Pet health tops holiday wish list
Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital & Pet Salon is celebrating its first holiday season at its new location at 241 Perry Highway in Harmony.
The clinic, located just off Interstate 79’s Route 19 exit, is offering seasonal pet-care tips, routine services and a holiday-themed event designed especially for the four-legged members of the family.
“We’re offering free pet photos with Santa to the community from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12,” said office manager Tawnya Roman. “All we ask is that pet owners bring a donation — dog or cat food, a toy or another item that we can donate to local animal rescues.”
Families new to the practice will find a full range of medical services for dogs and cats, including wellness and sick visits, vaccinations, general surgery, dental care and an in-house laboratory for blood work.
Dr. Brian Silvis, medical director, is devoted to specialized care, including chemotherapy and canine rehabilitation.
Roman noted chemotherapy for pets can be expensive and difficult for families to afford, but said Silvis works to make treatment more affordable.
“He administers chemotherapy at a lower cost than many specialty centers,” Roman said. “When cancers like lymphoma are caught early, many pets can go into remission rather than be euthanized simply because treatment isn’t affordable.”
The clinic also features a dedicated canine rehabilitation department equipped with an underwater treadmill; a large fitness and rehab area; and laser and shock wave therapy, a non-invasive veterinary treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to reduce pain, stimulate healing and improve mobility in conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon injuries and back pain.
An orthopedic surgeon is available regularly to treat leg injuries such as ACL tears and to manage joint issues in senior pets.
Roman said gift certificates for veterinary or grooming services make great gifts, including natural teeth cleaning, bathing, grooming, nail trimming, and flea and tick prevention.
“A lot of people don’t think their pets need protection in the winter, but they definitely do,” Roman said.
She also suggested enrichment toys; dental toys, such as OraVet chews; and interactive toys that hide treats to help to alleviate boredom when left alone, as good stocking stuffers.
However, she also noted some holiday hazards to avoid:
■ Keep poisonous plants, such as poinsettias and lilies, out of reach.
■ Prevent cats from playing with tinsel and ribbon, which can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
■ Avoid giving table scraps, especially fatty meats such as ham, which can trigger pancreatitis in pets.
■ Watch placement of electric cords, since cats sometimes chew on them.
If a pet may have ingested something harmful, owners should call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
