Archive for the ‘Canine Care’ Category
Caring for a Senior Pet: What You Need to Know
Pets are cherished members of our families, providing us with unconditional love and companionship. As our pets age, they require special care and attention to ensure their golden years are happy and comfortable. Senior pets, just like senior humans, have unique needs that demand careful consideration. In this article, we will explore what you need to know about caring for a senior pet and why seeking care from a trusted veterinary hospital like Old Farm Veterinary Hospital is crucial. Understanding Senior Pets A senior pet is typically considered to be in their golden years around the age of seven for…
Nurturing Tranquility: A Guide to Easing Separation Anxiety in Your Canine Companion
Welcoming a furry friend into your home is a delightful experience, but it can come with its own set of challenges, one of which is separation anxiety. Just like humans, dogs can experience distress when left alone. However, with understanding, patience, and a few practical strategies, you can help your beloved pup overcome separation anxiety and foster a calm and confident demeanor. Gradual Departures: Begin by leaving your dog alone for short intervals, gradually extending the time as they become more comfortable. This helps them understand that you will return and eases the stress associated with your absence. Establish a…
Everything You Need To Know About Puppy Teething
Puppies are known to explore the world around them with their mouths, often leading to destroyed furniture, shoes, and more. This instinct gets more intense when they are teething. Just like humans, puppies grow a set of baby teeth that eventually fall out to make room for their adult teeth. The process can be somewhat painful, and their gums are likely to be sore. To alleviate the pain, puppies chew on anything they can get their paws on. It can be an annoying time for any pet owner, but eventually, it will pass. Luckily, there are some things you can…
Common Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs
Cleaning up poop from the yard is an unfortunate part of owning a dog. Sometimes, the job can be a little more gross than normal, if you notice your dog leaving behind loose puddles instead of solid waste. Cleaning up poop from the yard is an unfortunate part of owning a dog. Sometimes, the job can be a little more gross than normal, if you notice your dog leaving behind loose puddles instead of solid waste. Just like humans, dogs can experience disruption in their digestive systems. Diarrhea every once in a while is usually nothing to worry about. But…
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
When your dog comes inside covered in mud and dirt, you know it’s time to give him a bath. But otherwise, how often should your pet receive the spa treatment? Studies show that 56% of dog owners do not bathe their pet enough. This can be a big problem, because bacteria, fungi, feces, dead skill cells, and other unpleasant things can live in their fur. Without the occasional scrub down, your dog can be exposed to parasites, infections, skin sores, and more. On the other hand, you could also be jeopardizing the health of your pet if you wash him…
How to Trim Your Cat’s or Dog’s Nails at Home
You know the sound: Your pet is walking across a wood or tile floor in your home and you hear that click, click, click of their nails hitting the ground. This can, at best, be an annoying sound and, at worst, a sign that your floors and furniture are getting damaged or your pet could be hurting. While many pets don’t need their nails trimmed by their owners (cats especially if they’ve got enough scratching posts around), some dogs and cats need a little bit of help. Older cats may not use the scratching posts enough, putting them at risk…
Constipation in Dogs: What Causes It & What to Do
Your normally happy-go-lucky dog is whining and having trouble when you let them outside. If you’ve noticed that your dog is having issues “going,” they may be dealing with constipation. Read on to learn more about what constipation in dogs is, how to recognize it, and what you can do to help your dog feel better. What Is Constipation in Dogs? Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of stool. It’s usually a temporary condition, though chronic constipation can be caused by specific conditions. One of the major functions of the colon is water absorption, and when the absorption of…
Pet Having Surgery? You’ll Need These Post-Op Care Tips
No one wants to see their pet have to go through surgery, but sometimes it’s necessary to improve their quality of life. To give your pet the best chance of a speedy, full recovery, it’s important that you practice proper post-operative care. Here are some tips to keep in mind when taking care of your pet after surgery: Follow the Instructions Your pet will be sent home from the vet’s office with a list of important instructions. You need to follow these to the letter, including isolating your pet if necessary, keeping them from jumping on and off furniture, and…
How to Keep Your Pets Safe Around Household Cleaners
Whether you’re gearing up for a big fall cleaning session or you’re just trying to maintain your home’s fresh appearance, chances are you’ll use some sort of household cleaners. And, if you have pets, it’s important to be careful about which cleaners you use and how you use them. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your pets safe around household cleaners: Ingredients to Watch Out for There are a wide variety of household cleaners out there, ranging from industrial-grade solutions to those marked “non-toxic.” But because there are so many, and because substances affect dogs and cats differently…
What to Do If Your Male Pet Is Having Urinary Issues
When your pet has an accident in the house, it could easily be nothing. Maybe he was unable to get outside quick enough, or his litter box was dirty. But if the issues persist, and other symptoms begin to emerge, it could be a red flag that something is seriously wrong. Other urinary symptoms include blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and abnormally small or large amounts of urine. They may be accompanied by lethargy, fever, pain, or restlessness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your male pet, contact your vet right away. Read on to discover…
What a DNA Test Can Tell You About Your Pet
In recent years, DNA testing for cats and dogs has increased in popularity. This process can be a bit expensive for something unnecessary, so if you’re considering this test, you might be wondering if it is worth it. How Does Pet DNA Testing Work? First, let’s explore how DNA testing works. A sample is taken either through an oral swabbing or blood draw. Then, it is sent to a laboratory to be analyzed, and in 3 to 4 weeks, the results will be available. Some DNA tests can be purchased over the counter at pet stores, but your vet can…
What You Need to Know About Houseplants & Your Pet
Houseplants are a great way to bring a little extra life, greenery, and air filtration into your home. Green thumbs swear by them, but what happens when your love for plants comes at the expense of your pet’s safety? It’s true – certain houseplants can be toxic or even deadly when ingested by cats and dogs. And because our furry friends don’t know any better, it can be very difficult to keep the leaves of houseplants out of their mouths. Here is everything you need to know about houseplants and your pet: Toxic Houseplants to Avoid There are many common…
When Should I Bring My Pet to Veterinary Urgent Care?
If you suspect something is wrong with your pet, you know to take him to the vet. But during more urgent health crises, it is not always obvious what to do. In the human healthcare system, there are different options for receiving medical care, and which one you visit depends on the severity of the issue. The same is becoming true for our furry friends, as more veterinary urgent care centers open up across the country. These clinics are designed to treat health emergencies in pets that are not life-threatening. They typically work by appointment, so you can keep the…
How to Help Your Dog Recover After Surgery
Because dogs can’t tell us when they aren’t feeling well, caring for a postoperative pet can be very difficult. This is especially true if the pet is recovering from a surgical procedure. Some procedures, such as orthopedic surgery, require many months of recovery time. Soft-tissue surgeries often allow normal activity in just one or two weeks. When your pet returns home from their surgical procedure, it will be on you to monitor their health and ensure the wound heals properly. Here are the basic things you need to know to help your dog recover after surgery: Provide a Safe Recovery…
Chocolate Toxicity & Your Pet: What You Need to Know
Humans love chocolate, especially on holidays such as Christmas or Valentines Day. But for our furry friends, chocolate can be a dangerous chemical with potentially life-threatening effects. If your cat or dog consumes chocolate, it may not always be fatal. The effects depend on the size of the pet and the amount of chocolate consumed. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, especially considering that it can still cause lasting health problems for your pet that may be difficult to treat. Read on to discover everything you need to know about chocolate toxicity and your pet. Why…
What You Need to Know About Kennel Cough
As the seasons change, it’s common for your dog to sniffle and sneeze a little bit if they suffer from allergies. However, if your pet is experiencing persistent, harsh coughing, it could be a sign of kennel cough. This is an extremely common and contagious disease in dogs. Though it is not deadly, if it is left untreated it could lead to further health complications. This is especially true for senior and immune compromised dogs. Read on to learn everything you need to know about kennel cough: What Is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough, also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is…
What You Need to Know About Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes is a common disease that many people and pets live with. While the initial diagnosis may be frightening, the good news is that treatments are available. When caught early enough, you can expect your pet to live a long and healthy life even with diabetes. Here is everything you need to know about your diabetic pet: Causes of Diabetes in Pets In a healthy body, glucose is turned into usable energy through insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When insulin production is too low, or if the body grows resistant to it, the glucose is unable to be…
Should I Microchip My Pet?
As a pet owner, you do everything you can to keep your pet safe. In recent years, you might have heard of microchip implants for cats and dogs. This technology is becoming increasingly common, but you might still have questions about the procedure, its potential risks, and whether or not it is worth it. In short, many vets, animal rescues, and pet sellers highly recommend microchips. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about implant microchips. What Are Microchips, & How Do They Work? A microchip is a small electronic identifier, about the size of a grain of…
Are Wellness Exams Necessary If My Pet Is Healthy?
Many pet owners know that wellness exams are essential for new puppies and kittens to establish their health, de-worm and vaccinate them, and discuss spay and neutering options. They also know to visit the veterinarian if the pet shows signs of illness. This could include limping, changes in diet, or lethargy. But some pet owners may be skeptical about regular wellness exams when their pet seems totally healthy. This brings us to the question: Are wellness exams necessary? The answer is YES. Wellness exams are just important for pets as they are for people. Humans must visit the doctor or…
Why Do My Dog’s Feet Smell Like Corn Chips?
As a dog owner, you’re used to the unpleasant and sometimes strange smells that come along with your pooch. One smell we hear about often is “Frito feet,” or when a dog’s paws seem to smell like corn chips. What is this weird – and kind of gross – phenomenon, and does it mean anything bad for your dog? Why “Frito Feet” Happens Just like on human skin, some level of bacteria and fungi are always present. When your dog’s paws have a bacteria called Pseudomonas and Proteus, their paws can give off a yeasty odor that does smell similar…