Mar Vista Animal Medical Center

3850 Grand View Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066

(310)391-6741

marvistavet.com

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October 2025

Monthly Newsletter

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Blue the dog
Blue
(Original graphic by marvistavet.com)
  
  
FOR MORE TIPS AND NEWS, PLEASE "LIKE" US ON FACEBOOK.
    
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"Blue" Needs a Forever Home

Blue was abandoned at our hospital after the landlord changed the pet ownership policy. He was supposed to board until a home was found but his family vanished. He is friendly, playful and loving, vaccinated and neutered. He is a 5 year old male pit bull terrier. Skin is sensitive to the sun and he has a sensitive stomach with fattier treats. Too much energy for smaller dogs or cats but otherwise is all set for the right family.  
 
If you are looking for a high energy dog, good for both companionship and protection, Blue would be an excellent choice. If you would like to meet Blue, Please contact us at 310-391-6741 (text or call).
Blue
Blue

(Original graphic by marvistavet.com)

  

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Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is October 12 - 18


Two technicians working on a dog

(Original graphic by marvistavet.com)

Our technical staff makes it all possible. They take the blood, run the tests, place the IV's and give the snuggles. They're on the floor, on the ladders, at the exam table and in the surgery suite. They do it all and we appreciate the hell out of them. This is their special Thank You time so be sure to voice your appreciation, if not this week in particular, any time is a great time to let them know!

Five technicians sitting on a bench
(Original graphic by marvistavet.com)

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Two Hands Four Paws to Close
   
After 27 years in pet physical therapy, Two Hands Four Paws will be closing on Dec 13, 2025 due to the shortage of veterinarians. They expect to be booking up until the last minute so go ahead and schedule. We have been very lucky to have a resource like them in our community and are reminded how many communities have no access to pet physical therapy at all. They will be leaving behind an amazing legacy of improved life quality and relief from suffering. We wish all their staff well in all future endeavors.
Two Hands Four Paws logo

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HAVE A SPOOKY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN
   

Costume Links

There's still time to find your pet the perfect costume. Just remember, keep the fit comfortable without interfering with walking or breathing.

Check these out:

Your Party Store for All Occasions & Themes | Party City

Dog & Cat Halloween Costumes 2025 : Target

Keep Your Pets Safe On Hallowe'en!

Halloween is a night of fun and mischief. Your pet may or may not want to participate and you may or may not have time to supervise properly with so much going on. Here are some tips for keeping the evening safe (also see later for section on anxiety medications):

  • There will be a lot of scary visitors coming to your door. If your pet will be afraid, keep him or her confined and away from the action.

  • Keep gates locked and keep pets where they can't get frightened or panicked by spooky noises or strangers. Be sure your pet is wearing ID and your microchip is registered.

  • Glow sticks are not toxic but if chewed up will make for a very upset tummy.

  • Pet costumes should be comfortable and allow for comfortable movement and breathing. Include reflective material.

  • Chocolate is toxic to pets. Also toxic: macadamia nuts, xylitol sugar substitute, and raisins. No sharing!

  • Don't leave wires or decorations where they are likely to be chewed up. Pets are curious about all the new smells and textures and may want to play with things. Be sure to pet proof your displays.

  • You will be preoccupied with festivities and may not be watching your pet closely. Remember, pets can suffocate with their face in a chip or candy bag in a matter of minutes. Be extra careful of hazards in the home.
Halloween Cat
(Photocredit: Unsplash.com)

Holiday Stress for Pets

Scared Dog Clip Art

Howling Dog Clip Art

Dog hiding eyes Clip Art



(original graphics by marvistavet.com)

Dog Scratching Door Clip Art

Some pets just aren't cut out for large numbers of visitors coming to the door. If this is likely to be too much for your pet, here are some options.

  • Confine your pet to an escape-proof area indoors ideally where they won't even hear the commotion.

  • We have the gabapentin "cat martini" for cats and Sileo® for dogs to quell anxiety and "bring the Zen." Call for more details.

  • Have someone assigned to sit with the animals during the activities to help keep them calm and periodically deliver distracting treats.

  • Worst case scenario, board your pets for Halloween night and have one less thing to worry about.

  

WE HOPE ALL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS (BOTH 2 AND 4 LEGGED) HAVE A SAFE AND FUN HOLIDAY!

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DECLAW SURGERY IS NOW BANNED
THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
(STARTING OCTOBER 10TH)


Cat licking paw

(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association has put together a page on how to live with a claw intact cat:

Living with a Clawed Cat - Cat Friendly Homes

    

And as an extra bonus for furniture protection, check out

https://panther-armor.com/collections/scratch-protection

   

   

Claws are natural but not always owner friendly. We can help you with resources. Text or call 310-391-6741

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DID YOU KNOW THAT... BLACK CAT SYNDROME IS A THING?

Black cats are the least likely to be adopted from the shelter.

Black Cat
(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)

Black Cat
(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)

Black cats have a special place in superstition but "Black Cat Syndrome" is actually real. Black Cat Syndrome refers to the phenomenon in animal rescue where black cats are the hardest cats to adopt out. They spend the longest time in the shelter as they are chosen last which means they are more likely to be euthanized or to get diseases related to crowding in the shelter.

Why is this? Most likely, this is not about belief in bad luck but is about the human preference for a cat with color. Some say it is because it is harder to read the expression of a black furred animal and it is certainly harder to get expressive photographs to show off in rescue promotions. Black cats are excellent pets and as affectionate and personable as cats of other color types. If you are considering a feline friend, don't go for looks; its personality that counts!

Black Kitten
(Photocredit: Morguefile.com)

 

  • In Scotland, the arrival of a strange black cat signifies coming prosperity.
  • In Japan, owning a black cat is considered lucky. It is believed that a lady who owns a black cat will have many suitors.
  • In Germany, a black cat crossing your path from right to left is a bad omen but crossing from left to right is a good omen.
  • In Europe during the middle ages, black cats were associated with witches, evil, and sorcery, hence their images in Hallowe'en decorations to this day.

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TO HELP BRING YOUR PET THE BEST POSSIBLY CARE.

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