Keeping Monroe's pets healthy for over 25 years!

AAHA accredited for over 25 years!

Welcome to Kindness Animal Clinic               360-794-8813 info@kacpets.com 

19845 Hwy 2, Monroe, WA                            Call for an appointment today!

KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC is a full-service, AAHA accredited, veterinary medical facility located in MONROE, WA. Our professional and courteous veterinarians and technical staff at KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC seeks to provide you with the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for your highly-valued pets. We are a small family owned clinic, and your pets will be seen by Dr. Garver every visit. He is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to MONROE, WA and surrounding areas. We are the ONLY certified Gold Level "Cat Friendly Practice" in Monroe! The American Association of Feline Practioners required our practice to meet several performance criteria and complete staff training, as well as having to make cat friendly changes to our clinic!  Please take a moment to contact our veterinarians and technical staff today to learn more about our newly expanded veterinary practice and to find out more information about how KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.

Fleas: Pesky Parasites!

Flea Season is here!

With an appetite for blood, a short life cycle, and an amazing ability to reproduce, the flea is a difficult parasite to eradicate. The common cat flea is one of the hardiest pests our dogs and cats will encounter and it can carry diseases that affect our pets and us.

Did you know? FLEAS:

• Are the most common parasite of dogs and cats in our area?
• Lay 50 eggs per day for over 50 days? That's 2500 eggs per female flea!
• Time from egg to adult is less than 20 days?
• Can double their population every 3 days in a temperature of over 70 degrees?
• In the pupa form can lay dormant in the environment for over 6 months waiting for an animal (host) to come by?
• Can jump up to 2 feet in the air?

Year round use of veterinary approved flea prevention and control products along with an effective environmental protection product is the BEST means to prevent infestation.  Kindness Animal Clinic has the newest, safest and most effective flea products to win the war on fleas!

Prescription flea medication will control and prevent further flea infestation.  These are the topical or oral prescription products we recommend:

Flea Control for Cats: Revolution or Bravecto

• Revolution is the product Kindness Animal Clinic recommends for cats and kittens 8 weeks or older.
• The active ingredient of Revolution is Selamectin, a chemical specific for the insect neuromuscular systems. Because it does not affect mammals it is very safe for use in our pets.
• Revolution only needs to be used once monthly to last all month long!  Applied to the skin at the base of your cat's neck, it is absorbed through the bloodstream within 10 minutes.
• It kills adult fleas and ticks, as well as preventing eggs from hatching for 1 month after application.
• Revolution works best if used year round to prevent an infestation of fleas from becoming established.
• As a plus, it is also effective against ear mites, roundworms, hookworms, and heartworm, making it the best all-around prevention for cats.
• Or...brand new is a topical Bravecto for cats - a liquid that can be used on cats and kittens older than 6 months. This product needs to be applied to the skin at the base of your cat’s neck ONLY once every 12 weeks, and provides excellent flea and tick control for your cat for 12 weeks.

Flea Control for Dogs: Bravecto, Revolution, and Trifexis

Bravecto

• Bravecto is the newest flea and tick product on the market, and we have found it to be very effective, safe, and easy to use!
• The active ingredient in Bravecto is Fluralaner - an insect neuro inhibitor. Because it has no effect on mammals it is safe for your dog...but not for fleas and ticks!
• Bravecto is a tasty chew that is given to your dog with his or her dinner once every 12 weeks. Or, for small dogs there is a topical liquid that is applied to your dog’s shoulder area once every 12 weeks
• Fleas begin to die within 2 hours, and the product stays strong and lasts long - killing fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks.
• Because it protects from inside the dog, it is not affected by bathing or swimming and will not rub off.
• Bravecto can be used in all adult dogs and in puppies over 6 months of age.
• As a plus, Bravecto kills 3 types of ticks: black-legged, American dog, and brown dog for 12 weeks, and lone star ticks for 8 weeks.
• This is an economical time to purchase Bravecto for your dog. There is a current rebate for $15 back on two doses of Bravecto. 

Revolution

• Revolution is also recommended by Kindness Animal Clinic for dogs and puppies over 6 weeks of age.
• The active ingredient of Revolution is Selamectin, a chemical specific for the insect neuromuscular system. Because it does not affect mammals it is very safe to use in our pets.
• Revolution only needs to be used once monthly to last all month long. Applied to the skin at the base of your dog's neck, it is absorbed through the bloodstream within 10 minutes.
• It kills adult fleas and ticks, as well as preventing eggs from hatching for 1 month after application.
• Revolution works best if used year round to prevent an infestation of fleas from becoming established.
• As a plus, Revolution also prevents Heartworm disease, and is effective against ear mites, Sarcoptic mites, and American dog ticks, making it a great all-around prevention for dogs.

Trifexis

• Trifexis is a beef flavored chewable table that is safe for dogs over 8 weeks of age.
• The active ingredients are Spinosad (an insect neurotoxin) and Milbemycin oxime (a Macrocyclic Lactone).
• Given with a meal once monthly, Trifexis will kill adult fleas before they lay eggs, and continue killing them for the entire month.
• Because Sentinel only sterilizes fleas and Trifexis actually kills them Trifexis is our preferred broad spectrum oral flea product for dogs.
• It protects from inside the dog and will not rub or wash off.
• Although Trifexis won't kill ticks, it is very effective against heartworm and the intestinal parasites roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.

For Environmental Control

Knockout Spray ES

• If your home is currently infested with fleas, we recommend treating it completely with an area treatment (not a fogger) as well.
• Kindness Animal Clinic recommends Knockout Spray ES(pyrethrin, permethrin and Nylar). This spray has both an adulticide for a quick kill of adult fleas, and an insect growth regulator to prevent hatching of any eggs in the environment.
• The only stage of the flea lifecycle that is not affected by Knockout is the pupa (cocoons), which will hatch out in 10 days. Because of this, we recommend a second treatment 10 days after the first.
• Before using Knockout, first vacuum the house thoroughly and dispose of the bag.  Use a light spray application onto the floors and carpet, beds, under furniture, along baseboards and beneath cushions on furniture. Launder all area rugs and bedding.  It is important to treat the entire house as if an area remains untreated, it can serve as a source for reinfestation. Don't vacuum for at least 3 days after treating. Allow the house to dry for an hour, and then ventilate by opening windows for an hour. During the treatment time it is best to vacate the premises for two hours, taking all pets with you. If this isn't practical, treat a room at a time by putting a towel against the door, and ventilate the room after treatment.  Make sure to treat the house twice, 10 days apart.
• Protect your other pets as well! Birds and reptiles should be removed during treatment and not returned until the room is well ventilated. Also, fish tanks should have the tank covered with a towel and filters unplugged while the room is being treated to prevent any of the product getting into the water.
• One 16oz can of Knockout will treat 2100 square feet and prevent infestations for up to four months.

In this area of the country, environmental conditions are perfect for fleas, and flea control can be difficult.  Keep in mind the following:

• Year round use of a veterinary approved flea prevention and control product is the best means to prevent infestation.
• Veterinary approved flea medication must be used on all animals in the home.  Even indoor only cats are at risk as fleas can be brought in by other animals and even people.
• It may take several months to completely control an infestation.
• Prescription flea medication will control and prevent further flea infestation.  Revolution, Bravecto, and Trifexis are the products we recommend.  Products such as Frontline and Advantage we no longer recommend as they are topical pesticides that fleas have developed resistance to.  Also, we do not recommend flea shampoo, foggers, or flea collars as they too often are outdated pesticides that fleas are resistant to.

The staff at Kindness Animal Clinic will be happy to help you formulate a plan for the best flea control for your pets and home!

Heat Stroke

Knowing how to prevent, detect, and treat heatstroke could mean the difference between life and death for your pet one day.

Prevention

People often associate heatstroke with high temperatures, although it can also occur when humidity levels are high, despite the temperature. Heatstroke is also possible in hot, humid, and unventilated areas indoors. To avoid heatstroke:

• Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. A parked car can become an inferno in minutes, even with the windows open, and your pet could quickly succumb to heatstroke inside. At 68 degrees, the temperature inside a car can reach 115 degrees in 60 minutes. At 82 degrees, even with the windows open, the temperature can reach 95 degrees in 10 minutes. At those temperatures, irreversible organ and brain damage and death will quickly occur.
• While outside, be sure your pet has access to shade and shelter away from direct sunlight.
• Fresh water should always be available for your pet, and be sure to use a sturdy bowl, especially if you’ll be away from home for a while. A water bowl that has tipped over is of no use to your thirsty pet.

Detection

Some signs that your pet is overheating include:

• Excessive panting and drooling
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Mild weakness
• Stupor or actually collapsing
• Seizures
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting

Short-nosed animals (e.g., Persian cats, pugs, boxers, and bulldogs) are more susceptible to heat stroke than their longer-nosed counterparts. Because of the shape of their faces, they are less effective at panting. Pets who are overweight, elderly, or have heart or lung diseases should be kept in air-conditioned rooms or in front of fans as much as possible.

Treatment

As soon as you see signs of heatstroke in your pet it is imperative that you begin a cooling method. Move them immediately to a cooler location. Soak towels in room temperature to cool  water and wrap your pet in them. Don't use cold or ice water because if the cooling happens too rapidly it can be detrimental to your pet. You can also place your pet in front of a fan to help reduce  body temperature.

After you’ve begun to cool your pet down, call us for further instruction. Pets affected by heatstroke often require intravenous fluids, blood pressure support, or other medications depending on the severity of their condition.

If you see a pet in car in a parking lot exhibiting signs of heat stroke, the Humane Society recommends you:

Call the police department/animal control in the area immediately to report it.

Get the license number of the vehicle and enter the nearest store/business to request an emergency announcement be made.

Wait for the police to arrive.

FYI: A bill that makes it a civil offense (punishable with a $125 fine) to leave a pet in a dangerously hot car became law in Washington state in July 2015. It also authorizes animal control officers and police to break in to rescue confined animals and will clear them of liability for property damage, and can lead to felony animal cruelty charges.

Hiking With Your Dog

Hiking season is here! Most dogs love to hike along with their owners. Here are a few safety precautions to keep your four-legged hiking companion healthy.

Before you go, take time for some preventative medicine:

• Make sure your dog is current on vaccinations and is on a good flea and tick preventative. Ticks are very active right now, and carry many serious diseases. We are recommending Bravecto for our canine patients who spend a lot of time outdoors. Bravecto is a new, very effective chewable tab that will kill fleas and ticks on your dog for 12 weeks.
• Make sure your dog is in shape for hiking. Dogs that do nothing but lie around all day will get stiff and sore and suffer cramped muscles if they hike difficult trails. If your dog is out of shape, start an exercise program slowly and gradually - like a daily 10 minute walk. Slowly lengthen the time and quicken the pace. Regular daily exercise is essential for keeping your dog in shape.

Keep your dog leashed on the trail. Leashed dogs are safe dogs. There are a lot of natural hazards out there - cliffs, sharp rocks, boulders, rivers and creeks to cross, wild animals. An off-leash dog is much more likely to be hurt  or get lost than an on-leash dog. Other dogs may threaten your dog - especially ones that are not on a leash. If there is an altercation, you can quickly  pull your dog away to safety. There may be wild animals. If your dog gets between a mother bear and her cub, it could develop into a dangerous situation for both of you.

AVMA recommends bringing along for your dog:

• Water and collapsible bowl. Pack enough for the entire day - approximately three liters of water for your dog's day hike. Drinking water from puddles, streams, or lakes is not a good idea for you or your dog. Like us, dogs are susceptible to water borne illnesses from drinking untreated water. Giardia intestinalis  is a  parasite that  affects both humans and dogs. These microscopic parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall and cause damage. Symptoms of Giardia infection (in both humans and pets) are diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. It is also possible to be infected and have no signs of illness. Leptospirosis is another serious infection of dogs and people.The bacteria that cause Leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals which can contaminate water or soil. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated area, or by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms are a fever and dehydration, and which can progress to kidney failure. Leptospirosis can be prevented by keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations. If your dog develops any of the symptoms of Giardia or Leptospirosis infection post hiking, please give us a call as soon as possible. The earlier treatment is started, the better.
• Dog food and treats - Keep your dog well fed on the trail as he or she will burn more calories than usual. Bring extra snacks.
• ID tag and picture identification - Make sure your dog is properly identified with a microchip and/or tags should he/she become separated from you. A good idea is to put a photo of your dog along with their microchip number in your phone.
• Booties if you will be hiking on abrasive ground (such as basalt lava fields of the South Cascades), in areas where there is spiny, prickly vegetation (desert areas of Eastern Washington), or in snow. Choose booties that feature good,flexible upper sections so the dogs can easily bend their wrists while striding, and a tough, nonslip surface on the bottom to help them maintain good traction.
• Plastic bags - Be courteous and leave the trail as you found it. Packing out your dog's poop is  good trail etiquette.
• Basic canine first-aid kit. Includes gauze pads, nonstick bandages, and a roll of gauze (could also be used as a muzzle) in case of cuts or pad wounds. Adhesive tape for bandages, tweezers and eye wash is also helpful.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until he/she receives veterinary treatment.

The staff at Kindness Animal Clinic has many hiking trails that we like to take our dogs to! If you need a suggestion of a hike to take with your four legged friend, talk to us. We'll be happy to share our favorites! Pictured above is Dr. Garver and Skye at two of their favorites : Lake Serene (on left) and Lime Kiln Trail (on right). Pictured below from left to right is Lake 22 (Chrissy and Ollie), Rattlesnake Ledge (Stephanie and Yogi), Wallace Falls (Erin and Deco), Big Four Ice Caves (KAC staff and dogs), and Bridle Veil Falls (Moriah, Chrissy, Molly and Ollie). Below is Stephanie's Ariel and Chrissy's Ollie (hiking around Leavenworth). Happy hiking!

American Animal Hospital Association 

Why We Choose AAHA

(and you should too!)

Our veterinarians and staff hold themselves accountable to the highest possible standards every day.   This is reflected in our facility and quality of our patient care. Kindness Animal Clinic is the only AAHA accredited hospital in Monroe and east Snohomish County area. Click here for more information on AAHA.