News – Page 2 – Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic

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.

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 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.

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

We 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>>

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

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.

Halloween Tips for Pet Owners

Posted on October 8, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Halloween is a favorite holiday of many because of the fun costumes, activities, and of course CANDY! During the festivities we can’t forget about our pets so keep these tips in mind this season.

Check your costumes. Many people love dressing up their dogs and cats for the season. Some pets don’t seem to mind but others can become very uncomfortable. Take your pet’s costume on a test run before the big day to make sure it fits comfortably and your pet can move around easily without getting overheated. Never leave your pet unattended in a costume in case of tangling.
Stay visible. Even with your pet dressed up, it’s important to keep their identification on them at all times. This means leaving their collar with their name and your phone number in easy view in case they should get out.
Keep calm. During trick or treating, pets can become very anxious. It’s best to leave your pet at home while you take your kids out in the neighborhood. If you’re handing out candy at home, make sure your pet is in a safe spot in your house where they will not be able to get out while you answer the door. If your pet is afraid of knocking or door bells, make sure they are in an area that they feel secure.
Keep your candy safe and secure. We all know chocolate is a big no no for pets! Make sure your kids aren’t stashing their candy anywhere that your pets can get to (like under their beds or in their closets). PETS Hospital is open 24/7 if your pet gets into any candy! You can also call Pet Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435.

Meet Laurie, Our October Featured Employee!

Posted on October 5, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Laurie moved to San Luis Obispo in 1987 to go to Cal Poly as a Dairy Science major and lived at Cal Poly’s project dairy with her 8 Holsteins. She started working in veterinary medicine in 1994 at a small animal and exotic practice and developed a passion and affinity for working with parrots which gave her a nickname of “The Bird Whisperer”. At one point, Laurie was fostering 3 cockatoos, 7 macaws as well as several smaller parrot species. At PBVC, Laurie is one of our lead technicians and assists the doctors in our treatment area with surgeries and procedures. Laurie loves teaching our newer staff and giving great tips and tricks to help make the day go smoother. Laurie is also everyone’s “go to” when we have birds in the clinic!

When she is not at work, you can usually find her out and about in the music scene. Laurie loves playing guitar and Ukulele, travel (her next “Dream Trip” will be to the Tambopata National Reserve in Puerto Maldonado – Peru to see and study macaws in the wild), cooking, photography, knitting, painting and relaxing at home with her critters.

Laurie and her husband Matt’s furred and feathered kids include her trusty pooch Robbie, her five cats, Kiara, Little Sister, Breena, Grizzabella and Ivan and then there is Darlin’, her Congo African Grey parrot. Curly and Gaiden are her Green Wing macaws and Zorro is her Military Macaw.

Meet Kacey, Our September Featured Employee!

Posted on September 5, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Kacey was born and raised in Mission Viejo, CA and moved to San Luis Obispo in 2015. During high school she raised and showed Market Lambs at the Orange County fair. She recently graduated from Cal Poly with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science and plans to get her Teaching Credential and Masters in Agricultural Education from Cal Poly. Back at home Kacey has a 9 year old cat named Bear.

Kacey’s favorite part about working at Pismo Beach Vet Clinic is being able to help people and their pets. She loves when she is able to help solve a problem or make someone feel better in stressful times with their pets. When Kacey isn’t at the reception desk greeting and helping our human clients, she is in our treatment area helping out with the animals. No matter where she is, she iPhone 6 Home Button not workingis always smiling and ready to help out! Outside of the clinic, she enjoys being at the beach, hiking around SLO, or hanging out with her Mini Holland Lop named Peanut.

Rattlesnake Season

Posted on August 5, 2017April 30, 2019 by pismobeachvet

Rattlesnake season (April – October) can be a scary time for pet owners. Here at PBVC, we urge pet owners to be vigilant and proactive during this time. There are many steps owners can take to increase the safety of their pets. Rattlesnake aversion training is the most effective method to avoid rattlesnake bites and is highly recommended as a proactive measure for pets with a high risk of exposure. Talk to your veterinarian to hear more about local training resources.

Although a rattlesnake vaccine does exist, PBVC along with the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis does not advocate for its use because of the lack of independent verification to prove that it is effective and safe. Whether or not your pet has been vaccinated, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of a rattlesnake bite:
*DO take your pet to the closest hospital immediately. Call PBVC (7 days a week 8-5 Sat-Wed and 8-10 Thur-Fri) or PETS Hospital (Open 24/7)
*DON’T give your pets any type of medication like ibuprofen or aspirin. This could lead to a life-threatening clotting disorder during the bite.
*DON’T try to remove the venom by cutting or sucking it out.

“It is important for community members to be aware of how easy it can be for a snake bite to occur,” said Dr. Joel Conn, owner of PBVC and founder of PETS Hospital. “It can happenVoot apk in a backyard without you realizing it. If you notice that your pet’s face, leg or paw seems swollen, painful or bruised, seek medical attention immediately. Snake bites happen to cats as well as dogs.”

Category: News