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.