Canine Distemper: Ensure Your Dog is Protected
During your yearly or more frequent visits with your family veterinarian, your canine companion likely received their core vaccinations and boosters. Core vaccines are defined by the AVMA as those that “protect from diseases endemic to a region, have potential public health significance, are required by law, are virulent/highly infectious, and/or pose a risk of severe disease.” The few first months of your dog’s life are especially critical to ensure their immune system is strong so that common infectious diseases can be prevented. Continuing to vaccinate your pet throughout their life to ensure they are protected from potentially deadly infections and viruses is also critical.
Feline Calicivirus: More Than a Cold
A new feline companion in your family is an exciting time, but pet owners must remember a lot about their care. Cats’ independent nature can make them seem as though they do not require a lot of time and energy. However, cats require regular veterinary care, in addition to good nutrition, and proper mental and physical exercise. The first few months are critical to ensure that your new cat is properly protected from common infectious diseases and viruses. Young cats and cats with chronic diseases are at increased risk for respiratory problems because their immune systems are not fully developed or are weakened from disease. Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common virus affecting cats and our Animal Emergency Care team describes FCV signs, treatment, and prevention.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis: A Potential Lifelong Infection
Caring for a feline companion is special, filled with furry cuddles, purrs, and afternoon naps in the sun. Cats are independent with unique personalities, and pet owners know that their feline friend will not hesitate to let them know when they want treats or an extra cuddle. Owners can easily become distracted with cuteness overload when they bring home a new kitten or adult cat. However, ensuring your cat receives regular veterinary examinations and vaccinations, especially during the first few months after joining your family, is critical. Kittens are particularly at risk for respiratory infections, including feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), because their immune system is still developing. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants to ensure your cat remains healthy through all their life stages, and we describe FVR signs, treatment, and prevention.
What to Expect When Your Expecting Pet Has Pregnancy Complications
Welcoming a new litter of puppies or kittens into the world is an exciting time for pet owners. However, caring for an expecting mother dog or cat is a big responsibility and requires ample preparation to ensure you are ready to care for them in an unexpected emergency. Most pets, especially cats, have no problems during or after pregnancy. However, pregnancy complications can occur in any breed, and at any age. Our Animal Emergency Care team describes common pregnancy complications in pets and the signs that indicate they need immediate care.
Feline Leukemia Virus: Is Your Cat At Risk?
Your feline companion’s unique independent nature makes them special, and they may seem an easy responsibility compared with their canine counterparts. However, cats require cozy resting spots, toys, a clean litter box, good nutrition, and regular preventive care visits to ensure they remain healthy into their golden years. Kittens are especially at risk for viral and bacterial infections because their immune system is still developing. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a leading cause of death among cats, and approximately 2% to 3% of all U.S. cats are affected. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants to ensure your pet is protected from this fatal virus, and we discuss signs, treatment, and prevention.
A Tick-Ing Time Bomb: Lyme Disease and Your Pet
Many pet owners enjoy traveling or spending time outdoors with their four-legged companion during the warmer months. Outdoor adventures and hikes are great for bonding with your pet, and providing their daily exercise. Ensuring your pet is protected from the elements and dangerous infections that may be lurking in the great outdoors is critical. Lyme disease is a common illness present throughout the United States. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants to ensure you are able to recognize the signs, and that you know how to protect your pet from this potentially debilitating and painful disease.
Pet Owners’ Guide to Dog Bite Prevention
More than 38% of U.S. homes have at least one family dog. Caring for a canine friend is a rewarding responsibility that brings wet kisses, walks in the park, and cozy cuddles. However, dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year and more than 800,000 people require medical care according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Being a responsible pet owner is critical to ensure your family pet does not become a dog-bite statistic. Our Animal Emergency Care team has compiled a dog-bite prevention guide to ensure pet owners understand that preventive dog-bite measures are available.
Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding Lily Toxicity in Pets
Springtime is almost here and many people and their pets will start spending more time outdoors as the weather slowly becomes warmer. Gardening is a popular and relaxing spring pastime with the fruits of your labor resulting in beautiful flowers that adorn coffee tables and dining rooms. However, many popular plants and flowers are toxic to pets, especially members of the lilium family. Cats in particular are sensitive to these flowers although others such as lily of the valley can be problematic for dogs and cats. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants to ensure you understand the dangers of lilies and what to do if your pet is poisoned.
Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding Xylitol Toxicity in Pets
The popularity of low sugar and low carbohydrate human diets has led to many creative ways to make food and sweets palatable.Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute used in many foods, supplements, and dental hygiene products. The most common accidental exposures to xylitol include chewing gum, melatonin supplements, sugar-free baking additives, and some forms of peanut butter. It is also a very common component of supplement powders, chewable tablets, toothpastes, and lozenges. Xylitol is extremely dangerous and deadly if untreated. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants pet owners to understand the dangers of xylitol and what to do if your pet accidentally becomes poisoned.
Pet Poison Prevention: Understanding Rodenticide Toxicity in Pets
Rats and mice have a long-standing feud with their human counterparts, and they often cause irritation by building nests in homes or attics or eating plants and gardens. Many people take matters into their own hands by purchasing commercially available rat poison or rodenticide from their local grocery or hardware store. Rodenticide is appealing to rodents and unfortunately domestic pets are not immune from its dangers. Rodenticide ingestion is a common cause of pet emergencies and is fatal without immediate and aggressive treatment. Our Animal Emergency Care team wants to ensure your pets are safe from this potentially deadly poisoning.
