Last updated 2 days 12 hours ago
What do autumn crocus, azalea, English ivy, and lilies have in common? They are all common plants that you can find in a typical household, backyard, or garden—and they are all highly poisonous to pet cats and dogs. Ingesting any of these plants, even in small amounts, can lead to serious and even fatal health problems for your pet. Keep these plants out of your home and yard if you own a pet, and contact a veterinarian right away if you believe that your pet has eaten from one of them.
For more information about potentially dangerous household plants, watch this helpful video from the ASPCA.
When you need a veterinarian you can depend upon in an emergency, contact The Vet House. Our skilled veterinarians provide a variety of first-rate animal care services, including emergency care. Visit us online to learn more about our services, or call (888) 754-5110 if you have any questions for our staff.
Last updated 7 days ago
It’s easy to assume that your pet can keep itself as clean as it needs to be. But animals aren’t always able to groom themselves effectively enough to maintain optimal health. Along with regular visits to the veterinarian, regular grooming sessions are indispensable for almost any pet cat or dog. Here are some tips for keeping your pet clean, healthy, and happy:
- Unlike humans, cats and dogs shouldn’t be bathed too often—frequent baths can dry out and irritate their skin. But they should be introduced to bathing early in life so that they do not panic when an occasional bath is needed later on. Give your pet time to get used to the idea of a bath, and be prepared to get wet yourself! Never use human shampoo on an animal, and always dry off your pet completely after every bath by using a towel.
- Brush your pet’s fur regularly with a veterinarian-approved brush. Not only does brushing improve your pet’s appearance, but also allows you to brush out any loose hairs. This, in turn, will keep your pet clean and reduce the effects of shedding. Brushing is particularly helpful for cats, since it helps keep hairballs to a minimum.
- Trimming your pets’ claws from time to time can not only minimize the damage they can do to your furniture, but also help keep pets from accidentally scratching themselves. Be patient, only trim the sharp end of each claw, avoid the quick of the nail, and give your pet plenty of time to get used to the idea of having its paws held. It’s a good idea to ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the proper method before attempting nail trimming for the first time.
If you are looking for an affordable animal clinic in the areas of Richardson or Plano, contact The Vet House today. Our experienced and caring veterinarians provide a wide range of high-quality animal care, from dentistry to surgery. To schedule an appointment for your pet, call us today at (888) 754-5110.
Last updated 19 days ago
If you enjoyed our recent blog posts about animal behavior and common health conditions, explore the related information provided below. To inquire about our animal care services, call The Vet House at (888) 754-5110 today!
- To learn about how to curb aggressive behavior in dogs, read this article from PetMD.
- Do you want to know more about the symptoms of dermatitis? WebMD.com offers an in-depth look at this skin condition.
- If you want to read about common parasites and the threat they pose to your pet, read this article.
- Does your dog display aggression to people who pass on the sidewalk? Read this article from VeterinaryPartner.com for advice on how to stop your dog’s aggressive behavior.
- To learn more about canine nutrition, read this article from BestFriends.org
Last updated 25 days ago
Like humans, dogs can also suffer from skin conditions. Dogs will constantly scratch or bite at their skin if they are suffering from skin inflammation or itchiness. There is a wide variety of conditions that can afflict your pet; knowing the signs and symptoms of the most common skin disorders can help you get your pet the animal care it needs. Here are some signs of dermatitis:
- Incessant Scratching
Scratching at an itch is the most common sign of dermatitis. Although there are many different kinds of dermatitis, scratching and biting are standard symptoms of all skin conditions.
- Moist Eczema
The presence of moist eczema lesions, which are also known as hot spot lesions, on your dog’s skin is a sign of environmental dermatitis. Hot spot lesions can form after prolonged exposure to moisture. They most commonly occur when moisture gets trapped in a pet’s matted fur. This is one of the reasons why regular grooming is so important. When moisture is trapped underneath the pet’s fur, bacteria can begin to form on the skin and cause dermatitis. This form of dermatitis can spread quickly and must be treated as soon as possible.
- Poor Coat Health
If your dog’s coat looks dry or rough, this could be a sign that your dog suffers from nutritional dermatitis. High-protein, meat-based diets are a critical component of proper animal care. Unfortunately, many so-called balanced dog foods lack the nutrients dogs need. When you buy commercial dog food, it is imperative that its main ingredient be meat like beef, poultry, lamb, or fish. Without the proper nutrients, your dog’s skin will become unhealthy and your pet will start scratching more than usual.
If you think your dog might be suffering from a form of dermatitis, call The Vet House at (888) 754-5110. Our veterinary experts provide quality animal care at an affordable price. Visit our veterinary clinic in Richardson so we can help your four-legged friend stay happy and healthy.
