The Importance & Benefits of Annual Checkups for Your Dog

November 7, 2014 by admin

Preventative medicine is one of the best ways to improve the likelihood of pets living a longer, healthier life. Rather than treating an illness once it has become manifest, preventative medicine looks for early signs and treats them before the condition becomes serious or life-threatening.

As the “little vet with the big heart”, our staff at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic believes that preventative medicine should not only apply to humans, but also to their pets. With that in mind, we recommend an annual checkup for your pets, including dogs.

A Standard Dog-Shot Schedule vs. the Holistic Approach

November 3, 2014 by admin

We all know a dog-shot schedule is an essential part of canine health care. Making sure your pooch gets their vaccinations on time provides him or her with the ongoing protection they need against serious diseases. Both Lyme disease and Leptospirosis are particularly prevalent in Maryland.

Not all veterinarians agree, however, on when and what vaccinations should be administered. Here is a look at both the standard and holistic views on the matter.

Common Causes and Treatment for Tapeworms in Pets

October 31, 2014 by admin

Tapeworms are long, flat intestinal worms that attach themselves to your pet’s intestines. Comprised of multiple, small segments, tapeworms secure themselves to the wall of the small intestine using their hook-like mouthparts. Tapeworms are most commonly diagnosed by finding small white worms (or segments) that appear similar to grains of rice around the backside of your pet, in their feces or within your pet’s preferred sleeping and living quarters.

There are a handful of different kinds of tapeworms that latch onto pets, the most common of which is called the Diplidium or, in the cases of dogs, Diplidium Caninum, which relies on the flea as a host. Adult worms of this family can reach up to 8 inches in length, which can be extremely uncomfortable for your pet.

Tapeworms are, unfortunately, a common problem that many pets and their owners have to deal with. While they do not usually cause serious health problems to humans, regardless, it should be addressed by your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Understanding what exactly tapeworms are, how your pet can get a tapeworm and what you can do to prevent them from arriving will help you provide him or her with the best care possible.

Canine Kennel Cough: How to Diagnose and Treat It

October 24, 2014 by admin

Canine kennel cough is perhaps one of the most widely recognized terms for pet owners. It is loosely used to describe a range of infections, both viral and bacterial. These infections cause inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe and are essentially a form of bronchitis that is comparable to a common chest cold in humans.

In most cases, kennel cough clears up on its own. However, it is highly contagious to other dogs and it is therefore important that it is treated as soon as possible. There are numerous ways dogs can catch kennel cough, including aerosols in the air, transfers from dog to dog and germs on contaminated objects.

Kennel cough is most commonly spread in small, enclosed areas that do not have great air circulation, such as an animal shelter or boarding center. Your dog can also catch it from simply sitting in a vaccination clinic, training class or grooming facility.

In order to better understand this disease and how you can protect your dog, it may be helpful to take a look at some of the most common symptoms as well as treatment options. If you have any questions about the listed information, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

How to Help Children Adjust to Vet Visits

October 17, 2014 by admin

Visits to the vet can be extremely stressful for your pet, but have you ever thought of the effect this can have on children? It is no secret that children are curious about most things, and this is no different when it comes time to take their pet to the vet.

As a responsible pet owner and parent, it is important for you to do everything in your power to teach your children about vet visits so that they understand this is not a negative experience for your pets, but one that help them live a long, happy and healthy life. If you are able to successfully introduce your child to vet visits, this will not only be healthy for their development, but also it may introduce them to a possible career path they were previously unfamiliar with.

Lastly, bringing your kids along for vet visits may help them become more aware of their own health care and responsibility to animals in general.

Eight Fun and Smart Fundraising Ideas for Animal Shelters

October 10, 2014 by admin

There are tons of great ways to raise money to help animals, and thankfully the majority of them offer a fun way to get involved with the community and local shelters. It is no secret that animal shelters are always in need of outside resources and financial support to help them offer care and housing for the hundreds of animals that end up under their care.

Why an Animal Shelter Fundraiser is a Good Idea

Without animal shelters, many adorable, friendly and loveable pets would be out on the streets, or worse. While simply donating your time or writing a check to your local shelter is a great way to do your part in supporting everything rescue facilities do, animal shelter fundraisers are another option. If you are on the other side and work for an animal shelter, it is helpful to be aware of the many different options you have for encouraging people to donate to your cause.

Below you will find information on some of the most effective common animal shelter fundraisers.

Diabetes Mellitus in Pets: Recognition and Treatment

October 3, 2014 by admin

Diabetes is a chronic disorder that typically occurs in middle-aged dogs and middle-aged to older cats. Diabetes mellitus, in particular, affects the pancreas and is characterized by some level of insulin deficiency. Thankfully, this disorder can be managed successfully through insulin therapy and paying extra special attention to your pet’s diet.

As a disease of the pancreas, diabetes mellitus is caused by the failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. Research shows that this type of diabetes is related to elevated concentrations of blood glucose and the inability of an animal’s body to use glucose as a source of energy. As a pet owner, it is important for you to be aware of this disease and to understand the signs of it so that you can get your pet the care he or she needs.

We thought it would be helpful to go over what exactly diabetes mellitus is, what the signs of it are and what your treatment options will be. Having a grasp of common ailments that affect older dogs and cats as well as brushing up on some tips will help you provide better care for your animal and ensure they live a long happy and healthy life.

How to Properly Protect Your Pet from Rabies

September 26, 2014 by admin

Rabies is a dangerous virus that can cause serious illness in all mammals, including dogs, cats and even humans. A viral disease that affects the central nervous system, in particular the brain and spinal cord, there is unfortunately no cure for rabies. Because of its level of seriousness, it is extremely important to take steps to protect your pet and make sure they are properly vaccinated.

Rabies is spread by contact with the saliva of any infected animal, which makes it a highly zoonotic disease – transferrable to both humans and animals when they intersect. In most cases, transmission of rabies to a pet is through a bite wound, but it has been known to spread from a simple scratch or existing open wound. Rabies is not only harmful to you and your pet – it is a public health risk, with dangers to everyone that cannot be stressed enough.

5 New Pet Care Tips to Help a New Dog Adjust to its Home

September 23, 2014 by admin

When you adopt a puppy or an older dog as a new pet, care for him or her includes helping them adjust to a new home. Aside from purchasing pet food, chew toys and a comfortable bed on which they can sleep, you should also be prepared for the possibility that he or she won’t warm up to their new environment right away. There may be some crying and whimpering, especially at night.

However, you needn’t worry as your new dog will eventually get used to their new home. Do what you can to help speed up the process and make it easier for them to adjust to the surroundings.

Here are some things you can do when caring for your new pet that will help them feel secure, loved and happy in his or her new environment.

These Senior Dog Care Tips Will Help Identify Illnesses

September 6, 2014 by admin

Pet owners can benefit by senior dog care tips that will help them recognize illnesses in their pets so that problems can be treated right away. Like humans, dogs experience a gradual decline in health with age, and are more prone to sickness and general health problems as they become older. It’s important to recognize signs and symptoms before it’s too late for successful treatment, and to ensure that your beloved pet’s last years are happy and pain free.