Local Value Veterinary

Category: Dogs

  • 5 Important Pet Health Tips to Ring In The New Year

    5 Important Pet Health Tips to Ring In The New Year

    As a pet owner, you should ask yourself what you can do to keep your pets health in check. And what better time to do it than the New Year! Here are 5 Important Pet Health Tips you can use as a checklist to make sure your pet is happy and healthy for many, many, years to come.

    1. Schedule a yearly veterinary examination

    Annual examinations for your pet are important. You never want to wait till your pet is sick before bringing them in to us. Rather, schedule a yearly examination with us so you can be assured that your pet is healthy. An annual physical exam is a vital part of maintaining a long, healthy, and happy, life for your pet.

    1. Vaccinations

    Are your pet’s vaccines up to date? Immunizations protect our pets from harmful diseases caused by viruses and bacteria. Ask us to find which vaccines can benefit your pet based on their lifestyle and breed, and how often your pet should receive vaccines.

    1. Screening Tests

    Screening tests are very important because they detect disease before signs and symptoms even occur. We will recommend screening tests to look for problems like diabetes or thyroid disease, depending how old your pet is.

    1. Parasite protection

    Parasites are a common disease in pets. They can be internal or external, like fleas and ticks. Parasites  can also lead to heartworm and Lyme disease, to possible death which is another reason to schedule an exam each and every year.

    1. Microchips

    Does your pet have a microchip? If not, they should. While ID tags are important, you can’t guarantee that you’ll find your pet if they wander away from home. Collars and ID tags are not always the answer because they can get brittle and fall off. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

    We all want to ensure the best for our pets. These pet health tips should ensure that your pet has a safe New Years for many years to come.

    Source: Pet Health Network
    Copyright: Local Value

  • 4 Best Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

    4 Best Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

    When we think of winter we probably think of getting into a cold vehicle and having to wake up an hour early just to get to work in chilly winter conditions. But what about our pets? Should you limit them to being outside in the cold? Is too much cold, well, too much? Whether your pet stays inside or loves playing outside, you have to look into the risk involved with your pets and frigid temperatures.

    Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Winter Season

    1. Keep Them Warm

    Adult dog and cat body temperature range from about 100 to 102.5 degrees F. Puppies and kittens, though, have trouble maintaining body temperature. Shorthaired pets have less protection, but even wooly cats and dogs are at risk. Thinly furred areas or body parts exposed to the wind or that come in contact with the icy ground have little protection from the cold.

    2. Prevent Dry Skin

    Cold air dries skin out. So does the heat from indoor heaters. Dogs and cats often develop dry skin, dull coats, and static-filled fur during the winter as a result. What I’ve found to work are fatty acid supplements. They nourish the skin and fur, and counteract the drying effects of the blistering winter weather. You can find fatty acid supplements from pet supply stores or from your local veterinarian.

    3. Dry Them Off

    Your pets should be kept inside when temperatures drop below about 40 degrees or the weather gets really bad. Be sure to dry off your dog or cat when they come inside every time. Damp feet and fur make pets feel even colder. Moisture doesn’t evaporate well in the winter either, and can cause skin to dry and crack which can be extremely painful. Be sure to check between your pet’s paw-pads after he’s been out in the cold to ensure ice hasn’t formed into chunks in the fur. A quick dip in warm water or a foot bath with a warm, wet towel can do the trick.

    4. Check the Heat

    Cats love the heat. They may get so close to the flame they singe their fur and risk catching a fluffy tail on fire. Place a safety screen in front of your fireplace to help keep the cats a safe distance away, to prevent burns. Also, be sure to check furnaces for your own safety as well as the pets.

    Let’s keep our pets safe this winter and prevent them from getting frostbite, hypothermia or getting injured. Contact your local vet for any questions or concerns you may have.

    Source: PetSafe
    Copyright: Local Value

  • DIY Dog Treat Recipes For The Holidays

    DIY Dog Treat Recipes For The Holidays

    It seems DIY dog treats have been pretty popular lately and if you surf Pinterest there are lots of amazing recipes you’ll find for your furry friend. We are all about strengthening relationships with dogs and there’s nothing like making fresh treats for them that warms your heart more. Especially around the holidays!

    Yes, you could buy store bought treats but our biggest piece of advice would be to read the label to make sure your keeping your bud away from harmful ingredients such as unneeded fillers.

    1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats

    These Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats contain only 6-ingredients and your dogs will flip for these.

    •       2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour, plus more for rolling
    •       2 eggs
    •       1 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (use only pure pumpkin purée, and not the pie filling)
    •       1/4 cup peanut butter
    •       1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
    •       water (around ¼ cup)

    Instructions:

    1.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    2.      Place all ingredients in a bowl; mix well, using water, until ingredients are combined.
    3.      Roll out dough to 1/4″ thickness and use cookie cutters to create cookies.
    4.      Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes. For a harder cookie, bake for five minutes longer or more.
    5.      Cool cookies on a wire rack before serving

    2. Doggy Oreos

    Yep, you heard right. These Doggy Oreos will make your pooch flip and the best part is the chocolate part of the cookie is replaced with carob powder, making it a safe alternative.

    Ingredients:

    • Cookie Outside
      • 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
      • 1/2 cup carob powder
      • 1 tsp. baking soda
      • 1/4 tsp. baking powder
      • 1/4 tsp. salt
      • 1 large egg
      • 1/2 cup sugar
      • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
    • Creamy Vanilla Icing
      • 8-oz package of low fat or fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature
      • 1/4 cup low fat or fat-free milk
      • 1 tsp. vanilla

    Instructions:

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Line baking sheets with parchment paper, and place both sheets in the preheating oven.

    In a large bowl, combine the flour, carob powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt with a whisk.

    In a small bowl, beat the egg; stir the sugar and applesauce into the beaten egg.

    Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the applesauce mixture, stirring until combined. The mixture will be very moist.

    Remove one baking sheet from the oven. Scoop a rounded teaspoon of the cookie batter and place onto the baking sheet. (Try to keep the little cookie as round as possible!)

    Remove the other baking sheet from the oven and place the sheet with the unbaked cookies in the oven for 10 minutes.

    While the first batch of cookies is baking, repeat the scoop-and-place method with the remaining batter onto the second baking sheet.

    Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet; then gently lift the cookies off of the parchment paper, and continue to cool on the wire rack.

    For the icing: Mix all three ingredients until smooth with a hand mixer. Spread a leveled tablespoon of icing in an even layer onto one cookie and then top with a second cookie; press the cookies together.

    The Dangers of Certain Foods For Dogs

    Please read up on the dangers of feeding pets certain foods such as chocolate, avocado, yeast dough, onions/garlic and bones. These foods can be toxic and should always, always be kept away from your dog. And always, if you have any questions or concerns on food safety with your dog, please contact us.

    SOURCE: Petful

  • National Mutt Day 2016: Adopting A Mixed Breed

    National Mutt Day 2016: Adopting A Mixed Breed

    If you are looking for a new addition to the family and are entertaining owning a dog, you should really consider adopting a lovable mixed breed. There are lots of benefits to choosing a mixed breed dog over a purebred dog. There are lot’s of reasons to own a mutt and the first thing that comes to mind is longer lives.

    Mixed breed dogs are known to live longer and end up having healthier lives than their purebred counterparts. Purebreds are prone to breed-specific diseases and conditions. Mutts are usually healthier due to driving for a more diverse gene pool than a Purebred dog.  It’s possible you won’t have to deal with complications later in life with purebred dogs, dealing with higher risks of cancer or tumors, heart disease, and neurological diseases. Not that purebreds will necessarily get these type of complications, just bringing them to your attention.

    Mutts can be the perfect pet and come in all kinds of sizes and shapes.  They get a bad rap.  People say things like “Why were the dogs in the shelter anyways.” or “You just can’t trust a shelter dog because you don’t know their history.” Well, owning a mutt from the shelter means your new companion is probably housebroken, obedient, and knows a few commands. Mutts love harder than purebreds and many agree with that.

    Mutts are truly one of a kind.

    If you are going to save a life, it’s a great feeling. A mutt is an amazing canine companion. Also, one less purebred bought from breeders is one less mutt that is on the street.

    Share and spread the word about National Mutt Day this year. You might save a mutts life.
    Call us and ask us any questions you may have to see if a mutt is right for you.

    SOURCE: Pet Health Network
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value LLC

  • Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

    Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

    Thanksgiving is almost here and while we are busy preparing for the festive holiday, there are some precautions to look after when it comes to pet safety. Thinking of keeping your pets safe isn’t exactly the first priority you think about on a holiday but the food that falls on the floor may be toxic to your pet. That is why we will go over a few foods that are pet friendly, as well as foods that are “not so” pet friendly. Let’s take a look.

    Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Food

    1. Turkey Breast – If your cat or dog does not have food allergies, it’s safe to give (just a small amount) of some turkey breast to them. Just do not give them any skin, bones, gravy, etc. Just turkey breast and a little bit would be a great treat for them.
    2. Vegetables – Every dog ever owned has loved vegetables. Most of them are wonderful snacks for your fur babies. Just make sure there is no butter, gravy, cheese or any sauce that could be potentially harmful to your pets. You could give them some carrots, broccoli or sweet potatoes and they’ll love it! They are essential in fiber and will keep your pet fuller longer.
    3. Salmon – If you’re serving appetizers then pick up a salmon plate! A small amount would be the perfect treat for your dog or cat and they’ll love you for eternity (or until you give them more salmon).

    “Not-So” Pet Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

    1. Turkey Skin – As mentioned above, turkey breast can be a great treat, but keep the skin away.
    2. Cooked Bones – Don’t question it, just don’t give them any cooked bones. When a bone is cooked, it becomes very easy to break and can splinter into your pets mouth, throat, or intestine, causing harm to your pet and costing you a pretty penny at the vet.
    3. Chocolate – All pet owners know not to feed chocolate your your pets as it can be extremely toxic. We would never intentionally feed our pets chocolate, however it’s important to keep in mind. Keep chocolate away from your pets and encourage your guests to do the same. Candy bowls could be potential targets that your pets would want to get in to.

    SOURCE: Pet Health Network
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value LLC

  • Adopting A K-9 Veteran This Veterans Day

    Adopting A K-9 Veteran This Veterans Day

    With all the talk about adopting senior dogs this month, you might consider adopting a k-9 veteran this Veterans Day. Most people don’t think about “dogs of war” but they are just as brave and courageous as our troops and deserve to be put into wonderful homes when they retire.

    Most people think of “attack dogs” when they think of military or police dogs, but this is not the case. There is more to our courageous K-9 pals. They play such an integral role in the society of our police department and our military. Going beyond that, the military trains these brave soldiers to be search and rescue dogs, detection dogs, arson dogs, bomb detecting, even dogs that detect decomposing bodies.

    Petful.com suggests an estimated 2,300 dogs are enlisted in the U.S. armed forces. How long a dog will stay in service and how long it will take to train these brave K-9’s all depends on the specialty of the dog. The Army provides the veterinary care for these animals and the Air Force is responsible for training dogs for military service. Veterans Day commemorates the appreciation for the brave men, women, and dogs that serve the county in all areas of public service.

    It is truly amazing what our military dogs do for us every single day. They will continue to pave their way in history as intelligent and magnificent animals. Do you feel that you would like to adopt one of these amazing, 4-legged companions a great home? The Air Force website has more information on adopting a these retired heroes. Or you can contact us and we can help point you in the right direction to owning one of these magnificent dogs. You might find that they are the perfect loyal companion to you and your family.

    SOURCE: Plentiful
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • 3 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Senior Pet

    3 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Senior Pet

    It’s Adopt a Senior Pet Month and we are spreading the word to everyone that is looking to adopt a new fur baby. Yes puppies or kittens are adorable but pets that are well past the puppy and kitten stages are not likely to be overly hyper, curious or crazy chewers of anything within reach.

    Maybe you could consider giving a home to an older dog or cat that needs a home. Yes, November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month but senior dogs shouldn’t be overlooked by younger pets. Animal shelters across the country are full of animals of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages, but senior pets are typically the most difficult to place. So let’s take a look at a few reasons why you should adopt a senior pet into your family!

    1. Older pets are calmer – When you bring your new pet home you will notice they are probably a lot more calm than say a rambunctious kitten or puppy. If you are looking for the perfect cuddle companion then look no further than a senior pet!
    2. They are probably trained and housebroken – Oh the joys of training puppies. Not really the training part but the chewing. Nothing like coming home to lamp shades and the back of the couch missing. Usually, senior pets have had some form of training and you don’t have to spend hours training them. And the good thing is that old dogs CAN learn new tricks!
    3. Vet Bills Might Be Lower Than You Think – Just because a dog or cat reaches the senior years doesn’t mean that each of those pets will get cancer or tumors, or that expensive medications will be necessary. If you take your pet to regular appointments with your local vet, nourish with quality food and exercise regularly then you and your senior pet should have a happy life together.

    Adopt a Senior Pet Month is the perfect time to provide a home for a shelter pet.  Call us to talk to a friendly face so they can help you pick out your perfect senior pet and keep one less pet out of the shelter this holiday season.

    SOURCE: Petful
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value LLC

  • Have an Obese Dog? Try These Tips to Get Them Back Into Shape!

    Have an Obese Dog? Try These Tips to Get Them Back Into Shape!

    We all know that obesity can cause a host of health problems for people — but it also causes a list of medical issues for dogs.

    “More and more people are becoming health conscious and watching what they eat and making sure that they get enough exercise. This is important for pet owners to do for their pups too.” says Petful.com. A recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention shows that a staggering 54 percent of American dogs are overweight or obese, and the number is climbing. In other words, it’s an epidemic.

    We want our dogs in top shape so they can live longer and healthier lives. The question is, what’s the best way to help your dog lose weight and get back in shape?

    Bring Your Dog To Us

    You might have noticed your dog is a few pounds overweight but didn’t know the correct way that they should lose the weight.

    • How much food do you feed them without starving them?
    • What is a healthy weight loss rate?
    • How much exercise should my dog get?

    You should call us and schedule an appointment for your dog so we can answer any important questions you have. The veterinarian will do a complete evaluation of your pet’s physical condition and let you know if he is healthy enough to start on an exercise program.

    A dog that appears to be overweight and not in optimum condition could have underlying health issues such as thyroid problems, diabetes or Cushing’s disease.

    It’s critical that you talk with us before changing anything in your dog’s schedule or diet. We will also be able to provide pointers on dieting and exercise, and should be able to determine a target weight that is realistic for your dog.

    SOURCE: Petful
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value