Cold Weather Tips for Pets

Not all pets can swim – carefully monitor your pet near water until you are sure that he or she can swim without sinking. Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in chewing gum and can be deadly to pets. This chemical is especially dangerous because it is sweet-smelling and tasting. Be sure to keep pets away from purses or contents of pockets, candy baskets, etc. Know your pet’s normal temperature, pulse and breathing rate; gum and inner eyelid membrane color should normally be a healthy pink hue. Take a picture of yourself with your pet for purposes of identification. This way, if your pet is lost or stolen, you can prove that the pet is yours. Never feed your pet chocolate, moldy cheese, onions, raisins, or grapes, as these are poisonous. Many common houseplants (poinsettia, varieties of philodendron) are poisonous to your pet. Keep a pet emergency first aid kit handy, complete with emergency phone numbers for your veterinarian and local 24 hour emergency facility. Think ahead and have an evacuation plan in case of emergency. Do you know which local hotels accept pets? Make sure your pet has an ID tag or microchip – especially when travelling. Never give your pet human medication unless it is prescribed specifically by your veterinarian. Carry an extra leash in your car to use as a collar/lead or muzzle. Watch your pet closely when mulching or gardening, as cocoa-scented mulch can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Never leave your pet in a parked car.

Veterinary Wellness Partners (VWP) based in Orrville is pleased to announce the addition of Southern Medina Veterinary Clinic (SMVC) to their family of companion and farm animal care practices. Southern Medina Veterinary Clinic, formerly known as Medina County Animal Clinic, is conveniently located at 4840 Poe Road directly behind Centerra Co-Op on Route 3. Dr. Richard Roberts, who has owned and operated the office for over 20 years, will retire June, 2021. The new veterinarians will work together to bring high quality standards that our existing clients have come to expect. Dr. Marissa Hofstetter will lead the team with over 10 years of experience in canine and feline medicine. Dr. Kellie Purucker and Dr. Cheyenne Davis graduated in 2021 and recently joined VWP. The current staff of Jenn, Lauren, and Amanda will continue to assist in providing modern, comprehensive, and compassionate care for both established and new patients. "We are excited to share our VWP vision and values as we grow in the Medina area. During the transition from Medina County Animal Clinic to Southern Medina Veterinary Clinic, some minor changes will be noticeable, but the family feel will remain the same. We are eager to accept the reins from Dr. Roberts and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement," said Dr. Mel Wenger, President. Veterinary Wellness Partners is a group of locally owned veterinary clinics and a premier pet lodging facility. Dr. Jeff Fink, Dr. Marissa Hofstetter, Dr. Gabe Middleton and Dr. Mel Wenger, formed VWP in 2018 to establish a unifying entity for their multiple locations and services. Orrville Veterinary Clinic is the home office and offers both companion and farm animal services. Orrville Pet Spa & Resort sits adjacent to Orrville Veterinary Clinic and has deluxe lodging accommodations for both dogs and cats, as well as a doggy daycare program. Akron Barberton Veterinary Clinic, Seville Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic, and Elm Ridge Animal Hospital all provide comprehensive care to companion animals. Overall, VWP cares for pets and farm animals in Medina, Stark, Summit, Wayne, and Holmes counties. To schedule an appointment at Southern Medina Veterinary Clinic please call 330.722.1188. Visit the VWP website at www.vwpohio.com for more information.

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

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Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Pet Safety Tips Veterinary Wellness Partners Mon, 08/22/2022 - 1:19pm                Pet Safety Tips         Not all pets can swim – carefully monitor your pet near water until you are sure that he or she can swim without sinking. Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in chewing gum and can be deadly to pets.  This chemical is especially dangerous because it is sweet-smelling and tasting.  Be sure to keep pets away from purses or contents of pockets, candy baskets, etc. Know your pet’s normal temperature, pulse and breathing rate; gum and inner eyelid membrane color should normally be a healthy pink hue. Take a picture of yourself with your pet for purposes of identification.  This way, if your pet is lost or stolen, you can prove that the pet is yours. Never feed your pet chocolate, moldy cheese, onions, raisins, or grapes, as these are poisonous. Many common houseplants (poinsettia, varieties of philodendron) are poisonous to your pet. Keep a pet emergency first aid kit handy, complete with emergency phone numbers for your veterinarian and local 24 hour emergency facility. Think ahead and have an evacuation plan in case of emergency.  Do you know which local hotels accept pets? Make sure your pet has an ID tag or microchip – especially when travelling. Never give your pet human medication unless it is prescribed specifically by your veterinarian. Carry an extra leash in your car to use as a collar/lead or muzzle. Watch your pet closely when mulching or gardening, as cocoa-scented mulch can be harmful to dogs if ingested. Never leave your pet in a parked car.      

Earlier this month, USA Today published in article in which it was stated that the Environmental Protection Agency issued a report about potential problems with one of the more popular flea and tick products, the Seresto collar by Elanco Animal Health. According to the USA Today article, Seresto collars have been associated with the death of close to 1700 animals. In addition, the article claimed that tens of thousand of pets were injured, along with several hundred human injuries.

2020 has one more surprise for pet owners: A FOOD RECALL

Curbside Care