When you own a pet, numerous questions arise. Basics from how to take care of nails and teeth to ingesting something that was not considered food. Concerns about our pet’s health are the reason we are here! We would like to offer tips and tricks that we have learned in our limitless number of years helping pets. We will also throw in some fun quirky things too!
Think about never brushing your teeth, the grime, the plaque build-up, the gingivitis….. Disgusting right? Well,imagine how your canine and feline friends feel.
Dogs and cats can have many of the same dental problems that you have, but they can’t tell you when they have a painful tooth or anything else that might be bothering them. They may give you some signs like eating on one side of their mouth, eating slower,or maybe not even eating at all. The best thing you can do to help avoid some of these problems is by brushing your animal’s teeth ideally twice a day.
So how do you brush an animal’s teeth? The best thing to do is start with a puppy or kitten but don’t worry about starting if you have an older animal, any age is a great age to start! To get started you will need great- tasting animal toothpaste (we recommend CET Enzymatic toothpaste in poultry flavor), a toothbrush, finger brush, or gauze. Allow your pet to lick the toothpaste first, and hopefully, they will think it is something of a treat. Then place a small amount on your toothbrush, fingerbrush, or gauze. Slowly raise your pet’s lip and gently brush starting with the back teeth and working your way up. You only have to brush the surface of teeth that touch the lips/gums.
Don’t worry if your pet doesn’t like it right away, it can definitely be a process! Start slow with a couple of teeth every day and keep up with it! The best thing to do is to keep trying and keeping up with the brushing as much as you can! Also,come in and we can help with any questions or concerns you have!
Most people can agree that the safest place for a cat is to stay indoors. The average life span of an outdoor cat is 2-3 years while an indoor cat can easily live 15-20 years. However, being inside is definitely not as exciting as the wonders of nature. So how can you make the indoors more exciting for your indoor cat?
Most people can agree that the safest place for a cat is to stay indoors. The average life span of an outdoor cat is 2-3 years while an indoor cat can easily live 15-20 years. However, being inside is definitely not as exciting as the wonders of nature. So how can you make the indoors more exciting for your indoor cat?
Mental simulation! The best way to accomplish this is with toys, lots of toys! All different types from squeaky mice toys to feather wands. Lasers are also a great way to stimulate your cat and provide exercise. Don’t forget that some of the best-loved cat toys are things you already have like boxes. If you want to see just how much a cat can love boxes, look up Maru!
Also, double the space your cat has access to by providing kitty condos and climbing trees. Taller models offer more room for your cat to climb and appeal to the cat’s interest in heights. You can also place bird feeders and bird baths outside windows to allow your cat to safely enjoy some of the outdoor wildlife. Placing a potted plant of cat grass on a windowsill can also make it seem more like the great outdoors to your cat.
And finally, never forget how important face-to-face time with you is! Spending time with you is vital to keeping any pet happy and healthy no matter where they are!
Nail trims! Dogs and cats both require regular nail trims to keep them happy and healthy. Sometimes, it can be stressful for you and your pet.
We are always here to help trim nails, but if you want to do it at home,there are some ways to make it easier!
What suggestions do we have if you want to trim nails at home? First, find a nail trimmer that works for you! Many pet stores will have a large variety of nail trimmers. Two main types of trimmers are guillotine and a scissors type. The guillotine has a stationary hole that you place the nail through, and a blade comes up to slice the nail. And the scissor type works just like scissors. Everyone has their own preference, but the techs here prefer the scissor type for dogs and cats. Second, while you are picking up a nail trimmer, get some Kwik Stop! It is essential to stop the bleeding if you accidentally hit the quick. We also stand by the motto; if you have it you won’t need it but if you don’t have it then you will surely need it! Finally, treats! Lots and lots of treats!
Now that you have the tools, you can start cutting nails! If your animal has white nails, you will be able to see the pink quick. You can trim up to 2mm away from the quick, but you can always cut less depending on your comfort level. If your dog has black nails, the best thing to do is to cut a small sliver at a time. When you are getting close to the quick you will notice a gray or pink oval starting to appear in the middle of the nail. When you see the oval, stop cutting, you are getting close to the quick. Even when everything is done right, it can still be too stressful for some animals. In that case, medications might be recommended to help take the edge off. If you feel your pet might be a good candidate, please let us know at your next appointment!
If you have any questions, you can always stop in for a nail trim demo and we can help you on your way to becoming confident cutting your animal’s nails
Most people know that chocolate, grapes, and garlic are toxic to our family’s dogs and cats, but what other things should we be avoiding?
If you know your animal has ingested any of these items, the next best step is to call Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. They are a great resource clinics often work with to provide the best care after an exposure
It is so fun to dress up my pets! I know they usually don’t find the humor in the situation, but I can’t help myself when I see an adorable outfit! What are other things out there that people do to (or for) their pets that is a little out of the mainstream?
Doing a challenge! – A lot of YouTube videos now feature dogs and cats both with stacking cups or toilet paper and seeing how they do with it! There are also mazes and different obstacle challenges to view!
Doggles– Just like goggles, but specially made for your dog! They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and tints!
Dog hair dye gels- Don’t like the color of your dog? Just reach for some hair dye before you go out on the town! Be careful if you decide to dye your dog’s hair, it can easily get into the eyes!
Pet Wigs- Photo shoots with animals in wigs have become fairly popular.
Dog leg warmers/Dog uggs- Fashion-forward footwear and sleeves.
Funny dog toys – lots of funny toys that when your pet holds it will incite laughter.
Nail polish- No manicure is complete without a bit of polish.
Most of these things are not routine by the general public and that’s probably for the best, but it is certainly entertaining to take a look at all the things available and wonder what is going to come out in the future!
Parasites are one of the most important things we check for when obtaining a fecal sample. Everything from coccidia to whipworms can be found in a fecal sample. some of these parasites are also zoonotic, meaning they can be transferred from animals to humans.
A lot of zoonotic parasites are transmitted by poop! this is especially problematic in young children that may touch something they shouldn’t and place a hand in their mouth.
Fecal samples can come in all shapes, consistencies, and forms. it is important to get a fecal sample checked on your animal at least once a year, so you can catch anything that might be going on. not all infections will have symptoms associated with it, meaning your dog might have firm stool and still have a parasitic infection.
Why should I worry about my cat’s weight? We’ve all see them. They are undeniably adorable- chubby cats. We are seeing more and more overweight and even obese cats come into the clinic on a daily basis. While most people can agree they are cute, obesity can be incredibly detrimental to a cat’s health!
Common disorders associated with excess weight include:
Type 2 Diabetes – an obese cat is 3x more likely to develop this disease than a cat of a normal weight.
Your veterinarian will perform a Physical Examination and will likely recommend some diagnostic testing to ensure that there are no underlying diseases or obstacles to weight loss for your cat.
Unfortunately, weight loss in cats is not as simple as few calories=less weight. Obese cats should NEVER be put on a diet WITHOUT veterinary supervision. A Cat’s physiology is also very different than that of a human or a dog. If cats do not eat for as little as two consecutive days, they can develop a life threatening form of liver disease known as Hepatic Lipidosis (also called fatty liver syndrome).
Litterbox issues are numerous! Here are some suggestions for you.
There are many issues that cause inappropriate urination!
Bladder infection is the most common. BUT it also could be:
It could also be behavioral issues. There can be aggression, territorial, or litterbox aversion. We can help with all these conditions
We will do a thorough physical exam with detailed history and run a urinalysis. From there diagnostically we can do cultures, radiographs, ultrasounds or medications based on our findings.
Diet changes may be necessary and we will lead you in the right direction on what to purchase for the condition your pet has. Medical management of these diseases can be relatively inexpensive and easy to treat.
Think about never brushing your teeth, the grime, the plaque build-up, the gingivitis….. Disgusting right? Well,imagine how your canine and feline friends feel.
Dogs and cats can have many of the same dental problems that you have, but they can’t tell you when they have a painful tooth or anything else that might be bothering them. They may give you some signs like eating on one side of their mouth, eating slower,or maybe not even eating at all. The best thing you can do to help avoid some of these problems is by brushing your animal’s teeth ideally twice a day.
So how do you brush an animal’s teeth? The best thing to do is start with a puppy or kitten but don’t worry about starting if you have an older animal, any age is a great age to start! To get started you will need great- tasting animal toothpaste (we recommend CET Enzymatic toothpaste in poultry flavor), a toothbrush, finger brush, or gauze. Allow your pet to lick the toothpaste first, and hopefully, they will think it is something of a treat. Then place a small amount on your toothbrush, fingerbrush, or gauze. Slowly raise your pet’s lip and gently brush starting with the back teeth and working your way up. You only have to brush the surface of teeth that touch the lips/gums.
Don’t worry if your pet doesn’t like it right away, it can definitely be a process! Start slow with a couple of teeth every day and keep up with it! The best thing to do is to keep trying and keeping up with the brushing as much as you can! Also,come in and we can help with any questions or concerns you have!
Most people can agree that the safest place for a cat is to stay indoors. The average life span of an outdoor cat is 2-3 years while an indoor cat can easily live 15-20 years. However, being inside is definitely not as exciting as the wonders of nature. So how can you make the indoors more exciting for your indoor cat?
Most people can agree that the safest place for a cat is to stay indoors. The average life span of an outdoor cat is 2-3 years while an indoor cat can easily live 15-20 years. However, being inside is definitely not as exciting as the wonders of nature. So how can you make the indoors more exciting for your indoor cat?
Mental simulation! The best way to accomplish this is with toys, lots of toys! All different types from squeaky mice toys to feather wands. Lasers are also a great way to stimulate your cat and provide exercise. Don’t forget that some of the best-loved cat toys are things you already have like boxes. If you want to see just how much a cat can love boxes, look up Maru!
Also, double the space your cat has access to by providing kitty condos and climbing trees. Taller models offer more room for your cat to climb and appeal to the cat’s interest in heights. You can also place bird feeders and bird baths outside windows to allow your cat to safely enjoy some of the outdoor wildlife. Placing a potted plant of cat grass on a windowsill can also make it seem more like the great outdoors to your cat.
And finally, never forget how important face-to-face time with you is! Spending time with you is vital to keeping any pet happy and healthy no matter where they are!
Nail trims! Dogs and cats both require regular nail trims to keep them happy and healthy. Sometimes, it can be stressful for you and your pet.
We are always here to help trim nails, but if you want to do it at home,there are some ways to make it easier!
What suggestions do we have if you want to trim nails at home? First, find a nail trimmer that works for you! Many pet stores will have a large variety of nail trimmers. Two main types of trimmers are guillotine and a scissors type. The guillotine has a stationary hole that you place the nail through, and a blade comes up to slice the nail. And the scissor type works just like scissors. Everyone has their own preference, but the techs here prefer the scissor type for dogs and cats. Second, while you are picking up a nail trimmer, get some Kwik Stop! It is essential to stop the bleeding if you accidentally hit the quick. We also stand by the motto; if you have it you won’t need it but if you don’t have it then you will surely need it! Finally, treats! Lots and lots of treats!
Now that you have the tools, you can start cutting nails! If your animal has white nails, you will be able to see the pink quick. You can trim up to 2mm away from the quick, but you can always cut less depending on your comfort level. If your dog has black nails, the best thing to do is to cut a small sliver at a time. When you are getting close to the quick you will notice a gray or pink oval starting to appear in the middle of the nail. When you see the oval, stop cutting, you are getting close to the quick. Even when everything is done right, it can still be too stressful for some animals. In that case, medications might be recommended to help take the edge off. If you feel your pet might be a good candidate, please let us know at your next appointment!
If you have any questions, you can always stop in for a nail trim demo and we can help you on your way to becoming confident cutting your animal’s nails
Most people know that chocolate, grapes, and garlic are toxic to our family’s dogs and cats, but what other things should we be avoiding?
If you know your animal has ingested any of these items, the next best step is to call Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. They are a great resource clinics often work with to provide the best care after an exposure
It is so fun to dress up my pets! I know they usually don’t find the humor in the situation, but I can’t help myself when I see an adorable outfit! What are other things out there that people do to (or for) their pets that is a little out of the mainstream?
Doing a challenge! – A lot of YouTube videos now feature dogs and cats both with stacking cups or toilet paper and seeing how they do with it! There are also mazes and different obstacle challenges to view!
Doggles– Just like goggles, but specially made for your dog! They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and tints!
Dog hair dye gels- Don’t like the color of your dog? Just reach for some hair dye before you go out on the town! Be careful if you decide to dye your dog’s hair, it can easily get into the eyes!
Pet Wigs- Photo shoots with animals in wigs have become fairly popular.
Dog leg warmers/Dog uggs- Fashion-forward footwear and sleeves.
Funny dog toys – lots of funny toys that when your pet holds it will incite laughter.
Nail polish- No manicure is complete without a bit of polish.
Most of these things are not routine by the general public and that’s probably for the best, but it is certainly entertaining to take a look at all the things available and wonder what is going to come out in the future!
Parasites are one of the most important things we check for when obtaining a fecal sample. Everything from coccidia to whipworms can be found in a fecal sample. some of these parasites are also zoonotic, meaning they can be transferred from animals to humans.
A lot of zoonotic parasites are transmitted by poop! this is especially problematic in young children that may touch something they shouldn’t and place a hand in their mouth.
Fecal samples can come in all shapes, consistencies, and forms. it is important to get a fecal sample checked on your animal at least once a year, so you can catch anything that might be going on. not all infections will have symptoms associated with it, meaning your dog might have firm stool and still have a parasitic infection.
Why should I worry about my cat’s weight? We’ve all see them. They are undeniably adorable- chubby cats. We are seeing more and more overweight and even obese cats come into the clinic on a daily basis. While most people can agree they are cute, obesity can be incredibly detrimental to a cat’s health!
Common disorders associated with excess weight include:
Type 2 Diabetes – an obese cat is 3x more likely to develop this disease than a cat of a normal weight.
Your veterinarian will perform a Physical Examination and will likely recommend some diagnostic testing to ensure that there are no underlying diseases or obstacles to weight loss for your cat.
Unfortunately, weight loss in cats is not as simple as few calories=less weight. Obese cats should NEVER be put on a diet WITHOUT veterinary supervision. A Cat’s physiology is also very different than that of a human or a dog. If cats do not eat for as little as two consecutive days, they can develop a life threatening form of liver disease known as Hepatic Lipidosis (also called fatty liver syndrome).
Litterbox issues are numerous! Here are some suggestions for you.
There are many issues that cause inappropriate urination!
Bladder infection is the most common. BUT it also could be:
It could also be behavioral issues. There can be aggression, territorial, or litterbox aversion. We can help with all these conditions
We will do a thorough physical exam with detailed history and run a urinalysis. From there diagnostically we can do cultures, radiographs, ultrasounds or medications based on our findings.
Diet changes may be necessary and we will lead you in the right direction on what to purchase for the condition your pet has. Medical management of these diseases can be relatively inexpensive and easy to treat.
