Spaying and Neutering is a Beneficial Part of Small Animal Care

December 27, 2014 by admin

Many people do not realize it is a good idea to have small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, spayed or neutered. While we often only think of cats and dogs when it comes to these services, they also apply to small pets.

Before bringing a small pet into your home, it is a good idea to sit down and meet with your local veterinarian to get a better idea of some of the most important small animal care tips. For many people, this may mean having your rabbit, ferret or guinea pig spayed or neutered. Your vet may suggest this not only for the health of the animal, but also in order to ensure they are a good fit for your family’s home. There are a handful of other reasons why it is beneficial to your pet to have them altered, several of which we will go over below.

As always, if you have any questions about the information in this blog, or if you would like to speak with one of our veterinarians, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic.

How to Keep Your Cat Healthy using Fitness Activities

December 22, 2014 by admin

Learning how to keep your cat healthy and fit when he or she seems to prefer lazing around all day can be a bit of a challenge. However, it’s a challenge you need to accept to ensure their well-being.

As they age, cats tend to move around less but eat more. This often leads to weight gain and then obesity, which affects more than half of all cats in the United States. Obese cats are more vulnerable to diabetes, high blood pressure, ligament problems, respiratory issues, heart and kidney diseases and even cancer. As well, their life spans are usually 2.5 years shorter than those of cats that maintain a healthy weight.

Feeding your cat nutritious food and keeping treats to a minimum can help, but it’s not enough; you have to encourage activity as well. Engage your cat in physical activities as early as you can. Arrange a daily routine that encourages him or her to use energy and exercise muscles to stay healthy and fit.

How to Read Pet Food Labels to Ensure Your Pet is Healthy

December 17, 2014 by admin

Do you understand certain ingredient names in pet food when buying it? Do you know what you are feeding your pet? A conscientious pet owner knows it is important to read and understand pet food labels before making any purchases.

Improper nutrition may lead to poor health, weight gain or loss and a lack of energy in your pet. To help make sure they live a long and happy life, he or she must be fed with high-quality foods that are safe to eat while containing adequate nutrients.

How to find Reliable, Safe Pet Boarding for Cats and Dogs

December 12, 2014 by admin

If you are a pet owner who is going on vacation, travelling on business, is sick and need a rest or dealing with matters that prevent you from taking care of your pet cat or dog, it is important to find a reliable pet boarding kennel to take of your little companions.

Some people leave their pets in the care of neighbors or relatives when they go away, but this is not always a satisfactory arrangement. Some pet owners may not have anyone available who can provide the care needed for their pets, or they don’t want to risk making demands on others who are less conscientious about pet care than they are. A professional pet boarding service is usually a better option in these cases, especially one equipped with all the required necessities and a well-trained staff. Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, in addition to many other valuable pet care services, is one such place that offers pet boarding to owners.

For those pet owners living too far outside of Sykesville’s location however, to keep your pets safe and happy, it is important you leave them in the hands of competent pet boarding kennels that provide the highest standards in pet care; not only in boarding but also in grooming, pet health, emergencies, feeding and in taking care of any special needs.

Good Animal Care Includes Trimming Your Pet’s Nails

December 7, 2014 by admin

Nail trimming may not be the first thing on a pet owner’s mind when it comes to animal care, but it is actually an essential part of grooming and hygiene. When nails grow too long, they tend to scratch hard floors and catch on carpets; this can break the nail or nails and if left alone, it may lead to infections. Also, an irregular way of walking can be caused by overgrown nails, increasing the risk of discomfort to your pet.

Why is trimming a pet’s nails a task so often overlooked by owners? The most frequent reason is that pets become anxious when anyone tries to trim their nails, and their lack of co-operation makes it a tedious, worrisome task for owners. As well, many people are concerned that they may not do the job correctly, hurting their pets as a result.

The following quick guide can make it easier for you to keep your pet’s nails from growing too long, and help reduce the stress for both you and your pet.

Dental Care for Pets: Three Mistakes to Avoid with Your Dog’s Teeth

December 2, 2014 by admin

If you are a dog owner, chances are you have experienced inhaling your beloved pooch’s bad breath when they reach in for a kiss. While it certainly isn’t normal for your dog’s breath to smell like roses, unusually bad breath may be a sign that something is wrong.

Many pet owners drop the ball when it comes to dental care for pets, which can actual endanger the health of your furry friend. Just like humans, dogs require routine dental care in order to ensure their teeth, gums and mouth are healthy and bacteria-free.

For many pet owners, the task of cleaning your dog’s teeth is one that is often neglected. However, it is crucial for you to establish a routine at-home oral routine and also make sure your dog’s teeth are given the attention they deserve by your vet. This month and every month, make a commitment to safeguarding your dog’s dental health by doing your best to avoid these three common oral care mistakes.

The Importance of Blood Work for Elderly Cat or Dog Care

November 27, 2014 by admin

As your pet ages, you may be faced with the tough decision of having expensive tests done that will determine what type of care your beloved pet cat or dog may need down the line, such as blood work. Many people ask if these tests are truly necessary, and the answer is yes.

There are numerous different technologies that are designed to help your pet live longer, healthier lives. Having blood work done on your older dog or cat will help determine whether or not they are in tip-top shape or lagging because of an infection, anemia or some other problem.

There are many different scenarios where your veterinarian may suggest blood tests, and it is important to be aware of the most common ones in order to provide proper care to your elderly dog or cat. Whether your senior pet is suddenly slowing down and doesn’t appear to be their usual self, or if they have sustained an injury of some sort, it may be helpful to have your vet conduct a blood test to see what is truly going on.

Congratulations, Dempsey & Georgeann Trummert!

November 26, 2014 by admin

The entire team at Sykesville Vet Clinic would like to congratulate Dempsey and Georgeann for earning the Canine Good Citizenship Award! We are very proud of you both!

Practice Good Seasonal Cat Care by Eliminating Holiday Dangers

November 24, 2014 by admin

If you are a cat owner, you need to remember that seasonal cat care is very important. Christmas and other holidays can pose several risks to the safety and welfare of your little companion. A cat might attempt to climb a tall, unstable Christmas tree and topple it, or swallow and choke on a small, decorative ornament.

Avoid threats to your cat’s safety so you can avoid spending the holidays in a veterinary hospital. Consider the following cat care tips on holiday decorations and the hazards they present.

Seasonal Pet Care: Preparing Your Pets for Holiday Guests

November 14, 2014 by admin

The holidays are a wonderful time of year for family gatherings, parties with friends and in many cases, out-of-town house guests. With all the holiday excitement, it is easy to forget how stressful and overwhelming this time of year can be for your furry companions. Keeping in mind key seasonal pet care tips to help your animals adjust to the influx of people, decorations and festivities is a great way to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

Dogs, cats, small animals, birds and other pets sometimes act out when they are over-stimulated or find themselves in uncomfortable situations, such as with numerous house guests who smell strange and unfamiliar to them. It is also important to bear in mind that your house guests may make mistakes in the way they interact with pets they are meeting for the first time. Additionally, if you are going to have children visiting your house for the holidays, be sure your pet will get along well with them or come up with a solution that will benefit both the children and your dog or cat.