Links

The internet is a wealth of information – so much so that sometimes locating quality websites can be challenging. That’s why our staff has taken the time to find a few links to share with you that we think you’ll find helpful:

Great Pets - Behavior Problems

Great Pets by Brian Kilcommons is where you will find the correct information, guidance and resources need to get the most enjoyment out of your relationship with your pet. The key elements of their success formula are broken into 4 distinct categories: Health, Nutrition, Training & Behavior and Identification. Visit the Great Pets website to learn more about the program and get access to a number of helpful resources.

ASPCA Virtural Pet Behaviorist: Solutions to Behavior Problems

This is a great resource for pet owners at any stage - from first-time pet parents to seasoned ones. Brought to you by the experts at the ASPCA, this link provides access to the latest in news and information on how to keep your animal family member happy, healthy and well-behaved.

Scratching Posts

Many a cat-lover has thrown their hands up in despair, crying "My cat just won't use a scratching post!" In reality, cats won't use the WRONG scratching post. Developed by a veterinarian who knows what cats need and want, all Purrfect Post products are designed to be cat-attracting, furniture-saving, cost-effective scratching solutions. Visit the link to learn more.

Declawing Cats

The Animal Hospital of McHenry strongly recommends against declawing your cat. For more information on the consequences of declawing (onychectomy) as well as some available alternatives, please visit this link. And, as always, if you have questions or concerns about declawing, or you need assistance dealing with your cat’s scratching behavior, we’d be happy to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a call!

Why Cats Scratch

Your sofa and your nerves are in tatters. You're scolding your cat, knowing all the while that it's futile. This is not a cocker spaniel you're dealing with. This is one of nature's most pragmatic and self-sufficient creatures. To fully understand your cat's behavior and properly solve the issue of problem scratching, this website provides a collection of helpful articles written by an experienced veterinarian. Click the link to view the full list of available resources.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, support the advancement of canine health and wellbeing and work to protect the rights of all dog owners as well as promote responsible dog ownership. The American Kennel Club website provides a wealth of information and resources for owners, future owners and breeders as well as detailed information about each designated breed.

Choosing a New Puppy

So you’re getting a new puppy. Congratulations! Before you bring your pet home, however, it would be wise to do your research and know ahead of time what to expect and how to prepare for the newest addition to your family. This Dog Owner’s Guide website contains a wealth of information, tips and advice and FAQs that have been put together to assist new dog owners in making the adoption of their new furry family member a happy and safe event for everyone.

Happy Healthy Cat

Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. The foundation is a global leader in funding scientific studies for companion animals, horses and wildlife. Since being founded in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation has invested more than $100 million toward 2,400 studies that have led to significant breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatments, preventions and cures to benefit animals worldwide. Visit the link to learn more, including how you can lend your support to this worthy cause.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)

The Cat Fancier’s Association is the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats, recognizing 42 pedigreed breeds ranging from the ever-popular Persian and Siamese to the rare Chinese Li Hua. The Cat Fancier’s website contains detailed information about each breed, educational resources for cat care needs and schedules for upcoming events. There’s even a kid’s section that contains fun and informative content designed especially for the little ones.

Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation

CCRF was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs in and around the city of Chicago. To date, CCRF has saved the lives of over 3,000 dogs, cats, kittens and puppies. CCRF specializes in helping animals that are the most vulnerable – the dogs and cats that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities, or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters at other shelters. The CCRF website features news about upcoming events, pets that are available for adoption and other information on how you can support their cause. Click the link to learn more.

American Veterinary Medical Association

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is a nonprofit association representing more than 82,500 veterinarians working in private and corporate practice, government, industry, academia, and uniformed services. The AVMA acts as a collective voice for its membership and for the profession.

Checking Your Cat's Blood Glucose at Home

Diabetes is a common but manageable condition in companion animals. Part of the ongoing care process involves testing your pet’s blood to determine his or her insulin and glucose levels. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that blood testing at home is a relatively simple process. This website provides a wealth of information, advice and guidance on managing your cat’s diabetes at home. Visit the link to learn more.

Flea, Tick and Mosquitoes Protection

Vectra provides the protection that your cherished pet needs against dangerous parasites. Keep your four legged friend safe from all kinds of pests, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, mites, flies and more. Visit the Vectra website to learn more about their available products, and ask your vet how these products can help your pet live a happier, safer, healthier life.

Heartworm Society

The mission of the American Heartworm Society (AHS) is to lead the veterinary profession and the public in the understanding of heartworm disease. Their objectives are to further scientific progress in the study of heartworm disease, inform the membership of new developments, and encourage and help promote effective procedures for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heartworm disease. The AHS website contains information about the society and its work, as well as a number of helpful resources for veterinary professionals and pet owners.

Pet Dental Disease

The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) exists to recognize products that meet pre-set standards of plaque and calculus (tartar) retardation in dogs and cats. Products are awarded the VOHC Seal of Acceptance following review of data from trials conducted according to VOHC protocols. Regular use of products carrying the VOHC Seal will reduce the severity of periodontal disease in pets. Learn more about this important cause by visiting the website.

Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge is a home for your departed baby. Whether furry, feathered or scaled, all are welcome. Create a Rainbow Residency which you care for as the Guardian of your baby's memory, meet others who are also grieving the loss of a loved one and begin the journey to healing a broken heart. You are not alone. The Rainbow Bridge website contains a wealth of information and resources to help loving pet owners as they grieve the loss of their beloved pet.

The Unique Feline

Understanding cats is easy, we just need to know how they live in their natural environment, and then make sure we meet their needs. Outdoors, cats hunt for food, hide from predators (often by climbing), and defend their home territories. Indoors, these behaviors may look hostile (biting and scratching) or spiteful (climbing and marking), and we may not like them. Learn the keys to enjoying life with cats by visiting this helpful resource from the Indoor Pet Initiative.

Veterinary Schools in the US

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) provides leadership for and promotes excellence in academic veterinary medicine in order to prepare the veterinary workforce with the skills and scientific knowledge required to meet the animal healthcare needs of society. The association aims to promote and protect the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment. The AAVMC website provides information on veterinary educators and AAVMC programs and initiatives, as well as resources for students and applicants.

Veterinary Partner

The Veterinary Partner website provides pet owners with information about general pet health and care, nutrition, behavior, first aid and emergency preparedness, medications and various medical conditions. Whatever you're looking for, if it's information that will make your pet happier and healthier, you'll find it here! Try browsing around in the Pet Connection with nationally syndicated pet expert and author Gina Spadafori. You can even submit your question to be answered by a veterinary professional.

American Association of Feline Practitioners

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) aims to improve the health and welfare of cats by supporting high standards of practice, continuing education, and scientific investigation. The AAFP website features a variety of helpful resources, including a comprehensive list of cat health topics to assist pet owners.

Nutritional Information on Canned Cat Foods

This page is a non-commercial labor of love that has no connection to any commercial product, including foods or supplements. Its owner does not endorse any brand of food or supplement and encourages potential consumers of any commercial product to search for randomized controlled trials that demonstrate that a low-carbohydrate diet with the product gives statistically superior results compared to a low-carbohydrate diet alone in diabetic cats. Visit the link for more information.

Nutritional Information on Dry Cat Foods

Pet Food Institute

Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) has been the voice of the makers of U.S. cat and dog food. Driven by an active and dedicated membership, PFI is the industry's public and media relations resource, representative before state and federal agencies, organizer of seminars and educational programs, sponsor of and clearinghouse for research, and liaison with other organizations. For more than 55 years, PFI has worked with its members to educate the owners of cats and dogs about pet nutrition and health. The website contains a wealth of valuable information with the goal of helping animal companions live longer, happier and healthier lives. Click the link to learn more.

The Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats

The Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats is a resource brought to you by the National Research Council. It uses the latest scientific information to provide the requirements of individual nutrients for healthy dogs and cats at several stages of growth and physiological states. Visit the link to find out more.

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Monika N.
We spent many years with another animal hospital in McHenry. But when the time came to put our doggy down, our vet put us off another day, delaying her pain... Read More

V R.
I have used a number of vets over my lifetime and Dr. Schmidt ranks among the best of them. I get good explanations of what's going on with my dogs and... Read More

Cassidy H.
My mom and I were frantically looking for a vet to squeeze us in to euthanize our sick cat about a year ago. All other vets in the area we're booked, Animal... Read More

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