Virtually Forgettable, There When You Need Them: The Beauty of Pet Microchips

Los Angeles cat in the grass with microchip

There are loads of little things that we acquire and then quickly forget about. We may not immediately need a box of 250 paperclips or rubber bands, but when we actually need them we’re pretty happy to have them on hand. 

Pet microchips are not unlike a collection of oddities that may (or may not) serve a purpose someday. Some chips are never scanned. But that’s good! That means that those pets were never separated from their people. Most importantly, when a pet gets lost or goes missing, it’s usually their microchip that leads to a joyful reunion at home. 

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Building an Incredible Foundation with Pet Wellness Care

Responsible pet owners know that their furry, feathered, and scaled friends need to be seen by the veterinarian regularly – after all, those vaccinations are pretty important! 

Pet wellness examinations are about so much more than shots, however. Getting to know your pet through a detailed health history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing is an essential part of keeping your pet’s healthy for years to come.

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Celebrate Safely: How to Have a Pet-Safe July 4th

Independence Day is a beloved celebration for so many Americans. Sadly, the noise, crowds, and festivities can be scary – or even dangerous – for our pets. In fact, it’s rare to find a pet that doesn’t react to fireworks or noisy, crowded events by hiding, trembling, becoming destructive, or worse, fleeing the situation in an attempt to escape the source of their anxiety and fear.

Whether you are enjoying the holiday with fireworks, a party, or both, your friends at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital are here to help you create a pet-safe July 4th!

First Things First

The day after July 4th is the busiest of the year for animal shelters. With so many pets trying, and succeeding, to escape their homes during a fireworks display, it’s worth being prepared in advance.

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On the Lookout for Outdoor Pet Toxins

LA cat without pet toxins

When you look around your pet’s environment and consider potential toxins, the usual suspects probably come to mind: chocolate, Xylitol (a key ingredient in sugar-free foods and some peanut butter), antifreeze, medications, etc. However, in regions like ours – where the winters are mild and beautiful foliage and robust agriculture are plentiful – there’s an increased risk of exposure to outdoor pet toxins.

Reducing or eliminating your pet’s exposure to toxins, as well as being able to recognize and respond to a pet poisoning emergency, are key when it comes to protecting your furry loved one.

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Hot and Dry Conditions: Summer Pet Safety Tips for the Los Angeles Area

Angelenos hoping for a pleasantly-mild summer, prepare for a little heartbreak – we are on course to break record record highs, again.

High temperatures coupled with an extremely arid climate can make southern California a tad uncomfortable for all residents – including pets. With our summer pet safety tips, your best pal can relax in the shade, enjoy a tasty frozen treat, and stay far from trouble, all summer long.

Dawn. Dusk. Repeat.

Until the pavement no longer feels too hot for your own bare feet, it’s best to hold off trotting down the block with your dog. The hours surrounding dawn and dusk are optimal for summer stroll, pet safety–wise. Otherwise, the direct hit from the sun can make sand, concrete, asphalt, gravel, and even dirt pathways quite dangerous for delicate paw pads.

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Recognizing and Responding to a Pet Emergency

Most pet owners understand the value of preventive care and prioritize annual wellness visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Unfortunately, taking these precautions don’t entirely eliminate the threat of accidental illness or injury.

Recognizing a pet emergency and getting your pet the help they need quickly is often the key to a successful outcome. Pets are hardwired to hide signs of pain, which can make it difficult to tell when they need medical attention.

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital has put together a quick guide on the most common problems that require immediate attention.

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