Archive for the ‘Owning a Pet’ Category

How to Choose the Right Veterinarian for Your Pet

Choosing the right veterinarian for your beloved pet is a decision that can have a lasting impact on their health and well-being. Your furry friend’s health and happiness are of utmost importance, and finding a trustworthy and experienced veterinarian is key to ensuring they receive the best care. Here are some essential tips to help you make the right choice. Ask for Recommendations Start by asking friends, family, and fellow pet owners for their recommendations. Personal referrals are often the most reliable way to find a veterinarian who provides excellent care and builds strong relationships with both pets and their…

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…

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…

One of the most critical aspects of any veterinarian’s job is ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals under our care. Whether it’s a routine procedure or a more complex surgery, administering anesthesia is an integral part of veterinary medicine. However, before any animal undergoes anesthesia, it is vital to perform pre-anesthetic lab work. This important step helps us assess the animal’s overall health, identify potential risks, and tailor an anesthetic plan specific to their needs. Let’s delve into the significance of pre-anesthetic lab work and why it should never be overlooked. Comprehensive Health Evaluation: Pre-anesthetic lab work provides…

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…

If your cat is a big fan of food, you may have noticed him sporting a few extra pounds. While this extra weight is certainly adorable, it can cause health issues if left ignored. These include a weakened immune system, diabetes, osteoarthritis, bladder stones, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, anesthetic complications, and more. What Causes Obesity in Cats? Indoor cats are at the highest risk to be overweight, as well as those aged between 8 and 12. Other factors include the breed, lifestyle, and underlying health issues. For example, if your cat does not play with other cats, they have less opportunity…

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…

Sleepy cats are known for their slow-blinking eyes, which is a sign of trust and affection. But if your furry friend is having trouble keeping his eyes open, the reason could be far less cute. This could indicate an infection. Kittens are especially prone to eye infections due to their immature immune systems. If you suspect your kitten has an eye infection, it’s crucial that you act fast. Early detection is essential for preventing long-term damage to your cat’s eyes. If left untreated, an infection of the eyes could lead to vision problems or even blindness. Symptoms of a Kitten…

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…

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…

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…

Whether you’ve got a tiny little kitten or a fully grown senior feline, you’ve likely seen some version of scratching behavior in your cat. But the degree to which your cat scratches—and what they scratch—is different from one cat to the next. Scratching is a normal, healthy behavior for cats to engage in. However, it can be troublesome if your cat is tearing up your furniture and belongings. We’ll cover the basics of cat scratching behaviors and how to discourage problematic scratching in your cat. Why Do Cats Scratch? At the most basic level, scratching is a cat’s way of…

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…

keeping 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…

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…

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…

Spraying is one of the most concerning and unpleasant behaviors cats can display. Also known as urine marking, this happens when a cat aims urine at a vertical surface, without squatting, and with the tail straight in the air. It is most common in unneutered males, but also occurs in neutered males, as well as spayed and unspayed females. Unfortunately, spraying is one of the leading causes for cats being dropped off at shelters. But if you have noticed your beloved furry friend is doing it, don’t give up hope. With the help of this article, and the consultation of…

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 you find a lost pet on the road, you might be worried for his safety or feel sad for the family that has lost him. You may feel inclined to rescue him and help reunite them, but you are unsure how to proceed. Having a plan is always a good idea, especially when dealing with an animal that might be hurt, diseased, or aggressive. Here are 5 steps to follow if you find a lost pet or stray animal: Safely Contain the Animal Step one is to safely contain the animal so it is no longer wandering alone in…

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…

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…

The holiday season brings about a rush of checking-off shopping lists, planning meals, and decking the halls. When you’re making your holiday gift list, don’t forget the furry friends you love so much! Here is our gift guide for the pets and pet parents in your life: Subscription Box The subscription box industry is booming, and pets aren’t left out of the trend. Treat your furry friend to special gifts and goodies once or every month with any of the many options out on the market. Some boxes just include a general mixture of special treats each time, while others…

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…

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…

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…

Inside is always safer. But, cats and dogs alike can benefit from spending time outdoors. It provides them space to exercise and explore, minimizing their boredom and allowing them to keep a watchful eye on the neighborhood. But many pet owners still feel nervous letting their pets alone outside for extended periods of time. These fears are not irrational – there are many health risks associated with outdoor pets. The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize these risks. If your pet loves being outside, follow these tips to keep them safe. Have a Pet-Friendly…

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…

A cat’s tail is an evolutionary necessity, helping them maintain balance as they jump, run, and walk along those precarious ledges. But there’s more to a cat’s tail than just a means to help your cat stay on the straight and narrow; it’s also a way for your cat to communicate how it’s feeling to other cats and humans. Here’s what your cat’s different tail positions and movements mean when it comes to their mood: High Tail In general, a cat that’s walking around with its tail held high is happier and in a better mood than one with a…

Whether you’re starting a new job, your kids are returning to school, or you’re going through a divorce, adapting to changes to your schedule can be frustrating. For your dog, the changes can be even more difficult for them to adjust to. They’re used to you leaving at the same time every day, coming home at the same time, and feeding them at the same time. Sudden changes to your daily schedule can throw off your dog’s behavior and mood, leaving them seeming withdrawn or stressed. If you’re facing an upcoming life and schedule change, here are 6 tips for…

Welcoming a new pet into your home is a momentous occasion, but it’s one that can come with a great deal of worry. How will the new pet react to your home? How will any existing pets you own handle it? What about the human occupants of your home? For many new pet owners, bringing home a new animal makes them feel as if they need to quarantine their cat or dog for a time before fully integrating it into the home. Here’s when you should (and shouldn’t) quarantine a new pet: If Your New Pet’s Been Sick Sometimes, pets…

Cats are natural predators, and with that status comes built-in weapons: Their claws. And while domesticated cats don’t exactly need their claws (After all, there’s no need to chase down that bowl of dry food that appears every morning), they still have them. For many pet owners, these claws are seen as threats not to mice and birds, but to furniture and their own flesh. The practice of declawing has fallen out of favor in recent decades, and is even discouraged by the American Veterinary Medical Association, but many pet owners still contemplate the practice. Old Farm Veterinary Hospital does…

Your new puppy may be cute and cuddly, but their teeth can pack a serious punch when they decide to nip you. Nipping is a completely normal, natural behavior for puppies who are teething and learning to use their teeth, but it’s a behavior that must be stopped to protect you and your family as your dog grows. Putting a stop to biting behaviors as soon as you notice them is key to teaching your puppy not to nip. Here are 6 things you can do to help them stop biting: Teach Bite Inhibition As puppies grow, they tend to…

Every day, pets undergo procedures that require anesthesia. Whether routine or emergency, there are always risks when “going under,” just like with humans. Because pets are less apt to stay still for their procedures, their chances of needing anesthesia are far higher than humans’. As a pet owner, it is important to understand the risks and expectations so that you can make the best decision for your pet. Here is what you can expect when your pet needs anesthesia: Before Anesthesia For a healthy pet, the risks of anesthesia are greatly reduced compared to those who are older or have…

You may have heard that dogs eat grass when they have an upset stomach. If you have a dog that likes to graze when you are out for a walk, you may even be concerned. While digestive issues could be the cause, there are many other reasons that your dog may nibble on wild greens. Here are some reasons your dog may be eating grass, and what you can do to stop or minimize the behavior: Boredom Is your dog eating grass when left alone? He could be bored, especially if you have a young puppy. Try not to react,…

When the summer sun comes out, your personal care routine is bound to change. You drink more water, find ways to keep cool, and wear lighter fabrics. But you aren’t the only one whose routine needs an upgrade. Even on days that don’t seem that hot to you, your pet could be at risk for heat stroke! Be sure to give your pet a little extra TLC to ensure their safety during the hot summer months. Here are 4 tips for keeping your pet safe during the warmer season: Hydrate Just like humans need more water during the summer, so…

If your cat suddenly starts sneezing and coughing more than normal, you may start to wonder if something is wrong. After all, cats are notoriously good at hiding illness until it has become severe. At what point should you start to worry? Much like humans, the occasional cough or sneeze is completely harmless. It’s likely something small like dust up the nose, fur in the throat, or some other foreign matter. If, however, the symptoms are more frequent and last a while, there may be cause for concern. So, how do you know when it is time to call the…

We never recommend feeding human food or table scraps to your pets. Their store-bought diet has been specifically formulated for pets’ nutritional needs, which may be quite different from humans’ needs. In addition to promoting annoying habits, the feeding of more than tiny amounts of table scraps and other foods can seriously compromise their nutritional health. But… Who can resist those big puppy eyes begging for a bit of your meal? You love to spoil your pet, but you want to make sure you won’t hurt them. If you are thinking about feeding your dog table scraps, it is important…

Whether your adult cat has just had kittens or you have adopted or rescued a new furry friend, you are likely eager to litter-train. No one likes to find animal waste throughout their home! Fortunately, kittens are fairly easy to litter train. They instinctively want to cover their waste, they just need a space to do so. Here are some tips for successful litter-training: Choosing the Right Litter Box & Placement Litter boxes should start shallow for small kittens and without a cover so it is easy to access. You can find a shallow plastic bin to use; or, if…

They’ve begged. They’ve pleaded. They’ve promised to do all the chores for the rest of forever if you’ll just let them get a pet. While your kids may say they’re ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet, the reality of that responsibility every single day may be more than some kids are ready to handle. From feeding to walking to cleaning up after them, the tasks that pile up aren’t as pleasant as the thought of just owning a pet. How can you tell if your kids are really ready for pet ownership? Here are 5…

7 Signs Your Dog or Cat May Be in Pain

As much as you’d like them to, your dog or cat cannot talk. This makes determining when your pet is ill or injured difficult, as you have to watch for behavior or other warning signs. Keeping an eye out for signs of pain is especially important as pets age, as they become more likely to suffer from ailments such as arthritis or dental issues. Even though your dog or cat can’t speak up to tell you they’re hurting, here are 7 signs your pet may be in pain: Aggressive or Antisocial Behavior If your normally even-keeled pup suddenly begins growling…