Ear Cropping

For dog owners interested in ear cropping, the veterinary options may be limited. However, at Dr. Jamal Toler’s Deshon Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery, we believe that there is still value in cropping the ears of certain breeds when done in a safe, responsible manner. Elective surgery should still be regarded as major surgery, and owner compliance with the doctor’s instructions is crucial to ensure their dog recovers fully, but there are reasons to consider both ear crops and tail docks.

Ear crops are performed on puppies between twelve and sixteen weeks old, whose ears lack mature muscle and cartilage. The surgery is done on certain terriers and terrier-derived breeds, including pit bulls, Staffordshire terriers, schnauzers, and Doberman pinschers, as well as working dogs such as Perro de Presa Canarios (Canary mastiffs). Cropping into various shapes is a normal part of preparing a number of breeds for shows.

Dr. Toler fully anesthetizes puppies before cropping their ears, and prescribes antibiotics which are to be used regularly during the recovery process. While the ears are healing, they will be sutured and held upright with splints. When the splints and sutures are removed, the dog’s ears will remain permanently upright in an attractive, traditional shape.

Proper aftercare requires attentive owners who constantly monitor their puppy’s ears for signs of infections. But most people interested in cropping are committed lovers of their dogs’ breed, which is why they want to preserve its traditional appearance and function. The American Kennel Club endorses ear cropping as a means of maintaining the purpose for which terriers and related breeds were created, which required excellent hearing and the elimination of weak points which were exploited by burrowing pests such as foxes. To lovers of animals which are often unfairly stereotyped, ear cropping is part of preserving the positive history of the breed and the benevolent intention behind its creation.

Jamal Toler, DVM, runs Deshon Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery at 884 South Deshon Road, Lithonia, Georgia, 30058. To schedule an appointment, call 770-482-7816 or visit DeshonAnimal.com and fill out a contact form.

Flea Prevention

Having a pet in your home is one of the most enjoyable experiences for most people. One of the biggest problems plaguing pet owners is managing to keep fleas at bay. These creatures can spread and multiply quickly within your home and make things very difficult for pets and people alike. Flea prevention is essential to the overall health of your pet as well. Jamal Toler, DVM with Deshon animal Hospital and Laser Surgery in Lithonia, Georgia can help you to get on the road to a flea free home.

Potential Treatment for Flea Prevention

The best way to treat and prevent fleas is with a monthly flea and tick prevention. We will prescibe a oral flea/tick prevention called Nexgard.  Along with the itching and hair loss that a pet can experience from fleas, illness is also a possibility. Keeping fleas away doesn’t have to be a major undertaking and you can find answers with the help of our office. Call us today at 770-482-7816 for information about how we can help you. We look forward to meeting your fury friend.

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Keeping Your Pet Safe with Vaccinations

Just as you protect yourself and your children from illness with vaccinations, you should also protect your family pets as well. Although you are probably aware that pets need to be vaccinated against rabies, distemper and other common diseases, you may not be aware that there are other vaccinations available for your pet.

Canine Influenza

One pet vaccination that can protect your dog is the canine influenza vaccine, which is much like the flu shot humans get before flu season starts. Canine influenza is caused by a specific type of virus known to infect dogs. Humans cannot give the virus to dogs nor can dogs give the virus to humans, but it can be spread between dogs. A dog with canine influenza may have a runny nose, cough and fever, but may display no symptoms at all. However, the virus can lead to pneumonia and death if not treated. To protect your dog from the illness, Dr. Jamal Toler, DVM, of Deshon Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery, recommends having your dog vaccinated against the illness.

Feline Leukemia Virus

Feline leukemia is a retrovirus that is spread through the body fluids of cats infected with the virus. The virus is more prevalent in cats that remain or go outside where they may come in contact with an infected cat. Kittens are more susceptible to the virus than adults. The disease is the most common cause of cancer in cats and can lead to blood disorders or immune deficiencies. Cats who spend time outdoors should be vaccinated as should indoor cats, although they are not as at risk as those that go outside.

In addition to these important vaccinations, Dr. Toler recommends other vaccinations designed to keep your pet healthy.  In order to learn what vaccinations your pet may need, contact Deshon Animal Hospital and Laser Surgery at 770-482-7816.www.deshonanimal.com

Deshon Animal Hospital Teaches Your Dog Obedience through Behavior Counseling

Puppies are like children, except a whole lot easier to train. If you think your puppy has some bad habits, you’re not alone. It has been reported that ten to 15 percent of owners say that they have pet behavior issues. We count on our pets for companionship, love, play, exercise, and well-being, but problem behaviors can interfere with the healthy bond between dog and human, creating stressful situations. Thankfully, at Deshon Animal Hospital, we offer behavioral counseling to correct behavioral issues with training and, in some cases, medication.

Puppies are not the only ones who need training, however. Many adult dogs need to undergo behavior counseling if they have developed bad habits such as begging for food at the table, or jumping up on guests. Any time the safety or well-being of either the pet or human is in question, a professional should be brought in to determine the best course of action. Resource guarding, reactive behavior, biting awareness or other behavior issues whether learned or inherited, can be unsafe if not managed or modified.

Some behaviors are easy to resolve with awareness, education (daily training), reshaping, and relationship interaction style. Behavioral change requires a genuine commitment in how you, family, friends and visitors interact with your dog, in a variety of environmental changes.

If you have a dog that might benefit from behavior counseling, please give us a call. For questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamal Toler DVM, call 770-482-7816 or visit the Deshon Animal Hospital website, www.deshonanimal.com.

Deshon Animal Hospital Offers Microchipping Services for Animals

At Deshon Animal Hospital, our staff understands that every pet owner’s worst nightmare is having their pet run away. Fortunately, to relieve some of your fear, we offer microchipping services so that if this unfortunate event were ever to occur, you’re more likely to reunite with your furry friend. Microchips are implantable computer chips that encode a unique identification number to help locate your lost pet. Unlike collars and ID tags that can also help find your pet, microchips can never break or fall off.

Microchips are tiny transponders, about the size of a grain of rice, which can painlessly be placed behind the shoulder under your animal’s skin. Microchips have no long term side effects and each microchip has its own barcode that links to your pet’s information. If a lost pet is found by an animal control officer or animal shelter, the animal can be scanned and their owner’s address and contact information will be shown.

In order for a microchip to work, you will need to register the microchip and keep your contact information up-to-date which our staff will show you how to do. By giving your pet a microchip you are giving yourself and your pet the best chance of a speedy, happy reunion using secure, reliable, unique, and permanent identification.

If you have further questions regarding microchipping for your animal, please give us a call. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamal Toler DVM, call 770-482-7816 or visit the Deshon Animal Hospital website, www.deshonanimal.com.

Deshon Animal Hospital Offers Nutritional Counseling for Your Pet

As humans, we know how important a healthy diet is to our overall well-being and the same applies to your pets. Being overweight and out of shape makes us feel tired, inactive, and unhealthy, overall. In addition, we are at risk for developing physical illnesses if we don’t properly take care of our bodies. Most of us treat our animals like a member of the family, which is why it’s important to take care of them as you would yourself, if not better. Fortunately, Deshon Animal Hospital can assist through this process by providing your pet with nutritional counseling.

Pets need to be put on specific diets and workout plans to stay in good health, just like humans do. By keeping your pet on a proper diet and workout plan, it can increase their life expectancy by up to 2-3 years. On top of the extended life expectancy, you will also notice a happier pet with fewer stomach issues, less sensitive skin, and a nicer coat. This is because through proper nutritional counseling your pet is receiving the proper nutrients he or she needs.

Upon evaluating your pet’s current nutritional condition and nutritional habits, we will make specific recommendations as to the type and amount of food your pet should be eating as well as any supplements he or she might need. In addition, our staff will provide you with a workout program for your pet that will keep them active and healthy.

If you are interested in receiving nutritional counseling for your pet, please give us a call. For questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamal Toler DVM, call 770-482-7816 or visit the Deshon Animal Hospital website, www.deshonanimal.com.

Deshon Animal Hospital Stresses the Importance of Wellness and Physical Examinations Every Six Months

Unlike people, animals cannot alert us when they need medical attention. This is why it’s important to schedule a wellness examination at Deshon Animal Hospital every six months. A wellness examination is a routine medical examination of a pet that is apparently healthy, as opposed to an examination of a pet that is ill. During a routine wellness examination, Dr. Jamal O. Toler, DVM will ask you questions about your animal’s diet, exercise, thirst, breathing, behavior, habits, etc. He will also perform a physical examination. Your pet is a member of your family and when you visit our office they become a member of ours.

Many pets are masters at hiding health problems, especially felines. Because our animal friends tend to hide them, visiting Deshon Animal Hospital on a regular basis will help pick up on these problems, sometimes preventing them from worsening and becoming serious. Regardless of age, these visits help to detect and monitor diseases and can detect problems early when they are the easiest to treat.

Going to the vet is an important part of your pet’s life. Therefore, you should not only visit the vet just because your pet becomes ill. Your pet’s longevity depends on routine checkups. An exam lets us check your pet’s health status, and talk to you about how his or her care might need to change in the road ahead.

If you are concerned that your furry friend may need a physical examination, don’t wait any longer and give us a call. For questions or to schedule an appointment for your pet, call 770-482-7816 or visit the Deshon Animal Hospital website, www.deshonanimal.com.