Although the idea of having a few kittens running around your house that are just as cute as your cat can be appealing, the reality of having a litter of kittens to care for can be quite a bit different. Spaying your cat is the best way to ensure you don’t have a litter you need to give away.
Ferrets make great pets, but unneutered males can have a strong, musky odor due to scent glands. Neutered males, however, have almost no smell. Male ferrets should be neutered between six and eight months old.
Did you know that kittens should receive their vaccinations at around eight to ten weeks of age? It is also important to give them a follow-up vaccination three to four weeks after the initial vaccinations.
Taking the family pet on regular visits to the veterinarian is about more than just updating their annual shot records. Early detection of illness and disease can help you spare your pet from unnecessary pain and suffering.
Have you ever wondered how high your cat can jump? Folk wisdom says a cat can jump six times its length, or more than eight feet. Is that true? Measure your cat's next high jump to see if you've adopted an Olympic feline athlete.
My dog almost never goes outside. Can I save on the cost of heartworm medicine? As your veterinarian can explain, it takes only a single bite from a mosquito carrying the heartworm larvae to infect a dog. Even in just a few minutes outside a day, it’s very possible for a dog to be bitten by a mosquito. Without heartworm medicine, the treatment to battle a heartworm can cost $1,000 or more, and it’s no guarantee even a healthy dog will recover.
Do you know the signs of oral disease in your dog? Some potentials signs include excessively bad breath, excessive drooling, inflamed gums, tumors or bumps in gums, cysts under the tongue, or loose teeth.
Our wellness programs will provide your horse with basic preventive health care, including a balanced diet, immunizations, parasite control, and annual physical and dental exams.
They may be small, but hedgehogs are very active animals. It’s important to provide a cage at least 4 feet by 2 feet for your hedgehog, along with a litter box and an enclosed hide area where your hedgehog can feel secure.
Diarrhea in felines is generally a warning sign for more serious ailments. If your cat doesn’t improve in a week, bring a sample to your veterinarian to determine if the diarrhea is caused by intestinal parasites.
To help choose the right cage, allow your bird to help. Choose a cage that is large enough for your bird to spread his or her wings and flap them without hitting the bars.
Do you have questions about spay and neutering animals? We can explain the process, including how safe it is. According to animal experts, pets that are spayed and neutered live longer than those that aren't.
Your feline veterinarian is a great source of advice about cats. For example, when bringing a cat home, be sure not to overwhelm the new family member by meeting every member of the family in the same room at the same time.
Spaying or neutering your pet will likely lead to a longer life, according to a study reported in USA Today in 2013. Neutered dogs have a lifespan that is 18 percent longer than their counterparts, while spayed females live 23 percent longer than unsprayed female dogs, according to the study.
Are you familiar with gingivitis? This is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by accumulation of plaque, tartar, and disease-producing bacteria above and below the gum line. Signs include bleeding; red, swollen gums; and bad breath.
Your dog needs to have its nails clipped on a regular basis. However, if you are inexperienced, doing it yourself can nip a vessel or make it uncomfortable for your pet. When you bring your pet in for a visit, let us cut the nails down to size.
Although some birds require gravel or dirt in their diet, such as pigeons, exotic parrots do not require this ingredient in their diet. Be sure to discuss your exotic bird’s diet with your exotic animals veterinarian, who can tell you what your bird should eat and when your bird should come in for testing and exams.
Cat’s eyesight is believed to be both better and worse than humans. It is considered better because cats have a wider peripheral field of vision. However, cats have trouble seeing color as well as humans do. Scientists believe that grass appears red to cats.
Many dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and this is an issue, as obesity in pets can lead to health risks, including diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. It’s important for pet owners to understand that overfeeding is the leading cause of obesity.
How do I know if my adult dog has worms? A number of symptoms indicate the possibility of worms, including coughing, chewing or licking under the tail, diarrhea and unexplained weight loss. Your veterinarian can determine the type of worm involved – such as tapeworms, hookworms and roundworms – and prescribe the proper treatment.
Did you know that preventative flea treatment is one of the most important things you should do for your pet? Getting rid of fleas can be frustrating, whereas preventing them is often much easier.
While cats have a reputation as being aloof that rarely describes their relationship with a loving owner. Older cats, particularly, crave physical and mental stimulation from their owners – even more than when they were younger. Continue to have special time to pet, groom and interact with your senior cat.
One of the most important reasons to take your dog or cat to see a veterinarian is to prevent parasites. Indeed, parasites are one of the most prevalent health problems for both dogs and cats, and need to be treated before they cause worse issues.
During your bird's first exam, you want to be sure that the vet and technician are both comfortable holding and handling your bird. If highly experienced, some avian vets may even be able to handle your bird on their own. Your pet bird and the vet should feel comfortable with each other.
Just as with the human body, pets’ bodies have the innate ability to heal and fight off illness. When you want to give your pet the assistance they need without harmful drugs, we may be able to help.
For all dogs and pets, there are core vaccinations they need to have at various stages of life to keep them healthy and safe from the ravages of parasites and diseases that can make them ill - or worse.
Your pet’s nutritional needs will change throughout their life. While a puppy may need nutritionally dense food to help them grow, older dogs need food that’s easier to digest. Choose pet food that’s calibrated to your particular pet’s age, weight, and health.
As with toddlers, be sure to pig-proof your home. Your pig can either go outside—supervised—or use a litter box indoors. And, did you know that pigs only sweat through their snouts? If your pig’s nose is wet, she is probably hot.
If a skunk sprays your pet, try using tomato juice to remove the smell. Bathe your pet in tomato juice, and leave the juice on as long as possible for the best results. Use extra caution to make sure it stays out of your pet's eyes, though.
When your pet is cared for in an emergency, it is important that you keep all follow-up appointments once it has been released. This is necessary to make sure your pet is recuperating as it should and that no other problems have developed.
Over time plaque and tartar build up on your pet’s teeth. This build up can cause periodontal disease. You can help by scheduling regular dental cleanings for your dog or cat to have the plaque and tartar removed.
Did you know that cats can be trained just like dogs can? Training your cat as early as possible in its life can help with behavioral problems in the future.
Did you know that older cats can have memory lapses and other signs of senility? Getting old isn't for cats any more than it is for people - but it might just be a lack of Vitamin B-12. Let us check out your elderly cat for vitamin deficiency.
Bringing home a puppy is an exciting day! Make sure you also schedule your new pet for a trip to the vet to make sure he or she is vaccinated, and get heartworm and flea prevention before settling into your home.
If you’re considering having us perform acupuncture on your pet, it’s critical that you adjust your expectations according to the severity of their symptoms. While a dog with relatively good health may only require a few sessions, dogs with significant health problems could require several sessions before you begin seeing an improvement.
Fleas are annoying pests than can make your pets miserable, and they can also transmit disease to both pets and humans. Unfortunately, they are sometimes extremely hard to get rid of once they've arrived. To prevent the problem from occurring in the first place, your vet can recommend flea prevention methods that your pet can stay on year-round.
Did you know that your cat's hairballs are formed in its stomach from the fur it swallows while grooming? If your cat coughs up hairballs too often, you may need to take it to a veterinarian for a health checkup.
Do you know how to brush your cat’s teeth? All you’ll need are cotton swabs and a small toothbrush and tube of toothpaste formulated for felines. You could even use saltwater. Ask your vet to suggest the brushing supplies that he or she trusts, and be sure to never use toothpaste designed for people.
There’s no reason that a holistic health care plan for your animal cannot run alongside prescription medicine if necessary. You can continue to give any prescription medicines exactly as directed by your veterinarian following a holistic therapy.
It’s important to remember that animals – and humans – are made up of energy. When these energies fall out of balance, disease can take hold. Only after energy is balanced can health be restored.
The only time it is considered normal for birds to pluck their feathers is when they are preparing a nest for an egg, and in this situation, they will only pluck a few. Excessive feather plucking is often a sign of stress, in which case a veterinary appointment is advisable.
Your pet needs an annual physical, just like you do. An annual check-up is the perfect time for teeth cleaning, checking on your animal's health and well being, and getting proper vaccinations, so make sure to bring your pet to the vet at least once a year.
For those with furry family members, it can be difficult to know whether your pet is just a little tired or if they’re sick when they lose their zeal for playtime. Remember to bring them to us if their energy levels don’t bounce back within a few days.
Unfortunately, that adorable fuzzy kitten you just found outside could be carrying illnesses that will make your other cats sick. Remember, to keep everyone safe, keep new kittens in quarantine until you can have them checked out by the vet.
Like us, dogs can be sensitive to changes in weather and the seasons. Check for flaky, dry or chapped skin in winter, allergic reactions in spring and fall, and moist eczema when it's rainy or wet.
If a bird who normally has a healthy appetite suddenly begins to show less interest in eating, it can be an indicator of stress and/or health problems. In this situation, it is important to visit an avian vet to understand the issue at hand.
Does your cat seem like he has a lot to say? Meowing might be the most obviously assumed way cats communicate. However, cats actually "say" the majority of how they are feeling through their body language.
Spay/neuter surgeries can only be performed by licensed veterinarians. This procedure is simple and fast, and will not make your dog fat or ill tempered contrary to urban myths.
There is no one-size-fits-all dietary plan for pets. Just as with humans, the type and amount of food your pet should be eating depends on many factors, including animal type, age, size and level of activity. We can help you find a plan that's perfect for your pet.
How often your cat or dog needs to be immunized depends on several different factors, which is why consulting a vet is so important. Factors to consider include age, lifestyle, health, and specific risks your pet may be facing.
Before a vet visit, get your bird used to the carrier. Start by keeping the carrier nearby and letting your bird explore, gradually increasing the time spent in the carrier. Make sure to offer treats and praise as a reward!
Getting male dogs neutered makes them less likely to run away from home. A male pet in search of a mate is more likely to do whatever it takes to find a mate, including running away from home.
Before a vet visit, get your bird used to the carrier. Start by keeping the carrier nearby and letting your bird explore, gradually increasing the time spent in the carrier. Make sure to offer treats and praise as a reward!
If you’re having difficulties training your puppy, look into dog training classes in your area. These types of services can be invaluable, not only in teaching your puppy what to do but in helping you figure out how to best handle them.
While cats often keep their claws in tip top shape through scratching and grooming, it may still be necessary to give your kitty a nail trim every now and then - especially if your kitty is a senior.
Getting male dogs neutered makes them less likely to run away from home. A male pet in search of a mate is more likely to do whatever it takes to find a mate, including running away from home.
Before a vet visit, get your bird used to the carrier. Start by keeping the carrier nearby and letting your bird explore, gradually increasing the time spent in the carrier. Make sure to offer treats and praise as a reward!