Local Value Veterinary

Tag: dog

  • 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

  • The Little-Known Heartworm Symptoms

    The Little-Known Heartworm Symptoms

    Why You Should Always be on the Lookout for this Silent Killer

    The little-known heartworm disease is caused a parasite transmitted mainly by mosquitos. Although seemingly harmless at first glance, it can quickly gravitate to a life-threatening complication if left untreated for a long time. And all pets ( be they dogs, cats or otherwise ) are still at risk of this ailment, despite the fact that very efficient and potent control and preventive medication are available in the market. Fortunately, however, more pet owners are waking up to the realization that heartworm disease is majorly a surreptitious type of ailment rather than a boisterous one. In other words, you have to pay extra close attention to your pet to catch these symptoms early enough, which most often than not is almost impossible.

    That being said, early signs of an imminent heartworm disease include; slight fatigue and excessive panting. This is then usually followed by extreme exercise intolerance, a stubborn cough that refuses to go away, then eventually sudden death. As you can see, none of above symptoms are exactly exclusive to heartworm disease, which makes the complication even harder to diagnose and treat. And considering that mosquitos usually spread the causative agent, then pets living in the tropics are generally at a higher risk than those in more temperate regions. Unlike you, pets are more exposed to bugs and insect bites hence the likelihood of being infected is also quite high.

    Preventive Measures

    The good news, amidst a haze of an almost hopeless situation, is that heartworm disease is easily preventable. For starters, put your pet on a preventative medication regimen throughout the year, especially if you live in an area that is rampant with mosquitos. Secondly, minimize your pet’s exposure to mosquitos by keeping them indoors especially just after dusk when mosquitos are likely to be feeding. Most importantly, adopt an effective way of eliminating mosquitos around your home’s vicinity by weeding tall grass, draining any stagnant water and making proper use of pesticides.

    Testing and Diagnosis

    Your vet can easily test whether your dog or cat is infected with the disease during the routine annual, bi-annually or monthly check-up. It is advisable to cultivate the habit of testing for this disease regularly especially considering its almost symptomless nature. A negative test, in such occasions, is always a good sign particularly if your dog is already on an all-year round prevention plan. Nonetheless, it is easy to treat heartworm disease if it is caught early enough.

    SOURCES: Petful, Pet MD
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Dog Bite Prevention

    Dog Bite Prevention

    It is estimated that more than 5 million people in the U.S are bitten by their four-pawed companions every year. To make matters more upsetting, cases involving young children make up more than 50% of these highly injurious incidents. In response to this, the AMVA ( American Veterinary Medical Association ) dedicated the third week of May every year to combat this distressing crisis and raise awareness of issues revolving around the dangers of dog bites. This year, 15th to 19th May has been set aside as the annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and as dog devotees, we’re all expected to stand in solidarity for a healthier and friendlier society for both our pets and kids.

    Join the Movement

    Preventing and combating the numerous cases of canine bites that have been on a worrying rise in the last four years requires the input of both pet owners and their immediate neighbors, friends, and family. As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to caution who might want to approach or pet your dog without your consent. Also, cultivate the culture of walking your dog on a leash whenever in a public park or crowded place and teach your children/siblings the same. And when you get a new puppy, it is your responsibility to impart in them healthy socialization skills as early as possible to promote harmonious living with other pets and peoples.

    Protecting Our Children

    On the other end of the spectrum, children ought to be taught to never provoke a dog through pulling, pinching, kicking, poking or teasing. If anything, young children below five years shouldn’t be allowed to pet aggressive breeds of dogs until they are old enough to decipher an animal’s temperament and body language. Lastly but not least, ensure that you bring in Rover for a comprehensive check-up at least four times every year to protect them from common dog illnesses that might trigger unexplained hostility.

    SOURCES: AVMA, Dog Tipper

    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • K9 Veterans Day

    K9 Veterans Day

    Let’s Join Hands To Commend the Bravery of our Canine Friends.  

    It is a day to recognize, commend and extol the courage of each dog that protects and serve this nation in any military or law-enforcement position.

    Did You Know that a Dog is Man’s Most Loyal Sentry?

    Established by the celebrated famous dog handler, Joe White, March 13th is gradually becoming a nationally recognized pet holiday for commemorating the bravery and devotion of four-legged heroes. Throughout the United States, dogs serve in many enviable positions not just in the armed and disciplined forces but also in the customs, law enforcement, police and search & rescue teams. And this year, on 13th March 2017, the date is set to honor and recognize the launch of the United States Army k-9 Program back in 1942. It is a day to commemorate the bravery of all Belgian Sheep Dogs, Eskimo dogs, Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Collies, and Malamutes that were trained to become sentries, scouts, and messengers during the 2nd World War.

    What Does it Mean to a Pet Lover?

    Pet dog owners and animal lovers who would wish to show their devotion, appreciation, and respect for the selfless contribution made by dogs in the past and present while serving this country can sign an ongoing online petition to have March 13th instituted as a National Pet Holiday. You can visit www.kcfadogs.org for more information on this. They are also several other ways of honoring the service and effort of such dogs in our military and law-enforcement agencies. A good way is making a donation to a non-profit organization at the forefront of providing life-saving protective gear to these fluffy soldiers.

    That being said, on a more personal level, if you have a 4-legged pooch as a treasured companion, the National K9 Veterans Day should be a time when you take time off your busy schedule and visit your local veterinarian accompanied by your pet for a thorough and comprehensive check-up.

    SOURCE: Dog Tipper, KCFA Dogs
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • National Professional Pet Sitters Week

    National Professional Pet Sitters Week

    A Close Look at the National Professional Pet Sitters Week

    There is no denying that some of you have had a pet sitter ( trained or untrained ) at some point. It is pretty common for pet owners to feel a bit tied down or even obliged to take care of their pets, be they cats or dogs, instead of going out of town without having to worry incessantly about the treasured companions that they have left behind. We all also know that even if you a few close friends and family in your neighborhood, you are not entirely guaranteed that they will watch your 4-legged furry friend throughout the time that you will be away. And this is where pet sitters will often come to the rescue!

    Recognizing the Valuable Efforts of Pet Sitters

    Pet sitters should without a doubt be honored and recognized for the invaluable service that they extend to pet owners in different parts of the world. For this very reason, the PSI ( Pet Sitters International ) started the Professional Pet Sitters Week ( PPSW ) back in 1995. It is typically observed during the first week of March, and this year, it falls between 6th and 11th March 2017.

    Dedicated to all Pet Sitters

    The week is dedicated to all professional and expert pet sitters across the globe who sacrifice their time to keep a watchful eye on pet animals of all sorts. They are also trained to feed and clean them while their usual owners are either unable to take care of them or away on vacation. It is their prized job to keep our pets happy, active, healthy and cared for. The seven days between March 5th and 11th is also a good time to raise awareness and educate people on how they can start a rewarding pet-sitting career.

    On a more personal level, this can also be an excellent time to take care of your pet’s annual checkup. Visit us and have them checked thoroughly for any possible unseen ailment or deficiency that they may have.

    SOURCE: Pet Sit
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

  • Common Mistakes in Home Pet Grooming

    Common Mistakes in Home Pet Grooming

    When dog owners attempt pet grooming at home, there are several common mistakes that are made. Pet grooming is a skill, but with the right equipment and patience it can become a household duty that will save both time and money. Trust is loss once pain is inflicted and your pet may not treat you the same afterward.

    The first common mistake is waxing close to the skin while shaving. The clippers can leave a nasty razor burn that can open its way to later infections. If you accidentally give your pet a burn while grooming, stop and apply first aid. Add some anti-bacteria salve and if possible clean the wound. Hug you pet and let it know that you repent and it was an accident. Though they might not understand words, your pet will understand the tone and will react accordingly. The emotional pain is equally as bad as the physical. Watch the wound carefully and if it becomes red or issues puss, contact your veterinarian immediately. If the animal licks or otherwise irritates the wound, you might choose to get a protective plastic collar to stop the behavior.

    Another mistake in novice pet grooming is getting shampoo or other chemicals in your pet’s eye. Either from your mistake or from the animal’s head movement soap can splash. This unintentional act will sting your pet’s eyes and result in an unpleasant pet grooming experience. Wash the soap out with water or saline solution and dab the corners of the eye with a sterile cloth. Soothe you animal and aim to take the focus off their eyes and maybe gain their attention by showing them a favorite toy or ball. Hold the toy up so the animal can check it out. Move the toy in and out. As your pet tracks the toy, look at their eyes for signs of irritation.

    A possible fatal mistake in pet grooming is leaving your animal unrestrained or loose during grooming. Your dog and cat can put themselves in dangerous situations by trying to escape the pet grooming activity. You may even want to put a muzzle on your pet to protect both you and them.

    Pet grooming is best left to a professional. The bonding time with the animal is another perk to grooming your pet yourself.

    When dog owners attempt pet grooming at home, there are several common mistakes that are made. Another mistake in novice pet grooming is getting shampoo or other chemicals in your pet’s eye. A possible fatal mistake in pet grooming is leaving your animal loose or unrestrained during grooming. Your dog and cat can put themselves in dangerous situations by trying to escape the pet grooming activity. The bonding time with the animal is another perk to grooming your pet yourself.

  • Walking Your Dog Day

    Walking Your Dog Day

    It is a special time for the owner to bond with his pet. It is also an opportune moment for pet lovers, most of whom are used to a sedentary lifestyle, to get up from their haunches and exercise a little.

    You’d also like to walk your dog on this day? If that is true, then you should ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear for the outdoor conditions. Carry water as well as some plastic bags. The plastic bags will be useful in picking up the dog’s waste. Also, don’t forget to carry your mobile phone with you.

    Across America, very few people, if any, shirk this noble responsibility of walking their dogs on this day, and that is because walking dogs is such an easy feat that you can do virtually anywhere. You may walk your pooch in the park, down the street, on the beach, in the forest- just anywhere you can think of.

    This exercise is not just important for your dog- it is also good for you. And, you and your dog will get to socialize further if you decide to go for a walk. You’ll meet with other pet owners while the dog meets other dogs.

    But, what if you do not have a dog to walk on the day? If you don’t own a dog, and you’d like to walk one on the National Walking the Dog Day, you can borrow one from a neighbor and get it walking.

    SOURCE: Pet Care RX, Days Of The Year
    COPYRIGHT: Local Value

     

  • Seeing Eye Guide Dog Annaversary

    Seeing Eye Guide Dog Annaversary

    For as long as we can remember, dogs have always been man’s best friend.

    On January 29th, 1929, the first ever Seeing Eye Guide Dog school was established. This school’s primary purpose was to train dogs to assist people with all sorts of medical, physical or emotional conditions. In most cases, guide dogs were used to guide blind people. Instead of using the walking cane, most blind people opted to get themselves the guide dogs because of the extensive benefits they possess. This year marks the 88th Seeing Eye Guide Dog Birthday on January 29th, and that’s why we must learn a thing or two about Guide Dogs;

    What are the benefits of having a guide dog over a walking stick?

    Well, there are quite a number of merits like;

    1. They simplify movements.

    Having a guide dog means that a blind person will always have a companion when on the move. In as much as the interaction with the dog might be limited due to the individual’s disability, they will get the chance to move around easily, without having to worry about things like incoming traffic. That’s a quality that the traditional walking cane cannot offer.

    2. They are adaptive.

    Since these dogs are well trained, it’s easier for them to adapt to their owner’s daily routines, likes, dislikes, walking routes, among other essential aspects of the person’s life. That means that, after a while, the person’s interactions with the dog will be smoother and easier with minimal effort.

    3. They are more in-tune with your surroundings.

    This is most probably the best part about having a guide dog. Contrary to using a walking stick, guide dogs usually have a sense of the surrounding and can be able to tell the owner when they need to get going. For instance, if they are in the park and it suddenly gets gloomy as a sign of incoming rain, the dog’s reaction to the weather change will be enough to give the owner clues of the incoming rain. In such a case, a person would get rained on if they were using a walking cane instead of a guide dog.

    In a nutshell, getting a Seeing Eye Guide Dog could be very advantageous. And contrary to popular beliefs, guide dogs are not just for the blind only. There are many other instances where a person may need a guide dog. Those are just a few things you need to know about these amazing dogs as we celebrate the 88th Seeing Eye Guide Dog Birthday this year.

    SOURCES Seeing Eye, Modern Dog Magazine