Swimming With Dogs

Are you planning to hit the beach this month? Your dog may be more than happy to accompany you. Our canine buddies are always up for an adventure. You will need to take some precautions when taking your pet to the beach, however. 

One thing to be aware of is the fact that dogs can get hot and thirsty very quickly running around on hot sand. That salty air tends to dry us out as well! Bring along plenty of water for your pooch. You’ll also want to take care to pick a beach that is dog-friendly. This may not only save you from a fine, it’s also going to be safer for your pet.

Remember to pack a bag for the pup! You’ll want to bring basics like water, snacks, treats, towels, and a doggy lifejacket. Paw balm is also a must. It’s not a bad idea to bring a first-aid kit, either.

Be sure to bring your pet to your vet clinic Roanoke VA for wellness care.

Gingivitis in Dogs Like the German Shepherd

 

Did you know that gingivitis is not just a dental disease associated with people, but it can also affect canines and felines and other animals? If your German Shepherd has bad breath or is having trouble chewing or eating then give your vet a call to schedule an exam. Your pup may have gingivitis or he could be developing an illness. Your vet should be able to find out the root of the trouble. Generally, gingivitis will also cause inflammation and irritation to the gums. It occurs when plaque or food and debris builds up on the gums. Advanced gingivitis occurs when plaque plus a calculus build up is present on the gums causing severe redness, irritation, and inflammation. Plaque (or food build-up) is not always present at the beginning stages, but can appear if action is not taken. Call your vet Roanoke, VA to learn more. 

Where to bring your dog for her walk

 

Your dog needs to get out of the house on a daily basis in order to enjoy some fresh air and exercise on a walk. Where should this take place?

 Your dog needs you to take her out into the world in a safe way, so be aware of the areas that you can visit with her by your side. Think about where she will be able to stay out of trouble and still enjoy herself. Her walks should offer her lots of exercise but shouldn’t be too difficult for her to complete. She should also be able to count on you to be able to supervise her throughout the entire adventure without letting her get too far from your side. Scout out new and different areas to spend time with her so you can better understand her interests and preferences. For more information, please contact your local vet clinic Roanoke VA.

Rabies Vaccination for Dogs

 

Rabies is a viral disease that is highly lethal to many animals. A bite or (usually) a scratch can transmit the virus easily, for instance, from a pet or animal (like raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats) to other animals or humans. Rabies can also be picked up when, for instance, the saliva of a rabid dog gets in touch with the mouth, nose, or eyes of a dog that is susceptible.

Humans are more likely to get rabies from dogs than other animals because dogs are common pets and many have established dog-human relationships. Rabies can be prevented but there is no known cure for rabies. Once symptoms like fever, tingling at the site of exposure, confusion, fear of water, the disease is known to progress rapidly and can eventually bring about death in the affected animal or person. The best way to prevent rabies is for people, pet owners, and their pets to get a vaccination for rabies. Ask your vet Roanoke VA about your pet’s rabies vaccination.

Keeping Your Diabetic Dog Active

Did you know that one of the consequences of poor weight management in pets is diabetes? Keeping a close eye on your pet’s weight and making sure that it stays within healthy limits is one way to prevent diabetes. If your overweight or obese dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure that you include lots of physical activities in his daily routine. This will make it easier for him to shed the excess weight. He will be burning extra calories by mobilizing body glucose that would have otherwise contributed to his diabetes. Exercise is also a great way to help regulate your dog’s glucose levels throughout the day. Be sure to work closely with your animal hospital Roanoke VA in helping your dog lose weight in a healthy manner while managing your pet’s diabetes.

Is Your Dog Scared To Go Outdoors?

Outdoor excursions are daily highlights that most dogs look forward to. There are a lot of things to explore in the great outdoors that dogs find physically and mentally stimulating. However, some dogs are scared to go outdoors because of bad experiences they may have encountered. If your dog has suddenly developed a fear of being outdoors, you should take steps to identify what is causing him to behave this way. There is a need to get down to the root of the problem so it can be addressed appropriately. Fears of the outdoors may be sudden in onset or long-standing fears. The latter is usually observed in older rescue dogs. Puppies can be anxious and nervous when outdoors especially when the place is strange and unfamiliar.When going on outdoor excursions with your canine buddy, always be alert for any verbal cues or body language that indicates fear or anxiety.

Sudden changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior should be brought to the attention of your vets Roanoke, VA.

Are Some Dog Breeds More Prone To Joint Problems?

Most experts believe that a dog’s size and weight is an important predisposing factor of joint problems. The bigger and heavier a dog is, the higher chances it will have of developing joint problems. However, there are certain joint problems that are specific for certain breeds of dogs. Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to elbow dysplasia, while Rottweilers suffer from more knee and ankle problems. Newfoundland’s have also been shown to have the highest number of cases of cruciate ligament problems of all canine breeds. Breeding for specific traits has also paved the way for more undesirable traits, such as joint and bone problems. Joint problems can be treated in two ways -- surgical and non-surgical treatments. The surgical route may range from a simple arthroscopic cleaning to total replacement of the joint. Non-surgical treatment involves management of the dog’s weight and body condition as well as medications. You should work closely with your veterinarians Roanoke, VA in managing your pet’s joint problems. 

Interpreting Your Cat’s Tail Language

Your cat communicates using her body language and vocalizations. You can understand how your cat is feeling by watching her tail. Your cat is happy and may be really happy to see you if she approaches with an upright tail and a relaxed or curious posture. She may also weave in and out of your legs and purr at you. If your cat is interested in what she is looking at, she may become alert and twitch her tail a little. However, she may be irritated and not want to be touched if she swishes and thrashes her tail. An angry cat will fluff up her fur, especially her tail, and she may arch her back. Your cat may be afraid if she keeps her tail down and pins back her ears. Take your cat’s warnings seriously so she doesn’t lash out and scratch or bite you. For more information, contact your Roanoke, VA veterinarian.