Thinking of adding a new family member?

A new study has found the most effective method for introducing new pets into the household.

Thinking about pet insurance?

Tips for choosing a pet insurance company:

Choose a stable company that's been in business for a while.
Look for a company with veterinary professionals on staff.
Do not choose plans that limit your choice of vets or hospitals.
Stay away from plans that have waiting periods.
Examine cancellation policies: will the insurance company reimburse you for premiums?
Choose a policy with broad coverage.
Know what is not covered; accidents, accidents and illness, preventative care?
Understand pre-existing clauses and what happens upon renewal.
Check to see what if any breeds are not covered or if higher premiums are charged.
Review age limits.
Look for multiple pet discounts.
Understand how claims are paid; what needs to be submitted, how long does payment take?
Review deductibles, co-pays and caps on coverage.
Analyze the cost of insurance against what out of pocket expenses are likely to be.
Determine if the policy is likely to meet expectations.

Tips courtesy of Horizon Veterinary Services

New Pet Poison Helpline

There's a new option for questions about possible poison exposure for pets. For more info about when to call, check out our website!

Presidential Pooches

Do you know your presidential canines? Take a look at this site and see how many you can name.

Mark your calendars!

Duke University is holding it's annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 4th.

Sad news

The world's oldest dog has passed away. (How do they calculate that?)

Public Service

Did you know that Triangle Veterinary Emergency Clinic provides free emergency veterinary care to active duty police dogs?

Many police departments use K9 units to search buildings, sniff out drugs, and track and capture criminals. They are an important partner in the fight against crime.

We at TVEC have a strong commitment to our community, whether through fund raising for non-profits, volunteering our time to build homes, providing CPR training to our employees, or caring for those four legged officers that work to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Fresh Air on NPR

Terry Gross interviews veterinary internist Nancy Kay on NPR's Fresh Air program.

Save the birds!

It happens to many of us - you hear the thump, you see the feathers on the window, and then you see the small body on the ground outside. Some researchers estimate that nearly 100 million birds a year are killed by window impacts in the Americas.

Now a young man in Ottawa has invented a product that may help to reduce those numbers. Window stickers that are treated with fluorescent ultraviolet paint are nearly invisible to humans but show up clearly to bird vision.

These stickers are available in many bird supply stores and online. Get yours today!

Pet treat Recipes

Kitty Pounce Balls

1 small can sardines
1/4 brewers yeast
1/2 cup wheat germ
3 Tbsp. dried catnip

Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees F.
Drain and soak sardines in cool water for 5 minute to remove excess salt. Drain. Add brewers yeast and wheat germ and roll into 24 bite-sized balls, adding more wheat germ if necessary. Roll each ball in dried catnip to coat. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake in a low oven (250F) for 30 - 45 minutes or until very firm. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Roll one of these in front of your cat and watch it pounce!

Filled Doggie Treats

6 slices whole wheat bread
1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
1/2 large banana
1/4 cup brewers yeast
1/2 cup cup shredded cheese

Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees F.
Mash together bananas with peanut butter, leaving some small chunks. Add brewers yeast and mix well. Sandwich between slices of bread and cut out into shapes using bone shaped (or other) cookie cutter. Place on greased cookie sheet and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in a low oven (225F) for 10 - 15 minutes or until biscuits are brown and crunchy on top. Cool completely before serving. Can be kept in freezer.

Little Fish Treats for Cats

1 (8oz.) can tuna in oil
2 cups cornmeal
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup dried brewers yeast (optional)
3/4 cup water
2/3 cup oil (use the tuna oil)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Drain oil from tuna in can and save. Combine cornmeal, flour and yeast in a large bowl; mix well. Add in drained tuna, water and tuna oil; mix thoroughly. Roll dough out onto lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out and mold into little fish (or other) shapes and transfer to an un-greased baking sheet. Bake until light brown on top. Transfer to rack to cool. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Source

Pet Portraits

Many of you who have been in to see us have commented on the photography on display in our lobby and exam rooms.

These lovely portraits are on loan to us courtesy of Diane Lewis.

Take a look at her fantastic portfolio at DianeLewisPhotography.com