Wednesday 29 June 2016

Signs Your Pet Has Heat Exhaustion



Heat exhaustion is not only for humans. When the weather grows warm this summer, keep an eye on your pets. If you see any of these four signs, your pet may be suffering from heat exhaustion.

1. Sunken Eyes

Sunken eyes may indicate dehydration or heat exhaustion. If your pet’s eyes begin to look sunken, provide water and shade. Then keep an eye on your pet for any further signs of trouble.

2. Hot, Dry Nose

If your pet’s nose feels overly warm and dry, it could be a sign of overheating. Provide fresh water immediately. If your pet is acting lethargic or uncomfortable, consider taking it to the vet as soon as possible.

3. Excessive Panting

Some panting may be normal during hot weather, especially for dogs. If your pet seems to be panting excessively or breathing very rapidly, however, it could be a sign of serious heat exhaustion.

4. Vomiting and Diarrhea

When heat exhaustion becomes severe, your pet may begin to shake, vomit and experience diarrhea. If this happens, you need to get help as soon as possible. Move your pet to a cool location and wet its fur with lukewarm water, then get to an emergency veterinarian as quickly as you can.

Summer can be a fun time for humans and pets alike, but hot weather also carries some risks. Are you concerned about your pet’s health? Visit this website to find a veterinarian in San Jose.

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Dental Exam




Are you wondering what you should do to prepare your pet for a dental exam? Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to get ready for your appointment so you can both feel comfortable on the day of the exam.

First, most vets will ask you not to put food down the night before the exam. This is especially common for pets who need to go under anesthesia for cleaning or surgery. By following these instructions, you help to secure the safety of your pet during the procedure.

Water and medication, on the other hand, is typically administered freely before a dental exam. If you there is any concern regarding a negative reaction, you will be advised not to give your pet medication until after the appointment.

Finally, give your pet a chance to get some exercise before entering the office. Squeeze in a bathroom break, play fetch and enjoy the fresh air. Sometimes a little bit of activity can expel negative energy and reduce the overall anxiety of your pet.

If you are not fond of your own dentist, you probably understand how your dog feels when it's time to make an appointment too. For more information about pet dental service in San Jose, visit this website today.

Dogs and Senior Adults

Dog lovers well know the importance of the human canine bond, but continued studies in this area are important for providing data that supports pet friendly privileges.......read more

3 Things to Lengthen the Longevity of Your Pet



There are a lot of credible resources pertaining to pet care, but making the right lifestyle choices for your pet can still be difficult. Here are three ways to extend the lifespan of your pet so you can spend more time together.

Give Them the Good Stuff

For most animals, diet has a direct link to general health and wellness. Whether you use supplements or prefer a raw diet, giving your pet the appropriate amount of nutrients is crucial to a long and healthy life.

Don't Overdo It

Another aspect of effective care that affects the overall longevity of your pet is exercise. For example, a senior dog does not need as much exercise as a puppy. Schedule routine outings that won't overwhelm your pet and be sure to consider breed size as well.

Get to Know Your Vet

Finally, you can develop a strong line of communication with your vet for extra guidance and support. While vaccinations and annual checkups are important, you can ask your vet about any care related topic, from dental hygiene to dietary changes. It is similar to the rapport you have with your own general practitioner. For more details on pet senior wellness in San Jose, visit this website today.

3 Signs Your Dog Might Be Expecting



Whether your dog recently escaped for a neighborhood romp or you are an expectant breeder awaiting the next litter, identifying the early signs of canine pregnancy can be tricky. If you think a wriggling pile of puppies is in your future, look for these three symptoms and schedule a checkup with your vet.

Dietary Fluctuations

Although the gestational period for dogs is much shorter, they do experience morning sickness at times, which could lead to a general decrease in appetite. This is only temporary, however, and you will soon notice your pet begging for more food.

Nipple Development

Since the gestational period for canines is much shorter than humans, their nipples tend to grow faster in preparation for nursing. A slightly flushed color is also normal as blood circulates increasingly throughout the body.

Unusual Mood Swings

If you notice any odd behavior from your pet in combination with the previous symptoms, it could just be a mood swing. Like human mothers, dogs can become cranky or cuddly during pregnancy, so don't be surprised if your pet's personality seems slightly unusual.

To confirm whether your dog is truly pregnant, it is best to schedule an appointment with your vet. Visit this website to locate a dog veterinarian in San Jose.

Increase Your Dog’s Lifespan With Exercise


Many factors such as genetics and nutrition can impact the lifespan of your dog, but exercise can potentially help lengthen it significantly. Ask your veterinarian about the best exercises for your dog.

What to Do If Your Dog Swallowed the Wrong Thing



Your dog is your best friend, but sometimes dogs eat the wrong things. You might know your dog ate the wrong thing because she begins to choke or you notice diarrhea or vomiting. In this situation, it is important to remain calm and react quickly.

1.       Your Dog Is Having Trouble Breathing

If your dog cannot breathe then you must act fast. If you can remove the obstruction safely without harming yourself, then do so. If you cannot, then you will need to perform the Heimlich maneuver on your dog.

2.       What Not to Do

If your dog is choking, do not attempt to induce vomiting as you may end up doing more damage to your pup. Additionally, if there is a string or cord visible do not attempt to pull out an object using it. Doing so can damage the esophagus.

3.       Always Consult with a Veterinarian

 Whether you are able to remove the obstruction or not, you should always bring your dog to the vet. A vet will be able to determine if there has been any internal damage or if your friend needs hospitalization.

Since dogs will eat almost anything, it’s important to know how to act when they eat the wrong thing. To learn more about an emergency veterinarian in San Jose, visit this website.

5 Things to Watch for This Summer in Your Pet

As a pet owner, you try hard to keep your furry friends healthy all year long. Each season may bring unique challenges to your pet’s wellbeing. Here are five things you should watch for this summer.

1. Dehydration

When the weather grows warm, there is a chance your pets could become dehydrated. Always keep fresh water accessible to pets, and watch for signs of dehydration such as excessive panting or sunken eyes.

2. Exhaustion

Do you have a dog that loves to join you for summertime adventures? Be careful that your pet does not push beyond the point of exhaustion. On hot days, keep an eye out for things such rapid breathing, lethargy or reluctance to move.

3. Overheating

When summer comes, your pets may become overheated. Heat stroke is very dangerous for animals. If your pet is overheated, you may notice that its tongue is very red and its nose feels dry and hot.

4. Fleas and Ticks

Pests like fleas and ticks tend to multiply during the summer months. See a vet for preventative treatments, and watch your pet for signs of itching.

5. Intestinal Parasites

You will also want to keep an eye out for intestinal parasites this summer. Watch for scooting or for signs of worms in your pet’s stool.

If you provide ample water and restin addition to keeping up with vet visits, your pets have an excellent chance of staying safe and healthy all summer long. Visit this website if you need to set up an appointment with a vet clinic in San Jose.

Friday 24 June 2016

Service Dogs Help Invictus Games Athletes

Earlier this month, the second Invictus Games began in Orlando, Florida, an international event where wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans compete in various sports. The Games were created two years ago by Britain's Prince Harry and was named after the.....read more

Thursday 23 June 2016

Ways to Help Keep Your Pet’s Mouth Clean



Stinky breath can easily be disregarded as being normal with dogs and cats. However, that bad breath might be indicative that your pet is suffering from oral health problems. There are things you should do in order to ensure your pet has healthy teeth and gums.

Brush Their Teeth

Your cat or dog might be unable to brush their own teeth, but you can certainly do it. Special toothbrushes and toothpastes are available to brush pets’ teeth. Make sure you get supplies specifically designed for pets. Using toothpaste for people can make animals sick if it is consumed.

Special Treats

Certain treats are available for dogs and cats to chew on that can help knock off plaque. Make sure you use these treats in tandem with a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Routine Trips to the Vet

Similarly to how you need to see a dentist every so often, your pets should be getting dental check-ups often as well. The next time you take your pet to the vet, make sure its teeth and gums are checked. If you have any concerns or have noticed anything unusual, bring those up.

With proper preventative measures, you can be reasonably confident that your puppy or kitty will enjoy good dental health. Visit this website to learn more about getting good pet dental care in Soquel

Dog About to Bite



Every dog deserves good veterinary care. From dental care to neutering, make sure your pooch is seen by a veterinarian every so often.

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant

If your cat is not spayed or neutered, then there is the possibility she can become pregnant. You certainly do not want to find yourself with a new litter of kittens unexpectedly, so pay attention to the signs of a pregnant cat.

Weight Gain

After about four weeks being pregnant, your cat will start to show it in her stomach. The weight gain will be centralized around the tummy, so you should be able to tell if your cat is pregnant or if it is simply putting on weight.

Pinking

Pinking refers to the nipples on your cat becoming pinker in color. They will also grow in size. The pinking process is generally the first visibly noticeable sign that your feline is pregnant.

Other Signs

Some other signs to look out for include:
  • Increase in appetite
  • Exhibiting nesting behavior such as tucking herself away in secluded places
  • Becoming more affectionate

In order to be 100 percent certain if your cat is pregnant or not, you should take her into a vet to get an ultrasound. A cat pregnancy generally lasts for nine weeks, so there is plenty of time for you to take your feline in. Visit this website to find one vet that is proficient with providing a pet ultrasound in Soquel.