Pet Services

The costs of veterinary visits can be kept to a minimum through regular visits and regular dental exams.  Veterinarians know that a supervised dental scaling/cleaning is required at least once per year to prevent health problems.  Many veterinarians are leaning toward dental cleanings every six months, just as in human dentistry.

Here are a few pointers to keep your pet’s teeth healthy as well as minimize the offensive breath:

Approximately 1.8 million dogs are surrendered to shelters every year by their owners, according to the ASPCA. A high percentage of these surrenders can be linked to untreated behavior problems. A well-behaved pet is always more adoptable. By providing basic training to shelter animals, Animal Behavior College’s (ABC) dog trainer students are actively reducing the number of “death-row dogs” in the United States and Canada.

We believe pets are an integral part of our families and deserve as much attention as our own children at times. At Doggy Duty US, we treat your pets as if they were our own. That is why all of our premiere professional pet services are always carried out with the most love and care possible while still meeting the highest standards of safety and security for your pets and property.

Pet owners are more aware of toxic substances which pets might be exposed to around the house/yard - which may account for more cases being seen.  It is not unusual to see a case of some dog or puppy who ingested chocolate, sometimes including the wrappers.  The active substance in chocolate is similar to caffeine, and therefore, primarily affects the heart.  For this reason, it is important to bring your pet in to your veterinarian to induce vomiting and prevent any problems.  This should be done ASAP.

At Copper Hill Animal Clinic we see exotic pets every day.  Reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians all have very particular needs. The most common illnesses we see in these interesting pets are almost always related to errors in husbandry. The best place to ask questions about your exotic pets’ husbandry is at your neighborhood veterinarian!  The following covers some quick points in caring for your exotics.

Bi-Annual Exams and Lab Testing
These examinations and lab testing will aid in the prevention of Diabetes, Liver or Kidney Disease, Heart Disease, Bladder Infections and will test other important blood values and organ functions. Annual fecal and heartworm tests are must, especially here in the Santa Clarita Valley. A fecal exam will test for mostly all intestinal parasites that may be lurking underneath the surface.

Any sort of travel with your pet can be fun but also stressful, not only for you but for your pet.  Here are some tips to make preparations and travel time easier for all involved.
First of all, it is recommended to have your pet get a full check-up with their veterinarian prior to travel to make sure they are healthy enough for travel and to address any concerns you may have. 

Why do cats vomit hairballs? Is it normal? Actually, for most cats, it’s not. What is normal, is for cats to groom themselves and swallow some loose hair in the process. That hair then travels down the gastrointestinal tract, finally leaving your cat’s body encased in stool. While a hairball might rarely occur in a normal longhaired cat who is shedding a heavy winter coat, vomiting hairballs regularly usually indicates a gastrointestinal disorder.

For many parrots, playtime outside of the cage is the highlight of the day.  Time spent out of the cage is an important part of their routine, and among other benefits it provides mental stimulation, quality time and bonding with the family, and exercise. Whether flying or climbing, our feathered companions are experts at getting around their environment and into trouble.  The following are some very common, avoidable household hazards that can cause injury or are toxic to your parrot (small or large).  

The Brittany Foundation, a non-profit humane organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless dogs, has several dogs for adoption. Here are several of our favorite dogs looking for a home.

Amy, an adorable Bichon Frise and Poodle mix, was found as a stray in a not very nice area.  She was almost hit by a car and rescued by a Good Samaritan. Amy came to us and immediately charmed her way into everyone’s heart.

If you’re among those who love animals and have always dreamed of having a career where you can work with them on a daily basis, you should think about becoming a certified dog trainer. Animal Behavior College’s (ABC) Dog Trainer In-Classroom Program can help realize your dreams in a little more than five months. The program is designed for students who prefer a one-on-one learning environment and is held at ABC’s headquarters in Mann Biomedical Park in Valencia.

This is a question veterinarians get asked very often.  Many people believe that since their cats never go outside and they are otherwise “healthy” that they do not need to be vaccinated.  If a cat is truly an indoor only cat, then there are two vaccines that are still recommended to be given: FVRCP and Rabies.  The big question then is why?  The answer is simply, that the diseases that these vaccines prevent are very serious, if not fatal, if contracted.  The vaccinations we have are very effective in preventing them as well.

This is a question veterinarians get asked very often.  Many people believe that since their cats never go outside and they are otherwise “healthy” that they do not need to be vaccinated.  If a cat is truly an indoor only cat, then there are two vaccines that are still recommended to be given: FVRCP and Rabies.  The big question then is why?  The answer is simply, that the diseases that these vaccines prevent are very serious, if not fatal, if contracted.  The vaccinations we have are very effective in preventing them as well.

In spite of their reputation as desert animals, cats do not tolerate heat any better than people. Cats only pant or sweat through their foot pads in order to get rid of excess heat. As the body temperature rises, the cat will suffer heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke. If the body temperature is not brought down quickly, serious organ damage or death could result.
Initial signs that typically indicate the heat is causing him some distress (heat stress) include:
• Restless behavior as your cat tries to find a cool spot

At Copper Hill Animal Clinic we know that spring and summer is a popular time for families to adopt kittens. If you’re searching to add a little loved one to your home here are some tips for a smooth, healthy transition!
When introducing a kitten to a new home make sure to introduce him or her slowly to other pets you already have and always supervise.

The kids are out of school, time off has been submitted and family vacations are in full effect. Summer is here and with these extra activities being planned, sometimes the family pets are a little bit neglected. Whether your pets are traveling with you or staying with a sitter; here are some pointers to ensure your furry friends are enjoying summer just as much as you are:

The Brittany Foundation, a non-profit humane organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless dogs, has several dogs for adoption. Here are a few of our favorite dogs looking for a home.
Chad is a cute little “chug” about seven years old.

This is just a reminder that rabies still exists, and cases are reported throughout the year in the U.S.  Just last week I received a report from the Director of Veterinary Public Health, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, where a rabid skunk was found in Long Beach.