronic “swimmer’s ear” from water that gets lodged in the ear canal after a dip in the water. Because of the shape of a dog’s descending ear canal, it is difficult for water to drip out. The moisture left over in the ear canal is the perfect environment for ear infections. After your dog is finished playing in the water, take a towel and gently cover your dog’s ear and gently shake their head. This will keep any excess water from settling in your dog’s ear canal. When bathing, water can get trapped in a pet’s ear canals and cause the same kind of infection. If your pet is still experiencing irritation, call us and we'll be happy to help in any way we can.

Pets & Heartworm

Warm weather means the return of mosquitoes and the heartworm disease that they carry. Because a single bite from a mosquito could transmit the deadly heartworm parasite to your pet, it’s important that your pet stay on a heartworm preventative at all times. We can’t prevent the mosquitoes from biting, but we can prevent their harmful effects. We would love to discuss heartworm prevention for your pet!