Concord Animal Hospital

Concord Animal Hospital’s Tips on Ticks

5/14/2019

Keep your pet safe from ticks and tick-borne illnesses

When pets like Harriett go out to play, they're exposed to more than just fresh air, fun, and a little bit of mud (or really a lot of mud). Our dogs and outdoor cats are also exposed to plenty of pesky parasites, such as ticks and the diseases they carry. Yuck!

What Kind of Ticks Are in Our Area?
There are three main types of ticks in the Concord, Massachusetts area:

Deer Ticks, an estimated 50-70% of whom carry Lyme disease causing bacteria!
Dog Ticks
Lone Star Ticks

All three types of ticks carry diseases such as Lyme, Anasplasmosis and Powassan. All three diseases can make people and our canine companions very sick.
While people follow precautions for keeping themselves safe from ticks such as using bug spray and wearing long pants and socks, it’s important to do the same for our four-legged friends, too.

How Can I Keep My Dog Safe from Tick-Borne Diseases?
Our veterinarians at Concord Animal Hospital strongly recommend using tick preventatives such as Bravecto or Simparica. Some clients double-up with a chewable preventative and a repellent collar. Talk to one of our veterinarians to determine the best product for your pet given their health history, potential exposure to ticks and lifestyle. Use your preventative all year long!

Please use a tick preventative year-round!
Frost and freezing temps DO NOT kill ticks. Ticks are dormant but come back to life in only 40 degrees - a high often achieved even in the coldest months. Our veterinarians see plenty of dogs with tick-borne illnesses throughout the winter.
Our vets also suggest taking added precautions such keeping your dogs out of long grass or and away from undergrowth. These areas are where dogs like to sniff and explore, but they are also prime hangouts for ticks.

After a walk, the American Kennel Association recommends checking some spot you might forget to look, such as inside ears and between toes, just to make sure your pet didn’t bring any ticks home with them.

Keep a running list of questions on ticks and any
other concerns to ask during your next vet visit!

Schedule a check up!

What Do I Do If I Find a Tick on My Dog?
If you find a tick on your dog, remove it as soon as possible! If it hasn’t attached itself yet, there is no risk of tick-borne illness for your pet. If it has attached, grasp the tick with a pair of tweezers as close to the site of attachment as you can and pull straight back.
If you have found an attached tick, particularly one that is engorged, the MSPCA advises noting the date and time to discuss with your veterinarian.
Continue watching for the following symptoms*:

New joint pain, which may manifest as reluctance to stand or lie down
Crying painfully
Walking gingerly or limping, especially on more than one limb or on a different limb from one day to the next
Lethargy
Lack of appetite

*NOTE: Symptoms may not appear until several weeks or even months after exposure. If you observe any of these symptoms following a tick bite, contact us immediately to make an appointment. Typically tick borne-illnesses respond well to a course of antibiotics, so don’t delay in contacting us!

Normal pet behavior or an emergency?

4/9/2019

Concord Animal Hospital is here to help you determine if your pet needs immediate medical care
It's often hard to know when your pet really needs to be seen by a vet when there isn't a clear physical injury. When in doubt, always give us a call at 978-369-3503, WE'RE HERE TO HELP!

No question is too strange and no concern is too small. Call with questions, email videos of coughs & limps and pictures of rashes & cuts, We all want to keep your pet safe, happy and healthy!

Like you, we're not into unnecessary vet visits. We won't have you bring your pet in if it's nothing to worry about!

In some situations, your pet needs immediate attention. Always call if you're concerned, but call (don't email) right away for the following situations:

Your pet's gums are grey instead of nice and pink.
Your pet has been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, sooner if it's severe or if you know or suspect your pet ate something they shouldn't have.
There's blood in your pet's urine or stool or coming from their eyes, nose or mouth.
Your pet is straining to urinate or defecate.
Their behavior changes drastically.
Their food or water intake changes significantly.
Your pet is having trouble breathing.
Your pet seems disoriented.
You pet is limping or seems sore or sensitive to touch.

Not sure if you're pet needs to be seen? Call 978-369-3503 to discuss with our staff!

Meet Cindy, our certified dog groomer!

3/22/2019

Concord Animal Hospital is pleased to have added dog grooming to the services we offer area pets. Cindy, our Certified Groomer with 25 years of dog grooming experience, is an outstanding addition to our team!

What made you decide to become a dog groomer?
I always wanted to work with animals. Growing up we had a cat but a neighbor’s small shepherd mix was over all of the time. I adored her! As soon as I turned 18 I got my own dog, a husky-keeshond mix, and I’ve had dogs ever since. Right now I have two rescue dogs, Knuckles and Betty, my sidekicks that typically come in to work with me.

Click to learn more or to book a dog grooming appointment!

book now!

My first job was at a horse barn and then I worked at a boarding kennel. The kennel had a groomer that I would visit – it was there that I decided I would become a groomer. I opened my own shop at the age of 26!

I love grooming dogs because I love dogs!! I enjoy making them feel better, seeing the transformation, and making owners happy. I have a true passion and understanding of dogs. I look for cues and body language to understand what they are feeling: if they’re scared, happy or just want to get the grooming over with! I try to cater to older and more nervous dogs. I work to gain their trust and keep them comfortable but also get them in and out and home to alleviate stress.

What training did you complete to become a dog groomer?
I have a few different certifications: from the New England Institute of Pet Grooming, from International Professional Groomers, and most recently I earned my Fear Free Groomer certification. It’s really important to make sure your dog’s groomer is trained because a pair of scissors in an untrained hand can mean a bad haircut or even an injured dog.

Along with breed-specific styles, grooming certification programs teach grooming professionals how to properly and safely handle dogs. My Fear Free Grooming certification reinforced what I’ve been trying to do throughout my grooming career – handle dogs gently and earn their trust so that they’re happy to see me the next time they come in.

Aside from these programs I’m also a member of New England Pet Grooming Professionals where groomers share new techniques and best practices. I’m always learning!

What should clients and their dogs expect when they can to you for grooming?
Generally, dogs should be groomed every four-to-six weeks depending on the breed, coat, and preferred style. When you come in for your dog’s grooming appointment, you can give them a couple of their favorite treats to create a positive association with coming to see me. I try to keep the atmosphere relaxed with classical music and a calm demeanor.

After aligning with you on the desired haircut and asking about any health issues or anxiety around grooming, I’ll bathe your dog with two gentle and natural shampoos that won’t strip the coat of its natural oils. Then I use a natural conditioner to make the fur extra soft. After they are clean and dry I will brush them out, give them the desired trim, and make them look beautiful!

Yes, you CAN brush your pet’s teeth!

2/12/2019

Concord Animal Hospital’s 5-step guide and video to brushing your dog or cat’s teeth

February is pet oral health month, so we're bringing back a video we made showing how you (yes, you!) can brush your pet's teeth! Oral health is just as important for our pets as it is for us. Pets can get plaque, tartar, gingivitis and other periodontal diseases too.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, “diseases of the oral cavity, if left untreated, are often painful and can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease.”
At Concord Animal Hospital, we frequently hear from pet parents that they have never brushed their pet’s teeth because they don’t know how.

We’re here to help! To get started, follow five simple steps and watch our instructional video.

Does your pet have bad breath, visible tartar or sensitivity around their mouth? Book a dental exam today!

Call to book a dental exam

STEP 1: Make a plan
Identify a place in the house or yard where your dog or cat will feel calm and relaxed. Pick a time of day that you can set aside 5-10 minutes on a regular basis. Dr. McCullough, a veterinarian at Concord Animal Hospital (CAH), recommends you brush your pet’s teeth every day, though every other day is the minimum to keep plaque from becoming tartar.
STEP 2: Get your ducks (and dogs and cats) in a row
What you’ll need:

A soft bristled toothbrush, ideally one made for pets since they have an angled head. One with a long handle is great for large dogs while cats and small dogs often take better to a finger brush.
A toothpaste labelled for pets. Do not use toothpaste labelled for humans! Human toothpaste contains ingredients that aren’t good for pets, like hydrogen peroxide, or can be highly toxic, such as xylitol.
While you are getting your pet used to tooth brushing, you can also keep some treats handy to reward your pet – kibble, their favorite treat or a treat that helps fight plaque build-up.

STEP 3: Work up to a full brushing
Some pets take to tooth brushing immediately. Others, especially cats (surprise!), may need more time to ease into full tooth brushing. Work your way up to brushing over a week or two and keep all sessions short – 1-2 minutes will suffice.
Dr. McCullough suggests owners get their pets comfortable by…

Making it fun: praise your pet from beginning to end of each tooth brushing session, which should only last 1-2 minutes. Keep telling your dog or cat that they’re doing a great job and gently stroking them.
“If you’re getting frustrated, stop and try again tomorrow. Your pet can tell if you’re anxious and will come to dread these sessions if you’re stressed,” says Dr. McCullough.
Assuming the position: many pets will feel most comfortable and less threatened if you stand behind them while they sit on the ground, a table or on your lap. You can also place a treat on the ground in front of them to keep their focus forward while you brush.
Getting them comfortable with you touching their mouth: gently rub your pet’s muzzle and then run your finger along your pet’s gums.
Introducing the flavor: put a tiny dab of the pet toothpaste on your finger and allow your pet to lick it to get them familiar with the taste and see if they like it. Ideally, the toothpaste will be something they look forward to.

STEP 4: Pawz (pause)! If this is your first week of tooth brushing, this might be sufficient. Close the tooth brushing session with a reward – a favorite treat or a lot of praise. Once your pet is comfortable with you touching their mouth, you’re both ready for the next step.
STEP 5: Start brushing those choppers: Gently place a toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your pet’s teeth and brush along the gum line in a circular motion.
You can either tuck the toothbrush into their mouth or gently push their lips back so the teeth are visible. You don’t have to worry about the inside of the mouth, the tongue takes good care of removing plaque from the inside-facing sides of the teeth, so focus on the outside.
End the session with a reward – a favorite treat or a lot of attention.
In the beginning a little bit of bleeding may occur. If the bleeding is heavy, stop and try to brush again more gently in a day or two.

WHEN TO TALK TO YOUR VET
If the bleeding continues after gently brushing three times, call us at 978-369-3503 to make an appointment to check your pet’s teeth as this may be a sign of dental disease.
Dr. McCullough also recommends talking to your vet about the right frequency of dental cleanings for your pet and asking for help if your pet isn’t taking to tooth brushing. “Different brushing techniques or drinking water additives might be great options for you and your pet.”

VET TIP: In addition to brushing teeth regularly, encouraging pets to chew rubber toys or large rawhides is also great for teeth. "The trick with any dental treat or chew toy is to get them chewing for a while," says Dr. McCullough. "If they swallow them in two bites then we're not getting the teeth clean. Toys that can be stuffed with treats are a good way to get dogs to chew for longer. Avoid hard bones, antlers and hard plastics that can fracture teeth."

HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR PET’S ORAL HEALTH? Make an appointment with your veterinarian at Concord Animal Hospital at 978-369-3503.

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Announcing Dog Grooming At Concord Animal Hospital

1/15/2019

If you're looking for gentle and expert grooming for your dog you've come to the right place!

We are thrilled to offer dog grooming beginning on Monday, February 4! We are taking advanced appointments now. Call 978-369-3503 or email us to book your dog's first grooming appointment!

Cindy Reilly, who owned and operated her own pet grooming business and worked as a groomer at Especially for Pets in Acton, is joining our team at Concord Animal Hospital. We are so happy that someone with almost 25 years of experience, a Certified Professional Groomer and true animal lover, will be heading our professional grooming service!

Cindy with her rescue dogs Knuckles and Betty

NOW THROUGH MARCH 31 GET $10 OFF YOUR FIRST GROOMING APPOINTMENT!
Call 978-369-3503 or email us to make an appointment!

Along with making your dog look amazing, Cindy is a true dog lover and will work with your dog, particularly elderly and nervous dogs, to make their grooming experience a positive one. She happily puts in the time to gain your dog’s trust and works hard to minimize any fear or anxiety they may feel about being groomed.

Please visit our Grooming page for more details and tell your friends – a dog doesn’t need to be a patient of Concord Animal Hospital to be groomed with us!

baby it's cold outside!

12/11/2018

Concord Animal Hospital's 5 Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy This Winter

Winter officially starts on December 21, but chilly weather has already arrived!

As part of the Concord Animal Hospital's commitment to keeping your fuzzy and furry family members happy and well, we wanted to help you bone up on your winter pet health and safety. Here are five tips to protect your pets and keep them comfortable all season long:

Get to your vet. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), cold weather can exacerbate medical conditions such as arthritis. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances such as Cushing’s disease often have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Make sure your pet has had their annual wellness exam so they’re ready for the cold.
Watch the thermometer. Dogs and cats can experience frostbite and hypothermia just like humans. While their fur coats do offer some protection, you should limit your pet’s outdoor time in below-freezing temperatures. Consider a sweater or coat for your dog, particularly for dogs with short coats, older dogs or puppies. For your own safety, we don’t recommend trying to put a sweater or coat on your outdoor cat!
Protect those paws. Winter brings a number of hazards for dog paws, such as iceballs getting stuck between the toes, as well as de-icers and other chemicals irritating and cracking paw pads. Clipping the hair between your dog’s toes can minimize iceballs. To protect your dog’s paws from damage from sidewalk and street salt and chemicals, wipe down your dog’s feet after walks or consider booties for winter strolls.
Keep bathing to a minimum (no complaints from Fido). The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) advises bathing pets as little as possible once winter arrives. Frequent washing can remove essential oils and dry the skin. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a moisturizing shampoo or rinse for baths over the next few months. Our own Dr. Hardie recommends dry skin shampoos for pets that include fatty acids to help preserve skins natural oils in the frigid temperatures. Avoid shaving your pet down to the skin in the winter, since a longer coat will provide warmth in the chilly weather.
Maintain a healthy weight. Many pets will spend less time outside during the winter, which means they need fewer calories. Others clock more time outside and will need more calories to supply the body heat and energy they’ll need to stay warm. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s appropriate nutrition and weight during the winter.

Of course, the most important tip we always give our patients is know when to seek help. The AVMA lists the following hypothermia symptoms to watch for: whining, shivering, seeming anxious, slowing or ceasing movement, weakness or burrowing in warm places. Frostbite may not be recognized for a few days after damage has set in.

If you suspect hypothermia or frostbite, contact our office immediately at 978.369.3503.

Stay warm and have fun!

We Love Our New Owners at Concord Animal Hospital!

9/20/2016

Celebrating keeping pets happy and healthy with specials for friends old and new

Put your paws together for Dr. Stephen and Katherine Wilson!

One year ago, the animal-friendly couple bought Concord Animal Hospital (CAH), located at 245 Baker Avenue in Concord, MA. And they got right to work!

“We wanted to build on CAH’s 63 years of service to animals by updating the clinic to provide the very best in compassionate care to pets,” explains Dr. Wilson.

Priority #1: Put together a great team of caring and highly-skilled veterinarians and animal care staff. Today, patient-favorite Dr. Hardie, new face Dr. McCullough, and Dr. Wilson, along with the rest of the exceptional CAH staff all work together and with you to keep your cats, dogs, and pocket pets healthy and happy.

The addition of new equipment including a digital full body and dental x-ray enhance the quality of care your pet receives at CAH. Other updates such as an outside dog walking area, a bright and freshly-painted interior, new furniture and pet portraits by the very talented Fred Levy also help you and your pet relax during your visit.

“If you love your pet, you should love your vet too!” says Katherine, who grew up in Concord and has loved the chance to reconnect with former neighbors and welcome new friends to CAH. “From the moment you walk in our door at CAH, you and your pet will feel our dedication to providing exceptional veterinary care.”

TIME TO CELEBRATE! New friends - Come experience the quality of care at CAH with a free wellness exam! Use the code NEWCLIENT when booking your pet’s appointment and visit our Specials page for more details on this offer.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW: Call (978) 369-3503 or email to make an appointment now!