The Pet Experts of Elmhurst, IL

… is worth a pound of cure!  At Elmhurst Animal Care Hospital, we truly believe this old adage.  Preventive veterinary care is defined as care that prevents or slows illness or disease.  Who wouldn’t want that?  That is why we offer convenient, affordable preventive care packages for your pets!

Every preventive plan includes unlimited free office visits and physical exams by a licensed veterinarian.  A good physical exam is our most powerful tool for detecting and treating problems.  Each plan also includes early screening options and high quality vaccines to further prevent and find disease.  Continue…

In the midst of Valentine’s Day, sometimes it is easy to forget our furry loves.  Make it a point to celebrate Love Your Pet Day this Wednesday, February 20^th!  Here are a few ideas on how to spoil your pet and make them feel special all day long: Continue…

In the midst of Valentine’s Day, sometimes it is easy to forget our furry loves.  Make it a point to celebrate Love Your Pet Day this Wednesday, February 20^th!  Here are a few ideas on how to spoil your pet and make them feel special all day long: Continue…

Your dog or cat has a body part that you don’t have. It’s nothing to envy, but more of a pain in the rear than it is worth. Literally!

Dogs and cats have a pair of anal sacs, located just inside the anus. These little beauties hold a thick, stinky secretion that you may have had the pleasure of smelling from time to time. Many wild animals can empty these voluntarily to mark their scent or in self-defense, however our dogs and cats don’t have this ability—thank goodness! In most animals, these sacs empty during defecation, however some animals will have a problem doing this, resulting in uncomfortable, impacted, and even infected anal sacs. Continue…

Annual exams and dental cleanings under anesthesia are vital for your pet’s oral health as well as their overall health.  But did you know that you can play an important role in warding off dental disease at home, too?  Here are a few suggestions for keeping those chompers pearly white a little longer and ward off the systemic effects of bad oral hygiene:

• • Brushing

At-home brushing is the most powerful tool in your arsenal!  Brushing at least every other day has been shown to significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup.  Use a brush and paste specifically for pets and start slowly.  Most pets can be taught to tolerate tooth brushing if you are patient.  For more helpful information on how to introduce your pet to having its teeth brushed, please look at the handout provided on our website .  We are also happy to help you in person. Continue…

There is almost nothing as scary as a dog fight. No one wants to have their pet involved in one, and most people will do anything to avoid a confrontation between their dog and another.

In order to successfully avoid a dog fight, it is important to understand why they occur

Continue…

There is almost nothing as scary as a dog fight. No one wants to have their pet involved in one, and most people will do anything to avoid a confrontation between their dog and another.

In order to successfully avoid a dog fight, it is important to understand why they occur

Continue…

Urban Legend?

Ah, the urban legend.  A story that you heard from a friend of a friend of a friend that is just plausible enough to be believed.  We have all heard them, and we have all fallen for one or two at some point.  No one knows exactly where the myth of the “hypoallergenic” dog got started, but it is a highly perpetuated tale. Continue…

Dental care is an important part of proper care for your dog or cat.  Having your veterinarian do a quick inspection during your pet’s routine wellness exams is good.  Providing home dental care as instructed by your veterinarian is important, but your furry friends need periodic dental cleanings to keep their mouths healthy. In fact, by the ripe old age of three, most pets have some dental disease.

What happens during a professional dental procedure for your pet?

• Anesthesia.  There are no bones about it; a proper, thorough cleaning cannot take place without general anesthesia.  This allows the veterinarian to thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth, take dental x-rays if indicated, and perform an in-depth cleaning.  Your pet’s history and current physical condition will be taken into account when developing an anesthetic plan, allowing for the safest anesthetic experience possible.
• Examination.   Once your dog or cat is safely anesthetized, a detailed examination of his or her mouth takes place.  Any problems are documented and a plan is formulated to address them.
• Ultrasonic and hand scaling.  The dental plaque and tartar that cause periodontal disease is removed from all sides of the tooth and under the gum line.
• Polishing.  To keep your pet’s whites pearly, the teeth are polished after scaling in order to smooth the tooth’s surface, slowing the deposition of further plaque and tartar.
• Problem solving.  Your pet may have teeth that need to be extracted or need other procedures in order to address any issues that are identified. Your veterinarian will identify any issues and explain your options.
• Putting together a game plan.  Your veterinarian will determine a plan for resolving any immediate issues and for better maintaining  your pet’s dental health down the road.

All pets need routine, professional dental cleanings.  Make it a priority this year to provide your special dog or cat with this basic care.  Speak with your veterinarian about when your pet should have a dental cleaning and what you should be doing at home to enhance his or her dental health.

Take advantage of our February 20% discount on dental cleanings in celebration of National Pet Dental Health Month. Phone now to book an appointment while this is on your mind. (630) 530-1900.

Dental care is an important part of proper care for your dog or cat.  Having your veterinarian do a quick inspection during your pet’s routine wellness exams is good.  Providing home dental care as instructed by your veterinarian is important, but your furry friends need periodic dental cleanings to keep their mouths healthy. In fact, by the ripe old age of three, most pets have some dental disease.

What happens during a professional dental procedure for your pet?

• Anesthesia.  There are no bones about it; a proper, thorough cleaning cannot take place without general anesthesia.  This allows the veterinarian to thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth, take dental x-rays if indicated, and perform an in-depth cleaning.  Your pet’s history and current physical condition will be taken into account when developing an anesthetic plan, allowing for the safest anesthetic experience possible.
• Examination.   Once your dog or cat is safely anesthetized, a detailed examination of his or her mouth takes place.  Any problems are documented and a plan is formulated to address them.
• Ultrasonic and hand scaling.  The dental plaque and tartar that cause periodontal disease is removed from all sides of the tooth and under the gum line.
• Polishing.  To keep your pet’s whites pearly, the teeth are polished after scaling in order to smooth the tooth’s surface, slowing the deposition of further plaque and tartar.
• Problem solving.  Your pet may have teeth that need to be extracted or need other procedures in order to address any issues that are identified. Your veterinarian will identify any issues and explain your options.
• Putting together a game plan.  Your veterinarian will determine a plan for resolving any immediate issues and for better maintaining  your pet’s dental health down the road.

All pets need routine, professional dental cleanings.  Make it a priority this year to provide your special dog or cat with this basic care.  Speak with your veterinarian about when your pet should have a dental cleaning and what you should be doing at home to enhance his or her dental health.

Take advantage of our February 20% discount on dental cleanings in celebration of National Pet Dental Health Month. Phone now to book an appointment while this is on your mind. (630) 530-1900.