Dr. Eaton volunteers in spay/neuter campaign in Mexico

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Dr. Eaton volunteered in spay/neuter campaign in Mexico to help with a spay/neuter clinic in a country desperate to not only care for their human population but also for their domestic animal population.

In mid-November Dr. Eaton volunteered with the non-profit group Amigos de los Animales de Guanajuato in Guatenajuato, Mexico.  The group organized a 2 day, M.A.S.H. style spay/neuter campaign that was held in two classrooms at a local primary school.  During the mission trip, 112 animals were sterilized (53 female dogs, 7 male dogs, 38 female cats and 14 male cats).

Amigos de los Animals de Guanajuato was established in 2002.  Its volunteer Board of Directors works closely with city and state health authorities and other volunteers to increase public awareness of the needs of companion animals and to promote responsible pet ownership.  They focus on education, rescue and spay/neuter.  As a group, they host several spay/neuter clinics each year in addition to providing ongoing financial support to local veterinarians for spays/neuters.

Although Dr. Eaton volunteers several times throughout the year at local clinics, volunteering internationally is a very rewarding and eye-opening experience. When asked about her experience, she stated, “It doesn’t matter what borders you cross, people everywhere love their animals and that was evident in Mexico too”.

If you’d like more information about how you can help, both domestically and internationally, with the care and welfare of domestic pets, give us a call and we’ll provide you with information on how you can help!

Do you know how important vaccines are to you and to your pet?

Image by Markles55 via Flickr

Protect yourself and your pet. If you are overdue for any vaccines – see your veterinarian.  It is equally, if not more, critical that all puppies and kittens be fully immunized.

There are some deadly diseases that are fully preventable. Do you know what vaccines your pet needs?

Vaccinations have saved the lives of millions of dogs. Before the days of vaccines and effective protocols for administering vaccines, pets routinely died from diseases and illnesses such as distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and complications of upper respiratory infections. Current vaccination programs protect our pets (and their human companions) from such threats. Newer vaccines, including those administered through the nostrils, have been developed to protect against a variety of infections.

Call us today at the Animal Hospital of Polaris and find out more about what we recommend for the vaccine protocol for your pet.  We will gladly explain our reasons for administering various vaccines so you can feel educated and worry free.

Dr. Nikki Eaton

 

More from Dr. Eaton at http://vettv.net/video/4137

Don’t let your pet wait in the car …

Image by grahamcase via Flickr

Severe temperatures can be extremely hard on your pet.  Whether it is hot weather or cold weather, when temperatures spike, it can be very dangerous.

We want to bring to your attention something very important – car safety. This is something you need to keep in mind not only in summer, but all year round.  This is mostly for our dog owners as most of our feline friends prefer not to ride in the car!

Many of our dogs love to ride in the car. It’s tempting to pop into a store or run an errand for “just a minute” while your dog waits in the car. Every summer there are cases of pets overheating, some fatally, during these brief periods of being left alone in the car. In warm weather, the temperature inside a car can rise to deadly levels in just minutes, even with a window cracked. Because dogs cannot eliminate heat through sweating as efficiently as humans can, they can be overcome by heat exhaustion very rapidly.

Cold weather can also be very tough on dogs.  Some breeds seem to weather colder temperatures better than others.  Older dogs, sick dogs, dogs with arthritis and many smaller breeds can be badly affected by cold temperatures.  Temperatures inside the car can often feel even colder than when you are out moving around, so you should be careful about leaving your dog alone in a parked car, even in cold weather.

There are two great measures to keep in mind:  (1.) if you wouldn’t want to remain in the car (hot or cold) for the duration you leave your pet in the vehicle, then leave your canine companion at home and (2.) purchase a small thermometer that you can affix to the inside of your car window… if the temperature rises or falls to drastically, offer to take your pooch for a ride another day.

Although we encourage you to take your pet with you as often as possible, we also want you to be aware that extreme heat or cold, for your dog can have a significant impact on their health and safety.

Be safe…

Dr. Nikki Eaton

Brushing your dog’s teeth

Nikki Eaton from Animal Hospital of Polaris  tells us how to care for your dog’s teeth and Natalie learns how to brush one dog’s teeth.

WTTE FOX 28 – Good Day Columbus

Have you ever wondered if your pet has a fever?

If you are thinking that anything above 98.6 means that they are ill…think again!  A  dog’s average or normal temperature is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees.  If you think your dog may be feeling under the weather and suffering from a fever, you’ll want to see your veterinarian as soon as possible.  Although most owners love their pets dearly, they aren’t prepared to take a rectal temperature to make a determination on the presence of a fever.  Those of you who thought that touching your pooch’s nose (feeling it cold or dry to the touch) might be an  indicator are mistaken.

If a pet’s temperature is found to be elevated, you may or may not observe any symptoms in your pet.  Animals who are suffering from a fever may not exhibit significant distress but some animals will hide, fail to eat or refuse to drink.  A fever is an abnormally high body temperature resulting from internal controls (not the weather, vigorous exercise or other external influences).  There are multiple causes of a fever – Infections, inflammation in the body, cancer and reactions to medications.  Your pet’s body resets the internal temperature control of the brain as a potential response to the presence of bacteria or viruses, many of which do not thrive in hot environments.  The brain elevates the internal body temperature in an effort to destroy these invaders.  Your veterinarian is able to utilize various test measures to determine the underlying cause of a fever in your furry friend.  Those tests include a CBC (complete blood count), chemistry, blood spears, urinalysis and radiographs.

If you do have a concern as to the health of your pet, don’t wait to call your veterinarian…and don’t seek to utilize medication meant for humans to treat your pooch.  Leave the diagnosis and treatment to those trained in animal science.

Animal Hospital of Polaris: Teeth Brushing with Dr. Eaton

Animal Hospital of Polaris: Ear Cleaning with Dr. Eaton

Animal Hospital of Polaris: Nail Clipping Tips from Dr. Eaton

You do what? Featuring AHOP’s very own Dr. Nikki Eaton!

Manta is launching their “You do what?” campaign featuring small businesses. Kicking off the campaign is a series of ads featuring Dr. Nicole Eaton of the Animal Hospital of Polaris!

The press release at:
http://www.manta.com/media/manta_brand_campaign_022811

The commercial at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MantaVideo?feature=mhum

The outtakes at:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=281854&id=175364801993&l=502526de6d

Cat dental health with Dr. Eaton on WTTE FOX 28 – Good Day Columbus

Good Day Columbus anchor Amy Lutz talks to local vet Dr. Nikki Eaton about keeping your cat’s teeth healthy.

View the video at:

WTTE FOX 28 – Good Day Columbus – Cat Dental Health.