BBVA masthead
Monthly Update
May 2012
Cute cat and dog photo Buzzards Bay Vet Associates

Congratulations to Phoebe and TT and their owners for winning a $100 gift certificate to Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates! This image received a whopping 334 votes for cutest picture in our Facebook photo contest. We loved seeing all the photos and want to thank everybody for participating. If you haven't already,  be sure to visit our Facebook page to see all the entries!

 

Also be sure to read this month's article about sun protection for your pets, just in time for the warm weather. As always, feel free to call or email us with your questions and comments.

 

Sincerely,
Kristin AndersonLike us on Facebook
Hospital Manager
Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates
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Pets and Sun  

   

Did you know pets can get sunburns, too?

 

Just as in humans, repeated sun exposure can lead to severe dermatologic problems and skin cancer in pets. An animal's sunburn may appear as red skin or hair loss. Seek veterinary care if you notice any changes, such as redness or crusting, to skin that has had sun exposure, as these may be early signs of skin cancer or pre-cancerous lesions.

 

Which pets are most at risk?

Pets with thin, un-pigmented white or light-colored coats are at highest risk. Pets with a summer haircut or shave are also in danger of skin damage. Specific breeds predisposed to sunburns include white domestic shorthaired cats, white Boxers and Bull Terriers, Dalmatians, Beagles and German Shorthaired Pointers.

 

Which parts of the body are most susceptible to sun damage?

Many dogs are at risk for sunburn on the ears, top of the nose and sides of the muzzle. If your dog likes to lie on his back or side to sunbathe, sunblock should be applied to the belly and inner thighs.

 

For white or white eared-cats, sunblock is needed on the ear tips, even for a cat only sitting by a sunny window.

 

How should pets be protected?

Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when rays are strongest. If your pet will be outside, be sure to use sunblock. Choose a sunblock that is fragrance-free, safe for babies, at least SPF 15-30 and has both UVA and UVB filters. If you are picking a sunblock for your cat, be sure to avoid products containing octyl salicylate, which can be toxic to felines.

 

Sunblock should be massaged into exposed areas until absorbed, and re-applied if your pet goes in the water.

 

 

 

 

 

   

Quick Links
Join Us at the Feet, Fins & Flippers 5K
   

Two of our dedicated staff members will be running for Team BBVA in the Feet, Fins & Flippers 5K to benefit the National Marine Life Center. The May 27 race is a fun, family event and a great way to show your support for our animal friends.

Get the details

 
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We work hard to take the best possible care of both our animal friends and their human companions. If you think we've done a good job, please consider sharing your thoughts on Yelp. It's a great way to help other community members select a veterinarian based on real-life referrals and feedback.

 

Click here to visit our Yelp page. Thank you!  

 Just for Fun 

 Top 10 Dog Names at BBVA 

 

1. Max

2. Molly

3. Buddy

4. Jake

5. Bailey

6. Sam

7. Bear

8. Maggie

9. Daisy

10. Lady 

 

Top 10 Cat Names at BBVA

 

1. Kitty

2. Sam

3. Smokey

4. Tigger

5. Baby

6. Tiger

7. Max

8. Oreo

9. Mittens

10. Fluffy