Powder Ridge Veterinary Hospital

02/26/2025

Our office will be closed today from 12:00-1:30pm for our monthly staff meeting. Thank you!

02/17/2025

Powder Ridge Post, February 2025

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month!

While population control is one of the most common topics discussed when having your pet spayed or neutered, there are other reasons to consider having this important surgery done for your pet. Did you know that having your female pet spayed can help prevent life threatening illnesses such as mammary cancer and pyometra (uterine infection), and neutering your male pet can prevent testicular cancer and unwanted behaviors such as roaming and spraying/marking? Studies have found that sterilization was associated with up to an 18% increase in life expectancy for neutered male patients and 26% for spayed female patients.

The typical spay surgery for female pets is called an Ovariohysterectomy, which means the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus are removed. In male pets, the typical neuter is called a Orchiectomy, which means the testicles are removed. Both of these procedures eliminate the main source of reproductive hormones and make the animal unable to reproduce.

If you’re wondering when to have your pet spayed or neutered, the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) supports spaying or neutering cats by 5 months of age. When it comes to dogs, the timing varies based on your dog’s breed, age, s*x, personality, role (e.g., pet or working dog), home environment, and health status. Your pet’s veterinarian can help you determine the optimal timing to have them spayed or neutered.

Below is a photo of Willow. She was spayed recently and is recovering comfortably at home. She’s proud to be an advocate for Spay and Neuter Awareness Month!

Celebrating Dental Health!

Bad breath in pets is not normal! Taking care of our pet’s teeth is very important as we try to prevent health issues throughout their life. The concern for oral health in dogs and cats is the same in many ways as the concern for oral health in people. Dental professionals remind us to brush and floss daily and have professional cleanings done 1-2 times per year. This is done to prevent the development of Periodontal Disease, which is the inflammation and infection of tissues around teeth, like gums and bone, and can cause many problems. It can lead to tooth root abscesses and tooth loss, which can be painful. Periodontal disease also serves as a source of bacterial infection that can spread to other parts of the body, like the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain. Unfortunately, Periodontal disease is very common in our pets. In fact, 85% of dogs and cats have Periodontal disease by the age of 3!

So, how do we prevent Periodontal disease? The same way we do for ourselves. We remove plaque from our pet’s teeth before it hardens into tartar and leads to gingivitis, which is the earliest form of Periodontal disease. Plaque removal can be accomplished through brushing or wiping teeth daily. Can’t brush? You can try using dental diets, like Hill’s T/D, or chews and toys that mimic brushing. Other products, like water additives, can help to decrease bacteria in the mouth. There are many options out there. When you are looking at options, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval.

02/14/2025

Thank you, Courtney, for our beautiful and scrumptious Valentine's cupcakes!!!

02/14/2025

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Valentine's Day! ❤

02/13/2025

Same, Charlie, same! Today is a great day to not adult, lol. Thank you for sharing, Shannon! 🌧❤️

02/09/2025

Are you ready for the big game?!
https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/get-ready-for-puppy-bowl-xxi-

01/28/2025

Our office will be closed today from 12:00-1:30pm for our monthly staff meeting. Thank you!

01/15/2025

Powder Ridge Post, January 2025

National Pet Travel Safety Day

January 2nd was National Pet Travel Safety Day. According to Global Vet Link, of the 90.5 million homes with pets in America, approximately 78% of these pet owners travel with their companions each year! Whether you’re traveling to the park for a walk, out of town for a quick trip, or moving to a new country, below are a few tips on how to prepare and keep your pet safe.

As with most things, preparation is key! Preparing yourself and your pet for any upcoming travel is essential to reduce stress and keep everyone safe. If you’re traveling by car, prep your pet by taking them on a series of short drives and gradually lengthen the time spent in the car. Use a harness to buckle your pet in or secure them in a well ventilated crate or carrier. For cats, start getting them used to their carrier before getting them used to the car ride. Leave the carrier out and open so they can get used to seeing and going inside of it. Place treats and toys inside, or even feed your kitty their meals inside of it. You can also use Feliway spray or wipes before placing them in the carrier. Feliway is a synthetic pheromone and can help create a calming atmosphere for your kitty.

Prep a pet-friendly travel kit. Bring food, a bowl, leash, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication, a first-aid kit and any travel documents your pet may need for the duration of both your ride and your time away from home. Also pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

Feed your pet no less than 3-4 hours ahead of departure. If they get nauseous or anxious during travel, ask your veterinarian about options for calming and anti-nausea medications.

If you are traveling out of the State, bring a copy of your pet’s rabies vaccine certificate. You may also need a Domestic Health Certificate. If you are traveling out of the Country, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel to research the travel regulations of the country you are traveling to. Be sure to also check with your airline on their travel regulations. Consider researching veterinary hospitals located along your journey and also in your new location. This way, you are prepared in case of an emergency and can establish care as soon as your settled.

Last, but not least, never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle! Cars insulate heat and cold and can either act like a furnace in the heat or freezer in the cold, either of which can result in death.

Wherever your travels take you, we wish you and your pet a happy and safe journey!

If you want to travel with your pet to another State or country, you'll need to meet these requirements whether you're traveling by plane, car, train, or boat.

01/01/2025

12/30/2024

The office will be closed today from 12:00pm to 1:30pm for our monthly Team Meeting. Thank you!

12/30/2024

Happy New Year! Our holiday hours this week are Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8am-5:30pm, Tuesday 8am-2:00pm, Saturday 8am-12pm, and we will be closed Wednesday to celebrate New Year's Day! We look forward to all that 2025 has to bring, and wish you all a safe and happy celebration!

12/25/2024

Happy Hanukkah! Photo credit: I leash the Hanukkah cheer

12/23/2024

Seasons Greetings! Our holiday hours this week are Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8am-5:30pm, Tuesday 8am-2:00pm, Saturday 8am-12pm, and we will be closed Wednesday in honor of Christmas. We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas!

12/19/2024

Our office will be closed today from 12:30-1:30pm for a staff event. Thank you for your understanding!