When selecting bones and chews for dogs, it's essential to consider the size, age, health, and chewing habits of your dog. Raw, cooked, or smoked bones, hooves, antlers, and ice cubes are NOT recommended as they are too hard and notorious for damaging teeth and the GI tract. Be aware that many other options on the market are damaging to your dog's digestive health as well due to rich flavors and high calories. The general rule for chew toys and treats is that they are safe if they soften up while being chewed on or if the toy indents when you push your fingers into it.
Here's a list of some generally safe chews, along with things to keep in mind:
- Dental Chews: Various dental chews on the market are specifically designed to clean a dog's teeth while they chew such as Greenies, Tartar Shield, OraVet Chews, VeggieDents, and CET chews.
- Artificial Bones: These are often made of rubber and try to avoid nylon or plastic bones due to their hardness which can break teeth. A good example is Kong Toys. Ensure the chew is size-appropriate for your dog and isn't wearing down too quickly.
- Raw Hides: rawhide strips or rolls without a knot on the end are great, just remember there are a lot of calories in these so give them to your pup in moderation.
Happy chewing!
Bloodwork is an important diagnostic tool used by veterinarians to assess the health of pets and to detect any underlying medical conditions and should be done annually with your pet's wellness exam. This procedure is especially important for middle-aged to senior pets in order to catch and treat any diseases early. Ask your veterinarian about bloodwork at your next visit!
Our feline clients are some of our favorites to care for. Here are 5 fun facts about cats!
1. Cats have a remarkable ability to rotate their ears up to 180 degrees, allowing them to locate sounds with incredible precision. This keen sense of hearing helps them detect even the faintest noises, making them skilled hunters.
2. Despite being carnivorous, cats have taste buds that are not particularly attuned to sweetness. They lack the taste receptors for detecting sweet flavors, unlike humans and many other mammals.
3. Cats are highly acrobatic and have a flexible spine that enables them to twist, turn, and squeeze through narrow spaces. Their exceptional agility is attributed to their collarbone, which is free-floating and allows for increased flexibility in navigating tight spots.
4. While cats are known for their independent nature, they are also capable of forming strong social bonds. Cats have been observed engaging in various forms of communication, including purring, rubbing against their owners, and even blinking slowly, all of which are considered signs of affection and trust.
5. Cats have an extraordinary sense of balance, aided by their highly sensitive inner ear structures. This remarkable balance allows them to land on their feet when falling from heights, a skill known as the "righting reflex." They can twist their bodies in mid-air and adjust their limbs to ensure a safe landing.
When is it time to get your cat vaccinated? Vaccinating your cats is crucial for their health and well-being, as it helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases among feline populations. Vaccines protect cats from potentially life-threatening illnesses such as feline distemper, rabies, and feline leukemia virus. By ensuring your cats are up to date on their vaccinations, you are not only safeguarding their health but also contributing to the overall welfare of the feline community. Give us a call with any questions!
Leaving a pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes, can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket quickly, reaching deadly levels within minutes, even with the windows cracked open. Pets can suffer from heat stroke, organ failure, and even death in these conditions. It is crucial to never leave your pet unattended in a hot car, ensuring their safety by keeping them at home or bringing them along with you if necessary.
Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect our beloved pets, especially during hot summer months. Dogs and cats are more susceptible to heat stroke due to their limited ability to regulate body temperature compared to humans. When exposed to high temperatures or confined in areas with poor ventilation, pets can quickly become overwhelmed by the heat.
Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, weakness, vomiting, and even collapse. It is crucial for pet owners to be vigilant and take preventive measures to ensure their furry companions are protected from the scorching heat, such as providing ample shade, and fresh water, and never leaving them unattended in parked vehicles. Regular exercise should also be scheduled during cooler times of the day to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion. Stay safe this summer!
Trimming your dog's nails at home is an important aspect of their grooming routine. It helps to prevent their nails from becoming too long and causing discomfort or even pain. Long nails can get snagged or torn, which can cause bleeding or infection. Prevent injuries by trimming your dog’s nails regularly!
Fleas, ticks, and heartworms run rampant in the spring and summer months but can affect your pet’s health year-round. 1 in 100 dogs will suffer from heartworm each year, and fleas and ticks can carry many harmful diseases. Regardless of how active your pet is, they are at risk of these pests. Ask about FTHW prevention at your next appointment!
Did you know?! Grass seeds can be dangerous for dogs in several ways.
When dogs run through fields or roll in grassy areas, grass seeds can become lodged in their fur, between their toes, or in their ears. If the dog then licks or bites at the area where the seed is lodged, it can become embedded in the skin and cause an infection. In severe cases, the seed may even travel through the skin and enter the dog's body, causing more serious health problems.
If a dog inhales a grass seed, it can become lodged in its nasal passages or lungs, causing respiratory problems. If ingested, it can become lodged in their throat or digestive tract, causing blockages. In severe cases, grass seeds require surgery to remove the seed.
It’s important to take precautions when walking them in areas with long grass, check their paws for any seeds, and seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has encountered a grass seed and is showing signs of discomfort or illness.
Bowie came in this month for a dental cleaning!
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from dental problems such as plaque buildup, gingivitis, and tooth decay. These issues can cause pain, discomfort, and even lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings can help prevent these problems from developing or worsening.
Bowie started his day with us by getting a blood sample collected to evaluate his internal organs to ensure that he was a good anesthetic candidate, as well as a pre-anesthetic physical examination.
When it was time for his procedure, Bowie was placed under general anesthesia. They took radiographs (or x-rays) of all his teeth to assess for periodontal bone loss, which may indicate the need to perform extractions. After the radiographs were performed, they removed all the tartar from his teeth using an ultrasonic scaler while monitoring his vitals.
The doctor then assessed Bowie to look for fractured or damaged teeth, gingival pockets, and oral masses. We are happy to report that Bowie came back with a clean bill of health! Yay Bowie!
Come along to get Lola spayed!
There are several reasons why it is important to get your dog spayed or neutered:
Health benefits: Spaying and neutering can have health benefits for your dog. Female dogs that are spayed have a lower risk of developing mammary gland tumors, uterine infections, and ovarian cancer. Neutered male dogs have a reduced risk of developing testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Behavioral benefits: Spaying and neutering can also help reduce certain behavioral problems in dogs, such as aggression, marking, and roaming. These behaviors are often associated with the natural instincts of intact male and female dogs.
Longer lifespan: Spayed and neutered dogs tend to live longer than intact dogs, as they are less likely to develop certain health problems and behavioral issues.
Overall, spaying and neutering your dog is an important responsibility that comes with pet ownership. It can help prevent unwanted litters, promote good health, and improve your dog's behavior and quality of life.
That’s not where the kitchen sponge should be!
This Maltipoo pup was brought in after the owner noticed the scrub daddy sponge was missing.
They rushed in before the dog had any symptoms, and X-rays were taken to confirm that the
pup had the sponge in his stomach. The pup underwent surgery to remove the sponge and
made a full recovery!
Advanced imaging techniques such as x-rays are crucial to veterinary medicine because they
allow veterinarians to see inside an animal's body in a way that is not possible with traditional
diagnostic methods. With advanced imaging, veterinarians can obtain detailed images of an
animal's organs, tissues, and bones, which can help to identify and diagnose a wide range of
conditions and diseases – In this case, a displaced smile!
National Pet Dental Health month may be coming to an end but it's important to get your pet's teeth cleaned no matter the time of year! Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems your pet can face. Most periodontal diseases occur below the gum line, where it is hard to see, making regular cleanings vital to prevention. Give us a call to learn more!
Imaging techniques such as x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs are important tools for veterinarians in the diagnosis of medical conditions in pets.
A 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix had been battling anxiety issues and unfortunately was unable to be given any prescription sedatives. One day when her owners were at work, the pup ripped up some carpet in their home. The pup had been vomiting, so her owner rushed her into the veterinarian for radiographs and found a stomach full of carpet and 2 staples.
These imaging techniques provide detailed images of the inside of the body, which can help veterinarians to identify problems that may not be visible using other methods. It looked like nothing had passed into her GI tract, so they opted to try to have her vomit. They had success and she threw up lots of carpet and both staples!! The owner took the staples home to remind them that things could've been much worse. Now she is a happy and healthy dog who goes into a safe kennel when the owners leave!
Booking appointments takes only a few moments with our online booking tool! Save time and schedule a non-emergency appointment with a doctor or technician today.
Simple – Quick – Easy! Book Online Now: https://us.vetstoria.com/614ae4e99540e/?r=6
Happy Senior Pet Month!
Did you know that most dogs are considered to be senior pets by age 7?
November was National Senior Pet Wellness Month and we love any reason to celebrate them! Often times we have cared for our senior pet patients since they were young pups or kitties and thanks to advancements in veterinary care, pets are now living longer and healthier lives. Regular wellness exams help detect and treat issues early and are essential to your pet’s health as they age.
Give a senior pet a little extra love and we look forward to seeing them soon!
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Let's Talk: Pet Insurance
When it comes to pet insurance there can be so many questions and unknowns! We’d like to help take some of the mystery out of signing up for pet insurance. The reality is that accidents happen and emergency treatment can be costly. The ASPCA has determined that the average cost for unexpected veterinary care can range anywhere from $800 to $1500 or more. Top insurance companies will reimburse you for 80% to even 100% of the vet bill. Pet insurance is a great way to financially prepare for those potential last-minute cases of emergency care needed for your pet.
Check out the answers to some of the most common questions about pet insurance and reach out to our hospital team if you need assistance with pet insurance!
Does My Pet Require Emergency Care?
Let’s talk: Veterinary Emergencies
As you know, not every incident or uh-oh moment requires a trip to the ER. Pets rely on their owners to recognize and care for their ailments. Rather than wondering whether it’s critical enough to bring your pet in, it is best practice to call your vet and if it’s after hours, your local emergency clinic. Here are four of the most frequent uh-oh moments that could leave your pet needing emergency care:
1. Vomiting and Diarrhea
This is one of the most common issues for pets and one of the most confusing for pet owners. What’s most important to note is the duration and whether it’s unusual behavior for your pet. Because of the risk of dehydration —The sooner we can intervene, the better the outcome.
2. Toxin Ingestion
From poisonous plants to people foods on the no-no list, prescription medications, and ordinary household items, there are many sources of toxins that surround our pets and we don’t always know which ones will pique their curiosity— or appetite. Fortunately, if treated soon enough, most cases of accidental ingestion can be resolved.
3. Injury or Trauma
Just like humans, pets can experience a number of injuries whether it’s a sore paw or injury from a fight. If your pet has experienced trauma, it’s best to call us whether you notice any physical injury or not so we can advise you over the phone.
4. Difficulty Urinating
When a pet is having trouble urinating or there is blood visible in their urine, please call us. Straining to urinate can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, crystals in their bladder, or something more severe. This should be treated immediately and can be life-threatening.
If in doubt about your pet's health status or you have concerns about an emergency, please call your veterinary team to discuss options
Vet Tech Appreciation Week - October 2021
🎉 National Vet Tech Appreciation week is upon us! 🎉 This week we are celebrating all of our hard-working support staff that make our hospital the place you know and love. Thank you for your time, dedication, and commitment to pet care and for putting a smile on our face.
Cheers to you!
