Local Value Veterinary

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  • Challenge your Dog’s Mind

    Challenge your Dog’s Mind

    Physical exercise is vital for dogs, but few people focus on mental training which is equally important. Here are four ways to challenge your dog’s mind.

    1. Challenging Toys

    There is nothing that makes a dog happier than food and playing. Mixing the two can increase your dog’s brain activity, and we advise it seeing it’s a great way to work on your companion’s attention. Use puzzle toys to get them invested mentally and if you can get your hands on one of those toys that dispense milk or a bone after your pet completes a challenge, the better.
    However, don’t make it too easy as you might risk overfeeding your pet.

    2. Introduce them to New Faces

    We strongly advise you to take your pet to the park every once in a while or at least on a trip so they can meet new people. Dogs especially need this trick as it helps them become better listeners while reducing their anxiety levels. The more people they sniff at and get pats from, the more your pets will relax and learn to engage their sense.
    Meeting fellow dogs involves new sights and sounds, which are a guaranteed way of challenging your canine’s mind.

    3. Play Hide and Seek

    Most dogs are hell-bent on finishing tasks. It’s like their DNA is hardwired to ensure that every task entrusted to them by you or any that they put their mind to, is the only purpose they were placed on this planet. As such, instead of throwing a frisbee or tennis ball and watching your dog pant and run back and forth, how about you become the treasure for your pet and let them find you?
    Hide and seek is a great mental challenge for your dog but the game requires two people; one to distract the dog while you hide. Still, it’s a great way to engage your dog’s senses.

    4. Behavioral Training

    Behavioral training is more than teaching your dog some tricks such as sitting and rolling over or fetching. It also involves a lot of brain activity considering your dog is expected to study a new environment and internalize the tricks being taught. Your dog will be using its brain the whole time trying to think or get an idea of what is required of them.
    Become creative in your training too and immerse yourself in the learning process to make it fun for both you and your dog. In case you’re past the usual tricks and exercise, we recommend using a clicker to introduce your pet to the next level of mental challenges. Ensure that your canine gets rewards after completing tasks to make the game interesting.
  • 5 Important Questions For Your Vet

    5 Important Questions For Your Vet

    We urge all pet owners to take their companions to the vet but most importantly, to learn how to ask the right questions. Here are five of these vital inquiries.

    1. Is my pet at a healthy weight?

    Human obesity might have the most cases, but pet obesity is just as dangerous to your little helper just as former. Your pet will only add weight if you overfeed it or present it with a poor diet. As such, you need to be stronger when your pet gives you those round, pleading eyes or sagging ears with a sad face in the hope of a slice of bacon.
    Not to mention, you also need to exercise with your pet every once in a while. For starters, dogs require about thirty minutes of exercise every day. Ask us about the ideal weight for your pet and how much food should they be given. If your pet is overweight, ask us about an exercise and diet program but remember to follow it to the letter.

    2. There’s this one thing my pet does that annoys me…

    What most people would think is a behavioral issue in their pets could escalate into a serious problem at any moment. As such, do not shy away from asking us about a particular observation regarding your pet’s behavior. A little barking today can turn into an aggravated assault on a neighbor or your couch if your pet is not examined.
    Never be afraid to ask us such a question considering even us as humans are always trying to change a thing or two in our behavior. Nipping such a problem in its early stages is key to ensuring little to no future, deep-rooted problems.

    3. Is parasite protection medication necessary for my pet?

    Regardless of your location, preventative drugs that aid your pet in fighting off parasitic infections are vital. Parasites such as heartworm are rampant can lead to chronic conditions such as lung disease and heart failure just to mention a few. Not to mention, there are other parasites such as nematode worms that not only affect your pet but people as well.
    This parasite can even cause blindness in children if the latter comes to contact with nematode larvae. As such, we advise you to consult us regarding the best parasitical drugs for your pet, and we’ll offer the best solution depending on your home area and the parasites that are most common.

    4. Does my pet need a blood test?

    The answer to this question is a big yes. We understand this might be uncomfortable for some people as well as their pets but blood samples are vital for us seeing we use them to screen for many diseases including liver disease, cancer, and diabetes just to mention a few.

    5. Do you offer emergency care on weekends and holidays?

    Unexpected events are bound to occur every once in a while in our lives and those of our treasured pets, but some situations leave pet owners helpless. Ask us about our weekend and public holiday policy to ensure your pet doesn’t endure excruciating pain for hours on end before they receive proper treatment.

    Conclusion

    While you’re at it, don’t forget to inquire about the methods of payment and an insurance plan for your pet. Also, ask us about the vaccines your pets need and the necessity of each of them to help keep your pet healthy.
     
  • How to Celebrate the New Year with Your Pet

    How to Celebrate the New Year with Your Pet

    Pets might not be able to speak, but they express their joy in an easily understandable manner. A dog will bark and wag its tail while running uncontrollably while a cat will purr and walk away feeling like the winner in that given situation. On a serious note, as most vets say, the emotional welfare of your pet is as equally important as its physical well-being.

    Your Pet And The New Year

    Here are some of the ways you can make this New Year’s a memorable one for your pet.

    1. Playdate
      Just as we enjoy the company of a friend or a neighbor ever once in a while, so do our pets when they see their fellow species. However, not all pets will be friendly with each other, so make sure they are compatible. Don’t ask your friend who owns a lizard to come over for some pet bonding if your pet is a spider.
    2. Out with the Old, in with the New
      Do you see the excitement on a child’s face when you hand them a new toy? The same feeling is felt by our pets whenever we decide to buy them something new. However, too many old toys do not help with growth or new experiences. Clean out the old toys and make space for the new ones as you usher in the New Year with your pet.
    3. Make Resolutions Together
      Instead of making self-centered resolutions this coming year, include your pet in your plans. Heck, you can sit down and drink some milk while asking for their opinion. While they might not respond verbally, they will surely be excited by the idea of a road trip to the countryside in February.
    4. Exercise
      While it may be a celebration in itself, the New Year is the beginning of another cycle. Use New Year’s Eve as the time to get some exercise with your pet so that you g plenty of rest at night. Not to mention, it is also the ideal time to shed off all the Christmas holiday weight.

    SOURCES: Adopt A Pet, Pet Health Network, Pet Guide   
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Unique Ideas For Celebrating Christmas With Your Pet

    Unique Ideas For Celebrating Christmas With Your Pet

    Christmas present the perfect opportunity for you to give attention to the things that matter regarding your pets welfare. From a medical point of view, a few minutes off your tight schedule does not pass for proper bonding. However, such is the case with society at the moment and even during the Christmas holiday, we still have limited time for our furry friends.

    Celebrating Christmas With Your Pet

    6 ways to can spend this festive season with your pet(s) to increase the fun and add to their health.

    1. Include Them in the Family Dinner
      Normally, most pets eat canned food. Not to mention, they are not even considered in special dinners, which we have almost daily. However, you can add some flavor and nutrients to their diet by making a separate plain turkey and veggie meal for them this Christmas.
    2. Take them Outside
      Some people are used to taking their dog for their morning jog but others train at home on a treadmill. Not to mention, a busy work schedule makes it hard to take the dog for a walk as opposed to a caretaker or relative. Go fetch the holiday tree or do some grocery shopping with your pet. It will be both fun and a chance for them to get some much-needed exercise.
    3. Stockings
      Everybody gets properly wrapped Christmas presents except for some pets. You can change that and add some fun to your pet’s life by filling up a stocking with some toys and gifts. Help them unwrap the presents and even trying playing with them using some of the toys.
    4. Baking
      Baking is a significant part of the Christmas tradition. While you are baking that delicious cake or cookies, do not forget to include your pet as well. They love freshly baked treat just like the next man.
    5. Charity Party
      Christmas will be all about eating and having a good time with friends and family. Still, there is always a simple charity party somewhere in the neighborhood. You can host one with your pet and donate the proceeds to animal shelters in your area or animal welfare organizations.

    SOURCES Jet Pets, Paws Shake, 4 Knines 

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value   

  • 4 Ways To Calm Your Cat During A Visit to the Vet

    4 Ways To Calm Your Cat During A Visit to the Vet

    By this time, most cats are scared and resolve to retreat into the carrier, meowing with desperation. Still, their retreat doesn’t mean that the vet will take them without a fight. However, you can train your cat to stay calm during these visits by using some of the following methods. Putting an end to that feline resistance is the first step to ensuring your pet gives you pleasant memories for years to come.

    Calm Cats

    Here’s how to make sure that the next visit to the vet is not only trouble-free but also fruitful and drama-free.

    1. Prepare the Carrier Beforehand
      When we say prepare the carrier, we don’t want you to reinforce it with a steel wire mesh to prevent scratches or anything of the sort. Try placing it along the cat’s path a week before a visit to the veterinary clinic. You can also add treats to help the cat get more accustomed to entering the carrier to avoid a big fight on pet clinic day. This will go a long way in preparing them psychologically for the impending scheduled visit to the vet. Nonetheless, ensure that the carrier is on a flat surface when going to the vet.
    2. Cover it
      Covering the cat’s carrier can go a long way to keeping the feline calm. Unlike dogs or some flying pets, cats are not used to visiting new places or exploring the world with their tongue hanging out from the car window. Protecting them against scary and strange sights helps cats stay calm despite being inside a carrier in a moving vehicle.
    3. Friendly Veterinarian
      Just like it is with human doctors, some vets take up the job as an occupation as opposed to passion; your feline friend gets that feeling too. As such, it is essential to take them to a vet who likes cats. Some even practice in lobbies next to dog clinics, which might be the reason why your furry friend is always feisty when it comes to veterinary visits. So, do kitty a small favor this time around and find him a friendly vet.
    4. Start them off at a Young Age
      They say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. The same saying goes for other animals such as cats. Take your kittens to the vet while they are still young but don’t take advantage of their frail condition, instead, make the experience as memorable as possible. By the time they are older, a visit to the vet will b just another day in the life of a cat.

    SOURCES: Pet Health Network, Animal Planet, Cat Friendly

  • A Look at a Dog’s Common Health Warning Signs

    A Look at a Dog’s Common Health Warning Signs

    Your dog can be your jogging mate in the morning before you leave for work but they also play a crucial role in your children’s upbringing by acting as play partners. Dogs are also known to sometimes sleep for hours, but unlike cats, their sleeping tendencies are not as elongated. In fact, extraordinarily long naps can be an indication that something is wrong with your dog. Aside from that tell-tail sign, dogs can neither talk nor show a lot of physical giveaways. Still, you might never know what a simple sneeze or a seemingly simple sprain might signify. As such, it is vital to stay updated on the ways that you use to gain a better understanding of your dog’s health.

    Here are 5 of the easiest-to-read health warning signs from your dog.

    1. Vomiting
      As far as dogs go, vomiting is as healthy as eating their vomit. They often vomit to get rid of something in their digestive systems although there are instances that require immediate medical attention. These include when your dog vomits several times in a row, starts vomiting blood, or has a fever accompanying the dog’s unsettled stomach. In some cases, the vomiting often lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
    2. Sudden Weight Loss
      Even after the holidays when everyone including the dog is trying to shed the weight they accumulated, sudden weight loss is a red flag. While it is normal for an overweight dog to lose weight, anything more than ten percent of its mass could indicate a more severe underlying health condition.
    3. Red or Cloudy Eyes
      Ever wondered why doctors shine a torch on your eyes when you go for a checkup? Well, your eyes can tell a lot about your overall wellbeing. Similarly, a dog’s eyes can be of great help when determining their health. Be on the lookout for red or cloddy eyes especially if they are followed by an excessive squinty discharge.
    4. Overheating
      I bet by now you are surprised by the similarities between the symptoms of sickness there are in human beings are there are in dogs. As one of them, overheating can lead to difficulties in breathing in dogs due to their facial outlook. However, while this needs to be facilitated by external factors such a hot car interior, internal overheating or fever should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention.
    5. Sensitivity to Touch
      Most dogs have been separated from their families after an unexpected, rough touch triggered a natural and violent reaction due to pain. Dogs are never sensitive to touch.  If anything they like being touched just as much as they like licking your face. As such, sensitivity to touch can mean inflammation, gastric torsion, or bloat. This sign is easy to read especially for people who own dogs that love rolling around for a belly rub every time they walk into a room.

    Other tell-tale signs include lumps on the dog’s body, scooting ears, an unusual appetite, and excessive thirst.

    SOURCES: Petful, Health Line

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

     

     

  • The Keys to Getting Your Cat’s Coat Shining

    The Keys to Getting Your Cat’s Coat Shining

    To get your cat’s coat to shine, you have to feed it properly, groom it thoroughly, and ensure that it’s in good health, a shiny cat is a happy and healthy cat.

    Many cat owners give much attention to the appearance of their cats. As a result, people end up with cats that have dull, opaque, and unkempt coats. Collectively, we ought to take better care of our pets by ensuring that they are clean, properly fed, and in great health. A healthy cat with a shiny coat is much more fun to have around the house. Here are the steps you need to take to get your cat’s coat to shine. 

    Thoroughly groom your cat 

    You should frequently brush your cat in order to improve the shine on their coat. Cats of breeds with more fur need more frequent grooming than those of with less fur. Select grooming brushes that are gentle on the cat. Most pet stores have good quality grooming brushes in stock. Brush your cat in a gentle manner, especially when you are working on sensitive areas such as the belly. Brushing gets rid of loose hairs, and it makes the cat’s coat shiny. You can use the services of a pet groomer, or you can learn to do it yourself.

    Occasionally bathe your cat 

    Cats are notoriously afraid of water, and they are good at self-cleaning. However, an occasional bath is important for getting your cats coat shiny. Cats that are sick and unable to groom themselves will need more frequent baths than those that are healthy. Before bathing your cat, you should ensure that they are calm, happy, or even exhausted. You should also clip their claws to ensure that they don’t scratch you. Wash your cat in a lukewarm bath in a warm room. Use a shampoo that is recommended by a veterinarian on the cat’s coat, and then rinse it off thoroughly because the cat will start licking itself afterward. Dry the cat with a towel, and keep it warm until they have completely dried off. Use a damp cloth to clean off sensitive areas such as the face and the ears.

    Feed, hydrate, and deworm your cat 

    Cat foods that are rich in Omega fatty acids tend to improve the shine of the cat’s coat. Cats that drink plenty of water also tend to have shinier coats. A dull coat could be a sign that your cat has worms or even fleas. So to get your cat’s coat to shine, you should feed it according to your vet’s instructions, give it plenty of water, and occasionally deworm them.

    SOURCES: WebMD, The Nest, WikiHow, One How To, 

  • Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

    Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

    If your pet runs around on grass all day, you may have the job of trimming their nails on a regular basis. Dogs who are taken for a walk on pavements, for instance, won’t necessarily have this problem as their nails are constantly filed down.

    Avoid Making your Pet Jittery

    Of course, you can do the job yourself, but most people are a bit nervous doing it, fearing that they can accidentally clip in the wrong way and cause their pet anguish. As it is, the pink area of the nail is the live part which actually has blood vessels and which is known as the quick. 

    Trimming in the wrong way can make the dog nervous and jittery, and most of our clients simply prefer to bring their pets into our office where we do it expertly, causing your pet as little trauma as possible. 

    Trimming included with Grooming

    Clipping the nails after bathing can help with the hardness issue, as they nails become softer.  When the nails haven’t been clipped for a while and where the nails are long, they can touch the ground, hooking on- and getting caught in anything. 

    Nail trimming and grooming needn’t be something your pet fears.  The best way to handle it to simply bring your pet into us, as we are trained in the proper techniques and we have all the best dog grooming instruments to make short work of it. We’ve got a number of different nail trimmers which suit different dog sizes. We alternate between nail clippers for small breeds, pliers-style nail clippers for larger breeds as well as a scissors-type nail clipper.

    We know too well that blunt trimmers will just split your pet’s nail. Sometimes if the nails aren’t too long we can just file them down to the desired length. We’ve got what is known as a Dremel, a type of grinding tool, which can be used to slowly file down the nails, which is safer than clipping. 

    We Put your Pet at Ease

    We always have some treats tucked away so that the nail trimming experience for your dog is just that much more positive. If on the rare occasion, we do cut a nail too short, we always have clotting powder or some other solution to stop the bleeding immediately. 

    Just like us, dogs won’t have to feel in the actual nail, but the quick has a nerve, and when trimming the nail, you want to be very careful to avoid the quick to spare your pet a lot of pain. Bring him into us, and we’ll make sure the nail trimming part of their grooming is something they have without fear.

    SOURCES: Pet Health Network

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value