What's New?
Here's a little selection of some recent topics around the hospital. Have a suggestion? Let us know!
We'd love to share it with our other Homestead pets and their humans!
HELP SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
Monday 10/15/12: Saturday's supply/food drive was a SUCCESS!
From all of us at Homestead & the entire Marshall Family - we want to say THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our food/supply drive such a great success! We received a total of $558 in monetary donations towards shipping costs, and at least 550 rolls of toilet paper!! We have packed up more than 15 boxes of food and supplies, and are sending them overseas one by one. We truly appreciate the support all of our wonderful clients and local community continue to show. You guys are the best and we THANK YOU!
We are still accepting monetary donations to help cover our shipping costs. Feel free to make a donation anytime during our business hours, as we will be sending out the care packages over the next few weeks. Thank you!
We are still accepting monetary donations to help cover our shipping costs. Feel free to make a donation anytime during our business hours, as we will be sending out the care packages over the next few weeks. Thank you!
Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Homestead Animal Hospital - 8:00 - 12:00 pm.
Nathan and his adorable pup, "Ben!"
Homestead and Boy Scout Troop #35 will be hosting a supply/food drive to help support Nathan Marshall and the 101st Signal Corp that is currently serving in Afghanistan.
Nathan and his family have been clients at the hospital for many years, and we feel so lucky to have this opportunity to show our support for Nathan and all the men and women currently serving our country overseas! We hope that our boxes of goodies bring a smile to their faces and help make their time served in Afghanistan just a little bit easier!
Suggested Donations:
- Toilet Paper (The HIGHEST requested item!)
- Lip Balm/Chapstick
- Eye Drops/Visine
- Deodorant
- Hard Candy/Gum
- Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
- Granola Bars/Protein Bars
- Snack Foods
- Drink Mixes
- Monetary donations to help with the cost of shipping.
You don't have to wait for Saturday 10/13 to bring in your donations - you can drop them off anytime! We have boxes that are waiting to be filled, and we GREATLY appreciate anything you have to offer! THANK YOU!
July 2012: Agnes has been adopted!!
On behalf of all of us here at Homestead, we want to send out a HUGE & happy, THANK YOU!!! to Brad and Kim Saville, who recently welcomed our sweet old lady into their home. We know she will be extremely well cared for and loved for the rest of her days. Thank you also to those of you who kept Agnes in your thoughts and searched for a family. We're so lucky to know such amazing animal loving people. :)
June 2012: Please say hello to....Agnes!
Hi! My name is Agnes. Or, as I'm sometimes called, "Old Lady Agnes." Over a month ago Mechanicville Public Safety found me laying in the middle of the road ("Himalayan-in-the-road" get it?)! They thought I had been hit by a car, but thankfully, I was just disoriented. I happen to have some old creaky bones so I don't walk around all that well. I'm not a sprite, young kitten anymore - the doctors say I'm probably about 15+ years old! My friends at the town hall went door to door looking for my family. The animal shelter was notified and posters were made. Sadly, no one ever claimed me.
I have been living with the ladies at Homestead, and I must say, they are great! I have my choice of delicious food, fresh water, a warm bed, and lots of attention. But as fabulous as these gals are, I really wish for a home to call my own. My vision is not great, and I need to be kept away from stairs and doors. I'm kind of set in my old ways, and DO NOT LIKE DOGS. In fact, I'd probably do best as a single cat household. So, if you have any room in your heart (and your home!) for a sweet old lady like me, would you consider adopting me? I have lots of love left to give! Purrs, Agnes |
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March 2012
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Join us for our Holiday Open House & Pet Pictures with Santa!
Saturday, December 10th, 2011
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Stop by and say hi! Come get a behind the scenes look at Homestead and have your pets holiday portrait taken with Santa Claus (yes - the REAL Santa Claus!) by professional photographer Mark Morand from Mainframe Photography.
Suggested donation of $5.00 per photo, with 100% of the proceeds going to help out the homeless pets in our community at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter!
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Stop by and say hi! Come get a behind the scenes look at Homestead and have your pets holiday portrait taken with Santa Claus (yes - the REAL Santa Claus!) by professional photographer Mark Morand from Mainframe Photography.
Suggested donation of $5.00 per photo, with 100% of the proceeds going to help out the homeless pets in our community at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter!
"Homestead Animal Hospital staff helps ensure pets have happy, healthy holidays!"
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Homestead was recently featured in the Troy Record Newspaper for Holiday Safety Tips! Check it out!
Read the Article Here!
Homestead was recently featured in the Troy Record Newspaper for Holiday Safety Tips! Check it out!
Read the Article Here!
Halloween Dangers
I heard the word "hot dog" and boy was I disappointed.
Candy & Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthines, a chemical similar to caffeine, that can quickly sicken dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more poisonous it is! Consuming large amounts of sugary, high-fat candy (a bad idea for pets AND people!) can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress or even life threatening pancreatitis. Symptoms in dogs that have chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or agitation, increased thirst, elevated heart rate and in severe cases, even seizures. If you suspect your pet has ingested candy of any kind, don't wait to seek medical attention!
Candy Wrappers
It's not just what's inside the wrapper that is dangerous - the cellophane and foil package that candy comes in can also be hazardous to your pet. The wrappers when swallowed have the potential to cause life-threatening blockages that could require surgery to be removed. Vomiting is typically the first symptom of an obstruction, but decreased appetite and straining to defecate can also show up. PLUS - Remember to throw away the candy wrappers as soon as you open them and then secure the garbage can away from nosey pets!
Costumes and Decorations
Sure those little hats and bows are cute, but how tolerant do you really think your pet is? Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog or cat, while they're dressed up. Small parts such as buttons, bows and beads, can easily be ingested and cause harm. Also, make sure that any ties or straps are not too snug for your pet to move and breath comfortably! Decorations in the home should also be closely monitored and moved out of your pet's reach. Don't forget about your Jack-O-Lanterns - a lit candle inside a pumpkin within your pet's reach can be knocked over can cause singed fur and whiskers or painful burns.
Scary Sights & Sounds!
Some of these Halloween things can be pretty darn scary! Pets can get very upset with all the new sights and sounds that happen during the holidays, and Halloween is no exception. The potential for frequent door bell ringing can be enough to stress out even the most calm cool and collected furry bunch. If your pet seems distressed by the masses of 'trick or treaters' consider leaving your pet behind closed doors, in their crate (if they are crate trained) or some place where they can feel safe and comfortable. Costumes, masks and strangers at the door can make even the most well behaved dog act out of character. If your dog is allowed to be near the door, consider restraining them with a leash, since many frightened pets will try to escape.
Your pet's safety should always be a priority!
We hope everyone has a SPOOK-TACULAR & SAFE Halloween!
Your pet's safety should always be a priority!
We hope everyone has a SPOOK-TACULAR & SAFE Halloween!
February 7, 2011: Vetsulin Critical-Need Program Ending
Please click the link provided regarding the immediate changes with this program. If your pet is currently on Vetsulin insulin, and is a patient at our hospital, please call us to discuss important changes to your pet's treatment plan.
www.Vetsulin.com
www.Vetsulin.com
Dental Health Rebate!
We are now offering a $50 rebate with
combined professional teeth cleaning & purchase of any size dental diet! According
to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats
have periodontal disease by the age of three
(American Veterinary Dental Society,
2010).
A professional dental cleaning by your veterinarian removes plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and below the gum line, and prepares the teeth for home dental care.
Purina's DH diet contains a patented kibble texture, with added antioxidants, and a natural source of glucosamine to help promote the overall health and well being of your pet, while being specifically designed to improve oral health.
Call us today to schedule your pet's professional dental cleaning!
A professional dental cleaning by your veterinarian removes plaque and tartar build up on the teeth and below the gum line, and prepares the teeth for home dental care.
Purina's DH diet contains a patented kibble texture, with added antioxidants, and a natural source of glucosamine to help promote the overall health and well being of your pet, while being specifically designed to improve oral health.
Call us today to schedule your pet's professional dental cleaning!
February 2011
Home Dental Care Tips & Tricks
Check out my pearly whites!
You can help keep your pet's teeth healthy and strong, and impact their overall health, by some simple at home tips...
- Start brushing your pet's teeth as soon as possible, 8-12 weeks old is best. If you brush every day your pet will become familiar with the routine when their permanent teeth erupt. Please note: You may need to stop brushing while your pet is losing their baby teeth. Their mouth may be a bit sore and brushing can cause more pain. Continue brushing habits once permanent teeth are in.
- Work with your pet's mouth. Be patient and make it fun! Use love and praise, and try to practice at the same time each day to establish a routine. Choose a quiet time, such as evening, or if your pet his highly motivated by food, try before dinner so your pet will be rewarded for cooperation.
- Handle the muzzle and touch your pet's lips and work up to rubbing the teeth and gums with your finger. Put a few drops of water flavored with tuna juice for cats, or low sodium bouillon for dogs, and they'll begin to look forward to these sessions.
- Use a finger-brush or a soft bristle small toothbrush to brush the teeth. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to the tooth and brush gently back and forth or in a circular pattern from the gum to the tip. Offer rewards and treats when your pet allows you to brush to keep it a good experience!
- Pick kibble and chew toys that will help keep the teeth clean.
- Consider other dental aides too. A large selection of veterinary toothpastes, oral rinses, gels are available to you. Our veterinary team can help select the one that is right for you and your pet. Your veterinarian can recommend a complete balanced professional diet use at feeding time or as a treat that promotes dental health.
NOTE: Do NOT use human toothpaste because of fluoride and detergents can be harmful if swallowed. Hydrogen Peroxide can be harsh on the gums and also should not be swallowed. Baking soda has a high sodium content and should be avoided in older pets.
Handout courtesy of Dr. Scott Linick, FAVD, Plainfield Animal Hospital, Plainfield, N.J.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Homestead!
One of our clients shared this video with us, and we thought you might like it too!
(If only all cats were this tolerant, how easy our jobs would be!)
One of our clients shared this video with us, and we thought you might like it too!
(If only all cats were this tolerant, how easy our jobs would be!)
It's Skunk Season...
Fall is here and so are the skunks! Here is the best de-skunking potion we've found in a while...
"Getting Rid of the Skunk Funk" By Paul Krebaum
What You'll Need
How to Use It
Apply it to your dog while he is DRY, working well into the fur. Let stand for about five minutes, then rinse with tepid water; repeat if necessary.
Do NOT store this mixture; it loses its effectiveness and more importantly, it releases oxygen gas and the container could explode! It may bleach your dog's hair a little bit (but that's a small price to pay for getting rid of that SMELL!). And remember, the sooner you deal with the skunking, the better, as over time the smell sets and is harder to eliminate.
Happy bathing!
Source: Bark Magazine, July/August 2009, Paul Krebaum, Chemical & Engineering News (1993).
"Getting Rid of the Skunk Funk" By Paul Krebaum
What You'll Need
- A clean plastic bucket to mix all the ingredients
- 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (usually it's sold in pint bottles, so you'll need two; use of other strengths is not recommended.)
- 1/4 cup baking soda (do not use washing soda, which is much stronger and will burn your dog's skin.)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of liquid detergent
How to Use It
Apply it to your dog while he is DRY, working well into the fur. Let stand for about five minutes, then rinse with tepid water; repeat if necessary.
Do NOT store this mixture; it loses its effectiveness and more importantly, it releases oxygen gas and the container could explode! It may bleach your dog's hair a little bit (but that's a small price to pay for getting rid of that SMELL!). And remember, the sooner you deal with the skunking, the better, as over time the smell sets and is harder to eliminate.
Happy bathing!
Source: Bark Magazine, July/August 2009, Paul Krebaum, Chemical & Engineering News (1993).
Over the Counter Pain Medications and Your Pet
Poisoning
Accidental poisonings can be tragic. Guard against ingestion of:
Please do NOT give any over the counter medications to your pet unless directed by your veterinarian!
Source: Copyright 2009 - 2010 by the Veterinary Information Network, Inc. All rights reserved.
Accidental poisonings can be tragic. Guard against ingestion of:
- Garden supplies, such as insecticides, fertilizers, and snail bait.
- Poisonous plants: Many plants in live or dried forms are toxic. Even food items like dried onions can cause problems in pets. Discuss potential problems with your veterinarian or check with the nursery or a more complete reference before buying plants.
- Pennies can contain zinc, which can cause vomiting, anemia, and even death if ingested.
- Chocolate: As little as one ounce of unsweetened (baker's) chocolate may poison a small dog. Milk chocolate isn't as toxic, and if ingested in reasonable quantities there is no cause for alarm. Many dogs, however, ingest unreasonable quantities and may be poisoned.
- Any candy, especially gum, containing Xylitol.
- Antifreeze has a sweet taste to dogs and cats, and they may lick it off the ground. As little as one teaspoonful (easily available from a radiator boil over) can lead to irreversible kidney damage and death in a small dog or cat.
- Medications: Some medications that are safe for us are not safe for pets: Tylenol (acetaminophen) is deadly poison to cats; No-Doz may cause convulsions in both cats and dogs; Solarcaine may cause anemia in cats; Advil (ibuprofen) may cause kidney damage or gastric ulcers in dogs.
Please do NOT give any over the counter medications to your pet unless directed by your veterinarian!
Source: Copyright 2009 - 2010 by the Veterinary Information Network, Inc. All rights reserved.
