We wanted to remind all of our clients that Hope Animal Medical Center offers Cold Laser Healing Therapy as another one of our innovative treatment options. The laser beam stimulates the cells and tissues, reduces inflammation and helps minimize pain of many chronic conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, tendonitis and more.

How Does It Work?
The cold laser light penetrates deep into the tissue and provides energy that encourages cellular respiration to promote healing. The laser beam also affects nerves directly decreasing the diffusion of pain signals to the central nervous system. The net result is increased rate of healing and decreased pain.

How long will each treatment take?
The treatment time depends on how chronic the condition is and the depth the laser light needs to reach to be effective. However, almost all treatments will be between 2 and 10 minutes.

How many treatments will my pet need?
The number of treatments can vary greatly based on the condition, but many pet owners notice a positive difference within 3 or 4 treatments.

Some Benefits of using Cold Laser Therapy include:

• Pain relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
• Improved circulation by stimulation
• Increased cellular metabolic activity
• Reduced fibrous tissue formation
• Improved nerve function by eliciting regeneration
• Accelerated wound healing
• Stimulated immune system

What is the cost of the treatments?
The cost of Cold Laser Therapy is very affordable and it will depend on the number of treatments needed. Individual treatments are $50.00 or we have a package of 6 treatments for $250.00.
Please contact Hope Animal Medical Center at 706-546-7879 if you are interested in scheduling a laser consultation or have any questions regarding treatment. We look forward to helping you and your pet discover the benefits of using Cold laser therapy!

“Loving Treats” That Can Be Lethal!
February is a time of year when loved ones express their affection for each other by giving and receiving chocolates and flowers. It is nice to remember our pets on this special day, as well. However, it is NEVER in the best interest of our four-legged friends to give them easy access to chocolates or flowers. As many of you already know, if a pet eats chocolate, there can be serious health consequences. Some of the common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures.

Call Your Veterinarian Immediately, Don’t Wait!
If you suspect that your pet has ingested any amount of chocolate, you may want to call your veterinarian to alert them of the situation. Depending on the type of chocolate eaten, you may have a life-threatening situation or you may just have a mess to clean up with no implications. Your vet may ask you to bring your pet into the office immediately so they can empty your pet’s stomach and give medications to help reverse the effects. Milk chocolate often only causes diarrhea and vomiting, but the ingestion of even a small amount of dark chocolate or baking chocolate can, in some cases, cause death. It is better to give your pet a treat that is made especially for dogs or cats, and keep your own goodies away from curious paws and mouths.
A beautiful bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers also can have serious health consequences for our pets. Curious cats and dogs often can’t resist chewing and eating the leaves and petals of a florist’s creations, which can cause digestive problems, diarrhea in pets, heart problems, kidney failure, liver disease and/or seizures. That’s why it is so important to display your flowers out of your pets’ reach. Certain flowers can be toxic if eaten. If you suspect or can confirm that your pet has eaten plant leaves or flower petals, the identity of the plant or flower is crucial in determining its toxicity. You can either call the ASPCA’S National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435, or Hope Animal Medical Center at 706-546-7879.

Common Valentine’s Presents that Can Cause Diarrhea in Pets!
Common flowers and plants- including some often found in your own backyard-that are especially toxic and can be fatal if ingested include: Oleander, Lilies, Sago Palm nuts and seeds, Castor Bean, Azalea, Rhododendron, Chrysanthemum, Peace Lily, Tulip bulbs, Amaryllis, English Ivy and Autumn Crocus.

Everyone loves to receive chocolates, flowers or plants on Valentine’s Day. By making sure they are kept away from nosy canines or hungry felines, you can enjoy them safely with no fears of accidentally poisoning your pets.

Remember to make the day special for pets by giving lots of love, extra attention and a few safe pet treats.