Our Newsletter

Shoal Creek Animal Clinic has always strived to achieve two goals: to offer the best veterinary service possible and to serve the needs of our patients/clients. It is with these goals in mind that we launch the premier issue of our newsletter. These pet health updates will keep you informed of advances in veterinary medicine, pet products which may benefit your companion, and services offered at our facility. In addition, we will discuss basic topics in pet care and provide a touch of humor from time to time. We hope that you will enjoy reading our newsletter and that it will serve to enhance the well being of your four footed companions.

Home Again

HomeAgain is the most complete pet- retrieval system available - providing safe, lifelong identification and enhancing the chances of retrieving a lost pet. Permanent identification is provided by a tiny microchip that can be implanted quickly and safely in your dog or cat. The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is programmed with a unique, unalterable code that can be identified with a hand-held scanner. These scanners are in thousands of veterinarian's offices, animal shelters, and animal-control agencies around the country. When one's pet receives the HomeAgain microchip, a lifetime registration is made with the American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery Database. This data base is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through a central 800 number. The AKC has more than 100 years experience in maintaining animal registries. Their Companion Animal Recovery Data Base is available to all dogs and cats, regardless of breed. Microchip implantation costs only $35.00. In addition there is a small, one time fee for database registration. Next time you are at the clinic, ask us about the HomeAgain Companion Animal Retrieval System.

Beat the Heat

Summer is a fun filled season for both pet and owner. However, the warmer months present some potential problems to our furry friends. A few precautions against these risks can ensure a safe and happy summer.

1. Heat Stroke. Be sure that your pet always has access to plenty of fresh water. A cool, shady spot is a must for all outdoor pets. Certain breeds, especially short-nosed dogs like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Bulldogs, are more prone to heat stress. Watch for signs of heat stroke: heavy panting, a purple tongue, bright red gums, lethargy, vomiting, glazed eyes, and in severe cases, convulsions. Cool dogs and cats suffering from heat stress by spraying or immersing them in cool water. Take the animal to the vet as soon as possible.

2. Toxins. Summer often witnesses a good tune-up on the family car. Be sure to dispose of all automobile fluid wastes completely and properly. Also, follow all instructions carefully when applying yard or household insecticides. (Pet's should be off the premises for any chemical treatment.) Other substances often used in warmer weather which may be hazardous for dogs and cats include: latex and oil based paints, paint thinner, fly traps, and some herbicides. Again, follow all directions carefully.

3. Fleas and Ticks. In addition to the obvious discomfort these parasites cause, they also transmit infectious diseases and parasites. Preventic collars and sprays are an excellent way of protecting your pet from ticks. New approaches to flea control are now available including Program - a safe, monthly, oral preparation which arrests the flea life cycle. Ask us about the newest members of our armamentarium in the war on fleas!

Fun Fact

Pets are Therapeutic

Doctors have long known that owning a pet can lower your blood pressure and decrease your chances of having a heart attack.

Staff News

We are very happy to have Ms. Margaret Bruns and Ms. Amanda Perry join the staff at Shoal Creek Animal Clinic. Margaret has recently relocated to Athens from Virginia and is our new full-time receptionist. Amanda is a third year veterinary student and will be working weekends as a technician this fall.

Copyright 1995 Shoal Creek Animal Clinic
Permission to reproduce or retransmit expressly denied.