PETS: A LOT TO GIVE, A LOT TO SHARE
ADOPTING A SHELTER DOG
IS YOUR DOG FEELING DOWN?
PET DENTAL HEALTH
TOXOPLASMOSIS
DOGS – MORE THAN JUST BEST FRIENDS
CATS WITH BREAST CANCER
SAVE A CHOKING DOG |
PETS: A LOT TO GIVE,
A LOT TO SHARE
Are you among the millions who share their lives with one or more pets? If so, you know how important they can be. Pets enrich our lives just by being there, such as when a dog puts his head on your knee, or when the cat comes and sits with you. Whatever kind of pet you have, there are responsibilities that go along with the rewards of ownership. Your pet deserves the basics such as a nourishing diet, fresh water, grooming, exercise, health care and lots of love. A veterinarian can help keep your pet healthy and happy with medical check-ups and immunizations. In the weeks to come, we’ll bring you information about different kinds of pets and their care.
Welcome to our column. Our practice specializes in treatments and medical procedures for animals including: preventative medicine, nutrition and general health, and treatment of serious diseases and disorders. Our commitment to healthy and happy animals is everlasting; we always put your animals’ health first and foremost. If you need health care for your pet come see us at 3414 S. Hwy 97 or call 918.245-VETS (8387) today. Where your pet's health is our passion.
When adopting a shelter dog, there are many decisions to make before setting foot inside the kennel. First decide on a general size. A family with very small children should not adopt a toy-sized dog unless the children are unusually low key. Small dogs have small bones that are easily broken. On the other hand, elderly people often have frail bones that are easily broken, so families with elderly members should avoid large, rambunctious dogs. Decide who will take care of the dog, and make a solid, thought-out plan for feeding, walking, grooming, and playing. Shelter dogs have often been through hard times and may need help getting back on their feet.
The critical question to ask is "Will this dog fit my family?" If the answer is yes, a shelter dog may be the perfect choice. We recommend regular check-ups so that we can help you monitor your pet’s overall health. At our practice, we provide your pet with the best care available. Our professional animal care specialists have the experience and knowledge to keep your pet healthy. Bring your pet to 3414 S. Hwy 97 or call 918-245-VETS (8387) today for care you can count on. Where your pet's health is our passion.
IS YOUR DOG FEELING DOWN?
Just like their human counterparts, dogs are highly sensitive and susceptible to depression. Dogs can become depressed as a result of significant changes including a family member dying, a move to a new house, or even by small changes such as the change of seasons or a change in the owner’s work schedule. Appetite changes, sudden weight loss, sleepiness, or loss of interest in playing or interacting are depression warning signs. Depressed dogs can also become nippy or aggressive toward their owners. Some dogs even suffer from chemical imbalances that cause depression. Bring the dog to the veterinarian for an evaluation and to put a treatment plan in place at any sign of depression.
Yes, even dogs can become depressed. It is not uncommon to see a dog start acting differently when certain things happen. Depression in dogs could be very dangerous especially if they stop eating or drinking enough water. We’re located at 3414 S. Hwy 97, we are happy to talk to you about dog depression and any other problems you may have with your pet. Call 918-245-VETS (8387) with any questions. Our focus is on the wellness and the quality of life of your pet with preventive veterinary care, which helps us to prevent and detect illnesses early. Where your pet's health is our passion.
Many pet owners are desensitized to their pet’s halitosis. But “dog breath” or “cat breath,” as the case may be, is more than just a cliché, as there is always a cause for bad breath. Sometimes the odor is caused by the ingestion of something foul like garbage or feces. Often it’s caused by poor oral hygiene. Less often, underlying medical conditions are to blame. Dogs and cats can get periodontal disease, and the bacteria can travel in the bloodstream throughout the body, causing infections and heart disease. Dogs and cats need their teeth brushed, and it’s a good idea to have yearly dental exams performed. The veterinary dentist can also give instructions on home care for animal teeth.
Caring for your pet should include dental hygiene. Our pets are living longer, therefore it is important for us to help them retain their healthy teeth through proper hygiene. Several times a week you should physically brush your pet's teeth. We are experienced animal experts, and you can entrust the complete care of your animal with us. Bring your pet to 3414 S. Hwy 97 or call 918-245-VETS (8387)for more information. We will always do our best to serve our clients and to provide their pet(s) with the highest quality care. Where your pet's health is our passion.
A microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is responsible for the disease called Toxoplasmosis. The disease is most commonly associated with cats, although it can affect many mammals, including humans. Cats, however, are the only known hosts for the parasite, meaning that a cat body is the only place where the parasite can reproduce eggs. Generally, cats infected with the parasites will not exhibit any serious signs of illness. Cats with suppressed immune symptoms, such as those with feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus, can become very ill. Symptoms can include fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy and can sometimes lead to pneumonia. A veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis of the disease.
Toxoplasmosis is difficult to diagnose in cats because the signs can be so variable. Blood tests can indicate whether a cat has ever been exposed to the organism, although past exposure does not necessarily mean that there is current infection. We strongly recommend regular check-ups, and if you haven’t brought your pet to a veterinarian recently there is no better time than now. Come to 3414 S. Hwy 97 or call 918.245-VETS (8387) to schedule a check-up today. Where your pet's health is our passion.
DOGS – MORE THAN JUST BEST FRIENDS
For years dogs have been helping humans with important jobs, jobs that people themselves sometimes aren’t even qualified to do, like sniff for bombs or illegal substances, help visually impaired people see, and help people with other disabilities function with day-to-day living. Now, some working breeds like labs and poodles have a new specialty—sniffing out peanuts. Dogs can detect miniscule traces of peanut and some other nuts in foods. The skill can save the life of a person with severe peanut allergy. The dogs, often shelter dogs with an otherwise dim future, are being trained much in the same way as other service dogs. When adopting a peanut dog, the owners are taught special commands.
Breast cancer is a highly documented disease. But what many people don’t know is that breast cancer isn’t just a human affliction. Cats and dogs can be diagnosed with the disease as well, except in the animal world, it’s usually referred to as mammary cancer. The most frightening difference between dogs and cats that get ill with the disease is that when our feline friends are diagnosed, it’s almost always malignant and often fatal. There is strong evidence suggesting that early spaying may contribute to a decreased risk of mammary cancer. However, as with all cancers, early detection is the key. When caught early, the tumor can usually be removed, so cat owners, keep up that belly patting!
Pet owners should be sure their cats get regular, thorough veterinary checkups. Owners can perform their own mini checkups by feeling for any lumps or bumps, particularly in the mammary area. Early detection and treatment is very important in the successful treatment and outcome of mammary cancer in cats. We’re located at 3414 S. Hwy 97, where we are happy to advise you on what steps you should take. If you have questions regarding animal care don’t hesitate to call 918.245-VETS (8387). Where your pet's health is our passion.
Most of the time, a dog’s “animal instincts” will keep it from choking. But it’s still important to know what to do in an emergency situation. First, be sure that the dog is choking because an unnecessary Heimlich Maneuver can cause serious injury. A choking dog will be panicking, clawing at its face and making motions that seem like coughing with no sound coming out. Open the dog’s mouth, and look for a foreign object, being very careful to avoid the tiny bones at the back of the throat which are sometimes mistaken for chicken bones. If you cannot remove the object, bear hug the dog with fists below the ribcage. Administer two or three sharp thrusts at a time.
Having "something stuck in the throat" is a common problem in pets. Due to their curious nature and indiscriminate eating habits, dogs and cats can get all kinds of items stuck in their mouth. Large pieces of food, bone, balls, toys, wood, cloth, metal and even fish hooks have been removed from the mouths of dogs and cats. We’re located at 3414 S. Hwy 97, where we truly care about animals. We hope you entrust your pets’ welfare to us. Questions? Call 918.245-VETS (8387). Where your pet's health is our passion.
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