Care For Your Pet

Emergency animal clinics can be expensive, and it’s never fun getting up at 3 in the morning to rush your dog anymore for no reason. That’s why it’s important to know whether your dog’s condition is a true emergency and really needs medical attention. To be quite honest, some conditions can wait until the next day until your dog’s normal veterinarian office opens. This includes diarrhea, itchy skin, etc. However, there are some situations where medical attention is essential, and the sooner it is, the better.

Of course, there is some peace of mind that comes with seeing a specialist in the middle of the night, even if it isn’t a true emergency. It happens too often that pet owners wait too long to bring in their dog and they don’t make it in time. This is completely avoidable if you take action as soon as you see the warning symptoms! Here are some signs that you should come to an emergency animal clinic immediately:

• Hard time breathing, as indicated with blue gums, coughing of foamy and pink liquid, constant panting, or stretching out head and neck while trying to breathe
• Coughing constantly with no rest
• Bloated and distended stomach
• Retching that does not end in vomiting (textbook sign that your dog may have gastric-dilatation volvulus or GDV)
• Anxiety or restless behavior (caused by GDV or pain)
• Pale gums, which can indicate internal bleeding or anemia
• Heart rate about 160 beats per minute while at home
• More than 60 breaths per minute at home while resting
• Crying out in pain
• Yellowed or jaundiced gums
• Extreme lethargy
• Not moving without dragging hind legs
• Trauma of any kind
• Large amounts of bleeding
• Toxin or poison ingestion
• Vomiting more than three times
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Strange odor from your dog
• Fever
• Bulging or squinting, swollen eyeballs
• Difficulty while urinating, multiple urination attempts that do not produce urine
• Collapsing
• Tremors or seizures
• Anything that worries you

This list doesn’t include everything that can go wrong, but it’s a good start. If you really are unsure of what to do, feel free to call the emergency pet clinic and see what the vet technician says you should do. However, these people will always lean towards the cautious route for the sake of saving your pet’s life. The sooner you find a problem and treat it, the cheaper it often is! If you do bring your dog into VetCare’s animal hospital, bring something to do. It will certainly take a long time.

CONTACT VETCARE

In the end, when in doubt, bring in your dog. It is always much better to lean on the safe side of things. The time and money is a small sacrifice when it comes to knowing that your pet is safe and sound and that you have answers as to why they have been in pain and distress. If you have any questions, please contact our clinic! We would be happy to help you and your dog, so reach out to us today. We happily offer daily veterinarian services as well as emergency care!

Sometimes the most difficult thing about owning a dog is knowing what food they need or want. Some dogs don’t react well to food that they aren’t used to, but knowing dogs, it usually ends up being the food they like the most. Most people tend to try several brands and once they find one that sits well with their dog’s stomach, they stick with it. Although this is more convenient for the owner, it may not be the best option for the dog or their health. If your pet is sick or tired, they may need a prescription dog food until they get back to their normal selves. Below are a couple of reasons why you may want to make a temporary switch to prescription dog food.

KIDNEY FAILURE

Dogs experiencing kidney failure need to eat higher quality food to support muscle function and reduce toxic metabolites. It’s important to reduce phosphorous and sodium levels, and a veterinarian will be able to recommend the best brand to you.

ALLERGIES

Allergies aren’t just for humans, your pet can also have food allergies. If your dog has an intolerance to certain ingredients in an over the counter dog food, you may need to make the switch to a prescription dog food.

GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS

Sometimes, a more digestible diet is better managed by a dog with gastrointestinal disorders. These foods are usually low in fat and fiber so their bodies don’t have to work so hard to digest their food.

WEIGHT LOSS

Most dogs get to that point in their life where they start gaining weight. This could be because they are overeating or not getting enough exercise. However, if you feed your dog the same amount as you used to and take them on regular walks but they don’t seem to be losing weight, you may need to switch to a prescription dog food. There are a lot of options out there, so talk to a vet about what’s right for your dog.

AGING

When your dog starts to get old, their bodies just don’t work as well as they used to, and that goes for digestion too. If your dog throws up his/her food often, you may need to consider switching to another over the counter food or a prescription food.

URINARY TRACT DISEASE

Dogs who have experienced urinary tract stones before are at a higher risk of recurrence if they continue the same habits. Typically canned dog food has less of the substance that causes crystals and stones and will get your dog feeling happy and healthy again.

If your dog is experiencing any type of sickness or disease it may be best for you to get prescription dog food. It will be a bit more pricey than your standard over the counter dog food, but your dog will thank you later! If you are looking for a pet clinic in Garden Grove, look no further than VetCare Pet Clinic. We would be happy to help you and your dog, so reach out to us today. We happily offer daily veterinarian services as well as emergency care!

It’s easy to tell if a human is sick: we cough, we wheeze, are constantly sniffing and we’re likely very vocal about “catching a cold” or about “the sickness that’s going around”. However, dogs aren’t able to talk about their condition, so how can we tell if they’re sick? In this blog, we’re going to talk about several ways you’ll be able to tell if your dog is sick or getting to the point of being sick.

 

DROOLING/BAD BREATH

Believe it or not, not all dogs drool so if you spot an unusual amount of saliva on the floor or in your dog’s food bowl, you may be dealing with a sick dog. Bad breath is enough of a problem as it is, but it could be a sign that they aren’t getting the proper nutrients they need to stay healthy. You should see a vet about this.

 

LOSS OF APPETITE

Like humans, dogs don’t always enjoy eating when they’re sick. Dog food is dry, and when a dog is sick, their body will be craving a lot more water and a lot less food. Keep an eye on your dog’s food bowl to see if they’re eating the way they normally do.

 

LACK OF ENERGY

Even the most energetic dogs will act tired when they’re sick. Most dogs will spend a lot more time in bed when they’re sick and a lot less time interacting with people or outside in the yard. If it gets too bad, you may want to bring food and water to your dog so he/she will stay nourished and hydrated.

 

EXCESSIVE PANTING

Dogs with high anxiety will often pant or pace around a lot when they get sick because they feel off and aren’t really sure what’s causing it. If your dog is acting this way, sit with them and try to comfort them and see a vet as soon as possible.

 

UPSET STOMACH

Although it’s not easy to tell what your dog is thinking, if your dog is throwing up or not eating like usual, it’s a pretty good sign he/she has an upset stomach. This can be a sign that your dog is sick or just needs a change of diet. For more information about your dog’s food and when it’s a good or bad idea to get prescription dog food, read our blog.

 

THEY’RE NOT ACTING THEMSELVES

As dog owners, we know our pet’s personality and we notice something that’s off about them, we have good reason to assume they’re sick. If you think your dog is sick, take them to see our veterinary experts at VetCare Pet Clinic. We offer complete care for your dog or cat and feature onsite emergency, surgical, laboratory and pharmacy services.

 

We also provide very affordable spay and neuter services for your cats and dogs. These services not only prevent reproduction, but they also protect your furry little friend from several forms of cancer and multiple infections. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have any questions or concerns!

Taking care of your dog’s dental health is just as important as regular exercise, having a good healthy diet, and making sure your dog has a regular check-up at the vets. In fact, caring for your dog’s oral health is just as important as caring for your own teeth and gums.

Many dog owners ask if flossing their dog’s teeth is really necessary to care for their dental health. In this post, we will look at ways to keep your dog’s teeth clean and what are easy flossing options for your pet dog’s teeth.

How to Care for Dog’s Dental Health

The point of cleaning your dog’s teeth is exactly the same as it is for us humans – to get rid of plaque-causing bacteria and prevent tooth decay.

There are many types of great doggy toothpaste that comes in meaty flavors instead of minty flavors. Toothpaste for dogs can be applied with a specially designed doggy toothbrush or with your finger. This may take some time for your dog to get used to poking around in his mouth, but in time he should get used to it. Especially if you can find a toothpaste that your pet loves the taste of.

How to Floss your Pet Dog’s Teeth

When it comes to flossing your dog’s teeth, think in terms of giving your dog something to chew on. There are some excellent chew toys that you can buy that clean in between your pet’s teeth as he chews.

There also other treats for your pet dog to chew on that help to remove plaque and rid the mouth of bacteria. For example, kibbles help to remove tartar and prevent gum disease. Just remember, to watch the calories when giving your dog treats.

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry reported that a daily dental chew can help to significantly reduce the number of bacteria in dogs’ mouth and also improve breath odor.

Of course, a yearly checkup at your local vet’s clinic should include a dental exam.

Unfortunately, diabetes in cats and dogs is on the rise. In fact, according to one report, the cases of diabetes in dogs have jumped by nearly 80% from 2006 until 2011.^[1] Cats can also suffer from cases of diabetes.

What can you do to prevent diabetes in cats and dogs? In this article, we will look at some preventable steps all pet owners can take to reduce the risk of their pets developing diabetes.

How to Prevent Diabetes in Dogs

Some dogs are more prone to developing diabetes than others. However, as with humans, lifestyle factors can greatly influence the prevalence of diabetes in dogs. Here are 3 ways you can help prevent canine diabetes:

1. Always take your dog for regular checkups to your local vet clinic. Be ready during the checkup to mention if you have noticed if your pet dog has become more thirsty or you have noticed other changes in appetite or urination.
2. Keep active with your dog. Being active with your dog will also improve your health. Even if you can’t take your dog for long daily walks, exercise your dog every day.
3. Keep a check on weight. Don’t overfeed your dog as canine obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes. Also, only buy good quality dog food and try to introduce fruit and veg to their diet.

How to Prevent Feline Diabetes

There is also much you can do to prevent diabetes in cats. Two of the most important factors in preventing cat diabetes is the type of diet they have and the amount they eat.

One of the best ways to help reduce the risk of your pet getting diabetes is to keep them on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Cats need lots of protein and too many carbs can spike their sugar levels. If you buy kibble or cat food, always check the carbohydrate content as cheaper brands may have a higher carbohydrate content.

As with dogs, you should be careful with the amount you feed your cat. Obesity in cats is one of the greatest diabetes risks to cats, dogs, and humans.

Of course, it may not be possible to prevent diabetes in all cats and dogs. But following the advice in this article will greatly reduce the risk of your pet cat or dog developing diabetes.

Article source: 1. Banfield.com. State of Pet Health 2016 Report.