Tag Archives: pest preventatives

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

5 Ways to Keep Your Senior Pet Healthy This Year

Happy New Year! 2019 is a great time to make a resolution for your senior pet: to keep them healthy and happy all year long! Below, your Roanoke, VA veterinarian shares five tips to make sure your older companion stays in tip-top shape throughout 2019.

Feed a Great Diet

A great diet is one of the best ways to make sure your senior companion stays healthy. Choose a food that is formulated specifically for the nutritional needs of aging pets—your companion’s dietary needs have changed drastically since they were a puppy or kitten! Consult your veterinarian for help choosing the proper diet, and be sure to ask about the right portion size.

Provide Regular Exercise

Exercising your senior pet on a regular basis is another key part of maintaining a healthy body, not to mention a stimulated mind. Don’t allow your pet to fall prey to obesity in their later years—it can quickly lead to other serious health problems. Give your companion light exercise via walks around the neighborhood or gentle play sessions at home.

Practice Dental Care

Did you know that dental health issues are some of the most common problems that veterinarians treat in pets? It’s all too easy to overlook your pet’s dental health, and oral issues can sideline a senior pet very easily. Provide your pet with plenty of chew toys, which help work out the teeth and gums and scrape away loose plaque; brush the teeth at home using a canine- or feline-formulated toothpaste and a pet toothbrush.

Keep Up With Preventatives

A pest infestation or a serious disease can wreak havoc on an aging pet, especially if their immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be. That’s why keeping up with preventative medications is so important! Make sure your senior pet stays up-to-date with vaccinations against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, rabies, and others. Have them wear year-round preventative medications to fend off fleas, ticks, and worms. If your pet is in need of these medications, call your vet’s office today.

See the Vet

There’s just no substitute for regular examinations at the vet’s office. When your vet sees Fido or Fluffy several times per year, their health can be monitored and any concerns can be addressed right away.

Is your pet due for their next veterinary appointment? Contact your Roanoke, VA animal hospital. We’re here to help throughout 2019 and beyond!

Dog Care, General Care

Coat Care Tips for Your Dog

Our canine companions aren’t quite as good at grooming themselves as our feline friends are. It’s up to you to make sure your dog’s coat of fur stays in tip-top shape! To keep your dog’s coat healthy and pristine, use these tips from a Roanoke, VA veterinarian.

High-Quality Diet

One of the easiest but most effective ways to keep your dog’s coat in top form is by feeding them a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Your dog’s skin and fur will remain healthy and moisturized when he receives the proper nutrients through food, and shedding will be kept to a minimum. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on a diet choice that suits your dog’s age, weight, and breed.

Brushing

At home, brushing your dog on a daily basis is one of the best ways to ensure that the coat stays healthy; it’s particularly important for dogs with longer hair. Brushing does many things: for one, it removes loose and dead fur from the coat, and it helps to pick up grime from the skin. Plus, brushing spreads natural skin oils through your dog’s fur, effectively moisturizing it and cutting down on shedding in the long run. Choose a brush and bristle type that will work best on your dog’s coat; ask your vet if you need help.

Bathing

The occasional bath is also effective for maintaining your dog’s coat quality. Plus, it helps your dog smell their absolute best! Always use a canine-formulated shampoo, as human shampoo isn’t made for use on your dog’s sensitive skin. Additionally, be sure not to bathe Fido too frequently. Bathing too often can actually backfire, drying out the skin and fur and resulting in an increase in shedding.
If you would like to know how often your beloved pet could use a bath, contact your vet’s office to learn more.

Pest Prevention Tips

Pests like fleas and ticks can wreak havoc on your dog’s coat of fur, even resulting in hair loss, bald patches, and painful scabs under the hair. Keep your dog on high-quality pest preventatives to avoid the issue entirely. Most dogs will do well with a flea-and-tick medication and a heartworm preventative to keep all pesky critters at bay. If your dog isn’t already set up with these medications, contact your vet’s office.

Would you like even more great tips for keeping your dog’s coat healthy? Call your Roanoke, VA animal hospital!