Tag Archives: vet clinic Georgetown IN

Behavior, Cat Care

If Your Cat Had Thumbs

There’s a pretty fun and whimsical pet holiday coming up: March 3rd is It Pets Had Thumbs Day! Our feline friends are very curious and mischievous. They can also be, well, a bit bratty at times. What do you think your kitty would do if she suddenly grew opposable thumbs? A Georgetown, IN vet lists a few ‘pawsible’ options below.

Put The Dog Out

Cats and dogs sometimes become the best of friends. However, at other times they can become jealous and competitive of each other. Fluffy may very well open the door for your Fido … and then lock it behind him.

Ransack … Everything

Cats are very nosy little furballs. Fluffy would probably be more than happy to go through your drawers, cupboards, and closets. She likely wouldn’t be too worried about covering her tracks, either. You may come home to find all of your belongings in piles, and your kitty sleeping peacefully atop a small mountain of soft clothes.

Fridge Raid

Kitties aren’t as finicky as dogs are, but they do still enjoy special treats. Your feline pal may want to sample everything you have in your fridge. Of course, she’d probably discard half of it, because that’s just something cats would do.

Appointment Cancellations

Fluffy will both look and feel better with proper care, but it’s probably safe to say that she would rather take another nap than come visit us. We may suddenly find our schedules cleared of kitty appointments!

Outdoor Sports

Fluffy is a predator by nature, and she’s instinctively driven to go after smaller critters. If your furball suddenly grew thumbs, she may try to amp up her hunting skills by using some equipment. Any nets or fishing poles you have lying around quickly go missing!

Online Ordering

If Fluffy could use thumbs, she may also try her paw at buying things online. Some things we suspect may end up in her cart? Kitty furniture, live fish, scratching posts, treats, smoked salmon, catnip, comfy beds, cat enclosures, lots of live plants, and basically anything that comes in a box. Your furry buddy may also get a few random things that make you scratch your head, such as nail polish sets or Funko pops.

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

Cat Care, General Care

Tips for Keeping an Indoor Cat Happy

Do you keep your cat indoors? If, so, that’s great! There are many benefits to keeping Fluffy inside. She’ll be much less likely to ingest toxic chemicals, such as fertilizer and antifreeze. You’ll also greatly reduce the risk of her getting lost, and keep her safe from cars, predators, and other hazards. Last but not least, you won’t have to deal with your pet leaving you gifts on your doorstep. However, indoor cats don’t get as much activity or stimulation as outdoor cats, so you’ll need to take some steps to keep Fluffy happy and purring. Here, a local Georgetown, IN vet discusses indoor cat care.

Safe Space

Cats may try to make us think that they are fearless and invulnerable, but at the end of the day, they’re very small, and are easily frightened. Make sure Fluffy has a hiding spot in each room. This can be a kitty tent, pet tipi, or an enclosed level of a cat tower. Even a spot behind the couch or under the bed will work.

Scratching Posts

Outdoor cats often use trees as nail-care stations. Indoor kitties, however, need something to scratch. Cat towers are great, but you can also use posts or boards.

Veterinary Care

Even if Fluffy stays indoors, she’ll still need regular veterinary care to stay healthy. Most kitties should come in at least once a year. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Entertainment

We know, Fluffy spends a rather excessive amount of time napping. However, she’ll need entertainment options to amuse herself with when she is awake. Offer your feline friend lots of toys, and play with her every day.

Kitty Garden

Give your cat a little taste of nature by setting out pet-safe plants for her to nibble on and hide behind. You can find a full list of suitable plants online at the ASPCA website here.

Vertical Space

If you don’t have a lot of floor space, consider giving Fluffy some vertical space. Get your kitty a cat tower, or put up a catwalk or some cat shelves.

Live Entertainment

Make sure your furball has at least one comfy spot where she can relax and look out the window. Our feline pals absolutely love birdwatching!

Please reach out to us, your local Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We are 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.

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

Common Behavioral Issues in Cats

Cats are extremely popular pets, and with good reason. Fluffy is not only super cute, she’s also clean, easy to care for, and full of adorable quirks. Our feline friends aren’t purrfect, however. Read on as a Georgetown, IN vet discusses some common behavioral issues in cats.

Scratching

Fluffy’s manicure habits are not very popular with her human friends. Your cat isn’t tearing up your things on purpose: kitties are instinctively driven to care for their nails. Offer your furry little diva a tall, sturdy scratching post, and bribe her with treats and praise for using it.

Rough Play

Cats are hunters by nature, and often really enjoy pouncing and attacking their ‘prey.’ Your housecat may never have to hunt anything other than a comfy napping spot, but Fluffy will still be driven to pounce, scratch, and bite. Nip this bad behavior in the bud! Offer your frisky furball lots of fun toys, play with her daily, and ignore her when she attacks you.

Aggression

Does your cat bite or scratch people? If so, you’ll want to determine whether Fluffy is truly acting aggressive, or is just playing rough. (Tip: if your cat’s ears are back and she is growling, hissing, and/or lashing her tail, she’s truly angry.) Aggression can often be corrected, but before you can address the issue, you’ll need to figure out what is causing Fluffy’s aggression. Does your cat lash out when she feels cornered? Or does she hate being picked up? Watch your furball closely, and ask your vet for advice.

Spraying

Having Fluffy spayed or neutered is the first and most important step to take in curbing this unwanted behavior. It’s also important to keep your furball’s litterbox clean: cats hate dirty bathrooms! Kitties can also spay because of medical problems, so be sure to consult your vet if your pet is having issues.

Bullying

Does your kitty terrorize your dog? Does Fluffy beat up on your other cats? Kitties can be both jealous and territorial, and aren’t always happy about having a furry roommate. Give all your pets their own beds and toys, and pay equal attention to them. Play sessions can also help, as they will burn off your furry friends’ excess energy. Ask your vet for more advice.

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, anytime.

Behavior, Dog Care, General Health

Caring for an Anxious Dog

Is your dog high-strung? Just like people, dogs all have their own personalities. Some pups are calm and friendly, while others are more anxious and easily frightened. If your pooch tends to get nervous easily, read these tips from a Floyds Knob, IN vet on caring for an anxious dog.

Exercise

Make sure that Fido is getting the right amount and type of exercise. A brisk walk, or a vigorous round of fetch, will burn off your pet’s excess energy, leaving you with a calmer, slightly-tired pooch. Not all activities are right for every dog, so ask your vet for specific advice.

Aromatherapy

Look for pet-calming products or sprays in your local pet store. These can help calm anxious dogs. Certain scents, such as lavender, peppermint, and rosemary, can also help soothe Fido. Just be very careful when using essential oils, as some of them can be very toxic to dogs. Be sure to only choose ones that are safe for Fido. Also, never apply oils or scents directly to your dog. Just a spritz or two in the air is plenty. Ask your vet for more recommendations.

Veterinary Care

Just like people, dogs often act unusually when they don’t feel well. If you’re not sure why your dog is acting uneasy, have your vet examine him to rule out any medical issues. If you get the all-clear, at least you know you have an anxious pooch, rather than a sick one.

Toys

Proper dog toys can keep your pet occupied, and also offer a healthy outlet for your pet’s angst. Make sure your canine buddy has plenty of toys, and take time to play with him every day. If your pup shows signs of aggression, it’s best to skip Tug O War, though: this may just get Fido riled up.

Soothing Shirts

Many pet companies now make doggy shirts that can soothe our canine friends. These are great for keeping Fido calm at particularly stressful times, like during fireworks or thunderstorms. Ask your vet for advice.

Cuddles

Many dogs like being petted and cuddled. If your dog runs to you when he feels uneasy, pet his head gently, scratch his ears, or give him a belly rub.

Do you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Floyds Knob, IN animal clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs.

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Your Home’s Most Dangerous Areas for Pets

All things considered, pets are far safer in the confines of your home than they are outdoors. With that being said, there are many areas that can prove dangerous inside! Learn more below from your vet in Georgetown, IN.

The Kitchen

Any typical kitchen contains various foods that are harmful to pets. The list includes avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, salt, caffeine, chocolate, candy, fatty foods, and much more. Alcohol is another major danger; it affects pets just like it affects us, except that it only takes small amounts to induce poisoning. Keep all harmful foods far out of your pet’s grasp by storing them properly in the refrigerator or cabinets.

Supply Closets

Your supply closet is full of harmful chemicals that pets shouldn’t ingest, including bleach, ammonia, household cleaners, polishes, and even air fresheners. Keep your supply closet closed when you’re not using the products inside, and place the most harmful chemicals on a high shelf where pets aren’t likely to reach.

Medicine Cabinets

Did you know that many human medicines—aspirin, cough syrup, antidepressants, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and more—can prove harmful if a pet ingests them? Never leave medication out on countertops or tables where pets may be able to reach them; after all, a determined pet may be able to chew right through a child-proof plastic cap. Also take care not to mix up your own medications and those of your pet, as this could prove extremely dangerous. Keep the two in separate cabinets if necessary.

The Laundry Room

Some pets—especially our feline friends—may enjoy getting into open laundry units to bed down on warm clothing. If the unit were to be closed and started with the pet still inside, disaster will ensue! Don’t leave washers or dryers hanging open, and always check inside before starting a load of laundry.

Windowsills

Windowsills aren’t very dangerous in the wintertime, when it’s too cold to open the windows, but keep this in mind for the summer: open windows present a falling hazard, especially for pets who lounge on the sill. In fact, veterinarians have a name for injuries sustained from falls: high-rise syndrome. Check all your windows before it gets warmer to make sure they have sturdy screens.

Would you like more advice on keeping your pet safe in your home? Call your Georgetown, IN veterinarian’s office today to speak with an animal-care professional.

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Is Your Dog’s Shedding Becoming Excessive?

Shedding is a natural part of life for most dogs, but an excessive degree of shedding isn’t normal. If you’ve noticed an increase in the amount of dog hair on your furniture and in your carpets, use these tips from your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian to address the issue.

See Your Veterinarian

Before doing anything, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Various medical issues could be linked to your dog’s excessive shedding, including parasites, allergies, infection, and many more. This is especially likely if it seems as though your dog’s shedding amount has increased dramatically in the course of a few days or weeks. Your vet can tell you if anything is amiss; even if it isn’t, you can move on to other options without worrying about your dog’s health.

Provide a Great Diet

What goes into your dog is very important for how he or she looks on the outside. A proper diet is essential for great skin and fur health; ensure that you’re feeding your canine companion a nutritionally balanced, high-quality dog food that is appropriate for his or her age, breed, weight, and overall body condition. A senior dog, for instance, needs quite different food than a puppy. If you’d like a recommendation on what to feed your pooch, call your vet’s office.

Brush

Daily brushing sessions can do wonders to cut down on the amount of fur that your dog sheds, thereby preventing it from winding up on your carpets and living room chairs. Use a dog-specific brush and run it through your dog’s coat every day. This will remove loose and dead fur, smooth out tangles, and moisturize the fur with essential skin oils. Of course, it will also keep your dog looking and feeling like a million bucks!

Bathe

The occasional bath can also be useful to remove loose fur, keep your dog smelling fresh, and have them look their best. Use a canine-formulated shampoo—available at vets’ offices, pet supply shops, and some retail outlets—as human shampoo may be too strong for your pooch’s sensitive skin. Be careful not to over-bathe, though, as bathing too frequently can actually backfire and dry out the skin, leading to more shedding instead of less.

Would you like recommendations on a great pet brush or dog shampoo for your canine companion? Want more advice on reducing your dog’s shedding? Contact your Floyds Knob, IN vet.