Concord Animal Hospital

Caring for your senior cat

8/14/2019

Concord Animal Hospital’s tips to keep your older cat happy & healthy

A cat is considered a senior once they’re 10 years old, but don’t fear senior status! Age isn’t a disease and your senior kitty could have many more years ahead of them. We have many healthy feline patients living into their 20’s. The oldest cat on record lived to be 38!
The needs of your cat change as they age but we’re here to help keep your cat happy and healthy. Follow these five tips and, as always, never be afraid to reach out with questions or concerns.

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If your cat doesn't do well at the vet, consider booking a Tabby Tuesday appointment to help reduce the stress of a vet visit.

Talisker getting cozy on the scale during a vet visit

Get to the vet! A healthy kitty should be seen annually until they’re 14 years old. At that point we recommend bringing your cat in every six months. “Many of the diseases common among older cats are treatable or at least manageable when they’re discovered early,” says Dr. McCullough, a CAH veterinarian. “We recommend more frequent vet visits for older cats so we can watch for trends such as weight loss and behavior changes and catch illness early.”
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Keeping your cat properly hydrated will take work. Cats often don’t drink sufficient amounts of water, which can lead to GI issues, constipation and worse. Offer wet food in addition to dry food to sneak more liquids into your cat’s diet. Consider adding amino acid supplements to water to encourage more water intake or making it fun by offering your cat a drinking fountain. You can also offer water in multiple locations in the house. “Our cat, Smooch, was always drinking out of the water glass on my bedside table. Now I offer her a water bowl with amino acid supplements at the base of the bedside table,” says Katherine Wilson, co-owner of CAH. “She’s better hydrated and we aren’t sharing my water glass anymore!”
Offer a balanced diet: Your cat needs a balanced diet to keep their gastrointestinal tract healthy, reduce inflammation and constipation, and stave off diseases such as diabetes. Cats prefer to use protein as their primary energy source and should be fed a high protein / low carbohydrate diet throughout their lives. Ask your vet about the best nutrition options for your cat given their health, age, and lifestyle.
Be your cat’s advocate: “Cats hide signs of pain and illness, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t feel pain,” explains Dr. McCullough. Watch for subtle signs of illness to know when your cat needs medical attention and don’t wait until symptoms become intolerable. Watch for trouble urinating or defecating, going to the bathroom where they shouldn’t, unexplained weight loss or gain or changes their water or food intake. Also watch for behavioral changes that might indicate that your cat is in physical pain or discomfort: increased vocalization, hiding, changes in interaction with you or other pets. Basically, if you cat suddenly seems “off” don’t wait, give us a call at 978-369-3503.
Enrichment: Keep your cat active with toys and lots of interaction. Maintaining muscle mass, keeping weight in a healthy range and keeping your cat engaged can increase the quality and length of your cat’s life. For many cats a simple box or paper bag can provide hours of exercise and entertainment, or at least a new place to take a nap. Consider offering cat toys, cat nip, cat furniture or a scratching post. Blow bubbles for them to chase or put a bird feeder outside their favorite window. Be sure to spend time with your cat every day doing the activities you both enjoy!

book your cat's vet visit today!

Regular veterinary care and great care at home can give your senior cat many more years with you and your family. As always, call 978-369-3503 or email us at contact@concordanimal.com. No question is silly or concern too small. We’re so proud to partner with you on the healthcare of your super senior!

Are Grain-Free Diets for Pets the Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread? Not according to the fda

7/1/2019

Concord Animal Hospital slices through the hype

Americans are increasingly concerned with where their food comes from and achieving the right nutritional balance for a longer, happier and healthier life. And of course, that includes finding the best food for their furry family members!

In an effort to improve their pets’ health, many pet moms and dads are turning to alternative diets such as grain-free pet food. And they're willing to spend big money to make sure their pet is getting the best! According to the New York Times, grain free diets accounted for nearly $2.8 billion in 2017, up from $1 billion in 2011. Owners are looking for the very best for their pets and many are replacing grains such as corn, rice and wheat traditionally found in dog food with alternatives such as chickpeas, lentils and sweet potatoes.

Call or email with any questions on your pet's diet

The most at-risk population for malmourishment are growing pets, such as puppies and kittens, cautions Dr. McCullough. "It's critical to discuss your young pet's nutritional needs before trying alternative diets."

Wild dogs do eat bread! Well, maybe not bread, but definitely grains
A grain-free diet seems like a natural choice for our dogs and cats given that their ancestors were pure carnivores. Several years ago, as I (Katherine, no medical training of any kind), challenged my husband, Dr. Stephen Wilson (an actual veterinarian), “a dingo or a wolf doesn’t eat wheat bread in the wild!” He very patiently explained that while wild canines don’t nosh on sourdough bread (poor things), they do go right for the belly of their ruminant prey when they eat. The contents of that belly are full of, you guessed it, of partially digested and processed grains. So wild canines do eat grains - mind blown.

Wild dogs only live three-to-five-years due to malnutrition, parasites, and a myriad of other diseases and maladies from which we diligently protect our pets. Their lifestyle and lifespan isn’t what should aspire to for our pets!" says Dr. Rhea McCullough, CAH veterinarian.

Veterinarians Urge Caution
In some cases, such as pets with a grain allergy, a grain-free diet is the right choice. But according to CAH veterinarian Dr. McCullough, “for the vast majority of dogs, grains are part of a balanced diet. Far more dogs are allergic to specific proteins than to grain, so very few dogs need to be on a grain-free diet. A veterinarian should be the one to diagnose a grain sensitivity or allergy and work with you on the right nutrition plan"

The veterinary community is beginning to see negative effects of grain-free diets among house pets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issues several reports warning pet owners of reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils and other legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients. DCM is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle that leads to an enlarged heart and can result in congestive heart failure. DCM, which can be severe and even fatal, used to mostly impact breeds genetically prone to the disease, such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Irish Wolfhounds.

Concerning to the veterinary community is that many recent cases reported to the FDA include breeds not typically at risk for DCM, including Golden and Labrador Retrievers, a Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzers, as well as mixed breeds. In many of these cases, dogs were fed diets that included potatoes or multiple legumes such as peas or lentils. It is not yet know whether the increase in these alternative ingredients is driving the new DCM cases or if it’s the absence of grain, but the FDA is looking into the cause and we have our ears pricked up.

"This is heart-breaking for us, since we know pet owners are only trying to do what’s best for their pets,” says Dr. McCullough. "Many of these grain-free foods are quite expensive but a higher price doesn't guarantee higher quality. Unfortunately some companies are capitalizing are capitalizing on the grain-free trend. Pet food isn't regulated, so they're able to sell grain-free food with little to no research on benefits to or impact on your pet's health."

Make an appointment today if you observe any signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing or episodes of collapse.

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Credit: www.fda.gov

Your pet’s health and happiness depend on proper nutrition
An undernourished pet is at risk for serious health issues. Dr Lisa Freedman, veterinary nutritionist and a professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University note that “in the last few years I’ve seen more cases of nutritional deficiencies due to people feeding unconventional diets, such as unbalanced home-prepared diets, raw diets, vegetarian diets, and boutique commercial pet foods.”

You can dramatically improve your pet’s quality of life and life expectancy—not to mention, avoid additional veterinary bills—when you help your cat or dog achieve the right nutritional balance. So what can you do?

Paws! Before you consider feeding your pet an alternative diet or if you already are, make a list of why you are considering a change and what you hope to achieve with a change in nutrition. Then..
Get to your vet! Make sure your pet has had their physical and dental exam to identify any underlying health issues before making any changes to Fido or Fluffy’s diet. Then review your list of concerns and goals with your vet. During your vet visit you can ask about food choices, such as optimal ingredients and the number of calories your pet needs based on their age, breed, health and activity level. Your vet will recommend a diet that is optimal for your particular pet, one that will meet all of his or her nutritional needs and support a healthy and happy pet.
Know what to watch for. If you have been feeding your pet a grain-free or other alternative diet, Dr Freedman tells owners to “watch for signs of heart disease – weakness, slowing down, less able to exercise, short of breath, coughing, or fainting." Contact us if you observe any of these symptoms. We will listen for a heart murmur or abnormal heart rhythm and may do additional tests to determine the best treatment plan for your pet.

We love that pet owners are willing to go the extra mile for their pets. You want what’s best for your pet and so do we. We look forward to partnering with you to channel your love and dedication into foods and care that will support a happy and healthy life for your pet!

what to if you suspect your PET has heat stroke

6/18/2019

With a rainy spring behind us, we’re pumped for warm weather! At Concord Animal Hospital, we know that means it’s time to prepare our clients with pet health and safety advice apropos to the coming hazy, hot, and humid season.
What Is the Biggest Warm Weather Danger for Pets?
As the thermometer starts to climb, the biggest danger posed by the warm weather for pets is hyperthermia, or heat stroke.
Activities you might normally do at other times of year--an exuberant session at the dog park with an active pup, taking a longer walk than usual with an older or overweight pet, or leaving your four-legged friend in your car while you do a few quick errands--can put them at serious risk for heat stroke.

Even on a day that doesn’t seem too hot.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes... At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature.”
“Even on a 70-degree day, that's 110 degrees inside your vehicle!”

call immediately if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke

What Are the Risks of Heat Stroke for Your Pet?
Damage from heat stroke can range from impacted eyes or GI tract, to brain damage and death.
Dogs considered at higher risk for heat stroke include:

Older dogs
Breeds with heavy coats
Breeds with short snouts (brachycephalic dogs like Pugs or Bulldogs)
Dogs with heart or respiratory disease
Overweight or obese dogs

Both cats and dogs can suffer from heat stroke, but cats are less inclined to run themselves ragged in the heat or sit in a hot location for too long. Though cats are frequently indoor only, owners still need to ensure there's a cool place where they can relax. The same cautions apply when traveling with cats in your car as well.

Time is of the essence and mortality rates in dogs with heat stroke are a lot lower when their owners cool them before they arrive at the hospital."

How Can You Help a Pet with Heat Stroke?
With the risk of heat stroke especially in dogs on the rise, Concord Animal Hospital’s Katherine Wilson sat down with Dr. Caleb Murphy, Emergency Clinician at BluePearl Specialty Hospital in Waltham to get his suggestions for first aid steps you can take to save your dog’s life.
BluePearl is a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital and one of the emergency hospitals we suggest to our patients for urgent medical assistance when our office is closed.

Katherine: Can you describe what happens to a pet suffering from heat stroke?
Dr. Murphy: Heat stroke, also called hyperthermia, is a failure to regulate the body’s temperature. A pet suffering from heat stroke is having an inflammatory response which leads to multi-organ dysfunction.
This overheating can be a result of the pet’s own activity or metabolism or heat gained from the environment, such as on a hot day or in a warm car.

Katherine: How does hyperthermia effect a dog?
Dr. Murphy: Dogs lose 70% of their body heat through the skin. But when the air temperature is higher than their body temperature, dogs also lose heat through evaporation from their respiratory tract via panting.
If they are suffering from hyperthermia, your dog will begin panting excessively to maximize heat loss. Internally, blood will increasingly circulate to the skin at the cost of blood flow to the internal organs, which has the potential to cause long term damage.

Katherine: What are signs of hyperthermia pet owners should look for?
Dr. Murphy: A dog or cat’s normal body temperature runs between 99.5-102.5 degrees. When its temperature rises to 105.8 and higher, your dog will start excessively, inconsolably panting.
Sometimes their panting will sound abnormally harsh or their eyes will be bloodshot. Some dogs will also become quite lethargic and may even collapse.
Other symptoms include steady seizing, head bobbing, ataxia (a stumbling, almost drunken gate), red blotches on the gums and blood in the dog’s vomit. A dog might also become unresponsive.

Katherine: What can a dog owner do if they think their dog is suffering from hyperthermia?
Dr. Murphy: A lot! Time is of the essence and mortality rates in dogs with heat stroke are a lot lower when their owners cool them before they arrive at the hospital.
In one study, mortality rates were 50% in dogs in the total sample, but 100% of dogs that were cooled by their owners before being admitted to the hospital and brought in to a hospital within 90 minutes of exposure survived.*
If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, you need to get to your veterinarian immediately.
Before you go, wet the dog with cold water with a hose or in a bath or sink. I advise against putting wet towels on the dog, because the towels will quickly become warm and prevent the transfer of heat away from the dog’s body. If you have ice packs, place them in your dog’s armpits and around the belly after placing your dog in the car.
Turn the air conditioner on high or roll down the windows and call the vet to let them know you’re coming in while you are on the way.

Stay Safe in the Heat
When the sun is shining, we all want to enjoy the warm weather with our pets! By making seasonal adjustments to our activities, we can help prevent overheating and heat stroke in our pets.
Doing things such as always bringing a water bottle and putting out fresh water for your pet, avoiding walks during the hottest times of day, and leaving your pet at home and not in your car when you go out to shop will go a long way to keeping your pet safe.
And if your dog exhibits any of the symptoms of heat stroke noted above:

Follow Dr. Murphy’s steps to cool the dog
Get your pet into your car
Call us at (978) 369-3503 while you are on your way in

By following these critical first aid instructions, you increase your dog’s chances of survival and can help minimize the damage from hyperthermia.

Special thanks to Dr. Murphy and BluePearl for contributing to our efforts to keep our patients happy and healthy!
*Heat Stroke in Dogs, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine. 2006.

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!