April 9, 2025

Understanding the Mighty Mosquito

Heartworm disease is spread through parasites that live in mosquitos. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites your unprotected pet, they are in danger of contracting the illness. Here’s what to know about these irritating pests:

• She’s tough: Mosquitos survive and thrive in a variety of climates and environments
• She’s mobile: Mosquitos live indoors and outdoors and are willing to relocate
• She’s hungry: Mosquitos drink three times their body weight in blood, spreading heartworm larvae as they feed
• She’s sneaky: Mosquito “season” is impossible to predict. Mosquitos can emerge in early spring or late fall. Pets need to be protected year-round

Protect your pet from heartworms 12 months-a-year, and we recommend testing for heartworm infection once a year.

More Heartworm Prevention Resources

We mark Heartworm Awareness month each April. Here is additional information to help you prevent infection in your pet:

• Heartworm Prevention: Be Aware!
• Heartworm Awareness Month: We Still Need to Talk About It
• 7 Fast Facts about Heartworm Disease

Companion Care Animal Hospital includes heartworm prevention as part of our wellness care for dogs and cats. Contact us if your pet needs a wellness check and preventative recommendation.

April 3, 2025

10 Animal Lovers Share Their Experiences with Our Hospital

We appreciate when clients share feedback and updates about their pets, especially pictures! Here is a selection from our Google Reviews page. Enjoy hearing about these wonderful pets!

Ian shared the above photo and his experience with his beautiful dog and adorable puppy:

“I have been here twice. Once with an adult dog and once with a new puppy. And I can not say enough good things about them. all the staff and vets are great. facilities are nice and clean, and the prices are awesome. Would definitely recommend them for all your pet needs.”

Ell’s baby is shown chilling in our exam room. Here’s the very kind review!

“I love it here!
Awesome staff, everyone very well trained and educated. Very direct about your pets care plan options and goal oriented in getting your pet what he/she needs. They treat your pet like family. 🩵 Upfront about prices as well, no hidden cost pop up. …”

We love cats at Companion Care Animal Hospital! And isn’t she a beauty? Here’s her person’s review:

“The vet and her vet techs where very gentle with my cat and gave her the help she needed.”

3 More Companion Care Animal Hospital Reviews for Cats

Here are some highlights from other client and cat patient experiences with our hospital.

“I would never dream of taking my cat anywhere else. The friendliest and most knowledgeable workers of any vet I’ve been too. They genuinely care about my cat.” – Michael

“I took my cat Leo here in October 2022 because my normal vet couldn’t get him in for a week, and have trusted them with my animals since. Leo was diagnosed diabetic and they were the best, now he’s in remission!” – Paige

“They’re always available when I call and very kind to my cat and me.” – Mary

3 More Companion Care Animal Hospital Reviews for Dogs

Dogs are amazing, and we are honored to care for so many wonderful pups. Here are three more reviews about our dog patients.

“Excellent staff and services! We have taken our pets here for several years now. They provide great boarding services too when you’re out of town. Very compassionate team of doctors and technicians. Always the best care! I recommend them to all my friends and family.” – Erin

“Incredibly impressed with this vet office. Our newly adopted shelter dog had an emergency and they were willing to get us in same day. Dr. Karen Collins was patient, gentle, and incredibly caring. She listened to his story and symptoms, and then discussed potential treatments. This has been a huge relief off our shoulders and we are so thankful for them. Fingers crossed the treatment gets us to where we need to be and all is good in our 1 month follow up!” – Martin

“We absolutely love this veterinary hospital. They are always so kind and knowledgeable with our dogs. We have a English Mastiff and a Great Dane , and it’s important to have vet’s that are familiar with giant breeds. The team is always so friendly , they make sure to have the room ready so we can take them right back , and short of emergencies happening we never have to wait long. The doctors always take time to explain everything , and the front desk staff is so welcoming. Our dogs love coming here , and I find it to be very cost effective as well as a great environment for my dogs.” – Danielle

This Touching Companion Care Animal Hospital Review Shares a Story

We were really touched by Ellie’s review, which tells such an honest and wonderful story:

“So thankful to have found this place. We have (elderly) 2 cats and a new pup, and I’ve never found a vet that is so caring and compassionate about the pets the come through their doors.

“What really stood out to us is how kind and gentle Dr. Roemer was with our pup and answered all the questions we had every single visit (no matter how silly). We felt listened to and understood, especially as new puppy parents.

“We have seen both Dr. Roemer and Dr. Simensen and couldn’t say a single bad thing about either of them. Both of them were so kind to our pets and were clearly committed to helping us give them the best life possible.

“The best part of it all – our pup now recognizes when were headed to the vet and actually gets excited to see the team there.

“Today, unfortunately, I had to come in for an emergency visit because my puppy swallowed a sock. While I was so upset and mad with myself for being a ‘bad dog mom,’ they reassured me that everything would be okay and within an hour of him swallowing the sock, I called Companion Care Animal Hospital, they got us in, they removed it, and we were back home. IN AN HOUR. So thankful for this team and their care for our fur babies! Couldn’t recommend this place enough!”

We thank each and every client who trusts us with their pets, and we especially thank everyone who took the time to share their experience in a review.

March 5, 2025

March is Poison Prevention Month

Let’s work together to promote safe and healthy environments for our pets! Many top toxins and poisons overlap for dogs and cats, but there are some differences. Here are the top 10 for each.

Top 10 Toxins and Poisons for Dogs

These are the most common toxins that affects dogs. Please keep these items where your dog cannot get to them.

1. Chocolate
2. Mouse and rat poisons
3. Vitamins and minerals
4. Human and veterinary pain relievers
5. Heart medications, e.g., beta blockers
6. Cold and allergy medications
7. Antidepressants
8. Xylitol
9. Acetaminophen
10. Caffeine pills

Top 10 Toxins and Poisons for Cats

Cats are most commonly-affected by these 10 toxins. Use this knowledge to keep your cats safe and healthy.

1. Topical, spot-on insecticides
2. Household cleaners
3. Antidepressants
4. Lilies
5. Insoluble oxalate plants, e.g., philodendron
6. Human and veterinary pain relievers
7. Acetaminophen, e.g., Tylenol
8. Glow sticks
9. ADD/ADHD medications/amphetamines
10. Mouse and rat poisons

Top 8 Toxic Plants

Many common plants are toxic to pets, especially cats. It’s safest to keep these top plants out of your home:

• Azalea
• Calla lily
• Daylily
• Easter lily
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Morning glory
• Elephant’s ear

Recently, we shared 2024’s Top 20 Pet Poisons, which is another helpful resource. You may also want to refer to our Top 30 Toxic Plants for Cats & Dogs.

February 26, 2025

Top Questions for In-Home Pet Care

Pet Sitters International is an educational organization for professional pet sitters, and they created Professional Pet Sitters Week the first week of March. In-home pet care is growing in popularity, so we wanted to highlight this option. Pet sitters come to your home to care for your pet, including walks and playtime.

Pet Sitting Might Be a Great Option for Your Pet

If you travel or work long hours away from home, you may board your pet or ask friends/family to take them in. These options are usually just fine, but engaging a trusted pet sitter could be a great experience for your pet. Pet Sitters International (PSI) shares these benefits:

• Pets are happier and experience less stress at home.

• Diet and exercise routines are uninterrupted.

• Travel trauma for both owner and pet is eliminated.

• Pet’s exposure to illness is minimized.

• Untrained or unwilling friends/family/neighbors need not be called.

• In-home professional pet care provides added peace of mind.

You may be interested in finding pet sitters in our area, so we suggest checking out PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator. We found five pet sitters in the Cincinnati area. Choosing a certified pet sitter can add confidence to the decision to allow someone into your home to care for your pet.

How Can You Tell a Pet Sitter is Professional?

When interviewing a pet sitter, ask these questions to make sure you’re hiring a professional:

• Do you have a business license? This means they have registered their business with the Ohio Secretary of State, instead of running a casual side gig.
• What business insurance do you carry?
• What pet care training, education and certification have you achieved?
• How long have you been a professional pet sitter?
• What kinds of pets do you sit for?
• Can you provide references?

How Much Does a Professional Pet Sitter Cost?

PSI offers national average for pet sitting services. Here’s the chart.

Is Professional Pet Sitting the Career for You?

PSI’s goal is to help professional pet sitters provide excellent pet care and build a successful business. The organization offers a free guide titled, “How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business.” Here are our favorite tips from the guide, to help determine if professional pet sitting might be the right career for you:

• Evaluate your experience with animals and pet care. Have you cared for your own pets– for how long, and what species/breeds? Have you volunteered with animal organizations, like shelters?
• Know the education and training that you will need. Pet first aid, animal behavior and pet health education are all important.
• What experience do you have in any service industry? A large part of pet sitting is interacting with pet owners with friendliness and professionalism.
• Would you like to specialize or generalize? For instance, there’s the most opportunity for a pet sitter who can care for cats and dogs. However, if you have much experience with an exotic pet, that could be a good niche.
• It’s likely important that a background check shows a clear criminal history.

Pet sitting can be both a great career and great for pet owners. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this pet care option!

February 19, 2025

National Pet Dental Month & Heart Month

Dental health is an essential part of a pet’s well-being. By taking proactive measures to care for their pet’s teeth, owners can help prevent dental problems and ensure their furry companions live long, healthy lives.

Heart Health

It is important that every dog and cat owner is empowered to recognize signs of heart disease in their companion animals. Regular veterinary check-ups are a key component in keeping your pet’s heart healthy.

6 Signs of Heart Disease in Pets

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Weight loss
• Swollen abdomen
• Excessive tiredness or fainting
• Dry cough

February 5, 2025

Why We Love Pets: 10 Reasons

Our cats and dogs are so lovable! For National Love Your Pet Day on February 20, let us count the ways.

1. Pets enrich our lives and are a delight to take care of
2. They accept us for who we are
3. They’re always available to share time together
4. Usually, they have a forgive-and-forget attitude, especially if offered a treat
5. So, so, so cute!
6. Their antics are more entertaining than TikTok
7. Sharing a nap together
8. They give us something to talk about when we need to make human conversation
9. But pets don’t require small talk, and that’s a relief
10. However, if you enjoy talking to yourself, you can always say you’re talking to your pet

More Inspiration for National Love Your Pet Day

We love celebrating pets! Here are three more articles with ideas and inspiration. Tell you pet we love them!

• Why We Love Senior Pets
• 31 Ideas to Celebrate National Pet Month
• 10 Ways to Show Your Pet the Love

There are a million reasons we love pets, and a million more to love our own special cat or dog! The best way to show your pet love is to ensure their best health. Learn more about Wellness Care to help your pet live their happiest, healthiest life.

January 29, 2025

6 Million Cats Are Diagnosed with Cancer Each Year

No one wants to imagine their precious kitty being diagnosed with cancer, but it’s important to know the signs, just in case. February is National Cat Health Month, so we’re highlighting this one aspect of cat health now. PetCure Oncology reports that over six million cats are diagnosed every year. They also share these facts:

• Some cancers are more likely in cats aged two to six
• Cats with FeLV are at higher risk of cancer
• Purebred cats may suffer from cancer at higher rates

10 Early Signs of Cancer in Cats

The Pet Cancer Foundation provides a helpful guide to learn the symptoms of cancer in cats. Take a look at the signs, although you’ll probably notice that many of these symptoms are common to several different illnesses.

Cancer in Cats: Behavior Symptoms

• Hiding more than usual and for longer than expected
• Pain and discomfort that results in irritability, wincing or lashing out when touched
• Unexpected or unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Urinating more or less often than usual
• Constipation or diarrhea

Cancer in Cats: Coat and Face Symptoms

• Nose: Changes to the color or texture of your cats nose, or nosebleeds
• Mouth: If you notice a strange odor, sores or wounds in the mouth. Also, if you cat is scratching their mouth
• Skin: Be aware of any lumps, bumps, rashes or lesions

Cancer in Cats: Illness Symptoms

• Unexpected discharge from any body orifice, such as eyes, nose, ears, etc.
• Seizures, which can present as champing, chewing, shaking or foaming at the mouth

As always, if you notice any these symptoms– or if your cat’s behavior changes unexpectedly, reach out to your veterinarian. Because cats are so skilled at hiding illnesses, it’s especially important to take them in for wellness visits.

January 8, 2025

We wish a Happy 2025 to all of our patients, clients and team members! Let’s take a little time to reflect on the past year and some of our favorite photos.

Eclipse Day!

Who could forget the 2024 eclipse? We made sure to share safety tips for pets.

Sharing Our Pets for National Pet Day

Look at these sweeties!

Celebrating Veterinary Receptionist Week

Our amazing Veterinary Receptionists are the first voice you hear when you call and the first face you see when you walk in. They are critically important to patient care!

Recognizing National Mutt Day

We celebrated with Riggins.

Kitten Well Visits

We just love those kitty cuddles.

National Black Dog Day

Jedd came to see us on National Black Dog day!

Santa Visits Companion Care Animal Hospital

Thank you for sharing a wonderful year with us, and we look forward to seeing you and your pets in 2025!

December 20, 2024

From Foods to Decorations to Guests, Follow These Tips this Season

Christmas, New Years and all the winter holidays can pose some challenges for keeping your pet safe. Keep these simple tips in mind for happy holidays.

Holiday No-No Foods

These foods are dangerous for pets and need to be kept away from them.

• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Bones
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes/raisins
• Candy
• Cooked bones

Poisonous Plants

Festive Christmas plants can also be dangerous for curious pets. Consider artificial replacements for:

• Poinsettias
• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Lilies

Decoration Safety

Everyone loves beautiful holiday decorations! Follow these guidelines for decor that both people and animals can enjoy.

• Put out candles if you are leaving the room
• Tape down any electrical cords
• Avoid tinsel
• Cover the water pan under the Christmas tree

Managing Your Pet Around Guests

Help help your pets successfully interact with guests takes a little planning. Here are some ideas.

• Make sure their ID tags are up-to-date
• Hold onto your pet as people enter the house
• Introduce your guests to your pet
• Teach kids the proper way to treat a pet
• Make sure nobody feeds them from the table
• Give your pets a safe place to get away and have quiet time

Cold Weather Safety

• For outdoor pets, make sure to offer fresh (unfrozen) water, warm bedding and wind-free shelter
• Keep your pet away from antifreeze and other cold-weather chemicals like de-icers
• Remember that elderly and infant pets are the most vulnerable to cold

November 20, 2024

An Alarming Increase in Incidents Involving Antidepressants

In the last year, chocolate, grapes and raisins have claimed the top spots in Pet Poison Helpline’s call volume. These toxins account for over 25% of all calls. So, especially as we enter the season of holidays, it’s important to keep these foods out of reach of your pet.

Next on the list are common toxins ibuprofen (Advil) and bromethalin (rat poison). Calls for these toxins are over 7% of the total.

Climbing the list in this deadly popularity contest are antidepressant and antianxiety medications. These only account for 3.5% of total call volume to Pet Poison Helpline over the last year, but the increase is alarming. Over the last five years, pet poisoning calls for these medications have increased 80%. So, if you or someone in your household has a prescription for antidepressants and/or antianxiety meds, please keep them safely locked away from pets (and children).

Pet Poison Helpline’s Top 20 Toxins List

Here’s the full list of top 20 pet toxins from the last 12 months, tracked by Pet Poison Helpline

Small percentages still show many call cases received, since Pet Poison Helpline serves thousands of callers each year. So, don’t let up with your vigilance in keeping coffee beans, coffee grounds, thyroid hormone medication or beta-blockers safely away from your pets. Just because a toxin is less common doesn’t meant it can’t affect your pet.

Top Clinical Signs of Toxicity in Pets

Helpfully, there’s also a list of the top 20 clinical signs to look out for with toxicity. Check them out. This knowledge might just save an animal’s life one day.

Animal Poison Control Options

If your pet has ingested a suspected toxin, and you can’t get in touch with your veterinarian, these animal poison control lines are good resources:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661