Tag Archives: pet grooming

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Fall With Senior Cats

Is your feline friend a senior? If Fluffy is over the age of nine, then technically, the answer to that question is yes … even if she still acts like a kitten. Cats are generally pretty easy keepers, so you won’t need to make drastic changes to your kitty’s care regimen as she ages. However, she will become more vulnerable to certain dangers … including several seasonal hazards. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some autumn senior cat care tips below.

Grounding The Furball

We always recommend keeping kitties indoors. However, fall can be particularly treacherous. For one thing, it’s getting dark earlier and earlier. There’s also increased traffic, dropping temperatures, and wild animals, who can get quite aggressive in autumn. Plus, older cats just aren’t as lithe or agile as young kitties, and may not be able to escape certain hazards. Keep Fluffy inside!

Keep Kitty Warm

Senior pets are much more susceptible to temperature extremes than their younger counterparts. Fluffy will get quite chilly on those crisp mornings! Your feline buddy may appreciate a thermal or heated bed or perhaps some extra blankets.

Toxins

Poisons are a major concern at this time of year. Fluffy is at risk of ingesting dangerous substances such as antifreeze, lawn/garden chemicals, and/or molds and funguses. Toxic plants are another hazard. Keep potentially-dangerous plants, such as chrysanthemums, out of paws’ reach. (Tip: check the ASPCA site here for a list.)

Shedding

Did you know that indoor cats typically don’t shed as much as outdoor kitties? This is because they tend to stay at a more stable temperature, and are protected from the seasonal changes that trigger heavy shedding cycles. Shedding also increases the chance of hairballs, which can be quite dangerous. This is another reason to keep your adventurous furball safe and sound indoors.

Candles

We know, candles can add a wonderful cozy glow to your home. Just keep them in places where Fluffy can’t reach them. If you have a fireplace, put a grate in front of it, so your playful pet can’t accidentally get singed.

Food

Fluffy may benefit from taking certain supplements as she ages. Fish oil, for instance, can be quite helpful for kitties with bone/joint issues. Ask your vet for recommendations.

As your Roanoke, VA pet clinic, we love helping our feline patients age gracefully! Please feel free to contact us anytime!

General Care

Protecting Your Pet From Ticks

You’ve probably noticed that the tick population has increased dramatically in recent years. As the numbers of ticks have gone up, so have cases of the diseases they can spread. Many of these, such as Lyme, can affect both people and pets. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet offers some information on keeping your pet safe from ticks.

Parasite Control

The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that your furry buddy is current on their preventative care. There are several options to choose from, such as topical drops, collars, and sprays. Talk to your vet to make sure you’re picking the one that is best for you. Also, be sure to get these from your animal clinic or an approved retailer. Avoid buying them at box stores or through discount sellers.

Lawn Maintenance

Keeping up with your property maintenance can also go a long way here. Ticks like to lurk in tall grasses, so regularly mowing your yard will help. You’ll also want to keep shrubs trimmed back so they don’t touch your house.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming regularly isn’t going to hurt, either. This is very helpful if you are fighting fleas. It’s also a good way to keep the pet fur under control. We recommend doing high-traffic areas daily, and more thorough cleanings about once a week.

Gardening

Do you have a garden? You may want to address a few things there as well. Keep fallen produce picked up, as it can attract wild animals that carry ticks. It’s also best to keep birdfeeders away from your house a bit.

Sun

It’s worth mentioning that ticks are not big on bright lights. Putting a three-foot gravel border around your property will help quite a bit, particularly in areas that border woods or fields. Ticks often turn back at these borders, as they don’t like being exposed.

Pet Checks

Get into the habit of checking your canine pal for ticks, especially after he’s been in fields or wooded areas. Look between his toes and beneath his collar. If you do find a tick, use tweezers or a tick popper to remove it. You need to be sure to get the whole thing; if any pieces break off, they could cause infections.

Do you have questions about your pet’s flea and tick medication? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, anytime.