Companion Animal Hospital

12/06/2024

Our veterinary team from Companion Animal Hospital emphasizes being careful with treats for your pets during the holiday season. The holiday season often means more treats around the house, but not all are safe for your pets. Avoid giving your dog foods like chocolate, grapes, or anything sweetened with xylitol. Instead, opt for pet-friendly treats, like pumpkin biscuits or small pieces of plain cooked turkey. Contact us if you have any questions about pet nutrition. companionbellevue.com

12/05/2024

LOVE YOUR VET TECH! 🥰🐾💜
We want to shine a light on our Veterinary Technicians, and the amazing work they do! A recent study from the NAVC (North American Veterinary Community), showed that 47% of pet owners had no idea that licensed veterinary technicians (veterinary nurses), are the veterinary equivalent of registered nurses in human medicine in terms of their skill level and education. Also note that Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Nurse are interchangeable titles.
These superhero's conduct medical tests, take tissue and blood samples, administer anesthesia, assist with surgeries and post-surgical monitoring, perform dental prophylaxis, pain management, long-term chronic illness treatments, provide intensive care nursing and monitoring, educate and work with pet owners, among many, many other duties.
Credentialed veterinary nurses/technicians are highly educated; they must have advanced training and must pass rigorous exams such as the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). They often graduate from an AVMA-accredited AS or BS program. Once credentialed, veterinary nurses/technicians also complete ongoing continuing education requirements (CE).
To obtain the Veterinary Technician Specialist designation (VTS), which is similar to a Master’s degree, applicants must devote a minimum of three years to one of 16 clinical areas of intense focus (emergency and critical care, anesthesia and analgesia, rehabilitation, dentistry, nutrition, internal medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, and behavior, among others) before becoming a candidate. This process also involves case logging, skills verification and a rigorous exam. The VTS must undergo board recertification every five years.
It is also important to note that this job is a labor of love. It is extremely hard work, both mentally and physically, and requires dedication and a willingness to give a lot of yourself and your time to your patients.
So thank a veterinary technician/nurse today!
(shared from the NAVC)

12/04/2024

Ticks are a common problem for pets. Owners often debate whether tick collars or medicines are the best option for their pet. Tick collars can provide long-term protection by repelling ticks, while tick medicine is often used for immediate and comprehensive treatment. Learn more about common tick treatments and which option might be best for your furry friend by checking out The Spruce's expert guide.

Flea and tick preventatives for dogs that are labeled "all-natural" may actually do more harm than good.

12/02/2024

As the scorching summer sun gives way to the cooler days of fall, it is essential to ensure your pets remain comfortable and happy during this transition. Keeping your pet hydrated, providing shade during warm afternoons, and gradually adjusting their exercise routine can help them adapt smoothly to the changing temperatures. companionbellevue.com

11/30/2024

Its Small Business Saturday! Celebrate your furry friends by buying their gifts local! Support small, locally owned vet hospitals and pet stores by purchasing pet products and gifts from them, instead of the "big guys". Shopping local helps communities thrive by adding jobs and growing small business!
Its even more important now, after the big PNW storm, as many small businesses were closed for several days. Be a part of something big, and shop small! 🐈🐾🐩🥰👍

11/29/2024

It’s easy for our furry friends to indulge in all the Thanksgiving treats, but too much of the good stuff can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health concerns. Our veterinary team is here to help. We offer personalized dietary consultations to ensure your pet is back on track with a healthy, balanced diet. Schedule a consultation with our vets today to get your pet back on a healthy path! companionbellevue.com

11/28/2024

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love, and gratitude! May your day be blessed with delicious food and cherished moments with family and friends. 🦃🍁

11/28/2024

11/27/2024

The holidays are busy with gatherings and treats, but it’s also important to keep your pet’s health in mind! Staying mindful of their diet, exercise, and safety is essential. From avoiding dangerous foods to choosing nutritious options, there are many ways to help your pet thrive. Need a great resource for selecting the right dog food? This article from Spruce Pets has you covered.

Choosing the best dog food for "man's best friend" can be a daunting task. Learn some of the basics of canine nutrition to help you decide which dog food is best based on your dog's individual needs.

11/27/2024

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also a time for possible distress for our animal companions. Check out the following tips for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too:
• Talkin’ Turkey: If you decide to feed your pet a small bite of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria. Do not give your pet the left over carcass–the bones can be problematic for the digestive tract.
• No Bread Dough: Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him access to raw yeast bread dough. When a dog or cat ingests raw bread dough, the yeast continues to convert the sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. This can result in bloated drunken pets, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring hospitalization.
• Don't Let Them Eat Cake: If you plan to bake Thanksgiving desserts, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.
• A Feast Fit for a King: While your family enjoys a special meal, give your cat and dog a small feast of their own. Offer them made-for-pets chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a food puzzle toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy. Don't overdo it!
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey or a taste of mashed potato shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.
Shared from ASPCA

11/25/2024

Even if you're a veteran pet owner, there's a lot to know about proper vaccination schedules. Our veterinarian in Bellevue puts all the guesswork aside for you. We ensure pets of all ages get the core vaccines they need, and we can also discuss potential non-core vaccines depending on your pet's lifestyle. Schedule a checkup and get the care they deserve. companionbellevue.com

11/22/2024

Are you a cat owner who can relate to this scenario? 🐱 If your furry friend's behavior shifts from playful to problematic, bring them in for an assessment! We're here to help ensure your pet is happy and healthy. 🐾

11/20/2024

We are always happy to hear about how pet owners engage in daily exercise with their furry companions. Help maintain a healthy weight, boost energy levels, and reduce the likelihood of behavioral issues. If you notice sudden changes in your pet’s behavior, energy levels, or if they seem unwell despite regular exercise, call us to make an appointment.

11/18/2024

Are you confused about what vaccines your puppy or adult dog needs? It can also be hard to decide if they need non-core vaccines. Our veterinary clinic helps our patients understand what vaccines are needed and when dogs should have them. This comprehensive overview from PetMD is a fabulous resource to refer to if you need a trusted resource for understanding dog vaccination schedules.

Vaccinations can help to keep your dog protected from life-threatening diseases. Learn about which dog vaccinations every canine should have and which ones are based on lifestyle. No matter your dog’s age, vaccinations should be a part of their health care routine.

11/16/2024

Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also a time for possible distress for our animal companions. Check out the following tips for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too:
• If you decide to feed your pet a small bite of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria. Never give your pet the left over carcass–the bones can be problematic for the digestive tract.
• Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him access to raw yeast bread dough. When a dog or cat ingests raw bread dough, the yeast continues to convert the sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. This can result in bloated, drunken pets, which could become a life-threatening emergency.
• If you plan to bake Thanksgiving desserts, be sure your pets keep their noses away, especially if it includes raw eggs that could contain salmonella bacteria. Other sweeteners, including chocolate, can also be toxic to pets.
• While your family enjoys a special meal, give your cat and dog a small feast of their own. Offer them made-for-pets chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of fully cooked, plain turkey, or vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans)—inside a food puzzle toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

Don't overdo it! While a few small pieces of cooked boneless turkey or a taste of mashed potato shouldn’t pose a problem, only offer very small amounts to ensure their well being.
Shared from the ASPCA website