Most pet parents would tell you that their dogs are capable of a range of emotions, just like humans are, but do dogs smile?

Dogs can appear to smile, and in some cases, that smile might be a good indication that your dog is happy. A happy dog is generally a relaxed dog, which means the corners of his mouth will likely relax into a smile. Not every breed has that smiling look, but that doesn’t mean your dog isn’t happy!

Instead of gauging your dog’s happiness by his smile, look to see if your dog has a loose, hanging tongue or a wagging tail. Happy dogs also love to roll around on the floor. Some happy dogs will even make grunting noises!

If you worry that your dog is unhappy, schedule an appointment with your veterinary clinic Greenwood, IN.

Senior cats afflicted with painful arthritis can still live a happy and comfortable life with all-out support of their owners. Here are three important factors to focus on to improve your arthritic pet’s quality of life:

Weight Management

This is the most important part of managing any arthritis management program for pets. Excess weight will put more strain on the joints, triggering localized inflammation and irritation in the joints, and speed up the development of arthritis. If your kitty needs to lose weight, make sure that he loses the excess pounds gradually to prevent the occurrence of metabolic problems. You can ask your Mt. Airy, GA veterinarian to help with your pet’s weight loss program

Changes in the Home Environment

Simple changes in the cat’s ... Read more »

Some diseases that can affect dogs can be fatal even when the patient is given proper treatment and attention. Vaccination against these diseases is the best method of protecting your pooch. The potential risks associated with vaccination are only molehills compared to the mountains of protection that your pet can have against these serious health problems.

Puppies should receive their first vaccination when they are around 6-8 weeks old. The protection given by this first dose is only temporary and needs a booster shot at 12 weeks old. Puppies need to be vaccinated against parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and kennel cough. Vaccination against rabies should also be given at 3 months of age.

These diseases are highly contagious and will require aggressive and extensive veterinary attention.  However, mortality rates can be quite high especially in very young puppies and old do ... Read more »

Matted hair is usually a result of poor grooming, especially in long-haired cats. However, there are instances when matting occurs over a wound. Check out the area for dried or moist blood, tissue swelling, or injury before trying to deal with the clumped fur.

If there is no underlying skin problem, deal with the mat by applying a condition or moisturizer to the area and slowly massage it in. Make sure to use a conditioner that is indicated for pets to avoid any adverse reactions. The hairs in the clump can be freed so you will be able to comb it out, however there are instances when you need to clip the mat out if the hairs have formed a very tight knot.

If you are not sure how to deal with your pet cat’s matted hair, you should seek the help of your Habersham County, GA vet or your groomers. Using the right tools and the proper technique will help prevent injuries. Visit th ... Read more »

Skin itching does not necessarily mean that your pet is harboring a flea population. Itchy skin can be a result of various problems such as allergies, skin disease, ear problems, and a host of other problems. However, it is best to rule out fleas because they can be extremely irritating to both pets and humans alike.

A closer look at your pet’s skin will tell you if he has fleas. There are two things that will indicate a flea infestation. First is flea dirt that appears like small specks of black, much like ground pepper. These are actually droppings of fleas made up of digested dried blood. The second one that you should look for are fleas; these pin-sized parasites can easily be seen on pets with fair or light-colored coats. You can see them jumping or moving through your pet’s haircoat.

The best and easiest places to look for signs of flea infestation are parts of th ... Read more »