PET HEALTH BLOG
Preparing for a New Kitten
Adding a new kitten to your home will be a fun and exciting experience! They are so much fun! However, they also require lot of attention and the preparation of your home for their arrival. Here are a few tips to prepare yourself and your home for this new addition
Pet Insurance
We have insurance for pretty much all of our worldly possessions, as well as our own lives and health, so why wouldn’t we have it for our pets as well?
Blocked Cats – What does that mean?
The term “blocked cat” actually refers to the obstruction of the urethra in a male cat. (But it is important to remember that it can happen to both dogs and cats, and also in females – just less commonly). The urethra is the tube that drains urine from the bladder and when it becomes blocked, a cat cannot pass its urine. This is an emergency situation and needs to be addressed immediately.
How to Choose The Right Dog Trainer
Dog ownership is a serious commitment that takes time and energy. Part of that commitment is to ensure that your dog has some training so that you can live with him in your community. Some type of “puppy kindergarten” or a basic obedience class is recommended as most dog owners need help in learning how to train their dogs.
A Day in the Life of a Vet Tech…
Veterinary Technicians are the cornerstone of every veterinary hospital. They walk into work in the morning never quite knowing what the day will look like, and that’s part of the challenge and joy of the job.
Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions (FORL's)
Tooth resorption will occur when cells called odontoclasts destroy the surfaces of the tooth root by causing the enamel to be resorbed. As this happens, layers of the tooth disappear, exposing the pulp cavity and causing pain and sensitivity.
Corneal Ulcers
If you have ever seen a corneal ulcer, then you know how alarming and ugly they can look. Don’t worry, they are not life threatening; but they are very painful and need immediate attention.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
If you are a cat owner, you have no doubt heard of the Feline Leukemia Virus, commonly referred to as FeLV. It is by far the most prevalent disease in cats, killing 85% of infected cats within three years of diagnosis.
Pet Fire Safety
As we’re all well aware, the late summer months are the peak of “wildfire season”. Most families have some sort of evacuation plan, but are your pets part of your plan? Fires, whether they are grass fires or house fires, can start and travel very quickly. Having a written out and practiced plan is the best way to keep you and your entire household safe.
Leptospirosis – What is it and how can it be prevented?
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by contact and infection of the Leptospira bacteria. These leptospires will spread throughout the entire body, reproducing in the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes, and reproductive system. Although dogs are most commonly affected
The Importance of Rabies Vaccinations
Rabies is a very serious and fatal virus that affects the central nervous system of an animal or human. Although any warm-blooded mammal can contract the rabies virus, it is most commonly found in wild animals such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. The virus is spread through…
Atopy or Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as canine atopy, is a hypersensitivity, or over-reaction, to commonplace substances in the environment. These allergens may include plant pollens, house dust mites, mold spores, etc
Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)
Most people have heard the term “anemia”, either referred to in humans or animals. Anemia is a condition that occurs when the number of red blood cells in the body falls below the normal values, or they function improperly.
Feline Chin Acne
Cats can get acne too?? That’s right; we humans aren’t the only ones! Some cats will only get acne one time in their life, while others may have a life-long struggle with it. Feline acne doesn’t seem to have any preference for age, gender or breed either. (Boy, it is a lot like human acne isn’t it?!) Understanding what it is and how to treat it will make things easier on both you and your feline friend.
Pet Dangers Lurking in your Home
We all like to think of our homes as being safe havens for our pets. We are offering them protection from the dangers of the outside world, right? What some people are not aware of however, are the dangers that lurk INSIDE our homes. Unfortunately, there are several products that we may use on a daily basis that are very dangerous, and sometimes even fatal, to our animals.
Pet Sitters vs. Boarding Facilities
For some pet owners, going out of town (even if it’s just for a short period of time) can be rather stressful. Not only must you make your own travel plans, but you must make sure you have appropriate accommodations for your furry pal(s) also.
Pet Dental Health Month
In recognition of February being “Pet Dental Health Month”, let’s talk about your pet’s pearly whites! Some people are unaware that their pets can actually have some of the same dental problems that they may experience. These problems include, but are not limited to: broken teeth and roots, periodontal disease, cysts or tumors in the mouth, abscesses or infected teeth, misalignment of the bite, broken jaw, etc.
Responsible pet owners Spay and Neuter
If you are a pet owner, one of the first things you should have or should be considering is the spaying or neutering of your pet. The decision to spay or neuter your pet will have a huge effect on their overall long-term health and welfare.
National Train Your Dog Month
January is here…the start of a new year and new beginnings! It also happens to be “National Train Your Dog Month”! Whether you got a new puppy for the Christmas or you have an older dog that needs a little training, this is a great time to start.
How to ensure you (and your pets) have a Happy Holiday!
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! Christmas trees are being decorated, lights are being hung, and goodies are being baked! Oh, it’s just wonderful, isn’t it? There’s just one teensy little problem…