Rush Veterinary Urgent Care

Attention: RVUC will be closed on Christmas Eve & Christmas! We wish you all a relaxing holiday with friends & family!Attention: RVUC will be closed on Christmas Eve & Christmas! We wish you all a relaxing holiday with friends & family!

Today is World Spay Day! Here are a couple myth-buster facts about spaying/neutering: Myth: All female pets should have at least one litter. Fact: Dogs and cats are not like people, and do not feel their biological clock ticking, or feel overwhelmed with a desire to experience childbirth. Spaying your pet before her first heat cycle will reduce the risk of several cancers, most notably mammary cancer. In cats, more than 85% of mammary tumors are malignant and aggressive, ...spreading throughout the body. In addition to reducing your pet’s risk for mammary cancer, spaying her before she has a litter eliminates problems during birthing, and health issues common in new mothers. Myth: Neutering will make my pet feel less like a male. Fact: Similar to attributing human emotions to female pets and childbirth, male pets do not have any concept of ego or sexual identity. By neutering your pet, you will experience a better companion, as removing the male hormones will reduce his desire to roam and find a mate. An intact male will do almost anything to find a mate, including escaping from home and risking his life in traffic, and fighting with other male animals.

If your pet's breath could clear a room, you may want to stop scrolling and keep reading! You may need to go get your pet's teeth checked if you observe any of the following problems: - Bad breath... - Broken or loose teeth - Extra teeth or retained baby teeth - Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar - Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth - Reduced appetite or refusal to eat - Pain in or around the mouth - Bleeding from the mouth - Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth Post a GIF or Emoji of your reaction to your pet's bad breath in the comments just for fun!

Today is World Spay Day! Here are a couple myth-buster facts about spaying/neutering: Myth: All female pets should have at least one litter. Fact: Dogs and cats are not like people, and do not feel their biological clock ticking, or feel overwhelmed with a desire to experience childbirth. Spaying your pet before her first heat cycle will reduce the risk of several cancers, most notably mammary cancer. In cats, more than 85% of mammary tumors are malignant and aggressive, ...spreading throughout the body. In addition to reducing your pet’s risk for mammary cancer, spaying her before she has a litter eliminates problems during birthing, and health issues common in new mothers. Myth: Neutering will make my pet feel less like a male. Fact: Similar to attributing human emotions to female pets and childbirth, male pets do not have any concept of ego or sexual identity. By neutering your pet, you will experience a better companion, as removing the male hormones will reduce his desire to roam and find a mate. An intact male will do almost anything to find a mate, including escaping from home and risking his life in traffic, and fighting with other male animals.

If your pet's breath could clear a room, you may want to stop scrolling and keep reading! You may need to go get your pet's teeth checked if you observe any of the following problems: - Bad breath... - Broken or loose teeth - Extra teeth or retained baby teeth - Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar - Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth - Reduced appetite or refusal to eat - Pain in or around the mouth - Bleeding from the mouth - Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth Post a GIF or Emoji of your reaction to your pet's bad breath in the comments just for fun!

Let's play a game! Assume you could provide an amazing, free-roaming, safe & healthy habitat for any animal in the world. What animal would you choose to have as a pet and why? As always, comment below with your answer!

Did you know?! February 14th is pet theft awareness day--Did you know that the most common reason for pet theft is the "Reward" offered if found? This is commonly known as "dog flipping". How to Protect Your Pets... - Protect your pets by ensuring that your pets are kept indoors, especially when you're not home. Don't leave your pets unsupervised in your yard; it only takes a minute for thieves to steal your beloved companion. - Protect your pets by ensuring they can be identified with a collar, tag, and microchip. - Ensure your pets are spayed/neutered--they will be much less likely to wander from home. - Keep recent photos of each of your pets as well as a written description. What To Do If Your Pet is Stolen or Goes Missing - Call the police if your pet was stolen - Contact your local animal control department, animal shelters, and pounds in your area- - Walk around your neighborhood and consider placing missing flyers with up to date photos (you can also post on any local/neighborhood FB pages)

Whether you are looking forward to 6 more weeks of winter or not, here are some fun facts to help you get in the spirit of Groundhog Day! 1. Punxsutawney Phil, from Pennsylvania, is the official Groundhog forecaster on February 2nd. 2. Many states have their own forecaster like New York's Pothole Pete.... 3. Groundhogs typically weigh between 12-15 pounds. Phil, however, is 22 pounds! 4. Groundhogs only live 6-8 years but folklore suggests that Phil is much older. 5. A hedgehog was originally chosen as the forecaster but was changed to the groundhog once it was discovered that there is a large population of them in Pennsylvania. 6. You can learn more about how to celebrate virtually with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, here: www.groundhog.org So- what is your prediction? More wintery weather or blue skies and sunshine? Let us know in the comments, below---

Let's play a game! Assume you could provide an amazing, free-roaming, safe & healthy habitat for any animal in the world. What animal would you choose to have as a pet and why? As always, comment below with your answer!

Did you know?! February 14th is pet theft awareness day--Did you know that the most common reason for pet theft is the "Reward" offered if found? This is commonly known as "dog flipping". How to Protect Your Pets... - Protect your pets by ensuring that your pets are kept indoors, especially when you're not home. Don't leave your pets unsupervised in your yard; it only takes a minute for thieves to steal your beloved companion. - Protect your pets by ensuring they can be identified with a collar, tag, and microchip. - Ensure your pets are spayed/neutered--they will be much less likely to wander from home. - Keep recent photos of each of your pets as well as a written description. What To Do If Your Pet is Stolen or Goes Missing - Call the police if your pet was stolen - Contact your local animal control department, animal shelters, and pounds in your area- - Walk around your neighborhood and consider placing missing flyers with up to date photos (you can also post on any local/neighborhood FB pages)

Whether you are looking forward to 6 more weeks of winter or not, here are some fun facts to help you get in the spirit of Groundhog Day! 1. Punxsutawney Phil, from Pennsylvania, is the official Groundhog forecaster on February 2nd. 2. Many states have their own forecaster like New York's Pothole Pete.... 3. Groundhogs typically weigh between 12-15 pounds. Phil, however, is 22 pounds! 4. Groundhogs only live 6-8 years but folklore suggests that Phil is much older. 5. A hedgehog was originally chosen as the forecaster but was changed to the groundhog once it was discovered that there is a large population of them in Pennsylvania. 6. You can learn more about how to celebrate virtually with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, here: www.groundhog.org So- what is your prediction? More wintery weather or blue skies and sunshine? Let us know in the comments, below---

Did you know that we post on social to communicate with YOU? We want to know what you'd like to see more of! Do you like educational posts? Funny memes? Behind the scenes? What do you want to see more of? Let us know in the comments below!

Due to the current weather RVUC will be closed this evening. We apologize for any inconvenience. Stay safe!Due to the current weather RVUC will be closed this evening. We apologize for any inconvenience. Stay safe!

Due to current weather conditions we will be closing tonight at 9pm. As for Monday 2/1, please call BEFORE coming in to ensure we are open. We will update tomorrow.Due to current weather conditions we will be closing tonight at 9pm. As for Monday 2/1, please call BEFORE coming in to ensure we are open. We will update tomorrow.

To all those parents out there that were not prepared to teach their children math this year, hats off to you! Raise your hand if you'd much prefer to do basic math with this adorable fluff? Thank you @roswell.weenie for allowing us to share such a sweet video!

Did you know that we post on social to communicate with YOU? We want to know what you'd like to see more of! Do you like educational posts? Funny memes? Behind the scenes? What do you want to see more of? Let us know in the comments below!

Today is World Spay Day! Here are a couple myth-buster facts about spaying/neutering: Myth: All female pets should have at least one litter. Fact: Dogs and cats are not like people, and do not feel their biological clock ticking, or feel overwhelmed with a desire to experience childbirth. Spaying your pet before her first heat cycle will reduce the risk of several cancers, most notably mammary cancer. In cats, more than 85% of mammary tumors are malignant and aggressive, ...spreading throughout the body. In addition to reducing your pet’s risk for mammary cancer, spaying her before she has a litter eliminates problems during birthing, and health issues common in new mothers. Myth: Neutering will make my pet feel less like a male. Fact: Similar to attributing human emotions to female pets and childbirth, male pets do not have any concept of ego or sexual identity. By neutering your pet, you will experience a better companion, as removing the male hormones will reduce his desire to roam and find a mate. An intact male will do almost anything to find a mate, including escaping from home and risking his life in traffic, and fighting with other male animals.

If your pet's breath could clear a room, you may want to stop scrolling and keep reading! You may need to go get your pet's teeth checked if you observe any of the following problems: - Bad breath... - Broken or loose teeth - Extra teeth or retained baby teeth - Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar - Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth - Reduced appetite or refusal to eat - Pain in or around the mouth - Bleeding from the mouth - Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth Post a GIF or Emoji of your reaction to your pet's bad breath in the comments just for fun!

No matter how many versions of this we see, they genuinely never ever get old! So, we're taking a little "good vibes" break and taking a deep breath, smiling, and laughing a little because --eekkk!-- So cute! Who's with us!?... CC: @_pennydoodle_

If you've ever wanted to be somebody to someone...know this; you already are! A hundred years from now it will not matter the sort of house you lived in, what your bank account said, or the car you drove. But the world will be different because you were important in the life of animals and creatures on this earth. CC: Persian Kitties Eric And Ollie

Valentine's Day is coming up! Raise your hand if you're spending it with someone special (four-legged friends included)! CC: @heatherkjc

A friendly reminder to consider your pets during cold weather! Be prepared & plan ahead. Leave your pets' coats a little longer and consider getting pet coats for your short haired pets. If you bathe your pets during cold weather, make sure they are completely dry before taking them outside.... When letting your pets out for a bathroom break- stay with them! If it is too cold for you to stand outside, it is probably too cold for your pets. If you do have an outdoor pet, remember that staying warm requires extra calories! Feed them accordingly. Check on their water frequently to ensure it doesn't freeze. Wipe your pets paws after being in the ice and snow. Ice balls can cause frostbite! More cold weather safety tips: https://bit.ly/keepyourpetswarm

So do we! And we wouldn't have it any other way. <3 Share if you wear your dogs' hair like a badge of honor!

I am gorgeous. You will worship me. Love, Your Cat Help us caption this photo!... #nationalcatday aka. #everydayisnationalcatday

Have you: Scheduled your pet's next routine checkup? Microchipped your pet & updated the information? Checked your home for toxic materials and pet-proofed accordingly?... Created an emergency kit for your pet in case of a disaster? A Checked your home for toxic materials and pet-proofed accordingly?

STOP! Are you thinking about gifting someone a pet for the holidays? Please consider the following before making your final decision: 1. Animal abandonment skyrockets during the holidays. "Shelters are swamped with dogs and cats being returned by owners who weren't fully prepared for raising an animal."... 2. A person should connect with a pet. "It's important for people to make a trip to the shelter or rescue organization themselves to make sure a pet will match their personality." 3. Pets are a huge financial responsibility. "The ASPCA estimates that the first-year cost of owning a cat or dog runs between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on size. That's not even taking into account potential illnesses or training expenses." 4. If you have a kid, your kid will do kid things. "It's great to want to teach a child responsibility, but not at the expense of an animal's welfare. In all likelihood, you're going to be the one picking up after that pet, making sure he's fed and driving him to the vet when he gets sick." 5. The holidays are a busy, stressful time for even the most well-adjusted pet. "Pets can be a wonderful addition to a family. Just not when they're gifted to an unsuspecting recipient." Read more from The Dodo, here: https://bit.ly/beforegiftingapet

All the yummy treats! What is your favorite? Of course, we have to caveat... Keep people-treats away from your pets!

Help us caption this! CC: @crispy_white_bread

A perfect depiction of our level of excitement that December is FINALLY here! Are you feeling the same? CC: @aubreytheminidoxie

Let's see your pet costumes! Share your dressed-up-fur-babies in the comments...

It's nearing that time of year! Have you started planning your family photos yet? We're curious: do you include your pet in your family photos?

Understandably, adopting a shelter dog can be difficult when you have small children at home. How do you know how well a rescue will respond to children of all ages? Here are some things you can observe and ask at the shelter before you adopt: 1. How tense do they get when petted, nudged, or approached while eating?... 2. How tense do they get when petted, nudged, or approached while chewing on a rawhide or pig's ear? 3. How tolerant are they having their body handled (being hugged, hugged longer than they might want, being restrained, or being held back) 4. What are their predatory excitement levels and how stimulated do they get by running or squealing toys/things? 5. How roughly do they play? 6. How sensitive are they to their size? ie. are they brutal or gentle and respectful of their size and the size of humans? 7. How affectionate/loving/congenial/social are they? See more

2020 has been an "off" year for you too, huh?

Make a Difference for Pets in Need during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month For millions of dogs, there’s something special about the month of October. No, it’s not holiday sweaters or Halloween treatsit’s the promise of a better life. You see, October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to help homeless animals in shelters all across America find loving, happy homes. If you're not sure how to find a local shelter, check out the ASPCA shelter finder: https://www.aspca.org/adopt-pet/find-shelter

It's National Walk Your Dog Week! Top 5 Benefits of Walking Your Dog: 1. Less destructive behavior... 2. Less hyperactivity 3. Helps with weight control 4. Helps with digestion 5. Keeps joints healthier See more

This unlikely duo is melting our hearts! Do your dog and cat get along THIS well?

16% of dogs are SERIOUS eaters. What constitutes "serious"? They've been caught 5+ times in the act! Have you ever caught your dog eating ? There’s a scientific name for this habit coprophagia (kop-ruh-fey-jee-uh)and also both behavioral and physiological reasons why some dogs view as a delicacy.... Consult with your vet to rule out: -Parasites -Diets deficient in nutrients and calories -Malabsorption syndromes -Diabetes -Cushing’s -Thyroid disease -& other conditions that might cause an increase in appetite In many cases, dogs start to eat their own because of some kind of environmental stress or behavioral triggers, including: -Isolation -Restrictive Confinement -Anxiety -Attention-Seeking -Inappropriate association with real food (fed near ) -Scenting it on their mothers -Living with a sick or elderly dog Read more (including how to STOP -eating behavior), here: https://bit.ly/why-do-dogs-eat-poop

It costs $0 to remind someone they're not alone in the world! I woof you! <3 Tag & Share to remind the ones you love!

It's Happy Cat Month and we want your opinion! Which cat looks the happiest? Vote in the comments below...