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What Should You Bring to a First Vet Visit

What Should You Bring to a First Vet Visit?

By Cats, Dogs No Comments

Bring all documentation and medical records you have

Read Time: 4 minutes

Whether you’re bringing a new furry family member to your established vet or taking your pet to a new vet, there are certain things that you should bring with you to the first visit. These include documents like medical records and your own identification but also any information you have about your pet that could help your vet.

Your Pet’s Veterinary Records

a veterinarian writing on a pet’s medical records in front of a white dog sitting on its owner’s lap

If you’re switching to a new veterinarian for any reason, the most important thing to bring with you to the first visit is whatever medical records you have for your pet. The more detailed these records are, the better. Call your previous veterinarian to obtain them if necessary. If you can’t get the records, then anything you have is better than nothing at all.

Your Own Identification

If this is your first time with this particular vet, you’ll also need your own identification, like your driver’s license. Your vet will need to verify your identity and set up your profile with that vet’s office.

Your Pet’s Medications

a cat on a white counter next to different types of pet medication

If you have been giving your pet any medications, you should bring the medications themselves and also a list of how frequently and how much of each medication you give your pet. This is so your new vet can evaluate what you’re giving to your pet and whether the medication is expired or needs a dosage adjustment. Keep in mind that this includes vitamins, flea treatments, and other normal medications, not just prescriptions for an illness or health condition.

Your Pet’s Food and Treats

a woman holding a bowl of dog food about to set it down on the kitchen floor for her golden retriever

Nutrition plays a major role in your pet’s health. For this reason, your new vet will need to know exactly what and how much you’re feeding your pet. You don’t have to actually bring in the food, but take photos of the bag or write down what it is you buy.

Your Pet’s Favorite Treats or Food

Many pets are nervous at the vet. For this reason, go ahead and bring something that will help your pet to feel more comfortable. This could be your dog or cat’s favorite treat or a toy that will help them to relax and feel less nervous. If you don’t feed your pet prior to the appointment, your vet can feed them during the visit, which can help to calm your pet down and make the visit better.

Stool and Urine Samples

Vets test stool samples for parasites and will need one from within 24 hours of your first visit. If you are concerned about your pet having a urinary issue, you can also bring a urine sample for testing.

A List of Your Questions

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health or any questions for your new vet, write them down and bring that list with you to the appointment. Your vet will be happy to answer any questions you might have and the list can help make sure that you don’t forget anything.

Ask Your Vet What You Should Bring

While the above items are commonly helpful to bring to your first visit, every vet is different. It’s a good idea to call your vet ahead of time and ask what they’d like you to bring with you. That way, you’ll be absolutely certain that you’ve got everything you need.

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Should You Microchip Your Pet?

By Dogs No Comments

A microchip can help find a lost pet

Read Time: 3 minutes
Picture this: Your pet manages to get out of your home, they slip out of their collar with your phone number and name, and completely disappear. It’s a scary situation to find yourself in as a pet owner. But with one small change, you can increase the odds of bringing your pet home safely. In fact, over 52% of dogs are returned to their owners thanks to a microchip.

Are Microchips Safe for Pets?

Microchips are completely safe for pets and have become standard practice. Many pet owners request microchipping when they bring their pet in for a spay or neuter. This procedure is performed in the clinic using a sterile, pre-loaded syringe.

The standard microchip placement for dogs and cats is behind the neck and between the shoulder blades. It’s safe, sterile, and quick. Plus, one microchip lasts a lifetime so there’s no need to worry about boosters.

What Animals Can Be Microchipped?

Dogs and cats should be microchipped regardless of whether they reside mostly outside or inside your home. Rabbits, horses, ferrets, and even parrots can be microchipped, among plenty of other domestic pets.

While dogs and cats are the most common species to be microchipped, you can ask your vet about microchipping any species of pet you might own. You’d be surprised by the types of animals who are being microchipped.

How is the Microchip Inserted?

The microchip is inserted using a sterile, pre-loaded syringe. The injection site for dogs and cats is most commonly between the shoulder blades.
Holding up a microchip syringe
If your fur baby was adopted from a shelter or rescue, there’s a strong chance he or she has already been microchipped. Standard practice for shelters is to microchip upon intake and examination of all rescued animals.

Benefits of Microchipping Dogs and Cats

But why should you microchip your pet? Pet microchips come with a number of benefits. While these benefits are only capitalized on in emergency situations if your pet becomes separated from you, it’s important to prepare for a situation where that’s the case. Better safe than separated permanently.

Let’s check out the benefits of microchipping your dog or cat:

  • Permanent identification if your pet wanders off and is found by an individual or shelter
  • Ability to reconnect with your pet after a natural disaster
  • Lifetime identification as microchips are permanent
  • Quicker reconnection with pets who may suffer from diseases requiring medication

How Do I Find My Pet Using Their Microchip?

You can’t track your pet’s location using a microchip but the person who finds your pet can use it to find you. When a pet is taken to a veterinary clinic, rescue, or shelter they will be scanned for a microchip.

If a registered microchip is located it will give an identification number used to pull up your pet’s profile. This profile will include your name and contact information.

Does My Pet Need a Collar and Tag If They’re Microchipped?

More identifying markers are not a bad thing. In order to scan a microchip, you need a microchip scanner. The average household does keep a microchip scanner in their junk drawer so it’s wise to have a more easily accessible identifying mark on your pet.

Double up with a collar and tag and a microchip to give your pet the best chances of reuniting with you.

Pet Microchipping Myths

Microchipping syringe and microchip for pets
There are always those who support and those who hate pet microchipping. Let’s debunk some common microchipping myths to stop the spread of false information.

Myth #1 – Indoor Cats Don’t Need Microchips

Indoor cats can get out of a house. With that in mind, it’s always wise to prepare for the worst. Cats have a low return-to-owner rate, but inserting a microchip ups their chances of making it home.

Your pet many never get lost. But, by preparing with a microchip, you can rest assured the odds of your pet making it home are greatly improved if they ever do get lost.

Myth #2 – Microchips Are Painful to Implant

Microchips are about as painful as having blood drawn. Many owners have their pet microchipped during their spay and neuter procedures while they are under anesthesia.

Myth #3 – Microchips Allow You to GPS Track Your Pet

Unfortunately, microchipping your pet doesn’t give you an automatic GPS tracker. If your pet is lost the shelter or individual you find them will have to scan their neck for a microchip. However, microchipping scanning is a standard practice now which means it’s unlikely your pet won’t have their microchip scanned once found.

If you’re dead set on finding a GPS tracker for your pet, there are a number of options on the market. These have a higher initial and maintenance cost than other pet identification methods.

Is Microchipping Your Pet Expensive?

owner hugging their pet
Microchipping costs generally fall below $75 for initial implantation. This is a one-time fee for the application of the microchip by the veterinarian.

Most veterinarians will scan for an existing microchip before inserting a new one. This is great if you’re unsure if your pet has been microchipped by previous owners or from the entity they were adopted from. It will also cut the cost of an unnecessary microchip and eliminate potential confusion of ID numbers if your pet is scanned for a microchip in the future.

Can My Pet’s Microchip Number Expire?

Your pet’s microchip number won’t expire. However, you’ll want to keep the pet’s listing up-to-date. Keep track of the registering agency where your pet’s profile is held and keep it updated after you move to a new home or get a new phone number.

It’s also wise to keep an eye on the terms of your chosen registry agency. Some are free, some require a one-time fee, and some require annual payments to keep updated.

How to Keep Your Pet’s Information Updated

Cat being scanned for microchip
If you move or update your phone number you’ll need to update your pet’s profile on the correct registry.

If you’re unsure where your pet is registered, enter the microchip number in the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup. This will direct you to the correct registry or manufacturer of the chip. Use the results of this lookup tool to track down the registry or manufacturer you can update your pet’s profile with.

Some common pet microchip registries include:

If you have questions or concerns about microchipping, or would like to schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped, contact us.

Pros and Cons of GPS Tracking Your Pet

Pros and Cons of GPS Tracking Your Pet

By Cats, Dogs No Comments

A GPS tracker can tell you exactly where your pet is at all times

Read Time: 3 minutes

A beloved pet escaping or getting lost can be one of a pet owner’s worst nightmares. GPS tracking may be an option for you if you want to know where your furry family member is at all times. But before you invest your money in buying a GPS tracker, you should know both the benefits and the drawbacks of the technology and its use in finding lost pets.

The Pros of GPS Tracking a Pet

Pet owners looking for the peace of mind that comes from knowing where their pet is at any given moment may find GPS tracking to be a relief.

Peace of Mind

One of the most important benefits to a pet owner is the peace of mind a GPS tracker gives them. They can log onto an app or a website at any time and check that their pet is exactly where they should be. If for any reason your pet isn’t where you expect, the GPS tracker will let you know their exact location so they’re easy to track down.

Push Notifications Can Alert of an Escape

Many GPS trackers can send alerts via push notification on a mobile device to pet owners if their pet has escaped. The tracker can be set up to trigger an alert whenever a pet leaves the house, yard, or another designated area. This can help pet owners to more quickly find lost pets because they know the instant the pet has gone, reducing the risk of injuries or illness.

Pets Can Safely Explore Outdoors

a child with a dog running down a path in a rural field

If you’d prefer that your dog or cat have the ability to safely explore outdoors, a GPS tracker can help you to not worry while they do. This is useful for pet owners with outdoor cats and large backyards. You don’t have to worry if you lose sight of your pet because you’ll always know exactly where they are.

You Can Better Understand Your Pet

Tracking a pet with GPS can help pet owners better understand what their pet does all day. They’ll know their favorite spots and where they like to explore. This can also help you to understand how active your pet is whenever you’re not there so you know if they need more physical activity and exercise when you are.

Different Features to Choose from

Another advantage of GPS is that there are a lot of different brands out there, which means that you’ve got the freedom to shop around and choose one that fits both your budget and your needs in terms of features. Plus, there are a variety of ranges to choose from, for example, either a range of 25 miles or an unlimited range.

Usable on Multiple Pets

a dog and a cat playing together outside

With many GPS tracking systems, you can monitor multiple pets on the same system. Each would need their own tracker, but they could be registered on the same system and could be watched from the same app.

Find a Lost Pet Faster

a couple hanging up lost pet signs

It’s important for pets to be microchipped and for their collars to have the owner’s contact information. However, with both of those options, you may have to just wait for someone to find your pet and call you. With a GPS tracker, you’ll have a location and can head right there so you don’t have to wait and worry.

Set up Boundaries

You can use a GPS tracker like an invisible fence as well as a tracker. Pet owners can program in boundaries and if the pet reaches those, it can vibrate, beep, or use LED lights to warn the pet that they’re approaching the boundary.

The Cons of GPS Tracking a Pet

Despite the numerous advantages of GPS tracking for pets, there are some disadvantages that pet owners should be aware of before investing in the technology.

GPS Trackers Can Be Expensive

A GPS tracker definitely isn’t within every pet owner’s budget. It can cost more than $100 for the tracking technology alone if you want a tracker with an unlimited range. On top of that, many trackers also have a subscription cost, which could also be up to $100 annually.

Difficulties with the Signal

GPS signals aren’t perfectly clear everywhere. This means that, depending on where you live, there might not be a strong enough signal for you to effectively track your pet using GPS.

Low Battery

GPS trackers are powered by batteries, which only last for so long. You’ll have to keep track of the battery’s strength constantly so that the one time you let the battery get low isn’t the time your pet gets lost.

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What Shots Does My Pet Need

What Shots Does My Pet Need?

By Cats, Dogs No Comments

Talk to your vet to ensure your pet gets all the vaccinations they need

Read Time: 5 minutes
Vaccinations are a major part of keeping your pet healthy and safe. Shots can help to prevent many diseases that could be harmful or even deadly to your pet. But what shots does your pet need to get and when?

Puppies and kittens can get different diseases and therefore have different vaccination schedules. These vaccinations also differ from what shots a dog or cat needs as an adult.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

a puppy on an exam table in front of a vet in a lab coat holding vaccine bottles

The following shots are those that puppies will need in the first 16 months of their lives. Puppies should receive their first vaccinations as early as 6 weeks old. Some vaccines may be considered optional because whether they’re needed may depend on your and your puppy’s lifestyles. Ask your vet if they recommend any of the optional vaccines.

6 to 8 Weeks Old

Required vaccinations include:

  • Distemper
  • Parvovirus

Optional vaccinations include:

  • Bordetella

10 to 12 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

  • DHPP, which includes:
    • Distemper
    • Hepatitis
    • Parainfluenza
    • Parvovirus

Optional vaccinations include:

  • Influenza
  • Leptospirosis
  • Bordetella
  • Lyme disease

16 to 18 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

  • DHPP
  • Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

  • Influenza
  • Bordetella
  • Lyme disease
  • Leptospirosis

12 to 16 Months Old

Require vaccinations include:

  • DHPP
  • Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

  • Coronavirus
  • Bordetella
  • Lyme disease
  • Leptospirosis

What Vaccines Do Adult Dogs Need?

a Corgi dog about to receive a vaccine at the vet

Some of these vaccines need to be administered on a regular basis into adulthood. DHPP and rabies are required but the other vaccines are optional depending on your pet’s lifestyle. Make sure to speak with your vet regarding which vaccinations your dog needs to be safe and healthy.

  • DHPP – every 1 to 2 years
  • Rabies – every 1 to 3 years
  • Influenza – every 1 to 2 years
  • Bordetella – every 1 to 2 years
  • Coronavirus – every 1 to 2 years
  • Leptospirosis – every 1 to 2 years
  • Lyme disease – every 1 to 2 years

Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Kitten at vet clinic

Just like with puppies, there are vaccines that are required, sometimes by law, for kittens to get at certain times. Others are optional or recommended based on your cat’s lifestyle. Speak with your vet regarding what of the optional vaccinations you should get for your kitten.

6 to 8 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

  • FVRCP, which includes:
    • Viral rhinotracheitis
    • Calicivirus
    • Panleukopenia

Optional vaccinations include:

  • FeLV (feline leukemia)

10 to 12 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

  • FVRCP

Optional vaccinations include:

  • FeLV

14 to 16 Weeks Old

Require vaccinations include:

  • FVRCP
  • Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

  • FeLV

1 Year Old

Require vaccinations include:

  • FVRCP
  • Rabies

Optional vaccinations include:

  • FeLV

What Vaccines Do Adult Cats Need?

a cat receiving a vaccination at the vet

Adult cats should continue to receive the following vaccines:

  • Rabies – every 1 to 3 years
  • Panleukopenia – every 1 to 3 years
  • Herpesvirus – every 1 to 3 years
  • Calicivirus – every 1 to 3 years
  • Bordetella – every year

How Much Do Vaccines Cost?

How much pet vaccines cost depends on the vaccine and your location but typically range between $25 and $100. There may be discounts available at animal shelters if you adopt your pet there.

Why Are Pet Vaccines Necessary

It’s vital for your pet’s health to stay up-to-date on all vaccines required or recommended by your vet. The diseases they protect your pets from could be harmful or even fatal. In some cases, like with the rabies vaccine, it’s required by law because the disease is dangerous and deadly to both animals and humans.

Are Pet Vaccinations Required by Law?

Not all vaccinations are legally required. The rabies vaccine, for example, is required by law. Others may be optional depending on your pet’s lifestyle and therefore wouldn’t be a legal obligation.

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Concerned about your pet’s health?

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Book your appointment to get your pet the preventative care they need at (407) 352-2579. We’ll help keep your pet healthy.

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Tiny puppy being held

How Much to Feed a Kitten or Puppy

By Cats, Dogs No Comments

Help your pet grow with the right amount of food

Read Time: 6 minutes
What you feed your puppy matters. If you feed him or her right during puppyhood, you’re setting your dog up for a life that’s both healthy and long. But it’s not just a matter of choosing the right foods. It’s also a matter of how much you should feed your puppy.

Knowing exactly how much depends on a lot of factors, including your puppy’s age and what breed it is. Larger breeds are going to need a lot more food than smaller ones.

Are you feeding a puppy or a kitten? Select the option below to jump to that section.

PuppyKitten

Feeding a Puppy

Puppies need special puppy food. Puppies are growing rapidly and need special nutrition that adult dogs don’t. But how much puppy food should you give your dog and when should you switch to adult food?

How Much to Feed a Puppy

How much you should feed your puppy depends on its age and its breed. Most feeding guides will measure how much you should feed your puppy based on how much it will weigh when it becomes an adult. For example, a puppy that will be 3-12 pounds when it reaches adulthood should be fed ½ to 1 cups of food when it’s 1½ to 3 months old.

Below are general recommendations for how much a puppy should eat based on its adult weight. However, you should still consult the instructions on the package before feeding your puppy. Different food, especially that specifically aimed at large or small breeds, may have different recommendations.

1 1/2 to 3 Months

Adult weight Cups
3 to 12 pounds 1/2 to 1
13 to 20 pounds 1/2 to 1 1/4
21 to 50 pounds 1/2 to 1 1/2
51 to 75 pounds 5/8 2 1/3
75 to 100 pounds 1 to 2 2/3
100+ pounds 2 2/3 + 1/3 cup per ten pounds over 100

4 to 5 Months

Adult weight Cups
3 to 12 pounds 2/3 to 1 1/3
13 to 20 pounds 1 1/8 to 2
21 to 50 pounds 1 1/2 to 2 3/4
51 to 75 pounds 1 1/2 to 4
75 to 100 pounds 2 7/8 to 3 3/4
100+ pounds 3 3/4 + 1/3 cup per ten pounds over 100

6 to 8 Months

Adult weight Cups
3 to 12 pounds 1/2 to 1 1/2
13 to 20 pounds 3/4 to 1 1/3
21 to 50 pounds 1 1/8 to 2 1/3
51 to 75 pounds 1 1/2 to 3 3/4
75 to 100 pounds 2 7/8 to 6 1/3
100+ pounds 6 1/3 + 1/3 cup per ten pounds over 100

9 to 11 Months

Adult weight Cups
3 to 12 pounds Same as for an adult
13 to 20 pounds 1 to 1 1/2
21 to 50 pounds 2 to 3
51 to 75 pounds 2 1/2 to 4 3/4
75 to 100 pounds 3 7/8 to 7
100+ pounds 7 + 1/3 cup per ten pounds over 100

1 to 2 Years

Adult weight Cups
3 to 12 pounds Same as for an adult
13 to 20 pounds Same as for an adult
21 to 50 pounds 2 to 4 1/4
51 to 75 pounds 2 5/8 to 6 1/4
75 to 100 pounds 5 5/8 to 11
100+ pounds 11 + 1/3 cup per ten pounds over 100

When to Feed a Puppy

When to feed your puppy depends on your schedule. If you divide the total amount of food your puppy should be eating each day into regular meals, then you can make up a meal schedule. It’s important to be consistent, so many dog owners feed their pets when they themselves eat – at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

To decrease the risk of accidents, make sure to feed your puppy earlier in the evenings so it has time to digest.

What to Feed a Puppy

Feeding your puppy the right food is just as important as how much you feed it. Special puppy food will provide your puppy with all of the right nutrients it needs to grow healthily. Be sure to check if there’s a specific type of food for the size or breed of your dog.

Dry or Wet Food

So long as your puppy is getting all of the nutrients it needs, it doesn’t matter whether you feed it wet or dry food. Your dog may prefer one over the other, so you can buy food according to your puppy’s preferences. You can also mix wet with dry food.

It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian to make sure that, especially if you’re mixing wet and dry food together, you’re not feeding your puppy too many calories.

Puppy Treats

It’s hard to resist feeding a puppy treats all the time just for being adorable. But it’s important to not feed a puppy too many treats. Treats are an excellent reward, so you’ll definitely want to have some on hand for training. But keep in mind that the proper ratio of dog food to treats should be 90/10. 90 percent of your puppy’s daily calories should be in its regular dog food. Treats should only make up 10% of your puppy’s diet.

So, try to resist that cute puppy dog face unless you’re rewarding your puppy for a job well done in training!

When to Switch to Adult Dog Food

Smaller breeds can switch to adult food a bit earlier than large breeds, which may take longer to grow into adulthood. Usually, switching to adult dog food happens at about two years old, but because it depends on the breed and your puppy’s size, talk to your veterinarian about the best time to make the switch.

Small kitten sleeping

Feeding a Kitten

When you adopt a kitten from a shelter or a breeder, it’s most likely already old enough that you can start the kitten on regular kitten food immediately. But sometimes that’s not the case. If you’ve adopted a very young kitten that is without a mother, you’ll need to bottle-feed the kitten.

How Much Should I Feed a Kitten?

How much and what you should feed a kitten depends on its age and weight. It’s important to feed the kitten the right food so it can grow into a healthy adult. You want to feed the kitten enough so that it’s getting the nutrients it needs, but you also don’t want to feed it too much, which could cause too much weight gain.

Bottle-Feeding a Kitten

Kittens that are less than eight weeks old will need to be bottle-fed. If you’ve rescued a very young kitten, you’ll need to learn this essential skill until the kitten is old enough for solid food.

Supplies

You’ll need a special bottle from a pet supply store for a kitten. You may have to cut a hold in the bottle’s nipple yourself – make sure it’s just big enough that formula can drip through it. It shouldn’t be flowing out of the bottle.

What to Formula Feed a Kitten

Kittens can’t just drink the milk from your fridge. You’ll need a special kitten formula from a pet supply store. Any other milk could be dangerous for the kitten, even fatal. Kitten formula will have all of the nutrients the kitten needs. Make sure to follow all instructions on the package of kitten formula so you prepare it correctly.

How to Feed a Kitten Formula

First, make sure the kitten is ready to eat by putting a drop of formula on its tongue. If it swallows, then that’s a good sign that it’s ready to eat. If a kitten doesn’t have a stable temperature or isn’t able to swallow, you shouldn’t proceed with feeding it.

To properly bottle-feed a kitten, lay it down on its stomach, never on its back. Make sure to support its head with your non-dominant hand (your dominant hand will be needed to hold the bottle). Be very gentle when you place the bottle into the kitten’s mouth – it should roll its tongue into the shape of a U and then start to swallow, but be patient if your kitten doesn’t get the hang of things right away!

If your kitten is extremely young and the bottle seems too big, you can try using a syringe for feeding at first.

How Much Formula to Feed a Kitten

It’s important to feed your kitten the right amount of its size and weight. The younger the kitten, the smaller and more frequent the feedings.

Kitten’s age and weight Formula (in ml)
0 to 1 week (50 to 150 grams) 2 to 6 ml every 2 hours
1 to 2 weeks (150 to 250 grams) 6 to 10 ml every 2 to 3 hours
2 to 3 weeks (250 to 350 grams) 10 to 14 ml every 3 to 4 hours
3 to 4 weeks (350 to 450 grams) 14 to 18 ml every 4 to 5 hours
4 to 5 weeks (450 to 550 grams) 18 to 22 ml every 5 to 6 hours
5 to 8 weeks (550 to 850 grams) Weaning (every 6 hours)

Kitten Food

Once a kitten is 5 to 8 weeks old, you should be weaning it off of formula and bottle feeding. Five weeks is when the kitten’s premolars come in, which indicates that they’re ready for more solid food. Gradually wean until the kitten is eating entirely solid food.

What to Feed a Kitten

It’s recommended that you feed your kitten specially formulated kitten food until it’s a year old. Kitten food will have all of the extra protein and other vitamins that growing kittens need. Be careful in buying food that says that it is appropriate for both adult cats and kittens. Cats and kittens have very different nutritional needs, so it’s likely that it won’t have enough of what your kitten needs (or too much of what an adult cat needs).

Wet vs. Dry Food

Kittens should be eating a higher proportion of wet food. Their teeth aren’t very strong yet, so they often can’t eat dry food like an adult cat can. You can feed your kitten a mix of the two, but a kitten will require more wet food at first in order to get all of the nutrients that it needs.

Kitten Treats

It’s totally fine to feed your kitten treats, especially if they’re being used to reward the kitten for doing something well, like using the litter box. It’s important, however, to make sure that treats don’t exceed more than 10% of your kitten’s daily caloric intake.

How Much to Feed a Kitten

The amount of food that should be given to a kitten each meal depends on the type of food. Check the packaging for instructions on daily or meal portions. Be careful not to overfeed your kitten – it’s much easier to prevent obesity in the first place than it is to put your cat on a diet later on.
When to Feed a Kitten
Kittens are snackers. They like to eat at least up to four times a day. They also need a lot of calories because they’re growing rapidly – doubling or even tripling in weight. They also have up to triple the energy levels of an adult cat.

If you’re feeding a kitten only wet food, then it’ll need to eat four times a day. If you’re mixing wet food with some dry food, then twice daily may be sufficient. Another option is to free-feed your kitten until it’s between four and six months old, at which point you can switch to scheduled mealtimes.

When to Switch to Adult Cat Food

Unless your kitten is of a larger breed, like a Maine Coon, which reaches maturity at around eighteen months, kittens can generally switch to adult cat food at around a year old. If you’re unsure, consult with your vet to make sure you’re feeding your cat the right food.

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Why You Should Get Your Pet Spayed or Neutered

By Cats, Dogs No Comments

Read Time: 4 minutes

Unless you’re a licensed animal breeder, it’s important to make sure that your pets are spayed or neutered. This is in part so that you don’t contribute to the already too-large population of animals in shelters but also for health and behavior reasons. For most pet owners, veterinarians recommend spaying and neutering due to the many benefits that come from the procedure.

What Is the Difference Between Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying and neutering are commonly mixed up. They both prevent a pet from having offspring, but each procedure removes a different type of reproductive organ, depending on whether the pet is male or female.

What Is Spaying?

a close-up of a spay scar on a dog’s shaved belly

Spaying is the process of removing a female animal’s reproductive organs, including the ovaries and the uterus.

What Is Neutering

Neutering is the process of removing a male animal’s testicles.

What Are the Benefits of Spaying or Neutering a Pet?

While the most obvious benefit of spaying or neutering your pet cat or dog is that they won’t be able to have kittens or puppies, there are other benefits as well.

#1

Reduced Risk of Cancer

There are certain cancers that can occur in the reproductive organs of animals if they aren’t spayed or neutered. These include testicular cancer in male animals and, in female animals, ovarian and uterine cancers. The organs in question are removed during the spaying or neutering process and therefore cannot develop cancer.

#2

Improved Behavior

two dogs aggressively barking at each other

Some pets may exhibit undesirable behaviors when they haven’t been spayed or neutered. Male pets in particular that haven’t been neutered may be more aggressive and may bite. Spaying and neutering can help to improve these behaviors.

#3

Lower Risk of Injuries

Pets that have access to the outdoors that haven’t been spayed or neutered may wander far from the home. This could result in injuries caused by a car accident or fights with other animals. Pets that have been spayed or neutered won’t feel such an urge to wander and therefore will stay closer to home.

#4

Healthier, Longer-Lived Pets

a yellow lab puppy outside in the grass

Because of the reduced risk of cancer and injuries, pets that have been spayed or neutered are often able to live longer, healthier lives than those that have not. If your pets aren’t wandering as much, then they’re also less likely to contract other diseases that could spread from animal to animal.

#5

No Marking or Spraying

Marking or spraying is the practice of marking territory or pets introducing themselves to other animals. Outside, this may be perfectly fine. It can be a method of greeting other animals. However, when it’s done inside the house to mark territory, then it can be problematic for pet owners. Spaying or neutering can help to reduce or even eliminate spraying or marking, although it’s not guaranteed.

#6

No Heat Cycles

When a female animal is in heat, then other animals may be attracted to her. Spaying your pet can help to reduce this unwanted attention and stop male animals from bothering her or impregnating her.

#7

Helps Reduce Animal Overpopulation

two volunteers at an animal shelter with a pug dog

There are millions of animals living in shelters across the United States. In some cases, shelters have no choice but to euthanize animals that are sick, older, or otherwise less likely to be adopted in order to make room for more. Some areas have a problem with stray animals. By spaying or neutering your pets, you’re ensuring that you and your pets are not contributing to the overpopulation problem.

Are There Risks Involved with Spaying or Neutering?

Both spaying and neutering are very common procedures. In fact, they’re among the most common procedures that veterinarians perform. This means that there’s a very low risk of anything going wrong. However, both are still surgeries, which are never risk-free. Complications are unlikely, though.

When Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

It’s best to spay or neuter your pet at a young age. Which age is recommended depends on the type of pet you have. In cats, it’s best to neuter or spay before the age of five months. In dogs, between six and nine months is typically recommended. However, you should speak with your veterinarian so you can schedule the appointment for the best possible time.

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Pros and Cons of Adopting a Rescue

Pros and Cons of Adopting a Rescue

By Cats, Dogs, Uncategorized No Comments

Having a pet can be a very rewarding experience. Where you adopt your new pet from, however, can really matter. Some people feel better adopting from a breeder while others swear by adopting only rescue pets. So long as where you adopt from is ethical, there’s no one right answer. Before you decide, you should learn the pros and cons of adopting a rescue.

Why Should You Adopt From a Shelter?

volunteers working at an animal shelter holding a pug dog

There are millions of animals that are taken into shelters each year. Some of these animals may be at risk of never being adopted or even being put down. Adopting a rescue could help save an animal’s life while simultaneously freeing up space at the shelter for another animal that needs it. But that doesn’t mean that adopting a rescue is for everyone.

You Could Save an Animal’s Life

One of the biggest benefits of adopting a rescue is that you could be saving the animal’s life. While no shelter wants to euthanize animals, they often have no choice due to the sheer number of animals that they care for. Any animal adopted from a shelter not only saves that animal in particular but also frees up more space in the shelter to help additional animals.

Your Rescue May Already Be Trained

a woman training a corgi dog to do a trick

One of the hardest parts about owning a puppy or a kitten is having to train them. With a rescue, however, this is often already done by the previous owner or by the shelter itself. Having a new pet that is already housebroken can make the transition a lot easier for everyone.

You Could Save Money

No matter what, adopting a pet will cost money. You’ll have to pay for food, toys, visits to the vet, and more. But you can save money by adopting a rescue. There are fees involved with adopting from a shelter, but they’re typically much less than buying from a breeder. Plus, many shelters will have discount days or days on which the fees are waived in order to encourage more adoptions.

A Rescue May Have Fewer Health Problems

Some purebred dogs come with health issues that are specific to that breed. For example, some larger breeds of dogs are more prone to hip dysplasia and some breeds with flatter faces suffer from breathing problems. Rescue dogs tend to be mixed breeds. An advantage of this is that they’re much less likely to have any health conditions associated with a breed, even if that breed is included in the mix.

Rescue Animals Are Appreciative

a ginger cat laying on their owner’s lap, purring while being petted

Some rescue animals have had bad experiences in their pasts. Even if they haven’t, a shelter isn’t the most loving environment. This isn’t the fault of the people who work there, who often love animals, but simply because there are so many animals in shelters that workers have to focus on their basic needs first. They do their best to love every animal, but it’s not the same as having a family. This means that rescue animals are often more appreciative of having an owner or a family.

You Can Reduce Puppy Mills

Puppy mills are breeders that don’t treat their animals very well, often keeping them in overcrowded, unsanitary cages. These puppy mills will continue to exist so long as they’re making a profit, so if you adopt a rescue, you’ll be putting your money towards a better cause.

Why Shouldn’t You Adopt a Rescue?

Adopting a rescue from a shelter isn’t for everyone. It’s important to be aware of the possible downsides before you begin the adoption process.

Shelter Dogs Are Usually Mixed-Breeds

If you’re into dog shows or dog breeding, then a shelter dog most likely isn’t for you. Most shelter dogs are mixed breeds and won’t be suitable for that purpose. It’s possible you won’t know the breed at all. However, mixed breeds are great options for pet owners who just want to add a dog to their family.

Shelter Animals May Not Be Ideal for FIrst-Time Pet Owners

First-time pet owners may not want to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter because their health and behavioral histories may be unknown. Some shelter animals may have problems that first-time owners may have difficulty dealing with. Experienced pet owners may have an easier time helping shelter animals.

It Can Be Difficult to Find a Puppy or a Kitten

four kittens, two orange and two black, playing in a garden

Those wanting to adopt a puppy or a kitten may have difficulty adopting one from a shelter. Shelter animals are often adult animals and while puppies and kittens can be found there, it’s not common. Adopting an adult animal does usually mean that they’ve already been housebroken and trained so you won’t have to do that yourself.

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Keep your pet safe and comfortable in the air

What You Need to Know About Flying With Your Pet

By Cats, Dogs No Comments

While traveling can be fun, it can also be stressful. There’s a lot to organize and arrange before you go, even for something relaxing like a vacation. Traveling with a pet can be even more stressful, for both you and your pet, especially when you’re flying. Therefore, the best thing you can do is to research everything you can ahead of time so you can rest assured that you’ve got everything taken care of.

#1

Decide Whether or Not to Fly with Your Pet

First, you need to decide if flying with your pet is truly the right choice. Typically, it’s not recommended to fly with a pet unless it’s necessary. Flying can be stressful for pets, and in many cases, it’s not worth the hassle to bring them along, especially when the trip is short. If you’re going to be gone for two weeks or more, or if the move is permanent, then you’ll want to bring your pet with you on the flight. If the trip is for only a few days, however, consider boarding your pet instead.

#2

Make Sure Your Pet Meets the Airline’s Requirements

Some airlines may restrict which pets can fly with them. The airline will make its decision based on the following criteria:

  • Size
  • Age
  • Breed
  • Health

The airline may decide not to allow your pet to board the plane at all. If your pet is older and in poor health, the airline may not feel that it is safe for your pet to fly with you. Plus, there are laws regulating pets on aircraft. For example, your pet must be at least eight weeks old and weaned for at least five days before being allowed to fly. Some airlines ban certain breeds, such as snub-nosed breeds, because they have breathing issues that can be worsened on planes.

Cargo Hold vs. Airplane Cabin

a man carrying a suitcase in one hand and a dog in a carrier in the other at the airportIf your pet is qualified to fly with you, then you’ll need to determine whether or not your pet can fly with you in the cabin or whether they’ll need to fly in the cargo hold. Typically, a pet’s size is the most important factor. Pets that are small enough to fit inside approved carriers that can fit underneath the seat in front of you on the plane are allowed inside the cabin. Pets that are too large to fit in those carriers will have to fly in the cargo hold, which is more stressful.

Cargo Hold

Some dogs are too large to fly even in the cargo hold, so check with your airline ahead of time to make sure that your dog meets their size requirements. Additionally, some pet owners choose not to fly their pet at all if they have to go into the cargo hold. This is because it can be stressful for the pet.

Airplane Cabin

If your pet is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, you can bring them into the cabin with you. Your pet’s carrier will count as your carry-on luggage, however, so you may need to check a bag when you wouldn’t normally have to.

#3

Register Your Pet with the Airline

It’s a good idea to register your pet with the airline as soon as you know you’re flying with them. This is because some airlines have limits on the number of pets that can be in the cabin at once. If this is the case, it’s typically first-come-first-served. This means that the sooner you let the airline know that you’re flying with a pet, the more likely you are to be able to bring your pet.

Plus, letting the airline know ahead of time that you’re flying with a pet is a courtesy so that it’s easier for them to make arrangements. For example, if someone is flying who has extreme pet allergies, it’s easier for the airline to accommodate everyone if they’re aware ahead of time.

#4

Understand Airline Fees

Airlines usually charge pet fees. This can be up to around $200 for pets traveling in the cargo hold and up to $75 for pets traveling in the cabin. However, this may differ depending on the airline, so you should research this before you book your flights. It may also depend on the size of your pet. If you have a very large dog, for example, the costs may be even more.

#5

Choose the Right Carrier

a dog in an airport terminal standing next to a soft pet carrierIf your pet is small enough to fit under the seat in the cabin, you’ll need to keep them in a carrier. Your best bet is to purchase a pet carrier directly from the airline you’re flying with. That way, you’ll know that it meets their requirements. If you’d prefer to use your own, airlines typically have size limitations. The carrier must also be a soft one, not a hard plastic one.

Your pet must also be able to comfortably stand up and turn around within the carrier.

Cargo Hold Crates

If your pet is flying in the cargo hold, then you’ll need a hard crate. Pet owners are legally required to line the floor of the crate with an absorbent material, such as a towel or shredded paper. Check your airline’s requirements on the size and other possible requirements of a crate for a pet traveling in the cargo hold.

#6

Take Your Pet to the Vet

Whether a vet visit is required depends on the airline. Many require a signed certificate from a vet issued within ten days of your flight showing that your pet is healthy enough to travel. You may want to book your pet’s vet appointment ahead of time so that you know you’ll be on the vet’s schedule.

Print Required Documentations

You’ll also most likely need to prove that your pet has had all of their required vaccinations. Different airlines may have different requirements for what documentation they want to see. You can keep digital records of these documents, but it’s still a good idea to bring paper copies with you just in case.

#7

Look up Local Pet Regulations

If you’re flying internationally, your destination country may have regulations pertaining to incoming pets. For example, some countries have quarantine periods for any pets flying in. This is another reason why many choose not to bring their pets along for shorter trips. Sometimes, the quarantine period can be longer than the trip itself! Additionally, other countries may have documentation requirements beyond what the airline asks for.

#8

Prep Your Pet for Flight

Flying is stressful for a pet. You should crate train them so that they’re comfortable sitting in a crate for long periods. For many pets, a crate or carrier can be a safe zone that will help them to be less stressed during the flight, especially if they’ve been trained in it ahead of time.

Don’t Tranquilize Your Pet

Whatever you do, however, don’t tranquilize your pet. While this may calm your pet, it can be dangerous for them in-flight. Vets don’t recommend tranquilization for this reason. Plus, the airline won’t let your pet on the flight if they’ve been tranquilized.

Be Careful About Medicating Your Pet

If you’d like to give your pet some anti-anxiety medication or Benadryl for the flight, talk to your vet first. Your vet can advise you on what, if anything, you should give to your pet.

#9

Arrive Early to the Airport

You’ll need as much extra time as possible at the airport. Make sure to arrive even earlier than you would normally.

Minimize Food and Drink

Be careful about how much food and drink you give your pet. There are limited options for where they can relieve themselves. There won’t be anywhere to do that in-flight, but airports typically have animal relief areas that your pet can use. Your pet can go without food for any length of flight, but for a flight longer than four hours, you’ll need to give them some water. A water dish will need to be secured firmly in the crate if your pet is flying in the cargo hold.

Pick up Cargo Hold Pets Immediately

If your pet has to travel in the cargo hold, make sure to pick them up after your flight as quickly as you possibly can. Your pet’s already been waiting for a long time in the cargo hold without you. They’ll be anxious to see you as soon as possible.

Be careful what human foods you feed your dog

What Can Dogs Not Eat?

By Dogs No Comments

As a dog owner, you want to make sure that you give your dog only the best foods. That also means avoiding feeding your dog certain foods. This is because dogs have different food tolerances than humans and what may be healthy for a human could be poisonous for a dog.

The following foods are ones that dogs can’t eat because they’re harmful.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the more commonly known foods that is toxic to dogs. Dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate because of the methylxanthines in it. This is a stimulant that can cause a dog’s metabolic processes to stop. Even in small amounts, chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. In larger amounts, a dog could suffer from seizures, heart function irregularities, or even death.

Onions

Even a little bit of onion can damage the red blood cells in a dog’s body, which can cause anemia.

Garlic

Like onions, garlic can also damage a dog’s red blood cells, causing anemia.

Avocado

Avocados may be delicious and healthy for humans, but they’re not good for dogs. Avocados contain persin, a fatty acid that can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities.

Grapes

a vet examining a dog on an exam table at a veterinarian’s office
Any part of the grape, including the seeds and the skin, are toxic to dogs. Grapes can cause a dog’s kidneys to fail and should therefore be avoided.

Raisins

Raisins are essentially dried grapes and therefore have the same toxicity to dogs as grapes do.

Caffeine

Like chocolate, caffeine contains a stimulant. While that’s great for humans when we need a quick jolt of energy in the mornings, it’s not good for dogs and is toxic for them.

Dairy Products

The only milk that dogs should be drinking is milk from their own mothers. Other than that, dairy products can be toxic for dogs, whether it’s from a cow, goad, sheep, or any animal other than a dog. This is because dairy products made from other animals’ milks contain fatty acids and sugars that dogs can’t properly digest.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can cause several problems for dogs. The first is that it can ferment in the dog’s stomach, which can result in alcohol poisoning. The second is that it can expand within the dog’s stomach, which is painful for the dog. While it may be tempting to give dough bits to your dog if you’re making homemade bread or pizza, you should avoid feeding them the dough.

Sugary Foods

In small quantities, sugary foods may not be terrible for your dog. However, be careful about feeding your dog too much sugar. This is because sugar can, in dogs, cause tooth decay, diabetes, and weight gain, just like it does in humans.

Salt

You shouldn’t feed your dog too many salty foods, either. This is because too much salt can cause your dog to get really dehydrated. Additionally, salt can also cause sodium ion poisoning in dogs. It’s okay to feed your dog little bits of salt, but be careful how much you’re giving them so you don’t give your dog too much.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are poisonous for dogs. It’s not known exactly what makes them so, but you should avoid giving your dog anything that has macadamia nuts in them, even little bits of a macadamia nut cookie.

Almonds

You should also avoid feeding your dog almonds. They’re not toxic or poisonous, but they can splinter and get lodged in your dog’s throat and block their esophagus. Shards of almonds could damage your dog’s throat.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon isn’t exactly toxic to dogs, but it can irritate your dog’s mouth. It may not be dangerous, but it could make your dog sick or uncomfortable. Plus, your dog could inhale it, which could result in breathing problems and coughing. Cinnamon could also lower your dog’s blood sugar, which could pose a health risk.

Ice Cream

Many dogs love ice cream. However, you should avoid feeding it to your dog. It’s both sugary and a dairy product. If you find ice cream designed specifically for dogs, that could be safe for your dog, but it’s always wise to check the ingredients.

Artificial Sweeteners

Just like sugar isn’t good for dogs, neither are artificial sweeteners such as xylitol. Xylitol, for example, could result in low blood sugar or even liver failure.

Alcohol

Alcohol has the same effects on dogs that it does on humans. However, dogs can’t handle nearly as much alcohol as humans can and even a little bit could be harmful, especially if your dog is small.

Fat Trimmings

Fat trimmings, whether they’re uncooked or cooked, can be dangerous for dogs. They could cause pancreatitis.

Bones

a pork bone
Dogs love bones, don’t they? Unfortunately, a bone could cause your dog to choke. Another risk is that the bone could splinter and either block or cause damage to your dog’s digestive tract. There are bones at pet shops that are made of safer materials that you can get for your dog.

Prevent-Heat-Stroke-in-Dogs

How to Treat and Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs

By Dogs No Comments

Cool down your dog and take them to the vet.

Heat stroke can be dangerous for dogs just as it is for humans. As summer’s heat intensifies, it’s therefore important for dog owners to know not only how to treat heat stroke in their beloved pets but also how to prevent it in the first place.

What Is Heat Stroke in Dogs?

Heat stroke, also called hyperthermia, is elevated body temperature, just like hypothermia is a body temperature that is too low. In a dog, it’s considered unusually high when the dog’s body temperature is higher than 103°F and is heat stroke when the dog’s temperature reaches 106°F. At 107°F or higher, a dog’s organs can start to fail and the dog could die.

How Is Heat Stroke in Dogs Treated?

Heat stroke in a dog is a medical emergency. Therefore, it should be treated right away. The first step is to make sure that the dog is in a well-ventilated area. The second is to try to cool down the dog’s temperature with cool water (make sure it’s not cold water). You can either pour cool water over your dog or you can place cool wet cloths on your dog. If you choose he second option, make sure to change them often so they don’t start to trap heat in your dog’s body.

It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s temperature. If it’s down to 103ºF (or if your dog seems to have recovered), then you should stop treating the hyperthermia. This is because if you keep going, you could end up causing hypothermia instead.

Take Your Dog to the Vet

Even if you think your dog has fully recovered from heat stroke, it’s essential to take your dog to the vet. Heat stroke can cause lasting damage if it goes on too long or if your pet got too hot, so it’s really important to get your dog checked out right away.

What Are the Signs of Heat Stroke in Dogs?

If your dog is suffering from heat stroke, they will show some of the following symptoms:

  • Dry gums
  • Sticky gums
  • Gum bruising
  • Abnormal coloring in the gums
  • Disorientation
  • Lethargy
  • Elevated breathing
  • Seizures

How Can Heat Stroke in Dogs Be Prevented?

To prevent heat stroke in dogs, pet owners should be sure that their dog always has access to water and aren’t left somewhere that is hot and doesn’t have a lot of ventilation. Exposure to heat for an extended period of time, especially with no ventilation or water, is dangerous. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog and if you must leave them alone, ensure they’ve got plenty of water and where they are isn’t hot and has good ventilation.

What Can Cause Heat Stroke in a Dog

a dog sitting in a car with the window closed

A common cause of heat stroke in dogs is if their owners leave them in a car on a hot day with the windows up so there isn’t any ventilation. Another common cause of heat stroke is being left outside on a hot day with no shade or access to water. Other common causes include:

  • Exposure to a hair dryer
  • Excessive vigorous exercise
  • Hot temperatures
  • Poor ventilation
  • Restricted airways (in certain breeds)

How Quickly Can Heat Stroke Occur in Dogs?

Dogs can start to overheat in only a few minutes. It’s important for dog owners to remember that their dogs don’t sweat to regulate their temperature like humans do because their sweat glands are many fewer in number and are located only on the bottoms of their feet. Instead, their primary way method of temperature regulation is via panting. They can therefore get a lot hotter a lot more quickly than a human might.

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