Tag Archives: veterinarians Floyds Knob IN

Behavior, Cat Care

Things Cats Just Don’t Care About

Cats have it pretty easy. Fluffy doesn’t have to worry about bills, errands, or any of the other things her humans handle. In fact, there are actually quite a few things that kitties can’t be bothered to worry about. A Georgetown, IN vet lists some key ones below.

Your Privacy

Many kitties like to follow their humans around like furry little shadows. This is cute, but it can also be awkward. There’s really no need for Fluffy to follow you into the bathroom!

Etiquette

Kitties have some adorable habits, but they also have some we could do without, such as the elevator-butt greeting. Fluffy also has been known to groom herself in a room full of people, and sometimes bites or scratches for no reason. Clearly, manners aren’t a big priority for Man’s Second Best Friend.

Your Breakables

Does Fluffy sometimes smack small objects off of your coffee table, and then give you a smug look? No one can say for sure that kitties do this on purpose, but you’d have a hard time convincing us otherwise.

Your Furniture

Is your furniture covered in cat fur? Is Fluffy using your sofa as a peticure station? Case in point.

Your Sleep

Cats take their breakfasts—all eight of them—very seriously. If you have the audacity to sleep past the time when Fluffy usually gets her first meal, she may wake you up by pawing at you or headbutting you to let you know she wants breakfast right meow.

Your Computer

Have you ever found Fluffy sleeping on your laptop? Does she sometimes sprawl out on a book or magazine you’re attempting to read? Your kitty may have ruined a report, but she won’t care. She’s too busy dreaming about … whatever cats dream about.

Us

Our feline patients are all much healthier with proper care. However, we suspect that, given the chance to choose, they’d unanimously choose staying home and taking yet another nap over coming to see us.

Price

Does Fluffy  ignore that expensive cat tower you got her, and sleep on a pizza box instead? Does she  prefer playing with a bottlecap over her catnip mouse? It’s probably safe to say your furball isn’t losing any sleep over your financial loss.

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? As your Georgetown, IN veterinary care, we really do care. Call us anytime! 

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

Helping A Shelter Dog Settle In

October was Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! If you’re planning on adopting a shelter dog, you definitely have our blessing. We love seeing dogs get second chances! Going to a new home is a big deal to Fido, so you’ll want to take some steps to make the transition easy on him. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on helping your dog settle in.

Bringing Fido Home

Your new pup may sleep a lot at first. Being in a shelter is both scary and stressful for Man’s Best Friend! Fido may also be missing his former owner, or need to recuperate from past trauma. If possible, get him set up in a quiet back room, and just let him relax and adjust.

Petproofing

It may take time for you to get to know your canine buddy. Fido may have habits you don’t know about. For instance, he may have a penchant for chewing shoes, or have a digging habit. Make sure your home and yard are dog-safe. This entails removing or securing anything your pooch shouldn’t eat, such as toxic plants, wires and cords, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, medication, and anything small or sharp. Keep personal items, like shoes and books, out of paws’ reach. If you have a yard, make sure that your fencing is secure, so your pet can’t escape. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate.

A Safe Haven

You’ll need to do some shopping. A plush, super comfy bed is a definite must. Fido will also need toys, treats, food, dishes, a crate or carrier, grooming supplies, and waste baggies.

Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Put Fido on a set schedule for meals, walks, and playtime. The sooner you get your furry friend started out on his new schedule, the better!

Walks

When walking your canine companion, use a good, sturdy leash, and keep a firm grip on it. Fido may bolt if something scares him, so you want to be prepared.

Tail Wags

Every dog is different. Some pups literally bounce with happiness when they realize they’ve been adopted. Others are more timid, and need time to settle in. Focus on giving your pooch great TLC and making him feel loved. Dogs can really blossom with love!

Please contact us, your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Dog Care, General Care

Caring for a Deaf Dog

Did you know that May 3rd is Specially-Abled Pets Day? Just like people, some of our animal companions have medical issues. However, our furry friends are very resilient, and can often cope with things like vision or hearing impairments, and even missing limbs, just fine. Deafness is one issue that isn’t uncommon in dogs. Some of our canine companions are born deaf, while others lose their hearing from injuries, infections, or even old age. However, Fido can do just fine, even if he can’t hear well, or at all. In this article, a Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on caring for a deaf dog.

Ring The Bell

Put a bell on your pet’s collar. Fido won’t hear you if you call him, so this will help you know where your pup is in the house.

Stomp It Out

Avoid sneaking up on your pooch from behind, especially when he’s sleeping. No one likes to be startled awake! This can be both annoying and a little scary for dogs with hearing issues. Fido will be quite sensitive to vibrations in the floor. Stomp your foot before approaching him, and make sure he knows you are there. (Tip: if you want to wake your dog up, put some food beneath his nose.)

Hand Signals

Did you know that dogs can learn to respond to hand signals just as easily as voice commands? Teach Fido the doggy sign language versions of basic commands like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Go through these commands regularly, so your canine pal doesn’t forget them.

Flashlight Code

Another thing that can help is to teach Fido to come to you when you wave a flashlight. This can be very helpful when calling your furry buddy in after dark!

Let People Know

If you have guests coming over, make sure they know that your pooch is deaf. You may also want to consider putting an extra tag on Fido’s collar that lets people know about your furry friend’s hearing problems.

Security

Never let Fido run around off-leash, except of course in a fenced yard. Your canine buddy won’t hear cars or people approaching. Needless to say, this can be very dangerous!

Do you have questions about caring for a deaf dog? Please contact us, your local Georgetown, IN pet hospital, any time. We are dedicated to providing excellent veterinary care!

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

Fluffy’s New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year! As we move forward into 2018, many people are reflecting on their personal priorities, and setting new objectives for themselves. As it turns out, our feline pals may also have a few purrsonal goals for the coming year. Read on as a Georgetown, IN vet lists some of Fluffy’s goals for 2018.

Improve At Yoga

Cats certainly are flexible little furballs. Fluffy can twist herself into configurations that even the best yogi would be hard-pressed to match. Your furball may very well want to take her kitty yoga skills to the next level in the new year.

Catch The Red Dot

Does your feline friend like playing with laser pointers? Fluffy is definitely intrigued by that elusive red spot! Your cute pet may vow to finally catch that pesky red dot in the coming months.

Get More Sleep

Kitties are expert nappers. By the time Fluffy reaches her senior year, she will be able to sleep up to 20 hours a day! Your furry buddy may want to catch even more Z’s in 2018 than she did last year.

Improve Sprinting Time

Does your kitty sometimes unexpectedly dash from one spot to another at full speed? These unpredictable bursts of kitty energy are definitely adorable! Fluffy may try to improve her sprinting times in 2018.

Finish Training The Humans

Fluffy may be small, but she certainly has a way of wrapping her human buddies around her cute little paws. If your feline overlord doesn’t have you trained to feed or pet her on demand, your kitty may work on that this year.

Explore New Napping Spots

Cats like to move around from place to place for their naps. Fluffy may doze in her favorite sunbeam in the morning, and then move onto a bed or couch later in the afternoon. Your drowsy pet may vow to change things up a bit this year, and snooze in some less-traditional places … like on top of your shoes, or on a magazine you’re trying to read.

Improve Computer Skills

Although it hasn’t been proven, we suspect kitties learn from osmosis. Fluffy may spend even more time napping or walking across on your keyboard in 2018 than she did last year!

Please contact us, your Georgetown, IN pet hospital, for all your cat’s veterinary care needs. We look forward to serving you in 2018 and beyond!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Defeating Pet Odors in Your Home or Apartment

Do you find your home or apartment starting to smell a little too much like your pet? It’s not uncommon for our furry friends to leave a bit of an odor around our living spaces. Return your home to its former freshness with these tips from a Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian:

Brushing

Brushing your pet on a daily basis can do wonders for cutting down on odors. Not only does brushing remove loose and dead fur from the coat, trapping it in the brush and preventing it from winding up on the furniture and carpet, it spreads essential skin oils through the fur. This moisturizes the fur naturally, effectively reducing shedding before it can even begin. Ask your vet to recommend a good brush type for your pet’s fur consistency and length.

Bathing

One of the best ways to get your pet smelling fresh again is with a bath. Always use a safe canine- or feline-formulated shampoo, as human shampoos may be too strong for your pet’s sensitive skin. If your pet is new to bath time, ask your veterinarian for a few tips on getting started.

Be careful not to bathe your pet too often—this can actually backfire by drying out the skin, leading to more shedding instead of less. Your vet can tell you just how often bathing will be appropriate.

Odor Control Products

There is a wide variety of odor-control products out there on the market made just for pets. Head to your local pet supply store to pick them up. You can also use air fresheners to get your home smelling great again, but remember: air fresheners simply mask smells for a time, allowing them to return eventually. Products like odor neutralizers actually combat the enzymes that cause odors at their root.

Clean Pet’s Items

Wash your pet’s bed and toys on a regular basis. Not only does this keep things smelling fresh, it removes dander, plaque, and other detritus that may accumulate there. If an item can’t be tossed in the washing machine, gently hand wash it with warm soap and water in the sink.

Veterinary Visit

Still unable to get your home smelling fresh again thanks to your pet’s odor? It may be time for a visit to the vet’s office. Skin conditions and other medical maladies may be the root cause! Set up an appointment with your Floyds Knob, IN vet today.

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

5 Summertime Safety Hazards for Pets

It’s a safe bet that your pet is looking forward to the warm breezes and family fun of summer just as much as you are. Keep in mind that several pet hazards crop up this time of year—below, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian tells you more.

Heat

For animals, the main hazard of summertime is the sweltering heat. They’re simply not equipped to deal with heat and humidity! Keep outdoor sessions short, and try to exercise your pet during the cooler morning or evening hours rather than during the middle part of the day, when it’s hottest. Always make sure your pet has a dish of cool, fresh water to drink from as they please.

Outdoor Pests

Veterinarians typically see an increase in pest-related infestations and infections during the warmer months, as critters like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and parasitic worms come out of the woodwork to latch on to our animal companions. Avoid the danger before it strikes by keeping your pet on quality preventative medications against these pests. Talk to your vet if your pet needs such measures.

Allergies

Have you noticed your pet sniffling, sneezing, or scratching themselves more than usual this time of year? Allergies may be to blame. Dogs and cats alike can suffer from allergies just like humans can; they may react to pollen, dirt, dust, dander, mold, and more. If you suspect your pet suffers from allergies, contact your vet’s office to ask about medication.

Fireworks

The Fourth of July is just around the corner. Remember that pets don’t take kindly to fireworks; in fact, pyrotechnics usually terrify animals! Don’t risk a runaway pet this summer. Leave your animal friend safely secured at home rather than bringing them to the local fireworks display, and use caution when lighting off firecrackers or sparklers at home.

Lawn & Garden Chemicals

Do you spray fertilizer on your lawn, or pesticides on your garden plants and flowers to keep the bugs away? Keep your pet indoors when spraying chemicals, and make sure they don’t come in contact with any recently treated plants or grass. These chemicals may poison a pet who manages to ingest too much. Also take care to store such chemicals in a place where pets won’t be able to gain access.

These aren’t the only summertime pet hazards out there—talk to your vet in Floyds Knob, IN for more great seasonal safety tips.

Cat Care, General Care

Cute Ways to Spoil Your Cat

Cats make wonderful pets. Our feline friends are not both adorable and affectionate. They’re also quite easy to care for: making sure Fluffy has good food, a clean litterbox, and regular veterinary care will take care of her basic needs. Of course, these charismatic little furballs have a way of melting our hearts, and getting us to completely pamper them. A Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian lists some great ways to spoil your kitty in this article.

Beds

Napping is Fluffy’s favorite activity. Your sleepy pet could spend up to 20 hours a day dozing. Offer your drowsy furball lots of comfy spots she can curl up in. As far as Fluffy is concerned, there’s simply no such thing as too many kitty beds!

Entertainment

Our feline friends are very playful, at least, when they’re awake. Playing will keep your furry pal active, and will also provide her with beneficial mental stimulation. Take time to play with your kitty every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Also, be sure to provide Fluffy with plenty of fun toys, so she can entertain herself when you’re away. You can choose classic cat toys like catnip mice, or try something newer, like a robotic mouse.

Window Seat

As you may have noticed, our feline pals absolutely love relaxing. They also love observing birds and squirrels. Offer your pet a comfy window seat with a good view, so Fluffy can sunbathe and spy on the neighborhood wildlife. Instant happy cat!

Conversation

Cats may not understand everything we say to them, but when you talk to Fluffy, she’ll know you’re paying attention to her. Kitties love it when we talk to them. If your furball is the talkative type herself, you may get some super cute meows in response!

Love

Of course, the best way to get Fluffy’s little motor going is to pay her lots of attention, so she feels loved and secure. Cats can be quite particular about just how they like to be petted, so you’ll want to get to know your kitty, and find out just what her cuddle preferences are. Gently stroking your cat’s forehead, while complimenting her, is usually a pretty good way to make your furball start purring.

Do you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinary hospital, today!

Cat Care, General Care

How to Care for Your Cat’s Paws

Just like our own hands and feet, a cat’s paws are of essential importance to her. As a loving cat owner, it’s your job to keep these critical body parts healthy! Learn how below from your Georgetown, IN veterinarian.

Regular Paw Checks

Once a week or so, give your cat’s paws a quick once-over. Look for any visible wounds, scratches, abrasions, or bald patches. Also check between the toes; it’s very easy for small objects like pebbles, burrs, or bits of plastic and metal to get stuck there. If you find something embedded, remove it gently if possible. If it seems stuck, don’t force it—call your veterinarian for professional help.

Scratching Posts

Scratching posts are essential items for cats. Not only do they allow your cat to get out her frustrations and satisfy her natural clawing instincts, they help blunt the claw tips by shedding the outermost layer, preventing the claws from getting too sharp too quickly. Visit your local vet’s office or pet supply store to pick up a scratching post.

Nail Trims

While scratching posts help dull the claws, every cat will need the occasional nail trim to prevent long, sharp claws from getting snagged in carpets or fracturing painfully. Always use a feline-specific trimmer, as trimmers designed for dogs—or worse, humans—may cause injury. Keep a styptic pen or powder on hand in the event you snip too far and cause bleeding.

If you’re uncomfortable performing your cat’s nail trims yourself, set up an appointment at your local animal hospital to have professionals take care of it.

Paw Wipe-Down

Does your cat go outside? Be sure to wipe down the paws when she comes in, as various chemicals, grime, and other detritus can stay on the paws and be ingested by your pet. It will also save your carpets and furniture from getting dirt tracked on them! Use a large, soft towel to give each of your cat’s paws a quick swipe.

Seasonal Hazards

Here in Indiana, it can get hot in the summers and very cold in the winters. Keep your cat’s paw care in mind during these seasons—asphalt can heat up to unbearable temperatures when it’s hot outside, potentially burning a cat’s paw pads. Road salt and chemical ice removers can irritate the paws in the wintertime.

Contact your Georgetown, IN animal hospital for more advice on caring for your cat’s paws.

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

Why Your Cat is Showing Aggression

Your tabby cat Morty has a superiority complex. This five-year-old feline housemate has always been convinced he’s running the house, regularly monitoring your family’s activities and loudly objecting when he doesn’t approve. Lately, though, your bossy companion has escalated his obnoxious behavior. He delights in lurking behind the furniture, leaping out to rake his unfortunate victims’ ankles. He also harasses your two adopted cats, driving them under the furniture to escape his wrath. You wonder what’s behind Morty’s antics, and you want them to stop. Tomorrow, he’ll visit your Georgetown, IN pet clinic for a physical exam and expert behavioral counseling.

Undisciplined Childhood

As a young kitten, Morty desperately needed mother cat discipline and moral guidance. However, he could have been unexpectedly orphaned; or maybe his mother simply abandoned him. If he was breeder raised, he was likely weaned too soon. Lacking that strong maternal support, he grew up without developing a sense of right and wrong.

Now, he sees nothing wrong with attacking his human and feline housemates. Give him more desirable targets, such as a challenging toy or a laser wand he’ll never really catch. Ask your vet if treat puzzles are allowed. Don’t punish your feline miscreant, as you’ll likely escalate his anger.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Your frustrated indoor cat is regularly tormented by neighborhood cats who parade through “his” yard daily. He arches his back, growls, and hisses from his window perch; however, the invaders completely ignore him. Now really angry, he turns his rage on any living creature unlucky enough to encounter him.

Break that negative cycle by closing off that room. If that’s not feasible, draw the drapes so your frustrated feline companion can’t view the marauding cats. Keep him isolated until he calms down.

Feline Pecking Order Squabble

Morty might be convinced that his feline housemates are planning their own vicious attack. By bullying them daily, they’ll be afraid to carry out their plot. Defuse this simmering conflict by keeping each combatant in a separate room with food, water, and a litter box. Visit your agitator frequently so he feels included in your family. Ask the vet how to bring the hostile parties together.

After your Georgetown, IN pet clinic resolves Morty’s aggressive behavior, you can stop dreading the next ambush. To banish your cat’s undesirable antics, contact us for expert assistance.