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Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic

Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic

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Author: pismobeachvet

Everything you need to know about Canine Influenza

Posted on February 23, 2018May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Canine influenza (dog flu) is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs and some cats. There are two main strains seen in the United States: H3N8 and H3N2. Canine H3N8 was first identified in 2004 in racing greyhounds in Florida. Since 2004, H3N8 has been identified in most states. The H3N2 strain was first identified in March of 2015 following an outbreak of respiratory illnesses in dogs around Chicago. In May 2017, canine H3N2 influenza was diagnosed in dogs in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, and Illinois. This was the same strain of H3N2 involved in the 2015 outbreak in Chicago.

 

Canine influenza is transmitted through droplets or aerosols with respiratory secretions from coughing, barking, and sneezing. Dogs that are in close contact with infected dogs are at an increased risk in places like kennels, groomers, daycare facilities, or shelters. It can also be spread indirectly through objects like toys, kennels, bowls, leashes, etc. It’s important to thoroughly clean and disinfect objects that have come in contact with infected dogs. The virus can survive on a surface for up to 48 hours, on clothes for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours.

 

Dogs will typically start to show signs of infection between 2 to 8 days after exposure. Virtually all dogs exposed to canine influenza will become infected but only about 80% will develop clinical symptoms. The symptoms look similar to kennel cough, with nasal and eye discharge, sneezing, lethargy, and anorexia. Many dogs will also develop a fever.

 

The vaccine we offer here at PBVC is bivalent, meaning it offers protection against both strains. There are currently no canine influenza vaccines approved for use in cats.

 

The canine influenza vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine meaning it is not necessarily recommended for every dog. It is used to protect those who are most at risk of exposure (dogs who are social or frequent kennels or groomers). The vaccine must be boostered 2 to 4 weeks after the first vaccination and is then effective for 1 year.

 

Think your dog may be a good candidate for the Canine Influenza vaccine? Call us! We can schedule it.

HELP US to be BEST VET in SLO County 2018!

Posted on February 22, 2018May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Voting has begun for the 2018 Best of SLO County Reader’s Poll and we’d LOVE your vote. Help us to be the Best Vet in SLO for the 6th year in a row by voting for Pismo Beach Vet!!

To participate, go to https://posting.newtimesslo.com/sanluisobispo/Survey?survey=4015761https://www.newtimesslo.com and fill out the survey.

Best of SLO 2018

 

Important:

  • You must complete at least 30 categories
  • You must verify your ballot by email AFTER voting for it to count
  • All votes must be completed by March 12th at 5pm

As always, thank you for your support. We have the best clients on the planet and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you!

Meet Neil, Our February Featured Employee!

Posted on February 6, 2018May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet
Neil
Neil

Neil moved to San Luis Obispo in 2007 and began volunteering at Pacific Wildlife Care in Morro Bay. The experience of volunteering at PWC eventually led to attending Cuesta College’s Veterinary Assistant program which included an internship at both Woods Humane Society and Animal Services of SLO. He now looks forward to a long career of helping animals. Neil has been a kennel assistant for most of his time at PBVC but is moving on to be a room nurse! He looks forward to meeting more clients and their owners, and helping out the doctors during exams.

Neil is a lover of all animals and there wasn’t a point in his life when he wasn’t fascinated by them. He has had a number pets throughout his life ranging from cats and dogs to fish and a parakeet. He now lives with a lovable Pitbull named Kopi and two snakes; a Ball Python named Goldy and a Carpet Python named Nygma.

Nygma
Nygma
Kopi
Goldy

February is Dental Month at Pismo Beach Vet!

Posted on January 31, 2018May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet

February is National Pet Dental Month, and because we want your loved ones to start the new year with fresh breath, February will be also Dental Month at Pismo Beach Vet.

At Pismo Beach Vet, we strongly believe that preventative dental care is the best way to ensure that your pet has a healthy smile for life. It has been shown that 85% of dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the age of three. Good oral hygiene, starting with regular dental cleanings, can improve comfort as well as overall physical health.  Untreated dental disease can lead to major problems affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver.

For the month of February all dental packages will be discounted 15%. These packages include not only the dental cleaning and anesthesia, but also pre-anesthetic blood screening, IV catheterization and fluids to help make these procedures as safe as possible for your pet. Mention this email and also receive a discount on dental products including tooth brush kits.

Call us today for more information or login to your Pet Portal to make an appointment!

Stages of Dental Disease

Meet Marc, Our January Featured Employee!

Posted on January 6, 2018May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Marc was born in Shell beach and raised in Santa Maria. After graduating from Righetti high school in 2009 he pursued a associates degree in Psychology as well as in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Marc Briefly attended UCSB before changing career paths and heading into his true passion for veterinary medicine. After graduating the RVT program from Allan Hancock College he has spent the last three years working in the field. Doing both reception, emergency and assistant work, he is proud of his experience in the field. You’ll find Marc usually up at our reception desk, greeting clients and their animals. He especially loves getting in some cuddles with our feline patients!

In his free time he enjoys going out dancing, hiking, spending time with close friends and video games to unwind. He dreams of one day saving up and going on a trip to visit Japan again and seeing the country with new eyes with close friends and family.

Marc has thee furry friends in his little family, Tsuki his first cat rescued from VIVA in Lompoc and who totally needs to go on a diet, Kitsune – who is a rescued feral kitten, often called ghost cat because she is shy around strangers, but is loving as could be with her family. Lastly there is Muffins, who was rescued from the AG pet ER after she had been found injured and brought in by animal services. After having her leg amputated she was brought home and is now spending her days in a comfy and loving home(don’t worry she gets around great!).

Veterinary Recomended Solutions are at PBVC!

Posted on December 20, 2017May 1, 2019 by pismobeachvet

We’re excited to announce that PBVC has partnered with Veterinarian Recommended Solutions to bring a new line of supplements to our clients! All of the products at VRS are backed by extensive clinical research and third party tested for purity and safety. VRS is owned and operated by veterinarians and a team of veterinary specialists. We’re proud to carry their products including: Omega Benefits, Osteo TruBenefits, Entero TruBenefits, and Hepato TruBenefits.

 

One of our favorite products is the Omega Benefits. You add a certain number of pumps (based on your animal’s weight range) onto their food daily. This helps with healthy joints, cardiovascular function, skin, brain, and eye health. Our clients also like that it gives their pets a healthy shine in their coat!

 

Interested in trying one of the products from VRS? Call us! We’re here 7 days a week to discuss which product may be best for your pet.

We’re Growing: Dr. Judit Szamos has joined our team!

Posted on December 6, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Dr. Judit SzamosWe are excited to announce that Dr. Judit Szamos has joined our PBVC team!  Please help us welcome her back to the Central Coast and stop by to say “hi!”

Click here to learn more about Dr. Szamos>>

Meet Martin, Our December Featured Employee!

Posted on December 3, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Martin was born and raised in the beautiful city of Santa Barbara. He started out as a receptionist at a veterinary emergency clinic before coming to PBVC in late November of 2016 to work as a technician. Martin has completed the R.V.T. program at Allan Hancock College and is now working towards taking his R.V.T. exam. He especially loves working with emergency cases, his favorite being fractures. He loves to see the process of healing over time and the progress with the patients.

 

At PBVC, Martin can be found helping with procedures and helping the doctors with appointments. He also takes pride in being our safety coordinator, ensuring the hospital is always up to date with the latest safe trends. At home Martin has two cats, Koba (from planet of the apes) and Picasso. Outside of work, Martin is an avid runner and also enjoys hiking.

Meet Heidi, Our November Featured Employee!

Posted on November 13, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Heidi is a lover of all animals. She has helped treat Pacific Wild Life animals and had hands-on experience with owls, eagles, pelicans, etc She has also spent time in the Philippines volunteering at a wild animal rescue for fruit bats, brown long tail macaques, and bear cats. Heidi’s favorite experience in the Philippines was a whale rescue she participated in and she spent 8 hours with a Dwarf Sperm whale! As exciting as this experience was, Heidi missed small animal practice.

Heidi is one of our registered veterinary technicians at PBVC and helps in the treatment area with surgeries. One of her passions is helping with dental procedures and educating staff on how to better help the patients. Heidi treats every single patient like her own pet, giving every pet a thorough brushing before they go home from their procedure. When she’s not at work, Heidi is spending time with her two boys, Brandon and Tristan, and husband, Bob.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

Posted on October 16, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Like people, dogs are capable of experiencing “senior moments”. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is somewhat like a dog version of Alzheimer’s disease in people. CCD can occur for many reasons like an accumulation of proteins in the brain, or genetic factors. CCD occurs in many older dogs. A study from UC Davis found that 28% of dogs aged 11-12 years and 68% of dogs aged

Image result for purina neurocare diet

15-16 years exhibited at least one or more signs of cognitive impairment. These signs can be variable, but include disorientation, sleep problems, change in physical activities, and having accidents inside the house.

 

When we see a dog exhibiting signs of CCD, we recommend taking a look at this form from Purina to decide if your dog may benefit from a NeuroCare diet. Purina NC is a great food product to use for dogs who exhibit signs of CCD and can help with cognitive functions. If you have any questions about the NeuroCare diet or CCD in general, you can call to schedule an appointment with us at 805-773-0474.

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