Pet Care

Positive veterinarian doctor communicating with cute dog's owner in medical office

February 25 2021

Why Should I get my Female Pet Spayed?

Cats, Dogs, Farm Animals, Ferrets, Health Tips, Kittens, Pet Care, Rabbits

Pet overpopulation troubles many places around the country, especially from stray animals. How can you work to reduce this problem? By spaying or neutering your cat or dog. It’s a simple solution, but some people question why it’s necessary.

My cat is an exclusively indoor pet. Pets tend to be escape artists, sneaking out the door underfoot. They can then become difficult to find and if not spayed and in heat, might find a partner to breed. Owners then end up with unwanted kittens to feed, provide veterinary care for, euthanize, or give away. This also increases their tendency for becoming injured from cars or fights with other animals. Side note: this is also why rabies vaccinations are important, even for indoor pets.

Health risks for unspayed female pets. As pets age, reproductive organs also age, bringing with them more medical issues. For female cats and dogs, risks for uterine infections and breast cancer increase exponentially. In 50% of female dogs and 90% of female cats, these diseases will ultimately claim their lives.

Other issues with intact female pets. When female dogs and cats are in heat, they become vocal and can urinate more frequently than typical (marking). This time lasts, on average, for four to five days out of every three weeks. You’ll also need hygiene products during their menstrual cycles such as diapers and pads, and she might need to urinate more frequently.

When is the best time to spay? To avoid unwanted behaviors developing, most vets advise to spay prior to your dog or cat’s first heat; however, older pets benefit as well and will live a longer, healthier life.

What about the cost? Unplanned veterinary expenses add up fast. You’ll also need additional food, toys, pet beds, and yearly checkups, potential surgical procedures, and ongoing vaccinations. A simple spay is far less costly than all of those for the lives of multiple other pets. In addition, check into local county resources which might offer them at a lower cost.

Myths about spaying and neutering. A spay procedure will not make them fat! Overweight pets are a product of overeating and infrequent exercise. Monitor food intake and give them plenty of activity.

Can’t I use this to teach my children responsibility or the miracle of birth? There are a multitude of other ways to do both of these, and without putting additional strain on your household from more pets and the associated costs. Look to videos, books, and online resources instead.

February 4 2021

Dental Disease in Pets

Cats, Dogs, Health Tips, Kittens, Pet Care

As with people, taking care of dental health also benefits your dog or cat. Yes, pets can have dental disease, where plaque, bacteria, and tartar build-up on the teeth and get trapped by the gums. This causes severe pain and infection, but addressing it early is key.

What does dental disease look like? First and foremost, bad breath – and no, this is not normal. Teeth can also show yellow tartar buildup, and gums might be swollen and red. Your veterinarian should include dental evaluations in annual exams. Pets with advanced dental disease might display irritability, lethargy, and a decreased appetite.

How is dental disease diagnosed? X-rays reveal what might not be apparent when simply looking at your pet. Using anesthesia, your vet will take radiographs to ascertain the extent and how to treat it. Then they will thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth in a safe and comfortable way, removing the plaque from beneath the gum line where it thrives.

Why use anesthesia? Many pet owners reject dental procedures due to a fear of anesthesia; however, your pet will be awake and very likely agitated at the lights, instruments, and being held down. Using anesthesia means your vet can safely and effectively complete the procedure without the risk of causing your pet additional stress.

How do you care for your pet after the procedure? Afterward, your vet might prescribe a numbing medication so your pet can recover without being in constant pain. In addition, some simple at-home care will ensure oral health and reduce the need for surgeries later on.

How can you prevent dental disease? For newly-acquired pets, your vet should begin to address oral health at the first visit, watching as puppies’ or kittens’ adult teeth emerge and addressing any issues early. Regardless of your pet’s age or when they joined your family, brushing their teeth regularly is a big part of preventative care.

Look for pet toothpaste, not human ones which contain ingredients toxic to animals. Pair this with pet food which preserves oral health, especially those approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Too-hard products like synthetic bones might actually cause tooth fractures. And keep up with your pet’s yearly checkups! In this way, you can actively prevent problems and expenses which compound over time, the longer they go unnoticed or undetected.

December 23 2020

Winter Walks: Protecting Your Dogs Paws

Dogs, Pet Care

Most locations will receive snow, ice, or a wintry mix of weather over the next several months, and this can make your walks uncomfortable for your dog. What can you do? Keep reading for our best tips!

Bundle up! Your dog’s fur coat might look warm; however, some breeds don’t tolerate cold weather or precipitation well. Having some coats and hats for your pup not only keeps them comfortable but also gives them some fashion style, which can make walking them more enjoyable.

Increase visibility! During overcast days, dark-colored fur especially can make your pet hard to notice. Look for reflective leashes and collars, and purchase brightly-colored coats. If they happen to escape, this might make it easier to spot them.

Clear the way! Even dogs can slip on ice, so shovel and clean off your sidewalk and driveway for them. Regular de-icing salt will burn your dog’s paw pads, so look for a pet-safe ice melt product.

Use paw protection! Dog boots and paw wax will keep your pup’s paws from feeling the burn of ice or salt, as well as protect them from frostbite. Boots will prevent paws from being numb from the cold and from ice accumulating between toes.

Stay hydrated! During this dry time of the year, it’s easy for both people and pets to get dehydrated. Give your dog ample water before and after your walks. You might think they can just eat snow, but it can hold bacteria which will make them sick. And while being bundled up keeps them warm, it also can make your dog pant. This leads to more dehydration, as heavy breathing releases moisture needed to stay hydrated.

Dry off afterward! Keep a supply of towels near your home’s entryway to wipe down your dog’s fur and paws. Snow or ice residue gets caught in their fur, which leads to excessive licking or chewing which will irritate their skin further. Hairdryers can be used as well, to finish drying your dog’s fur.

Check for frostbite! Which areas should you look at? Any exposed skin – ears, nose, tail, and footpads. That skin will appear paler and colder than other areas, even after being inside for a while. It might eventually turn red and swell. Call your vet if you suspect frostbite.

November 10 2020

Caring for Senior Pets in Their Golden Years

Dogs, Health Tips, Pet Care

As pets age, their needs change, and this can include their diet, their activity level, and their health. What are some things you can expect – and how can you continue to love your pet through these challenges?

Joints become stiffer as animals become more advanced in years which can result in discomfort and pain. This pain might mean they exercise less frequently, which can lead to becoming overweight. And being overweight causes a cycle of more pain, reduced activity, and other health problems.

Your senior pet might have more difficulty with stairs. Dog ramps can make it easier to walk on and off porches or get into or out of the car. Lift harnesses can also allow you to assist them with getting up and down. However, have your vet check for arthritis or other medicines which will allow your pet more freedom of movement. An orthopedic bed will make naptime more comfortable for them.

Playful puppies turn into lethargic older dogs who will wear out much faster. Follow your dog’s lead by watching their energy level and make play sessions shorter with time to rest. Senior dogs should still take walks to keep their minds and joints healthy, but adjust with shorter outings and slow the pace.

Pets’ dietary needs also change with their age. Just as puppies and kittens eat special food formulated for their needs, senior pets also have specific nutrient needs and should eat an age-appropriate diet. Keep their weight under control and tailor their diet to meet their health concerns such as heart or kidney disease. The lower fat content increased nutrients, and reduced-sodium in senior dog food will benefit dogs with kidney disease. For any dramatic weight loss, make an appointment and ask your vet about potential health issues.

Older pets require more medical care than a once-yearly checkup. How much? Ask your vet how frequently you should bring them in. In addition to vaccinations and maintaining their oral health, you might notice changes to their temperament, eyes becoming foggy, and a need for potty pads if they can’t make it outside in time.

For assistance with the expenses, look into nonprofits that specialize in caring for senior and disabled pets. Mostly, continue to love and care for your pet, adjusting to their needs to make them comfortable.

October 21 2020

Novel Pets: What You Need to Know About Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons, Pet Care, Reptiles

For National Reptile Awareness Day (October 21), we thought we’d highlight a more exotic pet: bearded dragons. Just what makes these moderately-sized, native-to-Australia lizards an ideal choice?

Their beard-like, spiked collar around their neck gives them the name “beardies” and, generally, are well-suited to beginner pet owners. Mostly the spines lie flat until they feel threatened when they will stand up in a more aggressive display, contrary to their normal docility.

Bearded dragons, known for their curiosity and friendliness, rarely become aggressive when handled gently. No barking, squawking, or loud noises from bearded dragons – they quietly surveil their environment. Additionally, their sturdy body shapes make them easy to handle without too much fear of injuring them.

Their social nature makes them easy to tame, and they exhibit a number of intriguing behaviors such as arm waving to show submission. Look for head-bobbing which will indicate when they feel they have asserted dominance over someone or something. They will also puff and darken their beards on demand when upset or not feeling well. Abrupt color changes could indicate stress or illness.

Simple routine care includes a regular spot cleaning of your bearded dragon’s environment. Since they prefer keeping themselves tidy, they will not give off an offensive odor. However, their nutritional and environmental needs can be a bit complex, requiring some investment in their care.

Reptilian hibernation goes by the name brumation, during cooler weather when food becomes scarce – which might not happen in captivity. If your beardie shows signs of going into hibernation, contact your exotic vet for a checkup. The most common ailment, a metabolic bone disease, results from an imbalanced diet, which softens and makes bones susceptible to fractures.

Males can be territorial, and adults likely will reach a full-grown length of 16-24 inches. They’ll probably like to sit on your shoulder as you walk around your home. For their environment, you’ll need to ensure proper humidity and temperature monitored by a thermometer. Use UV lighting and heaters for consistent 12-hour light/dark cycles.

Their semi-arboreal nature means they thrive with a variety of off-the-ground perches and hiding spots. Provide these omnivores with a mixture of invertebrate and vertebrate prey (insects and small animals) in addition to plants and vegetables for a balanced diet. Look to the distance between their eyes as a guide on how large insects/crickets to feed them.

With some care and good nutrition, these reptiles can make a good companion pet for between 8 and 14 years!

Vet with dog and cat. Puppy and kitten at doctor.

August 27 2020

Which Vaccines Do My Pets Need?

Cats, Dogs, Health Tips, Kittens, Pet Care

Part of ensuring your pet’s ongoing health necessitates a yearly visit to your veterinarian, which also might include vaccinations and boosters. Here’s a breakdown of which vaccines you need, based on the type of pet.

Pet vaccines divide into two categories: core and non-core. All pets should have those in the first category, while the second depends on your pet’s lifestyle. Outdoor pets, or those who board often, might need additional vaccines to protect them.

What age should you get vaccines – and how young is too young? Most dogs and cats can have vaccines at 6 weeks of age. Core vaccines prevent your pet from suffering as a result of serious illnesses which are largely fatal if contracted. Discuss risk factors with your vet to determine which inoculations your puppy or kitten needs.

For dogs, core vaccines include rabies and boosters, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus (types 1 and 2). Dosages vary based on your dog’s age and, for puppies, are typically broken up into a series if received between six and 16 weeks old. Your vet might recommend some of the non-core vaccines – like parainfluenza, Bordetella, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and canine influenza.

Similarly, cats need a series of vaccinations, and dosages for kittens (between six and 16 weeks of age) differ from those given to adults. For cats, they should receive all the core vaccines: rabies, feline distemper, feline herpesvirus, and calicivirus. Additional non-core cat vaccines are for feline leukemia virus and Bordetella.

Keep your cat or dog healthy long-term by following the recommended vaccination schedule! This will protect them from viruses and bacteria, other health issues, and can also boost their immune system. And indoor-only pets are not automatically excluded – they can catch airborne bacteria or germs through windows or doors, or carried in on your clothing. And inside cats can be escape artists, sneaking out the door under your feet.

Lastly, make sure to stay away from animals you know or suspect have infections as well as avoiding environments that might carry more diseases.

CBD Dog treats and cannabis leaves isolated over black

August 7 2020

Can I use CBD oil on my dog?

Dogs, Health Tips, Pet Care, Supplements

On August 8, we celebrate National CBD Day, and there are arguments for the benefits of humans using CBD oils on themselves. Though it might not cure an ailment, it might provide a palliative effect for your dog as well. However, CBD products intended for humans differ in dosage strength from those structured for animals.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of about 113 different chemical compounds that occur naturally in cannabis plants. It’s important to note it does not cause a euphoric high like its other variant tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Where THC carries a psychoactive effect, CBD might actually counteract the high marijuana smokers receive. CBD works by either activating or blocking a specific group of nerve receptors, stimulating the endocannabinoid system.

But can – and should – you use CBD on your dog? In many states, veterinarians avoid openly discussing CBD use as they could lose licenses or be penalized by state boards. As such, they likely won’t recommend products or how or when to use them.

Little formal research exists on long-term effects of using cannabis on dogs, and under current laws, if you can get a prescription, it will have to be for you, the owner.

You might find products already on the market touting the advantages, but the FDA has yet to approve any of these for pet use, either in the drug or food category. However, some evidence suggests dogs benefit, especially when used to treat anxiety, pain, and arthritis. It can mitigate inflammation and reduce the severity of seizures as well.

In 2017, the AKC Canine Health Foundation funded and partnered with Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The aim: a clinical trial for a scientific study into using CBD for assessing its effectiveness on dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy. Approximately 30% of dogs do not respond to anti-epileptic therapies, prompting a need for better treatment options. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized formal study should bring clarity to CBD’s anticonvulsant properties.

Products designed for human use differ in the dosage amount versus those intended for animal use. While nontoxic in high amounts, it can produce a sedative-like response and, occasionally, diarrhea. Other side effects can include dry mouth and lowered blood pressure.

Disclaimer
*Nothing in this content should be construed as medical advice from The Pet Professionals LLC, and we always encourage pet owners to fully and openly discuss their pet’s health and any concerns with their veterinarian.

August 3 2020

How to Prepare Pets for an Emergency

Birds, Cats, Dogs, Emergency, Ferrets, Fish, Kittens, Livestock, Llamas, Microchip, Pet Care, Pigs, Rabbits, Reptiles, Snakes

Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters can occur with little notice. It is important to make sure you are prepared well in advance. If you wait until you are in the moment to gather needed supplies, you may miss something in your haste. We have prepared a simple list of things to consider when making your own emergency plan.

1. Identification
It is important your pet has proper identification. An ID tag on their collar that includes your address or phone number as well as having your pet microchipped can ensure a safe and quick reunion should you become separated from your pet. Place recent photos (from multiple angles) along with a full description of their markings in a waterproof folder.

2. Food & Water
Prepare at least 5 days of food that will keep in a Ziploc bag. Make sure you have potable water for each of your pets. One gallon per person is recommended. However, most pets won’t likely need that much on hand. Don’t forget food and water bowls and a can opener for wet food.

3. Medications & Records
Make sure you have a minimum of two weeks’ worth of any medications you or your pet may need. A 30-day supply would be even better. Keep your pets up to date on all necessary vaccines ahead of time and store a copy of their medical records in waterproof folders. If you need to evacuate to a shelter, you may need to prove their vaccine history before admission.

4. Contacts
Keep a list of all emergency phone numbers including your veterinarian and emergency hospitals. Also take note of pet-friendly hotels, shelters and local boarding facilities in case you need to evacuate your area. If possible, make housing arrangements in advance for you and your pets before a storm hits. Make reservations ahead of time and print out directions.

5. Safety
Locate and keep handy pet carriers, leashes and harnesses, flashlights with extra batteries, weather radio, and first aid kits of the human and pet variety. You will want these things handy in case of injuries, power outages, and emergency travel.

While we hope you never need to take these precautions, but Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It is better to be prepared than to be caught unaware.

July 10 2020

Rabbit Care for Beginners

Pet Care, Rabbits

Adopt a Rabbit week is coming up – July 15-21. If you have wondered how to care for one, here’s how to know if a rabbit is the right pet for your family. These gentle, sociable animals make wonderful companion pets but require a little research on how to properly care for them.

Domestic rabbits are sensitive to extreme temperature changes, especially hot and humid weather, and are susceptible to predators. Even with an outdoor hutch, simply seeing or hearing a predator can result in a heart attack. The safest place for your rabbit is an indoor cage.

What size cage do you need? The cage dimensions should equal five times your rabbit’s full-grown size. However, they need time outside their cage to play in a safe area. Baby gates work well to keep them in a contained area, and cover outlets and move all electronic devices and cords out of reach. Rabbits naturally like to chew; however, using chew toys can redirect this behavior from simply destroying objects.

With training, rabbits can learn to use a litter box but purchase organic paper, wood pulp, or citrus litter. Stay away from cat litter or cedar/pine shavings as these can cause health problems. Litter boxes should have one side much lower for easy hopping in and out and be placed nearby when rabbits roam and play outside their cage.

For their diet, incorporate leafy, dark-green veggies along with some fruits and treats. Give them Timothy hay each day to keep their digestive system moving and prevent hairballs from forming since rabbits cannot vomit. Their sensitive stomachs cannot handle everything though; ask your veterinarian which foods they can and cannot have. Use a water dish or dispenser so they have access to fresh water at all times.

As with cats and dogs, rabbits benefit from yearly vet checkups. When searching for a new vet, ask about their experience in treating rabbits. While in the US, rabbits do not need vaccinations, they do benefit from spaying or neutering.

These crepuscular pets are most active at dawn and dusk, ideal times for socialization and exploration, but they startle easily to loud noises. Stay calm when interacting with them as they learn to trust you, but patience and good care will establish a lifelong bond with you.

June 25 2020

How to Enrich Your Bird’s Life

Birds, Enrichment, Pet Care

Did you realize your bird benefits from exercise and enrichment through play and other activities? Enrichment categories include habitat, cognitive, and sensory (visual, social, tactile, and auditory), and caregivers can actively engage their birds, keeping them from becoming bored even while you’re at work.

Habitat enrichment
For habitat stimulation, introduce various perches at different heights, small plants, ladders, ropes, or swings. These encourage movement, to increase your bird’s activity level when you cannot allow him to safely fly around inside your home. You can also place pinecones, cotton rope, grapevine or willow wreaths, and carefully-cleaned small twigs from outdoors inside their cages.

Cognitive enrichment
Most birds are accustomed to foraging for food, and owners should switch to food acquisition challenges over free access to a bowl of birdseed. Since these species typically spend most of their day in the wild searching for food, replicating it for them prevents them from becoming bored. Engaging their mind and occupying their time also has the benefit of reducing unwanted behaviors, such as screeching.

You can wrap food in butcher’s paper and place in treat boxes, treasure chests, or pull-out drawers to hide around their cage. Place multiple types of foraging activities around their environment to encourage activity while you’re away during the day.

Sensory enrichment
Since birds are social and visual animals, they love observing and interacting with other animals. Though abrupt shifts in their environment can shock them, try (slowly) moving their cage next to a window to change their view. Incorporating different mirrors allows them to look at and talk to themselves.

Birds receive tactile enrichment from various toys. Sanitize toys immediately after you purchase them and then periodically re-sanitize to avoid a buildup of dust or allergens. However, though birds enjoy playing, they can remain suspicious of new items for a while. After a few weeks, they might show interest in the new toys, especially if you play with it so they can overcome any distrust of the new item.

Auditory stimulation from leaving the television or radio on will give them the chance to listen and talk back to other species, for increased socialization. You can even use recordings of your voice! Birds like nature or animal programs on television or the radio as well. Talking to the programs and sounds of other animals feeds their social tendencies.

Plan ahead to incorporate new and challenging activities into your bird’s environment each day to keep them mentally and psychologically engaged. It keeps them busier and healthier overall!