All posts by Erick Medina

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Raising A Cuddly Kitten

Cuddly Kitten Day is March 23rd! Kittens are ridiculously cute, so it’s almost instinctive to want to cuddle them. If your feline pal is still a baby, then it actually is quite important for you to cuddle her. This will help build and strengthen that special love and friendship between you, and can help her grow up to be polite and friendly. Here, a Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on raising little Fluffy to be cuddly and affectionate.

Positive Reinforcement

Kittens are almost as mischievous as they are cute. Little Fluffy will be very focused on mastering the use of all those claws and teeth. Sooner or later, she’s going to try them out on you. This may be cute with a tiny ball of fur, but it definitely is not cute in a full grown cat. When your feisty pet attacks you, tell her ‘No’ in a stern tone of voice. You can also squirt her with water or clap your hands. Then, just walk away and let her ponder things for a bit. You don’t want to hurt or scare her: the idea is to startle her enough to get the point across.

Be Furniture

Cats think of their humans almost as second parents. They also think of us as furniture. Let your furry little friend sleep on your lap or in your arms! This will help her feel safe and loved, which will strengthen the bond between you.

Interact With Your Pet

The more you interact with your pint-sized pet, the more interactive she’ll become. Talk to Fluffy, pet her, and play with her. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with talking to your feline buddy. Kitties are great listeners!

Avoid Punishment

Sooner or later, little Fluffy is going to misbehave. She may scratch your sofa, jump onto a counter, or knock your glass over. When she does, don’t yell at her or hit her. Focus on rewarding good behavior instead!

Socialize

Socialization will play a huge role in how your adorable pet’s purrsonality develops. Kitties that weren’t properly socialized are much more likely to be wary or aggressive to humans. Have some friends over to pet and play with little Fluffy. You probably won’t have too much trouble finding volunteers!

Please reach out with questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care. As your Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Dog Care Mistakes

Have you just adopted a puppy? Congratulations! We all know that Fido needs good food, proper veterinary care, and a comfy habitat, as well as lots of love. However, good dog care goes a lot further than that. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some key dog care mistakes below.

Improper/Incomplete Training

Fido is a very good boy, but he isn’t born with perfect manners. Dogs need training to understand the ins and outs of being a well-behaved pet. You don’t need to teach your pooch advanced commands, but he should know the basics, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Consistency is very important here!

Negative Reinforcement

Dogs are very cute, but they aren’t perfect. Sooner or later, Fido’s going to do something a bit naughty, whether it’s chewing your shoes, getting into the garbage, or chasing the cat across the room. Don’t punish your furry friend for these mishaps. After all, he’s just being a dog! Focus on training and rewarding good behavior instead.

Poor Socialization

Socialization is crucial to your canine buddy’s personality. Dogs that haven’t been socialized are much more likely to be fearful and/or aggressive. This must be done while Fido is still a puppy, ideally before he reaches that three-month mark.

Overfeeding

We know, dogs look super cute when they’re begging for snacks. Don’t be fooled, though: Man’s Best Friend has had thousands of years to perfect that sad-puppy look that is guaranteed to make you feel terribly guilty for not immediately forking over that cheeseburger. Let your Fido’s doctor, not his theatrics, determine his menu.

Letting Fido Roam

Dogs are very loyal, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to let them run around. Your four-legged friend should always be on a leash anytime he’s not in a fenced area. Better safe than sorry!

Lack Of Research

Ok, we may be cheating a little here, as we can definitely lump all sorts of things into this category. But … that’s kind of the point! Take time to learn about how our canine pals think and act, their exercise and care needs, and the do’s and don’ts of being a good pet owner. That includes breed specific research, and even information on giving Fido toys and treats.

Do you have questions about your dog’s care needs? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Poison Control For Pets

Poisoning is a big concern for our animal companions. Here in the US, there are about 232,000 cases of pet poisoning each year. Don’t let your furry friend join those statistics! Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet discusses poison.

Common Poisons

It’s important to know what dangers are lurking in your household. Any kind of chemical is a concern. With lawn/garden products, for instance, your pet could ingest toxins just by walking through that patch of lawn you just sprayed and then licking their paws or fur. Antifreeze is also highly toxic to pets. Unfortunately, many brands have a sweet taste pets like. Many foods are also dangerous to pets. (Grapes, currants, and raisins bear particular mention, as they can cause organ failure in very small doses.) Certain plants are also toxic to Fluffy and Fido. Lilies, for example, can be deadly to cats, while Sago palms are very dangerous to dogs. Medicine is another danger.

Symptoms

Although different types of poisons affect pets differently, many of them do cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, disorientation, trembling, elevated heart rate, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Your pet may seem restless and agitated or weak and lethargic. Severe or progressed cases can cause seizures or convulsions. Don’t wait to see how your pet fares. Immediate treatment is crucial! Contact your vet right away.

Precautions

Fortunately, taking some common sense precautions will greatly reduce the risk of your pet ingesting poison. First and foremost, keep pets away from areas where you have used chemicals or set out rodenticides or pesticides, and clean up any spilled antifreeze or chemicals right away. Be sure to only buy safe, non toxic plants. (The ASPCA has a full directory online here.) For dogs, we also recommend teaching the commands to Leave It or Drop It. Finally, keep medicines and foods safely out of paws’ reach.

Worst Case Scenario

If you know or suspect that your pet has ingested poison, you’ll need to act immediately. Contact the Pet Poison Hotline. There are several different ones: the ASPCA number is (888) 426-4435. (Note: charges may apply.) Your furry pal will need immediate veterinary care, but you may be instructed to perform first aid, such as administering hydrogen peroxide. Follow the instructions to the letter!

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Doggy Dental Products

February is Pet Dental Health Month! This is a very important topic for those of you with dogs. Dental problems are quite common in our canine pals. Fido can develop many issues, including gum disease, abscesses, and cracked or broken teeth. These issues can become very painful, and can really impact your pup’s quality of life.

Many can also lead to dangerous infections. Keeping your furry buddy’s teeth healthy is very important! Of course, you’ll need proper tools to care for your pet’s choppers. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some doggy dental products below.

Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes are helpful with pups for the same reason they are for people: they’re very helpful in removing plaque and tartar. Be sure to get ones made specifically for Fido. The ones made for us aren’t angled the right way for dogs’ teeth. You can also try a finger toothbrush.

Toothpastes

As with toothbrushes, you’ll need to stick with products made just for dogs. Fido will probably be more agreeable to having his choppers cleaned if he likes the taste of his toothpaste. Beef and chicken flavored ones are both pretty good bets!

Dental Flakes

Dental flakes, or dental powders, are additives that you would sprinkle on your furry pal’s food. Many of these products contain seaweed, which helps clean Fido’s mouth and freshen his breath.

Oral Rinses

There are a few types of oral rinses. Some you use to flush Fido’s teeth, much as you would use a mouthwash. Others you would add to his water. Ask your vet for more information.

Dental Chews

Some dental chews will work better than others. There are plenty to choose from. Just be sure to let Fido weigh in. Even the best brands won’t be very effective if your pooch doesn’t like them! You can also try adding toothpaste to a Nylabone, and just letting your canine buddy have at it.

Dental-Formula Treats

As the name suggests, dental-formula treats and kibble are formulated to fight plaque. These can also be an effective weapon in your doggy dental care arsenal.

Tips

Doggy dental products can be very helpful, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Every pooch is different! Ask your veterinarian for specific recommendations. Also, be sure to get Fido’s teeth checked regularly.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Things Cats Haven’t Figured Out Yet

January 22nd is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day! Our feline pals are known for being very curious. Fluffy does tend to stick her nose into, well, everything. That inquisitive nature sometimes pays off, but it also can cause kitties some confusion. Here, a Roanoke, VA vet lists some things cats haven’t quite sorted out yet.

Manners

Fluffy isn’t very big on petiquette. She’s not shy about walking on tables and counters—even when she knows she isn’t supposed to—and she sometimes deliberately knocks things onto the floor. Then there are the paw-slap wakeup calls, the angry meows, and the occasional love bite. Fortunately, kitties more than make up for these things with their purrs, cuddles, and love!

Sunlight

Do you sometimes find your feline overlord sprawled out in a sunbeam? Is Fluffy maybe trying to charge her catteries? Kitties don’t run on solar power, but they apparently haven’t realized that yet!

Car Rides

This is one area where Fido and Fluffy have completely opposing views. Fido thinks of car rides as great adventures, which often include trips to parks, beaches, and other doggy favorites. Fluffy, on the other hand, thinks she’s been kidnapped by an evil robot and is hurtling towards certain doom.

Dogs

Car rides aren’t the only thing Fido and Fluffy differ on. In fact, nothing about Man’s Best Friend makes much sense to kitties. Dogs purr when they’re angry and wag their tails when they’re excited. Even worse: take orders from humans! As far as our feline friends are concerned, that’s completely backwards!

Pop-Tops

This one is probably a blessing in disguise. If Fluffy were able to open her own food cans, you’d probably have to lock the cupboard!

Reading

Cats can be quite jealous, and they don’t always like it when their humans are paying attention to something other than them. This may be one reason Fluffy often interferes with your reading, whether by pawing or headbutting your book, or sometimes, sleeping on it. Then again, maybe she’s just trying to learn by osmosis!

Mind Control

Fluffy may be small, but she’s got some pretty big goals. It’s probably safe to say that if your furball could telepathically control you, she probably would.

As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you (or your cat) have about your pet’s health or care. Call us anytime!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Pawesome Ways To Keep Your Dog Healthy This Year

Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a great time for revisiting personal goals and priorities. It’s also a great chance to take a look at your dog’s veterinary care routine. Keeping that cute tail going is a great resolution! A Roanoke, VA vet lists some ways to keep Fido happy and healthy in 2022 below.

Good Food

Most dogs aren’t very picky eaters. Fido is known for eating pretty much anything and everything! However, proper nutrition is very important. Ask your vet for specific recommendations, including portion sizes, feeding schedules, and, of course, treats.

Proper Exercise

Fido needs regular activity to stay healthy. This is also very important for behavioral reasons. If your pooch doesn’t have a way to burn off his excess energy, he’ll probably channel those doggy zoomies into things like digging or chewing.

Petproofing

Make sure your place is safe for your canine pal. Exactly what this entails depends somewhat on your pup’s age and mischief levels. With puppies, you’ll want to keep anything you don’t want little Fido chewing on or playing with out of paws’ reach. For older dogs, this may mean putting gates before staircases and adding carpet runners for better traction. Ask your vet for advice.

Climate Control

Extreme weather can be pretty hard on Man’s Best Friend. When it’s warm out, adjust Fido’s schedule a little bit. Walk and play with him in the mornings, when it isn’t as hot, and make sure he always has access to cool, shady areas. In winter, keep him warm and cozy.

Veterinary Care

We know, Fido would probably rather visit his favorite park than come see us. However, it’s important for him to have proper veterinary care. Regular exams and panels can reveal many medical issues before symptoms appear. That can make a huge difference! Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Parasite Control

Fleas, ticks, and worms can not only make Fido uncomfortable, they also carry other dangerous diseases. Stay on top of your furry buddy’s parasite control regimen!

Love

Your canine friend’s mental and emotional health also play large roles in his overall health. Keep that tail going! Spend lots of time with Fido, and pamper him with love, attention, and playtime.

As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we want to wish you a wonderful new year. Please con us anytime!

General Care

Holidays With Puppies

Happy Holidays! Is a puppy joining your household this year Congratulations! Little Fido can definitely bring plenty of joy to your seasonal celebrations. You’ll need to take some extra care with the little guy, though. This can be a dangerous time of year for a playful ball of fur! Read on for some holiday puppy care tips from a Roanoke, VA veterinarian.

Tree

That pretty tree can make a great backdrop for adorable holiday photos, but be careful. If you get a real tree, cover the water bowl so your furry friend can’t drink out of it. The water could contain traces of pesticide, fertilizer, and other chemicals. Plus, ornaments, ribbons, hooks, tinsel, lights, needles, and garlands are all unsafe. You probably also don’t want your pooch chewing on gifts! Use a puppy gate to block little Fido’s access.

Puppyproofing

The tree isn’t the only thing to be cautious with. Little Fido is very curious, and will be quite interested in sorting out what he can and can’t eat, chew, or play with. That is very dangerous at any time of year, but is a huge concern around the holidays. Many seasonal plants, such as yew, mistletoe, and poinsettia, are toxic to pets. Candles, fireplaces, and heaters are dangerous as well. Finally, take care not to give your furry pal any unsafe foods. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Socialization

In order for little Fido to grow into a polite, well-behaved adult, he’ll need to be properly socialized now. The holidays can be a great time for this! If you’re having people over, ask them (or let them) pet and play with your four-legged friend, and give him safe toys and treats. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard. Too many new people could overwhelm the little guy! If you see any signs that your fuzzy buddy is nervous, just let him be.

Gifts

Don’t forget to fill little Fido’s stocking! Toys and treats are at the top of your canine pal’s wish list! If your puppy has thin fur, get him some winter gear, such as a warm sweater, booties, and paw balm. (Note: this is a perfect time to get him used to these things.) Beds, doggy dental products, and grooming supplies are also good gifts.

Happy Holidays from everyone here at Old Dominion Veterinary Clinic, your Roanoke, VA pet clinic. Call us anytime!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Reasons To Love Cats

Did you know that December is National Cat Lover’s Month? We’re definitely on board with that! Our feline friends really are precious gifts. They provide us with love, comfort, and cuddles, and they provide live support and entertainment. Here, a Roanoke, VA vet lists some great reasons to celebrate Fluffy.

Meows

Kitties may be small, but they can also be extremely charismatic. One area where your feline pal’s purrsonality will always shine through is the way she speaks. Or doesn’t speak. Some cats squeak, some chirp, and some basically yell. There are also furballs who just don’t have much to say at all. No matter how chatty Fluffy is, there’s a good chance that she’ll put a smile on your face when she does meow at you.

Playfulness

It’s almost impossible not to smile when watching Fluffy’s adorable antics. Cats do look pretty silly when she’s pouncing on a catnip toy or chasing a paper ball down the hall. However, your tiny lion is actually a fierce predator at heart, and she’s instinctively driven to indulge her natural hunting abilities. In the wild, perfecting that tricky run/jump/pounce combination could determine whether she gets dinner or not. (Note: toys make great holiday gifts for kitties!)

Comfort

While some cats are cuddlier than others, many of our feline buddies love to snuggle up with (or on) their humans. Fluffy’s soothing purrs can be a wonderful source of comfort on bad days. In fact, studies have shown that hugging a purring furball can be very helpful to those who are struggling with grief, trauma, depression, or anxiety.

Health Benefits

Fluffy isn’t just good for our mental and emotional health. She’s good for us physically, too! Studies have suggested that people with cats generally have lower blood pressure, and reduced risks of developing several medical issues, such as high blood pressure and strokes, than those who don’t have kitties.

Mousing Skills

This one may not be as important for many people as it was in olden times. However, there are still plenty of folks that appreciate Fluffy’s mousing abilities.

They’re Cute

Last but certainly not least, we can’t not mention the fact that kitties are absolutely adorable! Fluffy has a way of melting our hearts.

Everyone here at Old Dominion Veterinary Clinic, your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, wants to wish you a happy, healthy holiday. Contact us anytime!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Shopping For A Senior Dog

November is Adopt A Senior Dog Month! If you are considering giving an older dog a wonderful forever home, you definitely have our support! Of course, you’ll need to make a trip to the pet store before bringing Fido home. Keep your canine pal’s age in mind as you go shopping. Pups in their golden years have different needs than puppies do. A Roanoke, VA vet offers some tips on this below.

Beds

One of the best things you can do for your canine buddy is get him a good bed. We generally recommend orthopedic beds for older dogs. They offer great support and help keep Fido warm on chilly nights. Incontinence isn’t uncommon with older dogs, so you may want to get one with a waterproof, washable slipcover.

Food

Good nutrition is a key part of your pet’s care regimen. Your furry pal will need a good, high-quality dog food that is formulated for senior pooches. You’ll want to get some specific tips from your vet on what to feed Fido. If he has any medical issues, he may need to eat or avoid certain types of food. Supplements may also be beneficial.

Toys

Fido may be in his golden years, but he’ll still want to let his inner puppy out sometimes. Playing is fun and beneficial for dogs, both mentally and physically. Just look for things that will be soft on your pup’s mouth. Puzzle toys can be a good option, because they provide more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

Grooming Supplies

Good grooming will help keep your furry friend looking and feeling great. The exact supplies you’ll need will depend on what kind of dog you have, and what type of fur coat he’s wearing. Dental care is also important. Many senior dogs have gum disease or other issues. You may have a hard time getting your pooch to accept a toothbrush, so look for dental-formula treats and chews. Fido will also need some paw care products, such as balm and clippers or a nail grinder.

Senior-Friendly Items

Depending on your dog’s age and overall health, you may also need to get him some pet ramps or stairs. These are very helpful for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia.

Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Things Your Cat Thinks You Should Be More Grateful For

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Food is of course a huge part of many celebrations, but it’s important to remember that the real meaning behind the holiday … gratitude. We’re definitely grateful for our feline friends, and the love and companionship they offer. We’re also pretty sure that kitties are also thankful for us. However, there are a few things our furry pals may think we don’t appreciate as much as we should. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some of them below.

Gifts

Cats are well-known for their hunting prowess. When we first became friends with them , we truly treasured their ability to kill vermin that could steal or contaminate stored food. It probably didn’t take our feline pals too long to realize that they could earn food, shelter and lap space by helping with pest control. Of course, kitties’ mouse hunting abilities are not as in demand. However, Fluffy apparently never got that memo.

Fur Placement

Fluffy puts a lot of effort into making sure that your furniture and belongings have just the right amount of fur on them. There’s a good chance that your cat does this in order to prompt some extra cleaning on your part. In Fluffy’s mind, she’s just helping with housekeeping.

Alarm Clock Services

You may have heard the old rule about how breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Kitties definitely take that one very seriously! If you sleep past the time that your feline overlord expects her morning meal, you may find yourself being woken up by a hangry furball.

Help Around The House

Fur placement isn’t the only housekeeping service Fluffy provides. She’s also more than happy to help with changing the sheets, wrapping gifts, and keeping your fresh laundry warm. Cats also often thoughtfully act as chair warmers, and will keep your seat nice and toasty for you if you get up for something.

Workout Help

Does your furry buddy sometimes weave between your legs, or run out in front of you? Do you sometimes have to lift Fluffy off or out of something? According to cats, these are all critical parts of a good home exercise regimen. She’s just helping you stay fit!

Please contact us with questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we’re here to help!