Attention Clients and Neighbors –

Princeton Animal Hospital has received notice that another feline in the area has tested positive for the Rabies virus. This is the second feline rabies case submitted by Princeton Animal hospital in the last 6 months and we felt an urgency to alert the public to the findings immediately.

Rabies is a virus affecting mammalians and is one of a few known, 100% fatal diseases. The most common causes of infection are from bite wounds from an infected animal. Bats, raccoons, and possums, groundhogs, and fox are the most common carriers, although domesticated animals have been known to do the same. 

Typically, an animal with an active infection will begin to experience neurologic symptoms including but not limited to, wobbly stance or movement, circling, being active outside of the normal known activity times (raccoons out during the day), extreme friendliness or aggression, foaming at the mouth, extremely vocal, loss of fear to people or industry, to name a few. If you suspect that you may see an animal with possible rabies symptoms, call your local animal control office immediately. (Usually can call the police non-emergency line) The most dangerous aspect of this disease is the zoonotic transfer, which means it can pass from species to species without restriction. (Raccoon to human, dog, cat, etc…) 

The best way to practices to protect your pet and family are to do the following. First are foremost, have all pets in your family vaccinated or be up to date on the rabies vaccine. This vaccine is 99.999% effective and significantly reduces the chance of a pet becoming infected. The second major step is to monitor your pet’s outdoor activity. Pets most often interact with other wildlife when they are unsupervised. The combination of vaccination and diligent supervision of your pet should ensure that your pet’s exposure potential is minimal. The third is to report any concerning animals to the local authorities. 

This case came from the East Windsor area and the township has added an alert to their website and bulletin email. 

If your pet is past due for his/her rabies vaccine, please update your pets vaccination protection ASAP. Prevention is the best protection.

One Happy Dog

This kooky canine is jumping for joy! What does your pet jump for?

Cat Steals Dog Bed

2011 Most Popular Pet Names

Most popular feline names for females
1. Bella
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Sophie
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Gracie
8. Princess
9. Sasha
10. Cleo
Most popular feline names for males
1. Max
2. Oliver
3.Tiger
4. Charlie
5. Simba
6. Buddy
7. Smokey
8. Tigger
9. Jack
10. Sammy
Most popular canine names for females
1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Molly
4. Daisy
5. Maggie
6. Sophie
7. Chloe
8. Sadie
9. Lola
10. Bailey
Most Popular canine names for males
1. Max
2. Buddy
3. Charlie
4. Rocky
5. Bailey
6. Jake
7. Cooper
8. Jack
9. Toby
10. Cody
VPI's compete list of popular pet names for 2011 will be released in early January, 2012.

National Pet Travel Safety Day

Today is National Pet Travel Safety Day! The mission of this day is to save lives by creating awareness of the vital need for pet safety in all areas of travel. Did you and your pet travel over the holidays and if so, what tips might you have for others?

 

Princeton Animal Hospital and Carnegie Cat Clinic Receives the 2011 Talk of the Town Award

Princeton, NJ (December 16, 2011): Princeton Animal Hospital and Carnegie Cat Clinic has been named a recipient of the 2011 Customer Satisfaction Award for Excellence in Customer Care, presented by Talk of the Town News, Customer Care News and Celebration Media.

The award honors companies and professionals that provide excellent customer service, as reported by their customers through no-cost, user review websites. The reviews are analyzed by a team of researchers who calculate a star rating system based on these data, which determines a business’ award eligibility.

To determine 2011 award recipients, Celebration Media’s dedicated team of researchers spent more than 6,000 hours analyzing data from multiple websites that detailed customer’s experiences at organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Among the types of organizations and professionals eligible to receive these awards are hospitals, dentists, accountants, physical therapists, veterinarians, optometrists, insurance, chiropractors, lawyers, financial planners, restaurants, bakeries, event centers, home improvement companies, florists, spas, salons and mortgage companies, in addition to several other categories.

This is the third year Celebration Media, Talk of the Town and Customer Care News have honored companies with its Customer Satisfaction Award for Excellence in Customer Care.

For more information about the award or its sponsors, please contact CMUS and Talk of the Town News at 877-498-6405.

Pets as Presents?

You think you have found the perfect gift: a new puppy in a big red bow for someone you love. Surprise! Think again. Sure, it's the thought that counts, but there are several reasons to avoid giving a new puppy or dog as a present. Bottom line, it's usually not an ideal situation for the dog, nor the new owner.

Dogs as Gifts for Adults

First of all, can you really be sure that this person even wants a new dog? If so, is the receiver actually ready for a dog? If you know this person is a dog lover, but does not already have a dog, there's probably a good reason why. If he or she already owns a dog, perhaps it's not the appropriate time to add another dog to the family. Talk to this person about dog ownership. Maybe you can go as moral support when the time comes to choose a dog. Either way, it's safest to stick with gifts of the non-living and breathing variety.

Dogs as Gifts for Children

The gift of a new dog or puppy is something many kids dream about. Unfortunately, most of these little ones do not realize that with dog ownership comes responsibility. Soon enough, the care of the dog can fall into the hands of mom or dad. If you are not the child's parent, then you really have no place giving that child a new dog unless the parent(s) are on board. If you are a parent of the child, then getting a dog is a family decision. Have a discussion with your child about the responsibilities involved. Examine your household situation so you can choose the right dog for your family.

If a New Dog is Right

If the receiver of the gift is actually in a position to welcome a new dog into the home, there are still some important things to consider. Dogs given as gifts on birthdays and holidays can get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the events. Sadly, they may be soon forgotten like new toys and games - particularly where kids are concerned. If someone you care about is interested in getting a dog, give a book about dog ownership or a dog accessory as a gift. Discuss plans to go and pick out that new dog or puppy. If the future owner of the dog is part of the decision process, it will be in everyone's favor. It's the best way to start dog and owner off on the right foot.