We are fortunate to live in an area with several after hour facilities. Our first recommendation would be MedVet of Cincinnati on Red Bank Expressway. 513-561-0069. They are open 24 hours. www.medvetohio.com.

As soon as you realize your pet may have ingested something toxic, you must contact us right away. If the hospital is closed, contact MedVet Emergency Clinic at 513-561-0069.

The key to successful treatment is early detection and treatment initiation. When in doubt-treat for it!

**The majority of toxins cause harm over time giving you the false impression that your pet is “fine” when they are not. The toxic effects are not always reversible, however the majority of them are treatable if caught early enough.

To research the possible exposure. Go to the ASPCA Poison Control website: http://www.aspca.org/Home/Pet-care/poison-control.aspxp

The best pet foods are only sold by pet food stores such as PetCo or PetSmart. Grocery store pet foods are less expensive but are not ideal to maintain your pet’s optimal health. To save you money, grocery store foods use low quality ingredients, excessive processing, excessive amounts of grains and preservatives. Grocery store pet food is similar to us eating processed and/or fast food every day. High quality pet store diets are comparable to us eating home cooked meals every day. We must consider the health benefits of the diet rather than the convenience and cost.

We highly recommend the following brands: Prairie, Wellness, Evo, and Blue Buffalo.

If you would like to have a prescription filled through an online pharmacy please call the clinic to request a written prescription. Once the prescription is authorized by the doctor it will be waiting for you at the front desk. For your pet’s safety, we keep a copy of all prescriptions as we have had multiple health related issues due to poor pharmacy regulations and mistakes.

We’ve all seen the commercials expressing how easy and inexpensive it is to purchase your medications from the internet pharmacies. However, not all pharmacies are the same.

The drug manufacturers only guarantee their products if they are purchased through veterinarians. This is to ensure an established client/patient/doctor relationship, which is required by law. This is to minimize and avoid any unnecessary complications regarding medications. Remember your veterinarian is prescribing medication based on physical health findings and current medical conditions. Your veterinarian is aware of all medications your pet is currently taking, and is experienced with possible complications or side effects of the prescription. Who will you call with questions regarding the medications? Human pharmacists do not understand veterinary pharmacology and are unable to answer any questions regarding the medication.

Remember one thing; the farther from the manufacturer you purchase the medications the more you should be concerned about product safety. Many online pharmacies are just 5th party distributors. Counterfeit medications do exist.

A vaccine titer is a blood test that determines the presence of antibodies that develop in response to a vaccine. Testing vaccine titers is done through a blood test that can identify the presence of antibodies. If the antibody levels are satisfactory, the pet is considered to have protective antibody and is considered to be sufficiently immune to the disease. The pet does not need a booster vaccine if he/she has adequate levels of vaccine titers.

Your pet will receive a thorough examination with one of our veterinarians.  In addition, they will gather more lifestyle information from you which may include diet, exercise, thirst, breathing, habits, elimination patterns, energy, and general health.  Based on the history gathered and the Physical Examination findings, the veterinarian will make personalized recommendations for your pet for specific preventive medical treatment.  These treatments may include vaccinations (based on your pet’s risk and exposure), lab work for wellness screening purpose, parasite testing and control (heartworm, flea, tick, and intestinal parasites), nutrition, joint health, weight management, and dental/oral care.

The frequency of wellness examinations will depend on your pet’s age and current health status.  Typically, younger kittens & puppies will require monthly examinations up to about 4-5 months of age.  Average adult pets usually need annual wellness assessments and geriatric senior pets usually need more frequent semi-annual examinations.

Once a patient has had an adverse health reaction to a vaccination, it should not be repeated. There are medications to give prior to vaccinating to diminish a reaction, however it is not advised. We highly recommend discontinuing the vaccine for life and submitting vaccine titers.

Surprisingly, vaccines are not always lifesaving. Vaccinations occasionally become life-threatening. To minimize potential complications from vaccines, we only vaccinate healthy patients after a thorough examination.

THE most important aspect of a thorough pet wellness preventive plan is the examination. When cost is a factor, we will always split the vaccines and tests so that the expense is divided over a 3 month time frame.

A thorough physical exam is the cornerstone of good veterinary medicine. Dogs and cats age at a more rapid rate than humans so it is very important to assess them physically at least once a year. Each time we assess your pet, we perform a thorough exam looking at their teeth, skin, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, orthopedic condition, and general mentation. We will also take a thorough history asking you questions about your pet’s diet, activity level, bathroom habits, and general well being. Putting their physical condition together with useful information from you, helps us diagnose conditions before they have progressed or become harder to treat. We also can put a personalized care plan together for your and your pet.

Through the use of vaccinations, the veterinary profession has managed to significantly minimize the number of communicable diseases that cats and dogs contract. AHWC has chosen the highest quality, safest vaccines for your pets. There are core vaccinations that we recommend routinely as well as vaccinations that are only given to pets at risk of contracting the illness the vaccines prevent. We put together a vaccination protocol that is specific to your dog or cat based on their needs and risk factors.

Heartworm prevention is recommended year round for dogs in Ohio. AHWC stocks the best products on the market which protect against heartworm disease and intestinal parasites. Flea preventatives are available in both collar and oral form. Even indoor cats are susceptible to intestinal parasites, ear mites, and fleas.

Much like humans, senior pets deal with aging changes that, if detected early, can be treated successfully with minimal issue. Dogs are considered senior between the ages of 7 and 9, depending on their breed. Cats are considered senior around the age of 9 years. Once your cat or dog has reached the golden years, more frequent physical exams, occasional bloodwork, and diagnostic work ups may be recommended. There are many disease processes that mimic aging. Diagnostics can often pinpoint things that if treated, could add some pep to your aging pet’s step. Additionally, your observations of behavior changes, routine changes, and difficulties your pet may be having can be paramount in pinpointing what is going on with your pet. Make sure to let us know if your pet has experienced any changes in their senior years.

Every dog and cat starts out as a puppy or kitten. AHWC wants to set you up for success from the very start. Your first visit with your puppy or kitten, includes information on preventive health care and what to expect over the first few years of their life. Most importantly, we talk to you about behavior. Behavioral health is as important to the livelihood of your pet as any other part of their health. More dogs are turned into shelters each year for behavior problems than for any other reason. Our goal is to help you start the way you want to finish so that you end up with a well-mannered pet that is a functional part of your family. Many veterinarians don’t take the time to learn about behavior and don’t consider it a part of health care. AHWC works hard to help you through any behavior issues that you may be having with young pets and mature pets alike. If you have a problem that requires further training, we have relationships with several behaviorists in Cincinnati that can help you complete your goals.

To improve the healing rate of your pet’s incision, it is very important to deter all licking, chewing, rubbing, or scooting of the incision. The incision will take up to 7-14 days to fully heal. If your pet is able to lick the incision, the healing rate will be delayed.

To deter licking for a DOG:

1. Contact the hospital to pick up an E-Collar (cone) to place around the head.
2. Towel Neck Wrap: take a towel, fold it length wise and wrap it around your pet’s neck. Use duct tape to secure it from unwrapping. This thick towel neck wrap helps prevent licking of the “back 1/2 of the body”. The bigger the dog the bigger the towel needs to be. A tiny pooch needs a hand towel, a large dog try a bath towel, and for a giant dog use a beach towel. This will look like a whiplash neck collar.
3. T-shirt: place a t-shirt on your dog to prevent licking of the body, shoulders, or chest. Place a knot in the waist of the shirt to keep it from sliding forward. You may also put a small cut in the shirt near the waist hem and then slide one of the rear legs through this small slit to prevent the shirt from falling forward. You may also use a t-shirt to prevent licking of the rear end, hips, and knees. Put the shirt on your dog backwards, your pet’s rear legs through the shirt arms and waist hem toward the chest.
4. Onesie: if you have a small dog you may place a small baby onesie on your pet to cover the body.
5. Boxers or shorts for rear end issues.
6. Vet Wrap/bandage: you may cover the paws or legs with vet wrap. You may buy this soft non-adhesive bandaging material at PetSmart. Be careful with this material! You do not want to apply this too tight! Monitor your pet’s toes for swelling. If the toes should become swollen remove immediately and massage!

To deter licking for a CAT:

1. Contact the hospital to pick up an E-Collar (cone) to place around your cat’s head. You may purchase these at pet stores also.
2. Body Bandage: contact the hospital. We may be able to place a soft bandage or stockinette on your cat to prevent excessive licking or grooming.

Do not hesitate to call the hospital if you suspect your pet is licking or will lick the incision. It is better to be prepared than wake up to realize your pet has compromised the incision overnight and may require more medical attention.

If you need medical treatment while our office is closed, go to MedVet Cincinnati on Red Bank Expressway. 513-561-0069. They are open 24 hours. www.medvetohio.com

We meet many pet owners very worried about anesthesia for their pets since they have been previously told by another veterinarian that their pet was “too old for anesthesia”. Let’s consider the facts with regard to age and anesthesia risks.

1. Age is not a disease and does not directly reflect health status. We all know of healthy older people (or pets) and young people (and pets) with poor health. We prefer to evaluate each pet individually to accurately assess health status. Anesthesia is then individualized for each patient based on their health.
2. Health problems are addressed with well-planned anesthesia protocols. Fortunately patients with health problems can have safe anesthesia and recovery from surgery uneventfully.

The following is a list that contains common behaviors of pain for dogs & cats:

• Crying and/or whining (dogs)
• Growling and/or purring (cats)
• Hiding (cats and dogs)
• Not grooming (cats)
• Squinting (cats)
• Glassy-eyed, vacant look (dogs)
• Hunched up body (cats and dogs)
• Restlessness and changing positions often (dogs)
• Not moving from one spot (cats)
• Irritable or aggressive (cats and dogs)
• No appetite (cats and dogs)
• Shaking and trembling (dogs)
• Protecting the hurting body part (cats and dogs)
• Please contact the office or an after-hours veterinary clinic if you have concerns regarding your pet’s comfort, even if your pet’s signs are not on this list.

If you would like to have a prescription filled through an online pharmacy please call the clinic to request a written prescription. Once the prescription is authorized by the doctor it will be waiting for you at the front desk. For your pet’s safety, we keep a copy of all prescriptions as we have had multiple health related issues due to poor pharmacy regulations and mistakes.

We understand how stressful boarding your pet can be for a “first timer”. (“Stress” meaning nervous anxiety over change in routine AND/OR over-excitement for attention by the staff and surroundings.) We recommend boarding your dog or cat for just one day prior to your planned extended trip. During this “trial” boarding visit we will monitor your pet and give you honest feedback regarding future visits. In addition, your pet’s short stay will provide positive reinforcement, familiarity with the facility, and a short exposure to the boarding routine which will reduce “stress” during future visits. Many families have commented that the trial boarding experience greatly reduced their worry during their vacation.

We provide the following for your pet:

• All of the bedding for our boarding visitors for large dogs and kitty cubbies.
• Treats
• Toys
• Exercise and TLC
• Food, only if needed

Things to bring for your pet:

• Food. We highly recommend you bring your pet’s food. Changing your pet’s diet during a boarding experience is not advised. Consider bringing 1-2 days of extra food just in case you have an unplanned delay.
• Medications. Be sure to bring the medications in their labeled bottle/container. Daily pill containers are wonderful and convenient, however, as a medical facility we need to know what we are giving. In addition, in rare situations we may need an extra tablet.
• Special Instruction Sheet. If your pet requires any special attention, assistance, or monitoring please provide this information during “check-in”. Examples: storm fears or anxiety, special eating habits, fence climbing abilities, or history of seizures.
• Vaccine Records. We do require current vaccinations and stool checks for our healthy boarding visitors. If we do not provide veterinary care for your pet, please have your pet’s current records faxed to: 513-777-5442.

Please bring your pet into the facility on a leash or in a carrier.

In order to maintain a safe, comfortable environment, we do require all pets be current on their vaccinations.  You are welcome to bring vaccine records from another vet to prove your pet is up to date.  If your pet is not current, an exam and vaccines can be given by our vet if scheduled in advance.

Pets are cared for in our kennels and water is provided at all times. We keep kennel time as minimal as possible, and there is someone on hand to check on your pets at all times.

Gum disease can cause cats pain and serious dental problems, as well as lead to more serious illnesses, such as heart and kidney disease. But gum disease can be prevented. By beginning early in your cat’s life to care for her teeth, you can spare your cat the discomfort caused by gum disease.

Brushing a pet’s teeth removes only the soft plaque. Once the plaque is mineralized, forming calculus (“tartar”), it cannot be removed by brushing. The calculus then serves as a rough surface upon which more plaque can readily form. Brushing is not very effective below the gum line, where most problems occur. Brushing along with periodic professional care is the best way for maintaining your pet’s mouth.

Bad breath is usually associated with bacteria in the mouth that produce sulphur-containing compounds that not only smell bad, but they also are damaging to the oral tissues. Professional cleaning along with home plaque control gives the best results. Bad breath that returns very shortly after a cleaning indicates that there may be some deep-seated problems that may have been overlooked. Bad breath is occasionally seen with medical conditions such as kidney failure and diabetes.

Pets, like their human owners, can get cavities. However, cavities are relatively rare in cats because cat’s diets generally are not high in decay-causing sugars. Veterinary dental experts have noticed a mild rise in the incidence of cavities among pets fed sugary treats. To avoid cavities in your cat’s mouth, feed only cat food and treats designed for cats.

“Double teeth” occur as a result of the baby teeth not being shed normally when the permanent teeth erupt. The permanent teeth usually come in between 3 and 7 months of age. If the baby tooth is not shed in an orderly fashion, this can lead to displacement of a permanent tooth into a painful position, or formation of pockets of infection at an early age. The retained baby teeth should be extracted, making sure to remove the entire root. There should never be two teeth of the same type in the same place at the same time. If you suspect that your pet has double teeth, they should be evaluated for possible problems.

Although some pain may occur, we take steps to minimize any discomfort your pet might experience. We regularly use local anesthetic blocks (“Novacaine”) like a human dentist. We will typically give pain medication as part of the anesthetic protocol, administer an injection of a long acting anti-inflammatory at the end of the procedure, and send home pain medication as indicated for each patient. Most patients eat as soon as they get home. If you feel your pet is experiencing discomfort after a procedure, call and let us know. We want our patients to be comfortable as soon as possible.

Broken or fractured teeth are common, especially in dogs that are very aggressive chewers and those that have access to hard chew toys. Cats frequently have fractures of the tips of their fangs. At the very least, fractured teeth expose the dentin located under the enamel, which is painful for the animal (have you ever had a painful chipped tooth?). Frequently, bacteria migrate along the exposed dentin via microscopic tubules, and invade and destroy the inside of the tooth. This leads to an abscessed tooth, which may “last” uncomfortably for years before it becomes loose and falls out. The infection inside the tooth may not occur for months after the initial fracture, so an owner may not make the connection between a broken tooth and altered behavior in the pet. Fractures that result in exposure of the inside of the tooth (the area with the nerves and blood vessels) always result in the death and infection of the inside of the tooth. Frequently an owner will notice a small amount of bleeding from the fracture site, or a pink spot in the middle of the fractured area. These require immediate attention, and can also take years to loosen and fall out, causing discomfort the entire time. Even when teeth are painful, most owners will not be aware that there is any problem. Fractured teeth should be examined and radiographed. Smoothing the fracture and applying a sealant can decrease the chances of eventual infection and make your pet more comfortable. Dead or infected teeth should be treated or extracted. Do not depend on your pet to let you know if its mouth is painful.

We accept all major credit cards including; Debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. In addition, we accept Care Credit (Apply Online) for Veterinary services only.

We no longer accept checks.

If you are in need of a payment plan for your pet’s veterinary services we highly recommend and accept CareCredit. CareCredit is a credit card (GE Capital) only accepted and used for medical expenses. (Dentists, surgeons, hospitals, and some veterinarians accept this card.) CareCredit will provide you 6 months to pay off the charges interest free. You can apply for CareCredit online at home or in our hospital. If you have concerns regarding your applications acceptance, consider asking a family member or friend.

To apply for CareCredit; go to www.carecredit.com. CareCredit is an affordable way to make monthly payments over 6 months without interest.

Not only can you use CareCredit for routine check-ups for your pet but it’s a good idea to have CareCredit on hand for an emergency or unplanned care.