Posts by Wendy Welch

Puppy Preschool

February 11, 2018 | Comments Off

The number one most important thing for puppies is that they are socialized to as many things, places and people as possible. Once puppies reach a certain age—around 4 to 6 months—their ability to easily accept new experiences begins to wane. For this reason, we promote early and positive socialization and strive to give owners the tools to help their puppy grow into happy and well adjusted adult dogs. In puppy class, we go over the best ways to meet your puppies basic needs in a way that makes everyone happy. This class teaches how to provide outlets for normal
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Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats (Cat colds!)

February 10, 2018 | Comments Off

[print-me] Upper Respiratory Infections in cats are caused by a complex of viruses, just like the common cold in people. These airborne infections are only contagious between cats and kittens. Signs include sneezing, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, lack of appetite, fever and lethargy. Antibiotics are prescribed only when there is a secondary bacterial infection, as there is no treatment for the viral part. Some cats and kittens will stop eating when they are congested so feed fishy foods such as Fancy Feast or 9-Lives. Good nutrition is a key part of fighting the URI. If you cat refuses
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Kennel Cough (Dog colds!)

February 10, 2018 | Comments Off

[print-me] Kennel cough is a highly contagious yet common canine disease caused by a complex of viruses and the bacteria known as Bordetella. Kennel cough is irritating to dogs and to owners but it is not fatal nor is it contagious among animals other than dogs. Dogs that have been boarded, groomed, or have spent time at a shelter or a Humane Society may contract this annoying disease. Newly adopted dogs and puppies are very likely to catch it. Symptoms The main symptom is a dry, hacking cough followed by a gag. The cough sounds like your dog is trying
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Jason Speidel, DVM

February 10, 2018 | Comments Off

Outpatient Veterinarian Companion Animals – Ohio State University Dr. Jason Speidel was born and raised in Ohio and attended the University of Dayton where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. Following this, he spent time working for the United States Senate before turning his eyes toward a career in veterinary medicine. In 2010, he earned his DVM from Ohio State University. While still a proud Buckeye alumnus, he hasn’t looked back since relocating to the Irish Hills area of Michigan, and has come to enjoy the ribbing received from both his Wolverine and Spartan friends. When not in
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Julie A. Spencer, DVM

February 10, 2018 | Comments Off

Foster Clinic Veterinarian Companion Animals – Michigan State University Dr. Julie Spencer completed her undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. She practiced at several veterinary clinics in Ann Arbor for 12 years prior to joining HSHV 7 years ago. Her main job at HSHV is working as the Foster veterinarian. She enjoys golfing, attending UM softball and women’s basketball games, and gardening. She and her partner own 5 cats – 3 brothers (Pete, Ron, and Harry) and 2 cats who started as kittens they fostered (Montana and Sable).
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Facts about Fleas

February 10, 2018 | Comments Off

[print-me] Fleas are one of the most common external parasites of dogs and cats worldwide. They are more than just a nuisance; heavy flea burdens can be deadly, especially in smaller, younger, or weaker animals. Fleas are also responsible for dermatitis caused by an allergic reaction to the presence of fleas and flea bites known as flea allergy dermatitis, or FAD, which has been reported to account for over 50% of all dermatological cases reported to veterinarians. Other conditions brought on by fleas include anemia from blood loss, feline infectious anemia (a life-threatening blood parasite carried by fleas), cat scratch
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