Alaskan Malamute

Nugget is a 2 year old spayed Alaskan Malamute (weighs about 75 pounds). He has tags and is microchipped, has all shots and very, very friendly. He is house trained and loves other dogs (especially small ones). The current owners are traveling too much to keep him.

The perfect home would have a large yard, kids (at least 5 years old), another dog, people who would love this hairy beast sleeping in house at night, someone home most the time and has experience with Northern breeds.

Please call (805) 305-0579 to meet him.

View Nugget Flyer

With plastic and paper grocery bags becoming more and more of a hotly discussed environmental issue, we want to do our part by offering our clients reusable bags.

If you are like me, the biggest thing I hate about reusable bags is keeping them handy!  The nice thing about these little guys is that they fit in your car door pocket (or purse) and easily clip together.  Check them out online:  http://www.chicobag.com/

The bags are only $7 each.  With each purchase, we will donate a portion of the proceeds to the H.E.L.P. fund.

Come by to get one today!

The commerical was shot locally in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo, and includes a cast of staff and client pets!  Special thanks to Cliff Nagler and the crew of Sun Media and Graphics.

This sweet face came to see us when he wasn’t feeling so well. Chance had been vomiting and unable to hold down any food or water for the previous 3 days. Although Chance was an older puppy (8 months old) and he had gotten his puppy shots, we always need to rule out parvovirus as a possible cause of vomiting since puppies are the most susceptible. Unfortunately, Chance tested positive for parvovirus.

Parvo is a virus found EVERYWHERE in the environment because it is extremely tough. Any dog is susceptible; however, puppies and unvaccinated dogs are at greatest risk of coming down with symptoms. This is why we recommend that ALL dogs under the age of 4 months stay isolated from public places.

Parvovirus infection usually causes vomiting, bloody diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and extreme dehydration. It is usually fatal if left untreated. However, about 80% of patients that are aggressively treated (this generally means in the hospital on IV fluids and medications for up to 5 or more days) will survive.

Chance’s case is especially eye-opening as he did NOT have any diarrhea and had had 2 parvo vaccines as a puppy. It is extremely important that all puppies (and kittens) receive the distemper/parvo vaccine (aka DHPP or FVRCP) starting at 6-8 weeks of age, and receive a booster vaccine every 3-4 weeks until they are A MINIMUM OF 16 WEEKS OF AGE. So even if your puppy has had 3 or 4 shots by the time he is 12 weeks old, the MOST important shot is the last one he gets. If the last shot was given at less than 16 weeks of age, then he is not fully vaccinated.

This is why at Pismo Beach Vet we do an examination and consult with the doctor every step of the way with a new pet or puppy/kitten, rather than just a vaccine clinic. Puppies grow quickly and things are constantly in a state of change so we feel this additional attention and time spent with the doctor is crucial.

You’ll be happy to know that Chance did great and is on his way to making a full recovery!

The last day of his hospitalization in the isolation ward.

Special thanks to TVC Construction, Testa Painting, Hays Electric, and RRM Design.  Come check it out today!

Hopefully only another two months to completion!

Just had to share this precious photo of Bronson. Bronson is our receptionist Annette’s precious companion. This is a typical scene at the clinic on the days Annette works, as viewed from our doctors’ office.

But since we’re on the subject of Bronson, maybe we’ll teach you all a little something while we’re at it:

Bronson was diagnosed with a partial cruciate rupture (similar to ACL tear in people) earlier this year. Radiographs also revealed advanced hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Hard day at work with Mom

Bronson was started on a regimen of weight loss, Dasequin (glucosamine/chondroitin supplements), Adequan injections (hyaluronic acid also for joints) and Carprofen  as needed (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and he’s responded very nicely and is back to running around. Mom notices a big difference in his mobility, especially if he’s overdue for his monthly injection. This is a very common regimen we use in animals with diagnosed or even those prone to joint issues and arthritis (tailored to the individual pets’ needs and response to treatment). Symptoms of arthritis may include, but are not limited to, stiffness or soreness in the back end, limping, failure to jump any longer, exercise intolerance, and loss of muscle in affected limbs. Ask us if you think your pet (dog or cat) may be suffering from arthritis or other joint issues.

The Central Coast Professionals Network is formed by professionals of the highest integrity, honesty and professionalism committed to developing relationships with other like-minded professionals with the intent of providing a higher level of service to their customers and clients. Their network is made up of business owners from San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties.

For more information, and to check out some of the other members of the Central Coast Professionals Network, go to www.ccprofnet.com