Tag Archives: vets Roanoke VA

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

7 Ways To Help Rescue Dogs

May 20th is a pretty special day for our canine companions: it’s Rescue Dog Day. If you love animals, you probably have a soft spot for rescue dogs, as we do. There are still far too many rescue dogs out there who have been saved, but have not yet found their forever homes. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of pups who still need to be rescued. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some of the things you can do to help them in this article.

Adopt

The best thing you can do to help rescue dogs? Adopt one! Many people insist that the pups they rescued are the best pets ever. We’re inclined to agree! Just be sure that you’re ready to commit.

Speak Up

Do you know of a pooch that needs help? Contact local authorities or animal rescues. Many places allow you to make such reports anonymously. This can help eradicate the fear of reprisal.

Support Legislation

We’re happy to see more laws going on the books that make animal cruelty felony. For instance, here in Virginia, animal cruelty towards dogs and cats are now felonies, as of July 2019. Supporting pro-animal welfare legislation is a small task that can have big repercussions.

Foster

Another thing you can do is foster rescue dogs. Many of them need training and/or socialization before being put up for adoption. Fostering isn’t for everyone, of course: it can be difficult to say goodbye to a pooch you’ve cared for and grown fond of. Think things over carefully. It never hurts to learn more!

Volunteer

Animal shelters and charities are doing great work, and there certainly is plenty of it. Consider giving up a bit of your free time to help our canine pals.

Donate

Many animal rescues rely on donations to care for their furry wards. Monetary donations are great, of course, but you may also be able to drop off food, toys, or supplies. Anything helps!

Spread The Word

Social media has transformed the world in many ways. One of the best things about it is the fact that it makes sharing information very easy. Share posts about pups that are in need of good homes. Who knows? You may change a rescue dog’s world with a few keystrokes!

As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we’re devoted to providing top-notch veterinary care. Contact us anytime!

General Care

Dogs And Toddlers

rmaDo you have a toddler on your hands? They definitely don’t call them the terrible twos for nothing. This can be a very fun age for parents, but it can also be a little overwhelming. If you have a pet, you’ll also need to take some precautions to help ensure that the interactions between Fido and his tiny human go smoothly. A local Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on this below.

Supervise

The number one thing is to never leave your canine pal and your little one unattended together. Toddlers can be clumsy, and can fall or trip over pets. They also have loud, high-pitched voices, which can make Fido uneasy. Even the sweetest dog can snap if they feel frightened or threatened!

Get Baby Gates

Baby gates can be a wonderful tool during this stage, as they can create a barrier that lets Fido and your little one see each other and interact safely.

Give Fido Room

Your pup should always have a spot where he can go to for privacy. A crate is a great option for this. You can leave the door open, so your furry friend can come and go as he likes. Teach your toddler that Fido’s ‘room’ is off-limits.

Teach Proper Manners

It’s never too young for children to learn to be gentle with animals! Teach your little one to be kind and considerate of Fido, and never pull his tail.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can go a long way. Give your canine pal treats and praise with your toddler!

Petproofing

Petproofing and childproofing are typically very similar. Keep anything potentially dangerous out of the way, preferably in secure cabinets.

Separate Belongings

This is one area where kids and pets can have conflicts. That stuffed teddy bear may appeal to both your child and your pet. Try to keep everyone’s toys in separate areas.

Food

Kids sometimes try to share foods with their canine pals. This can be very dangerous, as your youngster could give him something that is bad for him. Keep a close eye on your child when he’s snacking!

Exercise

Dogs are always calmer once they have burned off their zoomies. Make sure Fido is getting enough activity, and that he has plenty of toys to occupy himself with.

Do you have questions about caring for your canine friend? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Adopting A Shelter Dog

April 30th is Adopt A Shelter Pet Day! That’s one cause we are more than happy to support! Every year, as many as 3 million dogs enter American shelters. Sadly, many only have a very short time to find themselves forever homes. If you are considering adopting a shelter dog, you definitely have our support! A Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on adopting Fido in this article.

Choosing Fido

It’s easy to fall in love with a furry face, but don’t only go by how cute Fido is. Our canine companions all have their own personalities and care needs. Do some research, and find out what you can about your potential pet’s breed, background, and character. It’s important to choose a pup that will integrate well with your family and lifestyle. Huskies, for instance, are very high-energy. Bulldogs? Not so much.

Things To Consider

Before you sign the paperwork, spend some time with your four-legged friend. If you have another pup, let them meet as well. While many dogs love having buddies, there’s always a chance of conflict. Better safe than sorry!

Shopping

You’ll need to hit the pet store. Fido will need food, toys, treats, a bed, a leash, a collar or harness, dishes, a pet first-aid kit, and grooming supplies. If he has thin fur, he may also need a sweater or jacket for winter. It’s a good idea to put these things in a quiet back room, especially if you have other pets.

Petproofing

Petproofing is definitely in order. Address potential dangers, such as toxic plants; plastic bags and ties; wires and cords; chemicals; medication; lawn garden products; and any small/sharp objects. Ask your vet for advice.

Veterinary Care

One of the first things you’ll want to do is schedule a veterinary appointment. Fido will most likely already be fixed, but a nose-to-tail exam is definitely in order. This is a great time to get some specific advice on your canine pal’s health and care needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Settling In

It may take Fido some time to adjust to his new home, and really feel safe there. Don’t rush things. Offer great care, and be patient. You’ll be getting tail wags and happy dances in no time!

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

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Fascinating Facts About Greyhounds

April is Adopt A Greyhound Month! Greyhounds are wonderful dogs! They’re also very unique and interesting. A local Roanoke, VA vet goes over some things you may not have known about Fido in this article.

A Pawsitive Verse

There are written descriptions of Greyhounds that date all the way back to 1486, where their ideal appearance is described as being “headed like a snake and necked like a drake, backed like a beam, sided like a bream, footed like a cat and tailed like a rat.”

Fastest Pup Ever

The Greyhound is actually the fastest of our canine companions. Fido has been clocked as speeds up to 44mph!
They Have Two Speeds: Slow and GO
This one surprises many people. Despite their speed, Greyhounds actually aren’t the most active pups around. In fact, they tend to be couch potatoes once they have burned off their zoomies.

An Ode To Fido

Greyhounds had some fans in ancient Rome: the poet Ovid wrote about them. They are also shown in tapestries from about the 9th century CE.

Leash Laws

Another ancient reference to the greyhound dates back to 1016. This one states that “no meane person may keepe any greihounds, but freemen may keepe greihounds.” Freemen with greyhounds had to live at least 10 miles from the forest or maim their dogs so they wouldn’t hunt the king’s game.

A Queen’s Dog

Greyhounds were beloved by both Cleopatra and Elizabeth I of England. This is why Greyhound racing is sometimes called the sport of queens!

They’re Very Smart

Although Greyhounds are known for speed, they are also very intelligent, and are highly trainable. In fact, they can make great therapy and service dogs.

They Need Special Collars

Fido can easily slip out of regular collars. He needs special ones, which are known as martingale collars.

They Have Unique Blood

Another interesting thing about the Greyhound? Their body chemistry is quite unique. For instance, they have low platelet counts. Their bloodwork will always read a little differently than that of other dogs. That’s why it’s important to have a vet that is experienced with them.

Low Tolerance

If you have a Greyhound, you’ll need to be very careful when using things like pesticides and rodenticides. Fido is very sensitive to chemicals!

Do you have questions about Greyhound care? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA animal clinic. We’re here to help!

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!

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

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!

General Care, General Health

World Rabies Day

September 28th is World Rabies Day. Rabies is fairly rare now, but it hasn’t gone away. In fact, it may be more dangerous than ever, as many people do not realize how deadly it is. A local Roanoke, VA vet goes over some key information about rabies in this article.

Basics

This deadly disease’s name comes from the Latin word rabies, which means madness. Rabies is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can affect both people and pets. The virus spreads through the bite of infected animals, usually skunks, bats, coyotes, or foxes. After a person has been bitten, there is only a limited time where they can seek treatment. This can be as little as four days, though it can take as much as six years. However slowly or quickly this happens, once symptoms begin to appear, the outcome in nearly 100 percent of cases is, unfortunately, death.

Symptoms

It’s important for pet owners to know the signs of infection. In dogs, some of the signs to watch for include fever, trouble swallowing, restlessness, vomiting, drooling, staggering, and seizures. Your canine pal may also seem hyper reactive to stimuli, such as lights and sounds. Aggression can be a sign. However, contrary to popular belief, that isn’t always the case. Cats may withdraw, or just start acting erratically. Cuddly felines may get grumpy, while grumpy kitties may become affectionate. Difficulty swallowing is also a red flag in both people and pets. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Prevention

Rabies fortunately isn’t very widespread these days. However, there are still about 500 cases of pets contracting it every year. Sadly, there are no known successful treatments for pets. Fortunately, all you have to do to protect your furry pal is keep up with their vaccinations. Be sure to keep your pet’s paperwork handy, just in case anything happens. We also recommend that you refrain from handling wild animals. If you have any risk—no matter how small–of coming into contact with an infected animal, you’ll also need to keep up with your vaccines. Even waking up to find a bat in your room is cause for a call to your doctor.

Is your pet due for a vaccine or exam? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, today. We are dedicated to offering the best veterinary care around.

 

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!