We are proud to announce we offer the Wisdom Panel MX Mix Breed Analysis!  This blood test can identify over 130 AKC recognized breeds that may be present in your mix breed dog.  Your results will include pictures of the most common physical traits and written snippets covering the most common personality traits about the purebred dogs which comprise your beloved mix breed!  Schedule an appointment to find out what is in your mix breed dog today!  To learn more about Wisdom Panel, you can visit their website at www.wisdompanel.com.

 

OCVH is pleased to welcome Dr. Zach Weiner as our newest associate veterinarian.  Dr. Weiner graduated from Tufts University Veterinary School in 2006 after earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 2002.  After graduation, he performed a rotating clinical internship in West Hartford at The Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut. 

He grew up in northern Massachusetts and spent most of his life in New England prior to his move to the lovely New Jersey shore.  He has strong interests in animal behavior, reinforcing the human-animal bond, and internal medicine.  Dr. Weiner is a current member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). 

Outside of veterinary medicine, he likes to hike, job, ski, read and spend time with his girlfriend, family, friends and pets.  He is also an avid baseball and football fan.  Dr. Weiner has a basenji mix named Frisby, and two cats, Jamerson and Nemo.

We are very happy to have Dr. Weiner as a member of our family, helping us care for the pets you love!

 

 

Now there's a new vaccine to help fight the destruction caused by canine periodontitis.  The Porphyromonas vaccine aids in the prevention by a reduction in bone changes. Periodontitis, the most common bacterial infection in dogs, can lead to long-term effects such as tooth loss if left untreated. When used as part of a complete dental care program, youc an be confident knowing you are providing the best care for your dog. read more ...

We continue to monitor the pet food recall with the same concern that you are feeling - we're all pet owners, too!  There are many reports and rumors circulating that are not based on fact.  Please be assured that we are in constant contact with our vendors and industry experts to make sure we have all the facts needed to ensure that your pets are safe.

On Friday, March 30, Hill's Prescription Diets issued a voluntary recall of one type of food - m/d Feline Dry food (the canned version of m/d Feline is not included).  This particular food included wheat gluten from the same supplier the Menu Foods products used.  This recall does not involve any other Prescription Diet or Science Diet products, nor have we seen any cases here at OCVH or FVH of animals adversely affected by m/d Feline Dry.

If you purchased Hill's Prescription m/d Feline Dry from us, please return it at your earliest convenience.  We will issue a full refund and suggest appropriate substitute foods.

 

Did you know one mosquito bite can infect your cat with heartworm, a potentially destructive and insidious disease?  The American Heartworm Society (AHS) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are teaming up to get this urgent message out to cat owners through the KNOW Heartworms campaign.  The campaign messages center on the five myths and misunderstandings about feline heartworm.

To learn more, please visit www.knowheartworms.org.

 

We understand your pet is a treasured member of your family and that the pet food recall announced March 16 is cause for concern. We would like to assure you that we are doing all that we can to make sure we have all of the latest information available to help determine if your pet is at risk and what you should look for.

First, please understand that this is a very large recall involving many different brands of foods for both dogs and cats, but all of the foods affected are the “cuts and gravy” types sold in cans and small food pouches.  The exact cause of the problem is not yet known, but research is actively being conducted and the pet food manufacturers expect more information in the coming days.

 Lists of the recalled pet foods can be found at:  

• www.menufoods.com/recall or call 1(866)463-6738
• www.iams.com  1(800)882-1591
• www.hillspet.com  1(800)445-5777

If you have been feeding your pet any of the recalled foods, you should discontinue feeding them immediately.   If your pet is showing any unusual symptoms, such as lethargy, a decreased appetite, vomiting, increased thirst and/or urination, please call us at your earliest convenience so that we can examine your pet.  We can perform blood tests that check your pet’s kidney function and provide appropriate medical care, if needed.

We will continue to learn as much as we can about the recall and will provide updates here on our website as often as needed.

 

We have many great gift ideas for the pets in your family.  Be sure and check out our selection of toys and treats while you’re here.   Edible treats, dog and cat toys and more are sure to please your special companion.

For your human friends and neighbors, a gift certificate redeemable at either location will be  a perfect fit.  Any one of our Client Service Representatives will be happy to help you take home a gift certificate today.

You can also give to needy pets by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Ocean Pet Caring Foundation.   With a $10 donation, you can choose from a wonderful, large tote bag, a stylish and fun pet-themed keychain or an adorable pet collar jewelry tag as a thank you for your thoughtfulness.

 

OCVH has given pet owners and their companions extra TLC for over 50 years.  We truly appreciate your business as well as sharing your positive experience with a friend by referring them to us.

For your referral, you will receive a $10.00 gift certificate that you can use toward your next purchase of retail products at our hospital.  You will receive your coupon in the mail within 30 days of the referral.  To ensure your savings, your referral must mention your name on their first visit.