What Shots Your Cat Needs in the First Year

When you decide to adopt a cat, there are several shots that should be administered within the first year. While outdoor cats may need additional vaccinations, veterinarians generally recommend these three shots to prevent common ailments.

Combination Vaccines

The most important vaccine for your cat is the feline distemper shot, which is known as a combination vaccine. This is because it also includes bacteria strains that help combat upper respiratory diseases. Combination vaccines can be administered starting at six weeks of age.

Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia is also a serious condition that can cause cancer, blood disorders and other types of infections. It is also highly contagious and can be transferred to a litter of kittens during birth. Ideally, feline leukemia vaccines should be started eight weeks after birth to guarantee maximum protection.

Rabies Vaccines

Like dogs, cats can contract rabies by coming into contact with an infected animal. Even if you keep your cat indoors, a rabies vaccine is the best way to avoid an accidental infection. Many states have strict laws regarding the frequency of this shot, but it is typically recommended to vaccinate against rabies at least once each year. If your cat is in need of basic vaccinations, visit this website for a vet clinic in San Jose.

Have You Brushed Your Cat’s Teeth Lately?

 

Just like humans, dental hygiene is important to the overall health of your cat. You should brush your cat’s teeth with a specially made toothbrush and toothpaste on a regular basis as part of its dental care regimen.

5 Ways to Keep Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

Your cat is great a keeping itself clean. It seems like it spends half of its waking hours licking each and every inch of its furry little body. Unfortunately, there is one place that it can’t clean: its teeth. Here are 10 tips you can follow to keep your cat’s teeth clean and healthy.

1. Take Them to the Dentist

Just like humans, cats can benefit from a yearly visit to the dentist. Your veterinarian doubles as your feline dentist and can take care of your kitty’s dental needs.

2. Brush Their Teeth

It doesn’t have to be daily, but you should regularly brush your cat’s teeth with gauze or a kitty toothbrush and special toothpaste made for cats. You should start when it’s a kitten to get it used to the process.

3. Rub Their Gums

Healthy teeth start with healthy gums. Gently massage your cat’s gums whenever you can to strengthen them and accelerate healing.

4. Feed Them a Varied Diet

Make sure your cat eats a variety of meats to get the nutrients it needs for healthy teeth. You should also vary its diet between wet and dry food.

5. Give Them a Bone

Bones aren’t just for dogs. Chewing on bones is a great way for cats to naturally keep their teeth clean.

Follow these tips, and your cat will have strong and healthy teeth that last all of its nine lives. For more information on cat dental care in Soquel, visit this site.

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Five Healthy Foods Vets Recommend for Your Dog

 

Does your dog suffer from indigestion, joint pain or skin complications? If so, it might be time to take a look at his or herdiet. In many cases, these problems can be addressed by incorporating healthier food into your pet's daily routine.

One of the most beneficial foods for your dog is raw organ meat. This nutritious treat has everything your dog needs for healthy joints and a strong immune system. Another raw food that helps to build proteins is eggs. Contrary to popular belief, they are a vital source of iron, vitamin A and vitamin B12.

Milk thistle and coconut oil are also natural supplements to complement your dog's existing diet. These natural ingredients can be administered regularly to increase energy or stimulate new cell growth. Coconut oil can even be used to promote weight loss and fast healing.

Finally, green tripe provides valuable enzymes and bacteria to assist with digestion. It also removes toxins and parasites from the blood stream and speeds up metabolism. In addition, green tripe is much more affordable than purchasing bottledprobiotics.

Whether you use store bought kibble or prepare a fresh, organic diet, these five foods will improve your dog's overall health and well-being. For more information about dog care in San Jose, visit this website.

Pet Care: Preparing for Surgery

 

Bringing your pet to have surgery does not have to be a stressful event. Here are a few tips to help you get organized and make your pet more comfortable.

Follow Instructions for Fasting

Whether you are dealing with a routine surgery or a major operation, your vet will probably ask you to withhold food from your pet for several hours prior to the procedure. This prevents complications due to tranquilizers and anesthesia.

Prepare a Safe Space

After surgery, your pet may have to endure a brief period of confinement in order to heal properly. Find a safe place where they can rest, such as a spare bedroom or oversized crate. Make sure there is plenty of space and continue to administer medications as needed.

Get Up Early

Above all else, set your alarm the night before and get plenty of rest. If you are rushing to make it on time, your pet will immediately pick up on your anxiety. Stay calm and move naturally through your daily routine to avoid unnecessary stress.

In the end, these three simple steps will make your pet's surgery go as smoothly as possible. Any additional instructions will be provided by your veterinarian and should be followed without exception. Visit this website to learn more about pet surgery in San Jose.

New Kittens Require Care

In their first weeks of life, kittens require intensive care. This constant monitoring includes keeping up with demanding nutritional and physical needs. A veterinarian can educate you on all the healthcare needs of your new kitten.

Why You Should See Your Vet Annually for a Pet Checkup

 

If you own a pet, chances are you have had occasion to visit the vet at least once. Rather than wait for a problem to occur, it’s wise to take your pet for an annual checkup for many reasons, including:

• Refilling any medications or prescriptions
• Recommended vaccinations
• Check on existing conditions
• Diagnosing new conditions or problems

Medications and Vaccinations

If your pet needs medication or you purchase your heartworm, flea or tick prevention from your veterinarian’s office, then an annual visit is a convenient time to take care of all of this. Your vet can also use this yearly visit to give your pet any vaccinations or booster shots it needs to stay healthy throughout the year.

Treating Illness

If your pet has been diagnosed with an illness or condition in the past, an annual visit will give your veterinarian the opportunity to see how if the condition has worsened and if further treatment is needed. Your vet can also use annual checkup appointments to check for any new problems such as illness, injury or an age related condition. This allows your vet to update your pet’s charts so the information is accurate in case of an emergency. If you need a vet clinic in San Jose, visit this website for more information.

What to Do if Your Cat is Pregnant

 

If you have a cat that spends time outdoors or with other cats, and she has not been spayed, it’s possible for her to become pregnant. There are several steps you should take if this happens.

1. Take Your Cat to the Vet

A veterinarian appointment for your pregnant cat is just as important as it is for any expectant mother. The veterinarian can make sure there are no underlying health problems of your pet, tell you when to expect the kittens and give you instructions for when the kittens come.

2. Prepare for Delivery

You may want to prepare a spot for your cat to delivery that is safe for her and less messy for you and your home. You should also begin to arrange homes for the kittens if you do not plan to keep them all. You may not have an exact count on the size of the litter but if you have people interested in kittens, be sure to give them to a good home.

3. Have Your Cat Spayed

If you do not want your cat to have any more litters you should plan to have her spayed when the veterinarian says she is ready after delivery. Spaying your cat can also help prevent health issues in female cats. For a cat vet in San Jose, visit this website.

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How to Keep Pets Cool for the Summer

 

Everyone in your house can enjoy the warm days of summer, including your pets. You take precaution for you and your family when out in the sun, and it should be no different for your animals. There are many ways to help keep your pets cool this summer, including:

• Providing enough water
• Making sure there is shade and shelter
• Limiting outdoor time when conditions are dangerous

Your Pets Get Thirsty Too

When you spend time out in the hot summer sun, you get thirsty. Your pets do too. Make sure you are providing enough water for your pets while out on walks, playing in the park or just hanging out in the back yard. Pets can get dehydrated quickly if they don’t’ have enough water.

Shade and Shelter

If your pets are outside in the summer, make sure there is a place for them to get out of the sun and into the shade. This will help keep them comfortable if they are outside for an extended period of time. It helps prevent heat exhaustion too.

Keep Them Inside

Sometimes it can be dangerous to be out in the sun and heat for too long. If temperatures are really high, limit outdoor time, especially when the sun is at its harshest. Keep your pets inside when the mercury rises too high. For pet care in San Jose, visit this website.

The Benefits of Microchipping Your Dog

 

If you have a dog,one of the best decisions you can make is to have her microchipped. Microchipping helps keep your dog safe and ensures that all her relevant information is readily available.

How a Microchip Works

A microchip is an incredibly small device that stores information. A microchips is the size of a grain of rice and is injected just beneath your dog's skin. The device holds information about your dog such as:

• Name
• Owner's contact information
• Proof of ownership including a unique ID number
• Dog's physical description
• Contact information for the clinic that implanted the chip

Why Microchipping Is Important

Microchipping your dog is responsible. If your dog gets lost, the information on a microchip can help her get home instead of spending time in a shelter. Microchipping doesn't require any anesthesia, and once the chip is implanted your dog doesn't even feel it. A microchip is much more secure than a collar with tags that can fall off or easily be destroyed.

Microchipping your dog is a responsible decision with many benefits. The microchip is easy to insert, and includes all the necessary information to return your dog home if she gets lost. For more information about dog microchipping in Soquel, visit this website.

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4 Reasons Why Your Male Dog Should Be Neutered

If you own a male dog chances are that you've heard you should have him neutered. But is it really so important? Here are four reasons why it’s vital to neuter your dog.

1. It improves behavior.

Neutered dogs are generally less aggressive, more manageable and less territorial. Many behavior problems are solved after a neutering operation.

2. Your dog will be happier.

Let's face it, male dogs are easily distracted and oftentimes frustrated. Sometimes they roam far and wide to find a mate. Neutering your dog will help him feel better and be happier staying close to home.

3. It's a wise financial decision.

The cost of a neutering operation is minimal compared to the potential expenses of an intact dog. There is less risk of property damage, and of course you don't have to worry about the cost of an unwanted litter.

4. It's responsible.

Neutering your dog is the responsible decision. It helps your dog manage his behavior and it helps prevent unwanted puppies from overcrowding shelters.

Neutering your dog is very important. It improves your dog's behavior and quality of life. It's also cost-effective and better for your community. To find out more about pet neuter clinic care in Santa Cruz, visit this website.

Reasons Your Rabbit Needs to See the Dentist

 

Because rabbits have continually growing teeth, oral problems can, unfortunately, be somewhat common. To help your rabbit have as few dental issues as possible, there are some specific things you can do. Take a look at these tips.

Feed Your Rabbit the Right Food

One of the best ways to take care of your rabbit’s teeth is by feeding a proper diet. For instance, make hay available at all times. It helps maintain the correct pH. Hay also requires lots of chewing, which assists in wearing down the teeth. Also give your rabbit lots of dark green vegetables, as they are packed with nutrients. It’s okay to give pellets but only in limited amounts, because they don’t help much with chewing.

Watch Over Your Rabbit’s Health

You should also always keep an eye on your rabbit’s appearance and behavior. Some of the questions you can ask are:

• Has he or she stopped eating the hay or vegetables?
• Is discharge coming from his or her eyes or is there swelling on the face?

These could all be signs that your rabbit is having dental issues. Even with the best care, a rabbit may still need dentistry due to overgrown teeth. If the problem is not addressed, it can cause tremendous pain and possibly a misaligned jaw.

A healthy diet and good dental care can go a long way in giving your rabbit a long life. Visit this website to find a rabbit dental service in San Jose.

Cat’s Meow

 

Looking after your cat’s health is an important part of creating a happy, healthy life for them. Taking your cat to regular checkups with your vet of choice is a must for any responsible pet owner.

How to Keep Your Dog Fit for Summer

 

There are a few dogs who love the couch potato lifestyle but most want to be active. Some dogs, in fact, detest the cushy life, and drive their owners mad—ripping into the couch, pulling down the blinds and racing around the house. Summer is the perfect time for both of you to get out, enjoy the sunshine and to stay fit. Here are some tips.

Make Time for Your Dog

No matter which season it is, dogs need exercise, and a tired dog is a good dog. Most dogs benefit from going out two times a day. However, they’re usually most active in the morning and evening, resting in the middle of the day. It’s usually cooler during those times in the summer as well.

It’s ideal if you can exercise your dog off the leash, as this allows a dog to monitor his or her own exercise. It’s also especially good for puppies, because their growth plates are still open and too much exercise could result in orthopedic issues later on.

Exercising Together

Strenuous, aerobic exercise is the best way to keep a dog fit. Consider having your dog exercise with you if you like to do these kinds of outdoor activities:

• Jogging
• Skating
• Swimming

A dog that gets lots of exercise is a fit and happy pet, especially when he or she can enjoy the sunshiny days of summer with you. For more information, visit this website about dog wellness in San Jose. 

How to Find the Right Vet for Your Pet

 

Just like you take care of yourself, adopting a pet also requires that you carefully watch over his or her safety, nutrition and health. It also means finding a vet that you trust to be able to address all of the different medical issues that are going to come up. Here are some tips in selecting the right one.

Take a Look at Three to Four Clinics

Before bringing your pet into a vet office, visit several in your community, and go with the one that has the highest marks in these areas:

• A courteous, professional staff that doesn’t seem too stressed, as when there is too much workload in caring for animals it could be taken out on them or their care, in general, could be compromised
• Vet assistants that seem to genuinely care for animals
• Around the clock monitoring service

Make Sure the Clinic is Certified and Clean

Check to see if the vet is licensed through the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Also, examine how clean the office is, especially where the pets sleep when they have to stay overnight. A vet office that is cluttered or unclean in certain areas may indicate that they are caring for more animals than they really should be.

Selecting a vet that you and your pet are comfortable going to will make all the difference in the world. If your pet needs care, contact this veterinary clinic in San Jose.

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Common Cat Illnesses

 

You’re more than just food and head rubs to your cat. You’re also his or her number one, health advocate. The good news is that many of the ailments that cats get can be prevented via regular vet care and by keeping a good, cat medical book in your home. Here are some of the more common ailments to watch out for.

Dental Care

Just like humans, cats can also have poor teeth and gums, often causing major problems with mouth inflammation later on. The reason it’s such a big issue is because inflammation can migrate to the heart. To help prevent this from happening, believe it or not, learn how to clean your cat’s teeth, and get periodic cleanings at the vet.

Preventing Diabetes

Though lots of cats are still getting diagnosed with it, diabetes is preventable. Obesity is linked to cats contracting the illness, yet it’s estimated that 60 percent of cats are fat. The best ways to prevent it are through portion control and exercise.

Cats Are Safer Inside

Many vets recommend keeping cats inside, especially at night. Otherwise, they face:

• Getting hit by a car
• Confrontation with a wild animal, like a coyote
• Getting bit by a dog

Though they are so much independent than dogs, cats still need their owners to watch over them. Visit this website to find a cat clinic in San Jose.

Your Pet Shouldn’t Have to Wait: Finding An Emergency Vet For After Hours Services

When you have a traumatic accident, you seek medical care right away. Why should your pet be subjected to wait until a veterinarian’s office opens up? If your pet has experienced an accident or becomes severely ill in a short amount of time, seeking out an emergency vet for after-hours services may be the difference between life and death.

When To Seek an Emergency Vet for After-Hours Services

• In the unfortunate circumstances that your pet sustains an injury that you cannot maintain at home, it is best to seek emergency care. Such conditions might include deep cuts that do not stop bleeding, deep bite wounds from another animal, or an obvious broken bone.

• If your pet happens to ingest a harmful substance and experiences symptoms of distress, do not hesitate to seek prompt medical care. Ingestion of toxic materials may cause uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea and eventually lead to death.

• Difficulty breathing, uncontrolled seizures, or a sudden loss of vision or rapid changes in awareness should always be addressed by an emergency care veterinarian. Visiting an after-hours clinic andacting quickly once you notice your pet has been exhibiting these abnormal symptoms may increase chances of survival.

For additional information, visit this website for an emergency pet clinic in San Jose.