Category Archives: Pets Care

The ABCs of Catnip

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You’ve probably heard of catnip. It’s entirely likely that you’ve tried it out on your feline friend. But what do you know about your cat’s favorite indulgence? Learn more here from a veterinarian Murrieta, CA.

What Exactly is Catnip?

Catnip is an herb, related closely to mint, basil, and other common herbs. You can purchase “raw” catnips, which is a dried and processed version of the wild plant, or toys or spray products that have catnip infused into them.

Why Does Catnips Affect Cats?

Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, and it causes a reaction in your cat’s brain. Some experts liken it to a kind of sexual response since the part of the brain that’s triggered is the same one responsible for sexual urges. It’s a kind of feline aphrodisiac!

Is Catnips Safe?

Yes, catnip is perfectly safe. The chemical reaction in the brain isn’t harmful whatsoever, and your cat can’t overdose or become addicted. And some cats don’t respond at all—they need a particular gene to feel the effects of the herb, and only about half of all cats possess it.

Want more information on catnips and your feline friend’s behavior? Contact your animal hospital Murrieta, CA.

Probiotic Supplements and Your Pet

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You’ve probably heard of probiotics, as they’re very helpful in the world of human health and medicine. You might have even taken one yourself. But can pets have probiotic supplements? Learn more here from a veterinarian New Orleans, LA.

What Are Probiotics?

A probiotic is a beneficial microbe that’s found in your pet’s small or large intestine. They help to keep the “bad” microbes at bay in these areas and are helpful for digesting food, destroying pathogens, and manufacturing vitamins and other nutrients.

What Can Probiotics Do for Pets?

Your pet might use a probiotic to regulate digestive health, help treat infections or infestations, or even to minimize stress. Most often, probiotics are prescribed when your pet needs help dealing with some kind of digestive issue. The probiotic itself might come in a tablet or capsule form, or in a yogurt or kefir product.

Should I Give My Pet a Probiotic?

Check with your veterinarian to find out if your pet would benefit from a probiotic before deciding to give them one. That way, you know for sure that it’s completely safe!

To learn more about your pet’s digestive health and nutrition, call your vet clinic New Orleans, LA today.

How to Combat Pet Odors at Home

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Let’s face it—sometimes, our homes can start to smell a little bit too much like our pets. Pets just have a natural odor, and that can transfer into your carpets and furniture! Luckily, something can be done; learn more from a vet Washington DC.

Grooming

Groom your pet on a daily basis, because it will do wonders for odors. Brushing regularly removes grime from the coat and keeps fur from falling all over your home. The occasional bath—using a canine- or feline-formulated shampoo—will keep your companion smelling great for weeks to come.

Odor Neutralizers

Air fresheners just mask over smells, letting them return over time. An odor neutralizer, though, destroys enzymes that cause odors in the first place. There are products to combat stains and odors from vomit, feces, urine, and more! Browse the selection at your local pet store.

See the Vet

Does your pet smell particularly strong, or has an odor seemingly come out of nowhere? Schedule an office appointment to have your pet examined. Various health issues—skin infection, parasites, rotting teeth, and more—could be the root cause of the smell!

Contact your vet clinic Washington DC to learn more about pet odors.

Probiotics for Pets: Does Your Pet Need One?

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You may have heard of probiotics before, as they’re relatively common in human healthcare. You might have even tried a probiotic yourself. Were you aware that pets can also benefit from probiotics? Learn more below from a Savannah, GA vet.

What Are Probiotic, Anyway?

Probiotics are beneficial microbes that live in your pet’s intestinal tract. They keep “bad” microbes from affecting your pet’s health; probiotics help to digest food, manufacture vitamins, and other nutrients and destroy pathogens in the system. Probiotics made for pets might be included in pet food, or it may come in a tablet form or in a yogurt or kefir product.

What Does Probiotic Do for Pets?

Probiotics are often prescribed to help with health issues involving digestive problems since they help to regulate intestinal microbial balance. A probiotic may be prescribed to regulate digestion, minimize stress, or manage or correct infections and infestations.

Does My Pet Need to Take a Probiotic?

As a rule of thumb, check with your veterinarian before giving a probiotic supplement to your pet. That way, you know for sure that it’s safe!

To learn more about probiotics for your pet, contact your veterinarians Savannah, GA. We’re here for you!

Taking Good Care of Your Pup’s Coat

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Do you own a dog? They’re not as good as cats are at maintaining their own coats of fur. That’s where you come in. Use these tips from a Burlington, ON veterinarian to take good care of Fido’s coat.

Brushing

Brush your dog’s fur on a daily basis using a brush made specifically for your dog’s type and length of hair. (Ask your vet for a recommendation.) Brushing smooths tangles, gets rid of grime underneath the fur, and spreads natural skin oils through the coat to moisturize it effectively.

Bathing

Bathing your dog occasionally with a canine-formulated shampoo is another way to make sure the coat stays in peak condition. Don’t use human shampoo or shampoo made for other animals as it may be too sensitive for Fido’s skin, and don’t bathe too often—that can dry out the coat and make for more shedding.

Feeding a Great Diet

Last but not least, giving Fido proper nutrition via a great diet is the best way to make sure the coat stays pristine. Ask your vet to recommend a high-quality food choice for your pooch’s needs.

Want to learn more about your dog’s grooming needs? Call your veterinarian Burlington, ON.

Xylitol Poisoning 101 in Dogs and Cats

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Have you ever heard of xylitol? It’s an artificial sweetener used in many candies, gums, and other products like toothpaste. It’s okay for humans but toxic for animals! Your London, ON veterinarian tells you more below.

Symptoms

The symptoms of xylitol poisoning can come on in as little as 30 minutes after ingestion. They include lethargy, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and—without quick treatment—seizures, coma, and even death.

Treatment

Take your pet to the emergency room if you know or suspect that they’ve eaten something containing xylitol. The stomach may be flushed, or your vet may administer activated charcoal to absorb the remaining toxin in the gut. As a pet recovers, fluid therapy to replace water and electrolyte levels may be needed. Oxygen supplementation and other medical methods might even be necessary in severe cases.

Prevention

Prevent xylitol poisoning in the first place by restricting your pet’s access to any sweet treats. Don’t leave goodies lying about on the counter, where a pet could swipe them down. Check the ingredients list on common human foods (like peanut butter) that you may try and give to your pet.

Learn more about xylitol by calling your veterinary clinic London, ON for help.

Probiotics for Your Pet

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Probiotics are rather common in the world of human healthcare. Did you know that they’re also available for pets? Probiotics can benefit your pet in a variety of ways. Learn more here from a Marietta, GA veterinarian.

What Are Probiotics, Anyway?

Probiotics are beneficial microbes that live in your pet’s small or large intestine. They keep “bad” microbes at bay and help to digest food, manufacture vitamins, and other nutrients, and get rid of harmful pathogens. Probiotics for pets might come in the form of a tablet or capsule or yogurt or kefir. It could also be included in pet food.

What Can Probiotics Do for My Pet?

Probiotics help maintain the proper intestinal microbial balance, so they can be prescribed to help with many kinds of digestive health issues. They can be given to manage or correct infestations or infections, regulate digestion, and even to help lower stress levels.

Does My Pet Need Probiotics?

To be safe, only give your pet a probiotic if it’s been cleared by your veterinarian. That way, you’ll be sure it’s completely safe for your beloved companion.

To learn more about your pet’s nutrition and diet, contact your animal hospital Marietta, GA today.

Chocolate Toxicity and Your Pet

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You’re probably aware that chocolate and pets don’t mix. In fact, it’s one of the most dangerous toxins out there for our animal friends! Learn more about chocolate toxicity in dogs and cats as your Ashburn, VA veterinarian fills you in below:

Symptoms

The symptoms of chocolate toxicity include drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and—without prompt treatment—seizures, coma, and even death. Caffeine and theobromine are the ingredients in chocolate that don’t agree with our pets, and they’re found in all types: dark, semi-sweet, milk, white, powdered, etc.

Treatment

If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested chocolate, rush them to the vet’s office. The stomach may need to be flushed, or activated charcoal may be given to slow the toxin’s absorption in the stomach. As a pet recovers, fluid replacement, oxygen supplementation, and other methods might be needed to stabilize them fully.

Preventing Poisoning

Clearly, it’s worth preventing poisoning before it happens. That means keeping any and all chocolate and sweet treats out of your pet’s reach. Store these items in closed cabinets, containers, or the refrigerator so pets can’t gain access at any time.

Contact your animal hospital Ashburn, VA for more information on chocolate toxicity.

Three Benefits of Pet Microchip Identification

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Have you ever considered outfitting your pet with a microchip? It’s the best way to keep your animal friend properly identified throughout life. Learn more about the benefits of microchips from your Murrieta, CA veterinarian:

It’s Cost-Effective

You only have to purchase one microchip for the entirety of your pet’s life, and they aren’t expensive. Even if you move addresses or get a new telephone number, your pet’s contact information can be updated by contacting the microchip manufacturer. Your pet keeps the same chip the whole time!

It’s Secure

Your pet can’t remove their identification when it’s embedded under their skin. That gives you incredible peace of mind. Even if your pet escapes unexpectedly, you know that they remain constantly identified no matter what.

It’s Quick and Painless

The microchip implant procedure only takes a few moments. All your pet feels is a momentary pinch before the whole thing is over. The microchip unit is inserted under your pet’s skin with a specialized hypodermic needle-like device, and it’s virtually risk- and side-effect-free.

Want to learn more about microchips for pets? Contact your animal hospital Murrieta, CA right away. We’re here to help with all of your pet’s care needs!

Pet Vaccination 101

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Vaccinating your pet early on in life is one of the best things you’ll ever do for their health and happiness. Preventing dangerous diseases ahead of time is far easier than treating them! Learn about the basics of pet vaccination below from your Savannah, GA veterinarian.

Core Vaccines

All pets need what are called the core vaccines, considered essential for all pets because the diseases they prevent are particularly dangerous and/or contagious. Some examples include the vaccines for distemper, feline leukemia, parvovirus, rabies, Lyme disease, and hepatitis.

Non-Core Vaccines

Non-core vaccines aren’t considered necessary for every pet, but they can help some. They’re administered on a case-by-case basis depending on factors like location, environment, pre-existing health conditions, age, etc. The Bordetella vaccine is one example; it protects against kennel cough, so a pet who will be boarded commonly may benefit from the vaccination.

Vaccination Scheduling

Most vaccines will need booster shots every year or every few years to remain effective. Many pet owners have their companion’s vaccinations updated as necessary at one of their pet’s annual appointments. Talk to your veterinarian for more information on your pet’s vaccination schedule.

Contact your veterinary clinic Savannah, GA to have your pet vaccinated.