We have all seen "Lost or Stolen" posters or ads in the newspaper alerting the community that someone's pet is missing.

Over the last 10+ years the "Microchip" was introduced and has become very popular with pet owners.

The microchip is a grain of rice sized capsule like chip that is inserted under your pets skin, between their shoulder blades. The chip can be scanned by veterinarians, SPCA's, and most rescues and police departments. When scanned, the chip has a specific i.d. number and Co. information, that when properly registered can lead the scanning party via the manufacturer, to the owner.

Most pet owners rely on collars and i.d. tags. However these can be removed, ripped off, or damaged making it more difficult to find their owners. With a microchip in place you won't have to worry about whether or not they still have their collar and tags on.

Having a microchip for your pet does come with some other perks. If your pet is lost or stolen you can contact your microchip company to inform them, and they will send out emails and faxes to local vets, SPCA's, and rescues within a 25 mile radius. Dogs are also eligible for a "Lifetime Dog License" from within the county you live when they are microchipped.

A microchip can be placed at any time, but the best time is when your pet is under sedation for their neuter or spay surgery.

Contact us at Eagle Animal Hospital today. If your pet does not have a microchip, we can schedule that procedure and ease your fears of losing your pet. We serve Chester Springs, Downingtown, Exton, Glenmoore, and Phoenixville.

Written by Vicki Guy, veterinary technician

OK..... so no one likes to discuss this particular subject but it is an important one. When your dog or cat's hind end has a terrible odor like wet pennies or foul fish, that could be the sign of full anal glands. All dogs and cats have these glands on each side of the anus. They express themselves with each bowel movement but sometimes that is not the case. If the stools are too soft they will not put enough pressure on the glands for them to empty. The glands will then fill up and begin to form a toothpaste consistency and cause pressure to your cat or dog. At this time you may notice excessive licking, scooting or bothering at the hind end because your pet is trying to release that pressure. If the pet is over weight or simply can not reach their hind end area you may notice licking at the sides, belly, or hind legs.

Once these behaviors are noticed it is best to have the anal glands emptied by your veterinarian. This is a smelly and messy procedure! If no signs are given by your pet and the glands continue to fill they may become too full and abscess. This is painful and leaves an open infected wound on your pet's hind end. So to avoid this, please ask your veterinarian here at Eagle Animal Hospital to check your pet's anal glands or to discuss certain foods to feed to bulk up your pet's stool. This way the anal glands will empty on their own.

Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with any additional questions or concerns you may have. We serve Chester Springs, Exton, Downingtown, Glenmoore, and Phoenixville.

Written by Amy Poole, veterinary technician

We think of our dogs and cats as just another member of the family, so it's easy to forget that they can't eat everything we can. The truth is, some foods that we enjoy, can be seriously dangerous and sometimes even fatal to our furry friends. You may already know not to let your pets eat chocolate, but there are many more "people foods" that can be toxic to our cats and dogs. Here is a list of common foods that are harmful to our pets. Some might surprise you.

Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Voltaren (found in arthritis medicines) can be fatal due to kidney and liver failure.

Alcohol of all types affect animals the same way it can people, but it takes a fraction of that to have a damaging effect on them, causing intoxication, coma, and death.

Baking powder & soda are both leavening agents used in Yeast dough which can expand in your pet's stomach causing intense pain and stretching/rupturing of parts of the digestive system. The dough can ferment leading to alcohol poisoning. Also large amounts of baking powder or soda can lead to electrolyte imbalances, muscle spasms, and heart failure.

Bones from meat or fish especially cooked, can get caught or splinter causing lacerations to their digestive systems.

Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked good,and diet foods containing the sugar substitute Xylitol are very dangerous. Xylitol triggers an increase in insulin which causes hypoglycemia (the blood sugar drops dramatically). This can result in many issues including liver failure.

Chocolate, coffee, tea, and soda contain theobromine, caffeine or theophyline all which seriously affect the heart and central nervous system. The darker the chocolate is, the higher the amount of theobromine. Results are vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death.

Cat and dog foods are not toxic, but not interchangeable. Cat food is too high in protein and fat for dogs, and dog foods should not be given to cats because it can result in malnutrition and disease that affect the heart.

Citrus and essential oils of many different kinds can be highly toxic with results varying from gastrointestinal upsets to serious kidney, liver, and brain damage.

Fruit seeds and pits including apple seeds, persimmons, apricot, peach, pear, plum, nectarine, and cherry pits can contain cyanide which is highly toxic and affects the respiratory system (breathing, coughing, and sneezing). Pits can also get stuck, causing inflammation and obstruction.

Garbage, spoiled or moldy foods, and compost have bacteria which can cause different results including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures, hyperthermia, and hypothermia.

Grapes and raisins contain an unknown poison that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and serious damage to the kidneys.

Hops either fresh, dried, or cooked (used in brewing beer) contain an unknown toxin. Only a small amount ingested can result in hyperthermia, seizures, and death.

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that in very small amounts, cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia. Other nuts including walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hickory nuts, while not as dangerous, can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

Milk and dairy products can cause digestive upset. Believe it or not, many dogs and cats are lactose intolerant.

Mushrooms of certain species can cause varying issues including neurological disorders, liver disease, shock, and death.

Onions, chives, and related root vegetables raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated can cause gastrointestinal issues consumed in large amounts. They contain sulfoxides and disulfides which destroy red blood cells. High amounts of onions can lead to hemolytic anemia.

Raw eggs and meat can have salmonella and e. coli causing food poisoning. Also raw eggs contain avidin which inhibits the absorption of a vitamin leading to skin and coat issues.

Raw fish can result in a Vitamin B deficiency, and some could contain a parasite which can be fatal if not treated.

Rhubarb, potato, and tomato leaves and stems contain oxalates that can affect the digestive, urinary, and nervous systems.

Salt in high doses can lead to electrolyte imbalances and sodium ion poisoning.

Scraps from the table are not nutritionally balanced and should be less than 10% of your pet's diet. Fatty foods in excess can lead to pancreatitis.

Vitamins for humans have very different dosages than your pet is able to take. Supplements containing iron can damage the digestive system, liver, and kidneys.

It can be so hard when your pet gives you those "puppy dog" eyes to resist giving them bits of your food, but to be safe, you should always discuss it with you veterinarian.

If you're worried that your pet consumed any of these foods or is showing symptoms of poisoning, don't hesitate. Contact us immediately at Eagle Animal Hospital (610) 458-8789, Pet Poison Helpline 1(800) 213-6680, or the Animal Poison Control Center 1 (800) 426-4435.

Written by Kaelin Mast, veterinary receptionist at Eagle Animal Hospital. We serve Chester Springs, Exton, Glenmoore, Downingtown, and Phoenixville.

Pet Vaccinations: Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Here at Eagle Animal Hospital in Chester Springs, we are very proud to be the source of high quality veterinary care for your pet. Our animal vet clinic is here for your pet through all life stages, from puppy or kitten days to the geriatric years. One of the most important things you can do for your pet's total wellness is to stay on schedule with regular vaccinations. We recommend a course of vaccinations that is customized according to your pet's age and health.

Pet Wellness: How We Help

Chester Springs pet wellness is our focus, and we help your pet to achieve that with a pet wellness plan that includes the essential vaccinations. Prevention is the best medicine and is the best way to keep your pets healthy and happy. Typically, we will recommend pet vaccinations based on your pet's lifestyle, age, and living environment, but we have listed several common ones below as a general guide. 

For kittens, we recommend the FVRCP (Feline viral Rhinotracheitis) vaccine at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, the rabies vaccination at 12 weeks old, and for outdoor kittens we recommend the FELV (Feline Leukemia Virus) at 12 and 16 weeks of age. For cats, we offer FVRCP at one year of age, and every three years thereafter. We provide the rabies vaccination for cats at one year of age and then every two years thereafter. FELV should be given to outdoor cats once a year.

For puppies, we recommend the DAPP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parovirus, and Paroinfluenza) vaccinations at 12 weeks and 16 weeks of age, with rabies vaccine at 12 weeks as well. Lyme disease vaccines and K9 influenza should be done at 12 and 16 weeks, and Bordatella upon veterinarian recommendation. For grown dogs we offer DAPP at one year of age, then every three years after that. Leptospirosis should be done every year as both an individual vaccine and as part of the DAPP(L) every three years. The rabies vaccine should be given at one year of age, then every two years. The Bordatella vaccine should be administered every 6 months to a year (this varies dependent upon whether your pet boards with us or not), Lyme disease vaccine should be given once a year, and finally K-9 Influenza should be given each year.

Our Downingtown and Exton area pet parents know that our veterinary care is caring and compassionate: We truly treat your animal like one of ours, and we always will.

Do you have questions about pet wellness or specific vaccinations? Please ask here!