Dear Future Puppy Parents, Greetings from the North Pole! We’re barely into December, and already I’ve seen an influx of requests from excited children who want nothing more than a puppy (or dog) for Christmas.

Crowds, loud noises, new smells, strange people, and tight quarters can cause stress for anyone. For cats, that overstimulation affects their ability to be properly diagnosed, which is why earlier this fall, the Comer Veterinary Hospital team decided to offer cat-only appointments.

Comer Vet has offered ProHeart 12, a yearly injection that prevents against heartworm disease, since 2023. Bravecto Quantum, an annual shot that prevents fleas and ticks, released in July and has been available at Comer Vet since late August.

At this time, there are no safe mosquito repellants approved for use on pets, which is why a combination of environmental control and heartworm preventatives is a top way to reduce pets’ risk of contracting the parasite.