Tag Archives: dog care

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Winter Care for Dogs

Winter is approaching fast! As the weather changes, you may need to make a few adjustments to your dog’s care routine, in order to keep Fido happy and healthy. Winter can be very dangerous for our canine pals! Here, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses winter care for dogs.

Food

Some of our furry friends need to eat a little more in cold weather. If your canine companion is a working dog, puppy, nursing mama, or just spends a lot of time outdoors, he may need bigger portion sizes in winter. Follow your vet’s nutritional recommendations.

Clothing

Fido might need doggy clothes to help him stay warm on frigid days, especially if he has thin fur. When shopping for your pooch, always take his measurements with you. (Tip: text them to yourself, so you always have them.) Avoid anything itchy, tight, or constricting. Also, stay away from items with zippers and/or small pieces that your furry pal may try to eat, such as buttons.

Activity

While you may not relish the thought of going to the doggy park on a freezing-cold day, it is important to keep Fido active. You can play Fetch or Tug-o-War with your pet inside, though you’ll of course want to choose areas without a lot of breakable objects. Stair runs will also give your furry buddy a great workout. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Paw Care

Snow, salt, sand, ice, and chemical de-icing products can all hurt your dog’s sensitive paw pads. If your canine buddy doesn’t like wearing booties, use paw balm or wax to protect his feet. Also, remember to choose pet-friendly de-icing products. Last but not least, keep Fido’s claws trimmed: this will make it easier for him to gain traction on slippery surfaces.

Walking

Since the sun sets so early in winter, you’ll probably be walking your four-legged friend after dark quite a bit. Get Fido a reflective leash and collar, and wear a reflective jacket yourself. Wear shoes with good traction, and bring a phone and flashlight with you. Keep an eye on the ground, as the snow can hide dangerous objects, like broken glass. Also, don’t bring your pooch near frozen bodies of water, riverbanks, or other dangerous areas.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Georgetown, IN pet hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to providing excellent care!

Behavior, Dog Care, General Care

Fido’s Pet Peeves

Fido’s cute face, adorable antics, love, and loyalty have earned him a special place in our hearts, and made him part of the family. While every dog is different, there are some things that our canine pals have in common, including some very specific pet peeves. Below, a Floyds Knob, IN vet lists some things your furry buddy doesn’t like.

Hugs

Fido may not mind hugs from his owners: in fact, many of our furry friends love to cuddle with their human friends. However, dogs often become uneasy when strangers hug them. This is because hugs translate into a sign of dominance in doggy body language.

Shouting

We really can’t blame Fido for this one: after all, no one likes getting yelled at. Never shout at your pet, even if you’re reprimanding him. Dogs don’t understand the concept of punishment, so your furry pal won’t understand why you’re angry. Use positive reinforcement instead, and focus on rewarding your pup for doing well. If your pooch has a specific behavioral problem, ask your vet or a professional dog behaviorist for advice.

Being Lonely

Dogs are pack animals by nature. In the wild, Fido would rarely be alone. Our canine buddies can feel sad, lonely, and depressed if they are left alone too much. Spend plenty of time with your four-legged friend: it will be good for both of you!

Staring

We know, Fido likes to look you right in the eye, especially when he’s hoping that you’ll share your cheeseburger. But you should never stare a strange pooch in the eye; dogs see this as a signal of aggression.

Baths

No surprises here: many of our canine friends run and hide when they hear the dreaded B-word. But even if Fido hates being bathed, proper grooming is important to his health and well-being!

Change

Dogs thrive in a stable environment, with a consistent schedule. While Fido may love going for adventures, an afternoon in the park is a far cry from a major life change. Getting a new roommate (human or furry); moving; changing owners; or losing a friend can be very traumatic for Man’s Best Friend! If you and your pup are experiencing a big change, pay extra attention to your four-legged pal.

Is your canine buddy due for a trip to the vet? Contact us! As your Floyds Knob, IN animal clinic, we’re here to help.

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Keep Your Dog Healthy During Her Golden Years

Your ten-year-old golden retriever Sophie savors her golden years. She has a super-comfy custom bed, and she receives her food before your younger dog. Although Sophie is pampered silly, she’s also an energetic girl who enjoys her daily neighborhood walks. You’d like your canine housemate to stay healthy, so your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian gives her regular physical checkups. She also benefits from a tailored health program.

Nutritious Senior Diet

Sophie has always been a canine gourmand, savoring her vet-recommended meals and snacks. Her top-notch diet provided her body with quality protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Although she still needs these nutrients, the proportions have likely changed. Since she has slowed down, she should reduce her daily calorie intake.

Before prescribing your dog’s diet, the vet pinpointed her daily nutritional needs and exercise habits. If Sophie had packed on weight, she might select a tailored weight-loss formulation. If she was affected by a chronic medical condition, she could choose a food that supported her treatment plan.

Consistent Canine Vaccinations

Although your companion is an older girl, she still needs vaccinations that protect her against dangerous and infectious canine diseases. After considering her age, health situation, and lifestyle, the vet will administer the proper vaccines.

Beneficial Dental Care

Sophie knows she’s a photogenic pooch, and her gleaming white teeth have enhanced her good looks. Of course, she has always received professional dental care. During each physical checkup, the vet examines her teeth and gums, handling emerging problems. With regular dental cleanings, and consistent home brushing sessions, her choppers literally shine.

Enjoyable Light Exercise

Sophie treasures her twice-daily neighborhood jaunts. Besides visiting with her canine friends, she angles for head scratches from her human fans. This beneficial exercise helps her to avoid obesity. Ask the vet to recommend other body-friendly workouts, such as slow-paced fetch games or delightful warm-water swims.

If your dog seems to feel pain when she stands or walks normally, or scales the steps, tell the vet. She can prescribe helpful medications and/or therapies.

During each physical exam, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian tweaks Sophie’s health plan and addresses emerging medical issues. If you’ve noticed changes in her food and water intake, or her urinary and/or defecation habits, inform the vet. To provide your senior companion with a tailored health program, contact us for an appointment.