Puget Park Veterinary Clinic

04/23/2025

Did you know that heartworm disease is on the rise in Washington State? From 2018 to 2023, cases increased by 55%, with significant spikes in King and Snohomish counties.

🦟 Why the Increase?

Climate Change: Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall have led to more mosquitoes, the primary carriers of heartworm larvae.

Travel and Rescue: Pets moving from warmer regions can introduce heartworms to our area.

Underuse of Preventatives: Only about 20% of pet owners in the Pacific Northwest use heartworm prevention, compared to 32% nationally .​

❤️ Protect Your Pet

Year-Round Prevention: Mosquitoes can survive indoors, so year-round prevention is crucial.

Regular Testing: Annual heartworm testing is recommended, even for indoor pets.

Consult Your Veterinarian: Discuss the best prevention plan for your pet's lifestyle.​

📞 Call us at 425-742-4444, opt 4 to schedule a heartworm test or to start your pet on a prevention plan today!

04/17/2025

Please read this PSA! ⬇️⬇️

There is a terrible phone scam taking place nationwide where scammers are calling the owners of missing pets and claiming to be employees at local animal shelters that found their beloved family members in need of emergent medical care. They are then demanding payment over the phone in order to provide lifesaving veterinary care and to be returned to them. Sadly, Seattle Humane is now among the many animal shelters being identified by these callers in this heinous and heartless scam. We are not a municipal shelter, which means we do not have an animal control officer taking in lost pets. People do occasionally bring in lost and injured pets, and we will immediately begin providing them with the care they need while also attempting to find their owners. What we will never do is charge the owners of lost pets a fee in order to be reunited with their missing loved ones, and our Schuler Family Medical Center is focused on providing low-cost veterinary care that allows pets to stay happy and healthy at home. It is a so terrible when a pet goes missing, and we know there is a desire to do anything in the world to get them back, and these scammers are preying on the human-animal bond that we work every day to strengthen. They are not only taking people's money, they are also giving them false hope, and after falsely claiming their missing loved one is in crisis. Please, do not fall for this scam! Our hearts are with those who have been targeted by these scammers, and we encourage those perpetrating this cruel scam to devour feculence!!

04/14/2025

🚨 Did You Know? 🚨
An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year!

Don’t be part of the statistic—protect yourself and others by following these tips to prevent unwanted dog bites:

DO:
- Ask permission before petting a dog you don’t know
- Teach children how to gently interact with a dog
- Supervise interactions between children and dogs at all times
- Provide your dog with regular exercise and mental stimulation to help reduce anxiety and stress

Don’t:
- Allow children to sit or climb on any dog
- Disturb a dog while they are eating, sleeping or caring for puppies
- Assume that a wagging tail is a sign of a happy dog
- Intentionally startle a dog, especially on you don’t know

https://www.dogtipper.com/blog/2020/04/national-dog-bite-prevention-week.html

04/08/2025

🌸 Springtime Allergy Alert for Pets! 🌸

As the flowers bloom and the pollen starts to fill the air, it’s not just us humans who are feeling the effects of spring allergies—our furry friends can suffer too! 🐾

Here’s what to look out for in your pets this season:

💐 Signs Your Pet May Have Spring Allergies:

Excessive itching, licking, or scratching

Watery, red, or itchy eyes

Sneezing or coughing

Runny nose

Ear infections or ear scratching

Paw licking or chewing

🌿 How Can You Help?

Keep your pet clean: After walks, wipe their paws and coat to remove pollen.

Limit outdoor exposure: If possible, try to keep pets inside during peak pollen times (early mornings and late afternoons).

Regular grooming: Regular baths and brushing help reduce allergens on your pet’s fur.

Consult with us: If your pet is showing signs of allergies, don’t hesitate to bring them in for an evaluation. We can discuss treatment options such as antihistamines or allergy shots!

Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors with your pets, but let's keep them comfortable and healthy while doing so! 🌷🐕🐈

👉 Have you noticed any allergy symptoms in your pet this spring? Drop a comment and let us know!

04/03/2025

April is ACTIVE DOG month! Did you know that a daily walk isn't just great for your dog's physical health, but also for their mental well-being? 🌟 Check out this insightful article from the ASPCA highlighting the numerous benefits of walking your furry friend: https://www.aspca.org/news/benefits-walking-your-pet

From keeping their weight in check to reducing behavior problems and strengthening the bond between you and your pet, the benefits are endless! Plus, it's a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and keep both you and your pup happy and healthy.

So lace up those walking shoes, grab your leash, and let's hit the pavement together! 🐾 Don't forget to share your favorite walking spots and adventures with us in the comments below!!

Walking your pets can benefit your life in more ways than one! The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center wants you to start off your year on the right foot with our list of benefits you can gain from walking and exercising with your pets regularly. See more!

03/31/2025

🐾 Great News for Pet Parents! 🐾

We’re excited to announce that we now have additional appointment slots available on Mondays and Tuesdays! With 3 doctors in on those days, we're able to accommodate more furry friends and provide the care they need. 🩺✨

Same-day appointments are often available, so if your pet needs to be seen, give us a call and we’ll do our best to fit you in! 🐶🐱

📞 Call us today to schedule your pet’s appointment — we’re here to help! 425-742-4444, opt 4

03/26/2025

Avian Influenza (H5N1) and Your Pets: What You Need to Know

With increasing concern and questions from clients about Avian Influenza (H5N1), we want to provide up-to-date information on how it affects companion animals and how you can protect your pets.

Can Dogs and Cats Get H5N1?

Yes, both dogs and cats can contract H5N1. However, felines (both domestic and wild) appear to be more susceptible, often experiencing more severe symptoms.

For dogs, there have been no documented cases of H5N1 in the U.S. to date, though cases have been reported in other countries, generally with mild symptoms.

Symptoms of H5N1 in Pets

Dogs: Due to the limited number of reported cases, we rely on symptoms seen in past canine influenza outbreaks. Possible clinical signs include:

· Sneezing

· Nasal and/or eye discharge

· Decreased appetite

· Congestion

· Coughing

· Lethargy

· Fever

· Rarely, vomiting

Cats: Cats tend to experience more severe symptoms, which can include:

· Fever

· Lethargy

· Decreased appetite

· Red/irritated eyes

· Nasal and/or eye discharge

· Difficulty breathing

· In severe cases: neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, incoordination, and blindness

How Do Pets Contract H5N1?

The most common ways dogs and cats can be exposed to H5N1 include:

· Eating or licking the carcass of an infected bird

· Consuming the f***s of infected birds (pets do gross things!)

· Eating contaminated raw meat (both poultry and beef)

· Consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy products

How Can You Protect Your Pets?

Although cats appear to be more vulnerable to H5N1 than dogs, we recommend taking precautions for both species. At Puget Park Veterinary Clinic, we advise:

Avoid feeding raw diets (both home-prepared and commercially made). Multiple cases of H5N1 in cats have been linked to contaminated raw pet food. More details can be found here: CIDRAP Report

Do not feed unpasteurized dairy products to pets

Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to infected birds or predation

Supervise dogs outdoors to prevent them from eating carcasses or bird f***s

If your pet is showing symptoms of influenza, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

For information on protecting yourself and your family from H5N1, we recommend referring to the CDC’s prevention guidelines: CDC Avian Influenza Prevention

03/23/2025

🐶It’s National Puppy Day! Tell us how you found your puppy- Was it from a friend, adoption, love at first sight? Or did the stork drop off like these adorable fur babies?🐕 Show us some puppy love 🐩🥰

03/20/2025

🐾✨ Keep Your Furry Friends Healthy & Happy! ✨🐾

Here at PPVC, we’re committed to providing top-notch care for your beloved pets. Whether it’s a routine checkup, vaccinations, or specialized treatment, surgery, we’ve got you covered!

Our compassionate team of veterinary professionals is here to ensure your pet’s health is in good hands. Because they deserve the best!

📞 Call us at 425-742-4444, opt 4 to schedule an appointment.

PS- Don't forget to show us your cute pets by tagging us in your posts! 🐾❤️

03/08/2025

Today, we honor the remarkable women who lead, inspire, and empower within the field of veterinary medicine. From our compassionate veterinarians to our dedicated technicians and staff, these incredible women are the heart and soul of our clinic.

Their tireless dedication to providing the highest quality care for our furry patients knows no bounds. They are trailblazers, advocates, and caregivers, shaping the future of veterinary medicine with their expertise and passion.

On this International Women's Day, we recognize and celebrate their invaluable contributions to the health and well-being of animals everywhere. Here's to the strong, compassionate, and inspiring women of Puget Park Veterinary Clinic - thank you for all that you do! 💪👩‍⚕️🐾

03/06/2025

☠️March is Poison Prevention and Awareness Month 🚫🤢

If you think your pet ingested something they shouldn’t have or if your pet is displaying these symptoms, call us at 425-742-4444, opt 4 or you can reach the ASPCA poison control center at (888) 426-4435.

02/25/2025

It’s World Spay Day!

A research project conducted at the University of Georgia, analyzing the medical records of over 70,000 animal patients, revealed that spayed female dogs experienced a 26.3% increase in life expectancy compared to intact dogs. Spaying pets decreases their likelihood of roaming, lowers the risk of cancers and uterine infections, contributing to the overall well-being and prolonged happiness of your pets.

If you have questions about getting your pet spayed/neutered, or if you want to learn more about the benefits, please give us a call at 425-742-4444, opt 4 to get scheduled.

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet

02/20/2025

We believe that national love your pet day is EVERYDAY, but today we can spoil them a little more with extra cuddles and kisses 🥰🤗😽

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine's Day from us to you! 💗

02/12/2025

💝Valentine's Day is just around the corner and that means there may be more chocolate in the house. It's crucial to be mindful of the potential dangers chocolate poses to our pets and keep it out of reach.

🍫Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that dogs process much more slowly than humans. Even small amounts can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and an increased heart rate, while larger amounts can lead to muchmore severe health issues. Since theobromine is found in cacao, chocolates with higher cacao content, like dark chocolate and baking chocolate, are especially toxic to pets.

Click the link below to learn more!
https://www.aspca.org/news/what-do-if-your-pet-gets-chocolate

02/10/2025

🦷 Dental Care Tips- Small changes in your pet’s dental care routine can make a huge difference. Here are some tips to help you get started:
● Brush your pet's teeth at least once per day.
● Give a dental chew daily (see our previous post about which ones are best 😉).
● Trade out old toys for toys that promote dental health.
● Schedule an annual dental cleaning.

Give us a call 425-742-4444, opt 4 to book your pet's appointment.

02/04/2025

Finding the right chews and treats that promote dental health can be overwhelming so we’re making it easier! The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VHOC) has a comprehensive list of veterinary recommended Dental treats, chews and more that are safe and effective for your pets.

Click the link below for the VOHC list!
https://vohc.org/accepted-products/

**February is Pet Dental Health Month and in honor of that, we are offering 10% your pet's dental cleaning. Give us a call to schedule: 425-742-4444, opt 4!

02/03/2025

Our internet was down this morning!🚫

This means we didn't have access to phones or email! If you tried getting ahold of us, we are so sorry! Our internet is back up now, however we may be slow to get back in touch to those who were trying to reach us. Thank you for your patience!!