Second-Hand Smoke Can Be Harmful To Cats

 

Secondhand smoke has been proven to be hazardous to humans, but it might also become more dangerous for your pet cat.  If your cat is living in a house where a person smokes, then she is exposed to secondhand smoke throughout the day and possibly all night too.  Your cat will inhale the smoke as well as possibly absorb through her paws the smoke toxins that settle on surfaces where your pet touches or walks on.  What’s more, she might also ingest these toxins when she goes to groom herself or other cats in the household.  Therefore making your home smoke-free is very beneficial for your pet cat.  If doing so is not entirely possible, ensure that you air out the home frequently.  Be sure to wipe clean surfaces and thoroughly wash items made of cloth, most especially your pet’s bedding, and areas where she often stays.  When smoke is present make sure to cover your cat’s water and food dishes and also always empty ashtrays the soonest

Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should prompt a visit to your veterinary clinic Thorold, ON. 

Clipping Your Dog's Nails

Do your dog's paws make a clacking sound as he walks across the room? If so, your pup may need his claws clipped.

Overgrown nails may not sound like a huge issue for dogs, but they actually can cause problems. For one thing, they can easily snag and tear on things. This can cause painful rips, and can even lead to infections. Plus, they're simply uncomfortable, just as long toenails are for us. Your dog may adjust his gait a bit to compensate, and he may shift his weight around. This puts a lot of stress on his bones and joints, which can contribute to or aggravate bone/joint issues, such as arthritis.

If you aren't sure how to clip your dog's nails, ask your vet to demonstrate proper techniques. You may find it useful to get a clipper with sensors. You can also contact your veterinary clinic Thorold, ON to schedule an appointment.

Do Pet Rabbits Need Vaccination?

Yes, your pet rabbit will benefit from vaccination to protect itself from certain serious health issues that can sometimes be fatal. For these medical problems, vaccination is the best way to take a proactive approach to your pet’s protection. Before your pet rabbit will be vaccinated, it will undergo a thorough medical examination to assess his health. This is a great opportunity to spot any health issues that may be developing so they can be nipped in the bud. Rabbits are generally vaccinated starting from when they are 5 weeks old. The first vaccine that is given is Myxomatosis-RHD1. Take note that immunity takes at least 3 weeks to develop after vaccination. An annual vaccination is needed to ensure optimum protection. RHD2 vaccines are administered every 6-12 months, given at least at 2 weeks interval from the annual shot of Myxomatosis-RHD1. Speak with your veterinarian Thorold, ON if you have questions about your pet’s vaccination plan.

Does your dog sniff everything?

Your canine companion tends to sniff everything she comes into contact with. Why is this a behavior she enjoys taking part in?

Your pet has a lot of natural instincts left over from her wild ancestors and she also goes throughout the world a bit differently than you do. She tends to rely more heavily on her sense of smell as it offers her a lot of information about the world around her that she wouldn’t otherwise get. Her instincts also encourage her to explore her surrounding thoroughly, so she likely does this at every opportunity. Sniffing is a part of this as it can help her find new things in her environment, track down what she’s looking for, and learn about something new. Your local animal hospital Thorold, ON can help you care for your pet. Visit this site for more information.

Types of Mange in Dogs

Did you know that dogs can get manage? Manage is a skin disease caused by mites or parasites that burrow into the skin causing excessive scratching and eventual hair loss. Manage is often called canine scabies. There are different types of mange that can occur in dogs. The first is Demodectic mange. This occurs when the mites are localized to a specific area on the dog causing isolated patches of mange or bald spots. This type of mange can pass easily between mother and pup shortly after birth. Most puppies are able to throw this off on their own as it is only localized. Another type of mange can affect the entire body and causes itchy and smelly skin due to bacterial infections that occur. Another form of mange is demodectic pododermatitis, which occurs on the foot and paw area. This cat is also bacterial. Consult with your Thorold, ON veterinarian to learn more.