How Do Vaccines Work In Pets?

Vaccines work by exposing the animal's immune system to a small, harmless version of a disease-causing agent, such as a virus or bacteria. This triggers the immune system to produce antibodies, which are proteins that help to fight off the disease. 

When the animal is subsequently exposed to the actual disease-causing agent, their immune system is able to recognize it and quickly produce the necessary antibodies to fight it off, protecting the animal from becoming sick. 

There are different types of vaccines available for pets, including killed vaccines, modified live vaccines, and subunit vaccines. Each type works in a slightly different way, but all are designed to stimulate the animal's immune system to produce antibodies and provide immunity against the disease. 

Vaccines are an important tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in pets. By protecting your pet with vaccines, you are not only helping to keep them healthy, but also helping to protect other pets and even people in your community. 

If you have questions and/or concerns about vaccines and vaccination don’t hesitate to ask your vets London, ON. 

Different Needs Of Cats

Cats have different needs compared to other animals, and each cat has unique cases that make them have different needs compared to other cats. 

If your cat has a problem with hairballs that cannot be controlled by regular brushing and healthy weight, she might benefit from lubricating products for better grooming. 

If your cat’s anxiety is triggered easily, you can invest in products that have calming pheromones. Some treats and chew products can help calm her down for things like fireworks, traveling, or strangers. But you should ask your vet for advice if the anxiety has caused bigger problems. 

If you have a male cat that has been urine marking or spraying that causes a strong and terrible smell around the house, you should consider scheduling your cat for neutering. The procedure is beneficial in discouraging overpopulation, preventing urine marking, and lessening the possibility of testicular cancer. 

Your vets London, ON is a valuable resource regarding your pet’s health and needs.

 

 

Catnip and Cats

Catnip causes cats to have a behavior change. The strong scent it releases means that catnip should be kept in a sealed container so that it wouldn’t be easily accessed by pets or cause unwanted changes. The felines smell the oils in the plant, which makes them act differently for 10 minutes. The effects would wear off slowly, and it could take 30 more minutes for cats to be influenced by the smell again. 

Catnip is not for every cat nor is it effective for all cats. Research shows that catnip could affect only 60% of cats. Kittens less than a year old might not have any reactions to the plant and some cats might not have the genetics that makes them susceptible to catnip. Some cats can develop sensitivity towards catnip, but cat owners can also consider silver wine as a catnip substitute.

Make an appointment with your local vets London, ON if you have any concerns about your pet’s behavior.

When Should A Snoring Cat Be Brought To The Veterinarian?

Snoring occurs in cats. This condition takes place for several reasons according to experts. But your primary worry is probably whether snoring in your cat is a cause for concern. Many professionals assert that cat snoring may not be generally associated with severe health problems. This case is especially true when your cat has been snoring all her life. 

But the matter is a different case when your pet arises suddenly or comes with other alarming symptoms. Vets say this is the time when you need to bring your cat to the clinic. Here are the other signs you need to pay attention to when you hear your cat’s sudden snoring: 

●       Panting

●       Wheezing

●       Difficult breathing

●       Open-mouth breathing 

You may also look out for other indications like coughing, nasal discharge, and swollen facial features because all of them may indicate tooth root abscess. Ask your vets London, ON for recommendations on how you can help stop your cat’s consistent and annoying snoring. 

Dogs Chew Because…

Dogs enjoy chewing, and they continue to do so as they become older. Dogs chew to relieve tension and boredom as well as to satiate their natural urge to bite and chew.

Pet owners should look into the issue whenever an adult or elderly dog starts chewing. Hopefully, your adult dog's chewing isn't anything serious, but it's always advisable to discuss any abrupt changes in behavior with your veterinarian.

Changes in habit, weariness (such as when children resume to school), a lack of physical activity or interest, and sometimes even separation anxiety are some common causes of adult dogs chewing.

The cabinet was wide open, and your brand-new leather shoes felt fantastic in their hands. In their eyes, the shoes were a present for them. Whenever a dog is restless and left unattended, destructive behavior can take the form of frustration manifested in gnawing and ripping things up.

She says that a dog cannot be trained to stop chewing. Instead, you stop a dog from gnawing on prohibited items. It is possible to refocus the dog with enrichment activities and suitable chewing outlets by denying the dog passage and providing direct supervision.

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, make an appointment with your vets  London, ON.

Celebrating your dog’s birthday

Your dog is a big part of your life and you want to make sure you are able to offer her lots of love each and every day. This is particularly true on the special days of the year, like her birthday.

To do this, take the time to think about what you can do so offer her ways to enjoy herself. This may mean adding on things you know she likes to your schedule for the day, or tackling something new entirely. Your dog will benefit from additional attention from you, so make a point to have some additional time set aside for her. Offering her a new toy or a special treat can help with this as well, so be aware of what you can bring into the day that would brighten her spirits a bit more. For additional information, please contact your local vet clinic London ON.

Getting Rid of that Bad Smell on Your Dog

Did you know that dogs like to roll around in things because they want to pick up the scent and take it home with them? That’s right. Hounds, Yorkies, etc. like to roll in interesting scents on the ground so that they can savor the smell later on. Sometimes these can cause a big stink in the house especially if the smell resembles a skunk. Here are tips for getting rid of that smell. When the basic home remedies of giving your dog a bath in tomato juice or spraying him with citrus cover up sprays doesn’t work then talk to your vet about using a home remedy of a different kind. This odor removing wash is made of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap approved by your animal hospital London ON. Soak your dog for 3 or 4 minutes and then rinse.

Helping your dog get enough exercise

Your dog is a great companion and you love taking care of her. How can you help her get enough exercise to stay fit and strong?

Your pet needs you to take the time to understand her needs as an individual, as this will give you an idea of what’s needed to help her make the most of each and every day. Once you’ve talked to her veterinarian about her physical exercise needs, you can then put in place a routine that will help her. This means encouraging her to engage in active play and regular walks to get her up and moving in the great outdoors. Be sure to keep the process fun, as these activities can not only offer her some enjoyment but can also help you bond further. For additional information, please contact your local veterinarians London ON.

Helping a shy cat come out of her shell

You have a cat in your life who you love very much and you want her to be comfortable in your home. How can you help her come out of her shell a bit and interact with the family more often?

Your little fur ball needs you to understand that she will generally become more comfortable in your home as she gets used to it, but there are some things you can do to help move the process along. Think about your pet’s needs and make sure they are met in a timely manner and then take the time to cater to some of her preferences as well. Have some fun activities on hand and some interesting toys ready for use. Encourage her to come out and see you, but don’t force her to if she isn’t ready yet. Your local animal hospital London, ON can help you better understand your pet.

Doggy day care basics

Your dog loves spending time in your home, but there will likely be times that you need to head out for the day and need someone to look after your pet. How can a doggy day care center help you with this?

Your pet needs frequent attention and this means that you will have to offer her lots of care. If you are unable to do so during the day, you can drop your pet off at a day care center that will meet her needs in your absence. This will give your pet the opportunity to get the attention she deserves, socialize a bit, get some exercise, and enjoy some time playing. You can pick her up at the end of the day knowing that she has been well-cared for. Your local vets London, ON can offer additional suggestions.

Choosing a food for your dog

Your dog depends on you to give him a life he can thrive in and a big part of the care you offer him will revolve around offering him what he needs to stay healthy. This means that he will need you to find the ideal food for him to munch on in order to enjoy mealtimes to the fullest.

To choose a food for your dog, you will need to consider all the different ways that your pet depends on his food. This means that you will need to consider how he is able to enjoy his meals based on its taste and texture, what an appropriate portion size is, as well as what nutrients the food gives him in addition to how much. Finding a middle ground between what is on the market and what your pet needs will help you determine the ideal food for him. Your local veterinary clinic London, ON can offer additional advice.

How many treats can you give your dog in one day?

You have a dog in your life who seems to always be on the lookout for treats. How many can you safely give her in one day?

Your little fur ball may gobble up any treat you offer her, but you want to make sure she is getting the nutrients her body needs in addition to enjoying these tasty morsels. This means keeping track of her consumption and making a point to stay within a reasonable amount each day. However, this number will change based on the treat, your pet’s overall dietary needs, and her general health. Treats that enhance her diet will likely be able to be offered more often and smaller treats can allow you to give her more at one time. Check the recommended serving size of the treats you offer her and discuss this with her veterinarian if you are still unsure of what to give her. Your veterinarian London, ON can offer additional guidance.

Common Health Issues That Can Cause Blindness In Dogs

Vision loss in dogs can be congenital or it can be a result of illness, trauma or acquired illness that can affect their sense of sight. Certain dog breeds have higher risks of becoming blind or suffering from eye problems. Vision problems can affect dogs of any age. In senior dogs, it could be part of the aging process as vital organ systems start to deteriorate. Cataract and glaucoma are just two of the most common problems associated with vision problems in dogs. Diabetes is a common predisposing factor of cataract formation and glaucoma. Dogs with cataract have a cloudy eye lens. Glaucoma is a painful condition because of the increased pressured inside the eye. Another important cause of blindness in dogs is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It is hereditary in certain breeds of dogs and is many caused by retinal degeneration. Unfortunately, there is no successful treatment for PRA. Early detection of eye problems can go a long way in improving prognosis particularly if it is not a congenital problem. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your veterinarians London, ON if you notice changes in your pet’s eyes, behavior, and/or health. 

What to do with your Cat in Emergency Situations

It’s important to plan ahead for emergencies so that when the time comes you will have a plan in place. For instance, should you get sick and need to go to the hospital for a few days, what will happen to your cat? Contact your vet or local boarding facility and ask if you can have them on an emergency contact list for emergency boarding. Ask a few friends or relatives if they would be willing to be on the emergency list to take your cat or visit your house to take care of your cat should you need them. In case of evacuation emergencies, find out before an emergency hits what the local shelters are. Call officials and ask if those shelters accept cats. If not, call around to human societies, shelters, and boarding facilities to ask if they take cats temporarily in evacuation situations. For more ideas, call your vets London, ON.