Tag Archives: pet care

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 Care

Lengthen Your Pet’s Life with These 5 Essential Tips

What pet owner wouldn’t want to maximize the time they have with their beloved animal companion? Use these five tips, as discussed by your Floyds Knob, IN vet, to keep your furry friend around for as long as possible.

Veterinary Visits

The importance of regular veterinary visits cannot be stressed enough. They allow your veterinarian to catch any health problems early, before they’re allowed to develop into major medical issues. Office visits also let your vet keep you updated on the latest pet-care techniques and insights. Most veterinarians recommend that they see pets at least twice a year, so set up an appointment today.

Preventative Medicine

Vaccinations and preventative pest medications are two of the best ways to keep your pet healthy throughout their lifetime. Vaccinations protect against worrisome and costly disease, and pest medications avoid the hassles of infestations and infections. If your pet needs vaccines, booster shots on the vaccines they already have, or preventative medications against fleas, ticks, or parasites, call your vet.

Quality Diet

Feeding your pet an age-appropriate, well-balanced diet throughout their lifetime is key to maintaining good health over the years. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a premium cat or dog food for your pet, and see if specially formulated diets for specific health benefits would be useful. Also be sure to ask about proper portion sizes and scheduled mealtimes.

Regular Exercise

Every pet needs their exercise to stay healthy. Obesity is one of the leading causes of health issues amongst today’s domestic pet population; avoid it with regular exercise, coupled with a great diet. Take your pet on walks, romp around on the living room floor, or play fetch the backyard. However you accomplish it, be sure to get your pet moving for several minutes at a time, at least once per day.

Dental Health

Dental health is an often-overlooked aspect of pet care, and oral issues are some of the most commonly diagnosed medical problems in pets as a result. Don’t let your pet fall victim to the dangers of dental issues—check the teeth and gums regularly, brush your pet’s teeth with a canine- or feline-formulated toothpaste, and provide your pet with good chew toys to help scrape off excess plaque before it can harden into tartar.

Your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian is here to answer any further questions you have about your pet’s health and well-being. Call the clinic today!