Category Archives: Pets Care

Rescue Pet Myths About Cats and Dogs

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Unfortunately, there are several myths floating around when it comes to animal shelters and the pets inside of them. Allow your veterinarian Murrieta, CA to tell you the truth—here are three rescue pet myths that you shouldn’t believe:

Rescue Pets Are Old

Think rescue pets are old, unwanted animals? Not true. Pets of almost any age can be found in a shelter; elderly companions, middle-aged pets, and puppies and kittens alike! No matter the age of pet you’re considering, tour your local shelters to find it.

Rescue Pets Are Poorly Behaved

This isn’t true. Pets don’t often come to shelters because of poor behavior; issues like abandonment and uncontrolled breeding are far more common reasons. Most rescue pets are well-behaved or can be easily trained!

Rescue Pets Are Dirty

False! On the contrary, rescue facilities must be kept at a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation to prevent the spread of disease in an area with so many animals housed in close quarters. Shelter pets aren’t dirty!

Have you recently adopted a pet and need to make an appointment for their initial vaccinations and examination? We’re here to help. Set up an office visit at your vet clinic Murrieta, CA.

Xylitol and Its Danger for Your Pet

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Have you ever heard of xylitol? It’s a sugar substitute found in many candies, gums, baked goods, and other products, like toothpaste. Xylitol is fine for humans, but very bad for pets! Learn more here from a vet Crown Point, IN.

Symptoms

The symptoms of xylitol can manifest themselves in as little as 30 minutes after your pet ingests something containing the poison. Symptoms include lethargy, uncoordinated movements, loss of appetite, and—without prompt treatment—seizures, coma, and even death. Rush your pet to the emergency room if you know or suspect that they’ve ingested xylitol.

Treatment

Your pet’s stomach may need to be flushed to rid the body of the toxin, and activated charcoal might help slow the absorption rate in body. As a pet recovers, supportive measures like fluid replacement and oxygen supplementation might be necessary.

How to Prevent Poisoning

As is the case with all poisonings, it’s easier to prevent xylitol poisoning than deal with it! Keep chocolate, candies, and all sweets out of your pet’s reach—store them in closed containers, cabinets, or the refrigerator.

Want to learn more about xylitol and other dangerous pet poisons? We’re here for you. Call your veterinarian Crown Point, IN.

Putting Your Pet on a Diet

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While a large part of helping your pet to lose weight involves exercising them, you can’t forget about the other side of the equation: improving their diet. Here, your Aurora, CO vet tells you about three important components of putting your pet on a diet.

Food Choice

It’s important to think about the type of food your pet is being given. If they’re receiving a “budget” diet with a lot of filler material and empty calories, they’re not getting the nutrients they need for good health. They’re also probably packing on excess pounds! Ask your vet about upgrading to a premium diet.

Scheduled Meals

Work with your vet to determine a schedule for mealtimes, setting food out and then removing it after a predetermined amount of time. This prevents your pet from overeating, and it helps to regulate her diet and weight.

Portion Control

Last but not least, make sure to ask your veterinarian about a measured portion size for your pet’s meals. Portion control is an essential part of any great diet plan!

Do you need help getting your pet to lose weight? We’re here to help with all of your pet-care needs. Call your vet clinic Aurora, CO.

Your Pet and Probiotics

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Probiotics have been around in the human healthcare world for some time, and you may have even tried some yourself. Did you know that probiotics can also help our four-legged friends? Learn more about probiotics and your pet from your Frisco, TX veterinarian.

What Are Probiotics?

A probiotic is a beneficial microbe that lives in your pet’s small or large intestine. They help to keep the “bad” microbes from affecting your pet’s health by helping to digest food, manufacture vitamins and other nutrients, and destroy pathogens. For pets, a probiotic might come in capsule or tablet form, a yogurt or kefir product, or it may be included in pet food.

What Can Probiotics Do for Pets?

Probiotics may be given to pets to help regulate digestive health, manage or correct infections and infestations, or even to help minimize stress. Since probiotics help maintain the proper intestinal microbial balance, they’re often prescribed to help with many kinds of health issues that cause digestive problems.

Does My Pet Need a Probiotic?

Don’t give your pet a probiotic until clearing it with your veterinarian. That way, you make sure your pet stays safe!

To learn more, contact your pet clinic Frisco, TX today.

Learn More About Microchips

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Is your pet outfitted with a microchip? It’s simply the best way to make sure your pet stays properly identified at all times. Learn more about the basics of microchips as your Glendale, AZ veterinarian elaborates below:

What is a Microchip, Exactly?

A microchip is a tiny computer chip, housed inside a small glass capsule, that is implanted under your pet’s skin. The chip contains a number, implanted electronically, that corresponds with the chip manufacturer’s database. That database contains your pet’s contact information, so when a lost pet is relinquished to a vet’s office or animal shelter, scanning devices there can find out who the lost pet belongs to.

What’s the Procedure Like?

The chip capsule is inserted under your pet’s skin with a specialized hypodermic needle. The process only takes a moment or two, and is virtually risk-free—all your pet will feel is a momentary pinch. All in all, it’s just like a regular vaccination!

How Do I Get My Pet Microchipped?

If you’re ready to have your pet microchipped for a lifetime of great identification, set up an appointment with your animal hospital Glendale, AZ. We’re here to help with all of your most important pet-care needs!

Combatting Pet Obesity

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Obesity is a big problem among our dogs and cats. Nearly half of all domesticated animals are overweight! Here are some tips from your veterinarian Marietta, GA to help combat pet obesity in your household.

Serving Size

Overfeeding is one of the leading causes of obesity among cats and dogs. That’s why feeding your pet in a proper portion size is so effective! Ask your vet about a measured portion size for your companion’s needs, and stick to that during every meal. Remove uneaten food after about 20 minutes or so.

Diet Type

Is your pet eating a “budget” food with lots of filler material? That means she’s only getting a lot of empty calories and packing on extra weight. It’s time to upgrade your pet’s diet! Consult your vet for a recommendation on a high-quality food for your pet.

Exercise Tips

Exercising your pet daily is the other major way that you’ll combat pet obesity; there’s just no way around it! Get your pet moving with brisk walks around the block or fun play sessions indoors.

Does your pet need a veterinary exam? Want more advice on slimming down your animal companion? Call your veterinary clinic Marietta, GA today.

Three Pet Toxins at Home Right Now

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We know you’re very conscientious when it comes to pet safety. However, even the most careful pet owners probably have a few potential pet toxins in their homes! The trick is knowing what to look out for so that your companion stays safe. Learn more here from a vet Tampa, FL.

Toxic Foods

Many human foods aren’t safe for pets. The list includes garlic, onions, chives, leeks, scallions, shallots, grapes and raisins, chocolate, gum, candy, alcoholic beverages, salty items, fatty foods, and much more. Don’t leave harmful foods on tables or countertops where pets can reach!

Human Medicines

Did you know that plenty of medicines made for humans can hurt a pet? Aspirin, cough syrup, prescription pills, antidepressants… the list goes on and on. To be safe, keep your medicine cabinet shut tightly at all times so that pets can’t reach the products inside. A child-proof plastic cap might be no match for your pet’s jaws!

Cleaning Supplies

Pets aren’t likely to seek out cleaning supplies to ingest, but it’s not worth risking. Move pets elsewhere when cleaning, and keep the supply closet shut and locked.

To learn more about pet safety at home, contact your animal hospital Tampa, FL.

Keeping Pets Safe and Happy in Cold Weather

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When the temperatures outside dip, it’s important to keep your animal friend’s health and happiness in mind. Most of our pets aren’t well-equipped to handle winter weather! Use these tips from a veterinarian Washington DC to keep your pet safe:

Indoor Time

The easiest way to make sure your pet stays safe, happy, and warm in the wintertime is to allow them plenty of indoor time. Inside, they’ll be happy relaxing with you and your family. Only take your pet outdoors for short walks and bathroom breaks.

Outdoor Hazards

When your pet does venture outdoors in the cold, do your best to avoid ice patches. Not only can your pet slip, ice might contain melting salt or chemicals that you don’t want your pet tracking indoors on the paws. Antifreeze is another common winter pet hazard; its sweet smell and taste may attract pets, but it’s extremely toxic!

Clothing

Clothing may be helpful for some pets, especially those with short or thin coats of fur. Check out parkas, jackets, booties, sweaters, and more at your local pet supply store.

Would you like to know more about winter pet care? We’re here to help. Contact your animal hospital Washington DC today!

Destroying Pet Odors at Home

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Let’s face it—after a while, our beloved animal companions can start to smell up our homes a bit. Wouldn’t you like to destroy those odors and return your home to its former freshness? Learn how below from veterinarians Westminster, MD.

Grooming

Groom your pet on a daily basis; it’ll do wonders for their odor. Brushing regularly removes grime from the coat and keeps hair from falling all over your home. The occasional bath—always using a canine- or feline-formulated shampoo—can help your pet smell great for weeks on end.

Odor Neutralizers

Air fresheners just mask over smells, letting them return in short order. An odor neutralizer, though, combats enzymes that cause odors at the root. There are products to combat stains and odors from vomit, feces, urine, and more. Check out the selection at your local pet supply store.

See the Vet

Does your pet smell particularly strong? Has an odor seemingly developed out of nowhere? Set up an appointment to have your pet examined. Various health issues—infection, parasites, rotting teeth, and more—could be the cause of the stench!

Talk to your vet Westminster, MD to learn more about combating pet odors in your home.

Halloween Pet Hazards

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Halloween is a particularly dangerous time of year for our cats and dogs. The trick is knowing what to watch out for so that this holiday doesn’t turn into a real-life nightmare! Learn more here from a veterinarian Crown Point, IN.

Chocolate and Candy

There’s a lot of chocolate and candy floating around during Halloween and trick-or-treat night, none of which is good for pets. Chocolate of all types contains theobromine and caffeine, harmful chemicals for pets, and many candies and gums are sweetened with an artificial sugar called xylitol that can poison animals. Keep pets away from the sweet treats!

Escape

Trick-or-treat night presents an escape hazard, as the doorbell rings frequently and the front door opens like clockwork. If your pet is the type to dart out of an open door, secure them in another room. Make sure all pets in the house are properly identified with a microchip, ID tags on the collar, or both.

Costume Dangers

Dressing your pet up in a costume? Make sure it doesn’t contain small parts that could be choked on or swallowed, and make sure it fits just right.

For more Halloween safety tips, contact your animal hospital Crown Point, IN.