Your dog depends on you to keep him safe. Part of this is to keep him from running away where he is put at risk of injury or disease. A household dog has no defense if he finds himself outside the yard and loose in the neighborhood and he might get lost. Dogs may also escape to search for a mate or he might be lonely and go off and play. Frequently check the perimeter of your property for any breaches. And don’t leave your dog alone in the yard for long periods of time. Take time every day to play with your dog and allow him to exercise. Walks throughout the neighborhood gives your dog time to explore in safety. Have your dog microchipped and make sure he wears a collar with an identification tag so he can be returned to you quickly if he should get loose. Learn more from your Veterinarian Coon Rapids MN.

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Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is one of the health problems that pets may face as they enter their golden years. It is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. A senior pet suffering from the problem may withdraw from the other members of the pack, become disoriented in his home environment, vocalize for no reason, or suffer from sleeping problems.  The affected cat or dog may also manifest other signs including decreased activity, potty accidents, decreased attention, and pacing, staring, and even anxiety.  

Just like in people, the root cause of CD in dogs and cats has not been established, though it is assumed to be associated with the aging process and the specific changes in the animal’s nervous system especially the brain and its associated structures as the animal ages. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and the condition is progressive.

In order to arrive at a correct diagnosis, your animal hospital So ... Read more »

Cats make wonderful companion pets but adopting a pet should never be an impulse decision. You need to examine your household setup plus your family’s scheduleand budget before deciding to bring home a cat. You also need to think about any other pets you have at home. Although shelter cats often come with a history of what animals they have lived with in the past, there is very little to determine whether your resident pet will accept this new interloper. Some people only want to adopt kittens. However, there are many adult cats available that could fit very easily into your household without the mischievous antics and demands of a kitten. Adult cats often work better with young children since they are unlikely get hurt when handled and can get away if needed. Consider your level of commitment. Cats can live for a long time. Read more from your Milford, MI veterinarian.

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Eyes are generally self-cleaning and self-maintaining but you need to examine your dog’s eyes often for any abnormalities. Hair in the eyes, a scratch or even seasonal allergies can cause problems. Keep your dog’s hair trimmed from around the eyes and protect them from soap or chemicals. Wind can be damaging as can flying debris. Look for tearing or discharge from the eyes. Your dog’s eyes should be clear and bright without hazing. The area around the outside of the eye should be white and the surrounding tissue should not have any swelling. Your dog may also show signs of discomfort such as scratching or pawing at the eyes or rubbing his face on the carpet. Some eye issues are easily treated whereas others may require a long-term treatment or even surgery. If you notice any unusual problems with your dog’s eyes, make an appointment with your Greenville, SC vet for evaluation and possible treatm ... Read more »