During the month of November, Compassion Animal Hospital is offerring 10% off Microchipping all dogs and cats!!

Read below for more information..

Microchipping your pets

Hundreds of dogs and cats go missing every year. Eventually, they are found and brought to the local animal shelter where volunteers desperately search for the animal’s owner often with little to no success. Along the same lines, owners of lost animals will contact local shelters, put up flyers, and use technology (such as facebook and shelter pages) in hopes that they will find their lost pet. Even with all of this, most pets are never returned to their homes.

You might think that collars and/or identification tags would aid in helping return pets home. This is a false hope however. Sometimes during their time astray, collars and/or tags often slip off. Thankfully, there is a small device that will help aid in identification for lost pets handed into the local shelters: a microhip.

Microchipping is an important element of pet identification. This is a small glass cylinder about the size of a grain of rice that contains a radio transmitter and an electronic device containing the animal’s ID number. This number links to your contact information in an online registry that allows shelters, clinics, veterinarians, and humane organizations to contact you if your lost pet is found. This microchip is not a tracking device that can be used to pinpoint a pet’s exact location. It simply holds a code that is linked to your contact information. This device is injected just under the skin between the shoulder blades similar to any standard injection procedure. However, to accommodate the microchip, it does require a slightly larger needle. This chip will last over 25 years, which is well beyond the lifespan of most pets. According to a 2009 study, it was found that cats with microchips were 20 times more likely to be returned home than cats without, while dogs were 2.5 times more likely to be returned home than those without.

It is important to know that in order for a microchip to work, you will need to register the microchip and keep your contact information up-to-date. These devices are reliable and use nationwide registries, but they depend on the information you provide. Ensure that you continue to update your information and provide multiple emergency contacts. Here at Compassion Animal Hospital we will microchip your pet for a one time 10% discounted fee. Ask any of our receptionists, technicians, and veterinarians for more information: 540-439-9016

Solliquin is a natural remedy for anxiety. It contains: L-theanine, Magnolia/Phellodendron, and Whey Protein Concentrate. L- theanine is naturally found in green tea. It’s role in controlling anxiety is to boost the production of brain waves that create relaxation.

For more information please visit: http://www.solliquin.com/

Adaptil can be used inside or outside and for any length of time. It is a similar pheromone to the one that the mother releases after having puppies. It’s purpose is to make the puppies feel safe and secure. All dogs will recognize this pheromone no matter how old they are. It makes them calm down and can correct mild anxiety immediately upon the dogs exposure to the liquid. It comes in sprays, collars, and diffusers. It is great for puppies that cry at night, dogs afraid of loud noises, crated dogs, etc.

For more information please visit: http://www.adaptil.com/us/Adaptil

Thundershirt: Dog Anxiety Vest

Very easy solution to anxiety associated with thunderstorms, travel or separation from the owners. Simply, place the thundershirt like a little vest and “swaddle” your pet (cat or dog) to help them feel safe and secure during the agitating stimulus. No medication associated with this treatment just a feeling of security from a tightly fitted vest. For more     information please visit: http://www.thundershirt.com/

Prozac/Fluoxetine HCl:

This medication is the same as what is used in other species (humans, horses, etc). It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and acts as an antidepressant. Serotonin is a “feel good” hormone. It changes the brain chemistry in our patients to help them feel a strong sense of happiness and well-being.

Often, our veterinarians try to use these kinds of medications (Prozac and Alprazolam) after all other treatments have not worked. Before we can put your pet on this medication, it is recommended that we check bloodwork to make sure that your pet is systemically normal. Prozac is processed by the liver. So, any patients with liver compromise will not be allowed to use this medication. After beginning this medication, we recheck bloodwork every six months to make sure that the liver values and other blood work values remain normal.

Alprazolam/Xanax:

Alprazolam has been described as especially useful for storm phobias. It is most useful when used prior to a triggering event (e.g. thunderstorms, vet visits, car rides, etc). This medication works in more of a muscle relaxing, sedative way to reduce anxiety in our pets.

Often, our veterinarians try to use these kinds of medications (Prozac and Alprazolam) after all other treatments have not worked. Before we can put your pet on this medication, it is recommended that we check bloodwork to make sure that your pet is systemically normal. Prozac is processed by the liver. So, any patients with liver compromise will not be allowed to use this medication. After beginning this medication, we recheck bloodwork every six months to make sure that the liver values and other blood work values remain normal.