All posts by James

Cat Care, General Care

International Cat Day

International Cat Day is coming up August 8th. Kitties around the world will be more than happy to get some extra attention, and perhaps a special gift or two. If you have kids, you may want to take full advantage of this cute holiday. International Cat Day can be both fun and educational! A Roanoke, VA vet lists a few things you can do to celebrate below.

Treats

No animal holiday is complete without some special treats! Fluffy can have store-bought goodies, but she may also appreciate some plain tuna in water, or perhaps some shredded deli meat. Don’t give her any milk, though: despite all of those iconic pictures of cats drinking milk, most of our feline pals can’t digest dairy.

Toys

Kitties are very playful, which is one reason they’re just so much fun to have around. Pick up some new toys for the furball. Or, better yet, have the kids make Fluffy something. You’ll find some great ideas online!

Photo Session

You can never have too many adorable pictures of kids or cats. Kids and cats together? Even better! Snap some cute pictures of your feline buddy. You can play around with different filters and effects after. Frame your favorite. Or, start a collage, and add to it every year.

Box Castle

If there’s two things we know about cats, it’s that they love boxes and are convinced that they are superior beings. Have your youngsters make Fluffy her own box castle. This can be very simple: you can just cut a door and ‘windows’ out of a single box. Or, you can incorporate several boxes, and create features like towers and turrets.

Art

Creativity and the arts are just wonderful for children: they really help kids learn to express themselves. Have your little ones do something fun in honor of Fluffy. They can write a poem or story, draw a picture, or even sing a song about her.

Story Time

There’s no shortage of cute tales about our feline pals. Look into some of the myths and stories about Fluffy, and choose a cat-centric bedtime story from around the world.

Movie Night

Movie nights are purrfect for cuddling cats! Pick a feature that features a feline. Puss In Boots is a good bet.

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

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

No Pet Store Puppies Day

No Pet Store Puppies Day is July 21st. People are becoming more aware of and opposed to the practice of selling animals that have been bred and kept in poor conditions. One issue that has come to light lately is the puppy mill. These are essentially breeding facilities for dogs, many of which are kept in cruel and inhumane conditions. It’s not uncommon for pet stores to buy puppies from puppy mills. This, sadly, puts profit way ahead of animal welfare. While not all pet stores do this, it’s definitely something for potential pet owners to be aware of. A Troutville, VA vet discusses this issue below.

Doing Your Part

There are some things you can do to help keep puppies out of pet stores. First and foremost? Get your own canine buddy fixed. We know, puppies are adorable, but there’s already far too many sweet dogs out there in need of homes. Spreading the word on social media will help raise awareness. That’s important, too. Finally, if you know of a puppy mill, report it to authorities. You should be able to do so anonymously, which can help ease worries about retaliation.

Exceptions

Not all pet store puppies come from puppy mills. In fact, sometimes pet stores feature puppies from local shelters. This often happens as an event: you may notice the store proclaiming that they’ll have dogs from such-and-such a shelter in-store on a specific date. This type of event is part of the solution, rather than the problem. It can also be a great way to get your new canine pal!

Breeders

There definitely are some wonderful breeders out there. How do you tell the difference? Before purchasing a puppy, do some research, and ask lots of questions. Ask your vet for more information.

Adoptions

Occasionally, you may see news stories about pets being rescued from puppy mills. Many of the dogs are then offered for adoption. If you have the time, space, and budget to give one of these unfortunate pooches a home, then by all means do so. Watching rescued dogs thrive with good care can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Just set realistic goals. Fido may need training and socialization, and he’ll need time and TLC to blossom. 

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

Dog Care, General Care

Doghouse Repair Tips

July is Doghouse Repair Month. If your pooch has a home of his own to hang out in, this is a great time to give it a good going-over. No doubt, Fido will be happy to ‘help’ with this task! A local Roanoke, VA vet offers some helpful ‘pointers’ on this below.

Safety Inspection

Take a good look at Fido’s house. Make sure there is nothing sharp sticking out that could hurt your pet, such as nails, screws, or long splinters.

Cleaning

Give Fido’s house a good scrubdown. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic soap, and rinse very, very well. Do this on a warm, windy day, so it will dry quickly. A pressure washer will do the job, though your canine helper would probably prefer a hose, so he can play in the spray from it.

Bedding

A doghouse may sound like a great place for a comfy bed, but in reality this will just attract uninvited guests, such as fleas and mice. Opt for comfy, weatherproof pads instead.

Evictions

Unsurprisingly, doghouses can make inviting retreats for all sorts of unwanted guests. However, you shouldn’t use pesticides or strong chemicals to get rid of them, as that may expose Fido to dangerous chemicals. Use non-toxic, humane methods.

Landscaping

Keep the lawn around Fido’s house trimmed. This will not only make it look nicer, it will also help fight fleas. If the grass is getting urine-stained, consider putting artificial turf down. This is easy to hose down.

Pupgrades

Why not make Fido’s doghouse into a fun feature in your yard? Give your pet a little deck, or add a sandbox or kiddie pool for him. You can also have fun with paint colors and accents, like a cute signs.

Setup

Doghouses should be raised off the ground a bit, so that rain and snow goes beneath them. Make sure Fido’s pad is level. Even a small tilt can make a doghouse uncomfortable! Just don’t leave an empty space underneath, as that may attract snakes or other critters.

Roof! Roof!

Don’t forget to check the roof. Look for any leaks. (You can test this on a sunny day by having someone aim the hose at it while you look inside.) Replace any shingles that aren’t doing their jobs.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? We can help! Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Behavior, Cat Care

7 Signs That Your Cat is Plotting World Domination

There’s a pretty auspicious pet holiday coming up. June is Cat World Domination Day. Of course, if you have a feline overlord, it probably won’t be much of a shock to find that there’s a whole day dedicated to Fluffy’s dreams of becoming Supreme Leader. But is your cute pet planning something sinister? A local Roanoke, VA vet lists a few things to beware of below.

Laptop Lounging

Do you sometimes find your kitty snoozing on your book or magazine, or even on your computer? Fluffy may act like she just wants another nap, but she may be trying to absorb crucial information by osmosis.

Sudden Cattitude

Does your feline pal sometimes act sweet and cuddly one minute, only to hiss or scratch you the next? Kitties can be a bit temperamental at times. While sometimes these incidents can be a sign that Fluffy is stressed, sick, or unhappy, if your kitty is normally content and has a clean bill of health, she may be working on making herself appear more formidable.

Finicky Furball

Dogs will eat, well, pretty much anything, but kitties can be a bit purrticular about their food. If Fluffy sometimes turns her cute little nose up at what you put in her bowl, you may have a furry little diva on your hands. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Combat Training

Another sure sign that Fluffy is plotting something? Sudden ambushes. The next time your pet pounces on you, or runs out from behind the couch as you pass, pay close attention. Those playful tactics may also not be as innocent as they look.

Practice

Have you ever wondered why cats sometimes look so smug and self-assured? Fluffy’s expression may be her practicing the superior look she’ll wear after conquering the world.

Hunting

If you let your feline buddy go outdoors, there’s a good chance that she’s laid a few dead rodents on your porch. You may have assumed that Fluffy thought she was doing you a favor. However, she may actually be trying to strike fear into your heart.

Table Smack

Does your kitty sometimes clear things off your table or counter with a single swipe of her paw? Fluffy may be practicing showing displeasure at some inept minions.

Does your feline overlord need vaccinations or parasite control? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Adoptions, Cat Care

Checklist for Adopting a Shelter Cat

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month! If you’re ready to adopt a new feline friend, you definitely have our support! Getting a new kitty is a huge life event, and a pretty big deal for both you and Fluffy. It’s important to get things started out on the right paw with your new buddy. In this article, a local Roanoke, VA vet provides a kitty preparation checklist.

Food

Shelters often rely on donations, so Fluffy may have been eating a variety of different foods. You’ll want to get her started on a high-quality kitty food. Opt for something that is appropriate for your furball’s age, size, and health. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Vet

Speaking of veterinarians, one of the first things you’ll want to do is take Fluffy in to meet her new doctor. Your feline pal will likely already be fixed, but she’ll need microchipping, parasite control, and a full exam, as well as any recommended vaccines.

Litter

For the most part, you can get any litter you like. However, if your furry buddy is still a kitten, you’ll want to avoid clay and clumping litters for now. Baby cats can be a bit clumsy. This is adorable, but it can cause problems in the litterbox. Your feline friend could accidentally ingest litter, which, with these types, could cause dangerous intestinal blockages.

Toys

Cats are all unique purrsonalities, and they all have their own preferences. Some kitties like laser pointers, some like bouncy balls, and some like catnip mice. (Fluffy may ignore all of these and play with a bottlecap, but that’s another topic.) Pick up a variety of toys, and see what your pet likes best.

Furniture

Fluffy will feel more comfortable with some things that were made to suit her. Cat towers are great, but kitties also appreciate things like pet tents, window seats, and, of course, comfy beds.

Kittyproofing

Never underestimate Fluffy’s ability to get into mischief. Do some kittyproofing to make your home safe for her. Some things you’d want to address include toxic plants, wires and cords, medicine, chemicals, and small or sharp objects.

Camera Apps

You’ll want to take lots of photos of your new buddy. Make sure your phone or camera is ready to go!

Do you need to make an appointment for your kitty? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Care

Frozen Doggy Treats

Does your dog get excited over the prospect of a yummy treat? If not, you may want to make him an appointment, as that is definitely unusual. Just like people, many pups enjoy cold snacks on sweltering days. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet lists a few ‘pawesome’ cold treats for dogs.

Cold Food

Combine some of Fido’s canned food with water and freeze that. Or, make it a slushie by combining it with ice in a blender.

Doggy Ice Cream

For this one, you’ll need to start with a base. This can be plain fat-free yogurt, natural peanut butter, pureed squash or pumpkin, ripe bananas, organic baby food, or sodium-free broth. For ‘toppings’ you can add things like cut-up hot dogs, shredded meat or cheese, bacon bits, or safe fruits and veggies.

Slice Of Happiness

Fido’s summer treats don’t have to be complicated or difficult to make. Get a roll of pre-cooked beef, chicken, or lamb. When you want to give your pooch a special treat, carefully slice off a thin piece.

PB/Banana Bites

Combine natural PB with some ripe bananas. Add some water to thin it out if you like. Divide the mixture into small servings, using an ice cube tray, freezer molds, or paper cups.

Apple Chicken Yums

You’ll need an ice cube tray for this one as well. Cut up some apple slices, and put the pieces in an ice cube tray. Add shredded cheese, and a bit of cooked, boneless chicken. Canned is fine. Pour sodium-free chicken broth over the mix and freeze.

Brr-Grrs

This one is similar to the apple chicken ones, except that you’ll use ground beef or turkey, bacon bits, and shredded cheese for the ‘base,’ and sodium-free beef instead of chicken broth as the liquid.

Pupsicles

Start by putting water or sodium-free broth into waxed paper cups. Pour some water or sodium-free broth over them, and pop into the freezer overnight. Voila!

Tips

These are just a few pawsible options. There are many more! You can also make something up yourself. Just don’t include anything that isn’t safe for Fido. Some dangerous foods include garlic and onions; avocado; chocolate; pitted fruits; nuts; grapes, currants, and raisins; and anything that contains xylitol. Ask your vet for more information.

As your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, we’re here to help! Please feel free to call us anytime!

Adoptions, General Care

Adopting a Specially Abled Pet

May 3rd is Adopt A Specially-Abled Pet Day! If you’re ready to bring a new pet into your home, please don’t overlook that cute blind dog or the kitty with one eye. These imperfect pets are just as loving and affectionate as any other dog or cat. A local Roanoke, VA vet discusses adopting one of these lovable pets below.

Get Your Home Ready

In many cases, setting your home up properly may be half the battle. If you’re adopting a blind dog or cat, pick up anything that your pet could trip over or hurt themselves on. You’d want to use baby gates near stairs, and put things like thorny plants and fragile vases in high, secure spots. If your new kitty is blind, setting out carpet runners and putting up scent markers, such as air fresheners, may help her navigate her new home.

Consult Your Vet

One reason that specially-abled pets often get overlooked is that people just assume that they need a lot of extra care. You may also assume that your new furry friend will need more veterinary appointments than other pets. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. As far as home care, you may just need to do some things differently. And while your pet certainly will need proper veterinary care, this doesn’t necessarily mean they need to come in more than other pets. If your new canine pal is missing an eye, there just may not be a need for extra medical care once he’s healed. That said, every pet is different, so you’ll need to consult both your pet’s current caretaker and your vet.

Do Some Research

Just learning a few tips and tricks can make a huge difference. For instance, you may be able to train a deaf dog to come when you wave a flashlight or laser pointer. Check different online groups and forums, and ask your vet for advice.

Pat Yourself On The Back

If you’re bringing home that unlucky, unwanted pet, you definitely have our support. Giving one of these cute dogs or cats a home is an extremely kind and selfless thing to do. You’ll be repaid with love, cuddles, and purrs or tail wags. What more could you want?

Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, for more information on caring for a specially-abled pet. We are always here to help!

Dog Care, General Care

Spring Grooming for Dogs

Spring has officially sprung! As the weather warms up, many of our canine patients are changing out of their winter clothes, and stripping down to a lighter coat of fur. You know what that means: pet fur everywhere! A local Roanoke, VA vet offers some tips on grooming your four-legged friend below.

Brushing

How often your pooch needs to be brushed will depend on the type of coat he has. However, many pups shed most heavily in spring. If your furry buddy is losing a thick winter coat, try to brush him daily. The shedding process will go more quickly, and you won’t find as much fur all over, well, everything. Take Fido outside for his beauty sessions when the weather is nice. That way, the extra fur will just blow away, instead of getting stuck to your sofa. And your chairs. And your rug. Plus, birds may even use it in their nests.

Bath

Most of our canine buddies don’t get bathed very much in winter. After all, you don’t want to take a wet dog out for a drying-off walk on a frigid day. By the time spring rolls around, Fido might be a bit stinky. Bathtime! Before getting started, gather everything you need in one spot. Some things that may come in handy are a rubber mat for your tub, towels, a pitcher for rinsing, and a washcloth for your furry pal’s face. You may also want to get a clear shower curtain with ‘arm holes’ cut into it. This works great as a splash guard. Use a shower caddy for storage, so you can store everything in once place. Don’t forget to give your pooch a yummy treat after!

Paws

Dogs’ paws often need some extra attention at this time of year. Winter’s dry air and cold temperatures can cause Fido’s paw pads to get rough, dry, and cracked. Running around on salt, sand, and ice doesn’t help matters any. Use paw balm or wax, olive oil, or coconut oil to soften your pet’s paw pads. As for your canine pal’s nails, give them a good trim too. You can use clippers or a grinder: just take care that you don’t cut into the quick, which is where your four-legged friend’s nerves and blood vessels end.

As your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, we are here to help. Please contact us anytime!

Dog Care, General Health, Illness & Disease

Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Heartworms

April is Heartworm Awareness Month. Heartworms, as you may know, are very dangerous parasites that take up residence in dogs’ hearts, lungs, and arteries. Heartworm infestations can cause some very dangerous medical issues in dogs. They can even be fatal. A local Roanoke, VA vet goes over the basics of heartworm infestations below.

Life Cycle

Dogs don’t transmit heartworms directly to one another. Instead, heartworms are actually transmitted by everyone’s favorite insect: the mosquito. Mosquitos pick up infected blood from one dog, and then transmit it to another. The worms are in larval form at the time of transmission, but they grow rapidly. They reach maturity in about 6 or 7 months. At this point, they begin to multiply.

Hotspots

Since heartworms are carried by mosquitoes, that means that Fido can get infected anywhere there are mosquitoes … even inside your home. However, damp, marshy areas are particularly risky. Dog parks can also be hot zones. While many ordinances require dogs to be current on preventative care, this is hard to enforce. That’s why it’s so important to keep your canine pal on preventative care all year long.

Warning Signs

Usually, coughing will be the first indication of a heartworm infestation in dogs. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and lethargy. Fido may not feel very playful, and he may get tired after even mild activity. Severe infestations cause more severe problems, such as fainting, seizures, and heart attacks.

Treatment

There is both good and bad news on this one. There are treatments available for heartworms. However, they are much more expensive than preventative care. Treatment also isn’t much fun for poor Fido, who may need to be restricted or even kenneled. Severe cases may even require surgery.

Preventative Care

Fortunately, it’s not hard to protect your canine buddy from these terrible worms. Just keep up with his parasite control regime. If Fido isn’t currently on parasite control, he’ll need to be tested before beginning a regime. This is because the products that prevent infestations don’t kill live worms. You’ll also need to have your dog tested regularly. Unfortunately, as often happens with bacteria and parasites, some worms seem to be developing a resistance to certain products. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have questions about heartworm preventative? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Care

Taking Fido to the Park

March 30th is a pretty special day for Man’s Best Friend: it’s Take A Walk In The Park Day! Fido would be more than happy to help you celebrate. Read on for some tips from a local Roanoke, VA vet on taking your canine friend to the park.

Preventative Care

Fido should be microchipped, fixed, and wearing current ID tags. Also, make sure your pooch is up to date on vaccinations and parasite control. Dog parks can be hotbeds for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, which are carried by mosquitoes.

Paperwork

Have copies of your furry pal’s registration and vaccinations with you. This is just a good thing to keep on hand anyway, in case of an emergency. Put an envelope with photocopies in your glove box, and you’ll always have them on you.

Gear

Always bring water along, for both you and Fido. You may also want to keep a bag for your pup in your car. Keep things that may come in handy, such as treats, pet wipes, a spare leash, waste baggies, and collapsible water bowls. It’s also a good idea to keep a pet first-aid kit on you, just in case. Add some tie-lines and food, and you also have a ready-to-go emergency doggy bag!

Choosing Parks

There are many parks to explore around our local area. Get into the spirit of the day, and try out a new one. Or, venture further away than you usually do. A one-tank trip with Fido and some friends or family members (and their dogs) can make for a wonderful afternoon.

Cleanup

Always pick up after your canine companion. As the saying says, leave nothing behind but pawprints and memories!

Timing

Heat shouldn’t be too much of an issue at this time of year, but it is something to keep in mind. In summer, don’t take Fido to the park in the middle of the day when it’s really hot out. Mornings and evenings are cooler.

Buddies

If you take your canine buddy to an off-leash park, check out the dogs that are already there before letting Fido go. Don’t release your four-legged friend if you see any pooches bullying other dogs or acting aggressive.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care. As your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, we are here to help!