Get a pet this New Year 2011! Pets are worth it!

Pets are worth it! They make us happy! We never forget them even after they are gone!

If you have never had a pet before get one! Pets are worth all the work and attention. Why? Because pets give you unconditional love, they sleep on your bed, they comfort and cheer you up when you are down and depending on what kind of pet you have they would rescue you or defend you if need be and don't forget they never tattle tale!

Yes, they do require your care. it is a responsibility to own a pet. They need to be fed, to be played with and need to be walked and exercised. This obligation may seem at times like a chore. This also requires some financial obligation: Fish require an aquarium, dogs may require a dog house, cats need their kitty litter and play tree, birds and exotics may require a special cage etc. All require to be fed. Pets also require regular check-ups from veterinarians.  It is now recommended that pets have an exam twice a year.

And what do you do when you need to be away for business or pleasure for a day, a weekend or a week or two? You may have a pet-friendly neighbor or friend who can watch and feed your pet. However, are they qualified  to recognize medical problems when they arise and can they watch your pet 24/7. There is a better solution. The staff at Westlake Village Animal hospital and  The Barkley Pet Hotel and Day Spa are qualified to tend to all your pet's needs. Both facilities are staffed 24 hours a day and they will ensure that your pet will have a safe, secure and fun visit.
The importance of spaying and neutering:
Now that I have convinced you to get a pet this Holiday season, if it is a cat or a dog you need to spay or neuter your pet. Why? Because there is an overwhelming number of homeless and unwanted dogs and cats.  In order to save lives you need to make sure you spay or neuter your pet. It is the simplest and most responsible thing you can do to help offset the great number of cats and dogs that are euthanized each year. Better yet, go to a rescue organization or a shelter to get your cat or dog this New Year! The dogs and cats are spayed and neutered already. If you are a pet-lover already, you may want to buy a License plate from the California Pet Lover's License Plate Program. This new pet-friendly license plate program is sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Board and administered by the nonprofit organization The California Spay and Neuter License Plate Fund and the Found Animals Foundation. You can personalize the plate with your pet's name. For info about this program visit http://www.petloversplate.org/.

If you already have a pet. you should be aware that some flowers may be harmful to your animal. These flowers are bright, beautiful, and colorful. They cheer us up. Since we all have flowers around the Holidays you should be vigilant that your pet does not ingest any. More than likely you may have poinsettias and lilies. Poinsettias are not deadly but they can cause stomach problems and diarrhea. Lilies on the other hand, are dangerous to animals. They can be deadly. So if you suspect that your pet has eaten a holiday flower please call your vet or take your pet to Dr. Slaton, Dr. Rosentstein or Dr. Rothman at Westlake Village Animal Hospital who will be more than happy to tend to your loved animal.

All the staff and the Doctors at Westlake Village Animal Hospital and The Barkley Pet Hotel and Day Spa would like to wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year 2011!