Have You Heard About The Benefits of Laser Therapy?
We at El Centro are pleased to offer this exciting benefit for your pet!
With Laser Therapy you pet can be treated for the painful conditions without surgery or sedation.
- Arthritis
- Acute & Chronic Pain
- Back Injuries
- Sprains and Strains
- Inflammation & Edema
- Wound Healing
Studies on Laser Therapy have shown that it is equal or more effective then other forms of physical therapy. Your pet will not feel any discomfort during treatments and very often the use of pain medications can be reduced or eliminated all together. Most pets feel better within 12 to 24 hours of treatment. Laser Therapy treatments are available individually or in packages of five where you get a sixth treatment free. Call the clinic and speak with Tammy to schedule an appointment.
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January 2010
Your source for promotions, sales, and the latest pet health news!
Did You Know...
Hill's Science Diet makes a dry food that aids in taking care of your cat or dog's teeth. T/D kibbles are large and don't shatter when bit ensuring longer chewing action which helps remove plaque and tartar.
$5.00 off PhyCox in January!
PhyCox 120 count soft chews have returned to El Centro. These chews are a daily joint supplement to help reduce inflammation and discomfort due to normal daily activity. If you're interested in giving PhyCox a try, sample bottles are available and we would be glad to explain the benefits of this product.
February Is Dental Month! 15% All Dental Procedures
Most of us understand that daily attention to our own teeth and gums along with regular visits to the dentist are an important part of staying healthy. Pets need dental care too!
By the age of 2 years 70% of cats and 80% of dogs are already showing signs of dental disease. Problems start usually with a sticky buildup of plaque on teeth that hardens into tartar. If the buildup is not removed it can lead to gingivitis, a painful condition of inflamed gums. Eventually periodontal disease may develop and your pets are at risk of loosing teeth as well as being prone to infections that can affect other organs in their bodies. Pockets of infection can form around the roots of your pet's teeth making them very uncomfortable and sick.
Dental disease is more common in older pets, small breeds of dogs who are already genetically prone to overcrowded or misaligned teeth and pets that eat soft and sticky foods.
Common signs your pet may be having oral health problems:
- Tooth Loss
- Dribbling & Drooling
- Bad Breath
- Sore or Painful Mouth
- Discolored Teeth
- Brown or Yellow Tartar
- Bleeding Gums
- Difficulty Eating
- Loose Teeth
- Pawing At The Mouth
Call El Centro to schedule a dental cleaning for your pet or a visit with one of our doctors to discuss the long-term benefits of preventative dental care.
The discount is 15% off the cost of the dental cleaning itself and will not be applied on top of other discounts.
Congratulations To Our Stocking Winners!
Cats: Lucky Battle and Bonnie Murdoch
Dogs: Luke Swanson and Harley Chafey
A big thank you to the Boyer family who donated their winning stocking to another kitty friend in memory of their beloved cat Lex.
See Pictures With Santa on Facebook!
Pictures with Santa were a huge success!
Many pets and their families came in to take pictures, eat cookies and make new friends. Many thanks to all who participated and those who donated to our Good Samaritan fund at El Centro.
Check out the pictures on Facebook.com
Become a fan of El Centro!
Prescription Refills
We have a large pharmacy at El Centro for refilling your pet's medications. Many pets are on specially mixed and ordered prescriptions that we do not carry in house as well. To ensure your pet does not go a day without their medications and we can make sure to have what you need in stock, please call a week ahead of time for prescription refills. This allows time for medications to come in from our supply companies and pharmacy if it is not something we keep stocked in house. In many cases your medications are ready in the same day but we inform you of when they are expected to be shipped in and call when they are ready for pick up otherwise.
Killeen Updates Animal Control Ordinances
The city of Killeen published an update to the current animal control ordinances in last month's city newsletter.
Please take note of these changes to help keep your pets safe, happy and abiding by our city's laws.
Tethering - It is prohibited to permanently tether or tie up an animal. Short periods of time are allowed for exercise if the animal is accompanied by the owner or another responsible adult. An alternative form of restrain must be provided such as a fence or cage.
Breeding - Any person breeding an animal is required to obtain a city license for each litter. Licenses are limited to one per animal per year. These licenses can be obtained from the Killeen City Hall or Killeen Animal Shelter.
Annual Registration - Residents of Killeen must register all pets with the city and each pet must be vaccinated for rabies each year. Local registrations can be picked up at the Killeen City Hall, Killeen Animal Shelter and we also carry them here at El Centro Pet Medical.
Claiming A Lost Pet - The first time an owner reclaims a pet from the shelter they are required to show proof the animal is microchipped for future identifications. The second time an owner reclaims their animal they will have to provide proof that their animal is sterilized.
Dangerous Animals - The city of Killeen defines a dangerous animal as one that attacks, bites, or approaches a person or another animal in an aggressive manner in a place other then it's own enclosure, or an animal that is certified as dangerous by a veterinarian. This definition does not mean that an animal actually has to bite someone to be considered dangerous. An animal labeled as dangerous kept within city limits must be registered with Animal Control as a dangerous animal yearly, it must be restrained within a double enclosure at all times, be microchipped, be identified with a dangerous animal tag and be sterilized. The owner of a dangerous animal must also have at least $100,000 in liability insurance.
Consequences... As stated by the city of Killeen, "Violating the animal control ordinance is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2000."
Call your local Animal Control department for Ordinances outside the Killeen city limits.
The Rabies Debate
There has been debate though out the state as to whether or not local towns will still require a rabies vaccine every year or every three years like many other counties in Texas.
As of right now: Killeen still requires rabies vaccines every year!
If this information or the laws change in any way we will be sure to let you know. Your local Animal Control department can provide information on the vaccine regulations for other towns.
The Doctors and Staff at El Centro Pet Medical, wish your family a happy, healthy new year!
December 2009
Your source for promotions, sales, and the latest pet health news!
Did You Know...
Every patient that has a dental cleaning goes home with a gift bag of dental supplies valued at $50.00 Your pet will receive a sample bag of CET rawhide chews, a pet toothbrush, sample toothpaste and a bottle of Aquadent water additive.
10% Off All Omega-3 Products in December!
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are key in helping your pet's coat and skin look their best year round! Try AllerG-3 Capsules, available in Small, Medium and Large 2 month supplies. Or try liquid EicosaDerm pump to squirt the supplement straight on your pet's food. No capsules to break or pills to force-feed! EicosaDerm pump is available in 8 ounce (1 month) or 32 ounce (4 month) sizes.
Health Warning: Canine Influenza (H3N8) and Canine Bordetella
H3N8 is a new highly contagious strain of the canine flu virus. Reports say every dog exposed to the virus will become infected unless they have been previously treated. Only 80% of dogs show symptoms, which include a moist or dry cough, low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy and loss of appetite. Pneumonia, high fevers and in rare cases death result from complications of the virus. This is a different disease then Canine Bordetella (Kennel Cough).
It is recommended that dogs who are publicly in contact with other dogs (boarded, groomed, attend doggy daycare, frequent parks), receive the H3N8 vaccine as well as Bordetella. Both viruses are spread by direct contact, coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces such as hands and clothing. Symptoms are very similar and often confused with Canine Bordetella. Only you and your veterinarian can choose the right course of treatment for either virus.
H3N8 is a two vaccine series with the second injection given 3 weeks after the first, followed by annual boosters. Canine Bordetella is an annual vaccine either in nasal or injectable form. Both vaccines do not prevent the viruses, but will drastically reduce the severity of the symptoms and the length of time the dog is sick. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment to vaccinate your pet.
Win A Stocking Full of Goodies!
In the month of December every office visit or purchase of a product enters you in our Christmas contest. One dog and one cat stocking will be awarded when Santa himself picks the winners on December 19th at 2pm.
Santa is coming to El Centro!
Saturday, December 19th come join us for hot cocoa and cookies from 1pm - 3pm. Bring you pets and have their pictures taken with Santa for free! A copy of each photograph will be available within minutes for you and your family. Donations to our clinic's needy animal fund, Second Chance and bedding for our kennels are always appreciated.
We will be closed for normal clinic services at this time.
Holiday Hazards!
Harmful Foods include:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Onions
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Macadamia Nuts
- Avocados
- All Alcoholic Beverages
- Salt
- Fatty Food
- Candy & Gum
- Tea Leaves
- Moldy or Spoiled Food
- Raw Yeast Dough
- Any Poultry, Fish or Small Animal Bones
1. Holiday plants such as Christmas Roses, Poinsettias, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe are poisonous to all pets.
2. Packing Styrofoam, Tinsel, and Ribbons pose a choking hazard.
3. Decoration hooks and ornaments can cause a blockage or gastrointestinal trauma if swallowed.
4. Christmas Tree and potted plant water sometimes contain preservatives that can upset your pet's stomach.
5. Beware your pet's curiosity around cooking food, hot containers, ovens and stoves. They can get burned.
Keep an eye on your pets & beware the dangers to ensure everyone has a happy, healthy holiday season.
The Freshest Food For Your Pet
At El Centro we carry a variety of Science Diet foods both prescription and non-prescription. You'll never see food bags piled on our shelves. We aim to provide exactly what you want as fresh as possible. Food orders are made weekly on Wednesday and delivered the next day, Thursday. Everyone who orders food is called when their bags come in. Our prices are up to 8% lower then local stores and you have the promise that your food came directly from Science Diet to you. We also honor a money back guarantee. If you aren't happy with you're food we'll take it back and Science Diet will reimburse the cost.
PhyCox Returns!
PhyCox JS soft chews are returning to El Centro under the name PhyCox. These soft chews are a joint supplement formula to help reduce inflammation and discomfort due to normal daily activity. Each chew contains Phycocyanin, a natural Cox-2 inhibitor and antioxidant as well as glucosamine, MSM, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids and other antioxidants. They still are available for sale in 120 count tubs.
Have You Heard About The Benefits of Laser Therapy?
We at El Centro are pleased to offer this exciting benefit for your pet!
With Laser Therapy you pet can be treated for the painful conditions without surgery or sedation.
- Arthritis
- Acute & Chronic Pain
- Back Injuries
- Sprains and Strains
- Inflammation & Edema
- Wound Healing
Studies on Laser Therapy have shown that it is equal or more effective then other forms of physical therapy. Your pet will not feel any discomfort during treatments and very often the use of pain medications can be reduced or eliminated all together. Most pets feel better within 12 to 24 hours of treatment. Laser Therapy treatments are available individually or in packages of five where you get a sixth treatment free. Call the clinic and speak with Tammy to schedule an appointment.
Traveling With Pets
When traveling with your pets by plane it is required to have an interstate health certificate. A physical exam and up to date vaccine records are all that is required to obtain one. Keep in mind that a health certificate is only good for 10 days after the exam so try to plan accordingly.
We also have acclimation forms and the requirements for moving a pet over seas to different countries. Planning ahead for global travel with your pets is a must so please call so that we can get you headed on the right track long before your trip starts.
The Doctors and Staff at El Centro Pet Medical, wish your family a happy, healthy new year!