VCA Commonwealth Animal Hospital

Tomorrow September 28 is World Rabies Day, a global health observance started in 2007 to raise awareness about the world’s deadliest infectious disease and bring together partners to enhance prevention and control efforts worldwide.

World Rabies Day is an opportunity to reflect on how rabies impacts your community and other communities around the world. Rabies is still present in many parts of the United States, where it is mostly found in wildlife. Because of high vaccination levels in dogs and cats in the U.S., rabies in pets or other domesticated animals is relatively rare. However, rabies in dogs is common in many other countries. In fact, roughly a quarter of reported human rabies deaths among people in the United States result from dog bites they received during international travel. The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your pets is to keep dogs and cats up to date on their rabies vaccinations. You can also protect yourself and your family by travelling smartly, and avoiding contact with dogs and other animals that may have rabies when you travel outside the country. Find out the rabies status of any country you may be visiting using CDC’s interactive assessment site.

In the tri-state region, a current up-to-date Rabies vaccination is REQUIRED BY LAW for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. Check out the VCA App or give us a call today to be sure your pet is protected!

National Alzheimer’s Month is a good time to assess your senior pet’s cognitive health.

Like humans with Alzheimer’s, pets may also suffer from a decline in cognitive function as they age. Speak to your VCA veterinarian to learn how to work together to help slow down the progression of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).

Learn more: bit.ly/2LXRTm0

The last full week of September is National Dog Week, what exciting things do you have planned for your companion? 🐶

Hop, Hop, Hurray! It's International Rabbit Day! Share photos of yours below! 🐰

To learn more about rabbits, visit https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet =rabbit

Vaccines are important for pets of all ages and can help prevent serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and illnesses. Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines are recommended for your pet’s age and lifestyle.

With a CareClub® membership, all of your pet’s exam fees are covered!* Enroll now: https://bit.ly/3D12PK6

The "tail" 😼😹 behind Meow Like A Pirate Day ⛵⚓
https://nationaltoday.com/national-meow-like-pirate-day/ #:~:text=September%2019%20has%20been%20known,Meow%20Like%20a%20Pirate%20Day.

We encourage you to visit your local shelters this week and find the pet that needs you as much as you need them 💕

Thinking of getting a pet bird? Visit https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet =bird for helpful tips and information.

Did you know there are multiple treatment options for a pet’s arthritis, including weight loss, medicine and hydrotherapy?

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3AN9asq

September is National Service Dog Month, a time devoted to raising awareness and showing appreciation for the extraordinary work service dogs do every day for the people in their care. Cheers to these special heroes who dedicate their lives to help their human companions.

Do you have a pet with a birth defect? Share their story and photo below 💞

This week is National Su***de Prevention Week and in support of our colleagues here and all across the world we are posting resources and information in support of NOMV (Not One More Vet). Raising awareness and providing accessible support/resources is so important in our field. The following article helps put some of what we experience into perspective. It’s Not Just Burnout: “Moral Injury” And How It Affects Veterinary Professionals

It’s Not Just Burnout: “Moral Injury” and How it Affects Veterinary Professionals | Not One More Vet Moral injury can have profound and long-lasting consequences for veterinary professionals.

National Pet Memorial Day, observed every second Sunday in September, gives us another opportunity to honor our beloved pets who are no longer with us 🐾

Iguanas make fairly good pets for the right owner. Since they can live up to 15 years and can grow up to 6 feet, proper housing and space must be considered for the long term care. Learn more at https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet =iguana

Do you hire someone to walk your dogs? Don't forget to show them a little extra love today!

With record heat this September, remember your the summer-time heat saftey reminders for your fur-fam! Walkies and play time in the coolest parts of the day (morning and evening), access to fresh cool water, and if you are going to be out in the heat- consider swimming or running through the sprinkler to stay cool.

Know the signs of heat stroke or Hypothermia in dogs! >>> https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/heat-stroke-in-dogs

"Dogs suffering from heatstroke can have elevated breathing rates, dry or sticky gums, abnormal gum color, bruising in the gums, may appear lethargic or disoriented, and can have seizures."

🐾 🐶 ☀️

High five to all the responsible dog owners out there! We appreciate you!

Isn't this every month???

What species of wildlife is your favorite? Drop a GIF below!

Happy Labor Day!

We are closed today and will reopen tomorrow at our regular hours.

Who's got the best beard? Drop those pics below!

September 1st is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day, show your appreciation by sharing your photos 😻

Does your cat have Arthritis Pain? Let's talk about Solensia.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex condition involving inflammation and degeneration of one or more joints. It is sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD). Cats with OA experience pain and inflammation in various joints that interfere with daily activities.

What are the Clinical Signs of Arthritis?

Cats can exhibit many different signs when they have OA, and they do not necessarily demonstrate all the same signs all the time. The most common signs cat owners may notice include:
Difficulty getting up and down
Walking stiffly
Lameness in one or more legs
Reluctance to go up or down steps
Reluctance to jump up or down
Reluctance to play
Stiff, swollen, or sore joints
Reluctance to be touched on some parts of the body
Unexpected aggression toward other cats or humans
Hiding more than usual
House soiling (if a cat has difficulty getting in and out of the litter box)
Poor coat condition (because self-grooming becomes difficult)

How is Arthritis Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet for treating OA. Once OA is in place, the goal is to manage rather than treat it because OA cannot be cured. OA is a very complex disease, so managing it is complex because the best results come from combining multiple modalities.

Solensia is an option to manage pain.
Solensia is the once-monthly monoclonal antibody therapy, for the control of feline osteoarthritis (OA) pain, administered by a veterinarian. 77% of cat owners reported improvement in signs of pain when their cats were treated monthly with Solensia in a 3-month study. Controls the pain of OA in cats, helping to improve their mobility, comfort and well-being.

There is support for you and your feline in managing Arthritis pain and we are here to help you. Give us a call today to talk to one of our Doctors about Solensia.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Vaccines are important for pets of all ages and can help prevent serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and illnesses. Your veterinarian can help determine which vaccines are recommended for your pet’s age and lifestyle.

Who are you remembering today? 🐾💞

You got it...share photos of your pets in their bow ties!

Share a picture of your pet below!

Today we celebrate blind dogs and all the amazing things they can still do!

Do you have a blind dog? What awe inspiring thing were you surprised to see them do?

Our hearts are with the pets and people of Maui.

A big 🫶 to the Hawaii based VCA veterinarians currently in Maui working alongside our incredible partners at Maui Humane Society. Teams are busy making triage kits to support pets and pet-owning families across the island.

Throughout the month of August, 100% of donations made to VCA Charities within any VCA Hospital will support our Disaster Relief Grants including our efforts in Maui. And 100% of donation made at the six Oahu VCA Hospitals will exclusively support relief efforts in Maui.

Thank you to everyone currently supporting this important work!

Additional ways to Donate:

- Donate at any VCA Animal Hospital
- Donate to VCA Charities directly by visiting vcacharities.org/donations
- Donate via text, by texting “GIVE” to 213-325-1919

Today is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day!
Today reminds us how much we love our friendly, furry, kitty companions.
In fact, we love them even if they’re not that furry — or friendly, for that matter! And since we’re responsible for their health and wellbeing let's be sure they are getting their annual and semi-annual check-ups!

With a CareClub® membership, all of your pet’s skin health exam fees are covered!* Enroll now: https://bit.ly/3D12PK6

While enjoying warm weather, it is important to know the signs of heatstroke in your dog. Be on the lookout and proceed to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect heatstroke in your dog!

Because why not?

Do you have pets of different species who adore each other? We'd love to see them!

Our hearts are with the pets and people of Maui.

THANK YOU to the Hawaii based VCA veterinarians currently in Maui working alongside our incredible partners at Maui Humane Society. Teams are busy making triage kits to support pets and pet-owning families across the island.

Throughout the month of August, 100% of donations made to VCA Charities within any VCA Hospital will support our Disaster Relief Grants including our efforts in Maui. And 100% of donation made at the six Oahu VCA Hospitals will exclusively support relief efforts in Maui.

Thank you to everyone currently supporting this important work!

Additional ways to Donate:

- Donate at any VCA Animal Hospital
- Donate to VCA Charities directly by visiting vcacharities.org/donations
- Donate via text, by texting “GIVE” to 213-325-1919

Go on, tell us a joke!