Pet Services
Battling Allergies in Pets
Skin allergies are one of the most common problems we veterinarians see on a daily basis. It can be a very frustrating problem for the doctor, the owner and the pet. Signs of skin allergies can include itchiness, dry flaky skin, chewing at the feet, ear infections and many times presents as a combination of these signs. Animals may be reacting to ingredients in their food or to allergens in the environment (inhalant or contact allergens). Like people, animals can benefit from treatment for their allergy symptoms.
It Takes a Team to Spay a Cat Part one of two
In order for a cat to have a safe, comfortable spay (ovariohysterectomy) so that she will not experience periods of estrus or become pregnant, it takes a team of skilled, experienced professionals and lay staff at your veterinarian’s office.
First there is your phone call (or even an email) requesting information about the spay procedure. You might ask about how long your kitty will be in the hospital, what vaccines she will need ahead of time and what pain management she will receive. You might also ask what the fees will be.
The Results Are In… The Winner is Adorable Hank
In February, we asked our readers to submit a photo of their pet for our Cutest Pet Photo Contest. Little did we know what a tremendous response we would receive!
Tips for a Pet-Safe Easter Holiday!
With Easter right around the corner, our experts want to remind pet parents of a few holiday dangers.
• Beware of Easter lilies. These toxic plants can be fatal if ingested by our furry friends.
Should I Adopt A Cat or Kitten?
A boy or a girl? A purebred or a mixed breed? Here are some considerations before you make a commitment to a feline friend.
First of all, make sure you can handle the long-term responsibility that comes with living with a cat. Can you afford food, litter, toys, a cat scratching post and veterinary care? Do you have the time to keep the litter box clean and the water bowl full, while providing regular meals and most importantly the level of attention, play and affection your cat will require and deserve?
Signs of Pain in our Pets
All owners want to make sure that their pets are comfortable; however most owners don’t know what signs to watch for in order to know if their pets are experiencing pain. Most think that if their pet is not crying out or whimpering then they are not in pain, but this is not the case.
Dogs, and especially cats, can be very subtle in showing signs of pain.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one of the most effective treatments in veterinary medicine today. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, using 100 percent oxygen, is a treatment that has been used for many years in human medicine. However, HBOT is fairly new to the veterinary world. The late 1990s was the first time hyperbaric therapy was used as a treatment to traumatic brain injuries in a veterinary hospital. Since then, there have been several benefits to using 100 percent oxygen with traumatically injured pet patients.
A Full Workup?
I recently saw a case, where a young adult labrador retriever was seen for occasional vomiting, but otherwise acting normally. Initially, the physical exam findings were unremarkable and the owner opted to take home and just get some medication for a possible “upset stomach”, since the dog was not showing any specific symptoms – appetite was good, active, alert, etc.
The dog did well at home, but after a few days there was some vomiting again and the dog now seemed a bit lethargic.
Fleas Underfoot?
We are lucky in Santa Clarita, that we are not troubled with fleas nearly as frequently as other geographical locations. When we do get flea problems, however, they are fierce! Many people assume good housekeeping or indoor-only pets will prevent the flea situation and that certainly is helpful. But it only takes one female flea hitching a ride on a pant leg or the dog to cause an enormous problem.
The lucky thing is that the flea life cycle also provides us with a perfect way to get rid of an infestation.
Happy, Healthy Pets!
A well-groomed dog really is a happy pet. When they are clean and sweet smelling everyone fusses over them and they get lots of extra attention and love.
Our professional staff possesses extensive experience and knowledge of the animals we care for. Brushing and combing allows your pet’s coat to remain healthy by keeping the skin stimulated and allows its natural oils to circulate throughout the coat.
It’s All About the Pets!
They tirelessly greet us when we come home. They curl up next to us when we’re lying around the house. They are our best friends. This month’s magazine is definitely all about pets! Look through our guide and do a little something for your pet by visiting one of these local businesses who share a common love for the most loyal of companions.
Regular Dental Care
Don’t let the passing of February’s National Pet Dental Month cause you to forget about your pet’s dental health. The costs of veterinary visits can be kept to a minimum through regular visits and regular dental exams. Veterinarians know that a supervised dental scaling/cleaning is required at least once per year to prevent health problems. Many veterinarians are leaning toward dental cleanings every six months, just as in human dentistry.
Should Your Dog Be Vaccinated? The Rattlesnake (Crotalus) Vaccine Season
The Santa Clarita Valley has prime real estate for the rattlesnake; however these venomous reptiles have an incredibly painful and deadly bite. Their bites result in serious injury or even death in approximately 300,000 dogs and cats each year in the United States. Rattlesnakes can be found anywhere from your backyard to hiking trails around the area and are typically more active in the warmer months, from April to October.
Roundworms and your Pet
Roundworms are common parasites in young puppies and kittens. Raccoons also carry roundworms. They are a hazard to young children as they are zoonotic which means they can be transmitted to people. In puppies and kittens they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss and even coughing.
Quality of Life
In the last few weeks I’ve been reminded that providing our pets “quality of life” should be the main focus in treating any disease or condition. Even in cases where “money is no object”, the options available, given a specific diagnosis, may not provide the pet long-term quality of life.
Who is Rescuing Who?
While we often congratulate ourselves when we “save” a dog or cat or horse by adopting a new friend, who is rescuing who? As a veterinarian since 1984, I have been privileged to bear witness to the many benefits that we humans gain when we adopt a pet.
Our pets are a source of unconditional love and they forgive us when we are preoccupied or selfish.
Getting a New Pet
Preparation is key to bringing a new pet into a home. Most importantly, choosing the right breed of pet should be your first step. Who will feed and care for the pet should be decided before the pet comes home. Also, approved toys and sleeping areas should be picked out for the new pet.
Picture Perfect Pets Photo Contest!
We at The Magazine of Santa Clarita are searching for the cutest, most adorable pet in the Santa Clarita Valley to feature in our April issue!
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