When It Comes to Pet Grooming, Less Is Never More 

dog grooming

There are many facets of preventive pet care. Beyond the scope of vaccinations, parasite prevention, weight management, and dental care, regular pet grooming appointments have an incredible impact on wellness.

Of course, it’s wonderful when pets look (and smell) their absolute best, but our professional groomers can help them feel their best, too.

Not Just Aesthetics

Some pet owners opt to bathe and groom their pets at home. This can be an incredibly fun and bonding experience, and it’s also an opportunity to exercise control and obedience together. 

Continue…

A Few Of Our Favorite Gifts For Pets

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, and having a four-legged family member to celebrate with makes it even more special. It would be hard to include your pet in the family traditions without wrapping a gift (or two, or three) for them, but with so many incredible pet products to choose from, where should the discerning pet owner begin?

Your team at Long Animal Hospital and Emergency Center has done the research for you. Our list of our favorite tried-and-true gifts for pets will make shopping for your best pal a breeze!

Continue…

Is it Necessary to Keep Pet Vaccinations Current?

pet vaccinationsWith 24-hour emergency services available to your pet, we’re here whenever you need us. Certainly surgery, diagnostics, and treatment are required in the case of sudden illness or injury, but what about pet issues we cannot see? Disease prevention is a major component of veterinary care. From dental hygiene to maintaining a healthy weight, it’s critically important to keep up a proper defense against illness and disease.

This proactive approach also hinges on keeping up with pet vaccinations. We can help create a plan to keep your pet safe from problems that cannot be detected with the naked eye.

Continue…

AAHA Accreditation: What It Means and Why It Matters

aaha accredation

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the preeminent professional association in veterinary medicine and is responsible for upholding standards of excellence in care that distinguish the best practitioners, nationwide.

The AAHA designation exemplifies the “gold standard” of care for companion animals. It may surprise you to learn that only 12-15% of veterinary practices across the United States and Canada are accredited by AAHA, making this designation one to be proud of – and one to look for when selecting a veterinarian for your pet.

Continue…

Above and Beyond: Microchipping Your Pet Could Make All the Difference

In a consumer-driven market, we’re always comparing the cost of something versus its value. In the case of microchipping your pet, it’s easy to determine that the price is worth every single penny. Indeed, this simple procedure is not only relatively inexpensive, it also has the amazing power to reunite lost pets and owners. It’s a choice that all pet owners can make in their own time, but it can save a pet’s life and bring them back home safely – which is the ultimate goal for a lost pet.

The Agony

Thinking of your pet far away from home, lost, hungry, scared, and tired could be a reality. Many pets – even strictly indoor ones – can find themselves outside alone. Sure, there are those pets that take the opportunity to run wild through the neighborhood and do return home, but sometimes pets can get out accidentally when a door or gate is left open, or during times of extreme stress such as noise anxiety.

Continue…

Helping Arthritic Pets: Treatment Options for a Better Quality of Life

Elderly dog laying on soft dog bedAlthough most of us might associate arthritis with old age, there are numerous reasons this joint disease may strike – even among younger pets. Thankfully, there are effective treatment options for an arthritic pet, helping them to thrive no matter the age or cause of the condition.

An Overview of Pet Arthritis

Pet arthritis can occur in both dogs and cats, although it’s more often diagnosed in dogs. Typically, arthritis is something that develops in senior pets – much like in older humans – and is a result of wear and tear on joints. Since dogs tend to put more stress on their joints through rigorous exercise and activities, they’re more likely to suffer from joint disease.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Joints are covered by a thin layer of cartilage, which protects them by minimizing friction. Over time or in cases of illness or injury, this cartilage becomes damaged or deteriorates entirely until the bones are exposed and begin to rub together. This is referred to as degenerative joint disease.

Continue…

When it’s Too Hot, Try These Options for Indoor Pet Activities

Pets: Cute Yorkie dog at outside city cafe. Bow, bandana.Summer in the Southeast brings raucous thunderstorms and hot, humid days – not a great combination when it comes to outdoor recreation. So, it stands to reason our pets might get a little bored being cooped up inside. Fortunately, there are many creative, exercise-inspired indoor pet activities to keep your fur pal entertained. Continue…

Taking An Active Role In Your Pet’s Health and Wellness

iStock_000065156107_MediumIt’s not uncommon for people scrambling for more time, energy, or dish soap to let dishes pile up in the sink. This method isn’t for everyone, but it does put off for today what can surely be done tomorrow.

What does this have to do with your pet’s health and wellness? Well, for starters, putting off preventative care can have unfortunate results, and like the dishes piling up, you could have more to deal with all at once (such as life-saving emergency care) instead of carefully attending to your pet’s timely medical needs.

Getting Started

We recommend seeing your pet every 6-12 months for regular wellness exams, depending on his or her age and overall health. We are firmly rooted in your pet’s current state of health, but always have an eye on his or her future, and are determined to provide a happier, longer life.   Continue…