When your pet is hospitalized…

Sometimes hospitalizing a pet is unavoidable.  We know that leaving your pet with us can be very stressful, especially when that pet is very ill.  We take caring for your animal very seriously and want to ensure the best possible experience.  Use the following tips to help decrease the amount of stress involved in the hospitalization of your pet:

• Pick a primary contact. Many times when a pet is hospitalized, serious discussions must be had and decisions made.  It is helpful if one person is the primary contact for the doctor.  This helps to minimize confusion and keeps communication clear.  It is also important that this person be readily available by phone in case of emergency.

• Feel free to call. While you will be updated by your pet’s doctor frequently, we realize you are probably worried.  Know that we will always update you immediately regarding major changes in your pet’s health.  You may also feel free to call and “check-in” at any time.  If you do so, however, please realize that the doctor may be busy caring for your or other pets and that the staff may only be able to give you limited information.

• Observe visiting hours. Because of the nature of a hospital, heavy visitor traffic can disrupt the care of our patients.  We encourage you to visit your pet between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.  We also ask that you limit visits to 15 minutes.  If you are unable to visit during visiting hours, please talk to your pet’s doctor regarding other arrangements.

• Schedule your discharge. When your pet is being released from the hospital, please schedule a time during normal hours to pick him/her up.  This way the doctor can set aside time to talk with you and answer any further questions.  After hours discharge is also available, although your pet’s doctor may not be.  In this instance, another staff member will release your pet.

If your pet is scheduled to be hospitalized with us, please contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Chances are you have given blood  at some point in your life- it’s a great feeling! Did you know that your pup can offer the same favor to his canine comrades? OVRS runs its very own canine blood bank called Buddies for Life which collects and stores blood products that can be used to treat a variety of doggie problems including blood loss, immune mediated diseases, genetic disorders, and more!

Volunteers to donate blood are always needed. The Buddies for Life Blood Bank will be hosting a blood drive on June 2nd. A donation of your time and your dog’s blood can help save many lives, through the over 400 transfusions OVRS performs every year.

Because of the physical demands required when donating blood, donors should be in good general health, over 50 pounds, and between 1 and 7 years of age. Dogs that have a generally outgoing and friendly disposition are best suited to the rigors of donation.

If you think that your dog might have what it takes to be a donor, or if you would like more information regarding our blood bank, please download the donation form or contact us at bloodbank@ovrs.com.