Monthly Archives: December 2020

Here’s What to Put in Fidos Emergency Care Kit

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Do you have an emergency kit on-hand for your dog? This kind of thing can be a lifesaver—literally—in a pinch. Here, your veterinary clinic Tampa, FL tells you what to include in Fidos emergency care kit.

First-aid supplies.

Any good emergency kit has plenty of critical first-aid supplies like gauze, bandages, medical tape, a pet-safe disinfectant, tongue depressors, tweezers, scissors, a styptic powder or pen, a few soft towels, and a pair of latex gloves to protect your hands. 

Fidos Medical records and medication.

Put your pet’s medical records in a waterproof bag. Documents like proof of vaccinations and records of recent medical procedures can be invaluable in an emergency. Also be sure to pack a supply of any medications your pet takes, and check the expiration dates periodically and replace the medication if needed.

Long-term essentials.

Should a natural disaster or a man-made event force you away from home for a while, you’ll want some long-term pet supplies on hand. Consider packing canned food (and a can opener!), bottled water, dishes, toys, blankets, and a pet bed. 

Want more advice on building an emergency preparedness kit for your pet? We can help. Contact your veterinarian in Tampa, FL to learn more.

Can Acupuncture Help My Cat?

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Acupuncture has been practiced for many years in the realm of Western medicine, and for centuries in Eastern cultures. Now, it’s becoming more and more common for our animal friends. And acupuncture can benefit cats! Learn more here from animal hospital Rochester, NY. 

What does acupuncture involve? 

Acupuncture involves inserting specialized needles into key points around your cat’s body, stimulating the nerves and releasing endorphins. It sounds strange, but most cats become very relaxed and sleepy while the procedure is taking place. 

How can it help cats?

Acupuncture can help relieve pain, especially in older cats who may be suffering from arthritis. It can also reduce stress levels, as it’s very relaxing for many feline patients. Talk to your vet for further insights into what kind of benefits acupuncture might provide for your pet. 

Is acupuncture safe for cats? 

Yes, acupuncture is perfectly safe when administered by a trained veterinary professional. The needles don’t hurt your pet in the least, and your cat won’t feel a thing once the needles are inserted. 

Would you like to learn more about acupuncture for pets? Does your animal friend need a checkup? We can help. Contact your veterinary clinic Rochester, NY right away.

Clipping Fido’s Nails at Home

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How long are your puppy’s nails right now? It’s important that Fido’s claws aren’t allowed to grow too long, because they can fracture painfully and make walking difficult. Luckily, you can probably clip your dog’s nails at home. Below, your vets Louisville, KY tells you how. 

Get the right tools.

Get a set of canine-specific nail trimmers (never use clippers made for humans or other animals!), a styptic powder or pen, and a few delicious dog treats. Now, sit down with your pooch in a well-lit area to begin.

Snip the tips.

Select a paw to start with and focus on one nail. Snip the very tip of the nail with your clippers; you’re just trying to blunt it, so you don’t need to clip far. If you go too far down the nail, you’ll cause bleeding—this is where your styptic powder comes in. Let your vet know if you can’t get the bleeding to stop.

Repeat and reward.

As your dog gets more comfortable, move around to the other nails on that paw, and then the other paws. Reward your dog as you go.

If you need help with nail trims, call your veterinary clinic Louisville, KY right away.

Should I Give My Pet a Probiotic?

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Probiotics have been popular in the world of human nutrition for some time. And it turns out that they can be very good for pets, too. Below, your veterinarian Ellicott City, MD tells you more about probiotics and how your animal friend might benefit. 

What are probiotics?

Think of probiotics as the “good” microbes in your pet’s gut, keeping the “bad” microbes at bay. Probiotics maintain the proper microbial balance in the gut, and they help to destroy pathogens, manufacture nutrients, and digest food. 

For pets, a probiotic supplement might come in capsule form, or it might be in a yogurt or kefir form. Probiotics are also often included in normal pet food. 

What’s the benefit?

Probiotics can be given to any pet who needs help regulating their digestive function. And evidence shows that a probiotic regimen may even help reduce your pet’s stress levels. Talk to your vet to find out about other benefits of probiotics. 

Does my pet need a probiotic?

While your pet may benefit from a probiotic, it’s always smart to check with your vet first. That way, you know it’s perfectly safe! 

Contact your vets Ellicott City, MD to learn more about pet probiotics.

How Playtime Benefits Your Canine Companion

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Almost every dog loves to play. And it’s no wonder why—playtime is your dog’s main way of having fun! What’s great about playtime is that it’s also good for your dog’s health. Learn how below from a veterinarians Marietta, GA: 

It doubles as exercise. 

A dog who plays regularly is getting exercised regularly. And that’s good for your dog’s health in multiple ways. It helps Fido stay trim and avoid obesity, it stretches out the muscles, it keeps joints and tendons limber… the benefits go on. 

It gives your dog mental stimulation.

Play is also very important for keeping your dog’s mind stimulated. Dogs who don’t play often and are stuck cooped up inside all day tend to act out in undesirable ways—house soiling, aggression toward owners or other pets, chewing, digging, scratching, and loud vocalizations among them.

It strengthens your bond.

Another great thing about play is that it gives you and your dog a chance to bond. Your relationship is important, and it’s essential that you nurture the bond you share. Playtime is the perfect way to do that! 

Does your dog need a veterinary checkup? Give your vet Marietta, GA a call to schedule an appointment.

Understanding Xylitol Poisoning

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Xylitol is an artificial sugar substitute found in many candies, gums, and certain toothpaste. It’s okay for humans but very toxic for pets! Learn more here as your vets San Antonio, TX elaborates. 

What are the symptoms?

Your pet’s pancreas mistakes xylitol for real sugar, which causes a quick and dramatic drop in blood pressure. Symptoms of poisoning include lethargy, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, and even collapse, coma, and death if aid isn’t administered quickly. 

What if my pet eats something containing xylitol? 

If you know or suspect that your pet has eaten something made with xylitol, take them to the vet’s office immediately. The stomach may need to be flushed, and activated charcoal is often given to absorb the remaining toxin in the gut. Pets recovering from poisoning might need fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, or even blood transfusions in severe cases. 

How can I prevent any issues?

Keep any and all sweet treats out of your pet’s reach in sealed containers, cabinets, or the refrigerator. Restrict your pet’s access to things like toothpaste that could also be sweetened with xylitol. 

Always keep your veterinary clinic San Antonio, TX phone number close by to call in the event of an emergency.

How to Trim Your Dog’s Nails at Home

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If you take your dog to the groomer’s, they probably have their nails trimmed there. But if your dog doesn’t need regular grooming, you’ll probably want to trim the nails at home yourself. Here, your vet  clinic Ashburn, VA tells you how to do it:

Get what you need.

First, gather your supplies in the area where you’ll perform Fido’s nail trim. You’ll need a set of canine-specific nail clippers (never use clippers designed for other animals or humans!) as well as a styptic powder or pen. And keep a few dogs treats nearby.

Trim the tips.

Select a paw to start with, and a specific nail on that paw. Trim the very tip of it with your clippers—you’re only trying to blunt the end. If you clip too far down, you’ll hit the blood vessel and cause bleeding. That’s why you have your styptic powder on hand. If you can’t stop your dog’s nail from bleeding after a few minutes, call your vet’s office. 

Repeat and give Fido a reward.

Work your way around the other nails on the paw, and then to the other paws. Reward your dog when you’re done!

Call your professional veterinarian Ashburn, VA for more advice.

What You Need to Know About the Catnip Plant

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Have you ever given your cat catnip? It’s our feline friend’s favorite plant. But there are a lot of questions surrounding this indulgence for our cats—learn more about catnip in this article from a veterinary clinic Jacksonville, FL. 

Catnip is an herb.

Catnip is an herb, similar to common herbs like mint and basil. The wild plant grows a few feet tall and has white flowers with distinctive purple spots. In a pet store, you can find “raw” catnip, which is a dried and processed version of the wild plant. You can also get toys, sprays, and other products that have catnip in them.

Catnip is perfectly safe.

Catnip is safe for your cat—it causes a chemical reaction in the brain but that’s perfectly harmless. Your cat can’t overdose or become addicted to catnip, and the effects will typically wear off after only a few moments. 

If your cat doesn’t react, that’s okay.

Some cats don’t respond to catnip. And they’re perfectly healthy. It turns out that cats require a specific gene to feel the effects of the herb—if they don’t possess it, catnip won’t have any effect.

Want to know more about catnip? Contact your vets Jacksonville, FL today.