Tag Archives: veterinary care

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, 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.