Top Notch Veterinary Services

Top Notch Veterinary Services Small and large animal clinic, located in Mt. Pleasant. Our focus is to provide the best medicine for your pets!! Pleasant, PA.

Top Notch Veterinary Services opened in 1996 and is conveniently located off Route 119 on Route 31 in Mt. Top Notch Veterinary Services provides veterinary services for general companion animals including cats, dogs, and horses.

11/11/2024

WHEN SECONDS COUNT

This post is not advocating that dogs meet every other dog, but about how to go about it, if and when it does happen, in a safer way.

The 3 second rule for dogs meeting each other is used as a guideline to help foster positive introductions, prevent either dog from feeling overwhelmed or trapped and prevent any potential reactivity and stress.

A short 3 second introduction is enough time to provide important information to both dogs.

Enough information for dogs to know – “are you a threat?”, “do I like you?”, “do I want to learn more about you?”, “do I really dislike you?”, “do I need you to go away?” etc. Both dogs may not feel the same way – one may not be happy to engage while the other may want to.

All interactions should ideally happen like this, not just initially. Just like us, dogs can have off days – things like pain, trigger stacking, lack of sleep or a host of other reasons can influence whether a dog wants to interact or not.

There are countless times I have witnessed meetings or introductions between dogs that have gone on just a few seconds too long and have not ended well. This can have long lasting effects on future behaviour when meeting other dogs.

Understanding body language is critically important. If we are going to share our lives with another species, protect them, advocate for them and help them feel safe, then we need to understand and respect their language.

The examples in this post of red and green flags are just a few general ones to look out for – there are many more and these will differ depending on the individual dog, context and circumstances.

Here are some resources and links to learn more about body language -
On Talking Terms With Dogs - Calming Signals, 2nd Edition by Turid Rugaas
https://www.dogwise.com/on-talking-terms-with-dogs-calming-signals-2nd-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOoqj8ruQJx5bCP7qWb03TqCyAGfmAvCj988UuWk_L1_UHbYcZsES

The Veterinary Behaviour Centre
https://www.heska.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TVBC-Canine-Dog-Body-Language-handout.pdf

Make sure those first 3 seconds count – they can make all the difference.

Breed of the Day!!
11/11/2024

Breed of the Day!!

The Norwegian Elkhound is a robust spitz type known for their lush silver-gray coat and dignified but friendly demeanor. The durable Elkhound is among Europe's oldest dogs.

Why do you love the breed?

11/08/2024

November is National Pet Diabetes Month. When untreated, diabetes mellitus can be fatal in dogs and cats. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, be sure to contact your veterinarian. You can learn more about diabetes in pets here: https://bit.ly/3nbdkjU

Breed if the Day!!!
11/08/2024

Breed if the Day!!!

Powerful, agile, tireless, impervious to cold, Samoyeds are drop-dead gorgeous but highly functional. Even their most delightful feature, a perpetual smile, has a practical function.

Why do you love the breed?

11/07/2024

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute that causes low blood sugar and liver injury and requires immediate medical attention. This ingredient is found in many foods and household items, including sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and toothpaste.

If you suspect your pet has consumed a product containing xylitol, immediately call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, your primary care veterinarian, or immediately contact an emergency veterinary hospital.

Learn more about xylitol and what items to look out for in this article from the FDA:
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/paws-xylitol-its-dangerous-dogs?fbclid=IwY2xjawGZ_xhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaMoUM0xV96YniTED-7AxL21vPfXlVaq645Ri0VL1TaiVHw0z-ZRe2DQSQ_aem_w9wmTpFphApZq02tmZ6lfw

We have 2 senior dogs looking for couches to crash on!!!
11/07/2024

We have 2 senior dogs looking for couches to crash on!!!

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month - a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving forever homes. If you're considering adopting a senior pet, here are a few helpful FAQs so you are best prepared to handle their needs: https://bit.ly/2A8mMl8

Breed of the Day!!!
11/07/2024

Breed of the Day!!!

A dignified and mellow hunting companion of kings, the Clumber Spaniel is the largest of the AKC flushing spaniels.

Why do you love the breed?

11/06/2024
Breed of the Day!!!
11/06/2024

Breed of the Day!!!

A charming member of the AKC Toy Group, the compact, glossy-coated Silky Terrier is nonetheless a true terrier of energetic high spirits.

Why do you love the breed?

Breed of the Day!!!
11/06/2024

Breed of the Day!!!

Kind but courageous, friendly but dignified, the Bulldog is a thick-set, low-slung, well-muscled bruiser whose “sourmug” face is the universal symbol of courage and tenacity.

Why do you love the breed?

Tuesday Funny!!!
11/05/2024

Tuesday Funny!!!

11/05/2024

🚨 Important Update: Leptospirosis Now a Core Vaccine for ALL Dogs
The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines have been updated to classify the leptospirosis vaccine as CORE for all dogs starting at 12 weeks of age – regardless of lifestyle, location, or breed.
Why the change?
🌆 ALL dogs are at risk—urban, suburban, and rural.
⚠️ Potentially fatal, even with treatment.
🔄 Zoonotic—it can spread from pets to humans.
🏢 Dogs in daycare and kennels also face exposure risks.
You can find the full update in the Nov/Dec issue of JAAHA, or check out the full 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines here: aaha.org/canine-vaccinations

11/05/2024

November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a time to shine a light on the many lovable older pets in need of forever homes. If you're considering adding a cat to your family, why not think about adopting a senior cat? These gentle companions often bring a wealth of love and joy. Before you welcome your new pet into your life, be sure to familiarize yourself with the “3 P’s”: Patience, Planning, and Preparation. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3CZJV4y.

11/05/2024

Resource placement plays a huge role in maintaining multicat harmony. It's not just about the number of resources, but also where you've located them.

11/04/2024

As much you love your dogs' company, it doesn't mean you want them having access to every room in your home, or at least not all the time.

11/04/2024

This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, and we'd like to give a huge shout out to the veterinary professionals and other staff members who enable shelters to rescue and care for so many animals! If you're looking for ways to help support your local shelter, here are 6️⃣ tips to get started.

Breed of the Day!!!
11/04/2024

Breed of the Day!!!

The Berger Picard is a lanky herding dog of strong bone and sturdy build. Picards spent centuries as take-charge independent problem-solvers.

Why do you love the breed?

Address

2240 School Street
Mount Pleasant, PA
15666

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 1pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+17245471964

Website

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