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Dr. Aspros was reappointed to the Westchester County Board of Health for a 6-year term by the Board of Legislators. He was also re-elected President of the Board by the members, a position he has occupied since 1994. During his tenure the Board has managed emerging diseases (Lyme, West Nile Virus), behavioral health issues (smoking, obesity) and environmental concerns (public water, septics), in additional to a wide range of other health initiatives.

Spring is a time for many things, including marriage! Congratulation to Erika, who became Mrs. Patrick McCarthy when she was married last week. Patrick is a Marine and will be deployed this summer. Fortunately, Erika will be managing the home front by remaining on our staff and providing excellent care to our patients. We're also looking forward to Dr. Doherty's marriage next month to another veterinarian (quite common these days); she'll make her mother happy by not changing her name!

Health News

News Item for March

Spring Hazards for Pets

Low Toxicity: (may cause gastrointestinal upset, but unlikely to cause serious problems unless very large amounts are ingested)

Moderate toxicity: (may cause significant signs beyond mild gastrointestinal upset)

High toxicity: (potential for very serious or life-threatening signs)

Also – please refer to Spring and Easter Basket (below) and have a safe holiday for everyone in your house!

News Item for October

Halloween festivities bring much excitement to our lives (especially if we're kids or just kids at heart). Costumes, candy and Jack-o'-Lanterns – the season brings opportunities for fun and celebration and, with a few precautions, the holiday can be safe and enjoyable for our pets as well.

Companion animals, especially our canine friends, would love the opportunity to help us finish off the pillowcase full of chocolate, candies and, perhaps, even pennies! However, all of these items are dangerous for pets. Chocolate can be toxic, as pets are much more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and the other components of chocolate than people (thank goodness that we can tolerate as much chocolate as we can get our hands on). Higher concentrations of cocoa, as found in dark chocolates, causes greater toxicity. Even in small amounts, sweets can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Other fall season foods - such as corn on the cob - should not be fed to dogs, as they can become "stuck" and cause intestinal obstruction. Should your pet ingest any chocolate or possibly dangerous substances, contact us for further instructions. After-hours, please call our local emergency clinic. Additionally, the ASPCA Poison Control Center is always available to answer your questions and give advice. They have veterinary toxicologists on staff 24/7 to help both pet owners and their veterinarians. Their number is: (888) 426-4435.

When decorating your home (this season, or any other) be aware of the potentially dangerous things your pets can access. Safe decoration options, such as "flame-less" battery operated candles, can be purchased in most Halloween stores. If you decide to light up your Jack-o'-Lantern with a candle be sure to place it well away from curious pets who may inadvertently tip over the pumpkin.

After the decorations are in place, it is time for the annual candy collection! Many people like to bring their dogs trick-or-treating in costume. If you are one of the lucky people with a dog who love to dress up and visit the neighbors, a simple costume without any dangling ornaments are recommended. Of course, for other pets this would be a stressful experience and is not recommended for everybody. Those of us who leave our own pets safe at home can enjoy our neighbor's dog's pirate or princess costume!

We wish everyone a fun and healthy Halloween; please contact us with any questions you may have – or if you have any leftover treats!

News Item for August-September

Lyme disease

Although it wasn’t recognized in the US until 1975, here in Westchester and Fairfield Counties we’ve been living with Lyme disease for a long time now. Shortly after the infectious nature of the disease was recognized, we began to treat a syndrome in dogs that include lameness and fever. In 2009, Lyme disease is one of the most common arthropod-borne diseases seen in dogs.

Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete (a type of bacteria) called Borrelia burgdorferii. It is transmitted to dogs through the bite of a tick. Once in the blood stream it is carried to many parts of the body but is especially likely to localize in joints.

It was first thought that only one type of tick (Ixodes, or the deer tick) could transmit this disease, but now it appears that several common species may be involved. People can also get Lyme disease, not directly from dogs but from being bitten by infected ticks in the same environment. Preventing exposure to ticks is therefore important for both you and your dog.

Many (although not all) infected people develop a characteristic rash at the site of the bite, generally within 3 to 30 days. This makes the disease easier to diagnose and treat at an early stage. Symptoms of Lyme disease are more difficult to detect in animals than in people, as this characteristic rash does not develop in dogs or cats. As the symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases, the diagnosis is often not considered until other causes for the signs have been eliminated.

Some dogs with Lyme disease experience generalized pain and may have stopped eating. Affected dogs often are described as if they were "walking on eggshells." Lameness often appears suddenly and may shift from one leg to another. Some of these animals have high fevers. If untreated, it may eventually disappear, only to recur weeks or months later.

In some cases, pets are infected by the spirochete for a long time before they finally show symptoms. In these cases the Borrelia may be found in many different tissues throughout the body.

Diagnosis

In our area, dogs with lameness, swollen joints, and fever are always suspected of having Lyme; however, other diseases may also cause these symptoms. There are two blood tests that may be used for screening, one for initial screening and another for confirmation. The first is an ELISA test run in our office. This test does not detect the actual spirochete in the blood but detects the presence of antibodies created by exposure to the organism. If this test is elevated, we will recommend a second, more specific test (called a C6) for confirmation.

A test can be falsely negative if the dog is infected but has not yet formed antibodies, or if it never forms enough antibodies to cause a positive reaction. This may occur in animals with suppressed immune systems. Some dogs that have been infected for long periods of time may no longer have enough antibodies present to be detected by the test. Therefore, a positive test is meaningful, but a negative result does not rule out a diagnosis of Lyme.

A secondary test is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. This is also known as DNA testing. It is very specific and sensitive. However, not all infected dogs will have the spirochete in their blood cells, so a false negative may occur. The best sample for this testing is the fluid from an affected joint.

Some cases are "diagnosed" based on a combination of clinical signs despite negative test results. This is the most common way people are diagnosed

Treatment

Because the Lyme spirochete is a bacterium, it can be treated with antibiotics. However, a lengthy course (2 – 4 weeks) of treatment is necessary to completely eradicate the organism.

The initial antibiotic selected to treat an infected pet may not be effective against the disease, especially if the infection is long-standing. In this situation, a switch to another antibiotic is often effective. Occasionally, a pet will become reinfected after being bitten by another infected tick.

Prevention

The key to prevention is keeping dogs from ticks. Ticks are found in grassy, wooded, and sandy areas. They find their way onto an animal by climbing to the top of a leaf, blade of grass, or short tree, waiting until they sense a close-by animal, onto which to crawl or drop. Keeping animals from thick underbrush reduces their exposure to ticks. Dogs should be kept on trails when walked near wooded or tall grass areas.

For dogs whose life style and activity levels promote exposure to ticks should be treated topically to minimize the risk from tick attachment. Effective medications than help control ticks include ProMeris, Preventic collars and Frontline.

Tick removal

Always check your pet immediately after it has been in a tick-infected area. If you find a tick moving on your pet, the tick has not fed (they only attach once to feed). Remove the tick promptly and place it in rubbing alcohol or crush it between two solid surfaces.

If you find a tick attached to your pet, grasp the tick with fine tweezers near the dog's skin and firmly pull it straight out. You may need another person to help restrain your dog. Removing the tick quickly is important since the disease is not transmitted until the tick has fed for approximately 12 hours. If you crush the tick, do not get the tick's contents, including blood, on your skin, as Borrelia can pass through a wound or cut in your skin.

Vaccination

A vaccine is available for protecting dogs against Lyme disease. The vaccine is initially given twice, at two week intervals. Annual revaccination is necessary to maintain immunity. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and very effective, and we recommend it for any patient that has regular exposure to ticks.

News Item for May - June

Seasonal external parasites

Fleas and ticks are of great concern to pets, their owners and veterinarians. They can transmit serious disease, cause intense discomfort, infect the environment and affect the whole family. While there are other common external parasite (ear mites, mange), these tend to be episodic or were present (and subsequently treated) when you first acquired your pet. Fleas and ticks, however, are a constant worry.

The successful control of these parasites starts with understanding the different way that they cause trouble. Fleas are a population problem; it’s not the single flea bite that leads to flea dermatitis but the mounting load of flea eggs, larvae and adults in your house or your yard. Ticks are an individual problem – the worry comes from the one infected tick that attaches to your pet and transmits disease through their saliva.

Fleas

Fleas are most active in seasons where the weather is warm and humid; in the Northeast we need to worry about fleas from late spring until we get hard frosts. Pets acquire fleas from areas that are frequented by other infested animals, less so from the infested pets themselves, as adult fleas spend their lives living on their hosts.

Adult fleas are dark brown and flat (the size of a sesame seed) and move rapidly through the fur. The female fleas begin laying eggs within 24 hours of arriving on the pet, and lay up to 50 eggs each day. Eggs fall from your pet onto the floor, your pet’s bed or any other indoor or outdoor area where your pet may go. The flea larvae that hatch from the eggs find their way carpets, under furniture or into soil before spinning a cocoon and turning into a pupa. Flea pupae can remain inactive for weeks or months – they can overwinter – before emerging as adults to infest (or reinfest) your pet. Depending on the climatic conditions, this cycle can be as short as 2 weeks or extend over many months.

As we said above, fleas are a population problem, so you may not realize that your pet has been infested until late in the summer or early fall, when the number of fleas has reached the point where your pet is obviously uncomfortable. One of the first things clients notice "flea dirt" — the black, mostly blood, droppings left on your pet's coat or in their bed. Fleas cause clinical signs when they suck the blood of their hosts; in puppies and kittens this can cause severe anemia. In adults dogs and cats the problems range from mild skin redness to severe scratching, open sores and infection. These signs are made worse in pets that develop an allergy to flea saliva. Fleas can also carry certain tapeworms, which can be transmitted to pets if they ingest fleas carrying the tapeworm eggs. And, of course, people may also be bitten by fleas – an extremely unpleasant experience if they're living in your house!

Because fleas are a population and environmental problem, it's better to prevent the infestation throughout the year than to have to manage one that already exists. We recommended several ways to do this. One of the most effective (and easiest) approaches to prevent fleas in dogs is Sentinel – an oral monthly parasite preventive – that prevents flea eggs and larvae from surviving into adulthood, thereby stopping the flea population bomb. The active ingredient in Sentinel – lufeneron – can also be given to cats using Program injection, which will last for 6 months. Topical, spot-on products such as ProMeris and Advantix (for dogs) and Advantage (for cats) can be used to help control adult fleas that may be picked up from other pets or the environment.

Remember, boarding facilities can expose pets to fleas, especially during warm weather, due to the concentration of animals at the kennel. Capstar tablets, a unique oral medication, are a very simple, safe and effective way to be sure that no fleas come home with your pets. Capstar can also be used as a program to eliminate a flea infestation.

Ticks

Ticks present an entirely different problem for pet owners. Unlike fleas, ticks spend the vast majority of their life living freely in the environment. In our area, almost all the ticks you see will be Ixodes – often called "deer" – ticks. These are "three-host ticks"; they feed on a different host in each stage of their life cycle (mouse, deer and pet – or human) and carry diseases for both humans and pets.

Adult Ixodes ticks emerge in the very early fall and overwinter, waiting for a meal and to lay their eggs in the late spring. The very small nymphal ticks hatch in June and are active until August. This means that your pets can pick up a tick at almost any time during the year. People are similarly at risk throughout the year, but we spend much less time out of doors in colder weather and wear a lot more clothing in the fall and winter.

Ticks can cause localized skin problems, but the major risk is disease transmission. In the Northeast we're concerned about three common ailments – Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis. Each of these infections is spread by a tick bite, and all can cause serious disease. We have good screening tests (4-DX) for these diseases and can successfully treat them if we recognize that your pet is infected. However, cases that are subclinical or animals with otherwise undiagnosed infections can experience serious chronic illness.

Because ticks spend the bulk of their time living in the environment the approach to protecting your pets is different than for fleas. The aim is to limit your pet's exposure to ticks in the environment. Strategies include:

  1. Take precautions to guard against ticks when entering tick habitats, such as grassy, shrubby, wooded, or beach grass areas. Cut/mow grassy areas regularly to reduce tick habitation, and remove leaf litter at the edges of the lawn. Ticks don't like full sun and prefer moist and shady areas. They don't like to cross over mulch, either.
  2. Treat the environment with insecticides designed specifically for ticks. To avoid contaminating water, experts recommend spraying at least 75 feet away from a well. If you choose to spray, use a licensed pesticide applicator and follow all local ordinances.
  3. Consider the use of topical products to minimize tick attachment. The most effective is the use of a Preventic collar, which contains amitraz. These must be replaced every three months, and may not be the best choice in families with small children. ProMeris also contains amitraz, and is applied as a month spot on, as is Advantix and Frontline.
  4. Conduct frequent tick checks for both your family and your pets. Examine animals closely in order to detect embedded ticks in dense fur.
  5. Remove attached ticks properly promptly to reduce the chance of transmission of the disease. Place fine point tweezers around the tick's mouthparts (the place where the tick is attached) and gently pull upwards until the tick detaches. Do not use your bare fingers! Disinfect the bite site and the tweezers after removal, and be sure to wash your hands.

Have your animal(s) examined as soon as possible if you notice any symptoms of disease as the sooner a disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Please let us know if you have any questions about parasites of the ways you can control them.

Enjoy the summer!!

News Item for April

Spring and Easter baskets

Spring brings with it a respite from cold weather and the promise of summer to come. Next month we’ll review the things you need to know about parasite prevention but, for now, we’ll focus on Easter.

Chocolate Poisoning

Humans love chocolate (at least we do here!); the major concern for us is the calorie hit we take when we eat too much. However, it can be a very dangerous treat for your dog. The level of toxicity depends on the kind of chocolate, how much is eaten and the size of the dog.

The toxic ingredient in chocolate is called theobromine, and the amount contained in chocolate varies quite a bit. Baking (unsweetened) chocolate has the highest concentration of theobromine, semi-sweet has a moderate amount and milk or white chocolate has the least.

Although there is no set “toxic dose” of chocolate there are guidelines that can let you know when to really worry. Clinical problems can result from as little as 20mg of chocolate per kilogram of dog weight being ingested – that’s about the equivalent of a 50lb dog eating only 9 oz. of milk chocolate. For some dogs this level will cause few noticeable problems but, for others, it can be quite toxic. Signs to watch for include trembling, excitement, vomiting and diarrhea, excess thirst and muscle spasms, as the theobromine causes stimulation of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems.

If your dog gets into any amount of chocolate call us immediately or, if out of normal hours, take your pet to the emergency hospital for assessment and treatment. It is important to be prompt, as it may be possible to limit the absorption of the chocolate into your dog’s body and prevent more severe signs.

Plastic grass

The brightly colored plastic grass that is commonly used is Easter baskets is pretty, but isn’t so cute when you know what it can do to your pet’s intestinal tract. Cats in particular are attracted to this kind of material (called a linear foreign body), and can eat prodigious amounts. The problem isn’t toxicity of the plastic, which is non-toxic- it’s the difficulty in passing through the small intestines. This kind of material can not only get “stuck” and cause an obstruction, but can severely damage the intestinal wall. Prompt recognition of the problem and surgery can prevent peritonitis and life-threatening complications.

Keep this material away from your pets!

Bunnies and chicks

There are wonderful traditions associated with the Easter holiday and the coming of spring. Some of these traditions can be of particular concern for children and place them at risk for serious illness.

Baby chicks and ducklings are sometimes given as gifts or put on display in places were children can handle the animals. In addition to the humane concerns, it is important to recognize that chicks and ducklings often carry the harmful bacteria called Salmonella. This bacterium is carried in the intestinal tract of the chicks and leads to contamination of both the birds and their environment; children can be exposed by simply handling or cuddling these babies. Others at increased risk include persons with HIV/AIDS, pregnant women, the elderly and other immunocompromised persons.

Rabbits may be impulsively acquired as pets at Easter time without adequate preparation or knowledge about keeping rabbits as pets. Unfortunately, many of these bunnies are later given up for adoption as rabbits need as much attention and care as a dog or cat and can live for many years. They can make wonderful pets but do your homework first. Rabbits can be destructive if deprived of attention and appropriate toys, and need to be spayed or neutered to cut down on behavioral problems and health risks. In addition, rabbits are not necessarily ideal pets for children as rabbits usually do not like to be held or cuddled.

For more information about rabbits as pets go to our Rabbit Care page on our website.

Celebrate the season safely and enjoy the warm weather!

News Item for March

Obesity is the number one nutritional problem seen in pets in the United States; this isn't surprising considering it's one of the major public health issues for their owners, too. Being overweight isn't just about appearances; overweight pets can also have health problems with their joints, heart and other internal organs.

How do you know when your pets are overweight? Veterinarians use the Body Condition Score (BCS). This is a standardized numerical measurement that assesses you pet's weight. A cat's ideal BCS is 5; the ideal BCS for dogs is 4 - 5. A lower BCS than this indicates and underfed (or ill) animal. Pets with a BCS of 6 - 7 are overweight while a BCS of 8 or 9 indicates serious obesity. All pets with a BCS of 6 or above need to lose weight to attain optimal health. To learn more about Body Condition Score and to view the charts we use to determine your pet's BCS go here. You can find other useful tools on the PetFit.com website, too.

Of course, it's easier to keep pets trim than to try and get weight off, but what do you do when you realize your pets need to slim down? Here are some tips to get your animal family on the road to better health:

Weight loss can be as frustrating to do in pets as it is for us! Just as when we embark on a weight-loss program for ourselves, commitment makes all the difference. We can help you to help your animal family win the battle of the bulge, so make sure to take advantage of our knowledge and strategies. Make this year the year you make the commitment, and good luck!

News Item for January 15

Dental care for pets

Pets need dental care - regular, professional care from a veterinarian, as well as care at home from you. Not surprisingly, oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets (after all, adult dogs have 42 teeth that may cause trouble, cats 30). Each one can be a source of trouble, odor or pain.

Most pets show signs of oral disease by age 3, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), with periodontal disease being the most common problem in dogs, particularly toy breeds. While pets rarely develop caries (or cavities) as people do, both dogs and cats do develop painful resorptive enamel lesions. More than one-quarter of cats patients develop at least one of the lesions during their life.

We recommend that every pet owner:

Home dental care is important!

While we've got professional dental care covered for you and your pets, you can't just rely on a few visits to the veterinarian to do it all. Some foods and treats (see above) can be helpful; avoid feeding pets table scraps because they can increase the build up of plaque and tartar, and can lead to other health problems. Regular brushing at home will further leverage the value of professional care, and help to ensure "kissable" breath and a dazzling smile!

How to brush you pet's teeth

- Introduce a brushing program gradually. Keep brushing sessions short and positive. Hold small animals in your lap, and avoid over-restraining them, as you need their cooperation if this is going to be a regular activity. Be sure to praise and reassure your pet verbally throughout the process.

- As a first step, dip a finger into beef bouillon for dogs or tuna water for cats, and gently rub the soaked finger over your pet's lips, then into the mouth and around the teeth. Make the initial sessions short and positive.

- Then introduce a gauze square over your finger, and gently scrub the teeth in a circular motion.

- Once your pet becomes comfortable with your finger in his or her mouth, you can introduce a soft toothbrush to increase the effectiveness of the brushing. Use an ultra-soft brush designed for people or, better yet, a brush designed for pets. We have special pet toothbrushes that have longer handles and smaller, pointed shapes to facilitate brushing the back molars. Don’t use toothpaste designed for people, as these contain fluoride, frequently are flavored with mint and foam excessively and may cause stomach upset.

A good video program about brushing cat teeth is availed to the Cornell University Feline Health Center website.

News Item for December/January

Winter hazards for pets

Here in the Northeast, winter brings cold weather and snow, but also some unique threats to pet health. We would like to keep all of our patients healthy throughout the winter, so here are some risks you can avoid:

Cold weather – dogs and cats may have furry coats to keep them warm, but please take special care when the weather is severe. Cats, of course, are safest when kept indoors through the year, and are especially vulnerable to car accidents in the winter, when days are short and most commuting is done in the dark.

Dogs should be fine when leash-walked in cold weather, but take care when the temperature drops into the teens and below. Small dogs are at much greater risk for hypothermia than large dogs regardless of the length of their hair coat, so be especially careful to keep your walks short or use a warm coat to prevent heat loss. Ice and ice coating on snow can cause sore feet, and can be a bigger concern than ice melting compounding in this regard; in some cases boots are warranted. Be sure that dogs in an outdoor run have a dry house and are sheltered from the wind.

Toxic exposures – these risks range from the mildly unpleasant (vomiting and diarrhea) to life threatening. Low on the worry list are some of the classic threats, like poinsettias and holly. Mistletoe, ice melting products and liquid potpourri are more toxic, and exposure to these products should lead you to call us for advice. However, it is very important to seek immediate medical attention should your pet be exposed to these life-threatening substances:

Foreign bodies – are how veterinarians refer to non-edible things that pets eat! These can include food packaging (that retain some food taste), holiday decorations, gift packaging (including ribbons) as well as yarns, bottle caps, stuffed animals and chewy rubber things. Eating these things can cause vomiting, weight loss and intestinal obstruction. Some of these objects are hard to find, even with x-rays, and many will require major surgery to treat. Be sure to provide safe chew toys and pick up after young children. Note that ferrets are particularly prone to swallowing little rubber bits.


Jack Frost Nips at Pets' Heels, (www.zootoo.com).... read more......

News Item for November

Thanksgiving is a time to gather friends and family to visit and eat until we’re stuffed, too. It's no surprise that we welcome our pets to join in with the holiday festivities, since they're part of the family, too!

Not everything at the table is appropriate for our pets though:

Although it's tempting to share your holiday dinner with your animal family, it's really in their best interest to keep treats to small bites of turkey without any gravy or dressing. Offering a regular dog biscuit or cat treat is an even better way to treat your pet during the coming holidays. Offering your time, attention and affection is the best way to share the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving!

News Item for October

Halloween can be a fun and spooky holiday for people and pets alike! A few simple precautions will help avoid injury to your dogs and cats and make for a safe and happy month.

Keeping these simple precautions in mind will help you and your pets enjoy the holiday!

Boooo!

Summer is time for gardening, hot weather and travel. Here are some safety tips (compiled with the help of Dr. Gail Golab of the AVMA) for pet owners and their companions:

Housing and Travel

Soaring temperatures are no more comfortable for dogs and cats than they are for people. Heat prostration is a common cause of summer illness that can, and does, kill many beloved pets each year. If your pet spends a substantial part of its day outside, be sure that you provide a cool, shady spot for it to escape the hot summer sun and plenty of cool, clean water. A sheltered area must also be available so that the pet can escape summer storms. Be sure that areas in which pets are housed are secure and that pets cannot run into busy streets, fall into deep window wells, or become trapped within or under lawn equipment. Some of the worst summer tragedies involve pets that are left in vehicles in the sun with the windows partially or completely rolled up. Temperatures inside a car rapidly climb to more than 100 F and can cause death sometimes in as little as 10 minutes! If you need to leave your pet in a car for any period of time, please do the pet and yourself a favor and leave the pet at home. When traveling with your pet, call ahead to make sure the pet will be welcome at any hotels or homes where you intend to stay. Travel from state to state usually requires a health certificate for each pet, which has been signed by a veterinarian. Travel outside of the country often requires that the pet be quarantined for a specified period of time, so be sure to check restrictions in the country to which you will be traveling. Remember that sometimes the best solution for everyone is to make arrangements for someone to watch the pet in your home, or to bring the pet to a boarding facility designed to provide it with the special care it needs. We can help with referrals for boarding kennels in our area.

Pesticides and Lawn Care Products

Many of these products are potentially toxic to pets; be sure to store these items where pets have no access to them. After treating lawns and outside areas, restrict pets from these areas until exposure danger has passed. Remember that many types of summer foliage (among them hydrangea, wisteria, delphinium, foxglove, privet hedge, and monkshood) can be toxic to pets as well, so do your best to prevent your pets from "dining out."

Parasite control is important for both pets and people. Our doctors and staff adhere to best practices to safeguard the health of our clients, patients, and the community at large. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has established guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. Their website contains a wealth of information for pet owners. Check it out!

Traveling to the Southwest? Hunting in the Northeast? If your dog may be exposed to rattlesnakes, think about the new vaccine available from Red Rock Biologics. The first year your dog is vaccinated, she should receive two doses of vaccine spaced one month apart. Subsequent booster doses are recommended annually in the spring, or about a month before you take your dog into rattlesnake habitat.

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Pet owners understand that obesity is about more than appearance. Scientific evidence shows that obesity is a condition that can lead to serious disease. In conjunction with the AVMA and Hill’s our hospital is focused on raising awareness about the right way to achieve and maintain healthy weight:

Click on the link above for tools to help you increase your pet’s activity, decrease their weight and start them living a happier and healthier life!