Pittsford Animal Hospital

Kidney (or renal) disease is very common in dogs and cats, and it may be reversible or permanent based on underlying causes. The disease could be a result of age-related changes to the kidneys, acute injury or toxin ingestion, congenital defects present from birth, or in rare cases, a side effect of some medications. To prevent kidney disease or slow its progression, it's vital to stay regular with wellness visits so that together, we can monitor renal levels with blood work and urinalysis and catch any changes ASAP. To learn more, visit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/kidney-disease-in-cats

September is , and we want to raise awareness for these smart and dedicated animals! 🐕‍🦺

Did you know that the average service dog learns between 50 and 60 commands? In addition to retrieving items their owners need, they can perform essential tasks like flipping a light switch, pushing buttons and buzzers, and opening doors.

Many thanks to all those who train these incredible dogs to improve the lives of those they serve. ❤

🎆Reminder: our Urgent Care services will be available this Monday! We are by appointment only. Fill out the form on our website the day before or call the office at 585-442-6915 so we can coordinate an arrival time for your pet! For more detailed information, visit our website pittsfordvet.com ❤💙🤍 Have a safe & happy holiday!🎇

🌈Today is National Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Today we remember and celebrate the lives of pets we have loved and lost. While they may not be with us anymore, they will always be in our hearts!❤

Pets can’t advocate for their needs like us humans can, and many owners fail to recognize signs of osteoarthritis (OA), often chalking it up to pets “slowing down with age.” OA is common in dogs and cats ages six and up, so to help champion their health, we’re sharing the key signs of this degenerative joint disease so that you know when it’s time to seek veterinary support.

If your pet is . . .
• Struggling to climb up or down stairs
• Having trouble jumping up or down
• Slow to rise from a resting position
• Lagging behind on walks or during play

. . . you should discuss these concerns with us. The good news is highly effective treatments exist to help manage the chronic pain associated with OA and increase their mobility. With the right pain management, your pet can get back to being themselves again!
To learn more about OA and treatment options, visit:
https://www.thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion

🌞Good Morning🌞
😸Goblin, our chief hospital treat inspector, wants to let you know our office will be closed tomorrow, 8/22, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm for staff training. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you and your pets are enjoying the last days of summer!🏖

Happy International Bow Day! 🎀 They certainly add a stylish flair to our furry friends! We'd love to see any of your pet's bow-tiful looks!🐶🐱

Raise your hand if you were today years old when you learned your pet could be allergic to YOU!😲

Dogs and cats experience allergies differently than we do: licking, scratching, hair loss and other symptoms can all be signs of allergic reactions or skin disease🥼. Sometimes mild changes can signal a growing problem. We can help find the cause and curb the symptoms before they worsen. For the full 411 on key signs of allergies and how they’re diagnosed, read our article: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/vet-tips-for-itchy-pets

We get it: when your pet is itchy, you start to scratch, too! The good news is your pet doesn’t have to live with incessant itchiness. Learn to spot the signs, then book a visit so that together, we can discover the cause and explore options for long-lasting relief, like:

Cyptopoint®: an injectable therapy that provides 4 to 8 weeks of allergy relief with a single in-office dose. ¹ Plus, for a limited time, get $25 off when you buy 2 doses of Cytopoint. ²

Or Apoquel®: an oral medicine that can be given at home for fast relief of allergic itch.³

To learn more about how allergic itch is diagnosed and treated, visit:
https://www.thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion

¹ Data on file, Study No. C863R-US-12-018, 2014, Zoetis Inc. Data on file, Study No. C166RUS-17-180, 2018, Zoetis Inc.

² Valid 7/15/24-9/30/24. Terms apply see thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion.

³ Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet) and Apoquel® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use Apoquel or Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post approval. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. See full Prescribing Information at ApoquelPI.com and ApoquelChewablePI.com.

August 1st is , also known as the universal shelter pet birthday! 🎉
If you adopted your pet and don't know their exact birth date, then today's the perfect day to celebrate them. ❤🎈🎁

Not only do we love mutts for their unique personalities and looks, but these dogs also have less risk of developing health issues that can be common among purebreds thanks to their blended genetics! Celebrate them today by sharing a photo of your mixed breed dog in the comments. 🐶

Did you know that food allergies often show up as itchy skin issues in dogs and cats?🐶🐱 If your pet is itching for help, talk to your vet to find out if their current diet🍴 could be the culprit: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/does-my-dog-have-a-food-allergy

This , we want to showcase just how important are amazing veterinary assistants are!🌟 Without our vet assistants, like Aubrey and Michaela picture below, our hospital would not be able to run as smoothly. Their expertise and dedication to animals make our hospital run more efficiently and help us provide the best care to your pets!❤🐾

This , we want to celebrate and acknowledge the vital work of Veterinary Assistants.✨ Veterinary Assistants are key members of your animals’ veterinary care team, assisting Veterinarians and Licensed Veterinary Technicians in all aspects of patient care. Veterinary Assistants tackle their work with focus and compassion, and always have their patients’ best interests in mind. Their expertise and dedication to animals make our hospital run more efficiently. We love all the wonderful veterinary assistants on our team!💜

💢Did you know that itching and skin problems are the #1 reason for vet visits around the world? It makes sense when you think about how easy it is to spot. Your dog continuously scratching in discomfort is bound to make you want to find a solution fast too.🐕

When you book a dermatology visit, we'll help get to the root of your pet’s itchiness by reviewing your pet’s medical history and perform a thorough physical exam to determine the culprit and offer solutions that best suit your pet’s needs🥼. To learn more about what to expect at a dermatology visit, read our article: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/what-happens-when-i-bring-my-itchy-dog-to-the-ve

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Staying active is essential to both the physical and mental wellbeing of your pet.🐩🐈 As a busy pet owner, ensuring your dog or cat is getting enough exercise can sometimes fall to the wayside, but we’re here to offer some fresh ideas on how to implement regular activity into their life: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/the-ultimate-list-of-exercise-ideas-for-dogs-and-cats

Your pet deserves all the love—and a big part of that love includes
championing their health! 😻

Here at Pittsford Animal Hospital, we're passionate about helping pet owners learn how to give their pet the best care, whether it's providing an individualized diet, grooming and exercise advice, or screening for health concerns regularly.💚

By working together, you and your vet can prevent illness down the road or manage an ongoing chronic condition today, ensuring your pet lives their best life at every stage. 🩺
Learn more about how we can help you keep your pet thriving here: thrivepetcare.com/be-their-champion

🌞Good Morning🌞
🐶Hanna, our chief hospital treat inspector, wants to let you know our office will be closed Monday, 7/15, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm for staff training. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you and your pets have been enjoying summer!🏖

Happy ! You and your furry friends can both enjoy this sweet treat! 💙

Is your pet ready for the Fourth? If you need a medication refill, contact our office before the big day!

☀Summer celebrations are just around the corner and now's a good time to make sure you and your pet are prepared! 🎆 If your pet needs a refill of any medication, now's the time to contact us in case your pet needs a new prescription!❤🤍💙
Contact us at:
📞585-271-7700
📩[email protected]

🎆Reminder: our Urgent Care services will be available this Thursday! We are by appointment only. Fill out the form on our website the day before or call the office at 585-442-6915 so we can coordinate an arrival time for your pet! For more detailed information, visit our website pittsfordvet.com ❤💙🤍 Have a safe & happy holiday!🎇

🌡Did you know that Leptospirosis rates tend to rise during the warmer months as it’s spread through rivers, lakes, streams, and puddles in your own backyard? 💧 Learn more about this bacterial infection and how to protect your pet against it here: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/leptospirosis-in-dogs-what-you-need-to-know

🌄Thinking of hitting the trails with your furry sidekick? Exploring the great outdoors is a great time for you to bond with your dog - just make sure you don't get stuck on a hike without the essentials your pup needs to enjoy the trails: https://www.thrivepetcare.com/thrive-guide/hiking-with-dogs

☀Summer celebrations are just around the corner and now's a good time to make sure you and your pet are prepared! 🎆 If your pet needs a refill of any medication, now's the time to contact us in case your pet needs a new prescription!❤🤍💙
Contact us at:
📞585-271-7700
📩[email protected]

🕷Check your pet for ticks every day, especially after they spend time outdoors. Run your fingers through your pet's fur with gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps. If you find a tick, it’s important to act quickly and safely. You can either try to remove the tick yourself or contact your veterinarian for help.

If you choose to remove the tick from your dog, follow the steps below:

1. Use tweezers (or a tick remover instrument like a Tick Key) to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, removing the whole head and body.

2. Pull the tick straight out with slow and steady pressure. (If the head of the tick is left in the skin, it can cause an infection and still transmit disease, so make sure the whole body is removed!)

3. Once the tick is removed, you can dispose of it by placing in alcohol or flushing down the toilet.

4. Clean the area of your dog’s skin with soap and water then apply a pet-safe antiseptic.

5. Contact us for advice on next steps.
📞 585-271-7700
📧 [email protected]