Flea Prevention Tips From All Creatures Veterinary

One of the most stressful parts of pet care is figuring out what to do for your beloved animal when he or she is sick. Unfortunately, when they are listless or vomiting, or showing other symptoms of illness, sick animals can't tell us what is wrong. We are left to determine what is going on using the physical signs that your pet is unwell.

How to Care for Sick Animals

Some illnesses can be handled at home, but others require treatment by a veterinarian in our office. For instance, occasional bouts of vomiting are normal in cats. However, if your animal vomits repeatedly, or if the vomit is black, filled with mucus, or has blood in it, your pet needs to come to our clinic for treatment. Throwing up can be caused by an infection, a metabolic problem, a digestive problem, or more serious maladies such as heart worms or cancer.

If your pet seems unusually clumsy, or seems disoriented, this can be a sign of an ear infection, neurological problems or liver problems. Bring your pet to our veterinary office so we can determine what is wrong and start treatment.

Changes in urination are also signs that something is wrong with your pet. Urinating more frequently can be a sign of kidney problems or crystals in the urine. If your pet is having trouble urinating, this is a reason to come to our veterinarian office right away. There may be crystals, a tumor or something else blocking the urethra. An inability to void urine is a serious problem that can cause serious or deadly complications if not treated promptly.

In any case, if your animal is ill, it's best to visit our office right away. Diagnosing a problem early is one of the best ways to help your pet get well again.

How did our clinic help you and your furry friend the last time your pet was feeling sick?

Pet Care Includes Weight Management

Rotund pets may seem cute or funny to casual observers, but pet obesity is no laughing matter. More than half of all U.S. pets carry more weight than they should, and this extra weight can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Here at All Creatures Vet Service we regard weight management as an essential aspect of pet care, so here are some tips from your friendly Arlington veterinarian.

When Pet Obesity Requires a Veterinarian

Why do pets become obese? Contrary to popular myth, it is not due to spaying or neutering, which can both be done at our veterinary center. Some cases of obesity indicate a medical problem. A hypoactive thyroid, for example, can lower your pet’s metabolism so that it packs on the pounds without overeating, while a kidney or heart disorder can lead to water retention and bloating.

We can check your pet for any underlying condition that might be causing obesity. More commonly, however, your pet is either eating the wrong food or eating too much of the right food. "Human food" usually contains more fat than a pet needs, and the bad habit of handing out table scraps encourages overeating as well. Owners must choose what foods to give their pets and enforce those choices until the pet accepts the situation without whining or begging.

Sometimes we humans assume that pets have to eat on a regular timetable simply because we do. While your pet may have trained itself to expect dinner at exactly the same time every day, pets only need to eat when they are hungry. You should not try to force your pet to eat if it would rather skip a given meal -- when it gets hungry, it will eat. Sick animals, however, may keep refusing meals and may require a visit to our animal vet clinic.

Does your pet have an unusual food preference? Tell us about it here!

No matter how healthy your pet may be, the time may come when you need to arrange for a surgical procedure at an animal hospital. While some pet surgeries address routine or preventative health issues, others may be necessary to preserve your dog or cat’s quality of life -- or possibly even save that life. If you are looking for an Arlington veterinarian, we hope you will consider the caring professionals here at All Creatures Veterinary Service.

Some surgeries are aimed at preserving good health. Spaying or neutering, for instance, not only helps to control the puppy and kitten population but also offers other significant benefits. Sterilized pets have less chance of developing cancerous tumors, experience less anxiety and exhibit fewer behavioral problems.

Other types of surgery correct chronic conditions that may endanger your pet’s life, such as a twisted stomach that makes normal digestion impossible or a short airway that obstructs breathing. If your dog or cat has suffered from a torn ligament, arthritis or other joint damage, surgical reconstruction can restore functionality and freedom of motion while relieving pain.

Malignant cancers or other threats to your pet’s health can also be dealt with surgically. The most obvious need for surgery stems from an emergency situation such as a car impact or other traumatic injury. This is a frightening time for pet and pet owner alike, so we encourage you to keep our number and address handy just in case an emergency occurs.

The Right Animal Vet Clinic for the Job

Your pet is in good hands at our animal vet clinic. Our own Dr. Cavanagh and his dedicated staff offer advanced diagnostic techniques, from traditional x-ray to pet ultrasound, to determine exactly what the problem is and how to fix it. Whether your pet needs a routine procedure, urgent care or full-blown emergency surgery, we have the tools, expertise and bedside manner for the job.

Has surgery ever saved the life of one of your pets? Tell us your story!

If you have a toddler, you know all about locking up dangerous substances and making your living area childproof. But, do you do the same for your cat or dog? Many of the same things that could be dangerous to your child are also hazardous to pets. There are also unexpected pet hazards. It pays to educate yourself about household pet dangers to avoid an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

Common Household Pet Hazards

Many human foods pose a hazard to cats and dogs. Among these are chocolate, onions and garlic, raisins and grapes, alcoholic beverages and yeast doughs. It's especially important to watch these around the holiday season when food is often left unattended.

Household cleaners should also be secured well. Pets can be masters at undoing a cabinet latch or fastener. If your pet goes outdoors, be sure to keep substances like insecticide and antifreeze well away from them.

House plants can be a threat to animals. Common plants that are poisonous to animals include lilies, poinsettias, dumb cane, philodendron and mistletoe. String can be enticing, particularly to cats, but string as well as yarn, tinsel and even dental floss can pose a choking hazard.

Recommendations for Avoiding Pet Hazards

At All Creatures Veterinary Service in Arlington, Washington, our veterinarian recommends that pet owners take time to educate themselves about common pet household dangers. Taking a few minutes to make sure your home is safe for your cat or dog can extend your pet's life and avoid costly vet bills for you.

We also advise our clients to get their pets microchipped. This inexpensive, painless and easy procedure can make the difference in whether your pet returns home should he or she become lost. Most animal hospitals, including ours, can take care of this for you. Our animal vet hospital offers a wide range of wellness and emergency pet care services.

What measures do you take to keep your cat or dog away from pet hazards? Are they effective? Share your experiences with our readers by leaving a comment below.