Senior Pets

Older pets tend to have a tougher time when the weather changes. If you’ve noticed your senior pet struggling to go up and down stairs, or having trouble rising up after a nap, they may be having an arthritic flare-up. We can prescribe them anti-inflammatory medications to help them feel younger again during the colder weather.

Cats & Car Engines

If the weather starts to get chilly, make sure your pet has some place warm to stay. Look before you start your car, tap on the hood, or better yet, open it. Cats love warm places and they will often climb onto car engine compartments to get warm. Lacerations, burns and other injuries can occur for a cat when an engine starts. Always know where your pets are, especially when the weather turns colder.

Hero Saves

Pet of the Month

I swear if you looked up the words--Diva, Princess and Prima Donna up in the dictionary our dog, Chai's name would be right there next to the word.  She has everyone wrapped around her little paw here at home and at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Her little face and that demeanor of entitlement just melt your heart.  She has been through some trying times in her short life as many at Great Bridge Vet can testify to (especially Doctor Harvey). Thanks to Doctor Harvey and Everyone at the hospital we hope to have this little girl for a very long time.  Chai is such a blessing there are no words to express how much we care for her and her unconditional love she gives every day. Doctor Harvey, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done for us and all you will do in the future, you have walked us through some events in Chai's life that I cannot even try to repay and you do it with a kind word and a reassuring presence. Thank you.  I can go on and on about our baby like so many of the people who have come to Great Bridge Vet with their "family members".  We love taking our walks every day to get our exercise and our house is so full of blankets and toys that you would swear I was running a daycare myself.  She runs our house and we would not have it any other way.  She is energetic when she wants to be and she lays next to you when she wants to relax, but she is not far from a family member.  Thank you Thank you Thank you to Amber, Stacy, Rebecca ( ladies who have been there from chai's beginning) and the rest of the ladies and gentlemen from daycare to medical and Jackie and Heather in grooming and Kim (thank you) too.  We love you all so much and thank you every day for Chai's health and well-being and your "human touch of kindness" too.

~Submitted by Chai's mommy on behalf of the Murphy Family with love and thanks

Tip for Dogs with Dry Skin

Here’s a tip for dogs with dry skin...bathe them less often, and make sure to brush their coat in an effort to rid the skin of dander. When you do bathe your pet, make sure to use a shampoo and rinse made for their special needs. Do not use a shampoo or conditioner made for people. If you would like some help picking out a dog safe shampoo and conditioner, please bring it to our attention at your next visit.

New Year's Resolution

Does your New Year’s Resolution involve getting your pets behavior in check? Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling and aggression. Make 2011 a great year for you and your pet!

Click below to view a pet behavior video from The Rachael Ray Show.

Heartworm Reminder

 Did you know that heartworm is a disease you can prevent your pet from having?  Heartworms are a constant threat to your animal, which is why our hospital recommends heartworm screening and prevention for your pet.  The most common signs of heartworm disease in cats are coughing, vomiting, breathing difficulties, weight loss and lethargy and are often mistaken for other conditions such as asthma, pneumonia and digestive problems. In fact, the most common clinical signs of heartworm disease in cats actually resemble bronchial asthma. The only way to know for sure is to have us examine and test your pet. This pre-emptive approach can spare your pet the pain of this often fatal disease.

Anti-freeze Dangers for Pets

 When the weather starts to cool off, be mindful of dangerous chemicals normally used during the colder seasons, especially anti-freeze. Pets actually love the taste of anti-freeze and will sneak a taste any chance they get. Wipe spills or puddles and keep this poisonous liquid away from pets.  Even a teaspoon of anti-freeze can seriously harm your pet. Signs of anti-freeze poisoning include drowsiness, lethargy and depression. Keep pets safe as the weather gets colder this season.