Meadow Central Veterinary Clinic

06/17/2024

Check your pet for ticks every day, especially after they spend time outdoors. Run your fingers through your pet's fur with gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps. If you find a tick, it’s important to act quickly and safely. You can either try to remove the tick yourself or take your dog to your nearest pet urgent care or an emergency pet hospital for help.

If you choose to remove the tick from your dog, follow the steps below:

1) Use tweezers (or a tick remover instrument like a Tick Key) to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, removing the whole head and body.
2) Pull the tick straight out with slow and steady pressure. (If the head of the tick is left in the skin, it can cause an infection and still transmit disease, so make sure the whole body is removed!)
3) Once the tick is removed, you can place it in a sealed container in case your vet wants to test it for diseases.
4) Clean the area of your dog’s skin with soap and water then apply a pet-safe antiseptic.
5) Contact us for advice on next steps. We may ask you to bring the tick in for testing.

06/12/2024

Many of the diseases that parasites cause can spread from your pet to you and your family, too. Pests like and can crawl or hitch a ride into your home on shoes, clothing, or even on the fur of another pet. Itchy yet? Let’s talk pests:

🕷️ Ticks 🕷️
Not only are ticks a threat to our pets, but an estimated 476K Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year.* They aren’t just a warm weather issue, either: contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t die in the winter and do not hibernate, either. If you or your pet spend time in grassy or wooded areas, get in the habit of spot-checking yourself and them for these small, spider-like creatures after every outing. If you find one, pull it off carefully and intact, then call us.

🐜 Fleas 🐜
These teeny-tiny jumping parasites aren’t just annoying for the itchy rashes they cause in pets and people. Studies have shown that the plague is once again on the rise and that fleas are one of the culprits. Fleas can multiply and jump from host to host alarmingly fast, so if you catch your pet itching more than usual, have them checked for fleas ASAP.

To learn more about these pesky pests, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests

*source: www.CDC.gov
**source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

05/21/2024

that ONE bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes to transmit to your dog or cat? Scary, but true. Mosquitoes thrive all over the US, and not just during summer: different breeds are active throughout the year. 🦟

Treating disease caused by parasites in dogs can be complex and costly, and options are limited for cats. But there is good news: oral, injectable, or topical preventive medications are effective ways to protect your pet and are much more affordable than treatment itself, but *only* if your pet receives the recommended dose on a monthly or yearly basis. We can help find the right preventative for your pet based on their lifestyle and health needs, so don’t delay: book a visit today!

To learn more about heartworm prevention, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests

05/10/2024

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Anya Dziurzynski in her new position. We look forward to working with her and embarking on this exciting journey together! 🎉 🎉

She will be stating at the Meadow Central Veterinary Clinic location on May 20th, 2024!

05/01/2024

While pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are tiny—they can cause BIG problems for our pets, and even our families. That’s why we’re sharing easy ways to save on preventive medications, which are essential to keeping your pet healthy:

🏥 Dog owners can visit us for 15% off ProHeart 12, which offers 1 year of continuous heartworm protection with just 1 dose.*

💛 Thrive Plus members can buy a 10-month supply of Simparica Trio and get 2 months FREE.**

💳 CareCredit cardholders can pay for preventative medications over time. Limited time offer for new cardholders. From May 1 – July 31, 2024, open a new CareCredit credit card account, spend $300 or more to earn a $50 statement credit or $1,000 or more to earn a $100 statement credit, and register for the offer with promo code OFFER2024 at: //carecredit.com/promotions. Visit: //carecredit.com/offer2024 for complete details.***

To learn more about why to protect against pests, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/protect-against-pests
*Valid 5/1/2024-6/30/2024. In-clinic purchase only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts except for Thrive Plus member discounts and other parasite treatment related offers and promotions. Discount applies to ProHeart 12 only. Availability of products may vary. The offer does not include the cost of additional services, such as exams or diagnostic tests, that may be needed to fulfill a parasiticide prescription.

**Valid 5/1/2024-6/30/2024 for Thrive Plus Members ONLY. See full prescribing Information SimparicaTrioPI.com and ProHeart12PI.com. In-clinic purchase only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts except for other parasite treatment related offers and promotions. Discount applies to Simparica Trio only. Availability of products may vary. The offer does not include the cost of additional services, such as exams or diagnostic tests, that may be needed to fulfill a parasiticide prescription.

***Subject to credit approval. Between May 1 – July 31, 2024: (1) open a new CareCredit account, (2) use it to make qualifying purchase(s), and (3) register online at //carecredit.com/promotions to earn a statement credit. If earned, statement credit will post to account within 3 billing cycles of offer end date. Account must remain open, in good standing and not become delinquent. Limit one statement credit per account. Applications submitted during offer period but approved after July 31, 2024, are not eligible. Statement credit cannot be used to satisfy the required minimum monthly payment on your account and may not be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent.

03/26/2024

Oral health is essential to overall health, so make dental care part of their annual wellness routine to keep your pet in tip-top shape. 🦷✨ Don’t forget that full diagnostic testing is required 30 days prior to procedures like dental cleanings, so give us a call to discuss scheduling a dental cleaning in tandem with your pet’s annual exam today. To learn more, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/brushing-up-on-wellness

02/22/2024

Our pets can’t tell us when they’re experiencing pain and discomfort, so ensuring they’re checked routinely from nose-to-tail can help them live longer, fuller lives. 💚 This includes diagnostic testing, which is needed ahead of dental cleanings and can be done as part of their annual wellness exam. Testing healthy pets’ blood and urine also provides baseline values to compare to as they age, while f***l testing helps detect intestinal parasites that live and thrive in your pet's gastrointestinal tract. Like with regular testing, a baseline allows us to detect changes and illness before ever seeing outward signs of disease. 🔬

Read more about the importance of these lab tests along with what they can reveal here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/is-routine-bloodwork-necessary-for-my-pet

02/01/2024

Routine dental care for pets is more than just about keeping bad breath at bay: annual cleanings help prevent buildup and diseases that can lead to bigger health issues like tooth disease, infections, and gingivitis - even kidney and heart disease. That's why we’re celebrating with preventive healthcare tips on how to keep your pet’s smile shining, which also supports overall wellness. 🦷✨

Give your pet a healthy start to the new year with an annual dental cleaning and nose-to-tail exam and brush up on your pet wellness knowledge here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/brushing-up-on-wellness

01/24/2024

Unsure about when and how to socialize your puppy? Help ensure your pup grows up into a happy, confident, well-adjusted dog using these tips and tricks for fun, positive puppy socialization: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/how-to-socialize-a-puppy

01/19/2024

New and experienced pet owners alike often ask their veterinarian, "Why does my pet need an annual wellness exam?" While many caregivers have a good understanding of illness symptoms that signal a vet visit, routine checkups outside of sick visits are just as essential for helping your pet live a long and happy life with you. Learn more here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/why-does-my-pet-need-an-annual-wellness-exam

12/12/2023

ICYMI, we’re gifting one FREE month of membership* this holiday season when you sign up for our innovative program offering worry-free vet visits and savings on everyday pet care costs. Pets always benefit from getting the care they need without delay, and members save an average of $300* per year. To get started, visit https://www.thrivepetcare.com/membership. Don’t wait - this offer ends 12/31/23!

Use promo code: GIFTSOFCARE.

*Offer valid for new members only at participating locations from 11/01/2023 to 12/31/2023. 12-month commitment required. Membership savings are an annual average for members and vary by usage and location. Savings do not take into account monthly membership fees. See Thrive Plus Terms & Conditions for additional terms.

12/06/2023

To support adoptable pets’ behavioral enrichment while they await their forever homes, we’ve partnered with KONG to donate over 10,000 toys to animal shelters near our hospitals this holiday season.

Rubber chew toys like these are an important outlet for natural dog behaviors and can help alleviate anxiety and offer mental stimulation. These sturdy enrichment toys can be sanitized and reused by shelters again and again!

In addition to supporting pets while they await adoption, we’re also gifting 1 month free of DOGTV* to each pet adopted at participating shelters to help ease the transition into their forever homes. DOGTV’s relaxing programming features music and visuals specifically designed to alleviate stress and anxiety throughout the day.

A big thank you to our hospital team members, KONG and DOGTV for helping to deliver some holiday cheer to shelter pets and the dedicated volunteers who care for them!

*While supplies last.

11/29/2023

Have you recently welcomed a new pet into your home, or are you preparing for a new pet? There’s a lot to think about when it comes to making sure they’re set up with everything they need, from bedding and toys to ID tags and a pet-proofed home. One essential task to consider is getting them established with a vet as soon as possible. Booking a wellness visit with a vet will ensure they’re healthy, started on all the required vaccine schedules, protected against heartworm, fleas, and ticks, and gives you a chance to learn more about your new companion. 🐶 💚 🐱

To learn more about why annual wellness exams are important for your pet’s health, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/why-does-my-pet-need-an-annual-wellness-exam

11/22/2023

‘Tis the season for joy, but the decorations and merrymaking that make it a time we look forward to can also pose some risks to our pets! To ensure a happy holiday for all, here are some vet-approved safety tips as you prepare your home for the festivities to come. 🎄🕯️ ✨

For even more tips about navigating the holidays with pets, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/holidays-with-your-pets

11/15/2023

New and experienced pet owners alike often ask their vet, "Why does my healthy pet need an annual wellness exam?" While many of us have a good understanding of illness symptoms that signal a vet visit, routine checkups outside of sick visits are just as essential for helping your pet live a long and happy life with you.

To learn more about why annual wellness exams are important for your pet’s health, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/why-does-my-pet-need-an-annual-wellness-exam

11/08/2023

This holiday season, over 200 of our hospital teams are gifting over 10,000 KONG behavioral enrichment toys to local shelters. We welcome you to join us in supporting rescue animals in your community (each and every of them are on the nice list - we checked twice)! Commonly requested items include unopened and unexpired pet food, new pet toys, blankets, towels, and potty supplies. No matter how you choose to give back, it’s sure to make a difference in the lives of adoptable pets in your community!

Note: Some shelters may not accept certain items. It’s always best to check their website or contact them directly before purchasing any items you intend to donate.

11/01/2023

Pets bring their people joy year-round, and there’s no better way to give back to them than with the gift of wellness through routine exams and preventative care! To help make it easier, we’re gifting one FREE month of membership* when you sign up for our program offering worry-free vet visits and savings on everyday pet care costs. Membership can be combined with options like the CareCredit credit card** and pet insurance to help make caring for your pet easier than ever. Learn more and enroll today at: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/membership

Use promo code: GIFTSOFCARE.

*Offer valid for new members only at participating locations from 11/01/2023 to 12/31/2023. 12-month commitment required.
**Subject to credit approval.

10/03/2023

Did you know that incessant itching in dogs and cats can often point to an underlying health issue? Delaying a vet visit for your itchy pet can lead to severe skin problems, like infections—which can be painful and often more difficult to treat.

By learning the indicators that it’s time to meet with a vet, we can work together to catch dermatological conditions before they worsen - and help your pet ditch the itch.

If your pet’s been scratching more than usual, book a dermatology appointment with us today. We can assess your pet’s symptoms and come up with a personalized treatment plan to get them the relief they need!

To learn what to expect at a pet dermatology visit and how we can help, visit our website: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/what-happens-when-i-bring-my-itchy-dog-to-the-vet

09/20/2023

Allergies in people often cause sneezing and congestion, but did you know our pets can experience allergies differently?

Licking, scratching, hair loss and other symptoms can be signs of allergic reactions or skin disease. Sometimes mild changes can signal a growing problem; we can help find the cause and curb the symptoms before they worsen. Our team can develop a personalized treatment plan for your pet to help them ditch the itch!

If your pet’s been itching, don’t delay - book a visit with us today. To learn more about why pets get itchy, check out our article here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/vet-tips-for-itchy-pets

06/22/2023

Your pet has a special place in your heart, so don’t risk parasites worming their way into your pet’s! Heartworm leads to serious health complications, and can even be fatal. Luckily, prevention has never been easier, so talk to your vet today about what program is best for your dog or cat. 🐶💚🐱

Learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of heartworm in cats here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/heartworm-in-cats and in dogs here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/heartworm-in-dogs

06/15/2023

Don’t wait - time’s running out to save on a FREE month* of Thrive Plus! Sign up before June 30 to start saving on wellness exams, everyday services, nail trims, and more. While this special offer is only available in June, parasites are in season 365
days a year - so make caring for them even easier with a Thrive Plus Membership.

Take advantage of unlimited FREE exams and book a visit to discuss your parasite prevention options today! Click here for pricing and to find a participating clinic near you: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/membership

*Offer valid 6/1/23-6/30/23. Offer valid for new members only. Cannot be combined with other offers and promotions. Membership savings are an annual average for members and vary by usage and location. Savings do not take into account
monthly membership fees. Benefits limited to select locations. Terms apply, see Membership Term & Agreements.

06/06/2023

Did these flea and tick facts surprise you? It’s hard for your pet to thrive while suffering from a parasite infestation.
In addition to causing itchy skin, fleas can infect humans and pets with diseases like tapeworm, cat-scratch fever, and the plague (yes, it’s still a thing and on the rise!). Ticks carry several diseases that can cause serious health problems for your
pet, such as Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and more.

Luckily, prevention has never been easier - your primary care veterinarian can recommend a variety of preventive flea and tick medications, depending on your pet’s unique needs and your family’s lifestyle. Talk to your veterinarian about your
pet's options and get them the protection they need today.

06/01/2023

Have you heard about our Thrive Plus Membership program? Thrive Plus aims to empower you to provide the best
possible care for your pet, so you can ensure they stay pest-free. Members get free exams and save 10% on pre-prescription diagnostics and services, including ones that may be required for parasite treatment.
Plus, during the month of June, you can save even more when you sign up for a yearlong Thrive Plus Membership by
receiving one month FREE*!

Click here to see pricing and find a participating clinic near you: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/membership

PS - Already a Thrive Plus member? Stop in for a wellness visit during June and receive a free month of DogTV™ to keep
your pet entertained for hours! 📺

*Offer valid 6/1/23-6/30/23. Offer valid for new members only. Cannot be combined with other offers and
promotions. Membership savings are an annual average for members and vary by usage and location. Savings do not
take into account monthly membership fees. Wellness Exam fee covered by membership, additional fees may still apply. Benefits limited to select locations. Terms apply, see Membership Term & Agreements.

05/23/2023

ICYMI, parasites AREN’T picky! 📣 No matter your pet’s lifestyle, location, or species - parasites like ticks, fleas,
mosquitoes and heart worm present a myriad of health risks that can impact their quality of life.
Don’t forget to save 10%* on preventatives by booking a visit before May 31st: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/location

*Offer valid 5/9/23 - 5/31/23 or while supplies last. 10% discount is automatically applied to eligible purchases. Offer available at select locations. One redemption per client only. Cannot be combined with additional offers. Savings apply to Simparica, Simparica TRIO, Revolution PLUS, & ProHeart 12 products only.

05/18/2023

Pesky parasites like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes that carry heartworm are found all over the U.S. and can pose serious health risks to your pets AND your family. This is why it's important to ensure your dog or cat is on parasite protection year-round.

Unsure which treatment is best for your pet? Book a visit with your vet to explore your options, and watch to learn more on how you can help keep your pet thriving and safe from parasites:

Parasites are found almost everywhere. It is important to take proactive steps to help keep your pets and other members of your household safe from the issue...

05/09/2023

If you’re anything like us, you’re picky when it comes to your pet’s food, toys, and care - but parasites AREN’T picky when it comes to targeting a host. You can treat your pet to a life free from the dangers of parasites with prescription preventatives. From itchy flea bites to life-threatening Lyme disease, your vet is here to partner with you to protect your dog or cat with consistent, effective treatment options. PLUS we’re making prevention even more accessible with exclusive, limited time offers!

Bring your pet in for a visit before May 31st and save 10%* on:
Six month supply of Simparica™
Six month supply of Simparica TRIO™
Six month supply of Revolution™ PLUS for cats
ProHeart™ 12 once-yearly injection for dogs

Don’t wait for parasites to pick on your pet - book a visit today and save: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/location

*Offer valid 5/9/23 - 5/31/23 or while supplies last. 10% discount is automatically applied to eligible
purchases. Offer available at select locations. One redemption per client only. Cannot be combined with
additional offers. Savings apply to Simparica, Simparica TRIO, Revolution PLUS and ProHeart 12 products only.

04/18/2023

You have made this past year an amazing one! Happy one year anniversary date Alan!! Thank you for being part of our amazing team!

04/04/2023

Research has now shown that these diets (often termed “non-traditional diets”) are commonly grain-free commercial dry diets that contain pulses and, to a lesser extent, potatoes or sweet potatoes. Pulses are peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans. While pulses are part of the legume family, soy (another legume) has not been associated with this problem. Some research suggests that peas may be most associated with this form of DCM, but this may just reflect the fact that peas are used more commonly in dog foods compared to other pulses. In 2017, 51% of dry dog foods contained peas, while 23% contained chickpeas, and 14% contained lentils. So, while pulses – and especially peas – seem to be the most likely culprits, we have a lot more to learn about their effects on dogs eating diets high in these ingredients (for example, concentration in the diet, effects of processing, and effects of different fractions of peas such as whole peas, pea protein, pea fiber, etc).

Many have linked diet-associated DCM with grain-free diets. In fact, it appears to be more closely associated with diets containing pulses, rather than with the presence or absence of grains in a diet. In the past, it was primarily grain-free diets that included high levels of pulses and potatoes as ingredients to replace grains, but now some grain-inclusive diets contain pulses and can be associated with DCM as well. Most dogs with diet-associated DCM have been eating non-traditional diets for over one year (sometimes many years), so DCM does not seem to develop immediately after eating these diets and not every dog that eats these diets develops heart problems.

DCM represents an advanced stage of heart disease, but it appears that the heart starts to get sick long before obvious DCM has developed. In fact, it’s important to note that the FDA’s numbers refer only to dogs with DCM, and not less severe forms of the disease. In its 2019 update, they stated: “We did not include in these numbers the many general cardiac reports submitted to the FDA that did not have a DCM diagnosis. However, this case information is still valuable, as it may show heart changes that occur before a dog develops symptomatic DCM.” Studies now suggest that dogs with less severe forms of the disease appear to represent the same disease process – just an earlier stage. Dogs with less severe stages of the disease have similar improvements in heart size and function after diet change. In fact, when detected early, dogs with less severe forms appear to have a better response to diet change than dogs with DCM that are having symptoms.

Here at Meadow Central Vet Clinic, we highly recommend feeding a high quality diet that meets WSAVA criteria like Royal Canin, Purina ProPlan or Science Diet.

Check out the full report here: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2023/02/diet-associated-dilated-cardiomyopathy-the-cause-is-not-yet-known-but-it-hasnt-gone-away/

And the most up-to-date release from the FDA on the situation here: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/questions-answers-fdas-work-potential-causes-non-hereditary-dcm-dogs

03/31/2023

Have you heard of the new Membership Plan we offer? It's a pretty sweet deal, tbh.

03/22/2023

World Water Day has been celebrated since 1993 to help bring awareness of the over 2 billion people in the world living without safe access to water.

I hear you--you're thinking, "Well, what can I do about this?"

Here are some tips!
1) Help reduce your water footprint:
The average American shower uses about 17 gallons of water, while a single toilet flush uses a staggering 7 gallons. If you’re interested in decreasing your daily water usage, there are many products – such as low flow toilets and shower heads – that can help you do just that.

2) Help keep local bodies of water clean--White Rock Lake could always use extra hands to help clean up litter and debris

3) Donate to a non-profit organization that helps get water to the people in need. Well Aware (https://wellawareworld.org/) is a local nonprofit based out of Austin if you want to donate local.