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Your pet doesn’t necessarily care about Valentine’s Day. Still, the annual holiday of love would not be the same if we didn’t include our furry friends. Seeing them “opening” their valentines, gobbling up homemade valentine’s treats (no chocolate, please!), and enjoying this day of love is so much fun. But, if your cat or dog already has everything under the sun, it can be challenging to find something new and exciting to give them, especially at the last minute! But, for the dog or cat with everything, these unique valentines ideas are sure to please. 

Record-breaking rainfall, flooding, power outages, and road closures are just a few of the weather-related tribulations our communities have experienced in the past year (and some the past month!). Each time we read the news, a different natural disaster affects one or more parts of the country. And, as you may have learned from Scouts or a first aid course, being prepared is your best line of defense in an emergency. Yet, fewer than half of U.S. households have a disaster response plan, and fewer still have one that includes pets.

Today, Felton Veterinary Hospital includes some tips and guidance for caring for your pets should you lose power or need to evacuate. 

It’s pet diabetes month, and what better way to focus on this common issue in cats and dogs than with help from your Felton Veterinary Hospital team? When we think about diabetes, our pets may not be at the top of our minds, but this debilitating disease is rising in both people and pets alike. According to Banfield Pet Hospital’s 2016 State of Pet Health Report, diabetes in dogs increased by nearly 80 percent from 2006 to 2015. 

Diabetes is more common in middle-aged and older pets, but any pet can be affected. In addition, the disease commonly leads to other conditions, such as heart, kidney, and liver disease and cataracts. So pet owners must be aware of the risks and signs of diabetes in pets and how to prevent this disease from affecting their beloved pet. 

The good news is that with early detection, you and your veterinarian can successfully manage the disease through diet, exercise, regular monitoring, and treatment. With mindful interventions, pets with diabetes can still live healthy, long lives. 

If you’ve ever needed veterinary care for your beloved pet (who hasn’t?), you know what a significant role veterinary technicians play. Having an experienced, compassionate vet tech can make all the difference in getting your pet the care and comfort they need. Sometimes called veterinary nurses, these unique individuals are an integral part of our team.

The third week in October is Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week each year. It’s a beautiful opportunity to learn about what these professionals do and for practice managers, veterinarians, and pet owners to show appreciation for their daily contributions to animal well-being.  

What is a Veterinary Technician?

Simply put, veterinary technicians do whatever is needed to assist the veterinarian in caring for pets. In addition, they possess invaluable skills in pet care and pet owner education. They also bring their experience and an extra set of senses into the exam room or treatment room as they assist the veterinarian. 

Each state has different requirements for licensing veterinary technicians. In California, individuals must attend a licensed veterinary technician school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Once completing their schooling, an individual must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and an additional California state board examination before earning Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) status. 

In addition, to maintain their license, individuals must earn a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education courses every two years. This requirement ensures that RVTs maintain current knowledge of medical advances and new technology in the veterinary field. They may also pursue specialized training and certification in specific disciplines, including dentistry, surgery, anesthesia, oncology, and nutrition, to name a few.

The Fourth of July often means backyard parties and BBQs, friends and family, and fireworks. It’s natural to want to include our pets in the celebration, but for them, these same events might mean anxiety, fear, and even a pet medical emergency. Here, we share a few simple tips to keep your pets safe this holiday.  

Planning for the Fourth of July

According to the American Humane Society, the day after July 4th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, which take in hundreds of lost pets who have escaped their yards trying to get away from fireworks noise. With a little planning and preparation, you can help avoid this for your pet family. Continue…

February is the month of Valentine hearts and flowers, but did you know that it’s also American Heart Month? To celebrate, Felton Veterinary Hospital is shining a spotlight on pet heart health by focusing on the signs of heart disease in pets, and what pet owners can do to prevent it. 

Nearly ten percent of pets suffer from heart disease. Like humans, animals experience different forms of heart disease – some that are genetic or age-related, and some that develop from other health issues. While many heart problems cannot be prevented, pets can still enjoy healthy, long lives with early detection of disease, careful management, and a healthy lifestyle.  Continue…

The pets we share our lives with are pretty predictable (despite the great unpredictability of the past few years!). Just like us, they like certain things to happen at particular moments of the day, week, or month. Creatures, as it were, of habit. 

At Felton Veterinary Hospital, we like to respond to pet patterns with monthly blog posts. These blogs are intended to shed some light on both new and familiar pet topics. We care what our community of pet owners are interested in when it comes to their pets, so we pay attention to which blogs resonate the most with our clients. As we ring in 2022, we take a second look at Felton Veterinary Hospital’s most popular blogs of 2021. Continue…

Fall in the San Lorenzo Valley brings many delights: golden leaves, warm weather (or rain!), wind, and of course, pumpkin spice everything. For pets with allergies, it can also mean the onset of intense itching and skin infections. 

Contrary to popular belief, allergies in pets don’t occur only in the springtime. Fall allergies can also be a problem for your pet, caused by weeds that pollinate in the fall, namely, ragweed. Other weeds that pollinate in the fall include sagebrush, plantain, and lambs-quarters.

Pets with environmental allergies, known as atopic dermatitis, or atopy, can be allergic in one season, or may be allergic year-round. Allergens can include pollen, grasses, house-dust mites, and mold. The windy conditions we’ve seen in our area this late summer and fall have contributed to a particularly challenging allergy year for pets. And although rain can calm things down, ultimately allergic pets will be uncomfortable again when it dries out.  Continue…

If you have a senior pet, one of the most important things to remember is that although getting older is not optional, discomfort can be. In other words, older pets can still enjoy life, be active and pain free, and stay healthy for weeks, months, and even years to come. And your veterinarian can help make this happen. 

Working with your pet’s veterinarian during the golden years can ensure a happier and healthier aging for your pet, and peace of mind for you.   Continue…

With summer underway, many of us have the travel bug – especially after a year of sheltering in place! But when the open road calls to you and your pet, there are a few safety precautions that should be taken. Keep these pet travel safety tips in mind, both as you pack and as you travel, and ensure you and your pet both have the vacation you deserve. 

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