As an overview, what are the services available at your Animal Health Center?

We offer full wellness care, lab work, surgery, dental care with dental x-ray, digital x-ray, ultrasound, boarding, grooming, and microchipping. We also offer pet insurance and pet supplies including nutritional items.

What are some of the food items that can harm our pets?

Despite the obvious good intentions, dogs and cats can suffer from many of the foods that we love. These include raw and undercooked meat and eggs, chocolate, coffee, unbaked yeast dough, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, cloves, milk salt, and some sweeteners like Xylitol. Always avoid candy since it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

What's a better approach for the holidays regarding table scraps and treats?

The best approach is to maintain a healthy and balanced pet food diet with occasional treats. Feeding your pets an occasional treat is okay if you avoid harmful foods and keep the portions small. Please call us at 941-474-8881 if you have questions about a specific treat.

What do you recommend for healthy treats?

There are many healthy treats available at the clinic. We have about 22 products for sale on our online store through our website including some specialty products and organic options. You can click on the product to receive details including ingredients and the specific benefits.

What about holiday plants?

Poisonous plants for pets include poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, and especially the berries on a holly plant. The best thing to do with these popular holiday plants is to keep them on a table or countertop out of the reach of your pet. Another option is to use silk or plastic plants.

What are some other pet holiday safety tips?

Put any burning candles out if you are leaving a room for an extended period because active or curious pets can accidentally knock them over. Consider chew toys for dogs or a large ball or stuffed catnip toy for cats versus toys that can be torn apart and ingested For New Years, anticipate the excess noise, and provide your pet with a safe, escape-proof area. Some dog owners have had success with loud music. We have a variety of calming sedative-type products that we recommend depending on the severity of the anxiety or noise phobia.