Top 5 Summer Tips for Your Pet

June is Pet Preparedness Month, and at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital, we recommend the following tips to help keep your pet safe this upcoming summer season:

1) Microchip Your Pet- Your pet's collar can easily fall off and become lost. Having a permanent form of identification is very important. Many microchip companies supply a collar tag with your pet's microchip number, so be sure to keep the tag safe. Adding it to your key chain can provide easy access to the microchip number and the microchip company's contact information.

2) Create a First Aid Kit for your pet and have it ready should your pet experience an emergency. We recommend including a rectal thermometer, bandage scissors, bandage material, triple antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, and Benadryl (ask your veterinarian about the recommended items for your pet).

3) Always make sure to have enough prescription medication for your travels and keep medications in their original container.

4) Many states require proof of Rabies Vaccination. Make sure to keep your pet's annual vaccinations up-to-date and have a copy of the Rabies Certificate available.

5) Add your veterinarian's contact information to your mobile phone's contact list or your address book. This could save time should you have to visit an emergency hospital during your vacation.

These tips may require modification depending on your pet's needs. Contact us at (203) 438-8878 with any questions you may have.

We hope you and your pet have a fun and safe summer!!

Case of the Month: Felicity

Felicity was a patient who's owner called on Emergency one evening with concerns of vomiting and trembling. She was stable overnight, but the next morning, on presentation was weak, low body temperature, not eating and had severe dehydration. Laboratory tests showed a severe electrolyte disturbance, which led us to test for an adrenal gland disorder called "Addison's Disease". 

BEFORE

People and animals can suffer from this adrenal deficiency (JFK had it) and causes disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance leading to severe dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and depression. The treatment of IV fluids, steroids and electrolyte stabilizing hormones caused a complete reversal of symptoms

AFTER

We're so happy Felicity is back to normal.