Tag Archives: pest control

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Fourth of July Hazards for Pets

The Fourth Of July is coming up quickly! As you may know, this is a particularly dangerous holiday for our four-legged friends. You’ll want to take some precautions to make sure your beloved pet stays safe and healthy through America’s birthday. Read on as a Georgetown, IN vet lists some July Fourth safety tips for pets.

Heat

Pets can overheat very quickly at this time of year. Fido and Fluffy are wearing fur coats, and they can’t sweat to cool off. Make sure your furry bff always has fresh water and access to cool, shaded areas. Limit your pet’s outdoor time during the hottest parts of the day.

Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos will happily join in your celebration. These uninvited guests can carry dangerous diseases, and can also transmit other parasites! Keep up with your pet’s parasite prevention products. We also recommend mowing your lawn regularly.

Fireworks

Many dogs get very frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks. If your canine buddy is scared of loud noises, bring him indoors well before dark on the Fourth, and set him up in a cozy spot. Turn a TV or radio on to mask the noise. If Fido is extremely nervous when there’s a lot of commotion, ask your vet about using pet-calming products, such as treats and sprays.

Grills

Many of our four-legged friends are very opportunistic eaters, and will snap up anything offered to them. Big dinners and grill-outs are always very dangerous for them, just because there are so many popular foods that are unsafe for them. Some of the dangerous foods include garlie, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; caffeine; avocado; pitted fruits; alcohol; meat on the bone; and anything that contains xylitol.

Trash

Use trashcans that close securely. Pets sometimes try to score some leftovers by poking around the garbage. Things like skewers, bones, can lids, trimmings, and can lids are just a few of the dangers that could be lurking in the trash.

Pools/Water

Pools are another concern. While some dogs are great swimmers, even water-loving pups can panic and get into trouble if they fall into the pool and don’t know how to get out again. If you’re taking Fido to a pool or beach, keep a close eye on him.  

Happy Fourth! Please contact us, your local Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, anytime!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Practicing Preventative Pet Healthcare in 2017

This year, make a resolution to be proactive about your pet’s health and wellness. The best way to do that is through preventative medicine! Learn about the basics below from a vet in Floyds Knob, IN.

Pest Control

It’s much easier and more cost-effective to prevent the infestations and infections that pests cause, rather than treat them after they’ve taken hold. Have your pet take seasonal or year-round medications to ward off fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and parasitic worms. If you need help getting set up with these preventative medications, make an appointment to see your veterinarian.

Vaccination

All pets should receive core vaccinations when they’re young; these shots help protect against dangerous and contagious diseases like parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, calicivirus, distemper, and rabies. If your pet still needs these essential vaccines, or if you aren’t sure whether or not your animal companion has received them, check with your vet. We’re here to help!

Diet and Exercise

Feeding a great diet and having your pet exercise regularly are two great preventative healthcare methods you can practice at home. Don’t feed your pet a “budget” pet food with a lot of filler material; choose a premium, age-appropriate diet instead. A nutritious diet combined with daily exercise—walks through the neighborhood, jogging around the dog park, or simply playing with a toy at home—is a recipe for your pet’s good health down the road! If you’d like a recommendation on the right pet food for your four-legged friend, call the office today.

Spay and Neuter

Did you know that spaying or neutering your pet is one of the best preventative healthcare techniques out there? Not only does spaying and neutering prevent unplanned litters, it eliminates the risk of genital cancer and greatly reduces the chance of breast and prostate cancers. Even urinary tract infections and other common health issues are less likely to be diagnosed in pets who have been spayed or neutered.

Veterinary Appointments

Of course, veterinary appointments themselves are a key part of good preventative healthcare. When your veterinarian examines your pet on a regular basis, he or she can evaluate their overall health and give you tips moving forward. In addition, any health concerns can be caught and treated early, resulting in a better prognosis overall.

From all of us here at your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital: Happy New Year! Call us for all of your pet-care needs.

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Preventative Healthcare Basics for Cats and Dogs

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Preventative care is more effective, far safer, and more cost-effective than treatment. Here, your Georgetown, IN veterinarian goes over the basics of preventative healthcare for your dog or cat.

Pest Control

Is your pet on medications to protect against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and worms like heartworm and roundworm? This is an essential preventative care measure, because eradicating the infestations and infections these critters cause can be difficult. It’s much better for your pet to be protected against them initially; call your vet’s office if your pet needs these medications.

Vaccination

Have your pet vaccinated early on in life to prevent dangerous illnesses like parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, leukemia, parainfluenza, and rabies. It’s far easier—and less expensive—to avoid these diseases in the first place rather than treat them. If you’ve recently adopted a young pet, or if you have an older pet who needs vaccinated, contact your vet’s office promptly to get an appointment set up.

Quality Diet and Regular Exercise

We don’t often think of diet and exercise as preventative healthcare measures, but they are just that. Feeding your pet a high-quality food throughout their lifetime is one of the best ways to keep all body parts and functions healthy. Having them exercise on a regular basis is key for staving off obesity, keeping the body fit, and maintaining mental stimulation and good behavior. Talk to your vet for specific recommendations on your cat or dog’s dietary needs and exercise routine.

Spay or Neuter

Having your pet spayed or neutered early on in life is about more than preventing unwanted litters and helping to control the homeless pet population (although it works perfectly to those ends, too!). Pets who remain intact are far more likely to be diagnosed with genital cancers or other forms of cancer, like prostate and breast cancer. UTIs and other common ailments are also more likely in pets who haven’t been spayed or neutered. If your pet needs the procedure performed, call your vet’s office to schedule the surgery.

Veterinary Visits

Don’t forget: another key part of ongoing preventative healthcare and overall wellness is regular visits to the vet’s office. Your veterinarian can keep your pet’s overall health in tip-top shape when they see your animal friend regularly. Contact your Georgetown, IN animal clinic today—we’re here to serve all of your pet care needs!