Welcome Dr. Tracie Springer!

We are proud to welcome Dr. Tracie Springer to the Valley Animal Hospital team! Dr. Springer grew up in the Akron area and spent many hours volunteering her time at Valley Animal Hospital. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. Dr. Springer has two long hair miniature dachshunds, Rebecca and Lily, and Ash a Siamese mix. In her down time Dr. Springer enjoys running, hiking, and camping. We are excited to have Dr. Springer with us!

Halloween Pet Safety

Halloween is a fun time for families to share in the excitement of household decorations, costumes and door-to-door revelry. Nonetheless, it is also time we need to be cognizant of our pet's reaction to all this ghoulish activity.

Loud noises created by trick-or-trickers can frighten your pet. Dogs that are easily excitable or threatened by strangers should be kept away from the front door to keep them from biting strangers or running into the street. The frequent opening of the door and the distraction in dealing with trick-or-treaters also creates an opportunity for cats to escape onto the street with resultant potential injury. Ideally, keep the family pet confined to a separate room.

Candy, especially chocolate, is toxic for animals and can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart disturbances, and even death. Candy should be kept out of the pet's reach and young children should be told not to share Halloween "bounty" with their pets.

Halloween costumes for pets are cute, but owners should be wary of costumes that contain rubber bands to keep them in place on the animal. If rubber bands are mistakenly left on the pet after the costume comes off, they can quickly burrow into the animal's skin.

Pets are better off left at home during trick-or-treat excursion; however, if they are taken along, it is best to keep them on a very short leash to keep them from fighting with other animals or biting strangers that they may encounter.

Fall Football Gatherings & Pets

Are you going to a football game or tailgate party this fall? We encourage you to keep your pet safe during these kinds of events. Portable grills can be extremely dangerous because they can be knocked over by rambunctious children and pets, and can burn them. Also, many of the junk foods that we eat when we’re at games and tailgate parties can be dangerous for our pets to eat. Don’t forget to keep your pet safe this season.

How to Make a Cat Toy Puzzle

Looking for something to keep your cat entertained? View this video about creating your own puzzle game for your cat to stimulate their mind.

Pets & Pool Safety

Have you ever seen your pet swim? Many dogs instinctively do the “doggie paddle” with their feet—hence the name—yet not all dogs know how to stay above water for long periods of time. For that reason, it’s important to supervise your pet at all times while swimming, just like you would do for your children.

Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

Did you know that your cat should be in to see us once a year all their life, and sometimes twice a year when they’re over seven years of age? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day—if your cat is due for a visit, call and schedule one today. Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

Pets & Hot Pavement

You wouldn't walk on hot pavement without shoes, so think about your pet when you go outside. The black asphalt of streets, parking lots, and some driveways can be so hot that it can burn your pet’s tender footpads. Try to limit your walks to early morning, or always walk where your dog can keep their feet on the grass.

Pets & Truck Beds

You may sometimes see dogs riding in the beds of pick-up trucks, and it may look like they’re having fun, but it’s extremely dangerous. As pet owners, it’s our job to set boundaries for our pets to ensure their safety. We advise all pet owners to NEVER allow their pet to ride in the back of a pick of truck, as the result could be seriously injury or even death. Be safe! Let your pet ride in the cab with you.

Pets & Camping Safety

Camping with your pet can be a fun adventure, but also a dangerous one! It’s important to be fully prepared for bringing a pet with you into the woods BEFORE you go. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all parasite prevention, and be sure to pack plenty of food and water. If you’re filtering your water, don’t forget your pet needs filtered water too! And most importantly, check campground rules where you’ll be staying, because some campgrounds don’t allow pets because of the danger of large wild animals, like bears! Make sure you keep your pets and family safe, and have a great trip!

Pets & Pools

Does your pet like to swim? Many pets enjoy the water and love to jump in the pool on hot summer days. Don’t forget that it’s just as important to supervise your pet while swimming as it is to supervise your children. Pets especially may accidentally swallow pool water while swimming, causing them to consume harmful and sometimes toxic chemicals. Instead of letting your pet swim in your family pool, consider getting them a kiddie pool filled with water for them!

July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day

July 15th is National Fire Safety Day! When a disaster strikes, it’s important to be prepared! We’ve all been told that it’s important to prepare an evacuation plan in advance. In the event of a house fire, make sure your family prepared for escape. It’s also important to make sure that your pet is included in your family’s plan!

Pet Appreciation Week

It's Pet Appreciation Week! Of course we let our pets know every day just how special they are to us, but this week is about going the extra mile (on that nightly walk) and really showing our furry family members how much we love and cherish them. What can you do to show your pet appreciation this week?

Dog Park Safety

As summer approaches and the weather heats up, pet owners are more likely to frequent dog parks for a fun outdoor escape where their four-legged friends can play and socialize. In fact, more pet owners are utilizing dog parks than ever before.
With a 34 percent increase over the past five years, dog parks are the fastest-growing segment of city parks in the U.S., according to a study by the non-profit Trust for Public Land. As dog park visits increase, remind dog-owning clients about the importance of safety when visiting their favorite dog park.
In 2011, VPI policyholders spent more than $8.6 million on medical conditions that are commonly associated with a visit to the dog park. According to VPI, here are the most common dog park related injuries:

• Sprains and soft tissue injuries
• Lacerations and bite wounds
• Kennel cough/upper respiratory infection
• Insect bites
• Head trauma
• Hyperthermia or heat stroke
• Parasites
• Parvovirus

Before visiting the dog park, make sure your clients understand that dog parks have their rules, just like any other community. Below are a few simple but important tips for ensuring a fun and safe trip to the dog park:

• Obey all posted rules and regulations
• Pay attention to your dog at all times
• Don’t bring a puppy younger than four months old
• Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and has a valid license
• Keep a collar on your dog
• On very warm days, avoid the dog park during peak temperature hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Look for signs of overheating, including profuse and rapid panting, a bright red tongue, thick drooling saliva, and lack of coordination. If this occurs, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month.

As a pet owner, you need to make sure to have basic first aid supplies for your pets in your household. Carefully putting together a well-provisioned first aid kit will make you more ready to deal with a medical emergency if one confronts you for your dog, cat or other pet. Click the link below for a pet first aid supplies checklist. 

http://www.avma.org/firstaid/supplies.asp