Q&A for New Pet Owners: Common Pet Health Concerns

Vomiting and diarrhea can indicate various issues, from dietary indiscretion to infections. If it persists, contact your vet for guidance immediately. 

Grooming helps maintain your pet's health and appearance. Frequency varies by breed and coat type, but regular grooming can prevent matting, skin issues, and detect early signs of illness. Be sure to check their ears after a bath to ensure they are dry to help avoid an ear infection. Avoid soap near the eyes to prevent irritation that could lead to permeant damage. 

Consult your veterinarian for parasite prevention options like topical treatments, collars, and oral medications. We typically will prescribe oral first with topical and/or a flea bath if there is already an infestation. We discourage "over the counter" preventatives you can pick up at a store as they are typically weaker in prevention. Regular checks and maintaining a clean environment can also help.

Watch for signs like bad breath, difficulty eating, and tartar buildup. Just like us humans, they need brushing everyday and a dental exam and professional cleaning every six months. We understand getting your cat to sit through a good brushing is like asking a toddler to sit still for hours... not happening. This makes dental exams and regular professional cleaning absolutely necessary. Dental health is vital, so consult your vet for dental care options.

A balanced diet is crucial for your pet's health. Just like you and me, your diet is going to look completely different than someone with a heart issue, has kidney failure, or a food allergy. Consult your vet for recommendations based on your pet's species, age, and any specific health concerns.

Obesity is a common concern. Monitor your pet's weight, feed appropriate portions, and engage in regular exercise. A study has shown that an active owner will have a more active healthy pet. It's up to us to encourage a healthy lifestyle for our families. Take that walk around the block, explore that hike you've seen on your drive home, take your pet to the beach or the park. You and your pet will feel better and it gives great bonding time. Consult your vet for diet weight management advice.

Allergies can manifest as itching, skin issues, or digestive problems. Your vet can help identify triggers and suggest management strategies, including special diets or medications.

Have a pet first-aid kit on hand and know basic first-aid procedures. Take note of our location and hours for any family/friends who might be "Puppy-sitting" while you're out of town. We are here for you!

Discuss spaying/neutering with your veterinarian. We commonly look to spay before the first heat cycle and males before 5 months. This helps prevent serious deceases and common cancers that can grow in "intact" patients. It can also prevent unwanted pregnancies. We love a good kitten snuggle, but the shelters are full and there are still so many strays. Spray and Neutering helps save lives! 

Watch for signs like limping, whining, excessive licking, vomiting, dry heaving, inability to settle and lay still, or changes in behavior are all concerns. Consult your vet if you suspect your pet is in pain.

Use positive reinforcement, practice handling like rubbing their ears, paws, tail, and remember to stay calm yourself. Your pet looks to you to know how they should fell. If they pick up that you are scared for their health, or anxious in anyway, they will feel the need to Fight, Flight, or Freeze. We created a calming and welcoming environment to help encourage a deep breathe of relief for you, so your pet can benefit by staying calm and thus can receive treatment better and go home to heal faster. Discuss anxiety management options with your vet.

Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive tests like bloodwork and parasite checks are essential for your pet's health. A wellness exam is meant to be a quick check-in and to catch anything at the start to help your loved one without a voice get the professional medical attention they deserve. 

Enrichment activities, toys, and spending quality time with your pet can keep them mentally and emotionally healthy. Venture out into the world together, take them with you wherever you can, teach them "proper etiquette" when in public, teach them social skills with other pets, show them how to be in your life! You'll both be happier for it!

Pet insurance can help cover unexpected medical costs. It's worth considering, especially for potential high expenses. Just like your own health insurance, it's a month payment that you'll eventually be grateful for when the unplanned happens.

Vaccinations are crucial to prevent various diseases in pets. Consult your veterinarian if your pet needs a tailored vaccination schedule, but commonly, pets need vaccinations for diseases like rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and kennel cough. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound in cure.