Taking care of a pet’s health is part of a pet owner’s responsibility. By taking preventative health care measures, pet owners can often avoid serious problems with their pet’s health. Routine pet checkups are important to keeping a pet healthy and happy. Here are but a few of the many benefits pet owners can gain through preventative pet health care.
Regular Monitoring of a Pet’s Health
Pet owners who take their pets for regular checkups make it easier for vets to monitor their animal’s health. Vets can provide pet owners with valuable counsel on their pet’s diet, exercise, grooming and overall care to enhance their health and well-being over the years.
Early Detection of Disease
Regular pet checkups will enable a veterinarian to detect early warning signs of any health problems with a pet such as a serious condition or disease. During routine exams, vets usually do a full physical exam and check a pet’s eyes, ears, mouth and skin which indicate the animal’s current state of health. Vets can also run routine tests on a pet to detect problems with the liver, heart, kidneys, and other vital organs. These tests can also screen for diseases such as diabetes and other abnormalities, that are not obvious from a physical exam.
Early detection of serious illnesses and diseases could save a pet’s life. By catching the disease in its early stages, a vet may be able to help a pet get better faster to prevent pain and suffering. The longer pets go without proper healthcare, the greater the risk of the disease spreading and causing serious harm. Pet owners also run the risk of having to pay for more expensive treatment for serious diseases if they wait too long.
Vaccinations
Preventative pet care includes having a pet vaccinated against rabies, distemper and other diseases when needed. Regular vaccinations will enhance an animal’s immune system to preserve its health over the long run. Vaccinations will also protect a pet from catching an infectious disease. People who travel often with their pet will want to ensure they are well protected during their travels.
Just as people need regular doctor visits to promote good health and well-being, pets also benefit from regular visits to the vet to keep them looking and feeling their best. Working with a good pet clinic in St. Clair Shores will enable pet owners to provide their pet with the quality medical care they need to stay in optimum health. A healthy pet is a happy pet that will provide pet owners with years of love and companionship.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
3 Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Pet
Pets provide companionship and love to people of all ages. At the same time, they’re a responsibility to care for. Pet owners are responsible to provide for the health and welfare of their pets. This involves dedicating time, money and effort to ensure pets have all their needs. Before deciding to get a pet, people should ask themselves the following questions.
Why Have a Pet?
People want pets for different reasons. Those who are lonely often want a pet to fill a void for friendship and companionship. Others may decide to get a pet, such as a dog, for protection and security. People who are considering getting a pet should keep in mind that animals have feelings and require commitment from their owners to meet their needs. Before becoming a pet owner, people should make sure the pet they choose can fit into their lifestyle.
Despite being lots of fun, baby animals such as kittens and puppies need extra TLC and training. Busy people may not be able to provide the attention a young pet may need. Older animals are more likely to adjust to being alone at home while pet owners work or their kids go to school. Pets should complement a person’s way of life to make it easier for both pet and owner to adjust to each other.
Who will Care for the Pet?
In a family home, pets are usually cared for by the entire family. Pet owners have a responsibility to feed, groom, exercise and play with their companion daily. By having a regular veterinarian in St. Clair Shores, pet owners can ensure their pet gets routine checkups to stay healthy and happy. In addition to routine exams, pets may require vaccinations, tests for heart, liver or blood problems, in-depth grooming or dental care. Vets encourage pet owners to take advantage of preventative health care to keep their pet in good health.
Who Will Pay for Pet Expenses?
Like children, pets cost money for their care. Consumers should factor pet needs and cost to include regular vet visits into their budget before taking on the responsibility of a companion. In addition to food and vet costs, pets may need toys, a bed to sleep in, a crate for traveling, grooming products, flea and heartworm preventatives, vaccinations, vitamins and pet medicine when they’re sick in the course of their care. The love and companionship pets provide more than counter for these costs.
Why Have a Pet?
People want pets for different reasons. Those who are lonely often want a pet to fill a void for friendship and companionship. Others may decide to get a pet, such as a dog, for protection and security. People who are considering getting a pet should keep in mind that animals have feelings and require commitment from their owners to meet their needs. Before becoming a pet owner, people should make sure the pet they choose can fit into their lifestyle.
Despite being lots of fun, baby animals such as kittens and puppies need extra TLC and training. Busy people may not be able to provide the attention a young pet may need. Older animals are more likely to adjust to being alone at home while pet owners work or their kids go to school. Pets should complement a person’s way of life to make it easier for both pet and owner to adjust to each other.
Who will Care for the Pet?
In a family home, pets are usually cared for by the entire family. Pet owners have a responsibility to feed, groom, exercise and play with their companion daily. By having a regular veterinarian in St. Clair Shores, pet owners can ensure their pet gets routine checkups to stay healthy and happy. In addition to routine exams, pets may require vaccinations, tests for heart, liver or blood problems, in-depth grooming or dental care. Vets encourage pet owners to take advantage of preventative health care to keep their pet in good health.
Who Will Pay for Pet Expenses?
Like children, pets cost money for their care. Consumers should factor pet needs and cost to include regular vet visits into their budget before taking on the responsibility of a companion. In addition to food and vet costs, pets may need toys, a bed to sleep in, a crate for traveling, grooming products, flea and heartworm preventatives, vaccinations, vitamins and pet medicine when they’re sick in the course of their care. The love and companionship pets provide more than counter for these costs.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Important Facts About Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia can be extremely destructive to a pet’s health. Understanding this disorder and the steps necessary to prevent it can save a cat’s life.
Feline Leukemia Overview
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that produces an enzyme that allows it to insert a copy of its genetic makeup into any infected cells in a cat.
FeLV infections hinder the effectiveness of a pet’s immune system and cause a number of cancers. Feline leukemia causes the majority of household cat deaths.
Among U.S. cats, between 2 and 3 percent have feline leukemia infections. With those who are very young, sick, or at risk for other medical reasons, the incidence rises to 13 percent. Kittens are the most susceptible.
Cats develop feline leukemia by catching it from another cat. Transmission occurs through grooming, biting, sharing dishes or litter boxes, or just being in close contact. When one cat in a multi-cat household tests positive for FeLV, all the others require testing.
Common symptoms include:
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Lethargic behavior
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Anemia
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Continuing weight loss
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Lingering diarrhea
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One or more abscesses
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Ear and skin infections
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Fever
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Nose, eye, and mouth inflammations
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Unsteady gait
- Presence of lymphoma or fibrosarcoma
Treatment and Prevention
FeLV cats require constant veterinary management of their symptoms. More than half of those whose blood persistently reveals the presence of leukemia pass away due to related disorders within two or three years after they become infected.
Veterinary care at an animal clinic serving St. Clair Shores pets includes periodic testing and follow-up visits for cats with feline leukemia. Veterinarians advise owners to keep any pets known to carry FeLV indoors.
A veterinarian can recommend appropriate nutrition for an FeLV cat and will be on the lookout for secondary infections linked to bacteria, parasites, or other viruses. Most FeLV cats take medication to treat their symptoms and receive annual vaccinations to protect them from intestinal and respiratory viruses. Ongoing dental care is also important to prevent infections.
When they suffer severe symptoms, some FeLV cats require hospitalization until they stabilize. Sometimes emergency blood transfusions are necessary.
Veterinarians often recommend a commercial FeLV vaccine for a new pet. Before administering it, they test to determine that the cat is not already infected. However, the only way to completely protect a cat from contracting feline leukemia is to prevent any contact with an infected animal.
Lethargic behavior
Anemia
Continuing weight loss
Lingering diarrhea
One or more abscesses
Ear and skin infections
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Nose, eye, and mouth inflammations
Unsteady gait
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Can Dogs Get Lyme Disease
Those searching for "vets near me in Grosse Pointe" may find listings of vets who provide testing if they found a tick on their pet. The owner may be frantically searching for a vet, in fear of their pet having Lyme disease. It's only a wive's tale that Lyme disease can't travel to pets, so owners need to recognize the symptoms and act quickly.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease originates from a bacterium known as a spirochete, which comes from the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It's transferred to a canine via a tick bite, usually from a deer tick. But Scientists are discovering other types of ticks transmit Lyme disease as well.
How to Detect it in Animals
Unlike humans who may develop the "bull's-eye rash," the animal won't develop any kind of skin reaction from Lyme disease. Because of this, Lyme disease tends to go undetected in pets. In many cases, the pet doesn't develop symptoms for awhile, which delays the diagnosis and treatment processes. In most cases, the doctor tests for other conditions before considering the possibility of Lyme disease. It's not uncommon for the condition to go undetected for a year or longer. By that time, several areas of the body are affected.
The first sign of Lyme disease in animals is localized pain due to the disease affecting the joints. The pet may experience difficulty walking and appear like he is "walking on eggshells." Limping is common and the pet may also stop eating and have a risen temperature. Sometimes, the symptoms will begin and stop. Without treatment, the symptoms will eventually return.
How Does the Vet Diagnose It?
It's not really possible for a vet to make the diagnosis without testing, even if the doctor suspects Lyme disease. The vet will order one of two different tests: an antibody test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. An antibody test detects the presence of antibodies from the organism, rather than the actual bacteria in the blood. The antibody test isn't always accurate since the pet will
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the other type and is more accurate. It's a DNA test that's more sensitive than an antibody test. Not every pet has the bacteria in his blood, so a false negative may occur from a blood test. Vets can also test fluid from a joint to detect Lymes Disease.
If you spot a tick on your pet or if you pet isn't acting himself, call your veterinarian right away. The sooner a disease is diagnosed the sooner treatment can begin. If you live in an area where there are many ticks or if you plan on traveling with your pet to an area with ticks ask your vet about the Lyme's Disease vaccine.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease originates from a bacterium known as a spirochete, which comes from the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It's transferred to a canine via a tick bite, usually from a deer tick. But Scientists are discovering other types of ticks transmit Lyme disease as well.
How to Detect it in Animals
Unlike humans who may develop the "bull's-eye rash," the animal won't develop any kind of skin reaction from Lyme disease. Because of this, Lyme disease tends to go undetected in pets. In many cases, the pet doesn't develop symptoms for awhile, which delays the diagnosis and treatment processes. In most cases, the doctor tests for other conditions before considering the possibility of Lyme disease. It's not uncommon for the condition to go undetected for a year or longer. By that time, several areas of the body are affected.
The first sign of Lyme disease in animals is localized pain due to the disease affecting the joints. The pet may experience difficulty walking and appear like he is "walking on eggshells." Limping is common and the pet may also stop eating and have a risen temperature. Sometimes, the symptoms will begin and stop. Without treatment, the symptoms will eventually return.
How Does the Vet Diagnose It?
It's not really possible for a vet to make the diagnosis without testing, even if the doctor suspects Lyme disease. The vet will order one of two different tests: an antibody test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. An antibody test detects the presence of antibodies from the organism, rather than the actual bacteria in the blood. The antibody test isn't always accurate since the pet will
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is the other type and is more accurate. It's a DNA test that's more sensitive than an antibody test. Not every pet has the bacteria in his blood, so a false negative may occur from a blood test. Vets can also test fluid from a joint to detect Lymes Disease.
If you spot a tick on your pet or if you pet isn't acting himself, call your veterinarian right away. The sooner a disease is diagnosed the sooner treatment can begin. If you live in an area where there are many ticks or if you plan on traveling with your pet to an area with ticks ask your vet about the Lyme's Disease vaccine.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Choosing a Vet After a Move
When a person moves, they have usually put a lot of thought and planning into the move, and have a certain understanding why the move was necessary. Still, the moving process remains stressful, even with this understanding. The pets that go along for the ride don't have that luxury. Many get upset when the owners rearrange the furniture, let alone move to a new home. Another one of the major stressors pets will ultimately need to face after a move is going to a new vet. In order to find a vet in your new community, it is likely that their owners will start by searching "vets near me Detroit," “vet near me in Grosse Pointe” or something along these lines. Moving is a busy time, and it may be tempting just to blindly pick whatever shows up at the top of the search results, however it is better for pets if their owners take the time to dig a little deeper.
Visiting Without a Pet
One of the things not every pet owner considers is making a visit to the vet just to check out the facility before bringing their pet for a check up. Pets pick up on their owner's anxiety, and just knowing things like how get to the new vet, or the layout of the hospital can make humans feel more comfortable, which translates onto the pet.
A visit without the pet also gives pet owners an opportunity to ask questions that are relative to their pet's condition without the distraction of trying to control their pet at the same time. It is a good idea to make a list of any questions about any potential health concerns, and mention them at the visit, even if they seem minor, because this can bring a better understanding of the issue.
Experience With Various Types of Pets
There are many veterinary practices that a person might find when they search "vets near me Detroit" that serve cats and dogs almost exclusively. While cats and dogs make wonderful pets, many people own "exotic" pets, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and reptiles, who also need to be properly cared for. Pet owners who have these pets, with or without a cat or dog, should inquire about a vets familiarity with these animals as well.
Easing the Stress
No matter how much a pet owner prepares, going to a new vet for the first time may still be stressful for the pet. Owners can help their pets feel more comfortable by getting comfortable themselves. Taking your pet in just to meet the Doctors and staff can really help your pet feel more comfortable too. By bringing your pet in for attention and treats and really help a pet get familiar with the people and environment and even be eager to go to the vet as its associated with positive things. That way, when they need to come in for health concerns or procedures your pet will associate the visit with the kisses and cookies it received last time and won't be so stressed. Also, choosing a vet that prides itself on it's ability to manage stress in pets can prove to be a big advantage that pets will truly appreciate.
Visiting Without a Pet
One of the things not every pet owner considers is making a visit to the vet just to check out the facility before bringing their pet for a check up. Pets pick up on their owner's anxiety, and just knowing things like how get to the new vet, or the layout of the hospital can make humans feel more comfortable, which translates onto the pet.
A visit without the pet also gives pet owners an opportunity to ask questions that are relative to their pet's condition without the distraction of trying to control their pet at the same time. It is a good idea to make a list of any questions about any potential health concerns, and mention them at the visit, even if they seem minor, because this can bring a better understanding of the issue.
Experience With Various Types of Pets
There are many veterinary practices that a person might find when they search "vets near me Detroit" that serve cats and dogs almost exclusively. While cats and dogs make wonderful pets, many people own "exotic" pets, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and reptiles, who also need to be properly cared for. Pet owners who have these pets, with or without a cat or dog, should inquire about a vets familiarity with these animals as well.
Easing the Stress
No matter how much a pet owner prepares, going to a new vet for the first time may still be stressful for the pet. Owners can help their pets feel more comfortable by getting comfortable themselves. Taking your pet in just to meet the Doctors and staff can really help your pet feel more comfortable too. By bringing your pet in for attention and treats and really help a pet get familiar with the people and environment and even be eager to go to the vet as its associated with positive things. That way, when they need to come in for health concerns or procedures your pet will associate the visit with the kisses and cookies it received last time and won't be so stressed. Also, choosing a vet that prides itself on it's ability to manage stress in pets can prove to be a big advantage that pets will truly appreciate.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Some Thoughts to Chew On -- Don't Let Your Pets Gnaw on These Items
Some dogs, especially puppies like to chew on things, such as sticks and rawhide. But pet owners should be cautious about what they allow their pets to gnaw on. Even some items marketed specifically for dogs to chew on can be dangerous to its health. That is why it's important for a pet owner to keep the following away from their furry best friends.
Rawhide
Any canine owner who has taken a stroll down the pet section of the supermarket has probably seen bags of rawhide for sale and assumed that they must be safe to give to their dogs. But most experts caution that these treats can be downright dangerous for your pet for several reasons. One, rawhide, especially imported chews, often contain harmful chemicals. Rawhide chews can also pose a choking hazard. And if a dog has a tendency to swallow large pieces of rawhide, they could end up blocking its digestive system, which could require in abdominal surgery.
Sticks
It's not uncommon for dogs to chew up sticks that they find while out and about, but splinters could, unfortunately, lodge in the canine's mouth, which could result in an infection. And if the dog gnaws and swallows a lot of wood, it could also end up causing a blockage in its intestinal tract.
Medicine Containers
Because small plastic pill containers filled with medication or asthma inhalers could be mistaken for chew toys by dogs, it is important to keep them out of a pet's reach. Asthma inhalers can be especially dangerous to a dog. If a canine should accidentally puncture the inhaler while chewing on the plastic casing, they could inhale a potentially lethal dose of the asthma medication. If so, the pet owner will need to take the pet to their veterinarian immediately for treatment. Whether your in St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe, Detroit, or the surrounding areas Harvey Animal Hospital is always there to help.
Bones
In the old days, pet owners wouldn't think twice about slipping a dog a steak bone, but these and other cooked bones can be dangerous to a dog's health. Steak and chicken bones for example can splinter and lodge in a dog's windpipe or could poke holes in your canine's stomach or intestines, which could result in peritonitis.
So what can responsible pet owners do for a pet that loves to chew? Fortunately, manufacturers have come up with a number of safe chew-able options for dogs. And if a pet owner isn't sure which treats are safe, they should consult with their veterinarian before purchasing new chew toys.
Rawhide
Any canine owner who has taken a stroll down the pet section of the supermarket has probably seen bags of rawhide for sale and assumed that they must be safe to give to their dogs. But most experts caution that these treats can be downright dangerous for your pet for several reasons. One, rawhide, especially imported chews, often contain harmful chemicals. Rawhide chews can also pose a choking hazard. And if a dog has a tendency to swallow large pieces of rawhide, they could end up blocking its digestive system, which could require in abdominal surgery.
Sticks
It's not uncommon for dogs to chew up sticks that they find while out and about, but splinters could, unfortunately, lodge in the canine's mouth, which could result in an infection. And if the dog gnaws and swallows a lot of wood, it could also end up causing a blockage in its intestinal tract.
Medicine Containers
Because small plastic pill containers filled with medication or asthma inhalers could be mistaken for chew toys by dogs, it is important to keep them out of a pet's reach. Asthma inhalers can be especially dangerous to a dog. If a canine should accidentally puncture the inhaler while chewing on the plastic casing, they could inhale a potentially lethal dose of the asthma medication. If so, the pet owner will need to take the pet to their veterinarian immediately for treatment. Whether your in St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe, Detroit, or the surrounding areas Harvey Animal Hospital is always there to help.
Bones
In the old days, pet owners wouldn't think twice about slipping a dog a steak bone, but these and other cooked bones can be dangerous to a dog's health. Steak and chicken bones for example can splinter and lodge in a dog's windpipe or could poke holes in your canine's stomach or intestines, which could result in peritonitis.
So what can responsible pet owners do for a pet that loves to chew? Fortunately, manufacturers have come up with a number of safe chew-able options for dogs. And if a pet owner isn't sure which treats are safe, they should consult with their veterinarian before purchasing new chew toys.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Types of Vaccinations to Keep Your Pet Healthy in Grosse Pointe
When a person brings a new dog or cat into the family, there is often times more worry about buying the right pet food and taking them to the groomers then taking them to the Vet. Ensuring that the pet lives a long and healthy life is a top priority for new pet owners, and vet visits are vital to their health. Vaccinations play a huge role in keeping your pet healthy and safe from disease. Whether your in Detroit, Grosse Pointe, or St Clair Shores, Harvey Animal Hospital can provide preventative care including vaccinations to your pet in all stages of life.
These pet vaccinations have several different types of advantages. In addition to helping the immune system fight against the risk of common diseases, it also helps prevent the spread of communicable illnesses that can be given to other pets and even humans.
Dogs living in the Detroit, Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores area will normally receive their first set vaccinations when they are six to eight weeks old. Puppies will need a series of shots to build their immune system until they are a certain age. Then they will typically receive boosters every year to every three years. Types of vaccinations a dog may receive:
These pet vaccinations have several different types of advantages. In addition to helping the immune system fight against the risk of common diseases, it also helps prevent the spread of communicable illnesses that can be given to other pets and even humans.
Types of Pet Vaccines
Pet vaccines are placed into two categories: core vaccinations and non-core vaccinations. Core vaccinations are vital for the pet to lessen the risk of exposure to deadly disease. These shots also can lower the severity of the illness if the pet contracts a specific sickness. Non-core vaccinations will be given based on the pet's exposure risk in contracting certain illnesses and the pet's lifestyle.Dogs living in the Detroit, Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores area will normally receive their first set vaccinations when they are six to eight weeks old. Puppies will need a series of shots to build their immune system until they are a certain age. Then they will typically receive boosters every year to every three years. Types of vaccinations a dog may receive:
- rabies
- canine parvovirus
- canine hepatitis
- distemper
- Leptospira bacteria
- Borrelia burgdorferi
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- rabies
- feline distemper
- rhinotracheitis
- feline calicivirus
- feline immunodeficiency virus
- Chlamydophila felis
- feline leukemia virus
- Bordetella
Updated Pet Vaccination Records
It is always important to keep thorough vaccine records on your pet. Vaccine records are needed in order for a pet to get groomed, go to daycare, dog parks, or even a boarding facility. You never know when an emergency will occurs and you need to board your pet while you go out of town or in the unfortunate circumstance that you need to rehome your pet. These records will allow the new pet owner to maintain the vaccination and booster schedule so their pet can remain healthy. It also prevents the pet from getting shots that they may have already received. Many pet owners are also relieved to have such detailed records when their pet becomes lost or injured. Their veterinarian will have the complete medical record they need to provide the right treatment to get the pet back onto the path to wellness.
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