Category Archives: Pets Care

Beware of Pet Dangers in Your Own Backyard

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It sure is a lot of fun to spend time with your pet on your property. Don’t forget, though, that there are plenty of pet hazards waiting in your own backyard! Learn more below from a veterinarian Marietta, GA.

Toxic Plants

All sorts of plants and flowers can harm pets who ingest them. The list includes dieffenbachia, elephant ear, ivy, oleander, tulips, the sago palm, daffodils, and much more. Before allowing your pet to poke around at your garden or landscaping, check to make sure there’s nothing harmful planted there.

Fertilizers, Pesticides

Do you spray fertilizers or pesticides on your lawn or garden? Remember that these chemicals substances can prove harmful to animals. Never let your dog or cat come in contact with freshly treated grass or plant life, and keep them indoors while spraying chemicals.

Outdoor Pests

Fleas, ticks, parasitic worms… there isn’t a shortage of outdoor pests waiting to take a bite out of your animal companion. Keep them on proper preventatives to ward off the danger. If your pet is in need of these medications, contact your vet’s office promptly.

For more outdoor pet safety tips, call your vet clinic Marietta, GA today.

Slimming Down Your Overweight Pet

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Nearly half of all pets are overweight—it’s likely that your animal companion could stand to lose a few pounds! If your pet is looking a bit too round and you’d like to slim them down, use these tips from an vets Indianapolis, IN:

See the Vet

Before doing anything else, set up an appointment to have your pet examined at the vet’s office. Your veterinarian can tell you if your pet is indeed overweight, and the two of you can work together to make a tailored diet and exercise plan for your pet’s needs.

Portion Control and Diet Tips

For most pets, a bit of portion control is all that’s needed to help them slim down. Ask your veterinarian exactly how much food you should be giving your animal friend. In some cases, however, the diet may need to be changed if your pet isn’t receiving the proper nutrients. Your vet can give you a recommendation.

Exercise

It’s nearly impossible for your pet to lose weight without exercising! Get your pet moving daily with play session and walks.

If you think your pet needs to lose excess pounds, it’s time to act. Call your veterinary clinic Indianapolis, IN today.

Pest Control Basics

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If you own a pet, it’s important to help them avoid the dangers caused by outdoor pests. It can be worrisome, time-consuming, and costly to deal with these problems after the fact! Learn more here from a Glendale, AZ veterinary professional.

Fleas and Ticks

Have your dog or cat wear a year-round flea and tick preventive to ward off these pesky critters. Without proper preventives, pets can fall victim to flea infestations, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other maladies that fleas and ticks cause!

Worms

Worms invade your pet’s intestines or tissues, causing serious problems without treatment. Flea and tick preventives can ward off certain types of worms, but other pests—like heartworm—need their own preventative medication to control. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog or cat isn’t already set up with the proper preventive measures.

Mosquitos

Mosquitos transmit disease, and they’re also one of the main transmitters of heartworm. Ask your veterinarian about the preventive medicines that your pet needs to ward off the dangers posed by mosquitos, and get rid of any stagnant water in your yard to prevent mosquitos from breeding.

Ready to learn more about pest preventives? Call your vet clinic Glendale, AZ.

Traveling By Car With Your Pet

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At some point or another in your pet’s life, they’ll probably have to travel via car. For some of our animal companions, this can be easier said than done! Use these tips from your Cy-Fair veterinarian to make car travel go smoothly.

Safety Tips

It’s recommended that you keep your animal friend in their carrier while in the car, perhaps even buckling in the carrier with a seatbelt. This way, your pet is safely contained. It’s a far better idea than letting them roam around the vehicle unrestricted!

Combating Carsickness

Many pets suffer from carsickness. To help prevent this, don’t feed your pet for at least two hours before the car ride. During the trip, cracking a window for airflow might help, and some pets even like calming music played at a low volume. You can also take frequent pit stops to allow your pet some relief.

The Destination

Before leaving home, make sure you check your destination to make sure it’s pet-friendly. You don’t want to arrive at a hotel only to find out that your four-legged friend isn’t welcome!

Would you like more great tips for traveling with a pet? Contact your vet Cy-Fair. We’re here for you!

Helping Your Pet Lose Excess Weight

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Nearly half of all pets could stand to lose a few excess pounds. If your pet is looking a little pudgy, there’s no time to waste! Use these tips from a Portland, OR vet to help your pet lose extra weight.

Visit the Vet

Visit your veterinarian to set up a tailored weight-loss plan just for your pet. It can actually be harmful to a pet to lose a lot of weight too quickly, so it’s important to work closely with your vet. This way, Fido or Fluffy will lose weight appropriately and in a safe manner.

Diet

Is your pet eating a “budget” diet with a lot of filler material? They’ll need to switch to a high-quality diet made just for their age, breed, and weight. Portion control is also essential—ask your vet for advice on your pet’s portion size so that you’re not overfeeding your animal companion.

Exercise

No weight-loss plan is complete without exercise. Ask your vet about the best ways to get your pet the physical activity he or she needs; the weight will start coming off in no time!

Does your pet need to lose excess pounds? Call your veterinarian Portland, OR for help.

How Pet Ownership Can Make You Healthier

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We all know that owning pets is as incredibly rewarding and undeniably fun experience. Did you know, though, that being a pet owner can actually be beneficial to your health? Learn how below from a Scottsdale, AZ veterinarian.

Exercise

Every pet owner can get some exercise by playing with their animal companions. For the dog owners, walking is another great way for both of you to get moving. Plus, physical activity benefits your pet’s health as well!

Heart Health

Studies have indicated that the risk of heart attacks is lower in pet owners than people who do not live with animal companions, and cholesterol levels tend to be lower too. Part of this is the exercise associated with pet ownership—we like to think the rest is that pets simply make our hearts happy!

Reduced Stress Levels

Pet owners are also typically less stressed-out than non-pet-owners; this could be because of the companionship our pets provide, the ability to confide in someone, or many other factors. In any case, it’s a great benefit!

Does your pet need a veterinary check-up, vaccinations, or pest-control products? We are here for all of your pet care needs! Call your veterinary clinic Scottsdale, AZ.

Xylitol and Your Pet

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Xylitol is an artificial sugar found in gums, candies, certain baked desserts, and even toothpaste. It’s highly toxic to animals! Your Savannah, GA veterinarian goes over the basics below.

Symptoms

A pet who ingests too much of a product containing xylitol—and it doesn’t take much!—can experience symptoms of depression, lethargy, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, and even death without treatment. Rush your pet to the nearest veterinary emergency room if you know or suspect that they’ve ingested xylitol.

Treatment

Your pet’s stomach may be flushed, or activated charcoal might be administered to slow the poison’s absorption in your pet’s system. Once your pet is stabilized and recovering, oxygen supplementation, fluid replacement, and other supportive therapies might be necessary.

Prevention Tips

Of course, preventing xylitol poisoning is far easier and less worrisome than treating it. It’s as easy as restricting your pet’s access to any and all products containing the toxin—never leave sweets of any kind on kitchen countertops or tables, and make sure your pet can’t access your cabinets where toothpaste and other products might be stored.

Want more information on xylitol and its effects on your pet? We’re here to help! Call your veterinarians Savannah, GA.

Giving Your Pet Great Dental Health

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Dental problems in pets are quite common, and they can be tricky to correct. Avoid the danger initially—maintain your dog or cat’s dental health with these tips from an Indianapolis, IN vet:

Quality Diet

The first step to keeping your pet’s teeth and gums—not to mention their overall body—in great shape is with a quality diet. When Fido or Fluffy receives essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients through food, the teeth and gums stay strong and healthy. Ask your vet to recommend a great diet choice.

Chew Toys, Dental Treats

Chew toys provide more than just fun; they help to scrape away loose plaque from your pet’s tooth surfaces, getting rid of it before it becomes tartar. Dental chews and treats are another good option—these products benefit your pet’s oral health while serving as good training tools.

Brushing at Home

Did you know that you can brush your pet’s teeth at home? You’ll need a pet-specific toothbrush and a toothpaste made for cats or dogs. Ask your veterinarian for further details on rushing your animal friend’s pearly whites.

Does your pet need veterinary attention? Call your vet’s Indianapolis, IN office for help. We’re here for you!

The Benefits of Adopting Older Pets

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Are you considering adding a pet to your family soon? Consider an older animal! These wonderful companions need loving homes as well. Learn about the benefits of older pets from a Livonia, MI vet:

Energy Level

Older pets simply don’t have the energy that a puppy or kitten would. As such, you don’t have to worry about keeping up with your pet 24 hours a day. Most elderly animals will be content to take frequent naps and relax with you and your family. All they’ll need is some light exercise and a few toys!

Manners and Training

Many older pets, particularly those who have already lived with humans, know commands and even tricks. They likely already know how to ask to go outdoors, go on walks, ride in cars, and more. This makes your life much easier!

Saving a Life

Of course, you’ll feel good knowing that you helped a pet in need. Older pets need loving homes, too! Before buying a puppy or kitten, consider if adopting an older pet is a good choice for you and your family.

For more information on pet health care and behavior, contact your veterinary clinic Livonia, MI today. We are here to help!

Three Keys to Preventive Care

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Why not avoid a problem in the first place, rather than treating it later? Preventive care is essential for your pet’s well-being and overall health! Below, your Sugar Land, TX veterinarian tells you about three important aspects of preventive care:

Pest Control

Don’t let fleas, ticks, parasitic worms, and mosquitoes pass on dangerous infections or infestations to your pet. Keep your animal friend on year-round or seasonal pest-control products to ward off the problem. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet needs these medications.

Vaccination

Diseases like parvovirus, parainfluenza, Lyme disease, rabies, distemper, and hepatitis aren’t easy to treat. Avoid them initially—have your pet vaccinated early on in life to keep them healthy for years on end. Your vet can tell you what core vaccinations your pet requires.

Veterinary Office Visits

Don’t forget that visits to the vet’s office are in and of themselves important preventive care measures. When your veterinarian examines your four-legged friend on a regular basis, he or she can catch any health concerns early on and treat them accordingly. It’s a great way to ensure your pet’s overall well-being for a lifetime!

Set up an appointment to see your vet clinic sugar Land, TX professional today.