Tag Archives: vets Georgetown IN

Cat Care, General Care

5 Ways To Pamper Your Cat On Respect Your Cat Day

There’s a very important pet holiday coming up. Respect Your Cat Day is March 28th! Showing your kitty proper respect doesn’t mean hanging portraits of her or installing catnip gardens and stocked fishponds. It really just means understanding some of Fluffy’s innate needs. A Georgetown, IN vet lists some ‘purrfect’ ways to celebrate this special occasion below.

Scratching Post

Fluffy is very dedicated to keeping her paw daggers sharp, and with good reason. Kitties depend on their claws in the wild, for hunting, defense, and climbing to safety. Your furry buddy will need a good peticure station. A cat tower is ideal, but you can also get a scratching board. This is a great gift for your feline friend!

Playtime

Kitties are actually fierce predators at heart. Let Fluffy indulge her inner lioness! Even if your pet’s ‘prey’ is only a catnip mouse or a rubber ball, pouncing and jumping on it will help her stay active, burn off stress and excess energy, and build confidence. Make sure your furry buddy has lots of toys to bat around. It’s also important to play with your cat regularly. Take a few minutes to hold a wand toy or laser pointer for your kitty.

Window Views

We always recommend that cats stay inside: Fluffy is both safer and healthier indoors. However, indoor pets don’t get as much exercise or stimulation as kitties that are allowed out. It’s important to make sure your feline buddy has ways to amuse herself. Birdwatching is, unsurprisingly, one of Fluffy’s favorite pastimes. A comfy window seat is a must! Or, better yet, put a cat tower before a window that overlooks a birdfeeder.

Hiding Spots

While some cats are bold and fearless, others are very timid. No matter which end of that spectrum your kitty falls onto, it’s safe to say that she will appreciate having some hiding spots to retreat to if she feels scared. Enclosed cat condos are great for this, but you can also give Fluffy things like boxes, paper grocery bags, or homemade pet tents.

Love

At the end of the day, the best way to make your feline pal feel respected is to just pay attention to her. Spend some quality time with your adorable pet!

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

Cat Care, General Care

And Meow, A Word About Cat Towers

Does your kitty have a cat tower? If so, that’s great! This may very well be Fluffy’s favorite piece of ‘purrniture.’ A Georgetown, IN vet discusses cat towers in this article.

Benefits of Cat Towers

Although kitties aren’t officially classed as arboreal, or tree dwelling, they certainly do enjoy trees. Fluffy uses them to sharpen her nails, escape danger, hunt birds, and get a good vantage point of her kingdom. She also sometimes just likes to hang out on them. You probably don’t have a tree in the middle of your living room, so a cat tower is the next best thing.

Refreshing An Old Cat Tower

Sometimes cats lose interest in their towers. There are some things you can do to pique your furball’s interest again. First, try cleaning it. Vacuuming might work, but if it’s really stained or worn, you may want to use a shampooer with an attachment. If the covering is beyond cleaning, redo it in carpet. You don’ t need the expensive stuff! Another thing you can try is moving it to a different spot. Sprinkling catnip around it and/or putting toys near it may also help.

Choosing Cat Towers

Kitty towers are not one-size-fits-all. You’ll want to keep your furry pal’s age, health, and purrsonality in mind when you go shopping. Kittens will appreciate towers that incorporate fun toys and offer them lots of things to climb and hang from. Adult cats may be more interested in napping, and like towers with comfy beds and lounging spots. Senior felines can’t climb as well as their younger counterparts, and will need towers with the lowest levels close to the floor. Do you have a scaredy-cat on your hands? Get something that offers your timid furball lots of enclosed hiding spots. If you have more than one cat, choose pieces that will fit all of your kitties at once.

DIY

Is a cat tower a bit too much for your budget right now? Go the DIY route. You can upcycle an old stepladder, bookshelf, or storage shelf by adding wooden planks to the steps to widen them out. Cover the whole thing in carpet or sisal rope, and tell Fluffy to stay off. She’ll immediately hop on!

Please call us, your local Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Autumn Dangers for Dogs

Fall is officially here! All of the seasons have specific hazards for pet parents to be aware of, and autumn is no different. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses autumn dangers for dogs.

Lawn/Garden Chemicals

At this time of year, many people treat their lawns and gardens with pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers. Your pooch could get sick just by licking his paws after walking through an area that was recently treated. Water your property after applying chemicals, so they soak down into the earth. You may also want to wipe your pup’s paws and belly off before you bring him indoors.

Wild Animals

As the weather cools, many wild animals will be searching for spots to hibernate. This can make them rather cranky, and more aggressive than usual. When walking Fido, don’t let him sniff around anything that could be a potential den. Snakes are a particular concern here: they sometimes hide in piles of leaves.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely dangerous to Man’s Best Friend. It’s highly toxic, and is particularly concerning because many pets like the way it tastes. Clean up any spills right away. If you see stains or damp spots, put cat litter or sand over them.

Plants

Many plants that bloom in autumn are poisonous to dogs. Mushrooms are a common one. Chrysanthemums are also dangerous to pets. And, while Fido may love playing in piles of dead leaves, be careful here: they can harbor mold or bacteria.

Decorations

Autumn decorations have a special whimsical feel, but you do need to be careful with what you put out. Fido is definitely not above trying to eat a cardboard pumpkin! He could also get tangled up in lights or cords. Hang things above your pet’s height, and be sure to secure wires and cords.

Candy

Candy is also dangerous to your furry best friend! Many sweets, such as chocolate, raisins, nuts, and anything containing xylitol, are toxic to Fido. Hard candies are also unsafe, as they present serious choking risks.

Weather

Fido may have a fur coat, but he isn’t immune to cold weather. Limit your pet’s outdoor time on cold days, and make sure he has a warm bed. If your pooch has thin fur, get him some doggy clothes for frigid days.

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

Dog Care, General Health

Dental Health Tips for Your Canine Companion

Dental health is an important part of your dog’s care regimen—in fact, dental problems are some of the most common health issues that veterinarians see in dogs. Keep your canine companion’s teeth and gums in tip-top shape with these tips from a Georgetown, IN veterinarian:

Home Mouth Exams

Once a week or so, sit down with your dog to give the mouth a quick check-up at home. Gently peel back Fido’s lips to check out the teeth and gums; look for any inflammation or redness, swelling, cracked or misaligned teeth, excessive plaque build-up, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary. Let your vet know right away if you find something that warrants concern.

Great Diet and Fresh Water

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your dog’s oral health in peak condition is to feed them a great diet, supplying them with the essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. A steady supply of fresh water is also important for keeping the mouth clean and washing away loose plaque.

Brushing

Pick up a canine-formulated toothpaste and a pet toothbrush at your pet supply store. Start by letting your dog smell and taste the paste, and try rubbing your dog’s teeth and gums with a finger at first. Slowly, introduce the paste and brush until you can effectively brush the outer tooth surfaces. It’s a great way to keep harmful plaque and tartar at bay!

Chew Toys

Chew toys are about more than good plain fun. They give your dog’s teeth and gums a healthy workout day after day, and they help to scrape plaque off of the teeth and gum beds, removing it before it can harden into tartar. Supply your dog with plenty of fun toys, both for his entertainment and oral health!

Dental treats and chews are another good option for keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. They also help to freshen the breath. Ask your vet to recommend a great choice.

Professional Cleanings

Remember: there is no substitute for professional dental cleanings at your vet’s office! Pro cleanings get at the nooks and crannies that home brushing simply can’t. If your dog is due for a cleaning, or if you have questions about the procedure, call your veterinarian to learn more.

Your Georgetown, IN animal hospital is here to serve all of your veterinary care needs. Make an appointment today!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Practicing Preventative Pet Healthcare in 2017

This year, make a resolution to be proactive about your pet’s health and wellness. The best way to do that is through preventative medicine! Learn about the basics below from a vet in Floyds Knob, IN.

Pest Control

It’s much easier and more cost-effective to prevent the infestations and infections that pests cause, rather than treat them after they’ve taken hold. Have your pet take seasonal or year-round medications to ward off fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and parasitic worms. If you need help getting set up with these preventative medications, make an appointment to see your veterinarian.

Vaccination

All pets should receive core vaccinations when they’re young; these shots help protect against dangerous and contagious diseases like parvovirus, parainfluenza, hepatitis, calicivirus, distemper, and rabies. If your pet still needs these essential vaccines, or if you aren’t sure whether or not your animal companion has received them, check with your vet. We’re here to help!

Diet and Exercise

Feeding a great diet and having your pet exercise regularly are two great preventative healthcare methods you can practice at home. Don’t feed your pet a “budget” pet food with a lot of filler material; choose a premium, age-appropriate diet instead. A nutritious diet combined with daily exercise—walks through the neighborhood, jogging around the dog park, or simply playing with a toy at home—is a recipe for your pet’s good health down the road! If you’d like a recommendation on the right pet food for your four-legged friend, call the office today.

Spay and Neuter

Did you know that spaying or neutering your pet is one of the best preventative healthcare techniques out there? Not only does spaying and neutering prevent unplanned litters, it eliminates the risk of genital cancer and greatly reduces the chance of breast and prostate cancers. Even urinary tract infections and other common health issues are less likely to be diagnosed in pets who have been spayed or neutered.

Veterinary Appointments

Of course, veterinary appointments themselves are a key part of good preventative healthcare. When your veterinarian examines your pet on a regular basis, he or she can evaluate their overall health and give you tips moving forward. In addition, any health concerns can be caught and treated early, resulting in a better prognosis overall.

From all of us here at your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital: Happy New Year! Call us for all of your pet-care needs.

Behavior, Dog Care, General Care

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch Things

Have you ever watched videos of dogs bringing their human buddies cold drinks, remotes, slippers, or mail? Have you ever wondered if your pet can learn to do that? Why not teach him? Read on as a Georgetown, IN vet tells you how to teach a dog to fetch specific items.

Basics

First things first: before teaching Fido cute tricks, make sure he knows basic doggy obedience commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. These are very important for both good petiquette and for safety purposes.

Fetch

Start by teaching Fido to fetch. There are several different training methods you can use. Some dogs pick things up more quickly than others, so be patient! Also, be sure to choose only items that are safe for your pet.

Prep Work

Once your pooch has Fetch figured out, start teaching him to identify certain objects. Whenever you play with Fido, identify his toys by name, so he forms an association between the objects and their names.

Training – Part 1

Get something Fido already knows by name, such as a ball or rope toy. Put the item down beside two other objects. The other items should be things your dog probably won’t be interested in, like a book or wrench. Point at the toy, and, identifying it by name, tell your furry buddy to Find It or Bring It. When he brings it to you, immediately give him a treat and praise him. Do this several times, until he gets the hang of it.

Training – Part 2

The next step is to add a second object, which should also be one that your dog can identify. Ask Fido to Bring It, again calling it by name. When he keeps continuously picking the right object, he’s learning! Keep practicing with different doggy toys, putting them in various places.

Continued Training

When your furry friend has this down, you can start teaching him to identify other objects. Remember, repetition, patience, and consistency are the keys to proper dog training. Use only positive reinforcement, and focus on rewarding Fido for doing well. Never punish your canine pal for not learning quickly enough: this can backfire, and make your pet feel scared or anxious.

Is your dog due for an exam or vaccines? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic. We are here to help!

Dog Care, General Care

4 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy

Have you looked at your dog’s paws recently? Fido’s furry feet are very important to his overall health. After all, those furry paws let your pooch run, jump, and play! Read on as a Floyds Knob, IN vet lists some easy ways to keep your canine buddy’s paws in good shape.

Nail Trims

Don’t let your furry buddy’s nails get too long. Overgrown nails are very uncomfortable for Fido! They can also change the way your dog walks, as your canine buddy may have to adjust his gait to avoid discomfort. Over time, this can be very detrimental to your dog’s health, as it can contribute to painful conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia. If you’re uneasy about cutting your pup’s nails yourself, consider investing in clippers with sensors. Or, just call us to set up a quick nail-trim appointment.

Choose Soft Surfaces

When you walk your pooch, always be mindful of the surfaces you are walking on. In summer, Fido can burn his paws on hot tar, sand, or cement. In winter, salt, snow, sand, and chemical deicing agents can all wreak havoc on your pet’s paws. Use paw balm or wax to keep your canine pal’s paw pads moist. Many dogs will appreciate booties to wear in cold weather, although not all of our four-legged friends enjoy fancy footwear. Be sure to choose pet-friendly de-icing agents! We also recommend using a damp washcloth to wipe down your furry friend’s paws every day.

Toe Fur

Those little tufts of fur Fido has between his toes may be super cute, but it’s best to keep these trimmed. Otherwise, they can get matted or gunky, which is pretty uncomfortable for Man’s Best Friend. If they get tangled, they’ll also make it harder for your pet to gain traction on slippery surfaces.

Pawsitive Thoughts

Inspect Fido’s furry feet regularly. You’ll want to watch for any injuries, as well as any swelling or hot areas. Look between your dog’s toes, to make sure there is nothing lodged between them. If your canine buddy gets a pebble or another foreign object stuck between his toes, it can become quite painful for him, and could even cause an infection. Contact your vet for anything more than a minor cut.

Does your pet need veterinary care? We can help! Call us, your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital, anytime!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Help Your Pet Avoid These Wintertime Hazards

Winter is nearly upon us—is your pet ready for the trials of the cold season? Here, your Floyds Knob, IN vet tells you about several common wintertime hazards to help your pet avoid.

Bitter Cold

Of course, the frigid temperatures are the major hazard of winter. Never leave your dog or cat outdoors for long periods of time in the winter, as deadly hypothermia and frostbite can result. Instead, bring them indoors, where they’ll be safe and warm with your family. You may also consider dressing your pet up in a warm parka or booties to help protect against the elements during bathroom breaks or outdoor walks.

A tip for wintertime walks: if available, try walking your pet through wooded or shrub-lined areas. This will help insulate you and your pet a bit from the biting cold and chilly wind.

Ice

Pets can slip and fall on ice just as easily as we can. Do your best to avoid patches of ice just to be safe. There’s also a chance pets may try to chow down on ice chunks, but it’s safest to prevent this from happening. Sharp shards can sometimes lacerate a pet’s mouth or throat if they’re eaten.

Deep Snowbanks

Take care to avoid deep snowbanks, even if your pet loves to frolic around in the white stuff. Cats and dogs—even athletic retriever breeds—can exhaust themselves trudging through heavy snow. Smaller pets can also sink into deep snow and have trouble getting themselves out!

Antifreeze

Antifreeze is commonly used when the temperatures drop, as it helps our car engines keep running in the cold. Unfortunately, it’s very toxic to pets. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, an alcoholic substance that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and worse. Plus, it has a sweet smell and taste that may attract pets! Always use antifreeze carefully, and clean up any spills right away. Store the chemical where pets can’t gain access.

Road Salt and Ice-Melting Chemicals

Here’s two more reasons to avoid ice in the wintertime: road salt and ice-melting chemicals. You don’t want your pet getting these substances on their paws, as they may lick them once back inside and ingest things that they shouldn’t. To be safe, give your pet’s paws a thorough wipe-down with a soft cloth every time you come back indoors from a wintertime trek.

Call your Floyds Knob, IN animal hospital for more helpful tips.

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Your Dog and Allergies

Does your canine pal seem to itch a lot? If so, your pooch could very well have allergies. Allergies are actually fairly common in our furry friends, and can make poor Fido quite uncomfortable. In this article, a Georgetown, IN veterinarian discusses allergies in dogs.

Common Allergies

Fido can have allergic reactions to many of the same substances that people can. Dust, pollen, dander, and mold are some common allergens. Your pooch could also react to cigarette smoke or perfume. Some dogs are allergic to ingredients in shampoos, household chemicals, or flea control products. Your canine pal could also be allergic to certain foods, such as corn or wheat. Fleas and fleabites can also trigger allergic reactions in our furry friends.

Symptoms of Allergies

Skin problems are one of the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs. Fido’s skin may look red or moist, and you may see scabs or crusty patches. He may scratch, lick, or chew himself. Red, runny eyes are another common symptom. Our canine pals sometimes sneeze or snore a lot if they have allergies. Itchy ears and recurring ear infections can also be symptomatic of allergies in our four-legged pals. More severe reactions include vomiting and diarrhea.

Anaphylaxis

In extreme cases, Fido may have a severe reaction. This is known as anaphylaxis. Although rare, this condition can be very serious, even life-threatening. If it isn’t treated quickly, your dog could suffer respiratory and/or cardiac failure, coma, and even death. The symptoms often come on very quickly, and include vomiting, diarrhea, shock, seizures, pale gums, and facial swelling. If you suspect your dog may be having an anaphylactic reaction, contact your vet right away for emergency care.

Treatment

There are several different options available for treating allergies in dogs. Before you and your vet can determine the best course of action, you’ll need to know exactly what is causing Fido’s allergic reactions. Your vet may order skin or blood tests to help identify the triggers. For food allergies, your canine pal may need to go on a special diet to pinpoint the culprit. Once your vet has identified what Fido is reacting to, he or she will be able to advise you on specific treatment options.

Do you know or suspect that your pup has allergies? Please contact us, your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, any time. We are always here to help!