A broken or torn nail can be painful, however there are certain steps you can take to ease your pet’s pain and make him more comfortable. A dog’s dew claws are the ones which are prone to tearing and breaking. These are the nails which are found higher up on the front of the dog’s foot. Unlike the other nails, dew claws are more loosely attached, thus putting them more at risk of being torn or broken.

There are many instances when nail trimming leads to a cracked or broken nail. Just a small paw movement or a quick hard yank can partially or totally rip out a nail completely.

A dog that has a damaged nail may show the following signs:

• Limping or favoring a paw to avoid putting weight on it while walking
• Constant licking of the affected paw
• The ... Read more »

If your Golden Retriever eats a food you are unsure is safe or not then give your vet a call to find out. There are quite a few plants, fruits, and vegetables that can be harmful. For instance, raw potatoes are not recommended for our canine friends. Potatoes, tomatoes, and other plants that are members of the Solanum species are part of the nightshade family of plants, which contains dangerous toxins that can be harmful to pets. While some of a raw potato may not harm your Golden, it’s important to make sure he does not eat any of the leaf or plant parts as this does contain toxic alkaloids. If these toxins are eaten in large quantities your Golden may start to show signs of excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, confusion, weakness, behavior changes, dilated pupils, or even a slowed heart rate. Call your veterinary clinic Montgomery, TX right away if your Golden has these symptoms. Click here ... Read more »

If you notice your Beagle excessively scratching at his ears or constantly shaking his head then you should contact your vet to schedule an exam. Your Beagle may have an ear infection or he may have ear mites. The most common mites found in dogs are Otodectes cynotis, which are also known as ear mites. Symptoms include shaking the head and scratching at the ears excessively. Some dogs may scratch so hard that they pull hair out of their ears. In addition, they may shake their heads so much that a hematoma of the ear or broken blood vessel may occur. It is important to note these signs and seek vet treatment right away to prevent further scratching and damage to the ear canal or ear drums. Treatment may include antibiotics and ear drops. Because mites can spread quickly, your veterinarian Montgomery, TX may suggest treating other pets in the home too. Visit this website Lake Conroe - Lakeway Animal Medical & Sur ... Read more »

If you’re looking for a small dog that is great with children of all ages then you may want to talk with your vet about the Bichon Frise. This little white dog has a great personality and loves to be around kids both big and small. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Bichon’s cheerful personality and ability to learn tricks quickly set the breed apart. The Bichon’s sturdy frame and short legs gives him the ability to leap, jump, play, dance, and rank as one of the best lap dogs. Unlike the small Chihuahua (which is also a top lap dog and playful companion), owners don’t have to worry about accidentally stepping on or sitting on this cute little pup. The Bichon also makes an excellent traveling companion so if you’re taking the family on a road trip you should pack this little guy too! For more information about this breed, contact your vet Montgomery, TX.

... Read more »

Your family will soon become dog owners, and you can’t wait to have a little puppy running around your living area. How can you welcome him to your home?

Your puppy will need you to understand that his homecoming is a big deal for him as well. He is heading into a new place and isn’t quite sure what to think of it yet. This makes it essential that you don’t overwhelm him. You will have plenty of time for introductions to new people and places. Take the beginning of his time with you to slowly show in where he will be calling home from now on. Over time, he will explore things on his own, and will likely be eager for new experiences, but it can all be a bit much if he has to do everything at once. For additional information, please contact your local Ellicott City, MD veterinarian.Click here fr details, http://vetscolumbia.com

... Read more »

Some cat owners prefer to feed their cats a portion of vegetables to help with overall wellness. If you want to feed your Burmese cat fruits and vegetables, check with your vet first to find out which foods are OK and which ones should be avoided. If your vet gives the OK for your cat to have veggies every now and again then you may want to try offering kale. Kale is a leafy green vegetable most commonly associated with cabbage. Kale; however, produces long stems with large leaves and no exact head like a cabbage. Kale contains fiber, calcium, potassium and vitamin K, which can be beneficial. If you do give your cat veggies, a general rule of thumb is to mix it with a raw meat diet and serve a total of two tablespoons of veggies per pound of meat. If your cat has trouble digesting the veggies, call your veterinary clinic San Leandro, CA.

... Read more »

Your dog needs your help when it comes to any type of training, but this is particularly true when it comes to housetraining. Because this is usually something dog owners want to get a jump on as well, it is often talked about.

Housetraining can begin when you first bring your puppy home, but don’t expect to see any results until your pet is at least a few months old. This is because it takes time for your pet to develop enough to have control over his eliminations enough to make an attempt at going in a designated area, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be unable to understand your intent. Bring him out to where you’d like him to eliminate on a regular basis, and praise him thoroughly when he follows through. This will help him understand what to do when he is capable of following your instructions. Your Montgomery County, TX vet clinic can offer additional advice. Click here for more details, http://br ... Read more »

Your dog is an important part of your family, and you realize that it is your responsibility to ensure her safety. This means not only caring for him on a daily basis, but also keeping an eye on the weather conditions in your area so you can determine the best route of care for your little fur ball.

If the weather is getting cold, consider how this will impact your dog as well as your plans with him for the day. He may need some protection when outside to keep him warm, like a dog house. He also may need to come inside more often than usual to warm up. Walks and play sessions that take place outdoors may need to be shortened or lessened in intensity. Also keep in mind his sensitive paw pads on icy sidewalks, and offer booties if needed. Your local Richardson TX vet clinic can help you care for your pet. Schedule an appointment today.

... Read more »

Your dog is an important part of your family, and you realize that it is your responsibility to ensure her safety. This means not only caring for him on a daily basis, but also keeping an eye on the weather conditions in your area so you can determine the best route of care for your little fur ball.

If the weather is getting cold, consider how this will impact your dog as well as your plans with him for the day. He may need some protection when outside to keep him warm, like a dog house. He also may need to come inside more often than usual to warm up. Walks and play sessions that take place outdoors may need to be shortened or lessened in intensity. Also keep in mind his sensitive paw pads on icy sidewalks, and offer booties if needed. Your local Richardson TX vet clinic can help you care for your pet. Schedule an appointment today.

... Read more »

In many instances, eye conditions or eye related illnesses can be a common occurrence in reptiles like turtles. If you think your Map turtle is sick or has something wrong with his eyes or other extremity, call your vet to schedule an exam. Symptoms of eye infections may include weepiness, discharge of mucous, irritation, swelling, and even completely closed eyes. It’s possible that your turtle has something in his eye and it needs to be flushed out. The eye could also have an infection. Ear infections can sometimes lead to respiratory infections which are known to cause infections elsewhere including the eyes. Most bacterial infections in the eye come from debris trapped in the eye or from an infection elsewhere. Not only can the eye infection travel to the respiratory tract, but the respiratory tract can also develop an infection and send it to the eye. Follow the treatment instructions from your vet Coronado, CA. Click here for details, ht ... Read more »

Did you know that turtles like the Map turtle can be prone to various health issues that are common in most species of turtles? Talk with your vet to learn about these common health conditions and how to spot them, treat them, and even prevent them from happening to your turtle. Turtles like the Map Turtle often develop red or irritated eyes. Sometimes they can develop infections that can lead to swelling of the eyes. If you notice any of this in your turtle, call your vet immediately. Simple irritations can lead to infections if not cared for properly. Bacterial eye infections can sometimes cause a swollen eye or eyelid. Eye infections can also be related to a respiratory tract infection. Call your veterinary clinic Bucks County, PA immediately if your turtle shows any signs of an irritated or swollen eye. Also inform your vet if your turtle’s condition continues even with regular treatment. Click here to know more details. ... Read more »

Your cat may miss using the litter box from time to time. It may take a little detective work to determine why your litter-trained cat stops using the box. It may be as simple as a dirty litter box. If the box is too dirty and stinky, your fastidious cat may choose to find a less appropriate place to go. Sometimes a stressed cat may be fearful and unwilling to make the journey to the litter box. Stress can be caused by the presence of new family members including other pets, houseguests or even construction workers inside or around your home. Even moving the furniture around can cause stress. Missing the litter box may also be a sign of illness. Observe your cat and if you can’t find an easy answer to why she is missing the litter box, make an appointment with your Mobile, AL vet for evaluation and treatment. Click here for details, http://vetmobileal.com

... Read more »

Before purchasing a Map turtle, it may be a good idea to give your vet a call and talk over basic dietary and health care needs. Understanding health conditions that may occur in this particular turtle is also important. Knowing ahead of time can help you prepare and prevent them in your own turtle. For instance, eye infections, irritations, and even swelling can be common. If you notice that your turtle’s eyes look irritated, puff, weepy, or red, call your vet right away. Bacterial infections of the eye can develop as a result of a swollen eyelid or due to some type of debris getting into the eye. Symptoms may involve the eye appearing to be puffy, swollen, watery or weepy. If the infection spreads to the respiratory tract, symptoms may also include wheezing, loss of balance, or fluids coming from the mouth or nose. If your Map turtle has any of these symptoms, call your veterinary ... Read more »

Keeping your Map turtle’s tank or outdoor pond is an important part of providing for his overall health, wellness and care. Most map turtles are content in a long 20 gallon tank given they are not overcrowded by other turtles or excessive plant life. Larger tanks are always welcome as are outdoor ponds. Since Map turtles are native to fresh, fast moving water, it’s important to keep the water clean regularly. Ensure the filtration and oxygenation systems are working correctly as well. Spot cleaning your turtle’s tank is recommended. This includes ensuring any water or food bowls are cleaned and filled appropriately. If there are dry areas of the tank or pond, make sure those are cleaned, refreshed, or stripped and replaced routinely. If you place floating drift wood or smaller pieces of floating wood or rocks, make sure those are cleaned or replaced often as well. For additional tips ... Read more »

Your cat is a wonderful part of your family, and you sincerely enjoy sharing your home with her. However, you know that there are a lot of things that humans typically have in their living space that can pose a threat to their furry friends. Take houseplants for example – which could be hazardous to your little fur ball?

Prior to bringing home any plants, make sure that your cat won’t be harmed if she gets a bit curios about the new décor. She is likely very inquisitive, so anticipate her taking a close look at any plant you bring home, even if it is just a brief encounter. You should make a point to particularly avoid common plants like tulips, lilies, azaleas, Spanish thyme, and chrysanthemums. Many plants can be toxic if ingested, so take the time to do your research prior to bringing any home. Your local Richardson TX vet clinic can offer additional advice. Learn more here.

... Read more »

Your cat has beautiful fur, but you prefer to see it attached to her body and not strewn about on your furniture. This means that you will likely need to spend some time helping your pet pick up after herself. Investing in cleaning supplies that are made to help clean up pet messes, like a vacuum designed to handle pet hair, can be very helpful. You can also help prevent messes by brushing your pet regularly. This will help her shed into a controlled area instead of onto your belongings, allowing you to simply clean out the brush afterwards instead of tidying up your entire home to rid it of pet fur. A healthy diet can also help keep shedding to a minimum, preventing these messes even further. Your local Lafayette, LA vet clinic can help you care for your pet. Click here for additional information.

... Read more »

Your family will soon be adding a puppy to the family, and you are getting ready for her arrival. This means not only puppy-proofing your home, but also taking the time to have all the necessary supplies on hand when she enters your household. This way you will be able to focus on welcoming her to the family instead of running out to the store to get item after item.

You should make sure you have an appropriate food, and a dish to put it in as well as a spot for some water. Your dog should have a collar and a leash, as well as some toys to help keep him busy. Don’t forget to give him a place to relax, like a nice comfy bed. Your local Lafayette, LA vet clinic can help you better understand what your pet needs from you.

... Read more »

Your pets are a wonderful part of your life, and you want to make sure they are always cared for. This doesn’t just mean caring for them when things are going great and life is simple, but also when things don’t go your way. If an emergency situation arises, you will need to make preparations for your furry friends as well. Circumstances such as power outages and extreme storms may make a simple trip to the store not an option. Prepare for these events ahead of time by having necessary supplies on hand to care for your pets for an extended period of time. This should include food, water, treats, and some things to keep them busy. Any medications they need should be available to you, as well as ways to keep them at a comfortable temperature. For additional information, please contact your local Lafayette, LA vet.

... Read more »