216-749-7161

Vet Gems Pet News Holiday Newsletter

The Doctors and Staff of Emerald Animal Hospital Wish You Peace, Health, and Happiness This Holiday Season!

Vet Gems Pet News Holiday NewsletterThere have been some exciting changes at Emerald Animal Hospital this year. In May 2011, Dr. Rhonda Smith purchased the practice from Dr. Marty Foy. While Dr. Emily Roach is still the full-time veterinarian at the hospital, the addition of Dr. Smith has allowed for expanded hours of operation and a new service for our clients, house calls. Visit SmithHouseCalls.com for more information.

Our caring staff now includes Laura, Tracy, Tracy Lyn, Lindsay, and Jesse. We have frequent lunchtime meetings to improve communication and learn about new products. Ongoing training and education helps our team to make the best recommendations for your pets. In fact, the entire staff recently attended an all-day seminar by Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin on low-stress animal handling. You may notice a gentler touch and extra treats being offered in the examination room.

New Extended Hours!
In addition to our previous schedule, we are now open from 9am to 5pm on Fridays and until 7pm on Tuesday evenings. We will be closed on Monday December 26th and January 2nd in observance of the holidays, but the Animal Emergency Clinic will be open. Please call 216-362-6000 if an urgent situation arises.

Mosquitoes, and Fleas, and Ticks, Oh My!

Mosquitoes, Fleas, and Ticks love wet weather! That’s why this year’s flea season has been one of the worst. We recommend keeping your pets on heartworm and flea control ONCE A MONTH YEAR ROUND to prevent infestations and spare your pets from uncomfortable allergic reactions, skin infections, and a variety of other diseases that can be transmitted by these little buggers. Please consult with us before using over-the-counter flea products. Excessive use of flea shampoos along with smelly flea collars, powders, and sprays can be toxic to your pet and cause seizures. Young kittens and puppies are especially sensitive to these chemicals. We offer safe products that kill fleas quickly. If every pet in your household is treated monthly, the fleas won’t have a biting chance! We also carry soap-free shampoos in powder fresh or grapefruit scents that will not strip off the topical flea products that are applied to the skin on the back of the neck once a month. Advantage Multi kills fleas, prevents heartworm disease, and deworms for roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Advantage II kills fleas and flea eggs. Buy 6 tubes of Advantage II or Advantage Multi, and get 2 tubes free.

Did you know?

Canine Influenza H3N8 is a new, highly contagious virus. The first case was reported in Florida in March 2003. Virtually every dog exposed to the virus will become infected because there is no natural immunity to it yet. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and a persistent cough that may last for up to a month. About twenty percent of infected dogs develop pneumonia. Luckily, there is a vaccine available to prevent the spread of Canine Flu. Dogs that are exposed to other dogs while boarding at a kennel, going to doggie daycare, participating in training classes, playing at the dog park, visiting a groomer, or even shopping at the pet store should be vaccinated.

Thank you for the trust and confidence you’ve shown in us. We look forward to serving you in 2012! Please feel free to stop in to meet our new employees and check out the recent changes at Emerald Animal Hospital. Call 216-749-7161 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith or Dr. Roach.