Local Value Veterinary

Category: Dog

  • Beat the Weather

    Beat the Weather

    There is no doubting that dogs love walks. Regardless of weather extremes, whether it is a cold or hot day, you will always find your dog eagerly waiting for their daily walk. Some dogs even get insistent about walking and will also start whining at the door until you notice.

    Why dogs love walking

    Dogs have an inbuilt enthusiasm for spending time outdoors. It is the best environment for which most dogs are always comfortable in, which is why they love their walks. They find the walks to be mentally stimulating in the same way humans do when they read a good book or watch the latest movie.

    The genetic makeup of dogs also demands regularly physical exercise. In the past, dogs would have to leave their shelter to look for food. Also, dogs are pack animals and use the time outside to look for company and interaction from other dogs. The walks enable them to develop their socialization skills better.

    Safe Dog Walking Alternatives

    As shown above, walks are critical for maintaining the mental and physical fitness of your dog. However, when it is impossible to have those walks, you should seek out other alternatives, especially for senior dogs. Luckily, dogs are social animals and will quickly accompany you to any place. 

    Pet-friendly shopping malls

    The first option is a pet-friendly mall, especially one that is indoors and is protected from the harsh weather elements. You will find that you can quickly rack up plenty of steps and exercise by walking around the mall. Certain pet-friendly shopping complexes even have designated potty sections along with dog daycare facilities should you require some shopping before heading back home.

    Move to pet-friendly buildings

    Most buildings today provide doggie run areas where your dog can exercise. Some even have indoor playing areas that you can use. If you want to move, you can consider moving to such buildings. Also, high-rise apartments offer plenty of opportunity for exercising your dog by walking up the stairs.

    Dog treadmill and puzzles

    If your area gets extreme weather throughout the year, then you should consider getting a dog treadmill and some puzzles. Treadmills are ideal for senior dogs that still need their gentle daily workout, while puzzles and board games will help to enhance the mental concentration of your dogs.

    Conclusion

    Make sure to involve treats in whichever dog walking alternative you choose. That way, your dog will always be happy to join in and have fun.

    References: Petsafe, Wag walking, Healthy pets Mercola
    Copyright: Local Value

  • Senior Dog Care

    Senior Dog Care

    Most senior dogs get overlooked at shelters and rescues for younger puppies. However, if you currently have a senior dog, then you know that they still have plenty of love and fun to give to owners. While older dogs may not have too much energy, they are full of personality that will brighten your home.

    The fact that senior dogs require minimal exercises and have fewer behavioral problems makes them ideal for those looking for their first pet. Also, older dogs come to your home already being potty trained. Below are tips to help you take care of your senior dogs.

    Watch out for medical reasons behind behavioral issues

    Older dogs may still experience certain behavioral issues. An excellent place to begin evaluating any behavioral problem is at your vet’s office. That is because it could be a symptom of a health issue, and early diagnosis could immensely help your pup.

    Plan for semi-annual vet visits

    As dogs get older, they are increasingly more vulnerable to medical problems. Also, remember that a dog ages much faster compared to humans. Regular visits to your vet for a checkup for dental care, blood work, and various other examinations will help keep the older pup in good health.

    Keep track of parasite management

    Older dogs have weaker immune systems, which mean that the possible health dangers related to pests like fleas, ticks, and worms are more significant. Consult with your vet regarding the best parasite preventative measures.

    Observe your senior dogs as they eat

    Watching your dogs eat is helpful as you can identify when they are struggling to chew their food. Most senior dogs may have dental issues that would affect their ability to eat. Besides switching to other foods, you will also need to provide supplements to address any digestion related problems.

    Closely watch their physical activity

    Regular exercise is critical to keeping your older dog mobile for a longer time, while also preventing weight issues. However, ensure you are not pushing your dog too far as your pet’s joint health must also be looked after with age. Look out for indications that they are tired and stop.

    Ensure your home is senior-proof

    Make adjustments at home over time as the dog continues to age. For instance, climbing up a flight of stairs may become harder with time. You can move the water, food, and sleeping areas to an easily accessible place downstairs.

    Conclusion

    Avoid thinking about your dog passing. Instead, learn to enjoy all the precious times your dog gives you during their golden years.

    References: Cesars Way, The Bark

  • Enter title here.

    Enter title here.

    What is your Dog Saying?

    Did you know that wild adult dogs do not bark? It means that the early humans that bred dogs designed them to include barking as an essential mode of communication. However, if you live with or near a barking dog, then you know that it can be a huge nuisance. Also, dog owners with barking dogs can be evicted from certain apartments, while other municipal ordinances prohibit nuisance barking

    While each dog is unique, you can quickly silence most nuisance barking habits with regular training for up to three weeks. You can even use dedicated devices like a bark collar that startles the dog into silence. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that your dog must never bark as it is one of the ways that these furry creatures communicate. Barks may mean everything from hunger and pleading for playtime to alerting their owners to potential intruders or security threats.

    Here are a few interpretations of familiar dog barks to help you better understand your dog:

    Mid-range rapid barking continuously

    This bark means that the dog can see a possible threat. It could be someone is trying to enter the house or what the dog perceives to be their territory.

    Rapid barking with pauses in between

    When you hear this type of bark, then it means that the dog suspects that there could be an intruder or an issue near the home and is merely alerting you to investigate further.

    Incessant or prolonged barking, with long to moderate intervals

    The dog here wants some companionship. The dog may be feeling lonely and is seeking to get some attention.

    Sharp short mid-range barks

    Dogs may utter one to two short barks when they are excited. It could also mean that they are saying hi to their owners.

    A single short and sharp bark delivered at a low pitch

    If you hear this bark, then you are likely doing something that the dog doesn’t like. The literal interpretation is that you should immediately stop what you are doing.

    A single short and high pitched bark

    This bark represents a surprised or startled reaction. It is designed to alert others to new events.

    Very short yelp at a high pitch

    This bark is the “ouch” response to sudden, unanticipated pain.

    A variety of yelps

    This bark means that the dog is scared or is hurting. It signifies severe pain and fear.

    Stutter barks

    These barks communicate that the dog wants to play.

    Elevating bark

    Dogs will use this rising bark during playtime to communicate that they are having a good time.

    You should now understand why your dog is barking and work towards controlling it to improve your relationship.

    References Pet Safe, WebMD, Pet helpful

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Dog Bark

    Dog Bark

    What is your Dog Saying?

    Did you know that wild adult dogs do not bark? It means that the early humans that bred dogs designed them to include barking as an essential mode of communication. However, if you live with or near a barking dog, then you know that it can be a huge nuisance. Also, dog owners with barking dogs can be evicted from certain apartments, while other municipal ordinances prohibit nuisance barking

    While each dog is unique, you can quickly silence most nuisance barking habits with regular training for up to three weeks. You can even use dedicated devices like a bark collar that startles the dog into silence. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that your dog must never bark as it is one of the ways that these furry creatures communicate. Barks may mean everything from hunger and pleading for playtime to alerting their owners to potential intruders or security threats.

    Here are a few interpretations of familiar dog barks to help you better understand your dog:

    Mid-range rapid barking continuously

    This bark means that the dog can see a possible threat. It could be someone is trying to enter the house or what the dog perceives to be their territory.

    Rapid barking with pauses in between

    When you hear this type of bark, then it means that the dog suspects that there could be an intruder or an issue near the home and is merely alerting you to investigate further.

    Incessant or prolonged barking, with long to moderate intervals

    The dog here wants some companionship. The dog may be feeling lonely and is seeking to get some attention.

    Sharp short mid-range barks

    Dogs may utter one to two short barks when they are excited. It could also mean that they are saying hi to their owners.

    A single short and sharp bark delivered at a low pitch

    If you hear this bark, then you are likely doing something that the dog doesn’t like. The literal interpretation is that you should immediately stop what you are doing.

    A single short and high pitched bark

    This bark represents a surprised or startled reaction. It is designed to alert others to new events.

    Very short yelp at a high pitch

    This bark is the “ouch” response to sudden, unanticipated pain.

    A variety of yelps

    This bark means that the dog is scared or is hurting. It signifies severe pain and fear.

    Stutter barks

    These barks communicate that the dog wants to play.

    Elevating bark

    Dogs will use this rising bark during playtime to communicate that they are having a good time.

    You should now understand why your dog is barking and work towards controlling it to improve your relationship.

    References Pet Safe, WebMD, Pet helpful

    Copyright: Local Value

  • Tick Lifecycle

    Tick Lifecycle

    The Lifecycle of a Tick

    Ticks are the harmful parasites that live by feeding on their host’s blood, which can either be a human or an animal. They are highly efficient disease carriers because they securely attach themselves to the host when they want to suck blood. Also, they usually feed slowly, which means they may go without being seen for quite some time while they feed.

    Where Do Ticks Live?

    Ticks are highly dependent on their hosts for both reproduction and survival. Hence, they spend most of their lives looking for hosts, especially dogs and cats, and even people. Ticks are often found in wooded areas, tall grass and dense brush.

    How do Ticks Attach themselves to a Host?

    Ticks can neither jump nor fly; they crawl instead. So, they wait for any host animal on the ends of shrubs and grasses. They use a mechanism known as questing, where they raise two of their front legs to detect any nearby hosts. These front legs have carbon dioxide detectors that can sense hosts and allow the tick to quickly crawl onto the fur or clothes of their host and start feeding.

    While they feed on the dog’s blood, ticks can easily transmit a range of infectious bacteria and organisms to the host. These organisms lead to health problems for the host including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Once it is full, it then drops off to move on to the next stage.

    Here are the four stages of the lifecycle of a tick:

    •    Egg

    •    Larvae

    •    Nymph

    •    Adult

    The larvae stage and the nymph stage both require a meal of blood to move onto the following stage. Meanwhile, adult ticks must feed on a host for mating and reproduction purposes. Also, female ticks can lay thousands of eggs at a time after dropping off their host.

    How to Remove Ticks

    If you discover that your pet has any ticks, you should immediately remove those nasty parasites to lower the risk of contracting diseases. Use tweezers and grasp the ticks as close as possible to the surface of the skin. Pull upwards slowly, firmly and gently to avoid leaving the tick’s mouth in the skin, which may cause infections.

    Finally, clean all the bite areas and apply antiseptic. Make sure you also wash your hands afterward. You may want to save one of the ticks and freeze it in a sealed plastic bag for purposes of identification if the pet later becomes ill.

    Conclusion

    Ensure you check your pets daily for any tick infestation, and consult your veterinarian for help regarding tick preventatives that will keep your pets safe.

    References: Pet Health Network, CDC, PetMD

  • Is your dog sick?

    Is your dog sick?

    Top Signs that Show Your Dog is Sick

    As a pet owner, you have an important role in assisting your dog to stay healthy and fight any health complications. While your dog can’t describe what they are feeling, they can easily show you symptoms of diseases. The awareness of these symptoms is an easy way of helping lower your dog’s risk of getting affected. Research shows that up to 10% of dogs that seem healthy during their annual checkups may have some underlying health conditions.

    Here are the top symptoms that show your dog might be sick:

    ∙         Too much drinking and urination

    ∙         Drooling or bad breath

    ∙         Change in appetite related to either weight gain or loss

    ∙         Reduced activity level where they no longer show interest in doing activities that once excited them

    ∙         Excessive sleeping and other changes in attitude or behavior

    ∙         Difficulty in climbing stairs, rising and also being stiff

    ∙         Sneezing, coughing, labored breathing or excessive panting

    ∙         Itchy or dry skin, lumps, sores and constant head shaking

    ∙         Regular digestive upsets

    ∙         Red, cloudy or dry eyes

    If you notice that your treasured friend has these symptoms listed above, immediately consult your veterinarian. Ensure you stay alert about your dog’s health as it is easy to miss some of these symptoms. Many dog owners often attribute the subtle symptoms of illness to aging.

    Getting Diagnosis and Treatment for your Dog

    Since the symptoms of sickness may rarely be obvious or easily identifiable, your vet will probably recommend some preventive care tests during your pet’s annual exam. These tests include:

    ∙         Tests to determine if your dog may have tick-borne, heartworm or any other infections conditions

    ∙         Electrolyte and chemistry tests to check the status of internal organs and guarantee that your pet is not dehydrated or experiencing electrolyte imbalances

    ∙         Urine tests for screening for UTIs and other conditions and also testing that the kidneys are functioning correctly

    ∙         A full blood count test to easily rule-out any conditions associated with the blood

    ∙         A thyroid examination to figure out the levels of the thyroid hormone

    ∙         ECG tests to check for underlying heart complications, like abnormal heart rhythms

    The veterinarian may prescribe other tests based on the initial evaluation of your dog.

    How to Prevent These Symptoms

    Preventive care tests help to detect sickness in the early stages where treatment is most successful. It helps you to avoid huge medical costs and endangering your pet’s health. Regular screening every year at your veterinarian is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy.

    References: Pet Health Network, The spruce pets, WebMD

  • Puppy Care

    Puppy Care

    Best Puppy Care Tips for You

    Puppies might look adorable, but they are much harder to handle compared to their adult counterparts. For starters, their comprehension of the environment is not as fast, and they do not respond well emotionally to threats or violent acts. As such, your puppy must find a comfortable environment and receive the right upbringing tactics to mature into a healthy dog.  Here are some tips on how to make that happen.

    Puppy care tips

    Make your home puppy proof

    Your newly adopted puppy is like a newborn baby. As such, your home needs to be puppy-ready. Hide things such as loose electrical cords or cleaning supplies. Ensure areas with strong perfumes or soap are secured and hide all cotton balls. Remember always to keep the toilet seat closed as well.

    Introduction and familiarisation

    We advise you to bring your puppy home on a leash, preferably after a walk and calmly introduce them to their new home. Remove the leash when you place your puppy on their bed. Feeding should be regular as well as exercises such as walks or playing. Puppies naturally ‘go’ five to 30 minutes after eating to keep the potty close after a meal.

    More so, we advise you to schedule two to four-hour potty breaks for your puppy after bringing them home as they get more familiar with their surroundings.

    Mouth training and punishment

    Your puppy will use its mouth for almost all activities, and to them all contact is innocent. If they mouth people a lot, redirect that through chewy toys. Remember that not every accident in your house will be your puppy’s fault. As such, refrain from any form of punishment and calmly clean up the mess. If you punish them and you are wrong, they will not make the connection.

    Vet and check-ups

    A close relationship with your veterinary is crucial in the early stages of your puppy’s life. We can offer advice plus professional services to help raise your puppy into a healthy dog. Canine health insurance is also an excellent way to ensure your puppy stays in optimal health.

    Conclusion

    While the tips above come in handy when raising your puppy, the most important is patience. An adopted puppy learns its boundaries every day and getting them right might take time. If you notice any issues or weird behavior from your pup, contact us immediately for expert vet services.

    Sources

    https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/puppies/Ultimate-guide-to-raising-a-puppy

    https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/nutrition/puppy-feeding-guidelines

    https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/puppy/8-must-have-puppy-products-for-you

    https://www.cesarsway.com/Cesars-Today-Top-Ten-Puppy-Tips

  • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

    Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

    Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

    Every year in April pet owners go orange while celebrating the annual prevention of cruelty to animals. Over 50 dogs were found dead in police cars due to heat exhaustion last year. Physical abuse to animals happens almost daily as most pet owners result in hitting their pets instead of using the appropriate discipline techniques. While there are various forms of animal cruelty, they all scream neglect and irresponsibility.

    Cruelty to animals stretches back even to the dark ages when people used to burn cats out of fear that the latter was associated with the devil. Such beliefs might be a thing of the past, but even after the first animal cruelty laws were passed in 1641, it took cases such as the orca capture in 1961 for their proper enforcement. Lately, animal cruelty is fuelled more by ignorance than superstition. How to participate

    If you wish to participate in this year’s prevention of cruelty to animals campaign, here are a few tips on how you can help.

    Purchase grass-fed beef and cage-free eggs

    Purchasing cruelty-free products is one sure way to support the prevention of cruelty to animals month. It not only helps endorse the companies that continuously fight for the treating of animals with respect but also introduces your pets to healthy food. Their products have zero artificial growth hormones or dyes.

    Adoption

    If you have been thinking of adding to your pets, April is the perfect month to pull it off. We can recommend a rescue center if you do not know one near your area where you can pick up a puppy in need. Adopt a rescued and pure breed puppy and love it unconditionally as opposed to purchasing a cross-breed that will always have health issues.

    Voluntary work

    If you already own enough pets, you can dedicate a few days of your month to help in a rescue shelter near you. The lack of funds and insufficient human resources leads to pets being put down almost every month in rescue centers. A little help can go a long way in saving a dog or cat’s life.

    Conclusion

    Cruelty to animals also extends to laboratories and research facilities that use cats, monkeys, dogs, and even rabbits as test subjects for their products. Hundreds of animals die annually from these tests and raising awareness can help prevent these deaths. Cruelty to animals can also be a trigger for dangerous behavior as seen in humans. If your new pet was treated harshly and exhibits dangerous behavior, contact us for professional assistance.

    Sources

    https://nationaltoday.com/prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-month/

    https://www.doobert.com/prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-month/

    https://www.aspca.org/news/april-prevention-cruelty-animals-month

    https://weareallaboutcats.com/prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-month/