Your dog is a big part of your life, and you spend a lot of time with your little fur ball. Because of this, you’ve noticed that he hasn’t been looking his best lately. Is it time to see a groomer?

Many dogs see a professional groomer to help them stay comfortable and looking their best. If your pet’s coat has seen better days, consider what it needs to get back to its ideal look. Maybe a bath and more frequent brushing is in order, or maybe your pet is simply in need of a trim at the groomers. If you are doing all you can at home for him and he still needs some additional attention, it is likely time to bring him to see someone who has training with this sort of care. For more information, please contact your local Portland, OR vet clinic.

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Your cat may be an independent creature, but there are a lot of situations when she relies on you to care for her and keep her safe. Heading out and about is one of these situations, and your pet will need you to keep her safely contained within a cat carrier.

There are a lot of different options when you are looking into carriers, so you will want to know what you are looking for before heading to the store. Make sure you know what your pet will fit into, what you can comfortably carry, and how you plan on keeping the carrier clean. Consider different entry and exit options for your pet and how she will handle each, in addition to looking into different material preferences, like soft cloth or hard plastic. For more information, please contact your local Lansing, MI veterinarian.

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If you’re worried about your White Crested guinea pig’s health, contact your vet to schedule a routine checkup. If you concerned about your cavy’s weight, talk with your vet about an appropriate diet and be sure to tell him what you’ve been feeding your guinea pig for food and snacks. For instance, did you know that some treats are high in calories and should be fed on a limited basis? The same is true for some regular guinea pig pellets. That’s why it’s important to talk with your vet as well as do your own research and read food box labels. Your vet can also give you tips for maintaining your cavy’s weight including feeding him the right kinds and amounts of food. Don’t forget the importance of exercising your cavy and playing with him outside of his cage too. Your veterinarian ... Read more »

Canine diabetes can affect dogs of any breed, age, and sex. If you believe your Papillon may have diabetes, call and set up an appointment with your vet. In general, canine diabetes occurs when there isn’t enough insulin in a dog’s body causing the body to break down fat and protein reserves as energy alternatives. As a result the dog may start to lose weight and develop high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Like humans, dogs produce insulin in the pancreas and release it into the cells in response to digested proteins turning it into glucose in the bloodstream. When there is a lack of insulin or the body doesn’t know what to do with the insulin then the glucose remains in the bloodstream. Dogs that have diabetes will most likely be extrem ... Read more »

Inflammatory conditions of the ears are generally referred to as otitis.  The problem may be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (ongoing for a considerable length of time).

Puppies with floppy ears are more predisposed to developing otitis than dog breeds with erect ears or those that have their ears cropped. About 80% of ear problems in dogs that are brought to the attention of veterinarians are those with floppy ears.

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Skin problems are common among cats and dogs. While most are not serious, some can become infected or cause hair loss. One way to keep skin problems at bay is to place your pet on a premium diet. Premium quality diets are formulated with strict standards to meet the specific needs of cats and dogs. These diets contain essential vitamins and nutrients that support skin health and keep the immune system working. A lifestage-appropriate diet will help ensure that your pet’s daily requirements for specific nutrients are adequately met for optimum health and function.

Fatty acid supplements like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are just 2 of the important ingredients of premium quality diets. These fatty acids are known for their beneficial effects on the animal’s skin and immune system.

Make sure to talk to your Naperville, IL vet before starting y ... Read more »

Halitosis simply refers to foul-smelling breath, a condition that cats are easily prone to. There are several factors that can increase a cat’s risk to having foul-smelling breath. But make sure it’s not the high-meat or fish-diet that your pet is on.

Poor dental hygiene

This is one of the most common causes of bad breath in cats. Like dogs, cats need regular tooth brushing and dental visits. During these visits, your veterinarian will examine your pet’s mouth, teeth, and gums, and remove plaque and tartar that has accumulated between visits.

But’s it’s a fact that only a fraction of cat parents are aware of the importance of a dental care regimen for their pets. Take note that the health of the teeth and gums can have an important impact on the overall health and wellbeing of the animal. Simple dental proble ... Read more »

In cats, presenting their butts is actually a friendly gesture. When cats meet each other for the first time, they familiarize themselves with the scent of the other cat by sniffing each other’s body. The sniffing usually starts from the head, heading down to the flanks, and finally ending at the area around the butt. Since there are glands in the anal region that emit the cat’s signature scent, more time may be devoted to sniffing the other cat’s butt. Most cats raise their tail so the other can freely sniff their butt; but some cats tend to be shy and keep their tail down. In cat language, raising of the tail and presenting their butt are sociable gestures, which can equate to a hug or kiss on the cheek in people.

Bring your pet to your Naperville, IL veterinarian if you notice changes in their health and behavior so potential health issues can be ruled out. More details by visiting this website ... Read more »