Summer Safety Tips

Protect Your Pets

• Keep your pets indoors when possible

• Limit outdoor exercise to early morning or evening

• Avoid long walks, hikes, or excessive play

• Provide pets with extra, cool water sources

• Consider dog booties for walking on hot pavement

• Play in sprinklers or in a kiddie pool outside

Test the pavement with your bare feet before walking your dog. If it’s too hot for bare feet it’s too hot for paws!

Never leave your pet in the car

• Even with the car being parked in the shade and the windows cracked, the interior temperature can exceed 100 degrees very quickly

• Many States and local governments have laws that prohibit leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle- It is illegal in Illinois!

Many summer products are toxic for pets including:

• Sun screen

• Insect repellent

• Citronella products

• Glow sticks

• Weed killer

• Yard Fertilizer

Why Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that uses needles to stimulate acupuncture points.  There are about 173 acupoints in animals and 361 in humans.  The acupoints are located in areas where there is a high density of nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels.   Acupuncture helps the body heal itself due to the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.  It was initially used for treating boils.  Acupuncture is one of the four branches of Chinese medicine which include: acupuncture, herbal therapy, food therapy, and Tui Na.

Chinese medicine is based on treating imbalances in the body and the diagnostic procedures are very different than western medicine.  The diagnosis is achieved based on clinical signs, color of the tongue, pulse, age, and other methods.

Acupuncture is used for treating different conditions like: musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and other chronic condition like renal faiure, liver disease, behavioral problems, endocrine disorders, and geriatric weakness.  Usually a series of treatments are necessary.

Additionally herbal therapy can be initiated in cases in which the animals are reluctant to the acupuncture or as an additional help.  There are several formulas used that contain different herbs and the formals are selected based on the Chinese diagnostic.  The herbal therapy take s longer to give a response but usually last longer than the effect of acupuncture.  Most animals tolerate receiving the herbs but some might not like the taste of the herbs or can develop diarrhea.

I am a certified in acupuncture and herbal therapy and will soon also be a food therapist.  I love combining my knowledge of Western and Eastern medicine to diagnose and treat my patients because it opens up so many different treatment options for the wellness of all of my clients.

Dr. Beloiu, DVM, CVA, CVCH

We love cats here at March Animal Hospital and we want them to know it! We are in the process of becoming a Cat Friendly Practice, which is a certification awarded by the American Association of Feline Practitioners.  As a member of the AAFP (and our head crazy cat lady), I am working on an extensive checklist to ensure that we are providing the best care possible for your precious feline.

Why is this so important to us?

Unfortunately, your cat is usually not as happy to see us as we are to see them.  Despite there being more owned cats than dogs in the US, cats make up only a small proportion of our daily appointments. Cats need routine care just as dogs do.  Whether your cat is here for their annual wellness exam, or if they are sick, we want to make sure both of you have a positive experience.

What changes are we making?

Cats now enter our building through a separate entrance and are escorted immediately to our feline specific exam room.  This eliminates the stress that cats experience while in the waiting room.

We have also increased our staff training to improve our feline care and meet their specific needs. Cats are not small dogs, so they show illness in different ways and require different methods of handling.

We are also continuing to uphold our commitment to the highest quality medical care for your cat( and your dogs too!)

When will it be official?

Our checklist is almost complete, so hopefully our Cat Friendly status will be official within the next few months!

-Dr. Priest

What is the one question you should be asking about fleas and ticks? How do I protect my pets and myself?

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems.  Plaque and tartar tend to build up more quickly in smaller breed dogs and they are also prone to tooth decay and gum disease.   Routine dental care will help with all of these issues, which in turn will give your pet a more healthy life.

Bella, a very petite Chihuahua, presented for a dental procedure.  As you can see in her before photo she had severe calculus built up on some of her teeth, while her other teeth only had a moderate build up.

Dr. Cretacci and her technician, Rhonda, performed her dental procedure where they used an ultrasonic and hand scaling tool to remove the dental plaque and tartar.  Once the teeth were clean, it was determined that four of her teeth were mobile as a result of periodontal disease.  These four teeth needed to be removed to prevent further periodontal disease and infection.   Bella’s teeth were then polished and a fluoride treatment was applied.

Now, as you can see, Bella’s teeth look great!  Bella was sent home with Oravet chews to continue her dental care at home.  These Oravet chews create a barrier to help protect against plaque, calculus, and bad breath.  Sweet little Bella happily went home at the end of the day with a fresh and clean mouth thanks to her dental procedure.