Talley Veterinary Services Group now offers electronic messaging services for your convenience!
Talley Veterinary Services Group has teamed up with AllyDVM for a new service that will allow our clinic staff and doctors to communicate with clients via text message and email. We will be able to send and receive appointment reminders, medication refills, boarding updates, and in-house patient updates electronically instead of using regular mail. AllyDVM also offers a "patient portal" for all of our clients and their pets, so that you can have access to your pet's information wherever you go! Additionally, we are excited about new links/services that will allow our clients to text or email us for medication refills, boarding reservations, and so much more. We genuinely look forward to better serving our clients and patients with this new addition to our practice! In order to take advantage of this innovative communication capability, please update your current mobile numbers and email address with our office. Look under “Links” to sign up and try our new services.
Holiday Toxins
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s…the holidays are upon us! While this time of year is exciting with all of the lights, sounds, and tastes for us, it can be a dangerous season for our pets. Each holiday has its own particular perils. We must remain vigilant to keep our four-legged friends safe!
Chocolate is considered a toxin to cats and dogs. Most milk-chocolate items are relatively safe. However dark chocolate, especially baking chocolate, is known to cause gastrointestinal upsets and hyperactivity in dogs. If your pet does consume some chocolate, reach out to your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Line.
Rich foods fed at Thanksgiving, like turkey and gravy, can lead to general GI distress or even to pancreatitis. Guests may want to feed your pet from the table but this should be avoided. Choose some tasty dog treats and allow your family and friends to feed those. You can also encourage a play activity to burn calories for pets and people alike! Poinsettias, holly berries, and mistletoe are all toxic to pets. When decorating your home, be sure that these items are hung in places that Fido and Garfield can’t reach. Cats are also notorious for chewing on ornaments, garland, and have even been known to electrocute themselves with string lighting. No one wants to be spending their Christmas at an emergency veterinary clinic, so be careful that your décor is safe for pets.
Our last word of warning applies to not only small animals, but large animals as well. Fireworks at New Year’s are beautiful, but they are also LOUD! Horses and cows can become startled by the explosions and run, injuring themselves and property. Stabling these animals during a fireworks show can help them feel safe. Keep your dogs and cats inside and in a safe space as well. Pets are often lost during fireworks after attempting to run from the loud noises and becoming disoriented.
We at Talley Veterinary Services only want a warm and fuzzy holiday season for you and yours…be mindful of these dangers and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.