Local Value Veterinary

Category: Dogs

  • Columbus Day And Your Pet

    Columbus Day And Your Pet

    The day that commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World is approaching fast and what’s a better way to celebrate it than a well-deserved outdoor stint with your pet. It is also the perfect time to get in touch with nature, and it offers a lot of fun for you and your little helper. Here are some fantastic getaways you can enjoy on that day.

    Sample some of the Best Pet-friendly Getaways. These include some like:

    • San Francisco, California

    Get pet-friendly safari tents near San Francisco and enjoy the area that is famed for welcoming the first travelers to America. You are sure to spot a wild animal or two behind the ancient trees, and your pet will get plenty of room to play far away from the city noise. The perfect way to spend the night is beside a fire with your pet as waves crashing on the Californian coast echo from a distance.

    • Luxury cabin in Albany

    Upstate New York has a lot to offer for you and your pet particularly a pet-friendly luxury cabin located near Albany. It can host up to four people so you can bring more than your pet and offers the perfect getaway from the city noise and rush. As one of the first settled places in the country, this area is a great place to spend Columbus Day.

    • Dog-friendly cabin near North Carolina

    You can fully embed yourself into nature in the glamping cabin located in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The cabin is not only eco-friendly but also dog-friendly and seeing its location is in the foothills of mountains, you can expect a lot of nature and tranquility.

    The cabin has a unique style and is designed to ensure you leave little to no footprints making it an ideal Columbus Day getaway. Mix the cabin’s design with surrounding nature and you both comfort and bliss in one package.

    Other Options

    Other than the places mentioned above, you can also spend the holiday on the beautiful waterways and lush woodlands at the Hyatt Lake cabin in Oregon. Alternatively, a chance to sail, just like Columbus did, to the houseboat rental located on a private island in the Florida Keys would provide a thrilling experience for you and your pet. Whatever your choice, make sure you involve nature in it to relieve the day Columbus discovered this beautiful country.

    SOURCE: Glamping Hub
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Dog Tick Tips that a Dog Owner Should Know About

    Dog Tick Tips that a Dog Owner Should Know About

    Dog ticks are without a doubt quite annoying and irritating creatures. But their irritation is not just pegged on their constant irritation to bite and suck blood from their hosts, but also by the ability to spread tick-borne disease. 

    Here’s how to minimize the tick nuisance and save your canine friend a lot agony in the coming months. 

    1. Learn a Horde of Tick Prevention Strategies 

    Prevention is better than cure. If you can keep the ticks away from his kernel or your household, you wouldn’t have to worry about the best elimination strategy afterward. Ticks have a liking for areas studded with dense vegetation. They usually thrive best around bushy, overly grassy and unkempt compounds. And since they spend over 90% of their lifetime in the ground, they are quite adept at climbing tips of vegetation and attaching themselves to the nearest unlucky host. So, avoid as much as possible exposing your barking buddy to shrubby and bushy places, especially during the so-called peak tick season. 

    2. Vaccinate your Pet 

    A majority of pet owners don’t know that there exists a Lyme disease vaccine that has actually been around for several months now. Lyme is one of the common dog diseases that are spread by ticks. In fact, most veterinarians ( like myself ) would recommend vaccinating your pet at least once a year if you reside in an area prone to Lyme disease infection. 

    3. Frisk and Inspect your Pet on a Daily Basis 

    Get into the habit of performing a daily or twice-a-day regular ‘tick check’ on your trusted friend, especially if he’s been outside your compound for a while. Getting rid of these parasites before they engorge and embed themselves inside the animal is easier and hampers their chances of spreading infectious diseases. Some of the parts that ticks love on a dog include his neck, under the ears, at the base of the neck and the area around his tail. Pay a lot of attention to these areas while frisking him. 

    4. Learn how to Remove Embed and Engorge Ticks Property and Promptly

    There is no point frisking your canine buddy if you don’t know how to purge these annoying parasites from his body, right? For starters, wear a good pair of clinical gloves before attempting to remove the ticks, use a pair of forceps ( and not a pin) to pry the tick away from the body of the animal. There also a number of good tick extractors on the market that are designed to remove ticks that have been attached to a pet’s body for longer. 

    SOURCES: Vet Street, Pet MD, Huffington Post
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Do Dogs Dream? A Comprehensive Analysis

    Do Dogs Dream? A Comprehensive Analysis

    Leading researchers and animal behaviorists believe that dogs indeed dream, just like we do. If anything, there’s no doubt that you may have noticed your dog quivering, twitching, growling or even snap while fast asleep. Let’s look into this, shall we?

    Shedding Some Crucial Light at the Dogs Brain

    At the most basic level, a dog’s brain is almost similar to that of a man ( and by man I mean human beings ). Therefore, during sleep, the brainwave patterns of your canine friend are almost similar to a man’s and technically, elicit the same neurological stages of electrical activity that is observed in most people. This makes the theory that dogs dream while asleep very feasible from both a physiological and psychological standpoint.

    There’s Proof that Less Intelligent and Mentally Developed Animals also Dream

    Recent evidence points towards the possibility that animals such as rats ( which are evolutionary less developed, complex and intelligent than dogs ) also dream. A scientific observation suggests that the brains of these rodents function in a manner that suggests beyond reasonable doubt that they dream while asleep. Now, since a dog’s brain is more complex ( and has more electrical neurons ) than a rat’s it is possible that based on this fact alone, that dogs also dream while asleep. Besides, remember that we mostly dream or fantasize about the things we do during the day. Similarly, dogs will relive their memories or activities that they may have encountered during the day in their dreamy expeditions. No wonder a dog will whimper or bark in their sleep.

    How Often Does my Dog Dream at Night or while Asleep?

    Now that we’ve singled out that your barking buddy will once-in-a-while get lost in limbo while in a dream, the next question by most pet owners is, how often or for how does he dream? Well, two factors here: When it comes to dreams and dogs, the rule appears to be the bigger the dog, the less they dream. Smaller dogs such as the Chihuahuas will dream for longer and more frequent per sleeping session than larger dogs such as bulldogs and terriers. Further research into this will reveal that seniours and puppies tend to dream more than middle-aged canines.

    Let the Sleeping Dogs Lie

    It is important not to distract your dog or attempt to wake him up when you see him whimpering or barking in his sleep. During this time, he is most likely in his REM stage, and any sudden movement can be startling, to say the least.

    SOURCES: Psychology Today, Live Science, AKC
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Pet Grooming Essentials: Keeping him in Tip-Top Health

    Pet Grooming Essentials: Keeping him in Tip-Top Health

    Most pet owners with animals that require regular grooming – especially the hairy ones – tend to assume that grooming their canine friend implies a cute hairdo at the end of summer. And this couldn’t be any further from the truth. 

    Here’s what proper and regular grooming entails:

    1. Keeping the Face and Eyes Area Clean 

    A dog’s eyes, just like the nose, will naturally secrete an amount of discharge depending on a variety of factors, such as the breed of the dog and its health condition. Therefore, don’t be surprised to find collections of ‘eye goop’ at the corner of your poodle’s eyes especially after a heavy nap. That also means that the nasal and ocular folds of brachycephalic breeds – these are animals that require constant grooming – ought to be kept clean and hair free to minimize chances of infection that results from discharge build up. In fact, if you’re not careful, accumulation of this eye goop combined by the matting fur could result in the facial skin just around the eyes become infected and inflamed. 

    2. Keeping Sensitive Areas Clean 

    Just like how fur can mat the areas around the face and mouth of your pet and cause infections, the same could also happen when matted fur mixed with feces covers the anal opening of the dog. And if swift action is not taken, this could easily result in constipation or difficulty in passing waste from his body. Make it a daily habit of getting rid of the mixture of old stool and matted far from your dog’s anus, if you have a very furry barking friend. The same applies to the area underneath the armpits, behind his ears, around and in his feet, the toes area and the pads. If anything, it is quite possible for a dog’s or cat’s feet to become sore and inflamed if his own matted fur got stuck in between his toes for an extended period. 

    3. Incorporating Antibiotics 

    If the situation has deteriorated badly, then it would be proper to make use of antibiotics and disinfectants to get rid of the macerated skin and matted fur to avoid risking further infection. Additionally, it might be likely that the animal at a risk of contracting systemic illnesses as a result of lack of proper and regular grooming especially if he is already debilitated or older. Making use of antibiotics and disinfectants could do an excellent job in staving this off. 

    SOURCES:  Wahl, Best Friends, Cesars Way
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • How Choke Collars Can Do Some Real Damage to Your Canine Friend

    How Choke Collars Can Do Some Real Damage to Your Canine Friend

    A majority of dog owners are under this misconstrued misconception that choke collars are beneficial to their barking buddies. In fact, the first thing that a new dog owner does upon acquisition of a new pet is to buy a choke collar for restraining the animal. But it turns out that choke collars actually represent an unseen danger that lurks behind a seemingly harmless leash. Here is a quick primer to that. 

    1. It’s Physically Painful 

    Attaching a tight leash ( or even a loose one that is poorly constructed ) causes an unimaginable pain to your pet friend is he were to accidentally lunge forward and blast his neck at the end of the leash. One of the reasons here is because a dog’s neck, unlike a human’s is quite delicate and more vulnerable to injurious tension. For example, the thyroid gland in a dog is located in the frontal part of the neck just below the larynx. This is also where a choke collar applies undue pressure when he is tugged on suddenly. If anything, just one incident of thrusting this collar an inhumane and sudden way can cause your dog a sharp tinge of pain that could last for weeks on end. 

    The neck injuries that your dog could sustain from a choke collar can also deteriorate to something as severe as the destruction of the animal’s thyroid cells. Which, as a consequence, will usually lead to the deficit of the naturally produced thyroid hormone. This result is perennial skin problems, unexplained hair loss, a lot of weight gain and low energy levels. 

    2. Could Result to Long Lasting Neck Injuries 

    A classical example of this laryngeal paralysis that is primarily caused by excessive pulling and tugging on a collar, particularly when this becomes a habit. In this case, the immediate lunging on a choke collar damages the very-important laryngeal nerve which is one of the longest nerves in a canine’s body. And anything that compresses or applies injurious pressure on this nerve can alter and damage how the larynx works normally. This is also another good reason to substitute that regular choke collar with a suitable premium no-pull harness. 

    3. Behavioral Problems 

    Just as you would guess, an uncomfortable and irritated dog is an angry canine and a lousy playmate. Since a leash or a choke collar can gradually cause your dog a lot of discomfort, pain, and disease, it is also safe to assume that the same collar will make him an unhappy dog. No wonder some of the most vicious and unfriendly dogs are those that are perpetually on a tight leash. 

    SOURCES: Dog Mantics, Pet Safe
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Pet Safety: Top This Labor Day Weekend Tips

    Pet Safety: Top This Labor Day Weekend Tips

    This Labor Day Weekend will be a wonderful time, but it can be stressful and sometimes even dangerous for pets. Here are answers to 5 questions that will help you and your pet have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend.

    How can I keep guests from sneaking food to my pets? 

    Be direct and ask them not to give any human food. Explain that as tasty as it is for humans it can cause severe problems for your animal. If you feel that this request will not effect, then play it safe rather than sorry, and put secure your pets away from the area where guest will be.

    Which foods are most harmful?

    Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, macadamia nuts, candy, sugar, and foods with high salt content can all be deadly. Consult with us about foods that are particularly hazardous to your animal, and then be vigilant about leaving any of these foods out even for a moment.

    What kinds of plants can cause problems during the Labor Day Weekend?

    Steer clear of poinsettias, holly, lilies, and mistletoe. Pine needles have the potential to puncture the intestines when swallowed. So as much as these plants symbolize the holidays for many of us, your pet’s safety should come first.

    How should we handle all of the extra cords?

    You can tape them down, run them behind furniture, or put them under a rug. Running wires through inexpensive plastic tubing that can be bought from the hardware store is also a great way to limit access to pets and young children.

    What’s the best way to stabilize the tree?

    Build a wooden box on which to place the tree. Use a tree holder that has flat feet. Put a bolt on each foot of the tree holder and screw it down on both sides of each of the feet.

    This will prevent the tree from tipping if Chance (dog) pulls on it, Fluffy (cat) jumps on it, or Rio (bird) sits on it. Anchoring from the ceiling is also possible, but for those who are mechanically challenged this may not be an option.

    Being vigilant about what kinds of products you bring into your is the best way to keep your pets safe.

    The Labor Day Weekend is stressful for people, and for pets as well.

    Make sure that you carve out plenty of time to spend with your pet. And regardless of what you celebrate, sharing the love is what it’s all about. 

    SOURCE: Huffington Post, Vet Street

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • The Best Ways to Challenge your Dog’s Mind

    The Best Ways to Challenge your Dog’s Mind

    Your four-pawed barking buddy’s mental health is as important as his physical well beingness. However, most pet owners tend to overlook the fact that proper mental exercise is as vital to the overall health of the pet as his physical training regimen. The result is a psychologically bored animal at risk of a number of severe to mild mental and behavioral ailments. However, here is a quick primer of some on ways of honing and challenging your dog’s mental prowess.

    1. Obedience and Behavior Training

    Obedience training is widely considered the pinnacle of an animal’s mental acuity. And dogs, being quite intelligent animals, obedience and discipline training transcends above and beyond adhering to simple commands such as ‘sit,’ ‘stand,’ ‘run’ etc. You should go a step further. For instance, encourage him or her to master a trick or a complex behavioral pattern. Using a clicker, for instance, is a good way of helping them learn a complex behavior particularly when ‘Free Shaping’ is concerned.

    2. Administering Sniffing Challenges

    Your dog’s sense of smell is among the most potent instincts hard-wired in his brain. In fact, through his olfactory senses, your dog can ‘see’ the world is a whole new dimension as compared to us. Therefore, among one of the best ways of stretching his mind is by stimulating his olfactory senses by introducing new smell that he is not yet acclimatized to. For example, instead of taking him to the same park through the same strolling route daily, shift this abruptly by taking him out of town or using a different sidewalk. Spice up this strolls by making him go jump through various hoops such as steps, curbs, benches or an assortment of playground equipment.

    3. Dog Toys, Games, and Puzzles

    Games and puzzles are an excellent way of stimulating and activating your dog’s mental faculties, as well as forging a strong relationship together. It is also a great way of letting your dog view spending time together as a psychological reward. Besides, what’s a better way of being creative and spontaneous than engaging in an array of little fun games? A good majority of children’s games, for instance, hide-and-seek, easily double up as incredible dog games. Especially if they revolve around simple obedience-skewed behavior.

    4. Expose your Dog to new Experiences

    Another excellent way of challenging your dog’s mind is by exposing him to new places, experiences, and situations in your day-to-day errands. Take him out every-once-in-a-while if you are not used to doing that or allow them to ride in your car every so often. Not only does this encourage their socialization but also reinforces mental co-ordination and stimuli.

    SOURCES: Cesars Way, MNN, Pet Health Network
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Spoil your Dog Day

    Spoil your Dog Day

    The ‘National Spoil Your Dog Day‘ – which is annually held every August 10th – is just around the corner. This is that time of the year when dog owners can loosen up on that leash and allow their furry buddies the rare luxury of stepping outside their comfort zones. In anticipation of this big day, here are some of the ways you can spoil your best buddy this coming August.

    1. Treat them to a Fancy Meal

    Just like you and me, your barking buddy would also appreciate a special meal, other than his usual dietary regimen, during this day. This is also the opportune time of acclimatizing them to that new natural dog treat that you came across in your every-day-rounds in your local grocery. The ideal treat for your pooch for this day should be not only flavorful but also nutritious.

    2. Take them Out for an Adventure

    Most of our dogs rarely get the chance to wander off their kernels and see the world. Just as you would find it boring staying in the same place for a long time, your furry pal will also appreciate it if you can take him out for a ride or a walk this August. Just make sure that you roll your windows down, and fasten the pup securely in a handy dog seat restraint. The look of jubilation and pure bliss on faces as the wind blows down their hair is just priceless.

    3. Take them for a Brief Stroll to the Nearest Dog Park

    Truth be told, there are few better places for dog owners to spend some quality time with their furry BFFs. August 10th falls in the height of summer; this is also the best time to mingle and mix with other dog owners as you watch your dog/pup play with his fellow mates. Such simple social interaction, though seemingly unimportant, hosts an array of developmental benefits. Not to mention the fact that it can also be a good way to unwind an otherwise busy week.

    4. Take him to Work With You

    Your barking buddy would also love to have a taste of how it feels like to bring the bacon home. If it is feasible, you can use this day to bring him to work with you and showing them what it is that you do every day. Who knows, maybe they will be a little sympathetic to you the next time you can home all exhausted and drained.

    In Closing

    There are countless things that you can do on this day. Whatever it is that you do for your pooch, remember to keep it special, unique, and pampering.

    SOURCES: Great Falls, Pet Fed, PR Newswire
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value