Local Value Veterinary

Category: Cats

  • Avoid Pet Emergencies

    Avoid Pet Emergencies

    Five guidelines to help you avoid Pet Emergency this summer

    While we do attempt to keep fresh during the summer holidays, we should not forget about our pets also. Often they are overlooked even though pets need special precautions, especially during such holidays. Here are a couple of guidelines to help you ensure that your pet is safe and you avoid the vet’s pet emergency room.

    Food scraps

    Most people regard their pets as garbage disposals for practically any holiday leftover. However, as pet owners, there is need to become aware that there is a complete list of foods that could potentially cause severe health conditions for your dog. Therefore it is advisable to be mindful of such foods, and at best keep the dog away from the food or leftovers.

    Staying hydrated

    There is also the need to consider that our pets are sensitive to heat and as responsible pet owners, eliminating any heat stress could potentially help avoid any fatal situations. There is the option of always providing your dog with plenty of fresh water for cooling them off. Additionally, giving shade is still a good option to make your dog comfortable while outdoors.

    Fireworks and Thunder

    Most pets are also afraid of the loud noises, especially from fireworks and thunder. These situations can become quite stressful for the animal, and they create plenty of anxiety for the pet. So it’s wise to always keep a distance between the pets and fireworks. In extreme storm cases, prescribed sedatives for the pet are could help get the edge off.

    Outdoor activity

    A good pet fence is the first consideration to help keep your pet in control while outdoors. Potentially overlooking this could mean possible hit-and-run incidents, or dogfights while roaming. On the other hand, outdoor adventures should at least feature a collar tag with a possible microchip for additional tracking.

    Being prepared

    An excellent way to help improve the care of your dog while away is to always ensure adequate communication with accessible contact with the sitter, kennel or vet in case of an emergency. The pet sitter should also be made aware of any possible health conditions, and dangerous foods.

    In conclusion

    Utilizing these tips could go a long way in helping protect your pet and potentially prevent an unfortunate accident from occurring. Remember, your pet is a part of the family and any planned holiday should consider the possible threats to them. 

  • Avoid Pet Emergencies

    Avoid Pet Emergencies

    Five guidelines to help you avoid Pet Emergency this summer

    While we do attempt to keep fresh during the summer holidays, we should not forget about our pets also. Often they are overlooked even though pets need special precautions, especially during such holidays. Here are a couple of guidelines to help you ensure that your pet is safe and you avoid the vet’s pet emergency room.

    Food scraps

    Most people regard their pets as garbage disposals for practically any holiday leftover. However, as pet owners, there is need to become aware that there is a complete list of foods that could potentially cause severe health conditions for your dog. Therefore it is advisable to be mindful of such foods, and at best keep the dog away from the food or leftovers.

    Staying hydrated

    There is also the need to consider that our pets are sensitive to heat and as responsible pet owners, eliminating any heat stress could potentially help avoid any fatal situations. There is the option of always providing your dog with plenty of fresh water for cooling them off. Additionally, giving shade is still a good option to make your dog comfortable while outdoors.

    Fireworks and Thunder

    Most pets are also afraid of the loud noises, especially from fireworks and thunder. These situations can become quite stressful for the animal, and they create plenty of anxiety for the pet. So it’s wise to always keep a distance between the pets and fireworks. In extreme storm cases, prescribed sedatives for the pet are could help get the edge off.

    Outdoor activity

    A good pet fence is the first consideration to help keep your pet in control while outdoors. Potentially overlooking this could mean possible hit-and-run incidents, or dogfights while roaming. On the other hand, outdoor adventures should at least feature a collar tag with a possible microchip for additional tracking.

    Being prepared

    An excellent way to help improve the care of your dog while away is to always ensure adequate communication with accessible contact with the sitter, kennel or vet in case of an emergency. The pet sitter should also be made aware of any possible health conditions, and dangerous foods.

    In conclusion

    Utilizing these tips could go a long way in helping protect your pet and potentially prevent an unfortunate accident from occurring. Remember, your pet is a part of the family and any planned holiday should consider the possible threats to them. 

  • Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Five tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Unless you follow the necessary precautions and pet-friendly tips, there are plenty of unfortunate situations that could happen to your dog during a holiday such as 4th of July. Fortunately, we focus on some of the possible threats to your dog and what necessary actions you can take before heading out for the holiday festivities.

    Fireworks

    There is no July 4th without fireworks. But to your dog fireworks are the most significant threat since their hearing is acuter than a human’s. That means the animal can become nervous and distressed by the loud noises. Instead, you should keep them in a safe, quiet and escape-proof area at home.

    Water Safety

    We are aware that dogs are not excellent swimmers, and the festivities always come with pool parties or lakeside events. Whatever, type of water the event is, it is imperative to keep supervising the dog’s activity and ensure it does not drink or swim in any chlorinated pool since the harmful chemicals could cause health and skin problems

    Dog Movement

    Never leave your dog unattended outside, even if it’s on a leash in a fenced yard or kennel. Often dogs become frightened and may run off and become lost or also injured along the way. There is also the risk of the leash or chain getting entangled and potential injury or death.

    Picnics and Barbecues

    Some foods are safe for most of us but not necessarily to the dogs. Some of the dangerous foods could include raisins, grapes, chocolate, and onions. Overall, the best option would be to prepare something in advance for your dog, let’s say a special treat or dog food that they like.

    Outdoors Protection

    Remember dogs do not tolerate the sun as well as we do, therefore a sun umbrella, pop-up tent or some other type of shade for the dog could help it cool off. Also, ensure the dog always has plenty of fresh water during the day to stay hydrated.
    For many, the 4th of July is an excellent time to lounge outdoors with family and friends (inclusive of the four-legged companion. While it seems a like an excellent idea to bring your dog along, it may not turn to become a not so enjoyable holiday. However, the intent is not to encourage you to exclude your dog in fun but to ensure a joyful and safe Independence Day.
     
  • Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Five tips to keep your dog safe this 4th of July

    Unless you follow the necessary precautions and pet-friendly tips, there are plenty of unfortunate situations that could happen to your dog during a holiday such as 4th of July. Fortunately, we focus on some of the possible threats to your dog and what necessary actions you can take before heading out for the holiday festivities.

    Fireworks

    There is no July 4th without fireworks. But to your dog fireworks are the most significant threat since their hearing is acuter than a human’s. That means the animal can become nervous and distressed by the loud noises. Instead, you should keep them in a safe, quiet and escape-proof area at home.

    Water Safety

    We are aware that dogs are not excellent swimmers, and the festivities always come with pool parties or lakeside events. Whatever, type of water the event is, it is imperative to keep supervising the dog’s activity and ensure it does not drink or swim in any chlorinated pool since the harmful chemicals could cause health and skin problems

    Dog Movement

    Never leave your dog unattended outside, even if it’s on a leash in a fenced yard or kennel. Often dogs become frightened and may run off and become lost or also injured along the way. There is also the risk of the leash or chain getting entangled and potential injury or death.

    Picnics and Barbecues

    Some foods are safe for most of us but not necessarily to the dogs. Some of the dangerous foods could include raisins, grapes, chocolate, and onions. Overall, the best option would be to prepare something in advance for your dog, let’s say a special treat or dog food that they like.

    Outdoors Protection

    Remember dogs do not tolerate the sun as well as we do, therefore a sun umbrella, pop-up tent or some other type of shade for the dog could help it cool off. Also, ensure the dog always has plenty of fresh water during the day to stay hydrated.
    For many, the 4th of July is an excellent time to lounge outdoors with family and friends (inclusive of the four-legged companion. While it seems a like an excellent idea to bring your dog along, it may not turn to become a not so enjoyable holiday. However, the intent is not to encourage you to exclude your dog in fun but to ensure a joyful and safe Independence Day.
     
  • Puppy and Kitten Care

    Puppy and Kitten Care

    5 Interesting Feeding Tips for Puppy and Kitten Care

    Most pet owners are unfamiliar with the fact that puppies and kittens are not fed similarly to their adult companions. Here are some interesting points to inform and enlighten on the options regarding puppy and kitten nutrition.

    Feeding Styles

    A sign of good appetite in young pets is that they will tend to eat more frequently, with even higher appetite than their adult counterparts. The case is especially for kittens below six months requiring at least four meals a day or at times opting for free feeding (they eat at their disposal). Similarly, puppies do need at least three meals in a day, with the one under two weeks requiring food at least every two hours.

    Balanced Diet

    A puppy or kitten is at most risk of nutritional imbalances and allergies based on the food they eat, and this makes it essential that the pet gets a balanced diet for proper development. During the early weeks, the mother’s milk (dam and queen) are the ideal options for growth. If it cannot sustain, then a kitten or puppy milk replacer is another option.

    What about Meat?

    Raw meat does not contain a proper balance of the nutrients if fed alone to growing puppies. It lacks the required calcium levels that are essential for adequate tooth and bone development in dogs. Weaned kittens, which have successfully transitioned to adult food, can handle meat comfortably although this depends on the individual pet’s digestive system.

    Is Canned Food Safe?

    Unless the puppy or kitten has an underlying condition, feeding canned food or dry commercial pet food saturated with milk replacer is still recommendable for unweaned pets. The best option, therefore, is to avoid exposing the kittens to different varieties of diets by picking a product that is closer to the pet’s natural diet and meets AAFCO standards.

    Body Condition

    While there is plenty of attention on the feeding of kittens and puppies, monitoring their weight, health and appearance also play a significant role in identifying the ideal nutrition for them. Identifying the perfect body condition would need body composition charts, or visit the vet and identify the health metrics.

    There are plenty of chances than not everyone would know what to do with a new puppy or kitten at home. However with the right knowledge, and nutrition the first few months of the young pet could become less exhaustive.

    SOURCES: WSAVA, AAFCO, MDPI, The Optimal Dog
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Pet Food

    Pet Food

    Pet Food: Future Trends, and Potential Outlook

    Pets may not seem like a new phenomenon, but the evolution of pet food is undoubtedly a force to reckon with in the market. Here is the potential shift we expect to influence the pet food industry this year and beyond.

    Search for New Protein Sources

    With the growing demand for protein in pets, the traditional supplements of fish, and meat are facing replacements as nutrition options. The animal by-products are facing rejection with pet owners looking for healthier supplements. Consequently, pet food manufacturers are working on plant-based sources such as kales, greens, chard, and duckweed.

    Strict Labeling and Oversight

    With reports of Salmonella fears leading to the recall of pet food brands, there is every need pet parent to seek healthy and safer alternatives. Ultimately this has grown the demand for better product labeling on pet food. Usually, the dog food customers are only trying to know the nutrients their pets are receiving and with the growth of the dog food market.

    Targeted Foods

    Pets just like humans do also face food-related health problems such as illnesses, allergies and other specialized care circumstances. The situation has put plenty of pet owners on a proactive approach to countering the health problems through functional health foods. Soundproof of the trend is the rise in dog food formulas which support a variety of body functions in pets such as bone growth, digestion, hypoallergenic functions and joint health.

    Emphasis on Pet Food Ingredient Sources

    Another popular pet food trend comes with the rise of environmentally conscious models that consumers seek. As a potential driver in the dog food market, the need for sustainable sources of ingredients has led manufacturers to find alternative methods for their products. Such a factor has led pet food customers to seek for healthier, naturally-based and environmentally-friendly foods that meet their demands.

    Home Delivery Options

    With the Millennial generation possibly every item is available for purchase and delivery through e-commerce sites. Recent endeavors have gone beyond the human factor to include delivery of pet food to the respective owner’s front door.

    A New Direction

    Recent years have shown the growth of understanding the pet food industry and it is evident from the elimination of using raw food for pets. Still, it remains prudent that each trend brings a positive outlook not just for the pet food brands and demand but also healthier living for the pets.

    SOURCES: Food Check Systems, NIH, PetCo, Pet Food Industry
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Keep Your Cat Healthy

    Keep Your Cat Healthy

    For the lovers of pets, your cat is part of your family. And for that reason, they deserve the best care in the world.
    Therefore, your cat’s health should matter to you as much as that of your other family members. In fact, pet owners should pay more attention to preventive health care information as it proves to be more important than that of cat illness. Through information gathering, you take up to your responsibility to ensure your kitty remains healthy all year long. After all, preventing is way better than cure. Ready for some helpful tips? Here we go;

    Grooming

    Some of you would pass this, thinking the cat can take care of themselves, right? But that isn’t the case. As much as your kitty takes time for some cleaning sessions courtesy of their tongues, they definitely require a little boost from you. Let them enjoy a nice bath, nail trim, and tooth brushing frequently.

    Provide a Scratching Surfacing

    We all know cats like scratching. Hence if you have an indoor kitty, then you could consider getting some rough surfaces solely for this purpose. How about getting a cat tree house or even posts. The idea is to keep your fur friend content while saving your household furniture from early wear out.

    Preventive Healthcare is Key

    Due to various environmental exposures, your cat’s immunity is likely to lower with time. Ensure to schedule them for regular vaccines and immediate medical attention whenever you spot signs of illness. We advise you to get a Cat Health Insurance for your pet.

    Upgrade their Diets

    One of the cat care areas that’s on constant change is nutrition. There are so many pet food brands these days, and you must be well-informed on what to feed your kitty. Apart from making decisions on whether to feed them dry, canned or raw food, depends on what they like plus the information you get from your vet. Remember they also got some allergies!

    Use a Clamping cat Litter

    We find this tip helpful as it will assist you to monitor your cat’s urine throughout the day closely. That way, you get to detect the changes in color, amount and even smell that would help prevent and manage diabetes, hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.
    There you have it, but remember the list is endless, so while at it, be sure always to keep yourself informed!
     
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value
  • How to Prepare Your Home for Guests with Pets

    How to Prepare Your Home for Guests with Pets

    Having guests over is a great feeling, but you would have a lot of considerations to make if they intend to tag along with their fur friends. Hence, you should always prepare to receive guests with pets in an exclusive manner.
    The idea here is to make everyone at your home comfortable around the new-comers, and that would include your pet. But what if your pet isn’t guest friendly? How do you go about it?

    Learn about the Visiting Pet

    We advise that you take time, like a few days before the visit to call your guest and inquire about their pet. What do they like and how do they behave around strangers (both human and animals). That way, you will get a rough idea of how to organize your space and even prepare other family members for a visit.

    Prepare a Spot for your Pet

    Before the visit, organize a place for your pet. For instance, if they like resting near the living room, you can shift them to the hallway for some privacy and avoid conflicts with the visiting pet. However, be sure they are comfortable and used to the spot at least before the big day.

    Let your Guest Corporate with You

    Inform your visitor/s that you also have a pet at home and let them know. By doing this, it won’t come as a surprise when you request them to keep their dog/cat out of the way as yours makes its way to the yard. Also, some people don’t like their pets mixing with others, so it’s important that your guests stay informed.

    Keep your pet Busy

    You can decide to have someone take your canine for a walk during the time of visit to avoid conflicts. Consequently, if that isn’t possible, buy them a new playing machine to keep them wowed. Remember to have their toys within reach as well and check on them often.

    Don’t skip your Pet’s Daily Routine

    Ensure your pet gets on with their daily activities, and this calls for the help of other family members. For instance, meals and toilet visits should be on time to avoid triggering your pet into throwing a tantrum. It could get worse if they feel the “intruder” is receiving more attention themselves.

    Reconsider Those Seat Covers

    It’s more likely that the visiting furry might climb on your seats. So if you are not comfortable with them leaving some scent, you can take your favorite seat covers off.

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value