Last updated 29 days ago
Just like people, dogs and cats must maintain good health in order to get lead long, happy, and productive lives. However, pets need the help of their owners to see the veterinarian, get proper nutrition, and maintain a healthy routine of physical activity. Click on the links below to learn even more about what you need to do to manage your pet’s health.
Review the AAHA guidelines for canine vaccinations to ensure that your new puppy has all required shots before she begins the socialization process.
Find out if your pet is at risk for obesity by reading this Reader’s Digest article.
This CNN article explains the growing obesity epidemic faced by American dogs and cats.
Learn how to brush your dog’s teeth with these helpful pointers from the ASPCA.
Check out this article from National Geographic’s Cesar Milan to find out why microchipping your dog or cat is always a good idea.
If you have further questions about pet nutrition, vaccines, or microchipping, visit Companion Pet Clinic Salmon Creek after setting up an appointment at (360) 718-9190. Our animal clinic and hospital offers pet wellness exams so you can keep your pet in good health through every stage of life.
Last updated 1 month ago
Pet obesity has recently become a serious concern for American dogs and cats. This trend has occurred because many pets simply do not get enough regular aerobic exercise. Plus, today’s dog and cat foods may be highly processed containing calorie-rich carbohydrate fillers that do not adequately meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. Here is an overview of just a few of the risks that accompany poor weight control in pets.
Decreased Stamina
One of the first signs that your pet has become overweight is decreased stamina during physical activities. Your pet’s heart, muscles, and respiratory systems all depend on physical exercise for proper function. When a dog or cat is obese, he may begin to develop difficulty breathing, trouble keeping up with his normal exercise routine, and intolerance to summer heat marked by heavy panting or resistance to continue walking or playing outdoors.
Heart Disease
Obesity puts pets at a significantly increased risk for developing heart disease. Overweight dogs tend to suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension. Because the heart has to work extra hard to pump blood to the body’s tissues, its muscles become strained and weaker over time.
Osteoarthritis
Overweight dogs and often develop serious joint complications. When your pet carries excess weight, the extra pounds can exert an inordinate amount of pressure on his joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Dogs and cats alike can develop painful degenerative osteoarthritis that leads to even more serious conditions like hip dysplasia, torn ligaments, and slipped disks. These conditions can be debilitating for a pet and may require invasive veterinary surgery.
To learn more about how to ward off pet obesity to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy, call the veterinarians at Vancouver’s Companion Pet Clinic Salmon Creek at (360) 718-9190. Our pet clinic provides basic dentistry, grooming, and microchipping services, and our hospital offers efficient and affordable emergency services and surgical care.
Last updated 1 month ago
Did you know that up to 70% of dogs have dental disease that requires veterinary care by the time they reach the age of three? As you will learn in this video, taking care of your dog’s teeth from early on in his life can help you avoid a trip to the vet for intensive dental treatments.
To avoid gum disease, tooth decay, and bacterial infections, be sure to schedule regular teeth cleanings with your vet. When you care for your dog’s teeth at home, you should brush only the outside of the teeth back and forth horizontally each day for 30 to 60 seconds.
Whether you have a new puppy or a senior pet, dental health is important for your pet’s overall wellbeing. To keep your dog in good total health, schedule a teeth cleaning with the veterinarians at Vancouver’s Companion Pet Clinic Salmon Creek today by calling our animal clinic at (360) 718-9190.
Last updated 1 month ago
Regular visits to your veterinarian are vital for keeping your dog or cat in optimal health. Whether you simply need to check for an annual visit or your pet needs specialized care, you deserve to have a compassionate and dedicated veterinary team that treats your dog or cat like their own. Here is how to get the most out of any visit to your animal clinic.
Establish a Routine
Many cat owners avoid going the vet because of their animal’s resistance. To create a more pleasant experience for you and your pet, be sure to choose a vet who you feel comfortable with. You may also want to develop a calming pre-vet routine that can calm your pet down. For example, if your pet resists the carrier because he associates it with a trip to the vet, try using treats to reinforce the positive behavior of entering the crate calmly.
Communicate Clearly
If you are making an emergency visit to the vet, you should remain calm so that you can communicate the problem clearly with the veterinary team. Getting upset or angry will tend to exacerbate the situation and could even delay treatment. Always give your vet a detailed description of any injury or illness in your pet and make note of how long your pet has been experiencing symptoms.
Bring Records
Even if you are making a routine visit to your vet for a simple procedure like teeth cleaning, you should have a list of your pet’s food and medications on hand. When you discuss your pet’s overall health with your veterinarian, he or she will likely want to know if you have recently changed your pet’s diet, how many treats your pet gets each day, and whether or not your pet is taking prescribed medications.
Are you looking for an affordable, accessible pet clinic in the Vancouver, WA area? Call the veterinarians at Companion Pet Clinic Salmon Creek today at (360) 718-9190 to find out how our vets establish personal and long-term relationships with every pet and pet owner we see in our practice. Our convenient hours and urgent care animal hospital make it possible for your dog or cat to get the best medical care when it’s needed most.
