Health

Whenever we can treat a medical problem without the invasive step of a surgical procedure, we save our dogs’ time and energy and eliminate risks for complications such as post-operative infections. In addition to being costly, surgeries also typically require lengthy healing periods, during which an animal’s mobility is severely limited. At one time many orthopedic injuries left few other choices than operating, but advancing technology is bringing dog owners some surprising new options.

We’ve all read dozens of articles on how to keep your pets safe in the summer heat but have you though about how to protect your pets from poor air quality?

Heat intensifies air pollution and causes coughing and wheezing. Cats and dogs lungs are more sensitive than humans and thus are more likely to be affected by poor air quality and have difficult breathing. For more information on respiratory problems see our articles on breathing difficulties in cats and dogs.

The 2008 State of the Air report found that more than 25% of the people in the US live in an area with unhealthy short-term levels of particle pollution.  That also means that over a quarter of all pets in the US are living in areas with high level of particle pollution! See below for the Top 10 most polluted cities in the US.

What can you do to protect your pets from air pollution?

• Keep your cat and dog indoors
• Invest in an indoor air filter
• Avoid strenuous cardiovascular exercise with your dog on especially hot days
• If possible, avoid visiting the cities below during the summer months

Top 10 most polluted US cities
(By short-term particle pollution)
1) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2) Los Angeles, California
3) Fresno/Madera, California
4) Bakersfield, California
5) Birmingham, Alabama
6) Logan, Utah
7) Salt Lake City, Utah
8) Sacramento, California
9) Detroit, Michigan
10) Baltimore, Maryland / Washington, D.C.

When will you need dog first aid?

No pet owner expects to be confronted with an emergency, but accidents happen. Every year, many dogs experience a broad range of medical problems from simple cuts, bites and abrasions, burns and stings to the more serious problems like broken bones, eye injury, choking, poisoning and, in some cases, drowning.

When will you need cat first aid?

No pet owner expects to be confronted with an emergency, but accidents happen. Every year, many cats experience a broad range of medical problems from simple cuts, bites and abrasions, burns and stings to the more serious problems like broken bones, eye injury, choking, poisoning and, in some cases, drowning.

Think about the regular care you receive throughout your lifetime from pediatricians, dentists, physicians, allergists, ophthalmologists and so on. Just as you see your doctors and dentist regularly, it's important that your pets get routine exams especially since they age an on average of seven years for every one of yours. Preventive care is so important; it is recommended that your pet receive a comprehensive exam every six months by your veterinarian.

Think about the regular care you receive throughout your lifetime from pediatricians, dentists, physicians, allergists, ophthalmologists and so on. Just as you see your doctors and dentist regularly, it's important that your pets get routine exams especially since they age an on average of seven years for every one of yours. Preventive care is so important; it is recommended that your pet receive a comprehensive exam every six months by your veterinarian.

It will no doubt be easy to tell when your young female dog reaches sexual maturity and goes into her first estrus, or heat cycle. This usually occurs when an unspayed female dog is six to ten months old, and signals that your pet is ready to look for a mate.

It will no doubt be easy to tell when your young female cat reaches sexual maturity and goes into her first estrus, or heat cycle. This usually occurs when an unspayed female cat is about six months old, and signals that your pet is ready to look for a mate.

Under the best of circumstances, going to the vet can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. The foreign environment, the parade of fellow clients and their animals, the waiting… While many animals enjoy going for a ride, the excitement often grinds to a halt as the car pulls into the hospital parking lot. Still other cats balk at the idea of the ride itself. But what alternative do caring pet owners have - skipping their pets' routine checkups? Now owners can make sure their beloved animals receive the care they need without even having to don a leash.

Under the best of circumstances, going to the vet can be a stressful experience for both pets and their owners. The foreign environment, the parade of fellow clients and their animals, the waiting… While many animals enjoy going for a ride, the excitement often grinds to a halt as the car pulls into the hospital parking lot. Still other dogs balk at the idea of the ride itself. But what alternative do caring pet owners have - skipping their pets' routine checkups? Now owners can make sure their beloved animals receive the care they need without even having to don a leash.