A handful of the intestinal parasites common in puppies and kittens, especially roundworms and hookworms, can infect people as well, and young children face the highest risk. Roundworm eggs passed in stool linger in soil, sandboxes, and garden beds. Hookworm larvae can penetrate bare skin during something as ordinary as backyard play. Human infections are [...]
A senior pet who looks and acts healthy still benefits from routine screening, because dogs and cats are very good at hiding early disease. Slowing down, drinking more water, or losing a little weight is easy to write off as normal aging, yet those same changes can be the first quiet signs of kidney disease, [...]
Vomiting is one of those things every dog and cat owner deals with at some point, and most of the time a single episode after a fast meal or a questionable backyard snack is not a cause for concern. The picture changes when vomiting becomes a pattern: weekly episodes, vomiting paired with weight loss, vomiting [...]
The phone call we often get goes something like: "I was petting my dog and felt something under the jaw. Is it normal?" Sometimes it is. A reactive lymph node responding to a tooth infection, a skin wound, or a recent illness can swell temporarily and resolve once the underlying problem is treated. Other times, [...]
When your veterinarian hands you a bag of heart medications and explains that your pet needs them every day, it is natural to feel a mix of worry and confusion. Pimobendan, furosemide, ACE inhibitors: the names are clunky, the schedules are specific, and nobody handed you a pharmacology degree when you adopted your pet. What [...]
"He looks healthy to me" is one of the most common phrases heard right before a veterinarian gently places hands on a dog's ribs and reveals that the situation may be a bit more... well padded than expected. Body condition scoring exists for exactly this reason. It is a structured, hands-on evaluation that goes well [...]
You're enjoying a quiet moment with your pet when something feels off. Maybe it's a sour smell when your dog pants in your face, or inflamed gums you notice during your cat's mid-yawn stretch. Suddenly, dental health moves from a "someday" task to something that needs attention now. With shelves full of chews, rinses, and [...]
A Pet Owner's Guide to Evaluating Dog Daycare for Health and Safety Daycare promises tired, happy dogs and peace of mind for busy owners. But behind the marketing photos of playing pups, important questions need answers. How are dogs grouped? What's the staff-to-dog ratio? What happens if a dog gets injured or becomes ill? What [...]
You wake up to that distinct, awful sound: your dog is throwing up (and usually on your favorite rug). Immediately, your mind races. Was it just eating grass too fast, or is this a sign of something serious? Every pet owner knows that sinking feeling of panic when their dog is sick. Whether it's a [...]
Changes in fur texture or bald patches often point to underlying medical issues rather than simple shedding. Common causes include allergies, parasites, or infections. A professional exam identifies the root problem so treatment can begin quickly. At Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital, our AAHA-accredited team uses advanced in-house diagnostics including cytology, skin testing, and comprehensive blood [...]
The last time we talked, it was four months ago… ridiculous, right? I got to talk to you guys about the best gifts to get us feline’sfurr Christmas and reminded you of the ones you shouldn’t get us. I hope Santa came to visit your kitties at home, because he came to visit us here [...]
Pesky fleas!Hank again, I know you have all missed me! I’ve been hanging out with the staff here at Twin Maples, making them cater to my every need ;)... ya know, typical day in the life of Hank Maples! I’m going to talk to you all about something that EVERYONE hates dealing with, and that’s [...]
Are you planning on an addition to your furry family? Veterinarians are often asked for their opinions about breeds of dogs (and sometimes cats!), and which are the best ones to get. My answer is always the same: adopt a shelter pet! Based on the ASPCA’s (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to [...]
There’s no denying that our pets’ lives are far too short, but while we can’t make them live forever, we can do the next best thing. By approaching our pet’s health and wellbeing proactively, we can extend the time we spend together and improve their overall quality of life. It’s never too late to take [...]
From guest lists and travel, to groceries and cooking, preparing for Thanksgiving can be complicated. Add your pet into the mix, and you may want to hide out until New Year’s. Our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital wants to keep things simple, and we’re sharing some simple equations for a pet-safe Thanksgiving. Unattended food + hungry [...]
Obesity is affecting an increasing number of pets. An overweight pet can face serious health consequences that decrease their longevity and reduce their quality of life. Our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team wants to help prevent pet obesity by providing tips to help maintain your pet at a healthy weight. #1: Understand the consequences [...]
As your pet reaches their senior years, you may wonder if they are showing signs of typical age-related changes, or whether they are experiencing pain or discomfort. Your pet’s quality of life (QOL) depends on their overall physical and mental wellbeing, and accurately assessing this factor is important to ensure they aren’t suffering needlessly. Our [...]
You want the best of everything for your pet—the best food, the best toys, the best grooming—and, of course, the best veterinary care. Ensure your pet gets the care they need in the event of an unexpected illness or injury with a pet insurance plan. Our team at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital knows every pet [...]
Adopting a pet entails more than providing food, water, and shelter. A pet is a big responsibility, and careful consideration and planning is required before you bring home a new pet. Our team at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital wants to help by providing tips to successfully adopt a new pet. #1: Ensure you are ready to adopt a pet [...]
July Fourth has an unmistakable soundtrack that includes booming fireworks, sizzling grills, and splashing water, each year making a year’s worth of summer memories. Unfortunately, these sounds—and their circumstances—can also underscore a potentially treacherous time for pets. Don’t wait until the symphony—or cacophony—starts to prepare your pet for the July Fourth celebrations. Protect their health [...]
Lilies are beautiful to look at…but are deadly for your cats. We are well into the spring season now, and Easter has passed not too long ago, and Mother’s Day is coming up. Many of you probably have new floral arrangements in your home to celebrate the occasion. Do you know all of the flowers [...]
Merial PureVax® Feline Rabies vaccine is currently on backorder. Merial PureVax is the cat vaccine we highly recommend since it is formulated without immune system stimulating chemicals that have the potential to trigger allergic reactions and site reactions. The company states that the rabies vaccine may become available as early as the end of May [...]
You take your dog to the veterinarian for its annual exam, and sit through their spiel on routine wellness plans and recommendations. Some vets may spend a lot of time on the subject of heartworm disease, going into much detail on what the disease is and how to prevent it, and some may speed through [...]
Many of you have probably already been educated on why having your puppy or kitten finish its vaccination series is important. Preventing serious diseases such as parvo in dogs and panleukopenia in cats, and non-treatable diseases such as distemper and rabies, is the purpose of finishing those vaccines. However, there is much more important information [...]
Does your dog start panting, salivating, whining, and pacing right before it is time for you to leave for the day? Do you often come home to destruction in the house, including house soiling in an otherwise perfectly house-trained dog? Do your neighbors complain about hearing howling from your home when you are gone? If [...]
As of January 1, 2014, Drs. Kim Burkhardt, Kristen Ferguson, and Sara Wells from Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital have taken over as the volunteer veterinarians that will be caring for the animals at the Boonshoft Discovery Zoo at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. We are very excited at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital to be starting [...]
Thinking about what to buy your best furry friend this holiday season? How about pet insurance? It is every pet owner’s worst nightmare: a devastating illness or injury to their pet that in order to be treated requires a sum of money they are unable to afford. This amount of course varies depending on the [...]
With the holidays approaching, many people will be hitting the road to visit family. For some of those people, that will mean bringing their pets along for the ride. While not everyone takes their pets on road trips, many pet owners will take their pets (especially dogs!) in their car for errands, trips to nearby [...]
Fall is finally here. The weather is cooler and soon enough winter will be here. Not only will we be spending more time indoors, but many rodents like to spend more time in buildings as well, which could mean setting up shop in your garages or homes. Since rodents are often destructive and can spread [...]
Warm weather is here, and once again it looks as though conditions are prime for another bumper crop of fleas. Fleas are a severe problem to our pets. They cause flea allergy in many dogs and cats, a skin disease that causes intense itching, hair loss, and broken skin. Fleas can also carry and transmit [...]
Back in March we addressed the reasons for why adopting a pet rather than purchasing from a breeder or pet store is such a good idea. However, we know that many owners love certain breeds, and many owners have uses for certain breeds (ie working dogs). Therefore, if getting a purebred pet is for you, [...]
Last year we discussed different ticks and tick-borne diseases. For this blog we will focus specifically on Lyme disease, as it is also a disease that can be transmitted to people. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete (a bacterium that has spiral-shaped cells), Borrelia burgdorferi. How is Lyme disease transmitted to people and pets? [...]
Summer is almost here, and more and more people are getting ready for vacations. When planning a trip, many owners deal with the frustrations of who is going to take care of their pet(s) while they are away. Some elect to have them boarded, but that may not be the best situation for all pets. [...]
You may be familiar with allergic reactions in people, but did you know they can occur in your pets, too? Numerous causes are to blame, including foods, insect bites, vaccines, medications, etc. The severity of the symptoms can vary. Do you know what signs to watch for? Click here and also speak to your Twin [...]
Just as with humans, our animal companions experience a variety of changes as they age. It’s up to us to be able to recognize these changes and do our best to help ease our pets into their golden years with dignity and comfort. Below, an Ohio vet shares some tips for providing the proper care [...]
There are many types and causes of heart disease, and heart disease is a common problem in dogs and cats. Have any of your pets been diagnosed with a form of heart disease? Have you ever heard of any symptoms that can indicate your pet may have heart disease? Do you know how heart disease [...]
When your seasonal allergies kick into overdrive during the spring and summer, you may notice your pet suffering too. But pets’ allergy signs are different from yours, which can be difficult for you to appreciate. Our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team is here to help you understand the difference between pet and human allergies by describing common pet [...]
Pet owners may be confused about heartworm disease, and they need to understand this disease’s transmission, signs, treatment, and prevention. Many myths abound about heartworm disease, making the subject more confusing, but our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team is here to set the story straight. Myth #1: Only dogs can get heartworm disease Truth: While dogs and wild canines [...]
When our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team sees your pet, whether for a wellness visit or a sick patient exam, we will likely recommend blood work. We commonly use blood panels to evaluate your pet’s health and to determine why they are ill. However, when you review your pet’s blood work results, the meaning of all those [...]
Veterinary medical professionals must administer anesthesia to provide your pet essential—at times, lifesaving—treatment in a pain- and fear-free environment. Although our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital veterinary professionals often administer anesthesia, its use is never routine. Our conscientious anesthesia administration protocols reflect our patient safety and health commitment. Anesthesia for pets An anesthetized patient experiences complete sensation loss [...]
Dental health is an important part of your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. Regular at-home dental care and professional cleanings performed at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital can potentially add years to your pet’s life by preventing or minimizing periodontal disease—a painful and progressive condition that attacks the tooth root below the gum line. But, what happens during a [...]
When it comes to safe toys, it pays to be chews-y about what you give your furry friend. A quick walk down the pet toy or treat aisle at any major store reveals a surplus of tempting but treacherous choices that could leave your pet in pain—and your pocketbook empty. If you’re wondering how a [...]
Your pet needs regular veterinary care to remain healthy, but many pets find the veterinary visit stressful. Their increased anxiety levels can affect their well-being, and influence their diagnostic results. Our team at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital wants to help you prepare your pet, so their next veterinary visit is stress-free. Train your pet to accept handling You can [...]
Watching your dog vomit can be alarming—they may posture, pace, stretch, and make terrible sounds, after which they may or may not produce a pile of food, bile, or mysterious contents. If your first instinct is to seek veterinary attention, you may be advised to stay home and watch for additional vomiting. Or, you may [...]
Learning that your pet is in kidney failure can be frightening. Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital has composed the following guide, to help you understand what is happening to your pet’s kidneys, and what to expect as the disease progresses. The kidney’s important role in your pet’s health The kidneys play many key roles in maintaining homeostasis (i.e., [...]
If you have ever tried to convey a message across a barrier—whether language, distance, or a glass wall—you know the experience can be frustrating. We may try anything to be understood—exaggerated gestures, raising our voices—and raise more than a few eyebrows from those around us. Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital wants you to consider this analogy when [...]
Summer is here, and along with rising temperatures come blooming flowers, buzzing pests, and, for many pet owners, itching pets. Although warmer temperatures are often associated with allergies, many pets also suffer year-round allergy problems. Pet owners with allergy prone pets know the frustration of listening to their four-legged companion thumping their legs, and licking [...]
While every scrape or sniffle may obviously not require an emergency veterinary appointment for your pet, not all issues require urgent care. However, telling the difference when you’re worried about your beloved pet can be tough, so our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team shares 10 emergency situations that may befall your furry friend. #1: Your pet has sustained [...]
You know your four-legged friend needs daily exercise as much as you do, but getting out of an exercise rut and venturing into an invigorating new activity is tough. Spice up your exercise routine that includes your pet, giving one of the following ideas a shot. Remember though, a specific activity may not be a [...]
With warmer weather approaching, you’ll want to spend more time enjoying the sunshine outdoors with your furry pal—as will a multitude of parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes also savor warm temperatures and become more active looking for their next meal, which could easily be your pet. Without proper protection, your pet could develop heartworm disease, [...]
Cats do all sorts of weird things, leaving their owners completely confused about their antics. Most of the time, your cat is simply being a cat, but they can occasionally be displaying signs of an underlying problem, such as inappropriate elimination or excessive hunger, that requires treatment. To help you determine if your cat is [...]
Dogs are weird creatures, although they’re not quite as strange as cats—sorry, cat lovers, but you know it’s true! Whether your dog is racing across the carpet on their butt, rolling in a questionable substance, or pretending they’re a cow as they graze on grass, sometimes you don’t understand your furry pal. But, they have [...]
Few things are more exciting than welcoming a new puppy into your family. From puppy breath and furry cuddles to fun games of fetch, a new pet guarantees joy and a special companionship. However, puppies, like human children, require a lot of attention, teaching, and care to help ensure they thrive well into their grey [...]
Warm coat? Check. Scarf? Check. Fuzzy hat? Check. Cozy gloves? Check. You may be ready to venture outside in the cold weather, but what about your pet? Winter can pose a variety of dangers for pets, so keep your furry friends safe and warm this winter with these six tips from our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team. [...]
Pets typically have a penchant for trouble, no matter the season or time of year. However, as holiday preparations ramp up, and your home becomes overloaded with glitzy decorations, exuberant loved ones, and delicious food, your furry pal has many more opportunities for getting into mischief that can earn them a trip to the emergency [...]
You have purchased several bags of Halloween candy, the kids’ costumes are ready, a Jack-o-lantern is grinning on the porch, and your lawn has been transformed into a spooky graveyard. You may think you have checked everything off your Halloween to-do list, but did you remember to include your furry friends in the preparations? Halloween [...]
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not small dogs—and their behaviors speak for themselves. While most of us come to appreciate our feline friends’ curious behaviors, we may not always understand why they occur. But, by recognizing the reason for your cat’s conduct, you can gain insight into your beloved pet’s inner workings, allowing you [...]
This scenario may sound familiar: You receive your pet’s reminder card, and see a slew of letters and numbers that don’t seem to form any legible words. You aren’t sure what your pet needs, but you figure it must be important, so you schedule an appointment. You arrive at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital, check in, [...]
As the temperatures soar and summer fun is on the rise, it’s time to get serious about heat safety and pets. Trust me, as a dog, I know a thing or two about the effects of hot temps on pets. Hi, I’m Fred, the English bulldog, and I’m here to tell you what you need [...]
You have a special relationship with your cat, Max. Many of your friends’ cats are aloof, requiring only food and a minute of attention from their human, and alone time for the rest of the day. Not Max. You and Max have been together for three wonderful years. You were on your way home from [...]
Every weekend across this country, thousands of dogs are loaded into the family car to go hiking with their family. Have you ever sensed that your dog enjoys being at your side during these outings? They run, they smell, they greet passers-by, and best of all, they stop every once and a while and look [...]
Threats of a pandemic are terrifying, especially when so much misinformation is swirling around. To help separate the fiction from the truth, and to better prepare you for caring for yourself and your pet during the COVID-19 threat, read the following tips. #1: Focus on reputable sources for information While we enjoy a funny meme [...]
You may have heard about heartworm disease from your veterinarian, and you may know that you can prevent your pets from heartworm infection, but do you know about heartworms themselves? Do you know that a heartworm is a parasitic worm that lives inside your dog’s heart and can cause deadly heartworm disease? Read the letter [...]
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, but pet dental health should be celebrated every day. Proper oral care is vital for your furry friend’s overall health and well-being, not only for a clean mouth. Here are 10 reasons highlighting why your best friend’s dental health is so important. #1: Good dental hygiene equals fresh [...]
Orthopedic issues occur frequently in dogs, especially ones affecting the knee. All too often, a pet owner sees their dog coming in from the backyard, limping on a hind leg. Fortunately, the dedicated team at Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital offers the most advanced surgical procedures to repair these knee injuries. If your pooch is suffering [...]
Fear, anxiety, and stress are uncomfortable emotions that all pets experience to varying degrees at some point. Typically, these emotions are normal, temporary responses to a perceived threat or circumstance. However, when these responses persist or return, they can negatively impact day-to-day life, and intervention may be required for severely distressed pets. Read on for [...]
Cancer is defined as a “growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells.” Cancers can arise from virtually any body tissue, and the skin is no exception. While as many as 80 percent of skin tumors in dogs are benign, any abnormal growth should be evaluated by our veterinary team. Read on for [...]
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and we love to include our furry companions in these joyous celebrations. But, leave out some of the stress of party planning by keeping these tips in mind. Plan a pet-friendly gathering Holidays are a time to gather your loved ones close, furry or otherwise, but is your [...]
Hank Maples This month all of us house cats wanted to write a blog together in honor of Hank. If you hadn’t already heard, we lost the king of Twin Maples recently. Hank had been at Twin Maples fur so many years and we had the greatest privilege of living here with him. It was [...]
Who couldn’t benefit from a little more exercise? Many people repeatedly promise themselves to get in shape and make health a priority, but fail to follow through as life gets busy. Health coaches tout the benefits of an exercise partner who will keep you accountable — why not make your pet your partner? More than [...]
Although cats seem to require little more than love, food, and shelter, keeping a feline feeling fine requires more. Jane Brunt, DVM, executive director of the CATalyst Council, says the key to keeping cats healthy is keeping them happy. But, many cats don’t get the regular veterinary care they need and deserve. According to the American Pet [...]
People aren’t the only unfortunate victims of allergies—our pets suffer, too. We might have itchy eyes and a drippy nose, but pets’ allergies manifest in different ways. An often difficult and frustrating condition to manage, your pet’s allergies evolve throughout her life, requiring changes in her treatment plan. But, with dedication and a detailed log [...]
I have been contemplating furr awhile on if I should let you in on this infurrmation or not… but I think it’s time you all know some of our secrets on how us cats train you humans to do what we want when we want you to do it. It’s really not rocket science, our [...]
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest cat title belongs to Creme Puff, who lived to the ripe old age of 38. Her canine counterpart, Bluey, spent 20 years herding cattle and sheep in Australia before dying after his 29th birthday. Pets rarely live that long, but as veterinary medicine advances and [...]
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines socialization as “the process of preparing a dog … to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities.” Establishing these social cues is best when your pup is young—up until about 3 months of age—so learning the skills that will help her become well-mannered [...]
Taking your dog for a walk in the woods or a swim in the lake may seem harmless, but diseases may be lurking. Wildlife that crosses your favorite hiking trail or enters your backyard can leave behind traces of bacteria and disease, like leptospirosis. Learn how your pets and your human family members can become [...]
Spring has sprung, and it’s the perfect time to get started on yard work and gardening. Your pet will likely tag along as you weed, plant, and mulch, but potential dangers may be lurking in your backyard. Many plants and chemicals you use around your yard can be toxic to your pet, so you need [...]
As the number of ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other insects rises, the diseases these pests carry also increase. Many of the diseases, such as heartworm, can be devastating for your pet. Misconceptions abound about this particular disease, so we want to set the story straight about its cause, effects, prevention, and treatment. Q: I don’t [...]
Last time we talked, I talked about something pretty important, and that was Thanksgiving weight! Everyone here must think I’m really smart because I’m here today to talk about another important subject and that is combo testing! I’ll introduce myself again in case you’ve furrgotten, but I am Thresh! I enjoy large doses of catnip, [...]
Therapeutic laser treatment has been thought to be one of the most underutilized treatment methods available in veterinary medicine. Technology is rapidly advancing, and laser therapy is becoming more accepted as a pain management tool that’s also capable of speeding the healing process within the body. This surgery-free, drug-free, and non-invasive form of treatment [...]
Have you ever heard that the tip of an iceberg is only 10 percent of the larger problem hidden below the surface? Well, dental tartar is similar—although it may taint your pet’s smile, the real trouble lies beneath. A host of problems—both in the mouth and beyond—can be related to the layers of mineralized [...]
It’s your favorite Twin Maples feline again, Finnick Benjamin. I am here to blog about something that all of your felines wish they could tell you… vet visits are terrifying!! They get super stressed when they have to leave the house; it isn’t normal furr them. I have seen many felines come into Twin Maples [...]
Hello there, Hank again! I’m glad to see that you’ve all stuck around to read all of these blogs, it’s my turn again to talk to you all about a new subject! I’ve been super busy manning down the fort and keeping the counter in the treatment area warm. It’s been really nice and relaxing [...]
Have you ever wondered why our veterinary team seems to be obsessed with your pet’s poop? A fecal sample is an excellent indicator of your cat or dog’s health. And, if the fecal sample reveals parasites, we can determine if those parasites are able to spread to you and your human family members. According to [...]
Hi-ya, I’m Gus. I’ve been here at Twin Maples for 11 years! I was dropped off here as a stray in January of 2008 and I was so cutie, they decided to keep me as a house cat! My hobbies include swatting the humans here randomly whenever they walk by me.. Ya know, to keep [...]
Hey everyone, Thresh here! My brother Finnick wrote a blog last month about Halloween, so you might remember my story a little bit. I have been here at Twin Maples for 4 years and my brother and I were dropped off with two other siblings by the back door! No need to worry though, we [...]
Canine infectious respiratory disease is the name given to respiratory infections in dogs caused by one group, or a combination of groups, of infectious organisms. Once one pathogen compromises the respiratory system, it is common for other infectious organisms to attack, causing secondary infections and worsening clinical signs. The invading pathogens include: Canine influenza [...]
Oh no! Your beloved canine companion lets out a horrendous yelp while frolicking at the dog park with her best friends. The only thing sadder than her limp is her facial expression as she slowly approaches you, clearly wondering what happened and why it hurts. One of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs is [...]
Hello all, my name is Finnick (Finnick Benjamin Maples, to be exact). I have been here at Twin Maples for almost 4 years now. Now unlike Hank, I wasn’t brought here by a lovely employee. Although we were kittens, my brother Thresh and I, along with two other siblings were dropped off here at Twin [...]
Hello all, my name is Finnick (Finnick Benjamin Maples, to be exact). I have been here at Twin Maples for almost 4 years now. Now unlike Hank, I wasn’t brought here by a lovely employee. Although we were kittens, my brother Thresh and I, along with two other siblings were dropped off here at Twin [...]
Living here at Twin Maples? It’s basically my kingdom. I would like to think that I make all of the rules here because people cater to me all day long. I’m puuurrrrtty old though, 17 to be exact. My brother Dave and I were brought here by an employee one day when were kittens. We [...]
Due to ever-increasing advancements in medical technology and education, rabies is almost unheard of in the U.S. Only two or three humans fall victim to this disease each year, and there are roughly 7,000 animal cases annually. Most pet owners understand the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies, thus wiping it almost completely out [...]
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your pet’s teeth. Staying on top of routine dental care and oral hygiene is the easiest way to prevent loose teeth, tartar buildup, gingivitis, or necessary extractions. How periodontal disease forms in your pet Periodontal disease starts with a bacterial film coating the teeth, causing plaque [...]
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” —Henry James Everyone loves a pleasant summer afternoon, but when temperatures become too hot, everyone equally enjoys a tall glass of water, some shade, and time in the comforts of air conditioning. And, while you are able [...]
Since we focused on fleas in March and ticks in April, we thought May would be a great time to write about mosquitoes. (Hang in there: Next month we’ll try to avoid blood-sucking bugs.) No one wants to get bitten by a mosquito, but these flying insects are more than just a nuisance. Did you [...]
5 Ways to Protect Your Pets from Ticks Ticks: They’re nasty little external parasites that live by feeding on the blood of humans and animals. And, because they spread a number of tick-borne diseases, they’re considered a public health concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But, you and your pets don’t [...]
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” —Robin Williams Robin Williams was right: Spring is like a party. It’s a time of regrowth, rebirth, and renewal. It’s a time when many species that have been dormant throughout the icy winter months get to emerge and start the circle of life all over again. It [...]
Last May we discussed the dangers of heat stroke. It’s likely that you have already seen numerous photos on Facebook being shared warning of the risk of leaving your pet (or child!) unattended in your car now that the temperature is heating up and summer is almost here. So do you remember the reasons why [...]
If you ask your veterinarian at what age it is best to spay or neuter your dog or cat, most will probably have an answer of between the ages of 6-9 months (or for simplicity, under 1 year of age), with an emphasis on spaying female pets before their first heat cycle. If you adopted [...]
We are an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. That means we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Pets are our passion. And keeping them healthy is our #1 priority. Here, we strive to deliver excellent care for pets. Because your pets deserve nothing less. Learn more about AAHA accreditation and why our accreditation is important to you [...]
Sometimes I think we do it on purpose. Really. Wait, I started in the middle of the discussion. Let’s try it again. We get questions a lot about vaccines. How necessary they are, how often they need to be given. There are some very vocal folks who are adamantly anti-vaccine. I’m not going to directly [...]
Twin Maples has enrolled in the AVMF Veterinary Care Charitable Fund, a program created by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) to support veterinarians in offering low or no-cost services to clients facing extraordinary hardships, as well as a way to support animals rescued from abuse and neglect. Twin Maples donates considerable time and money each year [...]
Winter has finally arrived in Ohio, and with it the freezing temperatures, snow, and slick ground. Do you know about the problems the extreme cold can cause for your pet? Frostbite Frostbite is the damage that is caused to the skin (and other tissues) in extremely cold temperatures. The body’s natural response to colder temperatures [...]
You bring your pet in to Twin Maples for an exam, vaccines, maybe a blood test or fecal test, and to get the basic preventative medications to take home. And after that exam, your veterinarian likely will have a few things to say about your pet’s overall health. We do our best not to overwhelm [...]
We are pleased to announce that we are moving towards a communication/reminder system that will work well with your cell phones.Our new app will be available in the App Store or Play Store for iPhone and Droid. You will be able to request appointments, order food and medications. On June 1, 2015 we will also [...]
If you thought the puppy and kitten vaccine series was confusing, hold onto your hat! Here’s where the confusion really starts. Let’s talk cats, because in some ways they’re a bit easier. Kittens finish their vaccine series at about 4-6 months of age. Got it. Inside only kitties basically need two vaccines- FVRCVP (we call [...]
You may recall that last month we discussed preparing for a new pet. If you haven’t had a chance to read that blog, please take a look to get great tips on how to prepare for adding a new pet to your household. This month we will discuss exotic pets, and things to consider before [...]
Thinking of adding a new pet to the household? Great! Or is it? Adding a new pet can be an experience- in every sense of the word. We might be falling for a little fuzzy face on the spur of the moment, but a little preparation can go a long way. There will be different [...]
With the holiday season coming into full swing, many families are busy preparing their menus for their get-togethers. Many of the foods we consume around the holidays are extremely tasty (and high in calories!) but can be harmful to our pets. Most people realize that the foods we eat around this time of year are [...]
Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital was awarded the honor of becoming a CAT Friendly Practice (CFP) by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Woo Hoo!! Big deal- RIGHT? Well, it really is a big deal for our feline friends and their owners and here is why. Cats have now surpassed dogs as the most popular companion [...]
If you have ever acquired a dog or cat from the shelter, you know that they come to you already spayed or neutered. Have you thought about why that is? When you bring a new puppy or kitten unaltered to your veterinarian, at the first visit he or she will discuss with you the benefits [...]
When you take your dog or cat to see your veterinarian, do you always know why they are asking for permission to run certain tests on your pet? For instance, when the receptionist calls to confirm your appointment, and requests that you bring in a fresh stool sample, do you know why it is so [...]
Have you ever had a surgical procedure? The doctor sends a packet of information on how to prepare. Well, we do surgery every week day, and frankly, preparing your pet at home for the procedure is relatively simple. So, here are some thoughts on the process. The scheduling. At Twin Maples, we have scheduled surgery [...]
Preparing for a new baby. Adding a new addition to the family- a new, small person? These are exciting times, full of changes- and not just diapers! If you are having your first baby, the changes will impact your pets, as well. Your focus will change, you will likely be sleep deprived. There will be [...]
Prepping with Your Pets Are you a “prepper?” Prepping is an increasingly popular concept- being prepared to deal with and survive a disaster. Hard-core preppers may have a bomb shelter. They might have 12 months of food supplies tucked away. There are lots of websites on prepping, and the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) [...]
Bringing your new puppy or kitten to the vet. Yay! A new household member, so exciting! So, now that you have made the decision to add this little one to your family, you might be thinking about the first visit to the veterinarian. Great! Here are some things to consider: Come in sooner rather [...]
