 As we approach Independence Day, it's crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of our furry companions during the festivities. The Fourth of July brings excitement, but it can also pose potential hazards to our pets. In this blog post, we'll provide simple and actionable tips to ensure a safe and stress-free holiday for your beloved pets.
1. Create a Safe Retreat: Fireworks can be frightening for pets due to the loud noises and bright lights. Set up a cozy and secure space within your home where your pet can seek refuge during the fireworks display. Prepare a quiet room with some background noise, like soft music or the television, and ensure that it is escape-proof, with no open windows or doors. This will provide your pet with a comfortable retreat to help minimize anxiety. 2. Keep Pets Indoors: During Independence Day celebrations, it's best to keep your pets indoors, even during daytime activities. The sudden bursts of fireworks or noise from firecrackers can startle animals and cause them to become disoriented or run away. By keeping them inside, you reduce the risk of your pet getting lost or injured. Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent accidental escapes. 3. Identification and Microchipping: Accidents can happen, no matter how careful we are. Make sure your pet has proper identification tags securely attached to their collar with up-to-date contact information. Additionally, consider microchipping your pet for a permanent form of identification. Microchips greatly increase the chances of a lost pet being reunited with their family. Contact us for more information on microchipping and to verify that your pet's information is current. 4. Avoid Hazards from Human Food: During holiday gatherings, resist the temptation to share your favorite treats with your pets. Some common human foods can be toxic to animals. Steer clear of feeding your pets chocolate, alcohol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or any foods containing artificial sweeteners like xylitol. These substances can be harmful and potentially life-threatening. Instead, provide safe and pet-friendly treats or contact us for suitable options. 5. Firework Safety: If you plan to set off fireworks at home, always prioritize the safety of your pets. Ensure they are safely indoors, away from the launching area. The loud noises and bright lights can cause extreme anxiety and stress in pets. Consider alternative options like visual displays or silent fireworks to minimize the impact on your furry companions. Contact us for more information on pet-friendly firework alternatives. 6. Calming Techniques: If your pet experiences anxiety or fear during fireworks, there are calming techniques you can try. Contact us for more information on natural remedies such as anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers that can provide a sense of security. Additionally, create a soothing environment with dimmed lights, comfortable bedding, and familiar toys to help your pet feel more at ease. As you prepare to celebrate Independence Day, remember to keep your pets safe and secure. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable holiday for your furry friends. Contact us for more information about pet safety during this festive time. Let's make this Fourth of July a wonderful and pet-friendly celebration while safeguarding our beloved companions. Have a safe and joyful Independence Day!  As veterinarians, we understand how important it is for your furry friends to be healthy and happy! One of the most important things you can do to ensure their well-being is to feed them a balanced and nutritious diet. However, with so many options available, choosing the right food for your pet can be overwhelming! Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
Starting May 1, 2023: |
 | This year's flu season is BAD. People all across the country are fighting off influenza - and those with dogs might be wondering: "CAN I GIVE MY DOG THE FLU?" |
It's important to know that Canine Influenza (a.k.a. the "Dog Flu") is a real thing. However, it's different from the one that sweeps through your family, keeping you and the kiddos miserable in bed for days.
THOUGH THERE ARE SOME SIMILARITIES IN SYMPTOMS, THERE IS NO CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE THAT DOGS CAN CATCH THE FLU FROM HUMANS, OR VICE VERSA.
Canine influenza virus (CIV) is most commonly spread in "high-traffic" dog areas, like boarding kennels, doggie daycares, dog parks, and animal shelters. Some local facilities require dogs to be vaccinated for CIV, but even if it's not mandatory, it's still a good idea to strongly consider the extra protection of immunization.
Symptoms | Most dogs recover from the illness within a few weeks, though there have been fatalities (less than 10%, according to AVMA studies). Just like people, those with compromised immune systems are more likely to have complications than healthy adult dogs. |
4 Things You Should Know About Canine Influenza
1. There is a vaccine available.
There are two different strains of CIV: H3N8 (identified in 2004) and H3N2 (identified in 2015). Previously, only an H3N8 vaccine was available. Thankfully, we now offer a combination vaccine that provides protection against both H3N8 and H3N2.
The canine influenza vaccine is given as an initial series of two injections 4 weeks apart; then an annual booster is given once a year to maintain protection.
2. Canine Influenza is highly contagious.
The virus is spread through respiratory secretions (nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing), and can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
Be sure to thoroughly wash bowls, toys, and your hands! Though you cannot get your dog's flu, you can pass the virus along to other dogs after handling an infected dog.
3. Canine Influenza is a year-round problem.
Unlike the human flu, there is no "dog flu season" to worry about. Instead, the virus tends to spark up with isolated outbreaks throughout the year. Unfortunately, these outbreaks often occur in kennels and shelters. When dogs exposed to the virus leave the facility, they can spread the infection elsewhere.
4. If your dog is showing signs of an upper respiratory illness, schedule a visit with the vet.
There is no cure for the canine influenza virus, but your dog may need supportive care to combat dehydration and secondary bacterial infections.
Your dog's health is our top priority, and we're always here to answer your questions and help guide you to choosing what's for your best friend's health and lifestyle!
To schedule an appointment, call us at 724-473-4738 or request an appointment online here.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 724-473-4738 or request an appointment online here.
Our veterinary office will be CLOSED on Saturdays from December 2021 to February 2022. If you have an urgent concern about your pet over the weekend, please visit our contact page for a list of local emergency hospitals. Thank you for understanding!
PLEASE READ: Update May 10, 2023:
This post was created nearly two years ago to help our clients address the negative press about Seresto collars. We understand that pet owners may have concerns about counterfeit collars, but please note that as a veterinary clinic, we are not able to verify the authenticity of any specific product.
If you are looking for more information about how to verify whether your collar is legitimate, please review the manufacturer's information page and contact them directly using this link.
If you are a current client that is having issues with a Seresto collar purchased through our office, please contact us directly and we'll be glad to assist you. Thank you for understanding!
This post was created nearly two years ago to help our clients address the negative press about Seresto collars. We understand that pet owners may have concerns about counterfeit collars, but please note that as a veterinary clinic, we are not able to verify the authenticity of any specific product.
If you are looking for more information about how to verify whether your collar is legitimate, please review the manufacturer's information page and contact them directly using this link.
If you are a current client that is having issues with a Seresto collar purchased through our office, please contact us directly and we'll be glad to assist you. Thank you for understanding!
Dear Pet Parent,
A recent USA Today article regarding the safety of Seresto collars has gone viral, prompting an influx of calls from concerned clients. We're reaching out to provide information and assurance based upon reliable science and our firsthand experiences using this product for nearly a decade.
The article claims to reveal information linking the use of the Seresto flea and tick collar with illness (specifically seizures) and death of pets. This article appears to be a sensationalized misrepresentation of the data collected by the EPA. Here’s the trouble: these data are simply collections of spontaneous reports made to the agency directly by consumers. The purpose of such reporting sites is to create a place for people to raise concerns. Public health agencies collect and monitor these spontaneous reports for trends that suggest a problem that merits investigation. If a pattern is seen that suggests there might be a safety issue, the agency can investigate to determine if there is a real concern or not. Investigations have not been done to show the reports in this article are accurate or that there are legitimate connections between the product and the events described.
To illustrate why this raw data is not reliable on its own, consider that the same issue has arisen numerous times over many years with regard to vaccines and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), managed by the CDC and the FDA. VAERS collects unsubstantiated anecdotal reports about possible harm from vaccines. Despite the overwhelming evidence for the safety of vaccination and most vaccines in common use, these reports are frequently cited by anti-vaccine activists in an attempt to “prove” that vaccines are causing tremendous harm. One doctor actually submitted a report that a vaccine caused him to turn into the Incredible Hulk, and this report would still be in the VAERS database if he had not allowed the government to delete it - his point was to show that any claim can become part of the database, no matter how outrageous or improbable.
The USA Today article conflates a different pesticide with a high level of toxicity (a crop insecticide for agricultural applications) with the well-studied chemicals that are used in the brand name Seresto collar, which have decades of safe use in dogs and cats. Peer-reviewed, published studies provide scientific data proving the safety and efficacy of these ingredients used in combination in the Seresto collar; here is a 2012 study done in Europe (with higher regulatory standards than the US) and a 2015 international study that tested the collar alone and when used concurrently with other common antiparasitic treatments.
One critical issue that this article fails to address is the prevalence of knockoff or lookalike products. Unfortunately, if a veterinary product is successful, greedy companies try to capture some of the market by producing products that appear similar but contain different ingredients, or a different proportion of ingredients. It is not unusual for counterfeit replicas of a brand-name product to be produced in foreign countries and sold online posing as the original product. These knockoffs are convincing but have not passed the regulatory testing required of properly approved products to confirm safety and efficacy. Well-meaning consumers that have inadvertently purchased these products online or in retail stores may observe adverse effects in their pet and submit a report vilifying the brand-name product, even though that is not what caused the side effects.
Know that we have full confidence in the Seresto collars sold in our hospital, as we purchase directly from the manufacturer and can guarantee the legitimacy of our stock. Our doctors and staff have been using this product consistently on their own pets since Seresto first entered the market in 2012 and will continue to do so for convenient, safe and effective flea and tick control that we trust. We have seen a small percentage of dogs and cats with localized reactions (skin irritation/hair loss around the area of the collar), in which cases we have immediately addressed any issues and developed a new prevention program using an approved alternative product.
We have always recommended that clients choose a preventative program that best fits their pet, lifestyle and comfort level. Your pet's safety and health remains our priority and if any legitimate concern were to arise involving any products or medications provided to your pet, we would reach out to you immediately with information and a recommended course of action.
Thank you for your continued trust in our care,
Your pet's health team at Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital
A recent USA Today article regarding the safety of Seresto collars has gone viral, prompting an influx of calls from concerned clients. We're reaching out to provide information and assurance based upon reliable science and our firsthand experiences using this product for nearly a decade.
The article claims to reveal information linking the use of the Seresto flea and tick collar with illness (specifically seizures) and death of pets. This article appears to be a sensationalized misrepresentation of the data collected by the EPA. Here’s the trouble: these data are simply collections of spontaneous reports made to the agency directly by consumers. The purpose of such reporting sites is to create a place for people to raise concerns. Public health agencies collect and monitor these spontaneous reports for trends that suggest a problem that merits investigation. If a pattern is seen that suggests there might be a safety issue, the agency can investigate to determine if there is a real concern or not. Investigations have not been done to show the reports in this article are accurate or that there are legitimate connections between the product and the events described.
To illustrate why this raw data is not reliable on its own, consider that the same issue has arisen numerous times over many years with regard to vaccines and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), managed by the CDC and the FDA. VAERS collects unsubstantiated anecdotal reports about possible harm from vaccines. Despite the overwhelming evidence for the safety of vaccination and most vaccines in common use, these reports are frequently cited by anti-vaccine activists in an attempt to “prove” that vaccines are causing tremendous harm. One doctor actually submitted a report that a vaccine caused him to turn into the Incredible Hulk, and this report would still be in the VAERS database if he had not allowed the government to delete it - his point was to show that any claim can become part of the database, no matter how outrageous or improbable.
The USA Today article conflates a different pesticide with a high level of toxicity (a crop insecticide for agricultural applications) with the well-studied chemicals that are used in the brand name Seresto collar, which have decades of safe use in dogs and cats. Peer-reviewed, published studies provide scientific data proving the safety and efficacy of these ingredients used in combination in the Seresto collar; here is a 2012 study done in Europe (with higher regulatory standards than the US) and a 2015 international study that tested the collar alone and when used concurrently with other common antiparasitic treatments.
One critical issue that this article fails to address is the prevalence of knockoff or lookalike products. Unfortunately, if a veterinary product is successful, greedy companies try to capture some of the market by producing products that appear similar but contain different ingredients, or a different proportion of ingredients. It is not unusual for counterfeit replicas of a brand-name product to be produced in foreign countries and sold online posing as the original product. These knockoffs are convincing but have not passed the regulatory testing required of properly approved products to confirm safety and efficacy. Well-meaning consumers that have inadvertently purchased these products online or in retail stores may observe adverse effects in their pet and submit a report vilifying the brand-name product, even though that is not what caused the side effects.
Know that we have full confidence in the Seresto collars sold in our hospital, as we purchase directly from the manufacturer and can guarantee the legitimacy of our stock. Our doctors and staff have been using this product consistently on their own pets since Seresto first entered the market in 2012 and will continue to do so for convenient, safe and effective flea and tick control that we trust. We have seen a small percentage of dogs and cats with localized reactions (skin irritation/hair loss around the area of the collar), in which cases we have immediately addressed any issues and developed a new prevention program using an approved alternative product.
We have always recommended that clients choose a preventative program that best fits their pet, lifestyle and comfort level. Your pet's safety and health remains our priority and if any legitimate concern were to arise involving any products or medications provided to your pet, we would reach out to you immediately with information and a recommended course of action.
Thank you for your continued trust in our care,
Your pet's health team at Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital
Your cat really wants to know why you're so obsessed with taking pictures of him. And where does the red dot GO? Answers to these and more in today's post...
A message to our clients & community:
Some of you may have noticed a number of police cars at our office this morning - we've received several visits from concerned neighbors and friends (thank you!).
Some of you may have noticed a number of police cars at our office this morning - we've received several visits from concerned neighbors and friends (thank you!).
- Someone broke into Pets in Harmony last night. No people or pets were harmed, as the building was empty; the intruder damaged equipment, stole medications and took cash from the drawer.
- We had to cancel today's surgeries and morning appointments for the police to collect fingerprints and conduct their investigation. Our office is back up and running normally for the afternoon.
We sincerely appreciate your support over the past year, and don't intend to let this unfortunate event affect our goal to provide quality pet care in this community that we love so dearly. Harmony is our home, and will continue to be.
Dr. Silvis is offering a $500 reward for any information leading to the suspect's apprehension. He has also committed to matching an additional $500 donation to a local charity here in the Zelienople area.
If you know anything that may help identify the suspect, please contact Officer Zeke Reed of Jackson Township Police Department at
(724)452-5600 or zreed@jackson-township.com
(724)452-5600 or zreed@jackson-township.com
In celebration of National Canine Fitness Month, Meredith & her Pharaoh Hound Roseanna are sharing exercises that you can do right at home with your dog!
These techniques help improve flexibility and core strength to prevent injury and improve overall health. Sedentary dog? This is a great start to increasing activity!
These techniques help improve flexibility and core strength to prevent injury and improve overall health. Sedentary dog? This is a great start to increasing activity!
Part 1: Stretching
Learn how to warm up your dog's limbs with passive and active stretches to do in the comfort of your own home. Your dog will enjoy it, and you'll have fun, too!
Need captions? Check out the video here on our Facebook page.
PART 2: Land Treadmill
INCLUDED...
- Tips on how to use your "human" treadmill to exercise your dog
- Treadmill training made easy
- Finding the right pace
Need captions? Check out the video here on our Facebook page.
Ready for More?
We have fitness, weight loss, and athletic conditioning programs available in our Rehabilitation Center!
Call to schedule an exam/consultation with a 1-hour rehab session, or request an appointment online here.
Call to schedule an exam/consultation with a 1-hour rehab session, or request an appointment online here.
The Internet is a great way to share information, but if something alarms you, please investigate it further before sharing with your friends. Stuff like this spreads like wildfire, causing pet owners undue panic.
Messages and images like the examples below that don't cite sources or appear to come from legitimate experts are all too often created just to incite fear and cause harm to big companies without cause:
Messages and images like the examples below that don't cite sources or appear to come from legitimate experts are all too often created just to incite fear and cause harm to big companies without cause:
SWIFFER WETJET CAUSES LIVER FAILURE IN PETS
A false account of a "neighbor's 5-year-old German Shepherd put down due to liver failure...and soon after his housekeepers' two cats also died of liver failure" has resurfaced. The message declares that Swiffer WetJet cleaning solution poisoned all the animals in the house just by using it to clean the kitchen floor.
Know that THIS IS FALSE INFORMATION that has been circulating since May 2004, and it has been brought back to life via social media (there are already 19,000 comments on the post in the image taken just 10 days ago).
We encourage everyone to read this article originally published by Snopes in May 2004. It contains important information, including a statement from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxicologists (direct link to press release is in the article) that explain thoroughly why this is nothing but a myth.
Know that THIS IS FALSE INFORMATION that has been circulating since May 2004, and it has been brought back to life via social media (there are already 19,000 comments on the post in the image taken just 10 days ago).
We encourage everyone to read this article originally published by Snopes in May 2004. It contains important information, including a statement from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxicologists (direct link to press release is in the article) that explain thoroughly why this is nothing but a myth.
Diffusing Essential OilS KILLS CATS
This infographic has gone viral, fueling panic among pet owners across the web. Note that this graphic does not cite any reputable sources or additional information.
TRUTH:
Essential oils, when ingested or applied topically (particularly if undiluted) can cause harm to pets. Cats, birds, and exotic pets can be more vulnerable to certain oils.
Essential oils should be used only under the guidance of a veterinary team that is knowledgeable about their therapeutic uses, toxicities, and your pet's physical health.
If you have questions about whether the essential oils that you're using in your home (in diffusers, sprays, DIY cleaners, or topically on yourself), ask!
There is no harm in being cautious, but please seek a professional opinion. Do not rely on information from an unknown source.
TRUTH:
Essential oils, when ingested or applied topically (particularly if undiluted) can cause harm to pets. Cats, birds, and exotic pets can be more vulnerable to certain oils.
Essential oils should be used only under the guidance of a veterinary team that is knowledgeable about their therapeutic uses, toxicities, and your pet's physical health.
If you have questions about whether the essential oils that you're using in your home (in diffusers, sprays, DIY cleaners, or topically on yourself), ask!
There is no harm in being cautious, but please seek a professional opinion. Do not rely on information from an unknown source.
Please, if you share anything related to these claims, share this! Fighting against viral rumors takes an army!
Having a dog that loves to chew certainly helps to keep teeth healthy - usually. However, hard bones, antlers and cow hooves can cause dental injuries - so choose your dog's chew toys wisely and do not allow him to gnaw on rocks or other hard objects.
What is a slab fracture?
 | A slab fracture occurs when a slice (or "slab") of the crown separates from the side of the tooth, often exposing the sensitive pulp cavity. This is often seen in the fourth upper premolar (also called the "carnassial" tooth), the large upper tooth towards the back of your dog's mouth. It is often mistaken for a molar due to its size and location. |
| Dr. Brian recently examined Ping, a 4-year-old spayed female Boston Terrier, and identified a slab fracture of her right upper 4th premolar. Her owners were unsure how she injured the tooth, but it needed treatment to alleviate pain and prevent infection. Left alone, a slab fracture can cause other problems, such as sinus infections and tooth root abscesses as bacteria travels upward below the gumline. |  Note the cracked crown on the side of Ping's tooth - it is still attached, but just barely. |
How is a slab fracture treated?
 View of Ping's tooth after removing the loose slab. | Although in some cases, specialized dentistry (such as a root canal) can keep the tooth in place, these procedures can be prohibitively expensive. Extracting the tooth eliminates the problem and the possibility of reinjury. With Ping under general anesthesia, Dr. Brian was able to remove the slab and get a closer look at the extent of the damage. She was given pain medication to minimize discomfort, and IV fluids to keep her hydrated and maintain her blood pressure. |
The carnassial tooth has three roots: two large ones above each point, and a third, smaller one that is directed at an angle towards the midline.
An incision is made on the gumline above the tooth to protect the gingiva and allow enough loose tissue to close the extraction site. To minimize trauma and prevent the small, inside root from breaking during removal, Dr. Brian uses a high-speed drill to separate the tooth into two halves before extracting each section individually.
An incision is made on the gumline above the tooth to protect the gingiva and allow enough loose tissue to close the extraction site. To minimize trauma and prevent the small, inside root from breaking during removal, Dr. Brian uses a high-speed drill to separate the tooth into two halves before extracting each section individually.
 Ping | After extraction, the root cavity is thoroughly flushed to remove debris before suturing the gingiva over the opening. A post-extraction laser treatment helps to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and jump-start the healing process by stimulating regeneration of cells and improving blood flow to the affected area. Ping woke up from anesthesia quickly, so we were unable to get a photo of the extraction site. We're happy to report that she's doing well! |
How to prevent slab fractures
Chewing is a healthy, natural habit for dogs - and we encourage you to provide your pup with a variety of safe chew toys! However, it is important to avoid hard chews: tough bones, deer antlers, cow hooves, and even tough Nylabones.
Always supervise your dogs when they are working on a chew toy, and regularly peek under those lips to look for signs of trouble. If you're familiar with what the teeth look like normally, it will be easier to spot changes that could be a cause for concern!
Always supervise your dogs when they are working on a chew toy, and regularly peek under those lips to look for signs of trouble. If you're familiar with what the teeth look like normally, it will be easier to spot changes that could be a cause for concern!
Vaccine reactions are uncommon, but can be very serious, and in some cases, life-threatening. Know what's normal, and when to be concerned about your pet following a vaccination. Of course, if you're ever concerned about your pet's health, we encourage you to call us! Better to be safe than sorry. :)
Is your pet microchipped? Great! This permanent ID has proven time and time again to be an effective backup for lost collars and tags. But it doesn't stop at just having a microchip implanted!
The #1 reason for microchipped pets NOT reuniting with their owners is that the contact information in the database is incomplete or incorrect.
August 15 is "Check the Chip" Day, so take a few minutes to log in and make sure the info linked to your pet's microchip is up-to-date.
Not sure where to go? Visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org and enter your pet's microchip number to find out where the chip is registered. If you're having trouble finding your pet's microchip number, call us - we can help!
The #1 reason for microchipped pets NOT reuniting with their owners is that the contact information in the database is incomplete or incorrect.
August 15 is "Check the Chip" Day, so take a few minutes to log in and make sure the info linked to your pet's microchip is up-to-date.
Not sure where to go? Visit www.petmicrochiplookup.org and enter your pet's microchip number to find out where the chip is registered. If you're having trouble finding your pet's microchip number, call us - we can help!
RSS Feed
