September 2020

When dogs kick backward after they go to the bathroom it’s not to cover it up, but to mark their territory, using the scent glands in their feet.

Forty-five percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owner’s bed.

Sensitivity to catnip is genetic, and only about 50% of cats experience its effects.

Spaying or neutering your cat can help them live longer. Spayed females live 39% longer and neutered males live 62% longer than cats who haven’t had the procedure.

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In-Clinic 
Heartgard
Buy 12 doses, get a $12 rebate
 
Heartgard & NexGard
Buy 12 doses of Heartgard and 12 doses of NexGard, get a $60 rebate
 
Buy 12 doses of Heartgard and 6 doses of NexGard, get a $35 rebate
 
NexGard
Buy 6 doses of NexGard, get 1 dose free (Cannot be combined with other rebates)
 
Zoetis Rewards
Earn rewards on ProHeart, Revolution Plus, Apoquel, Convenia and Rimadyl.
Learn more.

Online Store
Save 15% off entire order from 9/1/20 to 9/14/20 - use code LABOR15

Save ​$10 off $100-$149 or $20 off $150 and over from 9/15/20 to 9/28/20 - use code SEPTEMBER20

Save 10% off entire order from 9/29/20 to 10/12/20 - use code FALL10

Animal Pain Awareness Month

​September is Animal Pain Awareness month, dedicated by International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM). IVAPM is an organization that provides resources for pet owners and veterinary staff on pain management, prevention and treatment for our pets.

Do you recognize when your pet is in pain? Animals are master concealers when it comes to hiding their pain symptoms until it has become more severe and obvious. It is up to us to be in tune with our pets and any subtle changes they may be displaying! If you notice something “off” with your pet, please check in with your veterinarian.

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Usual symptoms of pain in dogs include –

• Decreased social interaction
• Anxious expression
• Submissive behavior
• Refusal to move
• Whimpering
• Howling
• Growling
• Guarding behavior
• Aggression; biting
• Decreased appetite
• Chewing on limbs or paws
• Changes in posture

Usual symptoms of pain in cats include –

• Reduced activity
• Loss of appetite
• Quiet/loss of curiosity
• Changes in litterbox habits
• Hiding
• Hissing or spitting
• Lack of jumping
• Excessive licking or grooming
• Stiff posture/gait
• Guarding behavior
• Stops grooming/matted fur
• Tail flicking
• Weight loss

​Pain can be sudden or become more noticeable over time. It is our responsibility to pick up on any cues our pets are sending us! The faster we can determine signs of pain; the better the outcome will be for your pet. If you can’t afford medication, your vet can work with you on some alternative options, to get the relief he/she needs.

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Staff Appreciation Day

We thank you for your continued support during these trying times. We would like to inform you that we will be closing at 3pm on September 22nd to provide our team with a much-deserved Staff Appreciation Day. During the pandemic, our team has been very busy providing the best care possible for pets and clients of Geauga County. We feel it is time to provide them with something special. Though we would love to shed some light on our plans we have decided to keep the details a surprise for the team. 
 
We request that in the event of your beloved pet needing medical attention from 3:00 pm September 22nd through 8:00am September 23rd that you seek care at Great Lakes VCA, 4760 Warrensville Rd. Warrensville Heights, Ohio. 216-831-6789. We will resume normal business hours on September 23rd beginning at 8:00 am. 

We appreciate your understanding as we acknowledge our team’s hard work and perseverance. We appreciate the opportunity to continue care for your pets. 

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Pet Laser Therapy

Veterinary laser therapy is an innovative treatment that has gained popularity in recent years as veterinarians discover its benefits for pets. Used similarly to acupuncture, massage therapy, and other alternative therapies, laser treatment can be used in conjunction with or in place of medication to manage pain, inflammation, and wound healing.

How does laser therapy affect my pet’s tissue?
Therapeutic lasers use light waves of a specific wavelength to cause photobiomodulation, or the alteration of cellular and tissue physiology. Light absorbed by cellular components stimulates electrons and activates cells to promote growth, proliferation, migration, and repair.

Laser therapy helps tissue repair by causing the following:

• Endorphin release
• Vasodilation, which increases blood flow to bring in oxygen and cells involved in the healing process
• Muscle relaxation
• Decreased inflammation
• Faster healing and repair
• The main clinical benefits of laser use in pets include decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and improved wound healing.

Who can benefit from laser therapy?

Laser therapy is used for many veterinary medical conditions, including:

• Chronic arthritis
• Surgical incisions
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Traumatic injuries

Laser therapy is particularly useful for pets with limited medical treatment options, such as:

• Pets with liver disease who cannot take medications
• Cats, for whom only a few pain-control medications are approved
• Exotic pets for whom medication administration is difficult or impossible
• Older pets with diminished organ function

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