Keeping Your Pet Safe During The Holidays

 

Food-based ornaments, such as popcorn balls, could be hazardous and must be kept in a place that children have a hard time reaching. Make sure any wrapped food products cannot easily be reached while arranging presents under a tree or anywhere around the fireplace.

Pets on the lookout for a celebratory snack are also at risk.

Chocolate, particularly dark chocolates, raisins, bones, alcohol, and unhealthy food could all be harmful to our pets. Even neurological issues can be caused by the intake of macadamia nuts. The intake of xylitol, an ingredient commonly found in different kinds of food is poisonous to dogs and can lead to liver problems and death if it is not given immediate treatment.

Most people in the middle of the pandemic have started to learn how to bake. An increase in the underbaked or raw dough has caused several poisonings. Make sure to keep raw dough away from your beloved pets.

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should require a visit to your animal hospital Roanoke, VA for proper medical attention.

Why Are Some Cats Very Skittish ?

In general, cats act skittish if there were negative experiences encountered early in their lives.  For example, should a cat experience some trauma early in her life, she might not be trusting of humans when they come closer.  Then there are cats that are likely to get scared.  For this example, a cat might need a while to be calm and be more trusting in her surroundings.

Should your pet cat be skittish in her new home, she might require time to acclimate to you as well as her new home.  Try to get closer to your new pet in a calm manner and slide over some toys or treats and in several weeks or perhaps just days, she might become less and less skittish.  Should your pet cat come from a shelter, she might not have gotten much attention.  She might be shared if she was previously a stray.  Cats require time to be accustomed to interactions with humans.  Avoid forcing your pet.  Allow her time to acclimate to your home, then gradually interact with her for a short while at a time.

If you have concerns about your pet health and/or behavior, make an appointment with your veterinary clinic Roanoke VA.

Changes To Do Around The House When You Have A Senior Pet

 

As your dog grows older, you need to make changes in the house. By doing these changes, you will support your dog who is no longer as agile.

Here are some changes you can do:

• Add carpets or rugs around the house. If your dog has arthritis, he will have a hard time walking on the floor or moving around the furniture. The additional carpet will soften the surface that your dog walks on.

• Put ramps in the stairs to prevent your dog from climbing. His joints might prevent him from going up the stairs.

• Place food, water bowls, and bed in more accessible areas. Your dog shouldn't have to walk far just to eat or drink. Also, your dog doesn’t have to exert too much effort before he can sleep.

• Ensure that your dog has a comfortable resting spot. The bed should be soft and easy to climb in. you can also get a heated bed to help your dog be comfortable when it is cold outside.

Your senior pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your veterinary clinic Roanoke, VA.

Using Cat Flea Collars

Keeping fleas off your cat is very important. Fleas are pesky, not only to your cat, but also to you. Warding off fleas is manageable, but you’ll need to find a safe and effective solution that will repel and/or kill fleas. 

There are many options, such as topical drops, shampoos, sprays, and flea collars. Many brands rely on tested ingredients that will cause no side effects or reactions. However, you should never double up on these products, as that could be too much chemical exposure for your pet. Also, be careful where you buy these products. Discount stores may save money, but they also won’t have the quality control standards you would get from your vet. 

It’s wise to consult with Veterinary Clinic Roanoke VA before selecting the right product for your pet. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Are you overbathing your dog?

 You have a dog in your life and you want to make sure you are caring for her in ways that are helping her to thrive. This makes you wonder – how can you tell if you are bathing her too often?

Your dog needs your help in order to stay clean and comfortable in your care and bathing her can certainly help with this. However, she also needs a break in between baths so she can keep her skin in great shape. If you are overbathing your pet, she may be experiencing some itchiness, so take note if she’s scratching. She may also experience some dry skin if this is the case, so be sure to check her over regularly to determine if you should give her some additional time between baths. Your local veterinarians Roanoke, VA can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

Why your cat loves to look out windows

You have a cat in your life who seems glued to your windows for a portion of each day. Why is this?

Your pet is a natural predator and she is drawn to the small animals outside your home, like birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. Your windows offer her a safe place to view them from and they also give her a glimpse into the world outside your home. Since things are always changing outside, this can be a very engaging place for her to view her surroundings from. The world outside your windows may also be very different from the inside of your home, which will help to expand her knowledge of the world. This helps her to better understand her place in her environment and how others spend their time. For additional information, please contact your local pet clinic Roanoke VA.

Pain Management Tips For Dogs

There is a wide range of pain management solutions that are used in dogs. While there are pet owners who give human pain medications to their pets, this is not advisable because most of these medications are not safe for use in pets. You should first consult a veterinarian before giving any human medication to your pet. The most common painkillers that are frequently prescribed for pets include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiate painkillers. Drugs that are used for pain medication in pets should only be used under a veterinarian’s supervision because of their potentially serious side effects and drug compatibility reactions. In addition to medications, there are also supportive pain management protocols such as physical therapy, massage, and warm compress. Acupuncture and acupressure have also been shown to give favorable results. There are also glucosamine preparations that can be administered for specific types of pain. You can also ask your veterinarian Roanoke, VA about the latest technology for pain management in pets such stem cell therapy, laser therapy, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy.