Acupunture now offered at Fox Ridge Veterinary Clinic

We are excited to announce Dr. Judy McBeth has now added small animal acupuncture to her practice.  Dr. Judy successfully completed her training in small animal acupuncture at The Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and is welcoming new patients. 

Acupuncture is great for pain control by stimulating beta endorphin and endogenous opioid release.  It is ant-inflammatory, and helps stimulate tissues to heal.  It improves recovery times for a variety of diseases and surgical procedures, and may result in the need for smaller doses of conventional medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Carprofen, Rimadyl, Previcox, Deramaxx, Metacam), steroids and anti-seizure drugs, all with NO SIDE EFFECTS!

This ancient Chinese medical procedure is wonderful for a number of problems, such as:

• Intervertebral disk disease (slipped disks in the back)
• Wobbler syndrome
• Ataxia - difficulty walking
• Paralysis
• Arthritis, degenerative joint disease
• Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
• Cruciate ruptures (ACL ruptures) when surgery isn't an option
• Seizures
• Allergies
• Anxiety issues - storm phobias, separation anxiety
• Constipation, megacolon
• Palliative care for cancer or kidney failure 
• Anorexia
• Geriatric weakness syndrome
• Vestibular syndrome
• GI problems - vomiting, diarrhea
• Recurrent infections - bladder infections, FLUTD, sinusitis
• Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Doggie Alzheimer's)

We are excited about being able to offer additional techniques to help our patients heal and live long and healthy lives!  If you have any questions please call us at (630) 859-0471 or Email foxridgevet@yahoo.com.  An informative video can be viewed on our website acupuncture page at www.foxridgevet.com .



Is it OK to give my dog or cat human medicine?

NO!!!!  Always check with your veterinarian before giving your pet human medicine.

A number of common human medicines are highly toxic to dogs and cats.  For example, Ibuprofen (Advil) is extremely toxic to dogs.  Ibuprofen causes stomach ulcers and kidney failure in dogs. Seizures and coma can also occur. Dogs will gladly chow down on Ibuprofen because of it's candy-like coating.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is highly toxic to cats.  It causes anemia, vomiting and diarrhea. Facial and paw swelling can also occur. NEVER give Tylenol to a cat.

Acetylsalicylic (Aspirin) is also highly toxic to cats.  Their bodies cannot break it down.  Small amounts can cause gastric ulceration, vomiting, muscle weakness, dehydration and anemia.  NEVER give Aspirin to a cat.

Pepto Bismol has been reformulated to contain higher levels of salicylates (aspirin).  It can cause stomach ulcers in dogs and cats.

Remember - things we think are safe for people are not always safe for animals.  

New Years Resolutions for Pets

1.  Get a checkup
2.  Eat a balanced diet - lay off the doggie biscuits , catnip and table scraps
3.   Check my vaccination status and be sure I'm up to date on vaccines,     heartworm  tests and fecal checks for intestinal worms
4.  Brush my teeth more often
5.  Get rid of those pesky fleas and ticks
6.  Get "fixed" (Yikes!!)
7.  Get a pedicure
8.  Brush up on my manners - attend obedience classes
9.  Get more exercise - more walks or chasing the laser pointer
10.  Take my heartworm preventative on time (once a month)
11.  Take a bath
12.  See Dr Judy at Fox Ridge Veterinary Clinic - 130 Fifth Street, Oswego (630) 859-0471

 Check out Dr Judy's website - http://www.foxridgevet.com/

Holiday Concerns for pets

The holidays are coming up fast!  With all the commotion going on, it is easy to forget some things that can be dangerous to pets:

Poinsettia  - Kind of gets a bad rap.  Most incidents of exposure do not result in huge problems.  However, if a small animal eats a large amount of the plant it could cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Holly - Eating leaves or berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Mistletoe - Eating leaves or berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea, possible heart and neurologic problems.

Curly Ribbon - Seems to be on a lot of packages this time of year.  Be sure to keep it out of your pets reach.  Cats just can't resist it!  When they eat it, it can plug up their intestines.  The intestinal obstruction may require surgery to fix. (This can also occur in dogs).

Chocolate - toxic to animals if eaten in large amounts.  Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous, and  they don't have to eat as much dark chocolate as milk chocolate to get sick. Chocolate toxicity can cause vomiting, restlessness, hyperactivity,tremors, seizures, heart problems.

Leftovers  (People food) - Please do not give your pet leftovers  or people food of any type.  Pets have sensitive stomachs and may develop vomiting and diarrhea. Pancreatitis can also occur.

Preservatives for fresh Christmas trees - Do not allow your pet to drink the Christmas tree water! It can be toxic.

Tinsel - Can cause the same problems as curly ribbon - intestinal obstructions.

Candles - Curious pets can knock them over  starting a fire, or get their whiskers singed.

Decorations - Any type of decoration can be irresistible to pets. Ornaments, garlands, light strings, you name it -  they all can be hazardous if eaten or chewed.

Christmas trees - Pretty much irresistible to kittens.  They must climb them and knock them over.  Be sure to secure your tree, or you may be woken up at 2 AM by the tree crashing down! ( I know this from experience!)

Also, please remember that some pets would rather not be in the center of activity at a party.  If your pet is shy, please be sure they are in a crate or quiet room.  If your pet is a social butterfly, let them have fun!  It just depends on their personality.

Enjoy the holidays!  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call Dr Judy at (630) 859-0471.

Pet Food Drive

Fox Ridge Veterinary Clinic is coordinating a pet food drive to help the Kendall County Food Pantry.  Mary Ann Ryan of the Kendall County Food Pantry said all types of pet food are needed (both dry and canned), but currently there is a shortage of cat food.  The Kendall County Food Pantry feeds over 1,000 pets from underprivileged families monthly.

Donations may be dropped off at 130 Fifth Street, Oswego during business hours between now and Christmas.  Please check out our website (http://www.foxridgevet.com/) for directions.