We all want our pets to be as healthy as possible. Many families view their animals as part of the family. In the age of information, more and more pet care tips are at our fingertips, but sometimes well-meaning advice can be misguided, or even flat-out false. Here are the top nine veterinary myths I’ve heard from my clients:
1. Pets are Very Affordable
Taking care of an animal is a huge responsibility, not only in terms of time and commitment, but financially as well. Estimates for the annual cost of pet care can range widely from lower estimates around $800 per year, to thousands. And that’s for a healthy pet. Veterinary care can be very costly. Even routine care, such as annual exams and vaccines can sometimes be difficult for pet owners to afford. This is why I am a huge advocate of pet insurance. Pet owners should consider cat and dog insuranceas a way to ensure their pets receive the medical attention it needs in the case of an unforeseen illness or accident. Having pet health insurance may help the pet owner provide the best care to their pet, without having to worry about financial strain.
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We all want our pets to look and smell their best.’Grooming’ should involve more than just hair coat maintenance and all breeds, including cats, can benefit from it. Regular grooming, especially teeth brushing, is important for overall health. Most grooming routines can be done at home with a little know-how, practice and patience. How often grooming is necessary can be variable depending on your pet’s breed and lifestyle. For example, most cats don’t require regular bathing at all, but some dogs can require weekly bathing to stay odor free. Here are some tips for keeping your pet’s appearance in tip-top shape:
1. Pearly Whites
This is probably the trickiest part of a regular grooming routine. Many pets don’t care for it, and brushing can take time and patience. When just starting out, keep it fun and short. Allow your pet to sniff and chew on the toothbrush and taste the toothpaste. Use lots of praise and rewards. Gradually lengthen the time you spend actually brushing as your pet gets used to it. Always use a dog or cat formulated toothpaste, as our toothpaste is toxic to pets.
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At times, pets can be very expressive with their body language. A tail wag that moves the whole hind end easily translates feelings of happiness and joy. Conversely, dogs and cats can also communicate when they aren’t feeling well, but often the clues are more subtle. As a pet owner, being aware of behaviors that can indicate an illness are an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Because accidents and illnesses can strike at anytime, I always recommend pet insurance to my clients. Here are nine subtle clues that might indicate it is time to call the veterinarian:
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U.S. dog parks are the most quickly growing portion of city parks in the US. The dog park is a summertime fun staple for dog owners. It’s a place for friends to meet and allow Fido some off-leash time to explore and play.
Dog parks can be a great way to provide exercise and enrichment to your dog’s everyday life, but the dog park can come with a few possible dangers as well. because accidents and illnesses can occur at any time, it’s always a good idea to have a pet insurance plan in place. But here is what you need to know about the most common dog park injuries, when to treat at home and when to make an appointment with the vet:
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As a practicing veterinarian and pet insurance enthusiast, I’m constantly asked for yummy, pet-safe recipes. And since summer time is perfect for experimenting with cuisine, why not take the opportunity to bond with your four-legged best friend over a tasty treat tailored for the canine palate that’s yummy for you too?! Here are some summertime recipes to try. But remember to always feed your dog in moderation and in portion sizes appropriate for their size. Treats are only meant to supplement a healthy balanced commercial diet as well. And because food allergies and illness can occur at any time, it’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian about your pet’s diet and to have pet health insurance as a back up for unforeseen problems.
Canini (yummy for you too)
Ingredients (yields 2)
-3 peeled carrots
-3 peeled oranges
-5 peeled tangerines
-fresh ginger
-dark brown sugar
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