AliciaTheVet

  Senior Pet Care: Supporting Healthy Aging for Cats and Dogs As pets age, they need extra care to stay healthy and comfortable. Here’s a guide on senior pet care with a focus on preventative screenings and tips to enhance their quality of life. 1. Preventative Screenings Routine check-ups are essential for senior pets. We recommend yearly blood pressure checks and x-ray screenings. Blood pressure monitoring helps detect conditions like kidney disease and hypertension early on, which can be common in older pets. X-rays provide valuable insights into bone health, arthritis, and potential heart issues, allowing for proactive care. 2. Nutrition and Weight Management Senior pets benefit from specially formulated diets that support aging joints, promote healthy weight, and reduce kidney strain. Discuss dietary changes with your vet to ensure your pet’s food meets their changing needs. 3. Comfort and Mobility Support Joint pain and arthritis often emerge as pets get older. Consider adding or

Preventing and Managing Digestive Issues in Pets: From Constipation to Diarrhea Digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea are common in pets and can arise for many reasons—ranging from diet changes to stress or underlying health conditions. As a pet owner, it’s important to recognize the signs and know when it’s time to seek veterinary care. Here, we’ll cover the common causes of these digestive issues and what you can do to help your furry companion stay healthy. Understanding Constipation in Pets Constipation occurs when your pet is unable to pass stool regularly. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including: Lack of exercise Poor diet or sudden diet changes Dehydration Blockages from eating non-food items (like garbage, bones, or plants) Too much self-grooming , leading to hair in the stool Underlying health issues , such as hypothyroidism, prostate problems, or kidney disease​​. Signs to Watch For: Your pet may exhibit discomfort while trying to defecate, pass small a

  Spooky Season: How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Halloween! Boo! 👻 Halloween is creeping up, and while it's all about spooky fun, tricks, and treats, it can be a little scarier than intended for our furry friends. With all the excitement of costumes, candy, and decorations, it's easy to forget that Halloween poses some unique risks to pets. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with tips to ensure this Halloween is a treat (and not a trick) for your pets! 1. Chocolate is a Nightmare for Pets 🍫 While we humans indulge in all sorts of Halloween candies, chocolate is one of the biggest no-nos for dogs and cats. It contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to pets. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. So, keep that candy bowl high and out of reach! 2. Watch Out for the Wrappers 🎁 Even if your pet skips the chocolate, they might still be tempted by those sh

WHY PROHEART? Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition in dogs caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. Prevention is crucial as treatment for an existing infection is risky and expensive. One effective preventative option for heartworms is the ProHeart injection, a long-lasting heartworm preventive medication that provides consistent protection. Here are some reasons why dog owners should consider ProHeart as a great option for heartworm prevention: 1. Convenience and Compliance Did you know that even missing a single week of an oral heartworm preventative can leave your dog vulnerable to heartworm infection? ProHeart is available in two forms: ProHeart 6 and ProHeart 12, which provide six months and twelve months of protection, respectively, with just a single injection. This reduces the need for monthly pills or topical treatments, making it easier for owners to keep up with their dog's heartworm prevention schedule.  2. Continuous Prot

  Understanding Arthritis in Pets: The Importance of Managing Joint Health for Dogs and Cats As pets age, arthritis is one of the most common ailments they face. This chronic condition causes inflammation and pain in the joints, significantly impacting a pet's mobility and quality of life. Arthritis isn't limited to older animals, though it is more prevalent in senior dogs and cats. Early diagnosis and proactive care can improve your pet's comfort, helping them lead a happy and active life for as long as possible.   Signs of Arthritis in Pets Both dogs and cats may show signs of arthritis, but since pets naturally hide their pain, owners need to be observant. Common signs include: Stiffness after resting Limping or favoring one leg Decreased activity or reluctance to jump or run Irritability or discomfort when touched Muscle atrophy due to disuse of affected limbs Diagnosis ·          Veterinary Examination o    The

  Cognitive Dysfunction – What Should You Know?   As our furry companions age, we cherish the moments spent with them even more. However, just like us, dogs can face cognitive challenges as they enter their senior years. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), often referred to as “doggie dementia,” is a condition that deserves attention and understanding from pet owners.   Spotting the signs: Have you noticed your once-vibrant pup showing signs of confusion or forgetfulness? Perhaps they wander aimlessly, seem disoriented in familiar surroundings, or display changes in sleep patterns? These can be early indicators of CCD. Just as we pay attention to our own cognitive health, it’s crucial to be vigilant about our canine companions’ mental well-being.   Understanding Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: CCD shares similarities with Alzheimer’s disease in humans. It involves a gradual decline in cognitive function, impacting memory, awareness, and problem-solving abilities. While th