Vetster Veterinary Technician - Sam Ricker

🐾 Exciting news for pet owners! Low-cost virtual visits in this new year. 🎉

Virtual visits can be a great option to help determine if an in-person visit to the clinic is necessary, saving you time and money. 🏥💰

During these virtual appointments, I can assess your pet's condition, provide guidance on home care, and offer advice on whether a visit to the clinic is required. 🩺🐶🐱

By taking advantage of this service, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're making informed decisions about your pet's health while keeping your budget in check. 💙

Follow the link in my bio to schedule a virtual visit and ensure your furry friend gets the care they need! 📞📅 Let's make this new year a healthy one for your pets! 🐾✨

As a licensed veterinary technician and someone who cares deeply about the well-being of pets, I want to share some important tips to keep your furry friends safe during firework displays. Remember, I'm also available for tele-advice appointments if you need further guidance or have specific concerns. Link is in bio!

Loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can cause fear and distress in pets. It's crucial to take precautions to minimize their exposure.

Here are some practical steps you can take to keep your pets safe:
- Keep them indoors: Create a calm and secure environment inside your home, away from the noise and lights.
- Create a safe space: Set up a cozy area with familiar bedding, toys, and treats where your pet can retreat to if they feel anxious.
- Consider sound therapy: Soothing music or white noise can help drown out the sound of fireworks and provide a sense of calm. I like to leave my TV on, a fan, and some white noise!
- Consult with your veterinarian: If your pet has a history of severe anxiety or stress, talk to your vet about potential medications or natural remedies that may help. There are no over the counter medications appropriate for use unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.

As a licensed veterinary technician, I'm here to support you. If you have specific concerns or need personalized advice, I offer tele-advice appointments where we can discuss your pet's individual needs.

SHARE this post to raise awareness about firework safety for pets. Together, we can help more pet owners protect their furry companions. Let's ensure a safe and stress-free experience for our pets during firework displays.

Remember, your pet's well-being is top priority. Stay safe and have a wonderful time celebrating while keeping your furry friends happy and calm! 🐾💙

🐾 Attention all pet owners! 🐾

Are you looking for affordable and convenient veterinary advice for your furry friends? Look no further! As a highly skilled veterinary technician, I am now offering virtual appointments at a special discounted price post-holiday season. Use code RICKER10 when scheduling!🎉💻 Whether you have questions, concerns, or need advice on pet healthcare, I am here to provide you with top-quality, personalized care from the comfort of your own home. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to ensure your pets receive the best care possible. Book your virtual appointment today by clicking the link in my bio or commenting below! 📲🐶🐱

Lots to think about after Thanksgiving is over!

#1 Make sure to put that trash away. Get rid of those turkey bones, scraps, anything used to tie the meat etc. Do not leave a garbage bag opened or exposed. Place any garbage outside in a bin or behind a locked door.

#2 Ready to put out those holiday decorations? Holiday plants? Poinsettias, Lilies, Amaryllis, Mistletoe, Holly & many more are toxic to pets in the household. Check with the ASPCA website if you're unsure if the plant you'd like to decorate with is toxic to dogs or cats.

#3 Xylitol can be found in many sugar-free baked goods. Chocolate! Beware! All toxic to pets. If you're unsure about something ingested or if there's a concern, please call ASPCA poison control or Pet Poison Helpline.

#4 We all know it's exciting to have friends and family over for the holidays but not all pets like guests! Please take your pet into consideration when having visitors & be cautious with doors opening and closing. My time in ER had us finding many lost pets during the holidays!

Cassie, my 15 (ish) year old DSH, is here to educate us!!

I know everyone has lots of questions about the new upper respiratory illness that's impacting dogs in certain states. So far the states include:

Oregon
Colorado
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
New Hampshire

Here is an update from the AVMA regarding what's going on so far:
https://www.avma.org/news/oregon-dealing-respiratory-illness-incidents-dogs

What to look out for? Coughing, sneezing, decreased energy, eye/nose discharge, decreased appetite, & labored breathing.

Respiratory diseases are spread through water droplets or direct contact. Avoid dog parks, boarding facilities, daycare, or any environment with other dogs where you are unaware of vaccination status.
Stay up to date on vaccinations including Bordetella and Canine Influenza!

Samantha Ricker - Tech From Arlington, WA - Vetster Book an online appointment with Samantha Ricker, a licensed Veterinary Technician. Vetster has vets and veterinary professionals available 24/7.

https://www.dailypaws.com/canine-parvo-monoclonal-antibody-treatment-7970696

Great read!

Take a look at this list of what YOU can do to prevent zoonotic disease transmission in your home.

Giardia, ringworm, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidium, general infection, roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm are just a few of the zoonotic diseases that can be transferred!!

Fun Fact: Did you know that in rare cases immunocompromised persons can develop pneumonia from exposure to Kennel Cough?

Vetster Veterinary Technician - Sam Ricker Experienced licensed veterinary technician offering telehealth appointments!

Use code Ricker10 for 10% off a telemedicine consult with me this holiday season!

Taking care of seniors like Sitka here can be hard and making the best decisions for them can be even harder. Especially when they like to get into the trash like this boy here 🤣

Not sure if a vet visit is needed? Not sure if you have an emergency? Pet parenting is exhausting, but I can help guide you in the right direction and advise on next steps!

24/7 Online Vet Appointments - Ask A Vet - Vetster Pet health starts with Vetster. Find and book veterinarians from across North America to provide excellent health care for your pet through video consults. Cats, dogs, reptiles, horses - all pets are welcome.

The whole family is here to help me answer all your questions through Vetster!

Snow Day here in the PNW! This is my boy Sitka enjoying himself.

Looking for winter weather pet safety tips?

Check your pets paws after spending time outside. Ice can accumulate causing cracked and irritated paw pads. Always wipe off your pets feet and limit long periods of fun on snowy ground. A five minute break will do the trick.

Although it can still give pets an upset stomach if ingested, use pet safe ice melt! Some pets enjoy the salty taste of different ice melts or simply like to clean off their feet once inside. Another reason to wipe the paws and simply avoid walking your pets over ice melt when you can.
Extra tip: Keep your ice melt packaging away from your pet as well. You'd be surprised!

Any questions? Schedule an appointment with me and I'd be happy to answer them!

Welcome to my page! On Vetster, you can schedule an appointment with me with just 30 minutes notice. My available hours are on this page and on my Vetster account. No question or concern is too small :)
Not sure if your pet needs to see a doctor? Not looking to pay a large consult fee? Consult with me first and I will send you in the right direction!

Samantha Ricker - Tech From Arlington, WA - Vetster