Winter Tips For Senior Cat Owners

As winter sets in, you may begin to worry about how best to care for your senior cat during the cold months. Chilly weather may sometimes be hard on pets, especially those that are elderly. Here are some basic tips for keeping your cat healthy and happy during the winter season.

1. Keeping Warm

Warmth is one of the most important comforts you can offer your senior cat during the winter. Try to provide cozy, comfortable sleeping spots that will be easily accessible even if your cat’s mobility is limited by soreness or arthritis. Also, consider running a humidifier to keep indoor air from becoming overly dry.

2. Eating and Exercise

Obesity can sometimes be a problem for pets at nearly any age. It may be a good idea to speak to your veterinarian about your cat’s food intake. Your vet office can likely also offer tips about gentle, effective indoor exercises to help keep your cat active.

3. Needed Medications

Does your cat need any special supplements or medications in order to get safely through the winter? In general, the best way to find out will likely be by scheduling a pet checkup with a veterinarian you trust.

Are you concerned about the impact winter may have on your elderly pet? Visit this website to learn more about senior pet care in San Jose.

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The Importance Of Pet Dental Care

As a pet owner, you likely work hard to help maintain the health and happiness of your cats and dogs. Have you given much thought to the state of your pet’s teeth? Here are some of the top reasons why pet dental care is so important.

1. Preventing Disease

Periodontal disease tends to be incredibly common among pets such as cats and dogs. By the age of three years, many pets will begin to show signs of this type of disease, which may negatively impact major organs in addition to teeth and gums. Consistent dental care is generally the best way to help prevent periodontal disease in your cat or dog.

2. Lessening Pain

If your pet’s teeth begin to loosen or decay, eating may become painful. Investing in good dental care is one way in which you may be able to help your pet remain consistently comfortable and pain free in the years to come.

3. Keeping Teeth Strong

Even if your pet is currently very young, you likely hope to enjoy a long and prosperous life together. Keeping teeth clean and healthy now may be your best chance of helping ensure that your cat or dog still has strong teeth, even in old age.

It is important that you do everything you can to help keep your pet’s teeth clean and strong. You can visit this website to learn more about pet dental care in San Jose.

Signs Your Dog Needs To See A Vet

Are you wondering how to determine when you may need to take your dog to the vet? There are some signs you can watch for while evaluating your pet’s need to visit a professional veterinarian.

1. Strange Behavior

If you notice that your dog has begun to behave strangely, you may need to schedule a vet visit. Odd behavior may include things such as decreased appetite, a tendency to sleep more or less than usual, persistent whining, difficulty urinating or defecating, and more.

2. Fever, Nausea or Respiratory Problems

A fever is one possible indication that your dog may be ill. If your pet is acting lethargic and has a dry nose that feels hot to the touch, you may need to call a veterinarian for advice. Also watch for other possible signs of illness, such as wheezing, coughing or vomiting.

3. Fleas or Ticks

Parasites can sometimes become a serious problem for pets. If you notice that your dog has fleas or ticks, try to schedule a visit to the vet as quickly as possible. A veterinarian can likely prescribe effective parasite treatments, and may also be able to offer advice on eradicating fleas and ticks from your home and property.

Are you concerned about your dog’s health? You can visit this website to find a vet clinic in San Jose.

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Reasons Why You Should Take Your Pet For An Exam

Pets won’t tell you when they’re sick. In fact, cats in particular mask pain instinctively because weakness makes them vulnerable in the wild. If your pet isn’t acting normal, it’s time to take it to the vet. Even if it is acting normal, you should take it for an exam annually. Here’s why.

Visual Assessment

The vet will look over your animal to determine if there are any external issues such as skin cancer, ear mites, dental concerns or eye problems. Your pet’s coat, for example, can indicate a more serious illness, such as kidney failure. The skin and eyes might reveal jaundice.

Touch Assessment

Touch will also clue the veterinarian into concerns such as tumors or organ failure. Part of an annual exam includes placing gentle pressure on your pet’s abdomen; much like your doctor does with you, to feel for growths or abnormalities.

Lab Assessment

The veterinarian will order lab work as part your dog or cat’s annual physical. Blood and urine analysis check for serious illnesses such as rabies, parvo in dogs and feline distemper, and will also reveal the overall vitality of your furry baby.

Your pet won’t tell you it doesn’t feel well. You need the expertise of a veterinarian to conduct a pet exam in San Jose. Don’t wait. Get your dog or cat examined today

How To Prepare Your Cat For Surgery

Many cats require some form of surgical operation at some point in their lives. If your cat will soon be going under the knife at a vet’s office or veterinary hospital, there are some actions you can take beforehand.

1. Check Vaccinations and Medications

In the weeks leading up to your cat’s operation, you will generally want to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date. Additionally, you will likely need to talk to the vet’s office about any medications your cat may be taking.

2. Follow Veterinarian Advice

Your veterinarian office or hospital will likely give you certain instructions to follow before your cat’s surgery. In most cases, you will need to prevent your cat from eating or drinking in the hours leading up to the operation.

3. Prepare for Aftercare

Before heading out to surgery, consider setting up a comfortable area where your pet can convalesce. Wash bedding to create a fresh and comfortable bed, and invest in any special litter that may be needed for your cat’s post surgery litter box. Place any needed accessories close to your cat’s bed for easy access.

Following these basic strategies may help your cat’s operation and recovery go more smoothly. You can visit this website to find out more about pet surgery in San Jose.

Animal Dental Checkups

You need to take care of your pet’s teeth. Good oral hygiene will ensure your pet will be able to retain all of its teeth throughout its life so that it never has to avoid eating something.

Avoid Heartworm With Regular Testing

Your dog or cat might be suffering from heartworm and you won’t know it until it’s too late. This parasite is deadly, so you need to make certain it doesn’t make its home in your furry friend. Regular heartworm testing ensures all is well with your pet’s ticker.

Organ Damage

Dogs are more prone to heartworm disease than cats are, but this doesn’t mean that your feline isn’t at risk. Heartworms that survive to adulthood destroy your pet’s heart, lungs and/or other organs.

It’s Contagious

Heartworms are contagious —spread commonly by mosquito bites — so having your pet tested regularly not only ensures its health but also the health of any animal it comes in contact with.

It’s Communal

These parasites also live in coyotes, ferrets, foxes, sea lions and wolves. If you live in an area where coyotes, for example, are prevalent, this increases your animal’s risk for contracting the disease.

Some Facts

All 50 states have reported heartworm in animals. As such, the American Heartworm Society recommends getting your dog or cat tested annually to ensure it hasn’t been infected.

Heartworm is progressive, so the sooner the parasite is discovered the better chances of saving your pet’s life. Include with your dog or cat’s annual exam a heartworm test in San Jose. It might mean the difference between life and death for your beloved pet www.evergreenvetclinic.com

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The Importance Of Spaying Your Pet

You’ve probably heard that you should get your female cat spayed—but do you know why it’s so important? There are a number of reasons why the procedure matters for your cat’s health. Here are a few of the top reason to spay your cat.

Population Control

First of all, getting your cat spayed is good for the surrounding community. Stray or wild animals can cause accidents, prey on wildlife, and even spread disease. Spaying household pets is a good way to keep the feral population of cats down.

Disease Prevention

Next, spaying is good for your cat’s health. It prevents breast cancer and uterine infections, which are fatal for cats about 90% of the time. It can also keep your cat from having complications arising from an unexpected pregnancy.

Behavioral Benefits

Spaying can also help prevent a variety of behavioral problems. When a female cat is in heat, she often starts yowling in order to attract mates. She also urinates more frequently, often all over the house. A cat that has been spayed, however, won’t go into heat.

Cost

Finally, spaying is a cost-effective option that can save you money in the long run. Getting your cat spayed is a lot less expensive than caring for an unexpected litter of kittens. To learn more about pet spaying in Santa Cruz, check out this website.