Five Reasons to be Thankful for Our Pets

Haley Anderson Kennel Assistant South Town Animal Hospital

Five Reasons to be Thankful for Our Pets

 

1.They Enrich and Enlighten Our Lives.

Everyday our pets give us priceless gifts.  Whether it be a warm welcome home after a long hard day, reducing our stress, or just being a buddy.

2. They Love Us Unconditionally.

They watch our every move. They are here for us for the good days and the bad.  Our pets know when we are sad. They want to be by our side and make sure that we are okay. The best cheer is some love, cuddles, and kisses from your furry best friend.

 

3. They keep us moving

Are you ready to head out the door? Chances are, Sparky is, too! Who doesn’t love going for a nice walk outside with their best friend? They are more than just a best friend- they are a great big part of our loving family!

4. They Better Our Lives

Not only do our pets reduce stress. With all of the extra loving cuddles and precious memories shared, it’s no wonder that the bond with our fur babies improves our health in so many ways. Healthier heart, reduce stress, keep us social, happy mood, & emotional support.

5. Pets Give us Purpose

Having a pet is a great responsibility.  Everyday they give us a reason to wake up in the morning, feed, walk, and love them.  Being their guardian gives us the responsibility to provide a safe, healthy environment for our pets to thrive.  Having a purpose allows us to live longer healthier lives.

Having a pet is a mutually beneficial relationship.  Everyday we are thankful that our pets are here for us as we are for them.  South Town Animal Hospital is blessed to be able to foster the relationship through medical care and support.  Thank you for allowing us to be here for you and you family. 

 

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It’s What’s Inside that Counts! Intestinal Parasites at their Worst!

Worm

It’s What’s Inside that Counts! Intestinal Parasites at their Worst! 

As a partner in your pet’s healthcare, South Town Animal Hospital wants to ensure that you have the information you need to keep your pets free of intestinal parasites.

Did you know?
Both dogs and cats can get intestinal parasites.

Did you know?
Intestinal parasites can be transferrable from pets to people.

Intestinal parasites may be present in your pet even if she is not experiencing any symptoms!

What are intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are organisms that live in the host’s gastrointestinal tract. Companion animals typically acquire intestinal parasites by ingesting the eggs or spores. They can also contract parasites in utero or while nursing. Intestinal parasites are found in contaminated soil, water, fecal matter, or food. They can even be found in the soil of your house plants!

It is veterinarian recommended to have your pet’s fecal sample tested every 6 months since intestinal parasites are so prevalent in the environment & spread easily.

Types of Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms– These common intestinal parasites can look like spaghetti. Roundworms can be contracted by either or licking contaminated fecal matter and also transmitted from mom to babies in utero or nursing.
Hookworms– These parasites attach to intestinal wall and suck blood and nutrients from their hosts.
Giardia– This parasite is contracted through contaminated water or areas soiled with feces. It is not visible with the unaided human eye.
Coccidia– Is a microscopic parasite that can be spread through contaminated feces. This intestinal parasite can be found in both cats and dogs.
Tapeworms– Transmitted by infected fleas. These types of intestinal parasites often resemble small pieces of rice. Your pet may have a higher chance of acquiring tapeworms if she enjoys catching rodents and other wildlife (which are prone to flea infestation).
Whipworms-These intestinal parasites live in contaminated soil. After ingested, whipworms will then survive in the pets intestines.

Signs Your Pet May Have Intestinal Parasites:

Intestinal parasites may cause your pet to exhibit one or more of the following signs or
symptoms:

-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
-Weight Loss
-Lethargy
-Bloody Stool

There are many times that our pets may seem perfectly healthy, and they may not show signs or symptoms of intestinal parasites at all! The best way to diagnose an intestinal parasite is through examination of a fecal sample.

What is Zoonotic?
Zoonotic simply means that a disease or parasite can be transferable from animals to people. Many of these intestinal parasites found in our companion animals can transmit from pets to humans. Intestinal parasites can also lead to secondary infections and diseases.

Testing for Intestinal Parasites
Unlike heartworms, that are tested using a sample of blood, intestinal parasites are found in your pet’s stool. A stool sample, the size of a walnut, is all we need to run the intestinal parasite screening. The sample is sent off to the lab where it is analyzed under a microscope. The results are then sent back to our veterinarians to determine the course of treatment needed.

Treatment for Intestinal Parasites
For most intestinal parasites oral dewormers are used. There are various deworming medications that can be prescribed depending on the parasite. If you suspect your pet may have an intestinal parasite, it is important to have your veterinarian test a fecal sample in order to identify which type of intestinal parasite may be present.

Prevention
There are ways to avoid these pesky critters. Monthly preventatives such as Heartgard and Revolution have a deworming component. Our veterinarians recommend giving your dog Heartgard year-round because the medication not only protects against heartworms contracted from mosquitoes, but it also has a deworming component for common intestinal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms.

For cats, we recommend a topical medication called, Revolution. This monthly deworming medication is for treatment and prevention against roundworms and hookworms. It also protects against fleas and ear mites.

If you have more questions, please contact the office at (847) 695-7387, or email us at reception@southtownhosp.wpengine.com. We are here for you if you have any questions or concerns. If pets are on monthly prevention, an annual stool sample is checked, and we keep our yards clean of fecal matter, then responsible pet ownership is being practiced. Safety of the entire family is a top priority at South Town Animal Hospital.

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October is Intestinal Parasite Awareness Month!

Sad Dog

October is Intestinal Parasite Awareness Month!

What is Lurking Within?

Did you know that a majority of all puppies and kittens have some sort of intestinal parasite? Did you also know that intestinal parasites can be transferable from pets to people? South Town Animal Hospital wants to insure that your pet is intestinal parasite free. In honor of October’s Intestinal Parasite Awareness Month we are offering discounts on running fecal samples. For the safety of your pet and your family, bring in a stool sample to be be sent to the lab and you will get $5 off!

For further information please contact us at 847-695-7387. You can drop off a stool sample at any time or bring it to your appointment. We get the results for the doctors to diagnose the very next business day!

Stay Tuned for further information on intestinal parasites…………

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The Fall Newsletter is Here!

Dog holding a leaf

Fall Fun is Upon Us!
The end of the summer is upon us and fall is just around the corner! Fall is a time where the kids go back to school and family festivities are poppin! South Town Animal Hospital is going to be busy with many activities and events in the works. For the month of September South Town is taking part in Anderson Animal Shelters Pets a Palooza on Sunday September, 17 from 11am-4pm.  Come visit the pups and kitties at Mooseheart Child City and School and stop by our booth for this fun filled event.  For more information please read the flyer below!  We would love to see you there!

 

October brings our Intestinal Parasite Awareness month.  Please look forward to information about the creatures lurking within and the importance of checking stool samples.  South Town wants to keep our families safe from the critters that people can get from our pets.   Also look out for specials on routine fecal screenings.  

 

Besides visiting us at Mooseheart, we would also love to see you, your friends, and family here in the office!  Check out our referral appreciation program.  We love to see your friends and family too, and just wanted to give back a little thanks!

 

Lastly, as the seasons change – temperatures fluctuate. There will still be plenty of warmer days, so it is important to still be aware of how these temperatures may affect your pet’s health. Our fall newsletter will address maintaining a safe & healthy lifestyle by keeping your pet cool during the remaining warmer days, feline hyperthyroidism awareness, and a reminder that warmer temperatures mean that flea and tick season is still here – so remember to keep your pet’s protected!

Please click on the link below to check out our newsletter and get more information on these exciting topics!

http://mailchi.mp/54c305def3f3/happy-fall-from-your-friends-at-south-town-animal-hospital?e=[UNIQID]

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Beware of Bloodsuckers!

flea

Summer time is an optimal time to talk about our blood-sucking enemies, fleas and ticks. Keep your pets protected against fleas and ticks during the warmer months! For optimum protection against fleas and ticks, we recommend that you keep your pet on a monthly flea and tick preventive.

Fleas

Did you know?

Flea season usually begins in May and lasts up until there has been a few good consistent “below-freezing” temperatures. The months of September, October, and November are generally the worst time of the year for fleas in Illinois.

Both dogs and cats can get fleas. So if you have an indoor/outdoor cat, it is highly recommended that she/he is on a monthly flea and tick preventive.

So How Does My Pet Get Fleas?

Many wild animals such as squirrels, raccoons, deer, small rodents, feral cats, and other wildlife can be infested with fleas. When these wildlife animals roam around in your yard- they can spread fleas to your and to your pet.

How Do Fleas Affect My Pet’s Health?

Fleas cause your pets to be extremely itchy, causing them to excessively chew and scratch at their skin. So flea bites can be painful!

In addition to making your pet feel uncomfortable, fleas can transmit intestinal parasites.Tapeworms are a type of intestinal parasite found in both cats and dogs who have ingested adult fleas after being infested by them.

Treatment for Tapeworms

If your pet has been infected with tapeworms, an oral medication can be prescribed by your veterinarian for treatment.

Fecal samples should be routinely performed at your pet’s yearly examinations to rule out tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. Although your pet may not exhibit any symptoms – you may be able to see tapeworms in your pet’s fecal sample, or your pet’s stool may test positive for tapeworms.

Flea Infestation

Since fleas have many life stages, it can be very hard to eliminate them once they have come in contact with your home. Flea eggs and larvae can hide deep within your carpeted areas and floor boards.  It is recommended that if you have an infestation use a flea and tick preventative for at least three consecutive months.

How to Eliminate Fleas in Your Home

Read about it here, https://www.terminix.com/blog/diy/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas-in-the-house

Prevention

Flea preventives can help keep fleas from jumping, feeding, and laying eggs on your pet.  We recommend the following flea/tick preventive options: Frontline Gold, Nexgard, and Bravecto.

Ticks

Did You Know?

In Illinois, the most active months for ticks are the months of April, May, and June. Winter months limit tick activity, However, ticks don’t die from the cold.  Instead, they retreat daily into the leaf litter and climb back onto knee-high vegetation any time temperatures are above freezing. In recent years due to warmer weather, ticks have been apparent all year round.

Types of Ticks

The most common ticks found in Illinois are the American Dog Tick, the Blacklegged (Deer Tick), & the Brown Dog Tick.

How Does My Pet Get Ticks?

Many wild animals such as squirrels, raccoons, deer, small rodents, feral cats, and other wildlife animals can be infested with ticks. When these wildlife animals roam around in your yard- they can spread ticks to your yard and to your pet.

Even humans infested with fleas may transmit ticks to pets.

How Do Ticks Affect My Pet’s Health?

The bite site may be red and may cause itchiness and redness and inflamed skin.  Ticks may cause paralysis from a neuro-toxin produced on the salivary gland of the tick.  Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks. It is more common for dogs to get Lyme disease than cats.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease may include the following:

  • Fever
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Stiffness
  • Swollen Joints
  • Lameness, or limping.

Treatment for Ticks

If you see a tick on your pet- please call us to schedule your pet to be seen, so that we can determine what kind of tick, and so we can properly removed the tick from your pet. Your pet may need the tick removed and to get on a flea/tick preventive immediately if he/she isn’t already on one. It is possible that antibiotics may be started if an infection is suspected.

Treatment for Lyme disease requires a specific antibiotic. If you suspect that your pet has Lyme disease, please bring him/her in to your veterinarian, immediately for an examination!

Prevention

There are many tick preventives. Call South Town Animal Hospital for product recommendations.  It is truly the best medicine for your pet to keep him/her on flea and tick prevention year round due to increasing global temperatures.  

 

 

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Enter South Town’s Great Givaway Raffle! Free Basket of Goodies for Your Pet!

South Town Animal Hospital raffle flyer

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What is Laser Therapy?

Puppy wearing sunglasses

The Benefits of Laser Therapy Treatments for Pets
Reducing Pain, Inflammation, and Speeding Up Healing and Recovery Time

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is an FDA-approved therapeutic treatment that is used for reducing pain and inflammation associated with a variety of medical conditions. In addition to reducing pain and inflammation, laser therapy can also help promote faster healing and recovery times. South Town Animal Hospital uses laser therapy treatments to help improve and reduce symptoms of certain medical conditions.

How Does Laser Therapy Work?    

South Town Animal Hospital uses the ‘Companion’ laser system, which sends light energy deep into the tissue so that the cells can stimulate a healthy chemical change, leading to stimulation of healthy energy within cells. The energized cells are then able to be rejuvenated and repaired, which leads to healthier cells and tissue within the body. The cells are able to rejuvenate more quickly and repair damage.

What Can Be Treated With Laser Therapy?

Many medical conditions may benefit from the use of laser therapy. Laser therapy treatments can help speed up the healing and recovery time in patients suffering from a variety of conditions such as pain, arthritis, allergies, post-surgical healing, lick granulomas, neurological conditions, wounds, fractures, and more!

How Laser Therapy Can Benefit Your Pet?

The effects of laser light therapy are very beneficial as they help target pain, inflammation, and speed up wound healing recovery time. Your pet may feel relief the very first day of treatment, and most owners notice their pets feeling relief within the first few sessions of treatment.

Is Laser Therapy Painful to my Pet?

In addition to it’s wonderful benefits, laser therapy is not only relaxing, but-pain-free.
Each laser treatment requires different treatment time and frequency. Based on your pet’s condition, he or she will have a plan created to utilize the best treatment possible for optimum results.

For more information or to schedule an evaluation with our doctors please contact South Town Animal Hospital at 847-695-7387.  You can also visit the Companion Therapy Laser Therapy website for further information by clicking here.

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Get to Know Dr. Groth

Dr Groth South Town Animal Hospital

Dr. Groth graduated from the University of Illinois in 1999 with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She has been practicing veterinary medicine for 18 years.
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Dental Awareness Month- Simba’s Dental Cleaning Adventure

Cat

Dental Awareness Month- Simba’s Dental Cleaning Adventure

February 2017

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, most cats and dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause multiple health problems in both cats and dogs. Being proactive in dental preventive care, can not only help prevent and maintain periodontal disease in both cats and dogs, but it can help preserve teeth and help prevent tooth decay and loss. Dental tartar and build-up can not only lead to foul breath, but it can also increase the risk of gum disease and other diseases as well as tooth decay and loss. (more…)

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Leptospirosis- Is your pet protected? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Sick Dog

Leptospirosis-Is your pet at risk for this bacterial infection? Leptospirosis can be acquired by dogs once exposed to the Leptospira bacteria. The bacteria are most commonly spread through the urine of infected wildlife and lives in infected soil, water, and food. Wildlife that most commonly spread this disease are rodents, raccoons, opossums, cattle, swine, horses, sheep, and goats.  Once contracted, dogs can also spread it to other animals, even other dogs! Leptospira penetrates the skin and spread through the bloodstream, causing potentially great harm to the liver, kidneys, reproductive system, eyes, and central nervous system. (more…)

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Get to Know Our Doctors

Dr Denise Crittenden

Dr Deborah Groth

Dr Sheri Cody

Our Services

Whole Health Care

Our preventative medicine approach is as unique as your pet.

Surgery & Procedures

We offer a range of soft tissue surgeries from routine to more advanced.

Diagnostic Testing

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House Calls

We offer medical services in your home including in-home euthanasia.

Vet2Pet App

Download South Town Animal Hospital’s App by visiting Google Play or the App Store.

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