|
Getting your pet's medication at a discounted price sounds wonderful, however  before ordering it from an Internet pharmacy or 1-800 number be sure and do your homework. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) buying drugs online can be risky. There are legitimate Internet pharmacies, however there are many frauds that are in violation of the law.
The FDA has found many of the fraudulent Internet pharmacies sell  counterfeit products or expired drugs. The biggest red flag when purchasing your pets medications is a site that will give you a medication without a prescription. Many of these pharmacies are based overseas and their products are not FDA approved. Prescription medications for your pets require there to be a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, this ensures that your pet gets the correct dose and is monitored throughout the drug therapy. Internet pharmacies do not offer this and complications that occur are not the responsibility of your veterinarian or the drug manufacturer. Heartworm medication manufacturers do not sell their products to Internet pharmacies unless they are owned by a veterinarian and have a state pharmacy license, and they do not guarantee products sold through companies without these requirements.
Legitimate Internet pharmacies are located in the U.S. and are state-licensed. When buying prescriptions online find a practice-controlled veterinary supplier that supports the veterinarian-client-patient relationship. These pharmacies work with the veterinarian, require written prescriptions, and have prices comparable to other Internet pharmacies.
The best way to purchase your pet's medication is through your  veterinarian because they have the freshest medications, you won't pay shipping and handling fees and you can get your products the same day. At Carver Lake Veterinary Center we also offer rebates through the manufacturers on products like flea and tick preventatives and Heartgard. We understand the rising cost of health care and the convenience of Internet pharmacies. That is why we recommend using MyVetsMeds, a practice-controlled veterinary supplier. You can go to www.myvetsmeds.com to check out products recommended by your veterinarian, or you can also call them at 1-866-446-9738. If you still choose to purchase your pets medication through another Internet pharmacy we will give you a written prescription to do so, but proceed with caution. Those companies that sell products without the manufacturers permission, are not supported by the manufacturer nor by Carver Lake Veterinary Center. |
Teach Your Dog to Swim |
|
Swimming is a wonderful activity for dogs. It is great exercise and better on their joints than running. The majority of dogs can swim, and many of them enjoy it. But, dogs should be introduced to the water in a safe, fun way.
Never throw your dog into the water. This will could cause them to fear the water instead of enjoy it.
 Start in shallow water and make it fun. Get in the water with your dog. Use treats and toys to encourage them to move around. Let them explore, but always keep them within reach in case they need your help.
Another way to introduce your dog to the water is to go with another dog they get along with who enjoys the water. Dogs will often follow one another around in the water and become comfortable that way.
If your dog begins to paddle with their front legs, but seems to forget they have back legs, assist them by lifting their back legs and helping them float. They should quickly catch on and will begin using both sets of legs.
Swimming is great exercise, but don't let your dog overdue it. They are probably using muscles they don't use often and may tire easily.
If you are swimming in rivers or oceans be careful of strong tides and currents - they can be hazardous even to the best swimmers.
Never leave your dog unattended. No matter how skilled they are at swimming you  should always be ready to help them out of the water if needed.
Life jackets for dogs are a great way to help dogs swim and stay safe in the water. Carver Lake offers a wide selection of sizes here at the clinic.
Swimming can be a great summer activity - but make sure to approach it in a safe comfortable way that will teach your dog to enjoy the water.
| |
|
On May 3, 2008 Carver Lake employees and their families attended the Walk for Animals. There were almost 7,700 people who attended the Golden Valley and St. Paul walks, and over one million dollars were raised. The proceeds will support more than 36,000 homeless animals that go through the Animal Humane Society's five facilities each year.
There were 3,300 pets that accompanied there owners on the walk. All types of animals were seen, from dogs and cats to ferrets, skinks, alligators, rabbits, hermit crabs, mice, rats, snakes, Guinea pigs, a miniature horse, and a potbellied pig.
Pictured above are our Technicians Jessica, Katie and her daughter Reagan, Amber, our Technician Intern Barbara and her family, and their pets Ceasar, Marci, Bandit, and Tucker.
|
CPR for Your Pets |
|
In honor of Chip, our pet of the month, who was saved through CPR earlier this year when he choked on a piece of rawhide, here are some basics on CPR for your pet. Be aware that even an unconscious pet may bite, especially in situations where they are nervous or disoriented. Be very careful and use a wood stick or spoon when looking in your pets mouth.
A-Airway
The first thing to is to make sure there is an open airway.
1. Lie the pet on their side
2. Carefully pull the tongue out of the animal's mouth
3. Make sure the neck is reasonably straight; bring the head in line with the neck.
4. Attempt 2 rescue breaths, by closing the mouth holding the lips closed, and performing mouth-to-nose ventilations. If they go in with no problem continue to B
5. Reposition neck and try step 4 again.
6. Visibly inspect the airway by looking into the mouth with a wooden stick, and down the throat for foreign objects obstructing the airway. If the object is visible you may remove it.
7. Proceed to the Heimlich maneuver
The Heimlich
After attempting to ventilate:
1. Turn the animal upside down, with its back against your chest
2. With both arms, give 5 sharp thrust (bear hugs) to the abdomen.
3. Stop, check to see if the object is visible in the airway, if so, remove it and give 2 mouth-nose rescue breaths. If the breaths do not go in, go back to step one of the Heimlich.
Do not proceed with CPR until the airway is clear.
B-Breathing
1. After there is an open airway, determine whether the animal is breathing, and whether the breathing is effective
2. Carefully pull the tonger out of the animal's mouth
3. Make sure that the neck is reasonably straight; try to bring the head in-line with the neck
 4. Ventilate the animal by closing the mouth, and performing mouth-to-nose ventilations. If they do not go in with ease go to A-Airway.
5. Ventilate at 20 breaths per minute
6. Proceed to C-Circulation, while continuing respiratory support as necessary.
C-Circulation
This is the final step of CPR and should only be used after the airway and breathing steps have been completed.
1. Make sure that there are no major (pooling/spurting blood) points of bleeding. Control as necessary
2. Lay the animal on its right side
3. Locate your hands where its left elbow touches the chest. Approximately the middle of the rib-cage.
4. Compress the chest 15 times followed by 2 rescue breaths (3 compressions every 2 seconds)
Compress:
1/2" for small dogs
1" for medium dogs
1.5" for large dogs
5. Repeat as necessary
When an emergency arises remain calm, as animals can sense your unease. When you have stabilized the animal or determined that you cannot stabilize them, transport them to the nearest veterinary hospital. Be sure to let the hospital know your name and information about your pet, estimated time of arrival, what happened to your pet, and what actions you have taken thus far to help your pet. Contact your veterinarian for more information on first aid for your pet. | |
2201 Ventura Drive