Category Archives: Pets Care

Pest Control for Your Dog or Cat

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Parasites are some of the most troublesome, yet most preventable, health concerns out there for our cats and dogs. Below, your Scottsdale, AZ veterinarian tells you about the most common pet pests and how to keep your animal companion safe.

Worms

Heartworms, roundworms, flatworms… there are all sorts of worms waiting to invade your pet’s system. Stop these creepy crawlers in their tracks by having your pet wear a proper worm preventative. For most pets, a heartworm preventative will take care of the danger from all typical worm types.

Fleas

Flea infestations can be difficult to eradicate, and fleas can easily jump from an infected pet to other animals in the home, or even humans. A severe flea infestation can even lead to life-threatening anemia if left untreated! Ask your vet about the right flea preventative for your pet.

Ticks

Ticks carry dangerous diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Don’t let your pet fall risk—a flea-and-tick preventative medicine will be necessary to make sure that your pet doesn’t fall ill from tick bites.

Does your pet need set up with preventative medications? We’re here for you! Call your veterinary clinic Scottsdale, AZ today to get started.

Giving Your Puppy a Bath

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It’s always a good idea to get your puppy used to bathe early on in life. This way, they grow up thinking of bathing as a completely normal part of life! Here, your veterinarian Livonia, MI goes over the basics of bathing your pup.

Getting Started

Gather together your supplies by the tub or sink where you’ll be bathing Fido. You’ll need a canine-specific shampoo, a bucket, and a large, soft towel.

Shampoo

Fill the tub or sink with just an inch or two of lukewarm water, and gently set your puppy in it on all fours to get him used to the sensation. When he’s ready, use your bucket to gently pour more lukewarm water over the body to wet the coat. Dab a small amount of shampoo into the fur and massage it through.

Rinse and Dry

Once your pup has been shampooed thoroughly, rinse him off with more water from the bucket. Dry your dog with the towel, and offer him a few tasty treats as a reward.

Does your puppy need professional grooming services? Want further advice on bathing your dog? We’re here for you—set up an appointment today with your veterinary clinic Livonia, MI.

Hazard Spots for Your Pet at Home

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Your pet is safest at home with you and your family. Having said that, every home contains its danger zones! Below, your veterinarian Columbia, MD tells you how to keep your pet safe from hazard spots at home.

Kitchen

Kitchens contain everything from toxic food, sharp objects, and hot surfaces to danger-filled garbage bags and cleaning supplies. It’s a treasure trove of dangers for your pet! It’s best to keep your four-legged friend out of the kitchen when cooking to reduce the risk.

Medicine Cabinet

Don’t let your pet gain access to the medicine cabinet. Everything from antidepressants and aspirin to over-the-counter drugs and prescription pills can poison a pet who manages to ingest too much—child-proof caps may be no match for your pet’s jaws! Also be sure to keep your own medications stored separately from those of your pet.

Supply Closet

Various common cleaning supplies—household disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaner, air fresheners, carpet shampoo, and much more—can prove toxic to a pet. Move pets elsewhere when using strong chemicals, and keep the supply closet closed tightly at all times.

Does your pet require medical attention? Call your animal hospital Columbia, MD today for help from the professionals.

Your Pet’s Emergency Kit

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The only sensible way to deal with an emergency situation is to be prepared ahead of time. When it comes to your pet, an emergency kit can help you do that! Learn what to include in your pet’s kit from a veterinary clinic Colorado Springs, CO.

First-Aid Basics

Assemble or purchase a first-aid kit for your pet. Items to pack include bandages, gauze, a pet-safe disinfectant, tweezers, a set of nail clippers, styptic powder or a styptic pen to staunch bleeding, soft towels, a pet thermometer, and a few pairs of latex gloves to protect your hands.

Pet Meds

Does your pet take medications to treat or manage a condition? It’s always a good idea to pack a supply in your pet’s emergency kit so that you always know where it is. Check the expatriation dates frequently to make sure your pet’s medications don’t need to be replaced.

Medical Records

Medical records—documentation of recent medical work, proof of ownership and vaccinations, etc.—can be lifesavers in an emergency situation, especially if you find yourself at an unfamiliar vet’s office or shelter. Pack these documents in a waterproof bag.

Want help assembling your pet’s emergency care kit? Call your pet clinic Colorado Springs, CO.

The Basics of Pet Vaccination

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Vaccination is, of course, a key part of your pet’s health. If you’ve recently adopted a cat or dog, getting them the proper vaccines is an essential step in the right direction! Here, your vet Indianapolis, IN goes over the basics of vaccines for pets.

Core Vaccines

All dogs and cats need what are known as the core vaccines. Some examples of these include vaccines against distemper, parvovirus, influenza, and rabies—they’re given because of the dangerous and/or contagious nature of the diseases they protect against. Often, core vaccines are administered together in a batch when your pet is young.

Non-Core Vaccines

As the name suggests, non-core vaccines aren’t necessary for all pets. They might help some cats and dogs, though, based on factors like risk of exposure to a certain disease, environment, pre-existing conditions, and others. Ask your vet what non-core vaccines your pet might need.

Booster Shots

Many vaccinations need booster shots every year or every few years to remain effective. Talk to your vet for further details on your pet’s booster-shot schedule.

Does your pet need to be vaccinated? Do you have more questions about the vaccination regimen? Set up an appointment today at your pet clinic Indianapolis, IN.

Three Quick Ways to Save Money on Pet Care

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Who doesn’t want to save a little money here and there? When it comes to our pets, there are several ways to save your hard-earned cash without sacrificing your pet’s well-being in the least. Here, your veterinarians Sugar Land, TX elaborates:

Preventative Medicine

Keep your pet up-to-date on pest-control products to ward off the infestations and infections caused by fleas, ticks, and parasitic worms. Vaccinate your animal companion against dangerous and contagious diseases. These preventative healthcare measures are far less expensive than treatment after the fact!

Portion Control

Overfeeding your pet wastes food, and it contributes to dangerous obesity that can be costly and time-consuming to reverse later. By feeding your pet in a proper portion size, you’re saving money! Talk to your vet for more information on the right serving side for your four-legged companion.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Rescuing a pet is another way to save yourself money—did you know that adoption fees are almost always far less than the cost of buying a pet at a pet store or directly from a breeder?

Does your pet need essential vaccinations or pest-control medications? We’re here to help! Schedule an appointment today to see your animal hospital Sugar Land, TX.

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!