Category: Veterinary care center

How to Prevent Mouth Issues in Pets

veterinary surgical proceduresApproximately 46,300,000 households in the United States own dogs, and 38,900,000 households own cats. Every pet should make frequent trips to a vet for routine checkups, but sometimes, veterinary surgical procedures must be performed to keep your pet in good health. If your pet is scheduled to undergo a minor veterinary surgery, rest assured — they’re in good hands. Here’s a look at one of the most common minor veterinary surgical procedures vets perform.

Tooth extraction is listed as the top surgical procedure performed on cats according to Veterinary Pet Insurance. It’s also the third most common procedure for dogs. The average cost of a dental tooth extraction procedure is just under $1,000. It’s important to understand that keeping your pet’s mouth in good dental health is one of the best ways to prevent the need for an emergency veterinarian.

As your pet ages, they are likely to develop periodontal disease as an adult. This causes breakdown of gum tissue that can lead to bacteria escaping into the bloodstream and potentially causing an infection. If your pet’s immune system isn’t strong enough to kill the microbes, it’s likely to lead to a heart infection.

Another little-known fact about cats is that they can be seriously harmed from prolonged cigarette smoke exposure. If your cat lives with someone who smokes cigarettes indoors, the noxious smoke and all its chemical components can actually seep into the cat’s fur. Then, when they groom themselves, which is generally several times a day, the toxins will get into the cat’s mouth and cause some serious issues.

Regardless of the environments in which your pets live, it’s important for them to maintain a healthy diet. Doctors recommend a diet of mostly raw foods that trace back to the animal’s roots. For example, it’s recommended that cats should not eat seafood since ancestors of today’s house cats did not hunt from the sea. Even though most cats enjoy seafood, there are other alternatives your cat will enjoy as well. Remember to look at the ingredients and try to limit the preservatives in your cat’s food.

Overall, keeping your pets healthy is a proactive effort. Taking small steps to reduce health risks, and taking advantage of veterinary services are the best ways for your pet to live a happy and healthy life.

Caring For Our Furry Friends Why Veterinary Care Is So Important

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America loves pets! The APAA says there are as many as 80 million dogs and 96 million cats in the United States; more than 30% of homeowners have a cat, while almost 40% have a dog. Our pets quite often dictate our choices, from where to live to what to buy, and our behaviors. They are part of the family. We adopt over 2.5 million pets from shelters each year, according to the ASPCA. Caring for our precious canine and feline friends — and the myriad other pet options Americans choose — means accepting that at some time in their lives our pets will become ill or injured. From pet cancer to arthritis, coping with pet diagnoses can be very difficult.

A veterinary care center is always the first port of call when an animal is ill or injured. Older pets should visit the vet every six months, while younger (under 10 years) dogs and cats should see a vet at least yearly. Regular check-ups can result in early detection of pet cancer, for example. Almost 50% of deaths in older animals is due to some sort of pet cancer. Cats tend to have a lower incidence of cancer than dogs or humans, according to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, but feline cancers tend to be more aggressive.

Almost a quarter of all dogs will develop a tumor at some point in their lives, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Common cancers in dogs include skin and abdominal cancers. The risk of breast cancer in dogs can be reduced by spaying the dog at six to 12 months of age. Treatment options vary, with some forms of cancer being more treatable than others.

Veterinary hospitals can provide testing and treatment services for a variety of ailments, including teeth inspection and dental cleaning, tumor removal (often the best option for cancer diagnoses), and even pet food suggestions. Keeping your pet healthy involves ensuring regular vet check-ups, monitoring your pet for symptoms, and ensuring a healthy diet and exercise.

Common Pet Health Questions

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An estimated 32.4% of home owners have cats, while about 37.2% have dogs. But no matter what type of furry friend you have, you want to make sure that they are healthy and happy — and that all starts with taking them to a veterinary care center and asking lots of pet health questions.

Below are a list of pet health questions you should be asking your veterinarian technician at your next visit.

  1. What food is most healthy? Look for the main brand names of pet food — those are your safest bet. Dry food generally has more wholesome ingredients, but wet food is also a favorite among pets. Be sure to read the ingredients and look for any added coloring, flavors, or chemical preservatives. They should be certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
  2. How much should I feed my pet? A common question among pet health questions, many Americans are surprised when their pets have put on weight and often can’t say no to begging. Each pet is different, so talk to your vet during a wellness exam to figure out exactly how much you should feed them.
  3. What is a wellness exam? This is an annual checkup for pets (like you would have an annual physical). Your vet will check their teeth, hair, ears, eyes, etc. This exam is to make sure your pet is growing healthy and remains strong.
  4. Is my pet overweight? A common concern, and therefore a common question. Dogs and cats under the age of 10 should visit a vet annually, while those over 10 should visit a vet every six months. These visits will ensure that your pet maintains a health weight because they will be appropriately monitored.
  5. What vaccinations should my pet receive? Vaccinations should be started when your pet is six weeks old. Puppies will receive the DALPP vaccine, while kittens will have the FVRCP vaccine. Having your pet vaccinated will prevent the need for emergency vet care in the future.
  6. Can my pet go outside? If you’ve purchased your pet from a breeder or a shelter, they should be able to tell you whether or not your pet is suited for the outdoor environment. Some dogs and cats should not be left outside. If your pet is fully vaccinated (and they are an outdoor pet), then you can let them run around.
  7. Should I brush their teeth? One of the quirkiest pet health questions out there, but needs to be answered nonetheless. However, there is no need to brush their teeth. Instead, take your pet to a professional. Proper tooth care can prevent heart and kidney disease.

These are just a few common questions vets get about their pets, but you are always invited to ask other questions during you and your pet’s visit. More research here: www.guilfordjamestownvet.com