Canine bloat is a common and often fatal condition that affects dogs of all breeds and sizes including the Dalmatian. Talk to your vet to learn about canine bloat and signs and symptoms to watch out for. Bloat occurs when an irregular amount of gas, food or fluid builds up in the stomach causing it to expand. Stress can often be a contributing factor. General symptoms of bloat that may affect your Dalmatian include unsuccessful attempts to vomit, abnormal behavior, anxiety, restlessness, hunched up appearance (as if in stomach pain), no normal digestive sounds in the stomach, bloated or tight abdomen, whining, pacing, foaming at the mouth, drooling, unsuccessful attempts to defecate or poop, heavy breathing, excessive drinking, weakness, and even collapse. Bloat can lead to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs. The condition is almost always fatal if treatment is not received from your veterinary clin ... Read more »

Your cat isn’t as social as you thought she would be. In fact, she seems to hide quite a bit. Why is this?

If your cat is new to your household, she may simply be trying to get used to her surroundings. After she warms up a bit to her new home she will likely come out to visit with you more often. If she knows your home well, she may be trying to get away from something she doesn’t like. Think about things like loud appliances or children who don’t give her enough personal space, and try to see what is present when she darts off to find a hiding spot. Also keep in mind that there are many different personalities, and your cat may simply enjoy her solitude. Your local Thousand Oaks, CA vet clinic can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

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Your cat needs a collar for a few different reasons, one of which is to house her identification tags to let people know where she lives in case she ever becomes separated from you. How can you choose the ideal collar for her?

Your cat may not like the idea of wearing a collar, but it is a very important pet supply item. You can help her get used to the idea by finding a comfortable collar for her to wear. This means determining the ideal fit for your cat, and choosing a lightweight material that she won’t notice weighing her down. Opt for a thinner collar that is still sturdy enough to be durable, and make sure it won’t hinder her range of motion at all. Your local Thousand Oaks, CA vet clinic can help you better understand what your pet needs from you.

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Your cat is as cute as cute can be, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that your pet can handle all her grooming needs on her own. In fact, there are a lot of things she can’t do for herself, and will need your help with.

Your cat will need you to take note of her fur and determine what it needs to stay healthy and keep her comfortable. She will need you to brush it regularly and take the time to remove any tangles. There may also be some foreign debris stuck in her fur from her adventures outdoors, so take the time to remove these items as well. Wipe her down with a wet cloth if you notice her fur getting a bit dirty, as this will prevent her from ingesting the dirt when she goes to groom herself. For additional information, please contact your local Thousand Oaks, CA vet.

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