Richardson Veterinarian | The Vet House

What You Need to Know About Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious condition that can affect your dog. These parasites live inside your dog’s heart and lung areas, causing pain and even death if left untreated. Watch this video to learn more about heartworm disease.

Heartworms are parasites that multiply once they are inside your dog’s body. Signs of infection include excessive coughing, a potbelly appearance, and weight loss. You may also notice that your dog gets tired much more quickly when exercising. Heartworm can be prevented with a monthly medication, and is usually treatable if your dog is infected.

Call (888) 754-5110 to make an appointment with the veterinarians at The Vet House to learn more about heartworm prevention and treatment. We are dedicated to providing all of our four-legged patients with the best care possible. 

Tips for Protecting Your Dog's Oral Health

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and for good reason. Your dog is your loyal companion and is always happy to see you, no matter what kind of day you’ve had. Since your dog takes care of you, it is your responsibility to make sure that he has a happy and healthy life. Oral health is an important part of your animal’s overall health, so it is important to visit your veterinarian regularly for checkups. Read on for tips for protecting your dog’s oral health.

Home Care
Dogs get much of their information about the world from their mouths, and they need to have healthy teeth in order to be happy. You can brush your dog’s teeth at home using a special toothbrush and toothpaste that are designed just for animals. It may take some adjustment for your dog to let you brush his teeth, but with a little practice, it will become part of your normal routine together. Use small, circular motions to gently clean your dog’s teeth. Dogs tend to accumulate tartar most on the sides of the teeth that touch the cheek, so give those areas special attention.

Chew Toys
Chew toys and bones are not just for entertaining your dog—they can also help keep his teeth healthy. Bones made of rubber, nylon, and rawhide will massage his gums and scrape away tartar so that his teeth remain strong. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest chew toys for your dog.

Veterinary Visits
When you take your dog to the vet, the doctor will examine his teeth as part of his health check. If you have noticed abnormally bad breath, swollen gums, or growths in your dog’s mouth, inform your veterinarian so these issues can be treated right away. Your veterinarian can also give your dog a thorough teeth cleaning as part of his preventive health measures.

At The Vet House in Richardson, we provide high-quality, compassionate care for your furry friends. Call us at (888) 754-5110 to learn more about our state-of-the-art digital dental x-rays for pets.

Find More Pet Health Facts At These Pages

Maintaining your pet’s wellbeing requires equal parts fun and discipline. These pages discuss how to look after your pet’s recreational, nutritional, and fitness needs.

• PetEducation.com gives readers some guidance on how to bring a new dog into a home with children.
• Toys can help dogs diffuse extra energy and stay mentally entertained. The Humane Society of the United States lists some safe and fun toys for your dog.
• Your dog’s dental health plays a vital role in safeguarding his overall wellness. ASPCA.org offers some tips on how to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and strong.
• Has your cat put on a few too many pounds? PetMD.com describes the steps to take to slim down your feline friend.
• HealthyPet.com provides some suggestions for making sure your pet gets enough physical activity.

The Vet House strives to provide every animal and his owner with the best means for a long, healthy, and happy life. Our team of veterinarians offers the highest quality animal care at our comfortable clinic. To find out more about the veterinarian services we offer residents in the greater Plano and Richardson communities, call (888) 754-5110 or visit our website.

Choosing Toys to Keep Your Dog Active at Home

Because many dogs do not have unlimited access to a backyard or open space where they can roam and sniff for hours on end, animal care experts recommend toys as viable substitutes for their inquisitive minds. Toys can also prevent dogs from focusing their considerable energy on destructive activities, such as chewing shoes or furniture. The following highlights particular types of toys that can keep your dog safe, engaged, and happy all day long.

Rubber Toys
Dogs love to chew, which is why it’s important to give them toys that they can gnaw on without injury to themselves or the object of their attention. Hard rubber toys, including those of the Kong® variety, are highly recommended by veterinarians for their durable construction. Adding to these toys’ allure is their ability to hold treats. When you place one or more treats inside a rubber toy, you can keep your canine companion occupied for quite a while.

Busy Box Toys
Many dogs enjoy the challenge of solving a puzzle, especially when the reward for doing so is a treat. Busy box toys are a special category of toy that prompts dogs to manipulate different pieces to gain access to the treat inside. By allowing your dog to play with a busy box toy, you give him the opportunity to work his cognitive abilities.

Rope Toys
Sometimes all a dog wants is a good old-fashioned chew session. When that time comes, make sure that you give him a safe toy to play with. Dog owners may be surprised to learn just how easy it can be for dogs to destroy poorly made toys, which can result in the accidental ingestion of harmful materials. Rawhide can be a safe alternative, but only when you remain with your dog as he chews it. Rope toys are an excellent choice for dogs who need a way to gnaw away their energy and boredom.

For more dog toy suggestions, contact the animal care experts at The Vet House in Richardson, Texas. Our veterinarians come equipped with expert advice on everything from dog toys to cat dental care. Call (888) 754-5110 to make an appointment.

A Look at Obesity in Cats

Just like humans, cats can experience excessive weight and suffer ill side effects as a result. This video discusses how to protect your cat from obesity and its consequences.

When people gain extra weight, they increase their risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. The same is true of cats. Letting your pet enjoy unlimited snacks or tidbits from your table might seem like a harmless act, but you may unintentionally be contributing to future health problems. To keep your cat in good physical shape, feed her only as recommended by your veterinarian. Also, be sure to engage her with games and toys to maintain her activity level.

Is your cat overweight? If so, The Vet House can help. Call our Richardson animal care clinic at (888) 754-5110 to speak with a veterinarian about your cat’s dietary needs.