The Oaks Notes

VETERINARY NOTES FOR HEALTHY HAPPY PETS

        1. Are you new to the area?  Come in and visit...meet our staff and tour the facility.  Your pets and animals are important to us.  We set our standards high and have been a long standing member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).  You can visit AAHA online at www.healthypet.com.  Call us if you have any questions.  We look forward to meeting you.   

       2. To prevent heartworm infection and keep internal parasites under control... keep your dogs and cats on heartworm preventative at all times.  One mosquito bite to an unprotected pet is all it takes. One dose a month is all that is needed.

       3.  Control and prevent fleas and ticks with a monthly treatment.  These products will also help control/prevent skin problems, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and intestinal worms.

       4.  Old age is not a disease, but many diseases are common in older animals.  It is important to monitor older animals closely and discuss any changes with your veterinarian.  Dogs and cats become senior citizens between 6-8 years of age depending on size and breed.  We recommend more frequent physical exams (every 6 months) and yearly bloodwork to evaluate your animal for early signs of disease.  Nutritional requirements can change in older animals especially with ongoing disease.  Let us help you maintain your pet's quality of life throughout their golden years.   Ask about our senior wellness program.

       5.  Ask your doctor and your veterinarian about "the healthy power of pets," the ability of pets to make  and keep people healthy. Let us help...a healthy pet can be the perfect prescription for human health, happiness and longevity.

       6.  Let us help you with parasite control. If your deworming program misses one worm you can miss the whole family.  A roundworm can produce 100,000 eggs a day and a hookworm can produce 20,000 eggs a day. 

         7.  Dr. Garrett Edwards, Dr. Cathy Lombardi or Dr. Shanna French are available for your equine, cattle, goat or sheep care.  They provide wellness programs tailored to your needs.  These include examination and consultation for disease prevention, dentistry, vaccines, dewormers and ultrasound imagery.

         8. Would you like to join our referral club?  Refer family, friends, or new neighbors!  Any client who sets up a new account and has an animal seen will earn you a credit on your account.  Call for details.

         9. Be Sure to Secure -- At 30 miles per hour a 60lb dog can  hit the windshield, back seat or a passenger with great force.  Please secure your pet when traveling to avoid any injuries.

         10. The AKC requires stud dogs that sire more than seven litters as of July 2001 to undergo DNA testing to guarantee their pedigree. For more information visit www.akc.org.

           11.  Spend a few minutes with www.HomeAgainID.com and www.ResponsiblePetCare.org for tips on how we can help you with the identification and care of you pet.

           12. The Oaks received two certificates of appreciation.  One was from the local 4-H for outstanding and dedicated service. The second award was from Blue Ridge Community College Veterinary Technology Program for serving as an external training site.  For more information on becoming a Veterinary Technician visit www.br.cc.va.us.com.

           HOMEMADE TREATS MIXED WITH LOVE

  MICROWAVE DOG BISCUITS

     INGREDIENTS:

        1C. WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR

        1/2C. ALL PURPOSE FLOUR

        3/4C. NONFAT DRY MILK POWDER

        1/2C. QUICK COOKING ROLLED OATS

        1/4C. YELLOW CORNMEAL

        1 TSP. SUGAR

        1/3C. SHORTENING

        1 EGG SLIGHTLY BEATEN

        1 TBSP. INSTANT CHICKEN OR BEEF BOUILLON GRANULES

        1/2C. HOT WATER

Combine flour, milk powder, rolled oats, cornmeal and sugar in medium bowl.  Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Stir in egg.  Stir instant bouillon granules into hot water until dissolved.  Slowly pour into the flour mixture, stirring with a fork to moisten.  Form dough into ball and knead on floured board five minutes, or until smooth and elastic.  Divide dough in half and roll out each 1/2 inch thick.  Make cutouts with cookie cutter. Or make nuggets by rolling dough into 1 inch diameter log: cut off 1/2 inch pieces.  Arrange six cutout shapes or 24 nuggets on 10 inch plate.  Microwave at 50% (medium) 5-10 minutes, or until firm and dry to touch.  Rotate plate every two minutes and turn shapes over after half the time.  Cool on wire rack.  Makes 1 1/2 dozen cutouts or 5 1/2 dozen nuggets.