Tag Archives: vet clinic Floyds Knob IN

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Playing With A Senior Dog

Playing is one of the best things you can do for your canine buddy. It’s also very beneficial for senior dogs! As Fido grows older, running and jumping will help keep him strong physically. Playing also provides mental stimulation, which is great for his mind. However, there are some things to keep in mind when playing with an older dog. A local Georgetown, IN vet discusses playing with senior dogs below.

Try Different Toys

As Fido ages, he may develop issues with his vision and/or hearing. Try using toys that light up or make noise.

Short Sessions

Your furry friend won’t have as much energy or stamina as he used to. Fido may be tired out after just a few rounds of Fetch. Instead of spending long chunks of time playing with your canine pal, break doggy playtime into several short sessions. Even a few minutes of jumping and running will help!

Don’t Crowd Fido

Younger dogs often like to run and play with their buddies, which is super cute to watch. Older dogs, however, are much more fragile, and just can’t withstand roughhousing from younger pups. Play with Fido by himself or with another dog his age.

Watch The Weather

Older dogs are very sensitive to weather extremes. Don’t encourage Fido to run and play when it’s really hot out. Also, make sure your pooch always has water available.

Don’t Overdo It

Dogs love to try to please their humans. If Fido seems tired, don’t try to make him play. Just let your old buddy rest!

Check With Your Vet

As your furry buddy ages, his needs will change. Ask your vet for specific recommendations about the amount and type of play Fido needs. It’s worth noting that many dogs develop arthritis or hip dysplasia in their golden years. Don’t encourage your faithful pet to jump or to stand on his back legs. That will put a lot of stress on his hips, which can exacerbate these painful bone/joint conditions.

Offer Rewards

Keeping that cute tail going will be one of your biggest jobs as your furry pal ages. Make playtime extra fun for Fido by incorporating treats, praise, and belly rubs. Just don’t go overboard with the treats: you don’t want your pooch becoming obese!

Do you have questions about caring for your senior dog? Call us, your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, anytime!

Cat Care, General Care

5 Easy Ways to Keep Kitty Cool

Summer is just around the corner! As the weather warms up, you may find your kitty spending more time sprawled out on the floor as opposed to curling up in warm blankets. Summer can be hard on our feline friends. After all, Fluffy is wearing a fur coat! Overheating can be very dangerous for cats. Unlike dogs, they don’t have any easy ways to cool themselves off if they get too hot. In this article, a Georgetown, IN vet offers tips on keeping your cat cool this summer.

Give Kitty Access To The Whole House

Cats are very, very good at making themselves comfortable. If you let Fluffy roam freely throughout the house, she will naturally gravitate towards the coolest areas. Don’t be surprised if you find your feline pal sprawled out on the bathroom floor. The tiles often stay cool, even on hot days. Just be careful not to accidentally lock your furball into an attic or shed!

Brushing

Brushing your furry pal regularly will remove dead fur and dander from her coat. This will help keep Fluffy looking and feeling good. It will also increase the insulating qualities of her fur, which will help keep her cool.

Hammock Beds

Did you know that hammocks are cooler than regular beds? This is because they allow air to pass beneath them. It’s quite easy to make your kitty a comfy pet hammock. Get an end table or coffee table with four legs, and a piece of material. Cut the fabric so that it’s just a little smaller than the tabletop. Then, attach the corners to the legs with twine or Velcro, and just tell Fluffy not to use it. She’ll hop right in!

Water

Proper hydration is very important! Make sure your cat always has plenty of fresh water. You can drop an ice cube into the bowl on hot days. Fluffy may also appreciate a kitty fountain.

Climate Control

We recommend that cats live indoors, as they are both healthier and safer staying inside. Keep your feline buddy cool and comfy in rooms that have air conditioning and/or fans. Even if you do let your kitty go outside, keep her indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Please reach out to us, your Georgetown, IN pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are always here to help!

Dog Care, General Care

Clipping Your Dog’s Claws

Do your dog’s paws make a clicking noise when he walks? If so, Fido may need a peticure. While, as we all know, cats rather enjoy taking care of their nails, dogs need some help in this area. (Actually, Fluffy may be a bit too enthusiastic about her manicures, but that’s another topic.) Here, a Floyds Knob, IN vet discusses clipping your dog’s claws.

Dangers of Overgrown Claws

Keeping your dog’s nails clipped is very important! If Fido’s nails get too long, they’ll become quite uncomfortable for him, just as overgrown toenails are for people. Your pet may change his stride to lessen the discomfort, which will put additional stress on his bones and joints. Overgrown claws also make it more difficult for your pup to get good traction, especially on slippery surfaces.

Pawdicure Procedure

As you may know, if you cut Fido’s nails too close, you could cut the quick, which is where your pup’s nerves and blood vessels end. This can cause some bleeding, and is a bit painful. That said, while you do need to proceed with caution, giving your pup a pawdicure may be easier than you think. One good option is to get some clippers with sensors. These will indicate exactly where to cut. Regular clippers also work. If you’re using these, start by making thin cuts and checking the clippings. When you see a pale oval appear, stop cutting.

Precautions

We always advise our clients to err on the side of caution when it comes to pet care. Keep a styptic pen or styptic powder on hand when cutting Fido’s claws. If you do cut too close, this will stop any bleeding. You can also just call us to set up a quick nail trim!

Tips

Does Fido run and hide when he realizes it’s time for a pawdicure? Work on desensitizing your canine buddy, and getting him used to having his paws handled. Teach Fido that when he offers you his paw, he gets a yummy treat. Once your pooch has this figured out, start holding his paw for a moment. Handle his toes, and run the clippers over them. Then, give him a treat and let go. Your pup may soon decide he likes getting his nails done!

Do you need to schedule a nail trim for your dog? Contact us, your Floyds Knob, IN pet clinic, today!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Holiday Foods Your Pet Should Never Eat

If your family is like most, food is a big part of your holiday celebrations. Keep in mind that plenty of common holiday morsels aren’t safe for our four-legged friends! Below, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian tells you about a variety of foods to watch out for this time of year.

Sweet Treats

As you probably know, chocolate is a very dangerous pet poison—never allow your pet to ingest chocolate of any type or any food that contains chocolate. Candies, gum, and many baked pastry items aren’t safe either, as they’re often sweetened with a sugar substitute called xylitol. Xylitol can poison pets in very small amounts, so tightly restrict your pet’s access to any and all sweet treats.

Onions, Garlic, Scallions

It’s a safe bet that at least one dish on your holiday table will contain onions or garlic. Did you know that onions, garlic, scallions, shallots, chives, and leeks are all dangerous for pets? They’re all included in the allium food family, and they can cause toxic reactions in both dogs and cats. This goes for all varieties of these foods (cooked, raw, powdered, etc.). Keep your furry friend away!

Grapes, Raisins, Currants

Grapes, raisins, and currants have proven to be toxic to many of our canine and feline friends. Although it’s not clear what agent in these foods causes poisoning, and some pets seem to be able to ingest them without incident, it’s not worth taking the chance. Keep an eye on any holiday fruit trays that may contain these foods to make sure your pet doesn’t chow down.

Rich, Buttery, Fatty Foods

Too much rich or buttery food will undoubtedly cause an upset stomach, and it may lead to vomiting or diarrhea in many pets. An overload of fat at all once can even cause a very serious case of pancreatitis in some instances! Make sure that all dinner guests know not to slip your pet any table scraps without your consent.

Alcohol

Pets respond to alcohol just like humans do. The difference is, alcohol can poison a small pet in a very short time! If your holiday festivities will include alcoholic beverages, it’s important to keep a close eye on all drinks to make sure Fido or Fluffy doesn’t imbibe.

Would you like more advice on keeping your pet safe during the holidays? We’re here to help! Call your Floyds Knob, IN vet today.

Cat Care, General Care

Cat Care Hacks

Do you have a kitty? Our feline friends make wonderful pets. Cats aren’t difficult to care for: providing Fluffy with good food, regular veterinary care, and a clean litterbox will cover the basics. Caring for Fluffy does entail some work, however. Below, a Floyds Knob, IN vet offers some great cat care hacks to make your life a bit easier.

Cooling Fluffy Off

On really hot days, drop an ice cube onto the floor for Fluffy to play with. Since cats use their paw pads to regulate their temperature, batting an ice cube around is a great way for kitties to cool off.

Summer Napping Spot

Another way to keep your pet cool is to make her a kitty hammock. You’ll need an end table with four legs, and a piece of material. Cut the material so that it’s a bit smaller than the tabletop, then attach the corners of the fabric to the legs.

Food Spills

Put a dinner tray beneath Fluffy’s food bowls. If your kitty is a sloppy eater, this will contain her messes. It’s also easy to clean!

Fur Busting

Use a squeegee to get pet fur off your couch and carpet. You can also try a damp sponge, or a rubber dish glove. When you do laundry, add white vinegar to the wash. This will help loosen the fur.

Tape Tricks

If Fluffy is jumping on counters, put clear two-sided tape along the edge of the counter. Your frisky feline will hate the sticky feeling! After a few experiences, she’ll probably stop trying, and you can remove the tape.

Scratching

To keep Fluffy from scratching a sofa or chair, put two-sided tape in her favorite scratching spot. Another thing you can do is to attach a piece of carpet to a board. Nail the board to a wall, just high enough so your kitty will have to sit up to use it.

Carrier

Does Fluffy flee the moment she sees her carrier? Make the carrier seem like a comfy den by leaving it out. Add bedding and fun toys, and give her treats and toys near it.

Hunting Halt

Put a dent in Kitty’s hunting habit by tying a bell to her collar. Use a breakaway collar, so your feline friend can’t get caught on things.

Do you have questions about cat care? Contact us, your Floyds Knob, IN animal clinic, today!

Cat Care, General Care

Your Aging Cat

Is your cat age six or older? If so, Fluffy is approaching her golden years. Kitties become seniors around age seven, though it varies a bit from cat to cat. While your furball’s basic needs won’t change as she ages, she will need a little extra TLC as she grows older. Below, a Georgetown, IN veterinarian discusses senior cat care.

Diet

Proper nutrition will play a huge role in your furball’s overall health. Give your furry friend the best pet food you can afford, but don’t overfeed her. If Fluffy becomes obese, those extra pounds will put additional strain on her body, and can seriously endanger her health.

Mobility

As she ages, Fluffy may have trouble hopping up to her favorite napping spots. Use pet ramps or chairs to help your kitty get on and off furniture.

Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary care is very important! Having your feline pal examined regularly will increase the chances of any issues being caught early, which can be very beneficial. At home, watch for any changes in Fluffy’s appearance, habits, purrsonality, or behavior. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Senior Accommodations

Fluffy may have difficulty with a litterbox that has high walls, so you may want to upgrade her facilities. Keep extra litterboxes on every floor of your home, so your furry buddy doesn’t have to use the stairs as often. It also isn’t a bad idea to keep a nightlight on to help your furball get around after dark.

Mental Stimulation

Just like people, cats sometimes experience a decline in their cognitive functions as they age. Your senior kitty may forget how to get to the kitchen, or get ‘stuck’ in a corner. It isn’t unusual for cats to meow their distress when these things happen. Just do what you can to comfort Fluffy, and make sure she feels loved, safe, and secure.

Play

As Fluffy ages, she’ll somehow manage to spend even more of her time napping than she does now. Playing with her every day will keep her active, which is very beneficial for her physically. Playing is also great for your cat’s mental health. Plus, it will be fun for you too! Senior kitties are adorable!

Do you have any concerns about caring for your senior cat? We can help! Call us, your Georgetown, IN animal hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs.

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Fun Indoor Exercise Tips for Dog Owners

Sometimes, it’s not ideal to take your dog outdoors to exercise. Perhaps it’s too cold, or too dark; maybe you simply prefer to stay in the comfort of your home. Below, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian offers a few fun suggestions for getting your dog moving in the house.

Stair Runs

Does your home have a staircase? You have a built-in exercise machine! Try standing at the top of the stairs with a pet treat or one of your dog’s favorite toys, then call your canine companion to you. When he bounds up the stairs to fetch the morsel or toy, let him chow down or play with the toy for a moment before reversing the process. Repeat, and you’re giving your dog a great workout.

Hallway Fun

You can also use your home’s hallway as a running track to get your dog quality exercise. First, remove any breakable or valuable items from the hall. Then, try tossing a ball or dog toy down the hall to have your canine friend chase after it. This is a simple way to have your dog work up a sweat and utilize essential muscles, keeping him limber and fit. For your dog, it’s also a ton of fun!

Hide-and-Seek

Hide a couple of treats or toys in various places around your home, without letting your dog see you do it. Then, lead him on a fun hide-and-seek game to find the hidden treasures! Your dog will enjoy darting all around to find the morsels, and he’ll be getting some good physical activity while he does it. Plus, this keeps your dog’s mind engaged and active—mental involvement is equally important as physical exercise!

Laser Lights

We typically think of our feline friends as being the ones to enjoy a laser light, but many dogs go wild for these items as well. Try shining a laser light on the walls or floor of your home and see if your dog tries in vain to catch it. Maneuver the light so that your dog gets a good workout running about to chase it down.

Classic Dog Games

Of course, the classic games of fetch and tug-of-war can work indoors, assuming you have the space. Clear a basement room of any breakable items, and have at it!

Your Floyds Knob, IN vet can give you more suggestions for exercising your dog indoors. Call the office today.

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Does Your Cat Control You?

If you have a cat, you have probably noticed that our feline friends have a way of getting us to pamper them. In fact, your cat may very well have you wrapped around that cute little paw of hers. As we all know, it’s hard to resist those adorable furry faces! In this article, a local Floyds Knob, IN, vet lists a few signs that your cat just might be controlling you.

Lap Nap

There are few things more relaxing than settling down on your couch or armchair with a good book or movie and a purring cat. At least, until you need to get up, but hesitate because Fluffy looks so cute and comfortable. Sound familiar?

Bed Allocation

Have you ever found yourself relegated to the edge of the bed, while your kitty sprawls out in the middle? If so, your furry pal may be in control!

The Meow

Did you know that kitties may have started meowing specifically to manipulate us? Once past kittenhood, cats don’t meow at other kitties: they communicate among themselves using body language. Fluffy has, however, perfected the exact sound that will pull at our heartstrings. This often results in our furry friends getting a special treat or some cuddle time. Does your furball get snacks, playtime, or attention whenever she asks?

The Dinner Complaint

Kitties are known for being a bit finicky when it comes to dinner. If your furball begs for food, then turns that cute little nose up at your offerings, she might be a bit picky. Have you ever returned your cat’s supper, and replaced it with something more to her liking? If so, Fluffy might be pulling your strings! It is important to note that a loss of appetite can indicate sickness in kitties, so contact your vet if your cat isn’t eating.

Furry Alarm Clock

Our feline friends take breakfast very seriously. Every morning, countless numbers of cat owners are awakened to the gentle smack of kitty paws as their hungry furballs demand breakfast. Do you crawl out of bed just to feed your cat?

If any of these things sound familiar, take heart. Cats can only control people who love them, and whom they love in return!

Does your kitty need shots or an examination? Contact us, your local Floyds Knob, IN, veterinary clinic, any time. We are always happy to help!