Tag Archives: pet clinic Troutville VA

Dog Care

5 Things To Do With Your Dog This Summer

Do you have big summer plans? It’s probably safe to say that our canine patients are looking forward to things like barbecues and possibly camping trips. Fido may also have a few things of his own planned for the warmer months. Here, a Roanoke, VA vet lists some things to do with your dog this summer.

Visit Somewhere New

Many of our canine pals love exploring new places. Take Fido to a new dog park. There are many great apps that make it easy to find new places, such as BringFido.There are some great ones in our local area, such as Salem Rotary Dog Park, Highland Dog Park, and Thrasher Dog Park. Just make sure your pooch is microchipped, wearing ID tags, and current on his vaccines and parasite control.

Yard Work

Whether you’re a bona-fide green thumb that loves gardening or more of a bare-bones type that just keeps the lawn in check, your four-legged helper will be happy to supervise your yard work. Make a few pupgrades to your yard. Get Fido a kiddie pool, pet fountain, or automated ball launcher. If Fido enjoys digging, get him a sandbox to play in.

Photo Shoot

Man’s Best Friend is always photogenic, but he takes extra cute pictures in summer, when the light is gold and bright. Snap your furry pal’s pictures against a background that contrasts with his fur. (Tip: you may find that you get better pictures from Fido’s eye level.)

Have A Cold Snack

Nothing beats a delicious frozen treat on a summer day. Make your furry friend some doggy ice cream. A simple version is to mix organic peanut butter and ripe bananas together with a little plain fat-free yogurt. You can find many more recipes online. Or, just make up your own! Just be sure to stick with ingredients you know are safe.  

Relax

Dogs aren’t just furry, four-legged roommates. They’re also adorable, barking mentors! Fido is great at reminding us to have fun, be loyal, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones. He’s also a big proponent of stopping to smell the roses. (He’ll also smell the grass, bushes, and trees, but that’s another topic.) Enjoy some downtime with your canine companion.

Do you have questions about your beloved pet’s health or care? Please contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal hospital, anytime!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Check The Chip Day

Today, August 15th, is Check The Chip Day! This is a pretty important topic. If your pet hasn’t been microchipped yet, we strongly urge that you get this done ASAP. A Roanoke, VA vet discusses microchips—and how to check them—below.

Basics

Microchips are very tiny devices that use radio waves to transmit information. Chips do not contain your contact information: instead, each chip has a unique ID number, which can be read with special scanners. Getting your pet microchipped will only take a moment, but it could save your furry friend’s life one day!

Checkups

Microchips do not need any maintenance, and they don’t get upgrades, the way computers do. However, we do recommend having your veterinarian check your pet’s chip during their regular appointments. Occasionally, a chip will move out of place. This is something to monitor, as if your four-legged pal is ever lost and turned in to a clinic or shelter, the chip may not show up on a scan if it’s in the wrong place. While this is rare, there is also a chance that a chip would malfunction.

Records Updates

In addition to making sure that the chip hasn’t moved or malfunctioned, it’s also important for you to keep your records up to date. When you get your pet chipped, you’ll need to fill out your records in the chipmaker’s database. This simple step is crucial! If your furry pal gets lost, and is found and scanned, that microchip will be useless if your records are missing or outdated. You can try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool here to check your records. This site works with most of the major chipmakers. Be sure to update your account if you ever move or change contact information.

ID

Chips are great, but they don’t negate the need for collar ID tags. Tags are not only required by law in many places, they are also just the simplest, easiest way for someone to be able to contact you if your furry best buddy shows up in their yard. If you’re concerned about your pet potentially getting stuck on something, get a breakaway collar. These detach under pressure. (Of course, that’s also why a chip is necessary, too.)

Do you want to learn more about microchips? Do you want to get your pet chipped? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, anytime!

 

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

Cold Weather Dog Care

Winter officially starts next week. We know that some of you love the cold, while others are already crossing off the days until spring. This also applies to dogs! Some pups, like huskies and other snow dogs, absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Others will spend the next few months snuggled up in their doggy beds. No matter which camp your furry pal falls into, he will benefit from some extra TLC. Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on keeping your canine buddy happy and healthy in cold weather.

Beds

Fido will need a good bed to curl up in! Make sure that your pet’s doggy bed is thick enough to offer good support and insulation. It also shouldn’t be in a drafty area, or too close to a heater or fireplace. If your pooch has thin fur, he may appreciate a thermal bed or blanket, or even a heated one.

Grooming

Did you know that Fido’s fur will protect him from the cold? However, dust, dead fur, and dander can interfere with its insulating properties. Keep up with your canine pal’s grooming needs!

Paw Care

As you can imagine, going barefoot on snow and ice isn’t much fun. Snow, salt, sand, and ice are all rough on Fido’s furry feet. Get some pet-safe de-icing products. We also recommend keeping your canine companion’s toenails clipped. If your pup has toe fur tufts, cut these as well: they can collect ice balls which, as you can imagine, aren’t very comfortable for dogs.

Dehydration

Many dogs don’t care to drink cold water. Dehydration can become an issue in winter. Don’t put Fido’s bowls in a chilly place. 

Coats

Does your furry bff have a thin coat? If so, Fido will need a doggy sweater or jacket to keep him warm on those frigid winter days. Make sure that your pup’s things fit him well, and are not tight, hot, itchy, or restricting.

Food

Some pooches need to eat more in winter, as they will burn extra calories just staying warm. Your furry friend may also benefit from certain supplements. This can be especially helpful for older dogs, as well as for pups with bone/joint disorders. Ask your vet for more information.

Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!  

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

5 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Skin Healthy

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. The same is true for your dog! So, it makes sense that keeping your canine companion’s skin in good shape is the right thing to do. Read on for five tips from a Roanoke, VA veterinarian on keeping Fido’s skin healthy.

Feed the Proper Diet

One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your dog’s skin healthy is to feed them a great diet. What your dog eats has a lot to do with how his skin and fur looks and feels! When Fido is receiving the proper nutrients through food, the skin and hair follicles stay healthy. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, makes for dry skin and a coarse, dull coat of fur. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation on a great food choice for your pooch.

Groom Your Pup

Regular grooming is another simple way to make sure your dog’s skin stays healthy. Brushing your dog ensures that grime and dirt is removed from the coat and doesn’t start to irritate the skin. And the occasional bath is a great way to keep the skin clean and moisturized. Just make sure not to bathe Fido too frequently, because this can backfire and wind up drying out the skin and coat.

Protect Against the Sun

Just like you, too much exposure to the sun isn’t a good thing for your dog’s skin. Dogs can get sunburnt just as easily as you can! It’s not likely to happen on areas of the body that are covered by thick fur, but it can easily occur on areas with thin fur or no fur at all, like the bridge of the nose or edges of the ears. If your dog will be spending time outdoors, try applying a canine-specific sunscreen.

Keep Up With Preventatives

Of course, a flea or tick infestation isn’t good for your dog’s skin, or their health in general. Prevent the problem entirely by keeping your dog up to date on a heartworm preventative and a flea and tick medication. Call your veterinarian if your dog is in need of these medications.

Schedule Veterinary Checkups

Last but not least, having your vet evaluate your dog’s skin and fur health on a regular basis is a fantastic way to give yourself peace of mind. Schedule your pooch’s next office visit with your Roanoke, VA animal hospital. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

5 Purrfect Reasons to Cuddle Your Cat

Did you know that March 23rd is Cuddly Kitten Day? If there is one thing kitties excel at—aside from napping, it may very well be snuggling their humans. As it turns out, cuddling your pet is good for both of you! Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet offers tips on cuddling cats.

Make Fluffy Feel Loved

Cats have tried very hard to make us think of them as cold, aloof killers, but we aren’t entirely convinced. Many of these little furballs are very emotional, and can get quite anxious if they feel isolated or ignored. By cuddling your cat, you’re also helping reassure Fluffy that she is loved and safe, which will only strengthen the bond between you.

Respect

Our feline overlords all have their own opinions on how and when they want to be petted, and for how long. Let Fluffy decide when cuddle time stops and starts. This will help your kitty feel safer, and can also help her learn to trust you more. This is particularly important if you have just recently adopted your cat, or is she is naturally timid and/or wary.

Health Benefits

There are actually some very tangible benefits to cuddling cats. Studies show that hugging a kitty can lower blood pressure, and help people cope with loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress. There are also some specific benefits for children. As it turns out, kids that grow up with pets are less likely to have allergies than those without animal companions.

Relaxation

Life can get quite stressful and hectic these days. Sometimes just taking a few minutes to relax and unwind with your furry friend can help you shake off a bad day and just reset. Sometimes it really is the little things in life that matter most! Of course, purring cats also make great sleep aids.

Purrs

There may just be a bit of magic in Fluffy’s purr. Research indicates that kitties vibrate at frequencies between 25 and 150 Hertz. These same frequencies have been shown to be beneficial in healing tissue. Keep your feline buddy’s little motor going by offering her lots of attention. Even giving your furball a quick forehead scratch as you pass by will help keep her happy.

Please reach out to us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

6 Ways To Keep Your Cat’s Coat Healthy

One of the many things we love about cats is the fact that they are so clean. Fluffy is very dedicated to her beauty routine, and will groom herself every day. However, there are also things you can do to keep her fur healthy. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some key ones below.

Brushing

Fluffy is pretty good about taking care of her coat, but she will still benefit from being brushed regularly. Brushing will remove dead hair and dander from her coat. This will reduce the amount that she swallows, which in turn means less hairballs. It’s also a great way to spend time with your pet!

Good Food

Proper nutrition will go a long way towards keeping your kitty’s coat soft and shiny. If Fluffy isn’t getting enough nourishment, her fur will soon show the effects, and will start to look dry and dull. Supplements may also help. Omega 3 and 6 oils, for instance, contain essential fatty acids that help keep your pet’s fur healthy. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Parasite Control

Fleas can wreak havoc on your cat’s fur. Kitties often over-groom themselves trying to find relief, which will leave their coats looking a bit unkempt. Plus, fleas will make your beloved pet miserably itchy. They can also spread dangerous diseases and/or transmit other parasites. Keep up with Fluffy’s parasite control!

Avoid Overbathing

You don’t have to bathe your furball, though you can if you want to, assuming your vet gives the green light. Use warm—not hot—water and shampoos made specifically for cats. Also, don’t overbathe Fluffy. This can strip the oils from her fur, which will dry out her coat and make her look, well, a bit frizzy.

Keep Kitty Happy

Cats are very emotional. If Fluffy feels stressed, lonely, or scared, she may stop cleaning herself. Or, she may go the other way and over-groom herself, which can result in hair loss and bald patches. Keep your kitty purring by making sure she always has a clean litterbox, fresh water, good food, toys, and, of course, comfy beds.

Veterinary Care

If you notice any skin or coat problems, such as flaking, redness, or thinning fur, contact your vet immediately. The sooner an issue is treated, the better!

Please feel free to contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We’re happy to help!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

7 Ways To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy

Cats are very cute and lovable pets, and they have many charming qualities that have helped them earn places in our homes and hearts, as well as on our laps. One great thing about these cuddly little furballs is the fact that they are quite easy to care for. However, they aren’t completely independent. Fluffy needs good TLC in order to thrive. Here, a Roanoke, VA vet discusses keeping kitties happy, healthy, and purring.

Good Food

Proper nutrition will go a long way towards keeping your cute pet in good health. Offer Fluffy the best pet food you can afford. Treats are fine, but don’t go overboard. If your feline pal becomes obese, she could develop some very serious health issues!

Clean Litterbox

While cleaning litterboxes isn’t the best part of having a kitty, it is necessary. We recommend scooping daily, and changing the litter every week or so.

Beds

You may have noticed that cats are rather tired. Apparently, looking cute and doing nothing is really exhausting! Offer your sleepy furball plenty of comfy napping spots. Store-bought beds are great, but Fluffy probably won’t turn her nose up at a soft pillow or blanket in a box.

Playtime!

Cats are hunters by nature, so they are more or less wired to pounce and jump on things. Take time to play with Fluffy every day! Also, make sure she has plenty of things she can play with by herself when you’re out.

Stimulation

You may not think boredom is much of a problem for kitties. However, cats can get irritable, lonely, and unhappy with nothing to do, especially when they are home alone. Fluffy will appreciate having lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Pet furniture is great, but boxes, paper bags, and newspaper tunnels will also work. Kitties also like looking out windows, so offer your furry little voyeur a comfy spot with a good view.

Veterinary Care

It’s probably safe to say that Fluffy would rather take a nap than come visit us, but don’t be swayed. Proper veterinary care is crucial for your cat’s health! Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Love

Love is the magic ingredient in any pet care routine. Pay lots of attention to Fluffy, and make sure she feels loved!

Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We offer great veterinary care!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Caring For A Dog With Allergies

If you’ve ever had allergies, or know someone who has, you know they aren’t much fun. Our canine companions can also develop allergies. In fact, Fido can become allergic to a wide variety of things. These allergies can develop at any point in a dog’s life, and often come on unexpectedly. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet offers tips on caring for a pooch with allergies.

Veterinary Care

First things first: if you know or suspect that your canine buddy has allergies, take him to the vet for some testing. Once your vet has pinpointed what Fido is reacting to, he or she will be able to offer specific treatment options. This may consist of medication, a special diet, and/or home care instructions.

Pollen Counts

You may want to download an app for tracking pollen counts, or monitor levels online. When pollen counts are high, limit your furry pal’s outdoor time.

Products

Whenever you bathe Fido, or wash his clothes, toys, or bedding, use hypoallergenic, unscented soaps and shampoos. If you take your furry buddy to the groomer’s, make sure they know not to use scented products on him. We also recommend washing your pet’s things every week or so. Use the hot cycle and then tumble dry. This will help sanitize Fido’s things.

Paws For Thought

When you bring your canine pal in from outside, wipe his paws and belly down with a damp cloth. This will remove dust and pollen from his feet and coat. This can actually be quite helpful. For instance, if Fido runs through a lawn filled with weeds he is allergic to, he may become further irritated if he licks his paws afterwards.

Cleaning

Vacuuming frequently will help reduce the amount of allergens in your home. It will also help keep your place smelling better! You don’t have to do your whole house every day. Just quickly go over high-traffic areas and your furry friend’s favorite lounging spots daily. Follow up with more thorough cleanings every week.

Air Quality

It may be a good idea to invest in a quality air purifier. This will help remove dust and dander from the air. Remember to change the filters regularly!

Do you know or suspect that your canine friend has allergies? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, today! We are dedicated to offering great veterinary care!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

6 Things Your Dog Probably Isn’t Thankful For, But Should Be

Thanksgiving is coming up fast. At this time of year, it’s important to think about the things we are grateful for. Pets are definitely on that list! But what about Fido? While there’s no doubt that your canine pal is thankful for bacon, belly rubs, and car rides, there may be some things he may not appreciate as much as he should. A local Roanoke, VA vet lists some of them below.

Baths

Fido isn’t generally a big fan of being bathed. In fact, he may actually run and hide at the mere mention of the dreaded B-word. However, we suspect that our furry pals do enjoy that salon-fresh feeling of being soft and clean!

Us

We know, visiting the veterinary clinic can be unsettling to dogs. There are a lot of strange faces and smells, plus the presence and scents of other nervous pets, some of whom aren’t feeling very well. We do all we can to make appointments easy on our canine patients. That said, we’re pretty sure that most of them would rather be napping or playing Fetch.

Leashes

Leashes are very important to your four-legged friend’s safety. You don’t want your pup dashing off every time he sees a squirrel. That could be very dangerous! Fido, however, probably sees them as more of a nuisance.

Fences

Fences also make the list of things Man’s Best Friend would happily go without. Your furry friend doesn’t necessarily understand how many dangers are waiting beyond his yard. He just wants to explore and chase squirrels!

Parasite Control

There are quite a few options for parasite control available now, from topical drops to pills to shampoos and collars. No matter what product you choose, your furry buddy probably won’t be very enthusiastic about his regimen. However, he will definitely be both healthier and more comfortable if he’s safe from dangerous parasites like fleas and heartworms.

Vaccinations

When Fido gets vaccinated, he doesn’t know that he’s being protected from deadly diseases, such as rabies. He just feels that little pinch. (That accusing look pooches sometimes give us after they get a vaccine will never stop being adorable.) Sorry, Fido: it’s for your own good!

Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs … even the ones he isn’t grateful for.