Phu Quocs are known to develop a tubular skin defect known as a dermoid or pilonidal sinus. These defects generally show up along the back, the neck or upper spine of the dog. If you are concerned that your dog may have this defect, call your vet and set up a routine check-up. Symptoms of a dermoid or pilonidal skin defect include a visual opening on the middle of the back with protruding hair or a swirl and a tube or cord that can be felt beneath the opening. Some dermoid sinuses may not show any signs or they may simply leak a mild discharge that can usually be gently washed away. The danger occurs when the sinus becomes plugged, which can lead to infection or the formation of an abscess. Some sinuses that connect to the lining of the spinal cord can even cause neurological abnormalities. Talk to your vet Northwest Houston, TX can give you more details.

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If your American Wirehair has bad breath then it could be a sign of some type of dental related illness. Contact your vet to set up a wellness exam to determine the source of the bad breath. American Wirehairs can develop infections such as gingivitis and other forms of periodontal disease in similar ways to people. In fact, research shows that more than 80 percent of pets (this includes American Wirehairs) three years and older develop some form of gingivitis. Common signs of gingivitis in American Wirehairs include red or swollen gums. The inflammation is especially present on the side of the gums facing the inner cheeks. Bad breath, which is known as Halitosis is another sign of gingivitis. If your American Wirehair appears to have a lot of plaque or calculus build-up on the surface of the teeth this could also indicate gingivitis. If you’re not sure about the symptoms call your veterinary clinic Northwest Houston, TX. Visit this ... Read more »

Many species of reptiles make great pets. One of these is the red-eared slider. These turtles are popular for being hardy and easy to care for. They should be placed in tanks that contain water that is at least 1.5-2 times as deep as the length of their body. Red-eared sliders spend their days swimming in the water and basking on rocks and logs. As they grow in size, they must be moved to bigger aquariums or tanks. A submersible heater can help keep the temperature of the water in the tank at 75-85°F. An automatic filter together with weekly water changes (25-50) can help keep the water clean. Their basking spot should be maintained at 85-90°F by installing an over-the-tank light.

Red eared sliders need to be exposed to UV-B light to promote calcium absorption from their food. Young sliders require higher amounts of animal protein in their diets while adult need more vegetables than meat. Know more about your pet’s care ... Read more »

Have you ever heard the saying that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a person’s? Contrary to popular belief, a dog’s mouth is not all that clean just ask your vet. Your vet or pet store associate can tell you that your Labrador’s mouth has just as much bacteria and germs as a human’s mouth. The only difference is that a Labrador’s mouth contains different bacteria than a human’s. Some experts say comparing a dog’s mouth to a human’s mouth is like comparing “apples to oranges.” So then, how clean is your Labrador’s mouth? It’s not that clean. Your dog likes to explore things by licking them or placing them in his mouth. Whenever you kiss your Labrador, you are kissing everything he has placed in his mouth. Some studies show that various bacteria in your dog’s mouth could actually contain gum disease causing organisms for humans. Ask your veterinarian Northwest Houston, TX for ... Read more »

Cleft lip and palate are defects that are already present upon birth. This occurs when there is failure of the kitten’s lip or mouth to form properly during pregnancy. These birth defects are collectively called “oro-facial clefts”. These defects generally occur during the early part of pregnancy. The word “cleft” refers to a part that is split or partially divided in two. A cat can have a cleft palate, cleft lip, or both.

The slit of a cleft lip may be very small or may be large enough to extend into the nose. On the other hand, the defect associated with cleft palate is the failure of the roof of the mouth to joint together completely.

Oro-facial clefts are more common in female kittens and tend to be higher in purebred cats, particularly the Siamese.

In addition to the obvious physical signs, a kitten with a cleft palate or lip may suffer from sneezing, coughing, passage of milk through their nostrils during nursing, and chron ... Read more »

Cleft lip and palate are defects that are already present upon birth. This occurs when there is failure of the kitten’s lip or mouth to form properly during pregnancy. These birth defects are collectively called “oro-facial clefts”. These defects generally occur during the early part of pregnancy. The word “cleft” refers to a part that is split or partially divided in two. A cat can have a cleft palate, cleft lip, or both.

The slit of a cleft lip may be very small or may be large enough to extend into the nose. On the other hand, the defect associated with cleft palate is the failure of the roof of the mouth to joint together completely.

Oro-facial clefts are more common in female kittens and tend to be higher in purebred cats, particularly the Siamese.

In addition to the obvious physical signs, a kitten with a cleft palate or lip may suffer from sneezing, coughing, passage of milk through their nostrils during nursing, and chron ... Read more »

Did you know that fatty liver disease is a common disease in felines and is often severe if not caught and treated in a timely manner? If you suspect your American Wirehair cat is suffering from fatty liver disease contact your veterinarian right away. In general, fatty liver disease occurs when large amounts of fat are deposited into the liver instead of being processed properly. Some of the leading causes of this disease include malnourishment, cancer, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease and other liver diseases. In order to diagnose your American Wirehair, your vet may need a thorough history of your cat’s health. Your vet may also want to know your cat’s symptoms (i.e. rapid weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, muscle wasting, etc). Additional tests such as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile and urinalysis may also be conducted by your veterinary clinic Copperfield Hwy 6, TX in order to determine what the underlying ... Read more »

If you’re not familiar with canine bloat, talk with your vet to find out what signs to look for. Canine bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate vet care. If you suspect your Chocolate Lab has bloat call your vet or emergency vet center immediately. Bloat is also known as Gastric-Volvulus and happens when unusual amounts of air, fluid, gas, food or even foam forms in the stomach. The pressure can cause the stomach to swell, which in turn blocks blood flow to vital organs such as the heart. It can lead to low blood pressure, shock and even organ damage. The most general causes of bloat are stress, hereditary genes, temperament that causes stress, anxiety or aggression, eating habits such as elevated food bowls, rapid eating, eating of the wrong diet, eating gassy foods, drinking too much too quickly, deep and narrow build of chest, etc. Talk to your veterinarian Copperfield Hwy 6, TX for ... Read more »

If you are in the midst of weaning your Aegean kittens from their mother then you may be wondering what to feed your kittens as a substitute for milk. Talk with your vet to find out the best foods for your kittens. During the initial phases of weaning, you should serve the kittens a milk replacer in a shallow bowl. Make sure you do not use cow’s milk as this might cause stomach upset or diarrhea. You will have to teach your kittens how to drink from the bowl by first dipping your fingertip in the milk and allowing the kitten to lick it. Show him where the bowl is and guide him to it. During the next phase of weaning you may want to mix moist cat food until it takes on oatmeal like consistency. You may gradually move to dry or wet food from there. Ask your vet Copperfield Hwy 6, TX for more details.

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Coprophagy is a term used to refer to eating poop (his or his doggie friend’s). The behavior really isn’t all that strange. It may be disgusting, but it is a natural canine behavior.

In the wild, the ancestors of today’s pet dogs are potential prey to other carnivores.  It is the responsibility of the mother dog to protect her litter of pups, and that includes getting rid of the scent from where the area by eating her pups’ feces. Of course, there are other reasons why a dog eats poop. Some dogs are just plain hungry, while some actually enjoy the smell and/or taste. And other dogs are trying to acquire specific nutrients that are missing from their diet.

If you think that your pet’s poop-eating is excessive, you should make a visit to your Coon Rapids, MN veterinarian so that your pet can be checked for any health problems.

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Coprophagy is a term used to refer to eating poop (his or his doggie friend’s). The behavior really isn’t all that strange. It may be disgusting, but it is a natural canine behavior.

In the wild, the ancestors of today’s pet dogs are potential prey to other carnivores.  It is the responsibility of the mother dog to protect her litter of pups, and that includes getting rid of the scent from where the area by eating her pups’ feces. Of course, there are other reasons why a dog eats poop. Some dogs are just plain hungry, while some actually enjoy the smell and/or taste. And other dogs are trying to acquire specific nutrients that are missing from their diet.

If you think that your pet’s poop-eating is excessive, you should make a visit to your Coon Rapids, MN veterinarian so that your pet can be checked for any health problems.

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Pet care is an important part of your household’s budget, and it can be a hefty chunk of your income to properly care for the pets in your family. Luckily, there are ways to cut back on these costs without cutting back on your pet’s favorite products and items that are necessary for him to be both happy and healthy. The key is to determine what items need to be specific, like food, and which can be switched up a bit, like toys. Items that are specific can be stocked up on at rock bottom prices when they are on sale and you have coupons as well. Items that are nonspecific can be picked up when you see a great deal, and saved for when they will be needed. Your local Marietta, GA veterinarian can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

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Your pet is a part of your family, and is treated as such. You make sure she knows how much you care, and you make an effort to incorporate her into other aspects of your household. Because you love her so much, you don’t mind cleaning up pet messes when they happen. However, you would like to clean them up as efficiently as possible when you do.

To do this, make sure to have specific cleaning items on hand. You’ll want products that are specifically made to tackle pet messes. These will help reduce any staining, eliminate any odors that would typically be left behind, and help to sanitize the area. These can include sprays, and powders, but also items like vacuum cleaners designed to handle pet hair are available. Your local Marietta, GA vet clinic can help you better understand what your pet needs from you. Schedule an appointment at this website Smyrna Animal Hospi ... Read more »

Your dog needs to take a daily walk in order to get the exercise his body needs and to get the mental stimulation his mind requires. However, you may not always have time to get him out during the day. Luckily, a walk at night can offer your pet the same benefits. To do this safely, you will need to take a few extra precautions.

You will need to make sure you are visible to those around you, both other people walking and motorists. Stick to well-lit areas that will allow you to be seen easily. Wear reflective clothing and make sure your dog’s collar has something reflective on it as well. Items that light up can also be helpful, as these can offer you the opportunity to create your own light. Both you and your dog can wear these items to let people know where you are. For additional information, please contact your  Marietta, GA vet.

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