tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71616205733491902212024-02-20T00:49:57.197-05:00Pet Care NuggetsReliable information about caring for your dog or cat.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-79301904028429003802013-05-01T11:18:00.000-04:002013-05-01T11:18:43.947-04:00Dog Park Safety<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Tanglewood Dog Park Grand Opening May 5</span></u></strong><br />
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We are so excited that the long awaited off-leash dog park is opening in nearby Tanglewood Park. This Sunday, May 5 is the Grand Opening. This is the first Dog Park on this side of Forsyth County and the closest to Davie County. Many of the park's visitors have probably never been to a dog park before. In this blog article we will discuss how to make your visits fun and safe for you and your dog. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Before you Go</span></u></strong><br />
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Make sure your pet's vaccines are up to date. Nothing will ruin a trip more than coming home and finding out your puppy got sick. Diseases like parvo and distemper are scary, but preventable. Young dogs need to be socialized, but find a friend with a fully vaccinated older dog to have play dates with until your baby has had all of his shots. <br />
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If your dog has aggression issues THE DOG PARK IS NOT THE PLACE TO WORK THEM OUT. Find a dog trainer, talk to your vet, get your dog more exercise on a leash where you have control, but don't let a dog you know has problems loose on everyone else. Other people's pets can get hurt and you can get sued. If you are not sure if your dog will be ok, keep him on his leash until you see how he reacts. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Your First Visit</span></u></strong><br />
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We would recommend taking your dog on a long leash walk before entering the fence. This will drain off some energy, especially if you have a high energy dog. Once you have been a few times and you and your dog get used to the routine, this may not be necessary. Keep your dog on his leash and scope out the other dogs in the park. Be alert for potential troublemakers. Once your dog is calm and you are comfortable, let him off the leash but stay close and monitor his activities. If this sounds like taking your kids to the playground, there are a lot of similarities. The same potential for fun and injury exists. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies</span></u></strong><br />
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Make sure you have water for you and your dog, especially if it's a warm day. Running around in the sun will heat up your fur covered friend and he'll need it. Of course bring bags to dispose of waste. Be sure your dog has his collar with up to date ID information. Have Fun!Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-82284849898746068702012-09-28T10:25:00.000-04:002012-09-28T10:25:12.901-04:00Dental Health<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Why do I need to get my dog's teeth cleaned?</span></u></strong><br />
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If your dog or cat has bacteria built up in the mouth and your vet has recommended a dental cleaning, what are the benefits? The teeth can become infected and cause pain and difficulty in eating and chewing. The bacteria will circulate throughout the pet's body and can cause problems in his heart. If the infection is severe your vet may want to put your pet on antibiotics before the dental.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">What happens during the dental cleaning?</span></u></strong><br />
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We will have you bring your pet in to the hospital early in the day with no food or water after 10 pm the night before. We will sedate your pet and place a tube in the throat. This helps in two ways. Animals don't understand that they need to hold very still so that the teeth can be cleaned properly. The tube also keeps the water used in the cleaning process from going down the airway and causing pneumonia. The teeth are cleaned and polished and an antibiotic is applied to the surface of the teeth and gums.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">What is the Recovery Like?</span></u></strong><br />
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Most pets can eat and drink normally as soon as they recover from the anesthesia. If they have teeth removed, they may prefer soft food for a few days, but generally the mouth heals very quickly. If your pet had gingivitis or other forms of infection in the mouth they will probably feel much better after the cleaning. Even if we just remove tartar build up, it will positively affect your dogs overall health.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Can My Pet Get Cavities?</span></u></strong><br />
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Dogs and cats generally do not eat sweets or drink sodas like humans. Most owners do not brush their pets' teeth. Food can accumulate at the gumline just like in a human mouth and cause tartar buildup, and eventually if it is not removed, bacterial growth and additional problems. <br />
<br />Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-88324732163471388272012-08-15T09:31:00.000-04:002012-08-15T09:31:22.426-04:00What to do if you've lost your dog or cat<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Help, My Dog is Lost!</span></u></strong><br />
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Take a deep breath. Check the house and the yard. If you are sure your pet is missing, get out immediately and check the neighborhood. There is a pet tracker locally who recommends calling him within an hour. The sooner you start your search the better. Call Animal Control and advise them that your pet is missing. If they pick the animal up as a stray, they can match the description to your missing pet. GO TO THE POUND EVERY DAY! Your description of your pet may not sound the same as what he looks like if he gets picked up. Collars and tags are great, microchips are better, none are 100%. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">He's still missing</span></u></strong><br />
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If after the first few hours your pet hasn't turned up, you need to cast your net wider. Make up a COLOR flyer with a recent picture of your pet. Use the word "Reward" in big letters. Make as many copies as you can afford and put them up anywhere people can see them; gas stations, supermarket bulletin boards, restaurants, etc. Call local vets and humane societies, post pictures on Facebook and Twitter, send e-mails, whatever you can think of to get the word out. For cats, food-baited traps with something that smells like you may be a good option. For dogs, having people out calling (if your dog is people-friendly) is a good way to go. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Prevention </span></u></strong><br />
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Have your pet spayed or neutered. Looking for love is the most common reason to run, 70% of the animals found hit on the road are un-neutered males. If you have a fenced yard, check it frequently for any potential escape points. When traveling with your pet, take extra care. Yes, your cat hates the carrier, but she'll be safe in it. A harness is much less likely to be wriggled out of than a collar. Animals in strange environments behave differently than they do at home. If you know your pet is an escape artist, put some extra safeguards in place like an extra clip on the gate lock. Make sure you have an up to date picture of your pet. An ID tag with your cell phone number is worth its weight in gold. A microchip can mean the difference between your pet coming home or not.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-29944187807732430872012-08-15T09:30:00.000-04:002012-08-15T09:30:24.538-04:00What to do if you've found a dog<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't just leave him there</span></u></strong><br />
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We get dozens of calls each week from people who have found dogs or cats. There are rescue groups and government agencies who care for stray animals and they are admittedly overwhelmed. Taking in a stray is a big undertaking. It has financial and family obligations that need to be considered. As of this posting we do not know of any programs in our community that offer money to help people who take in found animals. Do you have the money to care for another pet? If the owner comes forward are you prepared emotionally to give him back? If the animal turns out to have health or behavior issues are you able to handle them, emotionally and financially? Is your family, human and animal, ready for an addition? If you aren't prepared for this the best thing to do is leave the animal where you found it. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">I can do this</span></u></strong><br />
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The first step is to try to find out if the animal has an owner. Check for a collar and ID tags. Bring him to a vet to have him scanned for a microchip. Does he appear well taken care of? Some street dogs that look rough have been lost for a while and actually have loving familes that are desperately looking for them. Don't judge a book by its cover, or coat.<br />
We recommend placing an ad in the local paper describing the pet. 7 days after the paper is published if no one claims the dog, you can consider the dog yours. This will protect you if the owner comes back weeks or months later after you have spent hundreds of dollars. That means you may have to keep the dog for almost 2 weeks depending on the newspaper's publishing schedule. We generally recommend giving the dog a rabies vaccine if you plan on keeping the dog around your family during that time. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">But he's hurt</span></u></strong><br />
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If you have found an injured animal, be careful. The friendliest house pet can bite when in pain. Rabies is also a consideration. With a stray, by definition, you don't know anything about it's history. It may not have had any vaccines and the law will assume it has not. If you get bit, rabies protocol will go into effect.<br />
If you want to take on the financial obligation, and can safely do so, take the animal to your veterinarian or emergency clinic. Do not ever attempt to handle a wild animal. Most people do not have hundreds of dollars to spend on an animal they don't know, but still can't bear to leave an animal to suffer. Please call Animal Control so they can tend to the animal. Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-19641756535101078552012-05-01T11:54:00.000-04:002012-05-01T11:54:17.240-04:00Discount Surgeries<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Why Does it Cost so Much?</span></u></strong><br />
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When you get a new puppy or kitten one of your biggest expenses is usually the spay or neuter surgery. (See our post on Spay/Neuter for more detail on what is involved.) Your pet will be evaluated by a vet the morning of the surgery, weighed and sedated with an appropriate pain medication and anesthesia for his age, weight, general health and type of procedure. We will monitor your pet while she is sedated, maintain her body temperature with our warming system, we use a laser for the incision and a technician will remain with your pet until she is awake and breathing on her own. We will then monitor her for the rest of the day and send her home with pain meds for the next morning. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Discount Options</span></u></strong><br />
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There are spay/neuter clinics in our area that are an option. Many times you will need to bring your pet to a drop off location where he will be picked up and driven to the clinic where the surgery will be performed. These clinics generally do not require the same vaccines that we do, which makes it cheaper to use them, but it also means your pet will be traveling with and spending a day and night around unvaccinated pets. In just the past few weeks we have had to treat several dogs who caught contagious diseases while at the spay/neuter clinic. The owners are responsible for these vet bills, unfortunately. We have also had to treat several pets who have had complications from surgery. These do happen, even when the pet does not have to travel for several hours and spend the night in a strange place, but we treat our surgery patients at no charge. This is not the case for surgeries done elsewhere.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">The Big Picture</span></u></strong><br />
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Before you schedule your pet's surgery, find out what is covered and what your real costs are. Compare the real differences in price, based on what you are actually getting. For the cost of a nice dinner out your pet can have what will hopefully be his only surgery at a local hospital. Here the doctors and technicians know your pet and she will get one-on-one care, backed up by service after the surgery if needed. The high volume clinics are generally subsidized and non-profit. They were started so that low income people could keep their pets from producing more pets and now they are open to everyone. Getting the best care for your pet is probably more affordable than you realize.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-72509744234403909702012-04-30T15:24:00.000-04:002012-04-30T15:24:01.370-04:00Flea Control<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">How can my pet have fleas?</span></u></strong><br />
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Here in North Carolina we are blessed with mild winters. This also means fleas can generally survive also. In fact, spring and fall can be the worst times because fleas will thrive in that middle ground of temperature and humidity. Strictly indoor pets can also be targets because the crafty flea will hitchhike on an unsuspecting human's pants or shoes and make its way inside for a tasty meal. Long story short, any pet you don't want infested with fleas needs to be on a reliable flea control product year round. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">What about the stuff I can get cheap?</span></u></strong><br />
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There are lots of options in flea control. We sell several brands here in the hospital, more on our website. We have had lots of customers try the cheap versions and they call us asking why their dog still has fleas. (See our blog on Generics) Some of the other products have a spotty safety record. We have seen seizures and vomiting from these products. That's why we don't sell them. We stand behind the products we sell. They are safe and they work. Our staff is well informed and can help you find the right product for your pet and your lifestyle.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">How to use flea control correctly</span></u></strong><br />
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Consistency is the key to controlling fleas. Applying the product every month keeps the flea population from reproducing. Any new fleas that make it into the area are killed and can't make new fleas. If you only use the product when you see fleas you are always behind the curve. If you are seeing fleas, wash all of the pet's bedding in hot water. Vacuum everywhere you can and remove the bag (or empty the canister) immediately and take it to an outdoor trash can. For a bad infestation, you can apply the product every three weeks instead of every month.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Scratch, Scratch</span></u></strong><br />
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Some dogs have an allergy to flea bites. If they are bitten by even one flea they will scratch themselves raw. If you have a cat in your house, she will be a flea's meal of choice. If you have a dog that goes in and out and a cat that stays in, you should be treating both of them for fleas.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-53721968751706672662012-04-30T15:23:00.000-04:002012-04-30T15:23:12.623-04:00Puppy Vaccines<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Why Vaccinate?</span></u></strong><br />
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Many diseases that can seriously harm your dog or even kill it are preventable with the use of vaccines. Rabies, a neurological disease that can be transmitted to humans, is required by law. All dogs and cats over the age of 4 months must be vaccinated against rabies. Parvo is a virus that can also be vaccinated against. The disease begins with vomiting and diarrhea and can cause death within days if untreated.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">When to Start</span></u></strong><br />
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Puppies get antibodies from their mother to protect them from diseases, assuming the mother has been vaccinated, and they do not start to lose this protection until about six weeks of age. If you vaccinate before this time, you are fighting the maternal antibodies. If you wait much longer, your puppy will be unprotected. Vaccines work by stimulating you puppy's immune system to produce antibodies to the disease, without actually giving him the illness. The distemper/parvo vaccine is given in a series of 3 or 4 vaccines, starting at 6 weeks, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart with the last one when the puppy is at least 16 weeks of age. This sounds very complicated, but don't worry, we'll keep track and let you know when your puppy needs to come in.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Why have your Veterinarian Vaccinate</span></u></strong><br />
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Rabies vaccines must be given by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary technician working under the authority of a vet. Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-74075477446696691922012-04-30T15:22:00.000-04:002012-04-30T15:22:31.358-04:00When it's Time to Say Goodbye<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Euthanasia for Pets</span></u></strong><br />
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When our pets get old or sick we have the option of deciding to end their lives. It can be heart-wrenching and is never an easy decision. It can also save animals from days or weeks or needless suffering. For each pet owner it is an extremely personal decision based on previous experience, input from the veterinarian and philosophical beliefs. Most pet owners will be offered this option at some point and we want to give you information to make an informed decision. All of us wish that when Fluffy or Spot gets sick, he will just fall asleep one night and not wake the next morning. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">When is the Right Time?</span></u></strong><br />
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Many factors go into timing. Does the pet have more good days than bad? Is he still eating? Is she able to walk and use the bathroom? Is pain manageable with medication? Are the owners willing and financially able to care for the pet's medical needs? Your vet can give you input into the medical aspects. Each situation is unique. Only you can decide how much care you are able to give and what is right for your family. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Other Decisions</span></u></strong><br />
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Once you decide it's time to say goodbye, there are a few decisions to be made. Do you want to be present for the euthanasia? It is a very quick procedure and we generally give the pet some medication beforehand so they are sleepy. Once again, a very personal decision. Do you want someone to be with you for the drive back and forth to the office? We are now licensed to do house calls and with a few days notice we can come to you. Do you want to care for the body or do want us to do that? We use a crematory service, and you have the option of getting your pet's ashes back as a memorial.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Final Thoughts</span></u></strong><br />
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Love your pet. We get dogs and cats knowing that with their shorter life spans we will be saying goodbye to them. The death of a pet is often a child's first experience with grief. The pain will be sharp and raw at first, but like all loss, it will get easier to bear.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-78366422666687641332012-04-30T15:20:00.000-04:002012-04-30T15:24:52.761-04:00Warm Winter Means more Pests for Pets<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Warm Winter</span></u></strong><br />
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Our unusually warm winter meant no snow days and also we are expecting a huge increase in fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Without a hard frost to kill off some of the population we are probably in for a bad summer, parasite-wise.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Fleas and Ticks</span></u></strong><br />
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Fleas and ticks can be seen by the naked eye and are an obvious parasite. They can be controlled with either a topical preventative or a combination of an oral medication for fleas and a tick collar. We have a variety of products that are safe and effective. A word of caution: Never use a product labeled for dogs on a cat. This can be very dangerous. Also, beware of products that are advertised as "just as good as" something else, but half the price. They have to cut corners somewhere and even if they are using the same active ingredient, the delivery mechanism is probably where they do it. This means that the ingredients in the product that keep the flea killing medication where it is supposed to stay put are not the same. It may kill fleas for a week or two, but then be less effective than you had hoped. See our posts on Flea Control and Generics.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Mosquitoes</span></u></strong><br />
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Mosquitoes are annoying to humans but they also carry heartworm disease and can be deadly to dogs. A mosquito bites a dog infected with heartworms, picks up the parasite and then spreads it to every other dog it bites. The cycle then continues with every mosquito bite. Heartworm disease has no symptoms in its early stages and is frighteningly expensive to treat. Fortunately we have a preventative. A pill, given once a month. Prevention pills are like birth control pills, not 100% effective, so we do test your dog once a year. The effectiveness is greatly increased if you are vigilant about giving every single pill, on time. If you purchase your heartworm prevention from a veterinarian, or through our website and your dog tests positive the manufacturer will pay for the treatment if you haven't missed any doses. They can't offer this same guarantee if you purchase from other online pharmacies because this is diverted product and they don't know where it came from.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-45470930228618582382011-12-14T12:11:00.001-05:002012-09-07T09:43:21.677-04:00Adopting a Pet<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Where to Go</span></u></strong><br />
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There are many options if you are looking for a new pet. Almost every county or city has a pound, there are rescue groups devoted to specific breeds, and local rescues. There are breeders, local, across the country and on the internet. Your first step is to decide what type of pet you are looking for. Do you have it narrowed down to dog or cat? Dogs are generally more social, cats require less work. If you want a dog, think about your lifestyle. Do you go for a jog every day or are you more sedate? Does someone in your home have allergy issues? Are you willing to brush a long haired dog or cat, or would you prefer the easy care of a short hair? Some dogs need to be groomed every few weeks. That is an expense to be considered against the benefit of a dog that sheds less.( No dog doesn't shed at all except a stuffed one.)<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">I want a puppy!</span></u></strong><br />
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Puppies are adorable. No question. They are also a huge amount of work. If you are willing and able to devote a large amount of time and effort into house training and basic obedience you will have a dog that you know is trained and socialized. For many households, an older dogs makes more sense. You will know what you are getting, size and temperament wise. Especially these days, many wonderful family pets are being surrendered for economic reasons. There are also dogs with behavior and health issues. Sorting out which is which can be the tricky part. Adopting from a rescue group can take some of the surprise out of the process.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">It's easier to adopt a child</span></u></strong><br />
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Reputable rescue groups generally keep their dogs in foster homes or other closely observed facilities so that they can evaluate the dogs temperament and health before they adopt it out. Bringing a healthy dog up to date on shots and spaying or neutering can easily cost several hundred dollars. If the dog has even a minor sickness, that will increase greatly. Rescue groups do not know you. Their application is the way they try to decide not only if you will take good care of the pet they have loved and cared for but if you are a good fit for this particular dog or cat. Some groups only require that your current pets be up to date on rabies vaccines. Other groups want to see that you have given distemper vaccines and heartworm prevention. Some will want to see the area where your pet will be housed. We have even heard of groups asking for a criminal background check for adopters wanting breeds like Pit Bulls. Decide how much information and effort you are willing to put out for a life-long companion. There are plenty of pets available. Find a group you can work with and keep looking. Your life-long best friend is out there waiting for you.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">High or Low Energy</span></u></strong><br />
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The dog's energy level is probably the single biggest factor in determining whether he will fit in well with a family. Breed plays a part but individual dogs can vary widely, especially mixed breeds. A high energy dog without focused exercise is a timebomb waiting to go off. He will leave a path of destruction behind him and confused owners asking "what happened?" Digging, barking, chewing and aggression are all possible. The same dog, in a family of joggers, will thrive. The owner has a running buddy that never complains and everyone is happy.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Health concerns</span></u></strong><br />
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Parasites are a major concern with rescue dogs. Intestinal parasites can usually be taken care of with a simple dewormer. Heartworms are another story. You cannot look at a dog and see any sign of heartworms. A blood test is the only way to know if your dog is infected. Treatment can easily cost $600-$800. If you adopt an adult dog that has not been heartworm tested, know that you are taking a very big chance. Puppies should be started on prevention at 8 weeks of age and we recommend testing at 6 months if they have not been on prevention.<br />
Many shelters offer a free vet visit so your new pet can be checked over for any other problems. Even if it's not free, this is a really good idea. Even if you are not willing to return the pet, you should at least know what you are getting into. As usual, you get what you pay for. Shelters are usually the least expensive place to get a dog, and there are lots of great dogs in pounds, but you will know the least about them. Rescue groups have higher adoption fees, but usually you will have the peace of mind of some vet care.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-21650878732633066492011-12-12T16:07:00.000-05:002011-12-12T16:07:43.599-05:00Spay and Neuter Your Pets<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Why Spay and Neuter?</span></u></strong><br />
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Cards on the table, we believe spayed and neutered dogs and cats are better pets. They have fewer health problems and less behavior issues. Anesthesia is much safer than it used to be and with bloodwork beforehand, there is very little chance of a problem with the surgery. Marking, roaming and the dangers associated are reduced. Twice a year heat cycles, cancers of the reproductive organs, pyometra and not to mention, unwanted puppies and kittens are all avoided.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">When to spay or neuter?</span></u></strong><br />
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Generally between 4 and 6 months is a good time. Your pet will have had all of its puppy vaccines and the liver and kidneys are mature enough to handle the anesthesia. Sexual maturity is very close, so it's a good idea to spay before those behaviors begin. If females are spayed before their first heat, many studies show a reduction in mammary cancer later in life.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">What do I do?</span></u></strong><br />
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Your pet needs to go into surgery on an empty stomach so we will ask you to take up all food and water the night before. If you need to separate the pet having surgery so he can't get into other animals food or water, plan ahead for this. Close the lid on the toilet bowl and make sure all family members know about the instructions.<br />
You'll typically bring your dog or cat to the hospital early in the morning the day of surgery. Technicians will check his weight and temperature and if needed, draw blood to test. The doctor will check his heart and lungs before anesthetizing your pet. He will be completely asleep during the surgery and just like humans, different pets wake up differently from anesthesia. Your pet will be monitored until he is awake and able to maintain a stable body temperature. He will spend the remainder of the day resting in a cage, where he will be safe. <br />
When you take your dog or cat home after surgery, expect them to be sleepy. Make sure they are kept in an area where they can't hurt themselves, a crate or a small room. Don't leave them on a sofa or near a staircase where they can fall. <br />
They generally will not have much of an appetite. You can offer a small amount of water. If that stays down and he seems interested, you can offer a small amount of food. It is completely normal for the pet to not eat at all that night. Some pets eat a little the next day, others are back to normal. Both are perfectly fine.<br />
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It will be a stressful day for both of you, but there's a good chance this will be his only major surgery. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and following your veterinarian's instructions will give your pet the best chance of an uneventful day that will improve significantly improve the rest of his life.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-57359664794867081712011-12-01T09:04:00.000-05:002011-12-01T09:04:47.232-05:00Generics<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Veterinary vs. Human formulations</span></u></strong><br />
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Many medications that are used in veterinary medicine are also used for humans. Antibiotics, pain medications, insulin, thyroid supplements and antihistamines are just a few examples. The dosages can be very different. An adult human with allergies would take one 25 mg benadyl tablet. A 100 lb. dog would need four tablets. Other medications have different formulations for animal and human use. The medications we sell or prescribe are formulated to work best for your pet. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Flea Control</span></u></strong><br />
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Reports of generic and off-label flea control products not performing as they should or even worse, causing harm to pets are increasing. Even if the products use the same active ingredient as a name brand product, the delivery agent may be different, lowering the effectiveness. Frontline and Pet Armor both have fipronil as their active ingredient. The difference in cost is because of the other ingredients, which help the fipronil adhere to fat molecules and work more effectively.<br />
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We sell prescription and over-the-counter flea control products. We have a relationship with the manufacturer so if there is a problem with a product you have purchased from us, we can make it right. Our staff has had training directly from the manufacturer, so they can answer your questions about how and when to apply. If your pet has a reaction to a product we sold, we are available to treat your pet. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Internet Pharmacies</span></u></strong><br />
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Buying your pet's medication from an online pharmacy is an option today. Protect yourself and your pet and make sure you are buying from a vet-VIPPS certified pharmacy. An example is heartworm preventatives, which like birth control pills, are not 100% effective. This is why dogs need to be tested every year. If you purchase your prevention from a certified pharmacy and your dog becomes infected with heartworms the manufacturer will pay for the heartworm treatment, just like if you had bought the pills here in our building. <br />
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We have had clients purchase products from discount internet pharmacies and not get the results they were getting from the name brand medication. Were they really saving any money?Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-34005479340736751192011-11-28T16:17:00.000-05:002011-11-28T16:17:05.072-05:00Hookworms<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">I don't see it</span></u></strong><br />
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Most intestinal parasites are too small to see. They can be found by your vet, who gets a sample of your dog's feces and examines it under a microscope. There the eggs can be identified. Depending on what it found, different dewormers will be prescribed. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Prevention</span></u></strong><br />
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Puppies should be given a routine deworming at 2,4, and 6 weeks. They are then started on a heartworm preventative at 8 weeks that also controls intestinal parasites. Interceptor, Iverhart Max and Heartgard Plus all control hookworms. These are given once a month for the rest of the dog's life. If an adult dog is brought into the home, it should be treated twice with dewormer, 2 weeks apart, then started on heartworm prevention. Feces should be picked up immediately to prevent contamination of the soil. If the soil becomes infested, a flamethrower is the only tool available to kill the eggs in the ground. Bleach will kill eggs on hard surfaces.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Symptoms</span></u></strong><br />
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Dogs with hookworms can show no symptoms at all or can have diarrhea, possibly bloody. They may be lethargic or have difficulty gaining weight. As the parasite load gets worse, a dog can lose weight and if left untreated can cause death, especially in young or sick animals. Because the worms themselves are so small they are not able to be seen with the naked eye.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-69555258622843831952011-11-21T10:16:00.000-05:002011-11-21T10:16:22.006-05:00Caring for Your Older Pet<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">What is a Senior Pet?</span></u></strong><br />
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The old adage of "that's 107 in dog years" has some merit. Dogs age faster than humans, but it is not exactly a one to seven ratio. The first year of a dog's or cat's life is approximately the same as a human's first 18 years. After that, the aging process slows down, and depending on breed and size at about age 7, your dog or cat becomes a senior. For smaller breeds like toy poodles and chihuahuas this may be extended to age 10. Giant breeds like Mastiffs and Great Danes can be considered senior at age 5. <br />
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<u><strong><span style="font-size: large;">What's the Difference?</span> </strong></u><br />
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As your pet enters his golden years you may notice him slowing down or having trouble getting up after laying down. Just like us, dogs and cats can be affected by arthritis. This can be helped with glucosamine supplements, ideally started before middle age. There are also prescription medications to help with pain and inflammation. Some dogs and cats will benefit from a heated pad in their bed, or a ramp or stairs to make getting up and down easier. <br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Start out Right</span></u></strong><br />
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Keeping your pet at a healthy weight is probably the single greatest gift you can give him in his older years. Excess weight wears out knees and hips, makes pets more prone to diabetes ( See our blog post about Diabetes on pets for more info), arthiritis and just plain shortens their life.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-88625850260477682382011-11-18T09:30:00.002-05:002011-11-24T09:58:16.416-05:00Diabetes in Cats and Dogs<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Overview</span></u></b><br />
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Diabetes is increasing in cats and dogs in the United States, just like in humans. And just like in humans, excess weight is often the cause. When animals take in more calories than they can burn over long periods of time, the pancreas doesn't work the way it should. Insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, is not produced properly and diabetes is the result. In other cases, the pancreas just stops working for unknown reasons. Breeds like Keeshonds, Samoyeds, the Maltese, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Pinschers. Poodles, Beagles, Dachshunds, Bichon Frises, Fox Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cairn Terriers more openly affected. In cats overweight males are more likely, but it can strike any cat.<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Diagnosis</span></u></b><br />
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Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss without reason, poor coat, and in dogs, loss of sight. A blood test can tell your vet what your pet's blood glucose level is. Blood glucose is measured in mg/dl or milligrams per deciliter in the US. Near 100 is normal. Consistently high glucose reading are the hallmark of diabetes. Under 75 can cause loss of consciousness and seizures. Damage to your pet's organs occur when blood sugar is too high for long periods of time.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Treatment</span></u></b><br />
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The goal of diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range (around 100). This is accomplished with diet and most times with insulin injections. Routine is your best weapon. Consistent feeding times, keeping to the same food and schedule will all help in getting and keeping your pet regulated. In the early days of diagnosis this will involve many visits to your vet's office for blood tests. Good control is usually not reached for several months in most cases. Don't get frustrated, once you have a formula of feeding this much food, giving this much insulin and exercising this much it will become a habit and you will see your sickly dog or cat become healthy again.<br />
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Diabetic dogs do best on low fat, high fiber formulas like Purina DCO or Royal Canin HF. Cats need a high protein, low carb diet and many recommend feeeding wet food to overweight and diabetic cats.<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Special Considerations</span></b></u><br />
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Once your pet is diagnosed, you need to talk to your vet about what to do if the unexpected happens. If you need to go out of town, what boarding facilities can take care of your pet's special needs? What do you do if your dog or cat gets sick and won't eat, or vomits the food he just ate? If you have these answers ahead of time the unexpected is not so scary, and you will feel more prepared.<br />
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Diabetic pets cannot control their body temperature as well as they did before, so a sweater may be needed if you live in a cold climate. Fido probably won't be able to spend as much time outside during extreme weather as he used to.<br />
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Since he is eating a special diet are treats forbidden? Check with your vet, but generally lean chicken breast, and unseasoned vegetables like carrots or green beans are fine. <br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Prevention</span></u></b><br />
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Diabetes is manageable in most cases, but there is no cure. Prevention is not always possible, but maintaining a healthy weight throughout your pet's life is your best chance of avoiding this disease. As your pet ages, regular bloodwork checks and exams can catch it early, before serious consequences like blindness and kidney disease take their toll.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7161620573349190221.post-91647264372640952482011-08-07T10:51:00.000-04:002011-08-07T10:51:36.844-04:00Rabies Vaccines for Dogs and Cats<b>What is Rabies?</b><br />
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Rabies is a viral illness that can be spread from one infected animal to another through saliva (spit). It affects the nerve system in the body. Rabid wildlife loses its fear of humans, comes out during the day, and becomes disoriented, has trouble walking. If a human gets bitten, a series of rabies vaccines can be given, but they must be started immediately to be effective. They are not given in the belly anymore, and they are not nearly as painful as they used to be, but I don't think anyone would call them fun. Prevention is a much better idea.<br />
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<b>Rabies vaccines</b><br />
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Rabies vaccines are required for all dogs and cats over the age of four months in the State of NC. We can give them at 13 weeks of age. They can be given at the same time as other vaccines like distemper parvo, but if your pet had a history of vaccine reactions or is very small your vet may recommend spacing them a week apart. Rabies vaccines must be given by a licensed vet, but can be given without an exam at a rabies clinic.<br />
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<b>How often and why vaccinate</b><br />
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The first rabies vaccine is good for one year, after that they are valid for three years. If they lapse for even one day and your pet is exposed to an animal that tests positive for rabies, your pet will probably have to be euthanized. Bats can get inside houses, wildlife can get inside fenced yards, so this means that every pet must be vaccinated for rabies.<br />
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<b>Vaccine Reactions</b><br />
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The rabies vaccine is a live virus, so there is a possibility of vaccine reaction. The signs to watch for include swelling of the face, panting,fever and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur after a vaccination bring your pet back to the vet immediately. If your pet has reacted in the past, let your vet know so they can pre-medicate before giving the vaccine. As with any medical treatment, there are risks. These risks can be managed to make vaccinating your pet as safe as possible. The risks of not vaccinating are much greater.Animal Hospital of East Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12858961595831551755noreply@blogger.com0