Even if the temperature is cold, your dog still needs to go for a walk! The key is making sure that he is warm.

Going outdoors in the winter isn’t a problem for most dogs. That’s because their fur is fully insulated. However, that doesn’t mean your dog won’t get cold if he just sits around. The key is to keep moving. If it’s a particularly cold day, pick up the pace so your dog creates plenty of body heat.

If you have a small dog, like a Chihuahua, or another breed that chills easily, you may want to consider having your dog wear a sweater when it’s very cold outside. If his feet are sensitive to chilly temperatures, you can even make him wear little booties!

For more tips on keeping your dog warm in the winter, schedule an appointment with most skillful vet clinic Greensboro, NC.

... Read more »

There’s no doubt that it’s a good idea to make your cat wear a collar. It’s a great way to display your contact information, ensuring your furry friend is returned to you if he gets lost. However, there is at least one reason not to make your cat wear a collar.

Some cats have very thick hair. Thick, fluffy hair tends to mat, and it also takes up a lot of space! Making a cat with fluffy fur wear a collar can be uncomfortable. The collar may sit on top of all that hair, making it easy to slip off, but it’s also likely to feel weird.

Because the hair can be especially soft and fluffy around the neck, having your cat wear a collar could mat his hair. To keep up with those mats, you’ll have to remove the collar frequently to brush.

For alternatives to a traditional collar, speak with your veterinary clinic Greensboro, NC. Visit their Homepage to know more.

... Read more »

Many pet owners are already aware that table scraps are not good for their pets; but since they cannot resist their pet’s persistent meowing at the dinner table, they eventually give in and give them something from their plates. But human food can be harmful to cats, and your pet could become very ill which could eventually mean dealing with veterinary bills.

Many human foods are high in fat, and cats can suffer from serious digestive upsets when they eat certain human foods. Their digestive system is extremely delicate and is unable to efficiently digest and metabolize foods with high fat content. In very rare instances, cats can die from acute pancreatitis as a result of eating fatty foods. Acute pancreatitis can make your cat very ill. You should seek prompt veterinary attention immediately.

Your best veterinarians Scottsdale, AZ can f ... Read more »

Macaw wasting disease is medically known as Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD). It is caused by a virus and can be fatal. Any species of bird is susceptible to the infection including cockatoos, conures, and Asian parrots. The main organ that is affected is the proventriculus or the glandular stomach of birds; nerve damage in the stomach eventually leads to overstretching of the stomach until it is unable to contract normally.

Affected birds suddenly have increased appetites that are followed by continuous weight loss. Their crop is usually hard and enlarged. There is also regurgitation, and undigested food is usually present in their droppings.

Birds get the disease from a contaminated environment or from being in contact with the droppings of infected birds.

Cases of PDD are almost always fatal and even administration of antiviral drugs f ... Read more »

Acne in dogs is also called pimples, chin pyoderma, puppy dermatitis, furunculosis, or muzzle folliculitis. The pimples are commonly found on the chin, lips, and muzzles of dogs, especially puppies and young adults. Sometimes, the pimples can also develop on the animal’s flank or on their tail. 

Acne in dogs is not a well-understood condition and the causes have not been fully established. However, it has been observed that it frequently affects “teenager” dogs. And just like acne that commonly occurs during puberty in humans, the pimples usually start as blackheads or hard reddish areas at the base of the hair follicles. They eventually develop into whiteheads as population of bacteria plug the hair follicles and multiply. Cases of mild acne usually resolve on their own but severe acne can be painful and uncomfortable, thus you should take your pet to your North Phoenix, AZ vet clinic for prope ... Read more »

Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed in dogs for pain relief. But its use has been linked to side effects that can potentially have a harmful effect on the dog’s health and wellbeing. As a safety precaution, many veterinarians perform tests, including a complete physical, to assess the risk factors of the patient. Take note though, that passing these tests does not always mean that your dog won’t develop side effects to NSAIDs use.

Overdosing is very common in NSAIDs use in dogs. Some owners think that giving twice the dose prescribed by the veterinarian can make their pet’s pain go away faster. Considering the potential side effects of NSAIDs use, it is always important for pet owners to follow the veterinarian’s instructions down to the letter.

Also, NSAIDs or any other type of medication should be kept out of your pet’s r ... Read more »

Parakeets are often considered beginner birds and feeding often consists of a seed mix and not much else. However, this seed diet is not healthy for your parakeet and may shorten his lifespan. Start with a high-quality seed mixture but don’t forget to give your bird sprouts from the seeds too. Your bird will enjoy other vegetables such as dark leafy green plus orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin. Provide a fruit treat once or twice a week as a treat but in small amounts to avoid diarrhea. Remove uneaten food daily to avoid spoiling and clean out bowls frequently, especially if contaminated with droppings or feathers. Your bird will also need a cuttlebone for added calcium and to keep his bill trim. And of course, your parakeet needs access to fresh, clean water at all times. Contact your Crown Point, IN vet to learn more.

< ... Read more »