February 2012 NewsletterThe New Year is well on its way and we hope that you all are making great strides towards keeping your resolutions. If one of your resolutions was to help keep your pet healthy this year, then you are on the right track by receiving our newsletter! As your "other family doctor," we use our newsletters, Facebook page and website to keep you updated on the latest in veterinary news and the impact it may have on our community, and your pet. Please "Like" our Facebook page to stay connected with the most current veterinary news, stories, photos and exclusive Turtle Creek savings! CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS Recent national news coverage regarding Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) infections has raised many questions regarding your pet’s risk and prevention of exposure. CIV causes a respiratory infection in dogs, symptoms of which can range from a mild cough to more severe respiratory illnesses like pneumonia that require intensive hospitalization and care by your veterinarian. The fact that CIV is a relatively new virus is both good news (because dogs in the general East Texas area are not likely to be exposed to the disease) and bad news (because dogs who are exposed to the virus are likely to contract the disease). Canines who have the highest risk of exposure are those who travel widely, either at shows, as companions to their owners along for the ride, or those that are around dogs that travel widely, such as dogs who live with a dog that shows. Thankfully, an immunization is now available to help minimize the symptoms of CIV, should your pet be exposed to the virus. Turtle Creek Veterinary Medical Center now carries this immunization for our patients who are considered to be at high risk. If you are boarding your pet, it is important to check with your boarding facility at least 6 weeks prior to boarding to ensure that they are not requiring your pet to be immunized for CIV, as the immunization requires an initial injection, and one booster to be considered effective. Remember, in cases of infectious diseases, prevention is key if at all possible. If your pet is considered “high risk” by the guidelines described above, or if you would like further information on the CIV immunization, please contact our office and one of our friendly team members will be able to assist you. DENTAL MONTHDon’t turn your nose to Fido’s or Fluffy’s bad breath! That odor might signify a serious health risk, with the potential to damage not only your pet’s teeth and gums but its internal organs as well. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), eighty percent of dogs and seventy percent of cats have periodontal disease by the age of three! Alarming statistics? Yes, and it is known that proper dental care could increase their life by two to five years. Like humans, dog and cat teeth and gums are also susceptible to the same oral health problems – Gingivitis and Periodontal disease. However, regular dental maintenance and routine dental examinations and cleanings significantly aid in prevention of dental and gum disease. To address the significance of oral health care, Turtle Creek Veterinary Medical Center is supporting “National Pet Dental Health Month” during February with a special incentive for our clients. For the month of February only, we will be offering $25 off the dental prophylaxis procedure PLUS a free bag of dental treats to go home with your pet! This is a huge savings to you as pet owners who like us, want to make sure your pet’s dental needs are satisfied. Please contact our office either by email (reception@turtlecreekvmc.com), phone (903)454-6222, or through an online appointment request by clicking here to get your appointment scheduled now. Dental month tends to fill our schedule quickly, so reserve your spot soon! |
WHY MICROCHIP?If you have been watching the news and our Facebook page , you may have seen a few reunion stories of lost pets to their owners. Many have been missing for months and even years, and some may even be several states away. Their reunion is made possible by a tiny microchip implanted underneath the skin. This microchip is a permanent identification for your pet that can never be lost, unlike tags and collars. Often times when pets are lost and end up in shelters, the only form of identification they may have to reunite them with their owner is the microchip. Without it, these pets are either adopted out, or fall into the ranks of unwanted/unclaimed pets of overcrowded animal shelters and could be subject to euthanasia. To avoid the unthinkable for your furry kiddo, please consider getting them microchipped!Here at Turtle Creek, we are excited to be able to provide the premier HomeAgain Microchip service. With HomeAgain, you not only receive piece of mind with placement of the chip, but you also receive the added benefits of their outstanding services from their lost pet specialists, rapid lost pet alerts, 24/7 pet emergency hotline and pet travel assistance. Microchip appointments for your pet are fast and easy and can be made online, phone or by email (reception@turtlecreekvmc.com)! For more information on the microchip service, please visit our website by clicking here.  THE BARK ON OUR JINGLE BOWLS DRIVEWe are so proud of the out pouring of love and support we had from all of the pet parents of Turtle Creek for the Hunt County Shared Ministries during the holiday season! This year, we were excited to organize Hunt County’s first pet food drive, known as "Jingle Bowls, Filling Bowls for the Holidays". We were able to raise a total of $764.94! Because of its huge success, we are pleased to tell you that we will be repeating this event during the 2012 holiday season. A big warm, heartfelt THANK YOU from all of us here at Turtle Creek Veterinary Medical Center, and the furry companions of Hunt County! UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
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ADOPTIONS:Currently we have 2 beautiful kitties available for adoption! Both have tested negative for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). They have been vaccinated, dewormed, spayed, are litter box-trained, do well with other dogs, cats and kids, and very social. If you are interested in one of these precious kitties, you can start the adoption process by clicking here to download our adoption application. Once completed, you may return the application back to our office for committee review. Both of these girls would make great companions in just about any home! They have been housed together, but can be adopted individually as well.Chanel: 
Zeela: 
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