 Did you know? October 7th-13th is World Pet Obesity Week. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the United States are estimated to be overweight or have obesity. Meanwhile, only 17% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners recognize their pets as overweight. This discrepancy is alarming, especially since obesity is entirely preventable once you know it’s there! To learn more about pet obesity, whether or not your pet is in this statistical majority, and what you can do if they are, read on!  Pet Obesity Risks The obvious question many pet owners may ask is… What’s the big deal with pet obesity? Does it really matter if your pup is packing a few extra pounds? Unfortunately, yes. While it is possible for pets to be healthy at different weights, there are well-documented links between obesity and a number of other health conditions. VCA Animal Hospitals reports that dogs with obesity are at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and high blood pressure, and that obesity can reduce a dog’s life expectancy by nearly two years. The science hasn’t been studied quite as in-depth with cats, but we still have every reason to believe the effects are similar. Causes of Obesity What causes obesity? You may already be jumping up to answer: too much food, too little exercise! While these are the major contributing factors, there are other risk factors you may not be aware of. Metabolism is another big component; that is, how quickly and efficiently a pet’s body breaks down the food they’re given. Older dogs, female dogs, and neutered male dogs all tend to have lower metabolisms, which puts them at a higher risk for obesity. Certain breeds are also at a higher risk, such as many terrier breeds, spaniels, dachshunds, beagles, and labrador retrievers. Dogs with mobility issues such as osteoarthritis are also predisposed, since they’re likely to be less active in their day to day lives.  Recognizing Obesity Your veterinarian can always help you assess whether your pet is overweight or has obesity, but there are simple ways to check at home as well. For dogs, you can estimate their body fat by feeling along their ribs just behind their front legs. Compare this to the back of your hand; if they feel about the same, your dog has a good body condition! If it feels more like the palm of your hand, your dog may be overweight. Conversely, if your dog’s ribs feel or stick out like knuckles, they may be underweight. You can perform a similar test with cats by attempting to feel their ribs or backbone. For a more visual representation, you can also compare your pet against the Body Condition System chart, designed by Purina and used widely across the veterinary world. Managing Obesity So you’ve discovered your pet is in the over 50% of pets who have obesity. What do you do next? Losing weight is the first step, and dietary changes are a major component of this. However, reducing the quantity you feed your pet with no other adjustments can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian when making these changes, as it may be best to add supplements or change your pet’s food to a weight-loss focused diet. Snacks and treats are also a big dietary culprit, and should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s total food intake. This is easier to manage in large dogs, but in especially tiny dogs a single treat can take up that whole allotment! Exercise can be another major component of weight loss, though dogs with severe obesity may need to shed weight through dietary management first before they can safely manage the increased activity necessary for weight loss. To increase activity, increasing the duration and intensity of walks is a good starting point. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, “Walking for weight loss is very different than walking for pleasure. You should aim for a daily, brisk, 30-minute walk. With this sort of walking, you should break into a slight sweat within a few minutes.” Once the desired weight has been lost, maintaining weight becomes the important second step. Portion control is key to this step; as tempting as it may be to reward progress with an extra treat or two, or to ease dietary restrictions once your pet is in a healthy weight range, this can end up undoing all your and your pet’s hard work.  Preventing Obesity
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Even if your pet is at a healthy weight now, there are simple steps you can take to maintain this healthy weight and stop obesity before it starts. Measuring food portions allows better control than simply eyeballing them, and allows you to ensure you’re not unknowingly overfeeding your pet. Adhering to strict, specific meal times will help your pet stick to a routine and will minimize begging, which reduces the temptation for humans to help them cheat on their diet. Routine weigh-ins can also help with accountability, and will allow you to catch any changes in weight early. Get Fit Together! We can all think of a few ways we could be healthier in our own lives, but starting and sticking to a routine is hard. Fortunately, having a buddy makes it easier! A lot of our tips for helping your pet lose weight- regular meal times, vigorous walks, decreased snacking- are good tips for humans as well. Weight-loss walks can be a great chance to work exercise into our own routines, and solidarity with a dieting pet can be just the thing we need to resist cheating on our own diets (you’re not really going to eat that cookie when Luna can’t have one, are you?). A recent study even suggests that combined dog-human weight loss plans are more effective than either plan individually! Of course, as your veterinarian, we want to be a part of your pet’s health journey as well! If you’re worried about your pet’s weight, need advice on exercise or nutrition, or just want a weigh-in, give us a call! We want to see your pet happy and healthy, and we’re always happy to chat.  Thinking of adopting a new dog? There are plenty of questions to consider, and one question cuts straight to the front of the line: what breed should you get? The American Kennel Club now recognizes 200 different dog breeds, all with their own unique personalities, quirks, needs, and health concerns. You could spend your entire life becoming an expert on just one dog breed, which makes researching and comparing every breed a herculean task. Personal bias will always have a hand in your decision making (it’s okay to play favorites, we won’t tell!), as will living, finance, and family situations. But in favor of these factors, breed health is often overlooked. Every dog breed has their own unique health needs and concerns, and different breeds are more predisposed to different medical issues. Knowing the trends and the health issues associated with certain breeds can help you and your family make more informed decisions and can help you prepare now for eventualities that may not come to pass for many years. If your family is getting excited about a new dog then we know talking about health concerns is a bit of a downer, but you’ll thank yourself later for having these conversations now. And hey, we promise to sprinkle in plenty of cute photos to lighten the mood!  Big Dogs! From the Great Dane to the Saint Bernard to the Greater Dane, there’s no sight quite as majestic as a truly huge dog. Some health concerns are common across most large breeds; carrying around extra weight and size makes these breeds more susceptible to mobility issues such as arthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament tears (the dog version of an ACL tear). Large, deep-chested dogs such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes, and Weimaraners are also more at risk for bloat, though this risk can be mitigated via gastropexy, a surgical procedure that fastens the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent twisting. This can even be done laparoscopically at our sister hospital.  Small Dogs! Napoleon Complexes have yet to be recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, but in the meantime there are still plenty of conditions common to smaller dogs. Many small breeds experience higher risks of dental disease and mitral valve disease (a weakening of the valves around the heart), and are also uniquely vulnerable to tracheal collapse, which can inhibit their breathing. Small breeds also have their own mobility issues distinct from large breeds, such as patellar luxation (common in Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and some small terrier breeds), in which the kneecap becomes displaced and causes a “skipping” as the patient walks. Small dog breeds have their own nutritional needs as well, thanks to their smaller stomachs and lower food intake. Because of this it’s easier to end up overfeeding or with a nutritional imbalance (a single treat represents a far greater portion of a Yorkie’s diet than a Great Dane’s), which may be tied to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis in smaller breeds.  Brachycephalic Breeds! Brachycephalic is the medical term for short-nose breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, and French Bulldogs. These breeds have seen a big surge in popularity thanks to their adorable, smushed-up faces, but irresponsible breeding has made this cute feature into a major health concern. Shortened faces require shortened airways, which in turn can cause breathing issues throughout the dog’s life- so much so, in fact, that the condition is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). BOAS can increase the risk and severity of upper respiratory infections, and can also make it harder to exercise a dog and keep them in good shape. In addition to airways, brachycephalic breeds’ shorter faces can also create problems with their eyes. Bracychepallic Ocular Syndrome occurs thanks to shallow eye sockets pushing or bulging a pet’s eyes forward, and can result in eye trauma, eye protrusions, abnormal tear production, and even the inability to fully close the eyelids.  Lightning Round
There are a few breeds and conditions that don’t fit into our other categories, but still warrant a mention. While cancer is unfortunately common in all dogs, it is particularly prevalent in Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. The linked National Canine Cancer Foundation article also contains a table breaking down the most common type of cancer by dog breed. Poodles and doodles don’t shed, which can be great for your carpets, but also means they require grooming more regularly (up to every four weeks) to prevent matting and overheating. Poodles are also at a higher risk of glaucoma. Epilepsy is far more common in dogs than in cats, and is observed most in certain breeds such as Beagles, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Border Collies. Shopping and Adopting Responsibly Nothing in veterinary medicine is ever a guarantee; despite being a cancer-prone breed, an individual golden retriever could still live a long cancer-free life, and a French Bulldog could still develop osteoarthritis common in larger breeds. If you’re still interested in one of the breeds we’ve singled out here, don’t despair! Responsible breeders are aware of the same issues we’ve been talking about, and will take steps to screen and eliminate these conditions from their lines wherever possible. For assistance finding a reputable breeder, the Humane Society of the United States has put together a helpful handout featuring questions to ask and points to watch out for. If you’re looking for more information on the prevalence of health conditions across different breeds, Forbes has compiled an article that uses insurance claim information to track the prevalence of numerous health conditions across many breeds. And as always, if you still have unanswered questions about dog breeds, health concerns, or anything else we’ve covered, drop us a line! We’re always happy to chat, and we can’t wait to meet the newest member of your fuzzy family. :)  Traveling internationally with your dog has always been a complicated mess of forms, requirements, and rules. On August 1st, 2024, the CDC passed a new set of regulations for crossing the United States border with your dog that unfortunately makes the process even more complicated (though if we do our job right, not by too much!).  Import vs Export Those of you who have previously traveled internationally with your pets may be familiar with the need for a USDA Endorsed International Health Certificate. These forms are compiled and endorsed by the USDA, and are meant to ensure your pet meets the requirements for entry into your destination country. These are export requirements; they are required for your pet to leave the US in the first place. The new CDC requirements are import requirements, meaning they are necessary for your dog (not your cat) to re-enter the United States after traveling internationally. These requirements exist in addition to the current USDA export requirements, meaning you are now responsible for ensuring your dog meets both the export and import requirements prior to travel. Import requirements are split into three categories:
Since this blog is written primarily for our local, US-based clientele, we’ll focus on the first two categories. If you would like to learn more about the Requirements for Foreign-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries you can follow that link to the CDC webpage outlining this information.  Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries This is the easy one! If your dog is returning to the US and has only been in countries deemed by the CDC to be rabies-free or low-risk, all you’ll need is a CDC Dog Import Form. This is a form to be filled out online by you, up to six months before your date of return to the US. There is no fee for processing this form, and you shouldn’t need any assistance from our office to do so (though we’re always here if you run into trouble). Instructions on filling out the form can be found here. To determine whether your dog has exclusively been in low-risk or rabies-free countries, consult the CDC’s list of High Risk Countries for Dog-Rabies. If in the six months prior to your return to the US your dog has only traveled to countries that are NOT listed here, your dog has only been in low-risk or rabies-free countries. If your dog HAS traveled to a listed country in the six months prior to your return to the US, consult the requirements in the next section.  Entry Requirements for US-Vaccinated Dogs from High-Risk Countries If your dog has traveled to one of the countries on the CDC list of High Risk Countries for Dog-Rabies, there is an additional form required before your dog can return to the US. Dogs returning from high-risk countries will need a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination, which must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (such as CSAH’s Dr. McCullough and Dr. Guarin). If your dog had their rabies vaccinations administered at our practice and currently has a microchip and up to date rabies vaccination, this form can be completed by our veterinarians without the need for an appointment, or any further action from you. If your dog does NOT meet these criteria, there may be additional requirements:
NOTICE: Until July 31st 2025, these regulations will be in a transitional period. During this period, a USDA-Endorsed Export Health Certificate may be used in place of a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination. After July 31st 2025, a Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination must be used.  Entry Requirements for All Dogs
In addition to the requirements above, there are a few requirements that all dogs entering the US must meet. These aren’t usually a problem, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention them:
Start Preparing Now! With these changes in regulation, there are certain things you can do now that will help down the road, even if you aren’t currently planning to travel. Any rabies vaccinations given before a dog has a microchip or given without recording the dog’s microchip cannot be verified and thus cannot be used for international travel. Whenever your pet receives a rabies vaccination, ask your veterinarian to scan for a microchip and ensure this information is recorded on your dog’s new rabies certificate. If a microchip stops working it can no longer be used for identification purposes, which will also invalidate all previous rabies vaccine history. While this failure is rare, it can and has happened. If your pet already has a microchip, ask your veterinarian to scan it at annual visits or when you first begin thinking about international travel; if it has stopped working, you’ll need at least 28 days to re-chip and re-vaccinate your dog prior to travel. Every country has different requirements for entry. While we can’t know exactly what will be required until you’ve decided where you’re traveling, keeping your pet up to date on all recommended vaccinations and treatments will put you in the best position possible when you do start making arrangements. Lastly, as always, call us early! The sooner you get in touch the sooner we can start getting ducks in a row, and the more likely we’ll be to get everything done in the required time. Give us a call as soon as you start considering international travel, and again the moment you have your travel dates confirmed. We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Michelle Guarin – please join us in welcoming her to the team!  Dr. Guarin of Natick, MA, will join the CSAH team in June. Like Dr. McCullough, Dr. Guarin treats dog, cats, and other small mammals. However, she also sees most types of birds and reptiles as well as some amphibians. We’re excited to expand our services to include the care of even more exotic species. Bring on the axolotls, bearded dragons, and ducks! Dr. Guarin grew up in Baldwin, New York. She came to Massachusetts to attend Tufts for both undergraduate and then veterinary school. She thought she wanted to be an astrophysicist but flunked calculus. She was naturally better at biology missed having pets while at school. She realized how important animals were to her and that veterinary medicine was the coolest way to mix science and animals in a meaningful way. She has been practicing veterinary medicine since 2011 in a mix of general practice and emergency hospitals, and, most recently, as the Medical Director at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. Request an appointment with Dr. Guarin or one of our other doctors! She shares her home with her husband, two young children, and a zebra finch named Niels Bohr. In her minimal free time, she loves spending time with her family at the beach and playing piano.
The addition of Dr Guarin will allow CSAH to continue accepting new pet patients while tending to our current patients. We know she will make a fantastic addition to our team. Dr. Guarin and the rest of the CSAH team look forward to continuing to serve you and your pets! Many dogs come bounding through our front doors, ready to accept our cuddles and treats and seemingly oblivious to shots and exams. But for others, a trip to the veterinarian can be a nerve-wracking experience. The unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds can trigger stress and anxiety even in pups that are normally laid-back. With a few simple strategies, we can help alleviate their worries and make vet visits a more positive experience for our furry friends! Here are some tips to reduce stress during your dog’s next visit to the vet. What you can do even when you don’t have an appointment:
 On the day of your appointment:
Welcome to the world of pet parenthood, where every tail wag and purr is priceless! While showering your furry friend with love is essential, it's equally important to consider their health and well-being and how you can plan for their care financially. That's where pet insurance comes in – a financial safety net for unexpected vet bills and medical emergencies. In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of pet insurance to help you in your search for the right pet insurance provider and policy. The Basics of Pet Insurance Much like human medical insurance, pet insurance is an insurance policy you can purchase that can help to lessen the overall costs of veterinary bills. If your pet is seen at by a veterinarian for a covered condition, you typically pay the bill and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement. There are three common types of plans:
Decoding the Pawlicy Before purchasing any pet insurance policy, you need to do some research so you understand to benefits and drawbacks. When we see pet owners disappointed with their insurance plans, it’s most often because they weren’t aware of what costs would not be covered. Surprises are never good when it comes to insurance, so do your research so you understand what is and isn’t covered by your plan.
A few terms you should know: Deductible: the amount you pay for covered veterinary costs before your insurance plan starts to pay. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you pay the first $500 of covered services. Your insurer will only begin to reimburse you for covered services after you have paid your deductible. Typically the lower the deductible, the higher the cost of the plan. Premium: the amount you pay each month or year to keep your insurance policy active. Premiums vary significantly based on things like your pet’s breed & age, your policy deductible, and the cost of care where you live. Coverage limits: the maximum amount your insurer may pay out for covered claims. If you file a claim with your insurer and the costs exceed your coverage limit, then you may be responsible for any remaining expenses that aren't covered by your insurance. Some insurance policies have coverage limits for the pet for the plan year or a lifetime, some have coverage limits for each of your pet’s conditions. Exclusions: a provision in your policy that eliminates coverage for certain conditions. For example, if your pet has a pre-existing condition, such as allergies, you will not be reimbursed for any allergy-related veterinary costs. Many illness plans don’t cover the cost of the sick or emergency exam fee. These costs also won’t count toward your deductible.  Tailored Tails: What Type of Coverage is Right For You? Once you’ve explored the different types of coverage plans available, think about the plan that works for your furry friend's needs and lifestyle and for your wallet and peace of mind. While we’d love to recommend a plan that will work perfectly for your, we know that everyone’s reasons for getting pet insurance are different! A few questions you should think about when deciding on what type of plan will work best:
Fetching Quotes and Comparisons Now that you have a sense of the type of plan you want, it’s time to fetch some quotes from different pet insurance providers. May pet insurance providers have plan comparison tools on their website, but we typically recommend PetInsuranceReview.com as a great place to start your search. Compare plans available for your pet. Look for the right balance between coverage and cost – after all, you wouldn't want to break the bank on pet insurance treats!  What the Doctor Recommends
At CSAH, we don’t recommend any particular provider or plan but we do recommend pet insurance. When your pet cuts himself in the woods and needs surgery in a specialty hospital or is diagnosed with a long-term illness that will require years of medications and care that includes regular bloodwork and vet visits, it’s a good feeling to be able to say, “yes, do it all, I have insurance.” We have one pet patient whose insurance policy has covered over $45,000 worth of veterinary expenses. Would the owner have been able and willing to pay that out-of-pocket? We can’t say, but we are 100% positive that they are glad they purchased an insurance policy! By investing in pet insurance, you’re protecting your pet but also securing peace of mind for yourself. In the worst case, you spent money on a policy you didn’t use – hopefully a policy that was within your budget. In the best, you were able to say “yes” to expensive and extensive life-saving care, care that gave your furry family member additional years of health and happiness. As usual, we’ve done our best to summarize the topic of pet insurance but we may have missed something. If you have any questions, please call us at 339-234-6007 or send us a note.  There is widespread reporting of an infectious respiratory disease among dogs that has turned deadly in rare cases. The disease has been detected in dogs across the country, including in Massachusetts. This disease is considered to be part of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). What is CIRDC? CIRDC are diseases caused by several different and often highly contagious bacterial and viral pathogens and include illness such as Bordetella (kennel cough), canine parainfluenza, and canine influenza. CIRDC is endemic in dogs, meaning it’s always present wherever there are dogs. Symptoms of CIRDC include coughing, sneezing, eye or nose discharge, inappetence, and lethargy. Symptoms can last from several days to weeks. What is the canine respiratory disease observed more recently? At the moment we don’t know if this is a new disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), symptoms of this respiratory disease appear to last weeks longer than the typical symptoms of the better-known and very common Bordetella. The disease is generally resistant to standard treatments, such as antibiotics. In very rare cases, dogs develop acute pneumonia that rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours. Whether we are seeing a new disease in North America or a previously existing but undiagnosed illness is not known. In the chart below, reflecting respiratory related insurance claims submitted to pet insurer Trupanion in Colorado, we certainly see a spike in respiratory claims this fall of 2023. This increase could be the result of other factors, including a growing population of dogs, increased travel and boarding since the COVID pandemic, and delayed vaccinations and reduced socialization since the pandemic.  “What the net result could be is we’ve got more dogs that have a lower level of resistance because they’ve been exposed to other dogs less over the last couple of years, and they’ve had less vaccinations. That means, just with our normal respiratory diseases that are always circulating, we’ll see more spikes in disease cases,” says Dr. Scott Weese, a pathobiology professor at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College and director of the university’s Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses. Dr. Weese also states that the number of severe cases may not indicate a new disease. “When you have more cases, you’ll get more severe disease since a small percentage of dogs with CIRDC get severe disease.”  Keep your dog healthy! Whether this is a new disease or simply a bad season of CIRDC, our advice for keeping your dog safe if the same. Keep your dog up to date on vaccines. The AVMA notes that though the efficacy of existing vaccines against current cases is uncertain, maintaining your dog’s health through routine vaccinations can help support a dog’s immune system in combating disease. If your dog is a patient at CSAH, they are likely vaccinated against parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus type 2 (part of the DHPP vaccine series given to almost all of our canine patients). At CSAH we typically only recommend Bordetella (kennel cough) if your dog is around other dogs a lot. As a pre-caution, we are recommending more dogs receive the Bordetella vaccine regardless of exposure to other dogs. If you are wondering if your dog should receive this vaccine reach out to us. We also carry a vaccine for canine influenza, but this disease is very sporadic in New England. If we hear reports of this disease in our area, we will begin recommending the vaccine. Some groomers, day cares, and boarding facilities may begin to require this vaccine as a precaution against CIRDC. Reduce your dog’s contact with large numbers of unknown dogs, such as at dog parks and using communal water bowls. Avoid nose-to-nose doggie greetings. At this point, it is not necessary to avoid day cares, boarding, or grooming facilities unless your dog or another dog in the home is immune compromised. The risk of CIRDC is not much greater than it normally is. Consider asking facilities about the vaccines they require and their cleaning protocols. If you aren’t comfortable with the answers, consider your alternatives. Keep your dog away from dogs that appear ill: those exhibiting a runny nose, runny eyes, sneezing, and coughing.  But if they do get sick
Contact us immediately if your dog is experiencing a lingering cough, weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, worsening of illness, and a cough that is sufficiently severe that it causes the dog to vomit or makes it hard for the animal to breathe. Reach out early even with mild symptoms, as some cases advance very quickly. Be particularly vigilant if your dog is old, very young, brachycephalic (short nosed or flat faced), immunocompromised, pregnant, or has underlying heart or respiratory disease. While the disease doesn’t respond well to standard treatments, we can offer supportive care to help your dog fight off the infection. If your dog is suffering from a different illness, we can help identify and try to treat. Safety at CSAH Worried about bringing your pet to see us at CSAH and potentially expose them to this disease? Remember that CIRDC is endemic, so we see CIRDC cases all….the…time. We have protocols in place to prevent transmission of CIRDC and other diseases between our patients. Dogs exhibiting symptoms of diseases including CIRDC are asked to wait for their appointments in their cars instead of the lobby, exam rooms are sanitized between appointments and are disinfected with Lysol after an appointment with a patient suspected to have CIRDC or another highly contagious illness. We don’t see any more risk in bringing in your pet to CSAH than there is at any other time! As always, please reach out if you have any questions: [email protected]. Deciding when to say goodbye to a beloved companion is one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will eventually have to face. Sometimes these decisions loom on the horizon for a while, while other times they come on suddenly and unexpectedly. No matter how long you have to plan, these choices are never easy. While you are ultimately the only person who can make this decision for your pet, we’re here to support you however we can during the process. In this article we’ll be covering some of the most common questions pet owners have when dealing with end of life planning, offering our perspectives, and linking to resources that can help you navigate these challenges, all in hopes of helping you answer the question every pet owner dreads facing: How do I know when it’s time?  Quality of Life Quality of life is a phrase you hear a lot in these conversations, but what does it actually mean? Quality of life is a broad term used to describe and average a number of factors, such as pain, mobility, hygiene, appetite, and activity. It’s important to note that quality of life is a relative term, and a “good” quality of life will look different for different pets; if you have a lapdog who’s happy cuddling on the couch, low mobility is less detrimental than it would be in a retriever who loves hiking and swimming. Some key quality of life indicators to pay attention to include:
If you're unsure of whether it's time, book a consultation with us to review your pet's health and discuss their quality of life. This is something we've all been through as well and we're here to support you.  Measuring QoL Changes in quality of life are often the first thing owners notice, and this may spark other questions or considerations. It can sometimes be hard to tell whether a pet is approaching the end of their life, or whether their symptoms are a temporary low they may recover from. Since this is a deeply emotional topic for any pet owner, it can often be helpful to use tools and outside resources to get a clearer, more objective understanding of your pet’s quality of life:
 Making Arrangements Even once you’ve decided euthanasia is the next step, you’ll likely still have plenty of questions. When should you book an appointment? What will this appointment be like? Will your pet feel pain as they pass? What happens with their remains? If you know in advance that it's time, you can call us to book your pet's final visit with us. We typically recommend that you schedule this appointment for the end of the morning or afternoon, when the hospital is a little more quiet. However, sometimes your pet declines faster than you anticipate and it becomes clear that they are in too much pain or discomfort. In this case you can call us to come in on short notice. When you arrive for the appointment a technician will bring you, your pet, and any other friends or family present into our consultation room. An intravenous catheter will be placed; this may occur in the room with you, or your pet may be brought into our treatment area while the catheter is placed, then returned to the room with you. Once the catheter is placed your pet will be administered a sedative to ease any pain and anxiety, followed by an injection that will induce loss of consciousness and death without causing pain or distress. The process is short and painless; it will be over in a matter of seconds. Your pet won’t be aware of their own passing. We partner with Final Gift Pet Memorial Center for cremation and other aftercare services, enabling them to pick up remains from and deliver ashes and memorial products to our clinic or to your home, but this is only one of the many options available to you. Some pet parents prefer to make arrangements with other pet aftercare services, or to bring their pet’s remains home for burial, both of which we’re happy to accommodate.  A Word on Grief
It’s normal and expected to feel grief after the loss of a pet, just as you would after the passing of any other family member. Indeed, grief is a healthy response and an important part of the healing process. Talking about grief is one of the best ways to work through it, especially if others in your household are feeling similarly; some family members may even be thankful someone else has broached the topic. Of course, friends and family can only do so much. If you’re struggling with grief and need additional support, there are resources available. Tufts University operates a Pet Loss Support Hotline, and Ohio State University’s Honoring the Bond Program has compiled numerous readings, videos, support groups, and other resources to help pet owners dealing with grief. Grief is normal, and showing these emotions or asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. If you’re struggling after the loss of a pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out or utilize the resources above- we know it’s what your pet would want for you.
 We’ve all heard that chocolate is bad for dogs, but there are plenty of other lesser-known pet toxins that have slapped on a costume and snuck their way into your home. To help keep your pets safe this Halloween season, here’s a list of a few of the biggest dangers to watch out for!
 So what can I feed my pet? We get it. While it’s important to keep your pet safe, you don’t want them to feel left out on a night like Halloween! If you want your dog to be able to join you in your post-Trick-or-Treat feast you can offer them a few high-value treats. You can make a game out of it with your cat or dog with an interactive food puzzle!
Halloween should be a fun night, and the last place you want to spend it is an emergency room. With all that said stay safe, and Happy Halloween!  We are thrilled to announce the addition of a second veterinarian to our hospital, Dr. Stephanie Saglimbeni! Many of our clients will recognize Dr. Saglimbeni, who has been managing CSAH since it opened in the spring of 2022. Dr. Saglimbeni earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from CES University, in Medellin, Colombia. She has just completed the rigorous process that allows her to practice veterinary medicine in the United States. She is over the moon to help take care of your furry family members as a doctor at CSAH. The addition of a second veterinarian allows CSAH to continue accepting new pet patients while tending to our current patients. Dr. Saglimbeni treats dogs and cats, while Dr. McCullough treats dogs, cats, and a variety of other small animals and exotics, including rabbits and guinea pigs.
Dr. Saglimbeni shares her home with Jose, her husband, Lorenzo, her son, two cats and two dogs. In her free time, she loves going to the beach and taking pictures of wild birds. |
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Contact Information:
Cambridge Street Animal Hospital 156 Cambridge St #1B Burlington,MA 01803 (339)234-6007 [email protected] Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm |
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