Registering for dog school is one of the greatest decisions you can make for your pet. Not only will it make your life easier by giving you a well-behaved dog, but it will also teach your dog much-needed confidence. Our instructor, Tiana, will share her years of experience and give you the tools to easily [...]
Protocol for Relaxation Download The PDF This program is the foundation for all other behavior modification programs. Its purpose is to teach the dog to sit and stay while relaxing in a variety of circumstances. The circumstances change from very reassuring ones with you present to potentially more stressful ones when you [...]
Solving pet behavior problems This online library contains tried-and-true methods for managing many common pet behavior problems as well as tools for evaluating situations that may require additional resources. Please browse the list of titles below and study the information that's relevant to your particular situation. Try the solutions that are offered. [...]
How Safe is Anesthesia Download The PDF The first thing to keep in mind is that your doctor will never recommend general anesthesia for your pet unless they feel that the potential benefit of the procedure outweighs any risks of the anesthetic. There are many steps we take to ensure that your [...]
Lyme Disease Prevention Download The PDF What is Lyme disease? An infection in dogs and people due to a spirochete (kind of small bacteria). Transmitted by ticks from deer and other wildlife reservoirs to people, dogs, and other susceptible species. Ticks need to be attached for over 12 hours [...]
THE FACTS OF LIFE Download The PDF IMPORTANT REASONS TO SPAY OR NEUTER YOUR PET Spaying your female pet: Removal of the ovaries and uterus Typical age is 6-9 months for family pets If spayed before the first heat cycle, your pet has less than a 1% chance of [...]
Dog Nail Care Download The PDF Clipping your dog’s nails is generally a simple routine, like combing their coat, brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears and bathing. These all should be continual positive experiences that should be familiarized, trained, and worked since puppyhood. Trimming nails is not as difficult as people imagine. [...]
Caring for Your Pet’s Ears Download The PDF A very common problem for dogs and cats is otitis, an inflammation of the ears. Parasites, such as ticks or mites, may be the culprits. Ears are also prone to bacterial and yeast infections, foreign bodies (weed seeds and foxtails), and excessive wax [...]
Brushing your pet’s teeth Download The PDF The best thing you can do to promote good oral health is brush your pet’s teeth. This can help keep their mouths healthy and delay the time your pet will need a dental procedure, thus saving you money as well! Brushing teeth does not [...]
Perhaps you're bringing home a new family member, or just looking for a change of vet, but we're happy to be seeing you at River Valley! Your first appointment can be a little stressful if you're not sure what to expect. Today, our veterinary technician Tiana will walk you through what we usually do at [...]
