View All Articles

Resources

VRC works with many types of organizations. Following is a list of our preferred partners to help you with your clients’ needs.

View Resources

FAQS

Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions from pet owners. Additional FAQ can be found on our Referring Veterinarians page

View FAQS

Category: Emergency Pet Care

Jul-07

Category
Emergency Pet Care Miscellaneous Pet Owner Tips
Share

8 Plants for Your Pets to Avoid this Summer

VRC Vet HospitalSummer is here, and for pet owners that can be a good thing and a bad thing. While the sunny mornings and warm nights are definitely good for taking your dog on long walks in the woods or the local park, and the rapid growth of hedges, flowers, and ornamental shrubs make for happy, curious cats, summer also means there are a lot of blooming, toxic plants out there that can put your pets at risk.

Even if you keep your dog on a leash during daily walks and monitor their trips into the yard to do their business, it can be difficult to stop an eager dog of any age from chewing on the various plants it encounters. The same goes for cats. Outside cats tend to slip away and out of sight to do whatever they want, and even indoor cats may get interested in and nuzzle or take a bite out of plants you bring indoors, whether they’re potted ornamentals or a vase of cut blossoms you just brought in from the yard. That’s why it’s a good idea for pet owners to keep in mind the sorts of flowers and other foliage they plant and bring inside in order to keep their homes a pet-safe zone.

While most pets are pretty smart about the things they choose to nibble on, they make mistakes. It’s good to be aware of the sorts of plants that are toxic to pets before you get your indoor garden going—or before you take that nice long walk to see the beautiful blooms all around your suburban neighborhood. For example, be extra careful around the following:

  • Lilies: The entire lily plant is toxic to cats, and this is especially true of the lovely day lilies that grow outside and Easter lilies, which tend to be grown in pots.
  • Azaleas: A pretty staple of many a yard, azaleas are toxic to house pets.
  • Oleander: The leaves of this notoriously toxic plant can harm your pets.
  • Daffodils: It’s the bulbs of these common flowers that pose a risk to your dog.
  • English Ivy: The leaves and berries are especially toxic to your pet, but the whole plant is dangerous.
  • Bird of Paradise: The pods of this common tropical beauty pose a risk.
  • Morning Glory: The seeds and roots of this beautiful wildflower are poisonous if ingested.
  • Sago Palm: All of this ornamental plant is deadly to pets, especially the seeds.

Summer can mean a lot of fun with your pet, but it does pose its own unique dangers. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic that might make them ill, or if your pet is exhibiting signs of poisoning such as listlessness, panting, disorientation, or vomiting. They require medical attention from a veterinarian in the greater Philadelphia area, so take them right away.

 

VRC is located in the greater Philadelphia area. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so if you suspect your pet has been poisoned by a plant, contact us immediately.

Share

Jun-08

Category
Emergency Pet Care Miscellaneous Pet Owner Tips
Share

Simple Things You Can do to Keep Your Dog Happy And Healthy

healthy dogDog owners want to give their pets the best life possible. Sometimes that takes the form of splurging a bit on high-quality food — which is a great idea as long as it’s nutritionally balanced, of course. Sometimes it means lavish toys and designer collars, both of which are fun, though we all know such things are more about the owner than the dog. Really, improving your dog’s quality of life can be very easy with a few simple changes. Read on and see the sorts of things you can do to improve the day-to-day of your favorite companion.

Structure

Dogs need guidance from their owners. They are pack animals, and thus need to know who is in charge—otherwise they can become anxious, nervous, and insecure. Basically, knowing how to behave, and when and where, is essential to your dog’s happiness. Understanding the rules will make your dog more secure and at ease than one who is forced to guess. Dogs need boundaries to feel happy, so it’s important to teach them good and bad behavior, as well as to enforce consequences. Build a routine, be consistent, and offer praise. A few obedience classes will help any dog and its owner have a happier life together.

Continuing Education

Dogs are intelligent creatures. They need stimulation and enrichment in their lives. A bored dog is an unhappy dog, and often their intelligence will manifest as misbehavior if not properly channeled. Take the time not only to walk your dog and play with them, but also to train them to do tricks, build their vocabulary, or even retrieve specific toys. An agility class can also help keep your dog’s mind active. For a dog, improved focus means an improved life.

Socialization

As we mentioned, dogs are pack animals. They need to have a social life to be happy. But some dogs need different sorts of socialization than others. While one dog might enjoy the freedom of the dog park, another will need smaller social circles or risk becoming stressed or aggressive. Watch your dog carefully and see what they like, and plan doggy play dates around your dog’s individual needs.

Health

Naturally, you want your dog to be in tip-top shape. Good quality food is essential, of course, so ask your greater Philadelphia area veterinarian about what sort of nutrition your dog needs at every stage of life. Also, make sure your dog gets all their regular vaccinations, and that you take them in to the vet to talk over any issues such as joint problems, allergies, or strange behaviors. It’s also essential to keep your dog active. Dogs that are sedentary tend to gain weight, which affects their overall health. Go to the park, go jogging—whatever it takes!

VRC is a specialty veterinary healthcare hospital located in the greater Philadelphia area. Consult your dog’s regular vet for any concerns, but we’re here when you need us. As a specialty veterinarian, we’re open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Share

May-20

Category
Emergency Pet Care Miscellaneous Pet Owner Tips
Share

What Should I do When My Dog Has Been Bitten by Another Animal?

One of the best things about having a dog is the way they get you outside. It can be easy to spend too much time indoors these days, but when you have a dog you always have a good excuse to take walks through the city streets or down country roads. You make time for play dates in the park, or for a little trail running through the wilderness. But while spending time in the great outdoors can be a tremendous benefit to you and your dog’s health, it’s important to remain aware that other animals, wild and domesticated, are also out and about—and sometimes those animals may be inclined to bite your dog. It’s not particularly likely to happen, but one should be realistic about these things. A little preparedness can go a long way when it comes to protecting your dog from animal bites—and a little information can help you to avoid panicking if your dog is bitten.

Most animals your dog will meet outside, like other people’s dogs, are perfectly friendly. Others, such as neighborhood cats and wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, and foxes, will want to get away from your dog. It’s not always easy to know what other animals will do, however—especially animals such as raccoons, which are prevalent in most parts of the country. So, the best way you can prevent the risk of your dog being bitten by unfamiliar animals is to always walk your dog on a leash. A leashed dog can’t run off to engage with animals that may or may not be aggressive.

Even if you do everything right, however, your dog might someday receive an animal bite. And most animal bites are rarely lethal—though if your dog is bitten by a snake, seek help immediately.

If your dog is bitten by a cat, dog, or member of an urban wildlife population, here’s what to do:
  • Stop the bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean washcloth or towel.
  • Go to the vet. Make an immediate appointment to see your primary veterinarian so he or she can look at the wound and prescribe care for it. They will definitely clean it, and will typically either prescribe antibiotics (if small) or a surgical drain (if large).
  • Home care. Usually, your vet will give you aftercare instructions for your dog. Continuing oral antibiotics until they’re finished, gently cleaning the wound, and monitoring your dog for signs of infection are common recommendations. You may also be required to restrict your dog’s activity level until the wound is healed.

Animal bites aren’t necessarily the worst injury your pet can sustain, but neither should they be taken lightly. Don’t assume you can treat even a small bite at home—animal mouths contain bacteria that can cause infection. It’s like the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” So, take your animal into the vet first thing if they are bitten. They will know if it’s something they can take care of easily, or whether you should seek out the care of a veterinary specialist near Philadelphia.

VRC is a veterinary hospital in Malvern, PA. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, or you see another animal bite your dog, contact your primary veterinarian to see if a visit to a specialist at VRC veterinary hospital is a good idea.

Share

May-16

Category
Emergency Pet Care Miscellaneous Pet Owner Tips Physical Rehabilitation
Share

Daily Exercise for Your Dog May Help Prevent Serious Diseases

When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, people often think of choosing the right food, regular visits to the vet, and making sure your dog gets enough play time. But play time or brief walks don’t always provide your dog with enough crucial aerobic exercise—and dogs that don’t get enough exercise are more likely to become overweight or obese.

Overweight pets are becoming more and more common. We’re all busy these days, and most of us barely have enough time to exercise ourselves, much less ensure that our animals get adequate activity. But it’s crucial for your pet’s health (just as it is for our own!) to make sure they’re up and moving briskly every day. Your dog probably wants to exercise every day, hard enough to make them pant. And making sure your dog keeps active can help prevent a host of serious conditions and diseases.

When dogs become overweight, they suffer from the same sorts of problems as overweight humans do. Overall, they have a shorter life expectancy, and overweight dogs are at risk for diabetes, bone diseases and joint pain, diseases of the heart and the lungs, and cancer. While, as is the case with humans, daily exercise is no guarantee against chronic illness, the evidence suggests that it helps. Staying at a healthy weight can also help your dog once he or she gets older. Aging dogs can have a difficult time getting up, jumping into cars, and playing. Obesity puts extra strain on their joints, which compounds these struggles.

Of course, not all dogs are the same. The exercise your dog needs will vary based on its breed, age, size, and general health. A border collie will need a lot more active time to remain healthy than a teacup terrier, for example. But, an average dog will need between half an hour to two hours of activity every day.

Walking is a great way to get your dog up and moving, but that’s not the only way you can exercise them. In fact, your dog can be a great motivator for keeping you and your family active! A nice family hike can be a great way to get you and your dog’s heart rates up, as can a few runs a week. Even playing a game of fetch is great for you and your pet. You’re up off the couch or away from your desk, moving; they’re running happily to and fro, getting in the heart-healthy exercise they need.

Of course, it’s good to be cautious. Like older humans, older dogs may not be up to every challenge. Before embarking on a weight loss program for your pet, consider a visit to your primary veterinarian. Just like you’d consult a doctor before trying to lose weight, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional about your dog’s unique needs. Your pet can’t tell you when he or she is tired, thirsty, or hurting, so it’s good to know everything before changing up a routine.

VRC is a specialty veterinary healthcare center in Malvern. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Share