This Fourth of July weekend is shaping up to be a beautiful one in West Michigan, and I’m sure many of you are planning to celebrate with family and friends at parties, picnics, parades, barbecues, and fireworks. These family activities with awe and beauty brings joy to many of us, but for your pets, it can be the most terrifying time of the year. “Pets are sensitive to loud noises, bright flashing lights, and strong smells,” says Dr. Steve McBride of Cascade Hospital for Animals. “All of these elements are present around July 4th, during fireworks shows that take place over a number of nights.”
Before you head out to enjoy the day, take a look at our 4 tips to keep your pets happy and healthy during the July 4th holiday.
We are seeing a large number of ferrets at our hospital, as we have the expertise of Dr. Tracey Ritzman, DABVP. This week’s post will just offer a broad overview of Ferret Ownership.
Background
Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are members of the weasel family that have been domesticated for over two thousand years.
It is a beautiful spring morning in West Michigan. You are enjoying your morning coffee watching the birds at the feeder in your backyard, and he shows up. A disheveled looking squirrel disrupting the serenity of the morning. Some may “shoo” him away, however many others call us asking for advice on how to help the little guy out.
Ticks that starved all winter in West Michigan began to swarm throughout woods in early March during our warm spell in search of hosts. One dog owner in Lowell Township discovered this attached tick on his pet after taking a stroll through his wooded yard last month.
At Cascade Hospital for Animals (CHFA) and Breton Village Animal Clinic (BVAC), the safety and health of our patients, clients, and staff is our top priority. Effective Monday, November 9, 2020, we have modified our curbside services due to inclement Michigan winter weather. We are excited to welcome our clients back into our building for check in and check out.
What you need to know:
How check in and check out works:
Outpatient appointments – At check in, we will ask for your cell phone and credit card information. We will have you exit through the exit lobby and wait in your car while the technician and DVM examine and treat your pet. We will contact you by telephone to discuss what your pet needs and let you know when your pet is ready for you to meet us at the lobby exit. Please wait in your vehicle and remain in the parking lot. Keep your cell phone turned on and near you. Our staff will be communicating with you via cell phone and will need to be able to reach you.
Grooming – Please check in your pet in the main lobby at your scheduled check in time. You may pick up your pet in the main lobby.
Boarding, day admission, rehab and baths – Please check in your pet in the main lobby. You may pick up your pet in the main lobby.
Surgery and Dental check in (CHFA) – Please come in through the main entrance at your scheduled check in time and follow the signs to the surgery and dental check in area. A Veterinary Nurse will meet with you in an exam room for check in and discharge.
Exotics Surgery check in (BVAC) – Please come in though the main entrance. You will check your pet in at the reception desk, complete paperwork and provide payment for your deposit. You may pick up your pet at the reception desk after check out.
We strongly encourage all visitors to either location to remain at home if they are feeling ill or displaying any signs of respiratory illness.
We offer Telemedicine:
If you have a medical concern about your dog or cat, but don't want to risk the exposure of COVID-19, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Abel through our app! Learn more at https://chfa.net/services/veterinary-telemedicine.
Prescriptions refills:
All prescription refills will be ready the next day. Please enter through the main entrance for pickup and payment.
You may also refill prescriptions at our online pharmacy: https://www.myvetstoreonline.pharmacy/main.asp…free shipping over $38!
Payments:
We accept Cash, Check and Credit cards (MC, Visa, Discover, Care Credit)
We do not accept American Express
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this ever-changing situation. We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to seeing you and your pet soon!