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	<title>Creature Comforts Veterinary Resort &#38; Suites</title>
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	<description>The Ultimate Animal Care Facility!</description>
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		<title>April 2012 Newsletter Vol.1 Issue 4</title>
		<link>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/april-2012-newsletter-vol-1-issue-4/</link>
		<comments>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/april-2012-newsletter-vol-1-issue-4/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:20:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/?p=811</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our artificial grass is installed! We are very excited! Check out our facebook page for before and after pictures. The campers will be able to play in our water features and stay cool, while staying clean! DATES TO REMEMBER We will not have a Veterinarian on staff Saturday April 7th, but will be here normal hours for boarding, grooming, and daycamp. We will not have pickup available for Easter Sunday, April 8th. Please visit redcross.org to get some life saving tips for your pet. Flea and tick season has started early. Please ask our friendly staff how to keep your pets and your home protected from an infestation. APRIL IS ASPCA’S PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS MONTH AND AMERICAN RED CROSS’S NATIONAL PET FIRST AID AWARENESS MONTH. VISIT ASPCA.ORG TODAY FOR ADOPTION OPPORTUNITIES, EDUCATION, AND TO SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR LOCAL CHAPTER. How many of you have gum lying in your purse or in a dog- accessible area? And how many of you know how harmful it can be for your pet to get just one piece of that gum? The quest for products that can sweeten and cook like sugar is ongoing. Xylitol is common sugar substitute, especially when it comes to sugarless gum. Not only does xylitol offer sweetness without calories, it also has antibacterial properties in the mouth so as to reduce periodontal disease and has been found to have far reaching health benefits in other areas of the body. Xylitol may help with osteoporosis, prevention of ear and throat infections, and may reduce risk of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and even breast cancer. Sounds wonderful and maybe it is – if you are a human. If you are a dog, xylitol is potentially lethal. Two Deadly Effects of Xylitol Hypoglycemia In the canine body, the pancreas confuses xylitol with real sugar and releases insulin to store the “sugar.” The problem is that xylitol does not offer the extra Calories of sugar and the rush of insulin only serves to remove the real sugar from the circulation. Blood sugar levels plummet resulting in weakness, disorientation, tremors, and potentially seizures. Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes and can last for more than 12 hours. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. Hepatic Necrosis The other reaction associated with xylitol in the canine body is actual destruction of liver tissue. Signs take longer to show up (typically 8-12 hours) and surprisingly not all dogs that experience hepatic necrosis, will have experienced hypoglycemia first. A lucky dog experiences only temporary illness but alternatively, a complete and acute liver failure can result with death following. Internal hemorrhage and inability of blood to clot is commonly involved. A typical stick of gum contains 0.3 to 0.4 grams of xylitol, which means that a 10 lb dog could be poisoned by as little as a stick and a half of gum. Treatment Ideally, the patient can be seen quickly (within 30 minutes) and can be made to vomit the gum or candy. Beyond this, a sugar IV drip is prudent for a good 24 hours. Liver enzyme and blood clotting tests are monitored for 2 to 3 days. What about Xylitol Containing Mouthwashes for Pets? The oral health benefits of xylitol do seem to hold true for dogs if appropriately low doses of xylitol are used. If you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle or packet, there should be no problems. Trouble could occur if there are animals of different sizes drinking from the same water bowl (one should dose for the smallest animal to use the bowl to be sure overdose is not possible) or if a dog is on medication or has a disease causing excessive water consumption. A dog finding the bottle and chewing it up, drinking a substantial quantity of the undiluted product could easily be poisoned depending on the dog’s size.]]></description>
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		<title>Top Eight Common Household Poisons</title>
		<link>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/top-eight-common-household-poisons/</link>
		<comments>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/top-eight-common-household-poisons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:35:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/?p=790</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. Antifreeze (Ethylene glycol) It is a bright green-yellow liquid that is sweet to the taste, attracting pets. One swallow may be lethal for small animals. 2. Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Medications Pills may be coated allowing for easier swallowing and a more pleasant taste. Pets have an advantage over children- their strong jaws and teeth can chew through many child safe bottles 3. Pest Control Baits and Poisons Rat and mouse poisons and any other baits, such as slug and snail bait should be used with extreme caution in a household with pets. These items are made to entice animals to eat. 4. Household and Yard Plants and Trees See aspca.org for a complete list of common plants and trees. 5. Foods and Food Additives One of the most common known food toxin for pets is chocolate. Foods to keep away from pets include but are not limited to raisins and grapes and products containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener). 6. Flea and Tick Treatment Used at the recommended dosage and protocols, pesticides should be safe for the animals that they are intended to be used on. Using more of the product or not following product recommendations is not the way to kill more fleas and ticks; it may be seriously harmful or fatal for your pet. 7. Lawn and Garden Herbicides and Pesticides Use of chemicals on lawns and gardens to control insects and weeds is common for many households. These chemicals are not intended for use on animals, so be sure to allow for proper drying time in the area before releasing pets to roll in, eat, or otherwise have contact with treated areas and plants. 8. Household Cleaners and Chemicals Products used to clean the house, do laundry and dishes, maintain pools and hot tubs, and maintenance products such as paints and lubricants all pose a risk to curious or bored pets.]]></description>
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		<title>CCVRS March Pet of the Month: Willow Hoit!</title>
		<link>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/ccvrs-march-pet-of-the-month-willow-hoit/</link>
		<comments>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/ccvrs-march-pet-of-the-month-willow-hoit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:49:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/?p=794</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We have loved seeing Willow grow up over the past 2 years.  She is loved by all her 2 and 4 four legged friends at Creature Comforts.  This is what her mom and dad had to say about her: Willow is a Rottweiler. And while many would shudder at the thought of having this breed in their home we believe it is only because they have not met Willow. In her 2 years she has never met anyone or anything she does not love. The world is her friend.  We have many stray cats that pass through our property, all of which we cannot get close to. But they love Willow. They seem to sense her gentleness, and have no fear of her. Willow does have a passion though. One we have no control over. She loves her family and friends at Day Camp. She KNOWS when it is her day to go to Camp. She never eats breakfast that day. She watches for Mike to put his jacket on and pick up his keys&#8230;she bolts for the door and is not to be denied. She will sit pretty outside the doors of Creature Comforts until someone unlocks the door&#8230;..then she&#8230;.well you know the rest. I am grateful for this family member who so fills our life and our home. Willow will enjoy a free week of Daycamp and a 6 month supply of heartworm prevention and flea control! he thought of having this breed in their home we believe it is only because they have not met Willow. In her 2 years she has never met anyone or anything she does not love. The world is her friend.  We have many stray cats that pass through our property, all Willow does have a passion though. One we have no control over. She loves her family and friends at Day Camp. She KNOWS when it is her day to go to Camp. She never eats breakfast that day. She watches for Mike to put his jacket on and pick up his keys&#8230;she bolts for the door and is not to be denied. She will sit pretty outside the doors of Creature Comforts until someone unlocks the door&#8230;..then she&#8230;.well you know the rest. I am grateful for this family member who so fills our life and our home. Willow is a Rottweiler. And while many would shudder at the thought of having this breed in their home we believe it is only because they have not met Willow. In her 2 years she has never met anyone or anything she does not love. The world is her friend.  We have many stray cats that pass through our property, all of which we can not get close to. But they love Willow. They seem to sense her gentleness, and have no fear fo her. Willow does have a passion though. One we have no control over. She loves her family and friends at Day Camp. She KNOWS when it is her day to go to Camp. She never eats breakfast that day. She watches for Mike to put his jacket on and pick up his keys&#8230;she bolts for the door and is not to be denied. She will sit pretty outside the doors of Creature Comforts until someone unlocks the door&#8230;..then she&#8230;.well you know the rest. I am grateful for this family member who so fills our life and our home.]]></description>
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		<title>What Is Kennel Cough?</title>
		<link>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/what-is-kennel-cough/</link>
		<comments>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/what-is-kennel-cough/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:58:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/?p=779</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[At Creature Comforts we commonly get asked why we require a Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine every 6 months. We wanted to devote this month’s article to educate you on the infection and why we have chosen this protocol. What Is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is a term loosely used to describe a complex of infections—both viral and bacterial—that causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis and is similar to a chest cold in humans. Though it usually clears up on its own, kennel cough is highly contagious to other dogs. What Are the General Symptoms of Kennel Cough? A persistent dry cough with a “honking” sound is the main clue your dog’s caught kennel cough. In most cases, she’ll appear healthy except for the cough. Her appetite and activity level usually won&#8217;t change, but don’t be alarmed if she gags and coughs up a white, foamy phlegm—these signs are often worse after exercise, or if she’s excited or pulls against her collar. Some dogs may also develop a fever and nasal discharge. What Should I Do if I Think My Dog Has Kennel Cough? If you suspect your dog has kennel cough, immediately isolate her from all other dogs and call your veterinarian. How Did My Dog Catch Kennel Cough? Dogs can catch kennel cough in several ways. It can spread through aerosols in the air, directly from dog to dog, or through germs on contaminated objects. Kennel cough is often spread in enclosed areas with poor air circulation—while boarding in a kennel or an animal shelter, for example, or through direct contact while sitting in a vaccination clinic, training class or dog-grooming facility. Kennel cough is so contagious that your pet might even catch it from sharing a water dish at the dog park or by simply greeting another dog. Most kennels will not board your pet without proof of a recent vaccination against parainfluenza and bordetella, two of the main causes of kennel cough. Which Dogs Are Prone to Kennel Cough? Most often, dogs who have frequent contact with other dogs, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, are most prone to becoming infected. Young and unvaccinated dogs are also at higher risk. How Is Kennel Cough Prevented? The best way to prevent kennel cough is to prevent exposure. Vaccinations are also available for several of the agents known to be involved in kennel cough, including parainfluenza, bordetella and adenovirus-2. Ask your vet if these are recommended, and how often—but please keep in mind that vaccinations aren’t useful if a dog has already caught the virus. How Is Kennel Cough Treated? It’s smart to see your veterinarian if your dog develops a cough. In some cases, you may be advised to simply let kennel cough run its course and heed the following: · Dogs with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs. · A humidifier or vaporizer can provide some relief. You can also allow your dog into the bathroom while you shower. The steam will help soothe her irritated breathing passages. · Avoid exposing her to cigarette smoke or other noxious, irritating fumes. · A cough suppressant or antimicrobial may be described. Your vet can be able to determine if they would be helpful to your dog. · If your dog pulls against her collar while being walked, replace it with a harness until the coughing subsides. · Supportive care is very important—be sure your dog is eating, drinking and in a stress-free environment. &#160; &#160; How Long Does Kennel Cough Last? In most cases, the signs of kennel cough gradually decrease and disappear after three weeks. Young puppies, elderly dogs and other immunocompromised animals may take up to six weeks or more to recover. In some cases, animals may remain infectious for long periods of time even after the symptoms have cleared up. When Is It Time To See The Vet Again? You should see some improvement in your dog’s condition within one week of treatment, but be alert to how long the symptoms last. If your dog has nasal discharge, is breathing rapidly, refuses to eat or seems lethargic, take her to the veterinarian right away. Serious cases of kennel cough can lead to pneumonia if left untreated. &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160;]]></description>
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		<title>February Newsletter</title>
		<link>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/february-newsletter/</link>
		<comments>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/february-newsletter/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:54:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Features]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/?p=776</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the News Our CCVRS pickup and delivery van is running!  We are able to pick up and deliver pets for daycamp, vet visits, grooming, and boarding.  We can also deliver medications or food your pet may need. You may see a new face at CCVRS. We would like to welcome Stephanie to our family.  She will be helping out in all departments. She comes to us with extensive animal care experience. DATES TO REMEMBER Employee of the Month for February is : Swayze Rajtora! We have not received any nominations for pet of the month.  Please send in your pet photos and a short biography to tell us why you think your pet should be Creature Comforts Pet of the Month.  Your pet will receive free products and services if chosen.  Please email nominations to email@creaturecomfortsresort.com. Dr. Lambet is the featured Veterinarian in the Spartanburg Everyday magazine.  Pick it up today for some great articles on how to keep your pet happy and healthy! Every pet that comes in for a well check up in February will be entered in a drawing to win a CET product basket valued at over 100.00. also, all Dental cleanings will be 15 % off. &#160;]]></description>
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		<title>Does your pet’s breath stink?</title>
		<link>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/does-your-pets-breath-stink/</link>
		<comments>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/does-your-pets-breath-stink/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:51:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/?p=773</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Ashley McClean             I want you to do me a favor. Walk over to your pet and open their mouth. Now sniff. Dog owners, wipe the drool off of your faces, cat owners, get a band-aid. Does your pet’s breath stink? It probably does and that is because eighty percent of dogs over the age of three, and fifty percent of cats have advanced periodontal disease. This is a huge and scary number. Yuck, right? Dental disease is a silent process that may cause many other illnesses, including kidney, heart and blood infections. When pets don‘t receive the dental care they need to keep their teeth clean and their gums healthy, their mouths harbor this damaging bacteria.             Periodontal disease is related to the presence of bacteria on the tooth surface. This bacteria can enter the bloodstream through lesions in a pet’s diseased gums, and can travel throughout your pet’s body and potentially impact your pet’s organs. Plaque bacteria can colonize a clean tooth in twenty four to thirty six hours, meaning that within a few days of a professional dental cleaning, your pet’s teeth are already accumulating the bacteria that once again will cause periodontal inflammation and disease. The good news is that home care can prevent this accumulation.             I know it’s difficult, but brushing your pet’s teeth on a daily basis can drastically reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Owners who brush their pet’s teeth daily also are more likely to identify other problems in their pet’s mouth, such as fractured teeth or oral tumors. There are several other dental products on the market that make our lives easier. Some of the ones we recommend are CET chews, once daily oral rinses, and water additives. While brushing is best,  these other methods are typically easier and quicker, and doing something is better than nothing. Many people believe that simply feeding hard kibble and giving chew bones is enough to prevent the plaque buildup on their pet’s teeth. What if you did nothing but eat hard food and chew bones? You would probably lose most, if not all, of your friends due to your horrendous breath. Our pets need help keeping their friends.             The sooner you can start brushing, the better. Eight to ten weeks of age is the best time to start. Most of us have dogs that are older than that, so you will want to work with your pet. Be patient, they don’t understand why we are sticking our fingers around their mouths without food or treats. Start by handling the muzzle, around the nose, and the lips, working your way up to rubbing the teeth and gums with your finger. Putting a few drops of water that is flavored with low-sodium chicken or beef broth, or tuna juice for the cat people brave enough to try it, can encourage your pets and help them to look forward to these sessions. Wrapping a soft washcloth or a small piece of gauze around your finger and dipping it in the flavoring before rubbing your pet’s teeth will help them to get used to the funny feeling of a toothbrush. You will want to buy an extra soft human toothbrush or an animal specific toothbrush to use on their teeth. Holding it at a forty-five degree angle, brush gently back and forth, or in a circular pattern from gum to tip. You never want to use human toothpaste for your pet. The fluoride that is so beneficial to us is harmful to our pets. Make sure to use a pet specific toothpaste. These are flavored and help to make brushing a little easier for your pet to tolerate, which tends to make brushing a little easier for us. We need to do what we can to help our pets, they rely on us to stay healthy and happy. February is Pet Dental Care Month, so to celebrate, we are handing out a free toothbrush and a sample of CET water additive to every pet that gets a dental. Our professional dental cleanings are 15% off for the whole month. To get started we are having a free dental check day on Tuesday, January 31st. Please call to set up an appointment.  Let us know if you have any questions, or if you would like to set up a time for Dr. Lambert or Dr. Johnson to check out your pet’s teeth and recommend a dental care regimen that will hopefully save your pet, and your wallet, from dental disease. &#160;]]></description>
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		<title>January Newsletter</title>
		<link>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/january-newsletter/</link>
		<comments>http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/january-newsletter/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:44:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://creaturecomfortsresort.com/?p=769</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the News We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  We are beginning our monthly newsletter to keep you up to date on all the CCVRS news!  Each month we will include an educational article to help you keep your pet healthy and happy. DAYCAMP/BOARDING Our frequent Daycamp cards are in full swing.  Please make sure you bring your card with you daily and have our receptionists stamp it at checkout. Don’t have one yet? Ask for yours today! We are no longer going to have a monthly daycamp winner.  We will begin having a “Pet of the month.”  Send us your favorite photo, biography, and why you feel your pet is the best!  We will choose a winner each month. Your pet will be recognized in the monthly newsletter and will receive some goodies on us! Thanks to all the customers who boarded with us over the Christmas Holiday!  We are blessed that you trusted us with the care of your pet(s).   VETERINARY January 1st brings manufacture price increases, so next time your pet is due for a medication refill or a new supply of Flea and tick prevention, you may see a slight increase.  February is Dental Health Month, please enjoy the following article.]]></description>
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