How Often Does a Dog Need a Wellness Exam?

A wellness exam is an important part of your dog's routine care, but when should you schedule it?

While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some guidelines that can help you determine what's best for your pet:

• If your dog hasn't had a wellness exam in the past year, schedule one now.

• If you're planning to bring home a puppy or kitten, schedule a wellness exam before bringing them home.

• If your dog has been diagnosed with a chronic condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, schedule a wellness exam every six months to check on their progress and ensure they're getting the best possible care.

• If your dog is older than 7 years old, schedule an annual wellness exam at least once per year (more often if they've been diagnosed with certain diseases).

• If your dog has just given birth and you want to ensure she gets adequate care for the next few weeks, schedule a wellness visit within 48 hours after the puppies are born.

For more information or if you wish to schedule your pooch for a checkup, please feel free to call us, your local veterinary clinic Emerson, NJ anytime!

Can Cats Eat Eggshells ?

 

The short answer is yes. Technically, your cat would be able to eat eggshells. Calcium carbonate is a common source of calcium supplemented in animal food, and calcium carbonate is what makes up an eggshell. With that knowledge, you can see that your cat can consume eggshells to obtain calcium.

But eggshells are not the best source of calcium! Your cat’s usual diet should already contain all the necessary nutrients without adding the calcium that the eggshells would have provided. If you have been serving homecooked meals to your pet, you should be following the instructions that the veterinarian has given you to ensure that all the needed ingredients are present.

Choosing to put eggshells in your cat’s food could work, but you should ask your vet Salem VA for further advice on how much and how often you should be feeding it to your pet.

Can Pet Rabbits Be Litter-Trained?

It's a popular misunderstanding that rabbits are unsanitary creatures. However, one reason why rabbits make fantastic indoor pets is that they, like cats, could be litter box trained! To litter-train your rabbit, follow these guidelines.

Use a modest cat litter box (perhaps several smaller ones) with shallow sides as well as no lid. A shallow storage container is an additional option. If it's too tall, carve an entryway from one of the sides. Those corner litter boxes that are touted for bunnies are useless since they are too small.

Use recycled paper waste, such as old newspapers, as litter. You can purchase the bigger cat-specific bags, but go with the unscented variety. This litter will eliminate any offensive urine smells. Avoid using clumping or clay-based litter because they are bad for rabbits' respiratory systems. Furthermore, stay away from wood shavings.

Fill the litter box with a single layer of litter, just adequate to absorb moisture. Since rabbits don't conceal their excrement as cats do, it isn't necessary to fill it all the way up. Additionally, in cleaning it thoroughly, empty the entire contents of the box. As a result, you don’t have to take out an unnecessary amount of litter.

Persistent litter box issues should warrant an appointment with your animal hospital Bowmanville, ON to make sure that your pet’s behavior is not caused by an underlying health issue.

Highlights Of The Breed: Irish Water Spaniels

Irish Water Spaniels may exhibit life-threatening reactions to Ivermectin, sulfa drugs, as well as vaccines (especially those with leptospirosis components). The IWS is not a breed for novice dog parents as they tend to be independent and headstrong. In addition, they are energetic dogs who require daily exercise. Take note that not all Irish Water Spaniels can do well around smaller pets. Socialization is a must, so start exposing your pooch to various experiences while he's still young.

The IWS has webbed feet that make them excellent swimmers. They enjoy swimming and will swim for long hours if given a chance. So if you can give them a lot of opportunities to plunge in the water, do it as it serves as an excellent exercise for these energetic dogs.

Your pet will benefit from regular health and wellness checks at your vets Oshawa, ON. 

Flea Spray Products For Cats

Flea or tick infestation is not a new thing among household pets including cats. No matter how hard you try to keep her from being infected with these pests, this is somehow inevitable. Different factors may cause pest infestation, but the good news is, a lot of methods and medications are available to resolve this issue.

One common practice in preventing flea and tick infection in your cat is to use flea sprays. Flea sprays are readily available in most pet stores and experts swear by their efficiency. Aside from the previously mentioned benefits, these products are also economical and easy to use. Most flea sprays are non-toxic and safe for the environment as well.

Consult with your vet if you notice any signs of flea infestation in your cat. The vet Roanoke, VA is still the best person to provide recommendations as to the proper treatment that can be used on your cat. Visit this website to know more.

Stimulate Your Pet With Dog Sport Or A Training Class

The cozy springtime is the perfect time to discover something fresh and enjoyable to do together with your puppy. You are overlooking all the exciting advantages of puppy training if all you have accomplished with your canine companion is a simple obedience training lesson or an introductory puppy class! Enroll your dog in a stunt course or a beginner's course in nose work. These pieces of training not only give your dog the enrichment they need and strengthen your bond with them and help them burn extra calories, which they might have stacked up on after "hibernating" during winter.

Want to utilize your dog's inherent abilities? Find a doggie sport suitable for your puppies to participate in activities they enjoy. For water-loving dogs, this might resemble dock jumping. Ball-obsessed pups might love doing fly ball. Earth dogs, on the other hand, might love digging. Dogs who enjoy herding can try treibball, the best form of urban herding. There are many sports to pick from, and unless you enjoy competition, you don't need to worry about it. Just do it for fun! 

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

Letting Your Dog Sniff The Great Outdoors

Spring has arrived! Time to get out and enjoy some entertaining springtime activities with your animal companion after that winter hibernation.

Take your dog outside and allow it to explore fully. For your furry pet, a decompression stroll is remarkably enriching because this lets them use their nose and exposes them to a ton of scent data.

These strolls are great for older pet dogs or those that cannot move quickly or as distant as they once could. A slow walk lets them meander rather than move at a faster pace. Allow your dog to bury their face and sniff the new grass for as long as possible. Adding a long stick to your pet's harness will allow them to explore the green meadows and track any scents they encounter. These walks will be even more entertaining as the pups connect safely to you through the leash.

Make sure that your pet’s preventatives and vaccines are up to date before outdoor excursions. Call your animal clinic Roanoke, VA for information.