Clients are now welcome to enter the clinic unmasked if vaccinated for Covid-19. If unvaccinated we ask that wear a mask or request curbside upon arrival.
• If worn, masks must cover the mouth and nose and remain in place until you exit the clinic.
• If you would like curbside please request so upon booking or call on arrival.
• Please limit the number of people accompanying the patient to 2, unless for euthanasia.
• Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleanings, Acupuncture, and Rehab appointments will be asked to check-in and then return for pick-up at the completion of the appointment to avoid congestion in the lobby.

Please do NOT enter the clinic if any of the following applies to you:
• You are unvaccinated and not wearing a mask.
• You have any covid-19 symptoms or have been around anyone in the past 14 days who has experienced symptoms.
• You are immune-compromised or have concerns about your safety.

We appreciate your patience during these many changes to our safety protocols in order to keep our doctors, staff, and clients safe. We are trying to keep our lobby area from becoming a waiting area and ask in advance that you please wait outside or in your vehicle when possible.

We will still not be accepting cash at this time and will continue to process credit cards at the completion of your visit and email invoices. We ask that you please not approach the front desk when you are leaving, unless necessary, as to not cross with clients checking in.

If you are looking to refill a medication and your animal is up-to-date on an annual examination by one of our doctors, you are now asked to do so via the “Refill Request” tab on the home page and allow 48 hours to be processed and approved by a doctor.

If your appointment is for a feline, please make sure you have a proper carrier for them prior to entering the clinic. If you do not, we will provide one at charge to you. In addition – ALL DOGS MUST BE ON A LEASH PRIOR TO COMING IN. We see many dogs that are leash aggressive so ask that you be respectful to this rule.

The FDA is currently investigating a potential link between certain diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)- a certain type of heart failure that can be fatal. Symptoms generally do not develop until the disease is very severe and irreversible. They include exercise intolerance, coughing lethargy (acting tired), and respiratory distress.

“Grain-Free” diets, diets including peas/lentils or potatoes/sweet potatoes, and diets with exotic proteins are those that apparently carry the greatest risk. Both the Kirkland and Costco “Nature’s Domain” grain-free foods have been included in the report.

At this point, the exact cause of DCM in these dogs is still under investigation.

DCM is a very rare type of heart failure that was previously known to occur mostly in dogs genetically predisposed to it (ie Dobermans, Great Danes), but it is now being found by cardiologists in both dogs (especially Golden Retrievers) and cats without a genetic predisposition.

If you are concerned that your pet is at increased risk of DCM, especially if they are displaying any symptoms there are few things you can do:

• Schedule your pet for an appointment for an exam and nutrition consultation.
• Talk to your veterinarian about switching your dog’s food to a diet that meets the highest AAFCO feeding standards such as Royal Canin, Purina PRO Plan, Science Diet, and Iams
• Consider testing to make sure that your dog has no nutrient deficiencies or changes to their heart structure

For more information, please see the following websites:

www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy
vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2019/07/dcmupdate/