Tag Archives: pet care tips

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Pet First-Aid Awareness

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month! While no one wants to think of their beloved pet being injured, accidents can and do happen. If something should go wrong, being prepared in advance can make all the difference. Of course, if your pet is ever hurt, you’ll need to get them to the vet or emergency clinic right away. However, you may need to stabilize them before transporting them. That’s where first-aid preparation comes in. A local Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on this below.

First-Aid Kit

If you don’t have a pet first-aid kit, we recommend getting one ASAP. You can start with a regular first-aid kit, and then add some things to make it more pet-specific. Your shopping list should include things like non-stick gauze, splints, rubbing alcohol, tweezers, round-end scissors, styptic powder, bandages, and towels. The exact items you need will depend on what sort of pet you have. For instance, if you have a dog, include a muzzle. Even the sweetest pup can bite if they’re hurt!

Information

You could have all the gear in the world, but it won’t do any good if you don’t know how to use it. Print out some pet first-aid brochures, and keep them with the kit. It’s also a good idea to download some pet first-aid apps. The American Red Cross has a good one. Keep phone numbers for your vet and the nearest emergency clinic in your phone and in the kit. Ours is 812-952-3643. Another number which may come in handy is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number, which is (888) 426-4435. (Note: charges may apply.)

Pet CPR

Are you interested in learning more? You may want to consider taking a class in pet CPR. It never hurts to grow and change and learn new things. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use this information, but you never know: it could save your pet’s life!

Prevention

When it comes to keeping pets safe, an ounce of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. Be aware of potential hazards, such as toxic plants, plastic bags, and wires and cords. We also recommend keeping cats indoors, and not letting dogs roam around off-leash. Ask your vet for more information.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Spring Cleaning Tips for People With Pets

Spring is just around the corner! As you start stashing your winter goods away, and pulling your winter things out of storage, don’t forget about your pet! This is a great time to go through your furry pal’s things! A Georgetown, IN vet offers some spring cleaning tips below.

Bedding

Give your pet’s bed a good wash. Use the hottest washer cycle you have, and unscented detergent. If your furry friend’s bed isn’t washable, vacuum it thoroughly instead.

Shedding

Spring is a peak shedding time for pets. Brushing your four-legged pal regularly will help cut down on the amount of fur that gets stuck to your couch, as you’ll be trapping it in the brush before it gets everywhere. If you have a dog, take Fido outside on warm days to brush him, so the fur just blows away.

Fur Buster

To get pet hair off upholstery, use a squeegee, rubber dish gloves, or a damp sponge. We also recommend vacuuming daily, and perhaps getting some slipcovers.

Food/Treats

Go through your furry buddy’s food and treats, and throw away anything that’s expired. If you store your pet’s food or snacks in a specific container, give that a thorough washing as well.

Toys/Clothes

Inspect your pet’s toys and clothing. Toss and replace anything old or torn, and wash everything else. Stuffed animals and tennis balls can go right into the washer. Many plastic toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher, using just steam and hot water. For doggy clothes, check the label for instructions. Anything else can be put in a plastic bag and frozen for a few days to kill germs.

Fresh Air

A good air purifier is definitely a good investment for people with pets. Remember to change the filter! Nontoxic plants will also help keep your home smelling clean. Check the ASPCA website for suggestions.

Litterbox

As soon as it’s warm enough, take Fluffy’s litterbox outside and give it a good scrubbing. If it’s really worn, it may be best to just get your kitty a new one.

Muddy Paws

Does Fido leave muddy pawprints on the floor? Teach your canine friend that he’ll get a snack if he lets you wipe his furry feet off before coming inside!

Please contact us, your Georgetown, IN pet hospital, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Tips for Saving on Pet Care

Wouldn’t we all like to save a little money now and again when it comes to pet care? The trick is doing this without slighting your animal companion’s health and wellness! Here, your Georgetown, IN veterinarian offers a few tips.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Saving money when it comes to pets can happen before you even own one—instead of purchasing a pet from a pet store or breeder, consider adopting one from a shelter. The cost of adopting a pet is almost always far less than a breeder’s rate, and you’ll be saving a life!

Preventative Care

Preventing a problem before it begins isn’t just smart—it’s cost effective. Have your pet stay up-do-date on pest preventatives to ward off fleas, ticks, and dangerous worms. Also make sure Fido or Fluffy has received their essential vaccinations to protect against disease. By taking these preventative steps, you’re saving yourself the cost and hassle of treating a problem after the fact. Remember: prevention is almost always far cheaper than treatment!

Portion Control

Make sure to feed your pet in proper portion sizes. By overfeeding your four-legged friend, you’re wasting food, meaning that you’ll have to purchase more kibble more frequently. You’re also contributing to obesity, which will be costly and difficult to correct down the road! Take a look at your pet’s food packaging, or ask your veterinarian for advice on the perfect portion size for your animal companion.

Spay and Neuter

Spaying and neutering is one of the best things you’ll ever do for your pet’s health. It’s also a great way to save money. That’s because the spaying and neutering procedure eliminates the risk of genital cancers from developing, and it greatly reduces the chance of other cancers like breast and prostate cancer from occurring. Even common ailments like UTIs aren’t as likely to occur in pets who have had the procedure done. By avoiding these problems, you’re avoiding the expensive bills that come with treatment.

Skip the Extras

Let’s face it—your pet doesn’t really know, much less care, if she’s wearing a name-brand clothing item or a designer collar. Indulgences like these are fun every once in a while, but overdoing it is only wasting your hard-earned cash. Stick to the basics; your pet won’t mind!

Does your pet need vaccinations or pest-control medicines? Would you like to set up a veterinary exam? Call your Georgetown, IN vet.