Behavior Training Courses are coming to Animal Hospital of Polaris in June!

At Animal Hospital of Polaris, we’re thrilled to introduce our new puppy/dog behavior courses, lead by the very talented Ami Jones!  You may have seen her smiling face greeting you as you enter the clinic, but did you know she is highly educated in the areas of evolution, ecology, and animal behavior?  She also holds a national certification as a dog trainer.  Stop by our blog next week as we’ll be putting the spotlight on Ami!

Our various training options are carefully developed to assure positive, lasting results and help to bridge the human/pet communication gap.

• For puppies under 6 mo. only.  $150/6 wk course.   Most generic dog training classes will teach your dog to sit, stay, and come, but these do nothing to teach your dog how to acclimate to his new home environment and why manners are important.  In this course you will learn to understand your puppy’s emotional signals and body language so you can understand him better, while at the same time teaching him to speak your language.  We will discuss topics such as housetraining, proper teething management, how to keep your kids safe, how to handle resource guarding, crate training issues and proper socialization. Additionally, you will teach your dog to respond and come when called, stay, how to walk politely on a leash and “mine” versus “take it.”  We will also spend time teaching you how to prepare your puppy for trips to the veterinarian and groomer, along with basic puppy care that you should do at home.  All puppies will receive a free fitting for a gentle leader or harness.  The first course will be a 2 hour orientation for people only—no dogs.  The remaining 5 classes will be 1 hour long and will involve training your pet to do all of these behaviors.
• Puppy version (<6 mo.) and Adult version (>6 mo.).  $150/6 wk course.  In this class Ami will teach you the tools to be your own trainer…skills you will be able to take with you and use to help train your dog anything you want throughout his/her lifetime.  You can use these skills on all of your animals, so rather than paying for training for every pet you obtain in the future, all you need is to apply the materials you will learn in this one course!  We will teach Sit v. Stand, Lie Down, How to Settle on a Mat, Target/Touch Training, How to Follow a Target, “Watch Me,” and various fun shaping games.   You will learn to speak your dog’s language so you can understand him better, while at the same time teaching him to speak your language.  The first course will be a 2 hour orientation for people only—no dogs.  The remaining 5 classes will be one hour long and will involve training your pet to do all of these behaviors.
• Private lessons are $80/hr, $375 for a package of 5 (save $25), or $750 for a package of 10 (save $50).  Would you rather work one-on-one?  Do you have the “basics” down but need help with one particular issue you are having?  Ami is happy to work with you and will create a training plan to fit your own personal goals and needs.  Private lessons are also great fun for the whole family to do together in order to ensure everyone is on the same page and training consistently!  For those who have nervous and anxious dogs, this could also be a better option than a class setting.

Call (614) 888-4050 now for more information and to register your pet before spaces fill up!  Our 2012 training schedule is as follows:

June 24^th-July 29^th: 

Sun, June 24^th:  Orientation 12:00-2:00pm.  People only, no dogs. (Basic and Intermediate Classes will join as one large class during Orientation).

Sun, July 1^st, 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd, 29th:

Basic Puppy-10:30-11:30am

Intermediate Puppy: 12-1pm

Intermediate Adult 1:30-2:30pm

August 5-September 16^th:

Sun, Aug 5th:  Orientation 12:00-2:00pm.  People only, no dogs. (Basic and Intermediate Classes will join as one large class during Orientation).

Sun, Aug 12^th, 19^th, 26^th, Sept 9^th, 16^th:

Basic Puppy: 10:30-11:30am

Intermediate Puppy: 12-1pm

Intermediate Adult: 1:30-2:30pm

**Note:  There will be NO CLASS September 2^nd (Labor Day Weekend)

September 23^rd-November 4^th:

Sun, Sept 23rd:  Orientation 12:00-2:00pm.  People only, no dogs. (Basic and Intermediate Classes will join as one large class during Orientation).

Sun, Sept 30^th, Oct 14^th, 21^st, 28^th, Nov 4^th

Basic Puppy: 10:30-11:30am

Intermediate Puppy: 12-1pm

Intermediate Adult: 1:30-2:30pm

**Note:  There will be NO CLASS October 7^th (Ami out of town)

November 11^th-Dec 30^th:

Sun, Nov 11th:  Orientation 12:00-2:00pm.  People only, no dogs. (Basic and Intermediate Classes will join as one large class during Orientation).

Sun, Nov 18^th, Dec 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 30^th

Basic Puppy: 10:30-11:30am

Intermediate Puppy: 12-1pm

Intermediate Adult: 1:30-2:30pm

**Note:  There will be NO CLASS Nov 25^th (Thanksgiving) or Dec 23^rd (Christmas)

Related articles

• Puppy Training and Socialization (clancyaussiedoodles.wordpress.com)
• Correctly Training A Family Dog Is Certainly No Simple Endeavor (mypetkingdom.info)
• 5 Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make (lyncrestcavalierkingcharlesspanielpuppies.com)

While driving north on 23 on Saturday…

I noticed that yet another “pet resort” was under construction.  Although this new facility may be close in geographic proximity, they are far removed in what they offer in comparison to the pet resort at the Animal Hospital of Polaris.  Here are some things to consider when selecting a kennel or resort for your pet while you are away from home:

• Make certain that your kennel/resort facility has a veterinarian on staff AND on site! The health and safety of your pet depends on it.

• Don’t pay extra for walks…. at the Animal Hospital of Polaris, our nightly rate includes 6-7 walks with your pet.  At other pet resorts, they charge $1.75 per walk!

• Don’t pay extra for administering medication to your pet.  Our nightly rate includes ALL care for your pet, including the administration of their needed medication.  Other facilities charge an average of $6.00 per dose of medication administered.

• Not only can the Animal Hospital of Polaris care for your canine companion while you are away, we have a designated resort just for your furry feline or even your exotic pet.

Don’t be fooled by a large warehouse that calls itself a “pet resort”…they have neither the staff nor the knowledge of how to best care for your pet.

If you are planning a trip for Easter or for this upcoming summer, give us a call and make a reservation at a facility that you know and trust.  Call us today @ 614-888-4050  to make your pet’s reservation.

We love our furry feline friends…

We even like to say that we cater to our cat lovers.  Recently, we’ve made some operational changes to make our clients and their cats more comfortable while at the Animal Hospital of Polaris.  We’ve now dedicated a quiet, isolated waiting area just for our feline friends and also utilize certain exam rooms just for cats…all in an effort to decrease the anxiety for both the pet and for the owner.  We know that when you worry less, your pet can sense that!

In addition, did you know…??

1. That we have a special boarding area as part of our extended stay resort that is allocated just for caring for cats who are staying at the clinic while their owners are away!

2.  Even in our clinical treatment facility, we have a specialized boarding area for cats that separates them from our canine clients, further reducing anxiety and stress on your pet!

3.  Our facility offers a large selection of specialty and prescription cat food and cat treats.  In addition, we even have a unique selection of cat toys to engage your pet!

4.  That our grooming department offers pampering for your pet, including the ever popular “lion cut” for those cats cool enough to sport such a look!

Call us today at (614)888-4050 to schedule a time to tour our facility, schedule your cat’s next wellness exam or pamper your pet in our spa!

Extended hours, convenient location, friendly staff and experienced Veterinarians…

These elements are what make the Animal Hospital of Polaris an ideal “urgent care” for your pet when your pet is feeling under the weather!  We can’t always tell what is wrong with our pet but we know, as their owner, that something is wrong.

Whether your pet seems lethargic, has diarrhea or continues to vomit…we know you feel uncomfortable and worried about their health.  That’s why our extended hours (and reasonable cost) are ideal when you need treatment for your pet.

Did you know?
That our facility is open from 7:30 AM – 10 PM Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 8 PM on Saturdays and 10 AM – 8 PM on Sundays!

Did you know?
That our veterinarians have all worked in emergency clinics prior to working for Animal Hospital of Polaris so they know just how to respond to your pet’s health concern at the time you need us.

Did you know?
That we are open and available to see any animal, regardless of whether they are a regular client, on an urgent care basis.  We wanted to be available to your friends and neighbors as a cost effective alternative to traditional emergency care when pets are not feeling well.

If you are ever concerned or worried about your pet’s health, always call us at 614-888-4050… better to be safe!

Heartworm disease in cats…

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Heartworm infection takes place when a mosquito carrying infective, microscopic-size heartworm larvae, bites into a cat for a blood meal. The larvae then actively migrate into the new host and develop further as they travel through the subcutaneous tissue in the cat’s body. At about 3-4 months, they usually settle into the arteries and blood vessels of the lungs, where they continue to develop to sexual mature male and female worms.

The average time from when the microscopic parasites enter the host until the females develop into mature worms and produce offspring is approximately eight months and is referred to as the prepatent period. This is about one month longer than in dogs.

Heartworms do not need to develop into adults to cause significant pulmonary damage in cats, and consequences can still be very serious when cats are infected by mosquitoes carrying heartworm larvae. Newly arriving worms and the subsequent death of most of these same worms can result in acute pulmonary inflammation response and lung injury.

In addition, did you know …

The clinical signs of heartworm infection in cats can be very non-specific, and may mimic many other feline diseases. Diagnosis by clinical signs alone is nearly impossible, but a cat may exhibit generic signs of illness, such as vomiting intermittently, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), weight loss, coughing, asthma-like signs (intermittent difficulty in breathing, panting, open-mouthed breathing), gagging, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing .

Call us today at (614)888-4050 to schedule your cat’s next wellness exam and to talk with our doctors concerning the importance of prevention of illnesses such as heartworm disease.

Animal Hospital of Polaris offers more than the average vet clinic

Not only is the Animal Hospital of Polaris here to meet your pet’s wellness needs with routine medical examinations and vaccinations, but did you know that we also offer doggie daycare six days a week?  Did you know that we offer pet grooming every day of the week?  Did you know that we have a specific boarding facility just for cats and a special boarding facility just for exotic pets?

More important and a critical part of the Animal Hospital of Polaris is our ability to serve the more urgent needs of your pet.  The Animal Hospital of Polaris is there when you arrive home from work to find your favorite furry friend not feeling well or on a Sunday afternoon when your pet pooch sustains an injury romping through the backyard chasing a squirrel.  Throughout the week, our facility is open until 10 PM and then until 8 PM on the weekends to serve and treat your pet’s unexpected and urgent needs!

Fun vacation activities for you and your pet

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So you have decided to include your pet in your vacation plans this summer.  Now what?  Pets are typically not allowed in amusement parks, don’t ski very well, just don’t understand snorkeling and most don’t consider lying on the beach to be a fun-filled day.  Despite this, there are many relaxing and enjoyable things you can do with your pet.

Throughout North America, many inns, lodges and Bed & Breakfast places allow pets. Some even have pet vacation packages available.

Once you have decided on a place to stay, you have many activities to chose from.  Some people include their pets on walking tours through towns or historic areas.  Hiking is also a popular activity.  Some national parks allow pets but some do not.  Make sure you check with the park service before planning your vacation.

Camping with your pet is another alternative.  Again, if you plan to camp at a national park, check with the park service to make sure your dog will be welcome.

If you do; however, find yourself traveling to a far off destination or to a location that isn’t exactly pet friendly, call us at (614)888-4050 to reserve a special place for your pet to spend their vacation while you travel.  We’ll keep them active, happy and well cared for while you relax!

Guinness needs a home

Hi… my name is ‘Guinness’ and I am a male neutered Laborador Retriever Mix looking for a good home. I am still a puppy – only 8 months old but I have been crate trained and potty trained. I am up to date on all my vaccines and have been on Heartguard and Frontline monthly. I am very fast and LOVE to RUN so I would be best suitable in a home with a fenced backyard so I can play. I am a bit rough with my toys so I need tennis balls or large Kong toys rather than stuffed animals. I love attention and am very treat oriented – I know how to ‘Sit’, ‘Shake’, and ‘Lay Down’ and come when called. I also love to play fetch with sometimes a gentle reminder to ‘Release’. I am always smiling and showing off my pearly white teeth but I do not bite, I love giving kisses though! I get along fine with other dogs as long as they are around my size because sometimes I forget how big I am and I frighten them. I want my new someone to be active, take me to parks, go jogging, and give me plenty of love. If you are interested please call the clinic at (614)888-4050 and ask about my adoption.

Thanks!

Guinness

Donate blood and receive a free heartworm test for your pet!

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Animal Hospital of Polaris will be hosting a blood drive on Saturday, April 2nd. The Red Cross’s Bloodmobile will be at the Animal Hospital of Polaris from 9 am –3 pm. Giving blood is very important! Please take time out to donate! For those moms and dads of pets who are donating blood, they can bring in their furry friends on Saturday only and receive a FREE Heartworm test (a $22.00 savings) to ensure a healthy heart! This offer is good only for Saturday, April 2nd.  Limit: one test per person donating blood.

According to the Red Cross, the blood supply in our nation needs to be continuously replenished. Only 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood and of those only 8% do. That amounts to only about 3 out of every 100 people. For every pint of blood donated, you could potentially save THREE lives!

Those wishing to donate can sign up by calling the Animal Hospital of Polaris at 614-888-4050 and selecting a time that is most convenient.

Please feel free to pass this offer along to your friends and neighbors. The cost savings is significant and so is the contribution to our community.

Call us today at 614-888-4050 for more information!

Get your pet’s nails trimmed and ears cleaned to help those devastated in Japan

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This Saturday, the Animal Hospital of Polaris will be hosting an event to help raise funds to support the Japanese Red Cross, all in an effort to help those devastated by the deadly earthquake and subsequent Tsunami in that part of the world.

From 11 AM to 6 PM this upcoming Saturday, March 19th…pet owners can have their pet’s nails trimmed and ears cleaned for just $20 (all of which will be directly donated to the Japanese Red Cross efforts). Or, if you wish to only utilize one service for $15, those funds collected will also be donated directly to the Red Cross.

Call (614) 888-4050 for an appointment (and walk-ins are welcome too).

Please pass this announcement along to all friends and family as well! Thanks for your support!!