Harvey Animal Hospital

COVID-19 and Your Pets - What You Need to Know - 04/16/2020

Pet lovers worried about their pets during the Corona Virus Outbreak

A microscopic look at The Corona Virus

             Do we need to worry about our pets at this time? The answer is Yes and No. First of all, there is absolutely no need to get rid of your pets or be cruel to strays because of this virus. There has been no evidence that pets can give the virus to humans. However, if you know of someone that is positive don't let them handle your pet as their fur can act as a vector much like a doorknob or light switch. If you have the virus, it is said to limit your pets exposure and if possible have someone else care for your pet for the time being, as it may be possible for humans to transmit the virus to animals. Since this strain of the Corona Virus is new, we are still learning about it. The AVMA states "The CDC has not received any reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, and we have no information that suggests that pets might be a source of infection for people with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19." With that said, there has been reports from other countries of positive cases in animals. There has been a couple cases of dogs that tested positive that were living with humans that were positive, but these dogs did not show any signs of sickness. There has also been a few cats that tested positive that did show signs of sickness. Corona Virus is also suspected to be highly contagious to Ferrets, but there have not been any known cases. You can read more up to date information on the American Veterinary Medical Associations website. 

It is said that cats can contract the virus and show signs of sickness

                  Until more is known about this strain of the Corona Virus it is best to practice excellent hygiene techniques, even  when you are at home with your pets. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and gloves when venturing out of your home. Practice social distancing, even for your pet, meaning don't allow strangers to pet your dog on walks. And if you feel that you may be sick be careful handling your pets. But we stress that getting rid of your pet is  NOT necessary. We can all work together, stay safe, and get though this gloomy time. Brighter days are ahead. 

Wash your hands frequently and take precautions seriously

Whats the Deal with Grain Free Food - What Food is Best for Your Pet - 01/14/2020

What's the Deal with Grain Free:
What Food is Best for My Pet? 

How to choose the best food for your beloved pet

              

                     So you have been feeding your pet a very expensive, organic, GRAIN FREE diet that you heard was the best out there.  You love your pet and you want to give him nothing but the best with no fillers. But now all of a sudden you are hearing that Grain Free foods are bad and are causing dogs to have heart problems! So you think to yourself. Is this True? How is this possible?  Now what do I do? Does my pet now have heart problems? What food is best for my pet?  Well let us help clarify things.

Grain Free Diets have been linked to heart disease in dogs

            First of all, are the claims true? Can feeding a Grain Free Diet cause heart problems in your pet? Sadly, the answer is Yes. There has been a staggering number of confirmed cases of a heart condition called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)  that is suspected to be caused by the lack of an amino acid called Taurine in these diets. Taurine helps the heart function and when the animal is deficient in this amino acid the heart can become weak and not able to contract as strongly as it should. This can then result in Congestive Heart Failure and even sudden death. There are some breeds that are more at risk for Taurine Deficient DCM such as Golden Retrievers but any breed including mixed breeds can be affected. The FDA has issued a warning regarding these diets and they are conducting an ongoing investigation into these foods. The graph below illustrates some of the Dog Food Brands with the highest number of reported cases.  You can also find a complete list of the food at .https://www.fda.gov/media/128303/download .



         

Dog Food Brands with the most reported cases

          So your dog has been eating a Grain Free Food, now what? Well first alert your veterinarian. They may have specific suggestions for a diet given your pets medical history. But it is recommended to change the food immediately to a well balanced commercial diet containing grains, that follow the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines. Studies have shown, that once on a well balanced diet containing the nutrients a dog needs including Taurine, the condition improved or was cured in most (but not all) dogs. If you are concerned about your pets heart health,  your vet can do radio-graphs and blood test, and if needed your vet may need to refer your pet to a Cardiologist. The Cardiologist will have the capabilities to look closer at your pets heart with a test called,  an echo-cardiogram, which enables them see the function of the heart more in depth.

There has also been a lot of buzz regarding the Raw Diet, so we want to touch on that here as well. Raw Diets or Home Cooked diets are not recommend as they are not balanced in the proper nutrition your pet needs. In fact, In a study by the research team at UCDavis  it was found that "Overall, 95 percent of the 200 recipes examined resulted in food that was lacking in the necessary levels of at least one essential nutrient, and more than 83 percent of the recipes had multiple nutrient deficiencies."  In addition to not being balanced nutrition you are also putting your pet at risk for food born illness such as salmonella or E. Coli poising, which is also a risk to humans.

Feed your pet a well balanced diet to ensure they receive the nutrients they need

            Although  there is no credible evidence that proves Grain Free diets are better for your pet, media has portrayed grains as being "the bad guy", creating a notion that its just filler or even the myth of grains causing allergies. When in reality, grains are not fillers, they contribute key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and essential fatty acids. Grains also do not cause allergies. If your pet has a food allergy or sensitivity, they are going to most likely react to the protein source in the food such as chicken or beef, and minimal chance of them reacting to the grain source.

Trust your Veterinarian when it comes to pet health

       In conclusion, grains are not the bad guy. The fad of feeding a grain free diet or other buzz diets such as, the raw diet, can actually do harm to your pet as they do not contain adequate nutrition. The perception that has been falsely created that grains are fillers or cause allergies are incorrect. So what is the best food for your pet? A well trusted, commercial diet containing grain that follows the AAFCO guidelines by a reputable company that have animal nutritionist and veterinarians on staff is what is recommended. If you have questions about your pets nutritional needs or health, talk to your veterinarian, not the 19 year old cashier at the pet store, or people with no adequate or relevant education on Facebook. Your veterinarian is here to help you and help your pet live a long happy healthy life.

Pet Loss: Taking Comfort in Your Pets After Care - 10/24/2019

Sweet Old Dog being comforted by his owner

Faithful Companion Pet Cremation Services Lobby

Private room where you can choose a keepsake

Faithful Companion Logo

What Vaccines Does My Puppy Really Need? - 05/10/2019

An Adorable Dachshund Puppy waiting with its owner at the vet for her first puppy shots

Puppies can pick up sicknesses from other dogs. Make sure your Puppy is vaccinated

The Importance of Puppy Vaccine Boosters

An adorable puppy socializing outside

Typical Puppy Vaccine Schedule  (*Note* Protocols may differ in different circumstances and locations)

When a puppy joins your family you want nothing but the best for your new family member. That should include Veterinary Care and Vaccinations. It is very important for your puppy to receive all of the vaccine boosters at the time they are scheduled for the most ideal immunity. You never know where a deadly virus can be picked up. On a walk, at the pet store, at the park, on the beach,  etc. So better safe then sorry and get your puppy vaccinated against these preventable sicknesses.

A little girl and her new puppy.

Feline Kidney Disease - What You Need to Know - 03/13/2019

Senior Kitty in Renal Failure

Illustration of a Kidney Organ

The Kidneys are a complex organ and do many very important things for the body.  One way they function is that they filter out chemicals and toxins that we don't want in our body and produce urine for our bodies to expel.  The Kidneys are also responsible for keeping us hydrated by determining how much water to keep in our bodies and how much to expel via urine. In addition, the Kidneys also maintain electrolyte balance, pH balance, conserves proteins, regulates blood pressure, and also helps make our Red Blood Cells. All of these tasks are vital for our body to function properly.

What is CKD/CRF?

When the Kidneys start to fail and cannot preform these tasks in our bodies it can be very devastating. A few signs to look out for are, excessive drinking, frequent urination, dilute urine, decreased appetite, weight loss, and even bad breath can be an indicator of CKD/CRF. However, most  of the time there are no symptoms until the disease is advanced. That is why it is very important to have yearly check ups and blood work preformed on your cat each year. Abnormalities in Kidney markers such as BUN, Creatine, SDMA, and Urine Specific Gravity are just a few values your vet will look for in determining CKD/CRF. Once diagnosed, you will need to keep  rechecking these values to monitor progression of the disease.

Siamese Cat that was Diagnosed with CKD/CRF

Now What?

Receiving the news that your Kitty has CKD/CRF can be very difficult to hear since the condition is considered a terminal illness. And the information can be very overwhelming. But there are things you can do to keep  the disease from progressing and maintain what is left of the Kidney function.
Treatment depends on what stage the disease is in, and the overall health of your kitty.

According to IRIS or The International Renal Interest Society, there are 4 Stages of CKD/CRF.

Staging the Severity of CKD/CRF Based on Blood Creatine Concentration 

                                                         

                                                         Stage 1:     <1.6 mg/dl

                                                         Stage 2:     1.6-2.8 mg/dl

                                                         Stage 3:     2.9-5.0 mg/dl

                                                         Stage 4:     >5.0 mg/dl

Your Veterinarian will determine what Stage your Kitty is currently in and will devise a treatment plan to slow the progression of the disease. 

Diet -  One of the main ways Kidney Disease can be managed is though diet. Your Vet will prescribe a prescription diet that is low in phosphorous with moderate amount of protein such as Royal Canin Renal Care, Hills K/D formula's, Purina NF, etc. Kitties with a poor appetite can be given appetite stimulants to ensure they are getting enough calories and combat weight loss.

Phosphate Binder -  Cats in CKD/CRF cannot filter phosphorous properly and therefore, an excess can cause your kitty to feel sick and also promote the progression of the disease. Your Vet will prescribe a phosphate binder for your cat. This can be mixed right into the food and prevents the absorption of phosphate.

SQ Fluids -  Kitties with Renal Disease are at risk of dehydration since the Kidneys cannot concentrate urine properly. This is something that needs to be monitored closely as dehydration can be very serious. Encourage your kitty to drink water by placing more water bowls around the house and even providing water fountains. Kitties that don't drink enough to keep up with their damaged kidneys will need to receive Subcutaneous or SQ Fluids. This can be administered at home if you are comfortable with it.

Potassium Supplements - Since the Kidneys are not able to balance electrolyte levels in the body, Kidney patients can also be deficient in potassium and may need a supplement to correct that. Low potassium can make your kitty weak, imbalanced and even cause problems in the muscle tissue. 

Blood Pressure - CKD/CRF cats often suffer from hypertension as there are blood pressure sensors in the kidneys that help regulate blood pressure in the body. High Blood Pressure can further damage the kidneys as well as cause may problems on its own such as blindness. If your kitty has high blood pressure your Vet may prescribe blood pressure mediation for them. 

Treatment for CKD/CRF can vary depending on IRIS Staging and symptoms. There may be other medications that are also needed such as antiemedic or anti-vomiting medication if your cats disease is advanced and they are experiencing nausea and vomiting as well. 

Veterinarian writing out treatment plan for a newly diagnosed CKD/CRF Kitty

Kidney Disease in Cats can be a very frightening diagnosis. The Kidneys work in many ways to help the body function properly and when the kidneys can't preform the tasks they need to, it can cause many health problems for the patient. Depending on the stage of the disease there is treatment that can slow the progression of the disease and try to preserve the kidneys from that point on. And with diligent care and treatment overseen by your veterinarian you and your kitty can have many more years together. 

Loved cat with Kidney Disease living comfortably with Treatment

To learn more about CKD/CRF please visit the follow resources below:

The International Renal Interest Society

Veterinary Partner

FelineCRF.Org

Prong Collars, Shock Collars, Choke Chains Oh My! Negative Training Tools - You Could Be Doing More Harm Then You Think! - 01/17/2019

Prong Collars, Shock Collars, Choke Chains Oh My!

Negative Training Tools - You Could Be Doing More Harm Then You Think!

Sad Dog with a Choke Chain on

A Golden Doodle that traded in her prong collar for a Freedom Harness at our clinic

Xylitol Toxicity in Pets - The Sweet Killer - 11/27/2018

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs

The Sweet Killer

Keep Xylitol containing products away from your pets

                      Most pet owners know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but did you know that items like Peanut Butter can actually be dangerous as well?! Its true! Most peanut butters are safe unless it contains Xylitol. 

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar substitute or sugar alcohol that is popping up in many products. Although not toxic to humans, Xylitol is very dangerous to pets because they metabolize it differently. It causes the animals pancreas to release an enormous amount of insulin which in turn will make the animals blood sugar plummet, causing hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.

Xylitol can be found in may products including candies, mints, and gum.

What Products Contain Xylitol?

Xylitol is hiding in a lot of products. Even products that you would never think of. That is why it is always so important to read ingredient labels before giving your pet anything. Peanut Butter for example is known to be an acceptable treat for dogs. However some brands are now using Xylitol in their Peanut Butter making it very dangerous for pets. Below is a list of other products to keep away from your furry friend:

-Chewing Gum
-Candy
-Baked Goods
-Toothpaste and Mouth Wash
-Mints
-Medications, Vitamins, Supplements
-Some Peanut and Nut Butters
-Diabetic Snacks

These are just a few products to cautious of. But Xylitol is popping up in many other products too. It is even said to be in some lotions, gels, and deodorants. So please be careful and keep these items out of your pets reach.

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Xylitol?

If you think your pet may have eaten something containing Xylitol, seek veterinary attention immediately. If caught soon enough your vet may be able to safely induce emesis or induce vomiting. It is very important to have your Veterinarian do this and not try to do this at home. There could be reactions, esophageal damage, or aspiration if done incorrectly causing additional issues. Your pet may need to be hospitalized, on IV fluids, and have blood work done. Depending on the severity even with Veterinary Treatment Xylitol can still be fatal. There is no antidote for Xylitol toxicity so it is best to be very diligent to keep away from all pets.

Xylitol can be deadly to your pet even with veterinary care

As you can see from this article, Xylitol is no joke. It can be very deadly to pets and can be found in all kinds of products. So beware. The biggest thing you can do is to get into a habit of making sure you always check all ingredient labels.  And keep all products containing Xylitol out of reach of your pets!

The Dog Flu, What you Need to Know to Keep your Dog Safe - 09/18/2018

Keep your fuzzy pal safe and healthy

The Dog Flu or Canine Influenza is a highly contagious potentially deadly virus consisting of two main strains, H3N2 and H3N8. It may sound odd, but both of these strains mutated into what it is known for today as the Dog Flu. Originally the H3N2 strain originated from an Avian or Bird virus in Asia that evolved to infect dogs. Similarly the H3N8 strain arose from an equine or Horse stain and was first identified in dogs in 2004 in the state of Florida. Although there is no evidence that it can spread to humans, it has been known to infect cats.

Doggie Day care is great for expelling energy and socialization but please make sure your pet is protected against diseases that other dogs may carry.

 How Can My Pet Get the Flu and What are the Symptoms?

Canine Influenza is highly contagious and is transmitted though respiratory secretions, such as saliva and nasal discharge. A dog can contract the virus from coming into contact with a sick dog or anything that an infected dog was around. Objects such as water bowls, leashes, toys, or bedding can be contaminated, but also less obvious things like peoples clothing that was around the infected dog. It is also airborne which makes it even easier to contract. It is best to keep sick dogs away from other dogs and disinfect everything that dog came in contact with.  Symptoms of Canine Influenza consists of  coughing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, lethargy,  lack of appetite and fever. These symptoms can be  mild to severe with progressive cases causing secondary infections including pneumonia. The more severe the symptoms get the more dangerous it is for your pet. Canine Influenza can be deadly in advanced cases. If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms please seek veterinary attention immediately.

If you suspect your dog may have the dog flu, contact your vet immediately

How to Keep Your Pet Safe?

Vaccinate. The best way to protect your pet against this virus is to get your pet vaccinated. Especially if your dog is around other dogs at dog parks, boarding facilities, groomers,  doggie day cares, etc. Or even if you plan on traveling with your pet. In 2017 there was a breakout in many US Southern States but it wasn't until recently that it was diagnosed in Michigan. Which means this virus is spreading making its way throughout the US and it is something we need to be prepared for and start protecting our pets against. 

Protect your pet against the Dog Flu and other viruses by keeping them up to date on vaccines

The Dog Flu is something we need to be well aware of as it is spreading to areas that it was never detected in before. Use caution when your dog is around other dogs or in areas where other dogs were. To be safe, vaccinate your dog to protect them against this spreading virus. And if you are noticing any symptoms call your Vet immediately. For more in depth information regarding the Dog Flu please visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

Clicker Training Your Puppy - 08/23/2018

Start Clicker Training your Puppy at an early age

Young Puppy learning the "Sit" command

The trainer will click the clicker at the exact moment the desired behavior or task occurs: the puppy sits, the trainer clicks the moment the puppy's bottom touches the floor. The puppy lays down, the trainer clicks. And so fourth. The most important thing to remember is that timing a very important. You want to make sure you are clicking the exact second the animal complies to the desired behavior or command. The Click is usually followed by a type of  positive reward. Such as a treat, a pet, a toy or even play. The animal will quickly associate the sound of the click with a wonderful reward and will repeat the action that got them the reward readily.

Clicker Training can also be an effective training method for other species as well. For example: The Lion opens his mouth, the trainer "clicks". This type of training is often used in zoos, sanctuaries, and other facilities that works with a variety of animals due to the ease and consistency across species.

Training should always be positive and fun

Why Use a Clicker? 

Positive Training sessions can strengthen the bond between you and your pet

Clicker Training can be an effective and even ideal training method not only for Puppies and adult dogs but for other animal species as well. The consistency of the clicker along with an exciting reward will shape the desired behavior and in turn will help the animal learn quicker. Clicker Training is a great training method, but as stated earlier, whatever training method you decide is best for your pet be sure it is a positive rewarding style of training and never negative. Training not only creates a well mannered dog but also will strengthen the bond you have with your pet. And of course if you have any questions at all please contact us. Dr. Coll would be happy to meet with you and your puppy and go over training methods. And if you are looking for a local trainer, we highly recommend K9 Turbo Training! You can find out more information about K9 Turbo Training at https://www.k9turbotraining.com/.

Protecting Your Pet From Pesky Parasites - 07/30/2018

Protect your beloved pet from harmful Parasites

Fleas and Ticks

Tick Sizes at different life stages

Healthy Heart V.s A Heart Infected with Heartworm

Hookworm Eggs detected on a fecal floatation test

6 Helpful Tips on How to Ease Your Pets Storm Phobia - 05/25/2018

Dog exhibiting anxiety during a Thunder Storm

Dog looking to her owner for comfort

How to Care for a Bearded Dragon - 04/26/2018

Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon

Proper Bearded Dragon Habitat

Bearded Dragon

A Pug Puppy and his Bearded Dragon Friend

Keep All Lilies Away From Your Kitties - 03/27/2018

Why Does My Pet Have Bad Breath? - 02/21/2018

Whats Your Pets New Years Resolution? - 01/30/2018

Holiday Pet Hazards - 12/20/2017

Holiday Pet Hazards

The holidays are among us, everyone is busy shopping, baking, and

preparing for celebrations. But whether you celebrate Christmas,

Hanukkah, or any other holiday there are many things you need to

be careful with when it comes to your pet.

For starters, Holiday Decorations. Christmas trees, tinsel, lights, lit

candles, ribbon etc are all very tempting to your pet. Chewing on

electrical cords or lights can cause burns, lit candles can cause burns

and are a potential fire hazard. Tinsel and ribbons can be viewed

as a fun toy but if ingested it can cause intestinal blockages causing

your pet to need surgery. It is best to keep all decorations away from

your pets to ensure their safety.

Another staple of the holidays are festive plants. But most of these

plants such as Poinsettias, Holly, Amaryllis, and Mistletoe to name a

few are highly toxic to your beloved pets. Just a lick can cause reaction

to your pet with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea,

hyper salvation, seizures, and some can even be life threatening . It is

very important that you keep all of these types of plants away from your

pet. If you suspect that your pet may have ingested a holiday plant call

ASPCA Poison Control immediately http://www.aapcc.org/ 1-800-222-

1222.

Everyone always looks forward to chowing down on the delicious

holiday food and desserts! But many food items can be very toxic to

your pet. Chocolate is highly toxic as well as Xylitol found in many sugar free baked goods. Onions, Garlic, fat, bones, alcohol etc are all "No Nos' for your pet. Just because we can

 digest things doesn't mean our fuzzy friends can. Their metabolism is different then ours and even

though we can handle eating these things they cannot. So don't give these food items to your pet and of course keep things out of reach off counter tops or even in garbage's that your pets can get to or, You might find yourself at the Animal ER with your pet this Holiday.

(You can read more about Holiday food dangers in our Thanksgiving blog. http://harveyanimalhospitalblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/)

The Holidays are fun but can also be stressful, for us and our pets.

They can be confused by all the "fuss" that is going on around this time

of year. And it can be very stressful when strange guest arrive at our

home to celebrate. If your pet seems stressed by strange house guest or

all the "hustle and bustle" of the holidays, It may be a good Idea to

seclude your pet in a quiet area where they can rest peacefully.

The Holidays are a joyful time of year. Just don't forget about your fuzzy friend. By following these steps you can ensure that you and your pet will have a safe holiday season. Now have fun and enjoy! Cheers!

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips - 11/15/2017

Top 5 Halloween Pet Hazards - 10/27/2017

7 Things You Can Do for Your Aging Dog to Lengthen their Lifespan - 09/13/2017

How to choose the right Heart-worm Preventive for my pet? - 06/01/2017

Compassionate Veterinary Care Starts with Making the Animal Feel Comfortable - 12/29/2016

When searching for a veterinarian in St. Clair Shores, Michigan it's important to find one that provides compassionate care to animals. While most vet practices are able to care for the needs of a sick pets effectively, not all offices are the same. Some focus on treating many patients throughout the day, while other veterinarians focus on making the animal feel comfortable by taking their time. Each type will treat the pet's medical condition, but a vet who maintains a calm, trusting environment for the pets treated is going to cause less emotional harm to any pet that comes in the door.

Making the Animal Feel Comfortable
Consider that a sick pet is put into a crate, dragged to the vet's office, and put on a table under harsh light. This isn't going to do much to make the animal feel very comfortable. While the pet owner can make the process easier by getting their pet used to the crate and car rides, the rest is up to the vet's office. The first step is to provide a room for the animal where they can come out of their crate without having to be pulled out. In the waiting room, it always helps to set up dividers so that animals don't have to see each other while waiting for an appointment. For nervous pets, a small, isolated waiting room can work wonders.

How the Animal Is Handled

Vet technicians are great at handling most pets, even those that are stressed and aggressive. The problem is, when a stressed-out pet is handled in such a manner that restricts their movement, this can have a lasting effect on their ability to trust other humans. It takes time to get a pet to calm down and trust the person who is trying to assess their medical needs. Rushing an exam usually leads to the need for the pet to be held tightly. In an emergency, this is often necessary, but a vet who takes the time to allow the pet to relax often provides more compassionate care.

Finding the Right Vet for a Pet with Special Medical Needs - 12/28/2016

All pets deserve quality medical care. When searching for vets near me in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, it's important to look at what the needs of the pet are. For some pets who are comfortable around other animals, a large vet office with an active waiting room will be fine. For other pets, especially those that are medically in need, a more compassionate approach may be necessary. Some vets focus on providing care to as many animals as possible throughout the day, while others focus on getting the pet to trust their actions as they provide treatment. When one has an animal with special medical concerns, it's often useful to find a quiet vet practice in the area.

Pets that Require a Gentle Touch
No vet's office should ever handle a pet roughly, but some offices are known to be more gentle than others. A busy practice is going to focus on getting the job done quickly, as there will often be other patients in the waiting room that need to be seen. Pets that require more gentle handling do better in offices that are focused on treating one patient at a time, and doesn't rush you out because of a waiting room full of other patients. In general, it is usually about the size of the practice and whether the office is also an emergency veterinarian provider. In an emergency pet hospital, it can be incredibly chaotic just because pets may be in crisis.

Choosing a Vet in Detroit, Michigan
There are numerous vets to choose from in the city of Detroit, Michigan. This means that it's possible to find an office that is both close to the home and offers the services one is seeking for their pet. In a busier practice, a pet may get less attention, and “conveyer belt” care.  In an office that allows pets to relax and get to know the environment first, you and your pet will feel comfortable and even build a bond with the veterinary staff. Overall, it is up to what the pet needs and what works best to get the animal compassionate treatment that doesn't traumatize the animal further.

Animal Lovers Can Find Compassionate Care in Grosse Pointe Finding a Grosse Pointe Veterinarian is the First Priority - 12/16/2016

Importance of Pet Preventative Care - 12/15/2016

Taking care of a pet’s health is part of a pet owner’s responsibility. By taking preventative health care measures, pet owners can often avoid serious problems with their pet’s health. Routine pet checkups are important to keeping a pet healthy and happy. Here are but a few of the many benefits pet owners can gain through preventative pet health care.

Regular Monitoring of a Pet’s Health

Pet owners who take their pets for regular checkups make it easier for vets to monitor their animal’s health. Vets can provide pet owners with valuable counsel on their pet’s diet, exercise, grooming and overall care to enhance their health and well-being over the years.

Early Detection of Disease

Regular pet checkups will enable a veterinarian to detect early warning signs of any health problems with a pet such as a serious condition or disease.  During routine exams, vets usually do a full physical exam and check a pet’s eyes, ears, mouth and skin which indicate the animal’s current state of health. Vets can also run routine tests on a pet to detect problems with the liver, heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. These tests can also screen for diseases such as diabetes and other abnormalities, that are not obvious from a physical exam.

Early detection of serious illnesses and diseases could save a pet’s life. By catching the disease in its early stages, a vet may be able to help a pet get better faster to prevent pain and suffering. The longer pets go without proper healthcare, the greater the risk of the disease spreading and causing serious harm. Pet owners also run the risk of having to pay for more expensive treatment for serious diseases if they wait too long.

Vaccinations

Preventative pet care includes having a pet vaccinated against rabies, distemper and other diseases when needed. Regular vaccinations will enhance an animal’s immune system to preserve its health over the long run. Vaccinations will also protect a pet from catching an infectious disease. People who travel often with their pet will want to ensure they are well protected during their travels.

Just as people need regular doctor visits to promote good health and well-being, pets also benefit from regular visits to the vet to keep them looking and feeling their best. Working with a good pet clinic in St. Clair Shores will enable pet owners to provide their pet with the quality medical care they need to stay in optimum health.  A healthy pet is a happy pet that will provide pet owners with years of love and companionship.

3 Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Pet - 12/13/2016

Pets provide companionship and love to people of all ages. At the same time, they’re a responsibility to care for. Pet owners are responsible to provide for the health and welfare of their pets. This involves dedicating time, money and effort to ensure pets have all their needs. Before deciding to get a pet, people should ask themselves the following questions.

Why Have a Pet?
People want pets for different reasons. Those who are lonely often want a pet to fill a void for friendship and companionship. Others may decide to get a pet, such as a dog, for protection and security. People who are considering getting a pet should keep in mind that animals have feelings and require commitment from their owners to meet their needs. Before becoming a pet owner, people should make sure the pet they choose can fit into their lifestyle.
Despite being lots of fun, baby animals such as kittens and puppies need extra TLC and training. Busy people may not be able to provide the attention a young pet may need. Older animals are more likely to adjust to being alone at home while pet owners work or their kids go to school. Pets should complement a person’s way of life to make it easier for both pet and owner to adjust to each other.

Who will Care for the Pet?
In a family home, pets are usually cared for by the entire family. Pet owners have a responsibility to feed, groom, exercise and play with their companion daily. By having a regular veterinarian in St. Clair Shores, pet owners can ensure their pet gets routine checkups to stay healthy and happy. In addition to routine exams, pets may require vaccinations, tests for heart, liver or blood problems, in-depth grooming or dental care. Vets encourage pet owners to take advantage of preventative health care to keep their pet in good health.

Who Will Pay for Pet Expenses?
Like children, pets cost money for their care. Consumers should factor pet needs and cost to include regular vet visits into their budget before taking on the responsibility of a companion. In addition to food and vet costs, pets may need toys, a bed to sleep in, a crate for traveling, grooming products, flea and heartworm preventatives, vaccinations, vitamins and pet medicine when they’re sick in the course of their care. The love and companionship pets provide more than counter for these costs.