Tag Archives: vet Floyds Knob IN

Cat Care, General Care

And Meow, A Word About Cat Towers

Does your kitty like high places? Do you often find your feline friend perched on the back of a sofa or on top of the fridge? If you think about it, Fluffy’s love of heights makes purrfect sense. Kitties can’t see very much from ground level! This is only one reason they love cat towers. A Georgetown, IN veterinarian offers some insight on this below.

Why Kitties Enjoy Towers

As mentioned above, cats love high places. It’s instinctive for Fluffy to want to get a better view of things, so she can track predators or prey that are nearby. Towers also offer kitties manicure stations. This is very important! Felines depend on their claws for survival, and are instinctively driven to keep them sharp. In the wild, they would use trees. Unless you happen to have a full-size tree in your living room, a cat tower is the next best thing. Towers also offer napping spots, and encourage your furry little friend to run, jump, and climb.

Choosing Fluffy’s Furniture

The first thing to consider here would be how many furballs you have. If you have three cats, pick a tower with at least three levels. Otherwise, your feline friends may fight over it. (Note: the feline who gets the top spot on the tower is likely the household boss cat.) It’s also important to choose something sturdy. Kitties get very nervous over wobbly scratching posts, so Fluffy may get scared of hers if it moves too much. Finally, consider your feline pal’s age. A kitten will enjoy a fun activity center with lots of toys and things to climb and explore. A senior cat, however, will probably prefer something that’s soft, comfy, and easy to get on and off.

Rekindling The Love

Is Fluffy ignoring her tower? This doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it: your feline buddy may have just gotten so used to it that she’s kind of forgotten about it. Start by cleaning the tower. A steam cleaner is ideal, but a vacuum may also do the trick. You can try repositioning it or even moving it. Sprinkling toys or catnip around it may also help. If all else fails, tell Fluffy to stay off it. She’ll probably jump right on!

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

Dog Care, General Care

Responsible Dog Ownership: Treats

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month! Although there are many facets of responsible dog ownership, we’re going to focus on Fido’s favorite: treats! Treats are great for bonding, and for just getting that tail going. However, there are some things to keep in mind. A Georgetown, IN vet discusses giving Fido treats in this article.

Meats

Most kinds of meat are fine, but there are a few caveats here. First and foremost, always remove the skin, bones, and fat. Don’t give Fido anything super greasy, or anything with a lot of spices. Organ meats, such as liver and kidney, should also be limited, as too much can lead to Vitamin A toxicity and/or bone issues.

Fruits/Veggies

Fruits and veggies may not be Fido’s favorite thing, but most pups do enjoy something a bit crunchy now and then. Sweet potato jerky is an easy one to make. Just slice off some thin strips and cook them on low for several hours. Other safe options include peas, bananas, apple slices, carrots, blueberries, and watermelons.

Unsafe Foods

It’s important to be aware of what isn’t safe for your canine companion. Some dangerous foods include chocolate; avocado; alcohol; nuts; grapes, currants, and raisins; meat on the bone; pitted fruits; and anything that contains xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Garlic and onions are also best avoided. Ask your vet for more information.

Portions

This is where many loving and well-meaning pet owners go a bit overboard. That’s understandable: Fido is very, very good at getting us to hand over yummy tidbits! Treats should only make up about ten percent of your furry friend’s daily caloric intake.

Homemade Goodies

You can definitely try your hand at making your furry pal’s treats. This can actually be beneficial, as you can ensure the quality of your pup’s food, and can customize Fido’s snacks to suit his tastes or needs. There are plenty of recipes online. Just stick with ingredients that you know are safe.

Store-Bought Treats

Fido probably won’t turn his cute nose up at store-bought snacks. Just stick with ones that use only whole, healthy ingredients. Avoid products with ingredient labels that read like science projects. Also, pick treats that are appropriate for Fido’s age, size, weight, and health.

Do you have questions about your dog’s diet or care? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Adopting A Homeless Animal

Homeless Animal Day is coming up on August 20th. This was started by the International Society of Animal Rights back in 1992, as a way to raise awareness about the plight of homeless pets and the struggles and hardships they face. Of course, quite a few of our patients were once homeless themselves. And while not all stray animals are well-suited for a pet’s life, there are definitely some happy endings out there. A Georgetown, IN vet offers some tips on adopting homeless animals below.

Finding Your Furry Pal

The internet is overflowing with stray rescue stories. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming to see pets journey from frightened, scared, and often sick and/or malnourished strays to thriving pets. That said, adopting a stray will require patience, time, and lots of love. If you aren’t ready to commit, contact a rescue society or consider fostering the animal instead.

Age

Age often has a lot to do with how well homeless animals adapt to being pets. The odds of puppies and kittens making the transition successfully is usually quite high, especially when they’re young enough to still be socialized as babies. Older animals that are wary or aggressive may always be a bit timid or wary, but can thrive with proper TLC. Ultimately, it just depends on the pet.

Feral Or Stray

There are no physical differences between feral and stray animals, but there are mental ones. Feral animals are completely wild, and are often quite aggressive. Feral cats also may not use litterboxes, which is a dealbreaker for many. However, don’t assume that you can’t give a feral kitty a better life. Many of them make great barn cats! Strays, on the other hand, are used to being around humans. Many are former pets that were lost or abandoned. Others may have been neglected or abused, and will need time to learn to trust. Love takes time!

Settling In

If you find a hurt pet, your first move should be to seek veterinary care for it. Your furry pal is likely going to need to be dewormed, vaccinated, caught up on parasite control, and possibly fixed. Aside from that, give them time to adjust and settle in. You may find this to be a very rewarding and beautiful experience!

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic!

Dog Care, General Care

Protecting Your Dog’s Eyes

Dogs are known for having soulful stares which can just melt our hearts. However, those big puppy dog eyes are quite vulnerable to medical issues. While some pups develop vision problems due to genetics, others can hurt their eyes through injuries, many of which can be avoided. A Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on protecting Fido’s eyes in this article.

Travel Crated

We know, dogs love sticking their heads out car windows while riding around with their humans. However, this is pretty dangerous. Fido could get dust, bugs, stones, or even lit cigarette butts in his eyes! He’s also at greater risk of injury in an accident. Play it safe, and keep your furry bff crated for travel.

Watch Things At Eye Level

Take a look around your home and yard, and pay attention to the things that are at Fido’s eye level. Certain plants, like aloe, can also be a danger. Avoid planting anything super sharp at your pet’s eye level. If you do plant roses or other thorny plants, put a small garden gate around them to keep your furry pal out. Container plants can also work.

Keep Them Clean

Some pooches are very prone to getting tearstains. These aren’t an immediate danger, but they can get pretty gunky, which isn’t great that close to the eyes. Use a pet tearstain-remover product or a soft clean cloth to clean that cute face.

Trim Hair

Does your canine buddy have hair curling into his eyes? This can cause irritation and tearing, and can obstruct Fido’s vision. You can carefully trim these back. Use round-end scissors, and be extremely careful!

Know The Risks

Some dogs are simply more prone to getting eye issues than others are. For instance, white dogs are particularly at risk, due to their genetics. Vision issues are also more common in French and English bulldogs, Shih-Tzus, Pugs, Boxers, Pekingese and Boston Terriers, and in brachycephalic pups. Be extra careful with these guys!

Ask About Supplements

If your canine companion is at high risk for vision problems, or has perhaps already had an eye injury or shown signs of trouble, ask your vet about supplements. Carotenoid-rich natural supplements, for instance, may be beneficial. These won’t work miracles, but any little bit helps.

As your local Georgetown, IN animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care. Feel free to contact us anytime!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Summer Treats For Pets

Summertime is in full swing! Ice cream is a very popular seasonal snack at this time of year. Of course, it isn’t safe to share with your furry friend: it has way too much fat and sugar. However, your animal companion can still enjoy a cold snack on those scorching hot days. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet lists some summer treats you can offer your four-legged buddy.

Dogs

Fido has a pretty healthy appetite, so it’s probably safe to say that he won’t turn his cute nose up at many snacks. Plain, cooked meat, fish, or chicken without the skin, bones, or fat, is always a good bet. Your pooch can also have some doggy ice cream, small amounts of cooked eggs, or a little cheese. You can also make your canine companion some homemade goodies, such as doggy ice cream or pupsicles. Put kibble or broken dog treats in an ice cube tray, and pour some sodium-free broth over them.

Cats

Who says kitties can’t have summer snacks? Fluffy may enjoy a chilled bowl of canned tuna, or some plain deli meat. You can also dribble tuna juice over ice shavings to make your furball a kittie slushie. Cats can also have some sodium-free broth. If you want to make something for your feline pal, try mixing tuna with some fat-free yogurt and a little parsley. Divide into small portions, and freeze overnight. You can also keep some squeezable snacks in the fridge for her.

Rabbits

Floppy definitely has a sweet tooth! This is a perfect time to indulge it a bit. Bunnies may enjoy gnawing on some frozen strawberries, blueberries, or pieces of seedless melons. Cucumbers are also a good option, as they have a high water content. Just don’t go too crazy with sweet foods. Too much sugar is just as bad for rabbits as it is for us!

Tips

No matter what type of pet you have, be sure to stick with safe foods. While the lists of do’s and don’ts are different for every animal, there are some things, such as garlic, chocolate, avocado, alcohol, and fatty foods, that are bad for all of them. Grapes, currants, and raisins are also unsafe for dogs and cats. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you need to bring your pet in for an exam? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, anytime.

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Tornado Pet Preparation Tips

For those of us who live in Tornado Alley, being prepared for twisters is par for the course. While tornado season is winding down, tornadoes can happen any time certain weather conditions are met. Tornados are particularly terrifying, not only because they are so dangerous, but also because they can happen so quickly. It’s important to be ready at all times! That of course means taking steps to prepare your pet as well. A Georgetown, IN vet offers some tips on this below.

ID

Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing proper ID tags. As for the microchip, you’ll also need to keep your records current in the chipmaker’s database. You may want to add a second or third number to the tags or account, in case your phone loses service. One of these numbers should be for someone who lives out of the area.

Dry Runs

This could one day save your pet’s life! Get Fido and Fluffy used to their designated safe area. Make practicing fun for your pet by giving them attention and yummy treats. Spend some time in your shelter area with your furry pal, to help them get used to it.

Bring Pets In Early

Do you have a basement to retreat to? As soon as a tornado watch is announced, get ready to bring your pets down. If you don’t have a basement, you can use a closet in a windowless room. Hang a flashlight in it, and perhaps a radio, so your furry friend doesn’t feel as scared.

Keep Pets Indoors

We always recommend keeping kitties inside, as it’s just safer for them. However, if you do let Fluffy out, keep her in when tornado weather is coming. Limit Fido’s outdoor time when conditions are ripe.

Carry Pics

Keep pictures of your pets handy. (Social media can be helpful for this.) If your pets do go missing, you can immediately make flyers and start spreading the word. Also, upload a few pictures of you with your pet: this can help prove that you are Fido or Fluffy’s rightful owner.

Keep Supplies Handy

Have your shelter spot stocked with essentials such as water, treats, and a few toys. Fluffy should have a litterbox and litter, while Fido may need a puppy pad.

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Foster A Pet Month

June is Foster A Pet Month. Many of our beloved patients were fosters at one point. Fostering fills an incredibly important role when it comes to animal welfare. A local Georgetown, IN vet goes over some information on fostering in this article.

Benefits Of Fostering

There are many reasons pets may need to be fostered. Young kittens and puppies may still need round the clock care. Then, when they get a little older, they may need training and socialization. Animals may also need to be fostered as they recuperate from illness, injury, or malnutrition. Some foster pets need medical care, socialization, and/or training, while others may just need a place to stay for a little while.

Requirements

You don’t need a degree for fostering pets, and you don’t need a big house or a huge yard. You do need to have enough room to comfortably house your furry guests. If you have other pets, you may need to keep your furry pals separated part or even all the time. Most shelters and rescues have some type of training, and can provide any answers you may need. However, it’s also usually best if you’ve had pets before, so you have some experience. You will need to consider your budget, too. Though some shelters will provide some supplies, fosters usually provide things like food, toys, and treats out of pocket.

Considerations

As far as downsides go, there really is just one big one with fostering: saying goodbye. It’s very easy to get attached to a cute and lovable pet that you have been caring for! It can be very rewarding to watch that dog or cat grow and thrive with good care, but it’s not always easy to let go. If you think—or know—that you may get too attached, volunteering may be a better fit for you.

Foster Fails

You may have heard the term ‘foster fail’ before. This is what happens when people get so attached to the pets they’ve been caring for that they end up adopting them. This isn’t a bad thing; after all, the whole point is to find these pets loving homes. However, the plan is usually for the pets to be listed for adoption!

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, we’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

Tips For Playing With Your Cat

Is your feline buddy still frisky and playful? This is always super cute to watch. As it turns out, one of the best things you can do for Fluffy is to play with her regularly. A Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on playing with kitties in this article.

Do It Regularly!

First and foremost, take time to play with your furry bff every day. This will benefit Fluffy both mentally and physically. It will also make her feel loved. You may be surprised at how quickly your furry friend comes to expect (or demand) this!

Make It Fun

Playtime is more fun for kitties when it’s challenging for them. Use toys that you can control, such as wand toys or laser pointers. Fluffy will be more engaged if she can’t anticipate what her ‘foe’ is going to do next.

Keep A Routine

If possible, play with your feline pal at roughly the same time every day. Kitties really thrive on set schedules! This is easy to work into your nightly wind-down time: just keep a remote-controlled toy or laser pointer near your sofa or armchair.

Discourage Rough Play

Kitties are very lovable, but they can be a bit, well, violent. Don’t let your furry buddy use you as a cat toy! It may be cute if Fluffy pounces on your toes, but it’s also very bad petiquette.

Don’t Play Favorites

Do you have more than one kitty? Pay equal attention to both of them, and make sure they both get enough playtime. Otherwise, one of your feline friends is bound to get jealous of the other.

Choose Safe Toys

Cats are very playful, which is super cute. Unfortunately, Fluffy doesn’t know what is and is not safe for her to play with. Don’t use anything that could be dangerous. Sharp and/or sharp items are a definite no, as is anything with dangling ropes or cords. If you use wand toys, pick them up when you’re done: you don’t want your furball getting tangled up.

Offer Catnip

Does your furry friend like catnip? Don’t forget to refill her toys regularly! You don’t have to worry about your kitty overdosing. Catnip wears off after about 15 minutes. After that, Fluffy’s brain will need to ‘reset’ before catnip will affect her again.

As your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, we’re here for you. Contact us anytime!

Dog Care, General Care

Fido’s Golden Years

Is your canine companion aged seven or older? If so, you may have a furry retiree on your hands. This is actually a very special time of your pet’s life. Fido also somehow gets even cuter as he grows older, and he’ll be more interested in napping at your feet than chasing squirrels. You will need to make some adjustments to your pup’s care regimen as he gets older, though. A Georgetown, IN vet offers some insight on this below.

Exercise

Fido won’t be as energetic as he was as a puppy, but he’ll still need to stay active. For most aging dogs, a daily walk or two is sufficient. Enjoy these quiet moments with your furry best friend! Just take care not to overexert him.

Comfort

Comfort is definitely king when it comes to caring for older pets. Make sure Fido has a good, high-quality doggy bed!

Obesity

It’s very easy for senior pets to pack on extra pounds. Fido may look cute if he’s a bit chubby, but he’ll be both healthier and more comfortable staying at or near his ideal weight. Pay attention to portion sizes, and take it easy on the treats.

Veterinary Care

Fido may benefit from more frequent appointments, just so his health can be properly monitored. Just like people, older dogs are susceptible to various medical issues. Arthritis, for example, is very common in senior pups. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Grooming/Temperature

Dogs in their golden years get cold more quickly in winter, and can overheat easily in summer. Keep up with your furry buddy’s grooming needs! Dead fur and dander interfere with his coat’s natural insulating properties. Claw trims and dental care are also crucial.

Mobility

You may notice your canine buddy having trouble climbing stairs, or getting in and out of the car. Pet ramps or stairs can help with this. A sling harness can also help, particularly with smaller breeds.

Love

Last but not least, make sure that Fido feels loved and secure. It may seem like only weeks or months have passed since your faithful pet was a bouncing, energetic puppy, but that’s not unusual. The time we have with our canine pals is truly precious, and often passes much too fast. Savor those tail wags and snoot boops!

As your local Georgetown, IN animal clinic, we are here to help! Contact us anytime!

Dog Care, General Care

8 Pawesome Ways To Celebrate National Pet Day With Fido

National Pet Day is coming up on April 11th. It’s probably safe to say that our canine companions would be more than happy to help celebrate! Fido is America’s most popular pet, and he’s also been our buddy the longest. In fact, he may have been sitting at our sides, protecting us and begging for treats, for as long as 32,000 years! A local Georgetown, IN vet offers some suggestions on how to celebrate in this article.

Treats

This one probably isn’t exactly a shock. We all know that Fido loves snacks! (We’re pretty fond of them ourselves!) Just stick to safe, suitable foods, and don’t go overboard.

Training

Did you know that many dogs really enjoy learning new things? If Fido is still working on basic training, take time for that. Otherwise, show him a new trick, like Shake or Roll Over.

Adventures!

It’s warming up now, so it should be nice enough to take your canine buddy to a park or trail. This will be fun for you both!

Toys

Toys are actually very important to your pup’s health and well-being. They provide him with stimulation, enrichment, and entertainment, and (hopefully) keep him out of trouble. Pick up something new for your four-legged friend!

Photos

There’s no bad time to take a picture of your furry bff. Take some time to snap some really cute pictures of Fido. (Tip: choose a background that contrasts with his fur.)

Shopping Spree

Many pet stores allow well-behaved dogs inside. If there’s a dog-friendly one nearby, take Fido in with you, and let him pick out a new toy for himself. This can be super cute!

Beauty Session

This probably isn’t going to be Fido’s favorite activity, but he does appreciate feeling fresh and clean. Give your furry buddy a bath, or take him to the salon. Afterwards, you get to enjoy snuggles with a clean, fresh-smelling pooch!

Quiet Time

At the end of the day, all that our canine pals really want is to spend time with their humans. You’re the apple of Fido’s eye, and the center of his world. Pay some extra attention to your pup, and get that tail going!

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. As your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, we’re here for you!