Tag Archives: pet health 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

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.