This November 26 is a big day for everyone at Sugarloaf Animal Clinic. It’s the second annual Small Business Saturday®, when people across the country come out and shop to support their favorite local businesses. American Express also wants to help make a difference. Get a one-time $25 statement credit when you register an eligible American Express® Card and use that Card for a purchase of $25 or more at a registered small business on November 26th. Registration is limited. You can register your card at http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?sk=app_183558821725512

We are a registered small business and will be celebrating small business Saturday by giving away a bag of goodies with each purchase while supplies last.

Don’t forget to “Like” and recommend us on Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sugarloaf-Animal-Clinic/90405084216

Have a happy Thanksgiving! We will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 24^th, and open Friday November 25^th from 7am-1pm. In case of emergency please contact Sonora Veterinary Specialists on the SE corner of Cactus and 40^th St. at 602-765-3700. 

Don't forget to follow these tips to keep your pets safe and healthy this Thanksgiving:

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/2011/09/is-table-food-poisonous-for-dogs/

http://www.ilovedogs.com/2011/10/10-thanksgiving-foods-dangerous-to-your-dog/

Keep your pet safe during Halloween!

DON’T mix pets and trick-or-treaters at the door.

Dogs and cats can frighten children, and vice versa. Keep your pet behind a closed door. This will also prevent them from escaping when the trick-or-treaters come by.

DO protect animals from pranks.

Don’t leave animals unattended outside on Halloween, the day before, or the day after. Pranksters can hurt your animals, especially black cats.

DON’T feed candy to animals.

Treats that are delicious to us can be harmful to pets. Some examples of this are: chocolate in all forms, candies containing xylitol, and pets eating tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers.

DO keep pets away from lit candles and pumpkins.

Candles and Jack o’ lanterns can singe pets’ noses and catch fur on fire. They can also be knocked over and set fire to your house.

DON’T put a reluctant pet in a Halloween costume.

Some dogs and cats don’t mind Halloween costumes, but don’t force an anxious animal to wear a costume. Make sure costumes fit well and do not constrict the animal in any way by trying it on the day before. If you pet seems distressed, allergic, or shows abnormal behavior consider a festive bandana instead.

DO wear up to date identification.

Be sure your pet wears up to date identification tags on its collar. If for some reason your pet escapes and gets lost, a collar and tags or a microchip will increase the changes of them returning home safely. If your pet frequently slips out of their collar please call us to talk about implanting a microchip in your pet.

Now through advanced DNA testing you can find out what breeds are in your dog’s ancestry. Testing is important not only for general curiosity but also to understand their history. It can tell us what diseases that they might be predisposed to, what behavior and physical traits they might have and why. By learning about your dog’s ancestry or the breeds in your dog’s DNA it’s easier for your veterinarian to customize the most effective training, nutrition, and medical treatment for your pet. The Wisdom Panel Professional Mixed Breed Genetic Analysis unlocks the secrets hidden in your dog's DNA! Check out a small sample of the results below.

 It is indeed much more than just bad breath; it is an infection that leads to pain and possible organ damage. Bad breath is a warning sign of a very harmful and damaging disease that can easily be prevented by regular dental check-ups and preventative at-home care. For more information on dental disease and preventative care follow these links:

http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=53d99aad-e759-473e-8977-f8f75eefb754

http://www.hillspet.com/pd2/displayContent.jsp?JSESSIONID=LGe3N2VV94Ea6F0TMvmwrzRH3Z8zgtfAWAeD7xFz9ZB1pCEJ38op!593833!167846923!7005!8005&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025935&bmUID=1262919223250