It is National Pet Week! National Pet Week first launched in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association. It is celebrated throughout the United States and other parts of the world to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the human-animal bond, and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine. The National Pet Week website provides a lot of good informational articles for pet owners such as

7 things you can do to keep you pet healthy

8 cat diseases you can prevent with vaccination and deworming

7 foods you should avoid feeding your dog or cat

and much much more! Find more at Petweek.org! In addition, for all the teachers out there, they provide lesson plans for grades 1-4 and power point presentations on responsible pet ownership and veterinary careers just visit petweek.org/classroom!

A new awesome App is available! Every pet owner should have this at the tip of their fingers! The Pet Poison Helpline app lets owners access a database of the foods, drugs, plants and chemicals commonly found in the home and yard that are poisonous to pets. In addition, it recognizes symptoms of a possible poisoning and allows direct dialing to Pet Poison Hotline! Find out more info and download the App at the link above.

April is heartworm awareness month. Heartworms are a potentially fatal condition transmitted by mosquitos. Infected mosquitos bite a dog, transmitting larvae into the dog’s blood stream. Larvae develop into adults in the heart, which restricts bloodflow to the heart and lungs, possibly leading to death. Fortunately, there is a simple, inexpensive once a month chewable tablet called Interceptor that can be given  to prevent this potentially life threatening condition. The following picture represents an incidence map showing as many as 6-25 cases/clinic of heartworm in Arizona. For more information visit this link:

American Heartworm Society

Heartworm Incidence Map

Heartworm Larvae in a dog's Heart

We know it can be tough to wrangle your cat for a trip to the veterinarian’s office. Many cats dislike the cat carrier as well as riding in the car, so heading in for an annual checkup can sometimes be a stressful proposition. Follow these four tips when you head to your next veterinary appointment to reduce your cat’s stress and make for a calmer car ride.

1 Make the carrier your cat’s second home.

Cat carriers are typically associated with many unpleasant things. Many cat owners keep the carrier in a closet or in the garage, so the cat hasn’t rubbed on it or slept inside it. Cats who haven’t transferred their scent to the carrier, therefore, see it as a foreign object. So give your cat time to mark the carrier with facial rubbing—she’ll feel like it belongs to her, and you may find it easier to place her inside. If you have room, make the carrier a part of your family room furniture. That means leaving it out all the time with the door open. Place a soft towel inside to make it a little more cozy. Pretty soon, your cat won’t think twice about entering the carrier.

2 Turn the carrier into a meal center.

Put part of your cat’s daily food in the carrier to help your cat associate something good with the carrier. Even better: Use a bit of especially yummy food, like canned food or even a little tuna. Or try tossing your cat’s favorite treat in the carrier when she wants to be left alone. This will reward her for seeking solitude in the carrier and continue to reinforce the notion that the carrier isn’t so bad after all.

3 Try a different kind of carrier.

If you have an emergency and don’t have time to let your cat adjust to the carrier, try using a pillowcase as a carrier. With the cat on your lap, slip the pillowcase over her body, head first. Knot the top of the case and support the bottom when holding your cat. Alternately, you can use any type of item your cat likes to nap in—two laundry baskets connected together could also work. These items aren’t a trigger for fear like your standard carrier might be.

4 Consider using a synthetic product.

Using a product that contains a feline facial pheromone can help calm cats during stressful events. These products can be sprayed on blankets, towels, or bandanas before you head to the veterinarian. Many cats become less agitated when their owners use these sprays, so purchasing one could make your life easier when it’s time to take your cat for a car ride.

Regular wellness exams are crucial for keeping your cat happy and healthy. Use these tips the next time you head to your veterinarian to make it much easier on both you and your cat.

Information courtesy of Dr. Sally J. Foote, Okaw Veterinary Clinic, Tuscola, Ill.

This November 26 is a big day for everyone at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic. It’s the second annual Small Business Saturday®, when people across the country come out and shop to support their favorite local businesses. American Express also wants to help make a difference. Get a one-time $25 statement credit when you register an eligible American Express® Card and use that Card for a purchase of $25 or more at a registered small business on November 26th. Registration is limited. You can register your card at http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?sk=app_183558821725512

We are a registered small business and will be celebrating small business Saturday by giving away a bag of goodies with each purchase while supplies last.

Don’t forget to “Like” and recommend us on Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sugarloaf-Animal-Clinic/90405084216

Have a happy Thanksgiving! We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 24^th, and open Friday November 25^th from 7am-1pm. In case of emergency please contact Sonora Veterinary Specialists on the SE corner of Cactus and 40^th St. at 602-765-3700. 

Don't forget to follow these tips to keep your pets safe and healthy this Thanksgiving:

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2011/09/is-table-food-poisonous-for-dogs/

http://www.ilovedogs.com/2011/10/10-thanksgiving-foods-dangerous-to-your-dog/