Happy Birthday Dr. Louer!

Joyeux anniversaire à vous, joyeux anniversaire à vous, joyeux anniversaire Dr Louer, joyeux anniversaire à vous!

It's the dog days of summer

We all know the phrase, but what does the "dog days of summer" even mean?
According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the term "dog days" traditionally refers to a period of particularly hot and humid weather occurring during the summer months of July and August in the Northern Hemisphere. Sound familiar?
In ancient Greece and Rome, the dog days were thought to be a time of drought, bad luck and unrest, when dogs and men would be driven mad by the extreme heat!
Today, the dog days aren't nearly as dramatic, and simply refer to the time of summer's peak temperatures and humidity. And air conditioning – lots of air conditioning!
This period of uncomfortable weather coincides with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star, at sunrise. Sirius is part of the Canis Majoris, or "Greater Dog," constellation, which is where Sirius gets its canine nickname, as well as its official name, Alpha Canis Majoris. Not including our sun, Sirius is the brightest star in the sky.
In ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome, it was believed that the dawn rising of Sirius in mid- to late-summer, combined with our sun, was the cause of summer's scorching temperatures.
The name “Sirius” even stems from the ancient Greek word seírios, meaning “scorching.”

If it's too hot for you . . .

. . . it's too hot for them!
Moving into the final stretch of summer, keep in mind that if the pavement feels too hot to your bare feet, it's too hot for your pet's paw pads.
Pressing your own bare feet to the pavement for 7-8 seconds is a good way to assess the heat level.
Remember:

• If it's 77 degrees outside, the asphalt temperature is 125 degrees, which can destroy skin in 60 seconds.
• If it's 86 degrees outside, the asphalt temperature is 135 degrees, which can easily fry an egg.
• And if it's 87 degrees outside, the asphalt temperature is 143 degrees.

Try to walk your pets or let them outside in the cool of the morning or in the late afternoon and always check the temperature before going out. Stay cool!

Just a reminder about vaccines

As summer wanes and fall draws near, it's important to remember that kids aren't the only ones who need to be current on their vaccines to go to school!
Whether you're planning on dropping your pet off at doggie daycare, enrolling them in training classes or taking them to get a fresh cut at the groomer's, dogs need their vaccines too!
If it's been a while and you're not sure what your pet needs, give us a call so we can help you avoid the frustration of being turned away from Fido's favorite play group due to lack of vaccinations.
Making sure your pet is appropriately vaccinated will also give you peace of mind that they're protected against the most serious, and common, diseases they're likely to encounter.
GWLAH receptionists are looking forward to helping you get your pet ready for their fall activities!

Congratulations on nearly 115 years of service (combined) at GWLAH!

Talk about dedication!
Dr. Janet Streng and Client Relations Manager Ginny Tillman each just celebrated 27 years at GWLAH!
Medical Scribe JoAnn Tremarco is celebrating 25 years with the hospital and Dr. Kathy Price celebrates 22 years with us!
Senior Receptionist Kathleen Lembo is celebrating 13 years with the practice this month!
Combined, these GWLAH ladies have a total of 114 years of service to West Milford's furry family members! Thank you ladies, for all that you do!

Check the Chip Day

Check the Chip Day is Aug. 15 and serves as a reminder to have your veterinarian scan your pet's microchip regularly to ensure that it's working.
Though uncommon, microchips can sometimes malfunction and stop working, which doesn't help your pet get home if they get lost.
Also, be sure to keep up-to-date information on file with the microchip company so your pet can be reunited with you, in the unfortunate event they get lost.
Checking your pet's chip could help save their life, so make sure to mention it at your next visit with GWLAH!

Check out our in-house product specials!

We've got all kinds of deals for you on your pet's preventatives and medications! Check out the savings we have for you here!