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The Best Pet Dental Health Services Include Small Animal Dentistry

Pet dental health wasn’t always seen as a valuable service in the veterinary field. Prior to the 1970s, veterinary dentistry was often overlooked as an area of importance, but over the past 20 or more years it has become an instantly recognized and respected discipline. What makes it relevant today, and how does it help your pet? 

Pet Dental Health Care for Small Animals is Very Important 

Dentistry for pets is a much-needed service. Up to 80% of dogs, cats, rabbits and even smaller pets suffer from dental or oral problems at some point in their lives. Of all the conditions that veterinarians treat, the most common is dental disease.

Small pet dental care includes checking for tartar, red gums, cavities, fractured teeth, orthodontic abnormalities, reptile mouth rot and many other conditions causing pain and eating difficulties. Dentistry increases the chances of early detection and treatment of oral problems. With the slow onset of periodontal disease, warning signs are subtle and can easily be missed.

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Recognition of Illness Symptoms Ensures Better Cat Health Care

Cat health care problems can be avoided, or at least minimized, by detecting the signs of an illness early. It is important for owners to learn which symptoms are cause for concern, which can be ignored and which indicate a particular illness for which immediate help is needed.

Symptoms vary with each condition and you must be alert. Complicating matters is that, in some cases, the symptoms are not physical but are behavior-related instead. Such signs tend to be subtle, which is why you should note behavioral changes in case treatment is needed for a health problem.

To guide you through the potentially overwhelming process of determining if your cat needs to be taken to a vet and how quickly you need to act, here is a rundown of red flags for some of the most common feline health problems.   

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Six Important Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Heat

When summer goes into full swing, it is important that all pet owners are aware of seasonal dog care such as keeping them safe when it’s hot outside. The summer heat can take its toll on humans and animals alike, which is why it is helpful to understand what you can do to keep your furry friend cool and safe.

The summer months can be more than just uncomfortable for your dog; they can also be very dangerous. While dogs are able to rid their body of heat through panting, this alone is not enough to keep them cool when the temperature skyrockets to higher temperatures. Unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands (save for a few on their feet), so there is no way for the heat to escape from their body.

Below you will find six crucial tips that will help you keep your dog healthy and safe in the summer heat.

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“Old Dog” Vestibular Syndrome Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

“Old dog” vestibular syndrome is a fairly common ailment that affects the balance system in older dogs. The vestibular system (the system of balance) is responsible for helping the body to maintain balance in movement and the senses. When a dog suffers a stroke or this system is in some other way compromised, it creates a sudden onset of loss of balance, disorientation, head tilting and irregular jerking eye movements.

Understanding the symptoms, causes and treatment options for vestibular syndrome will allow you to ensure your beloved dog gets the care he or she needs and is able to live as comfortable as possible. This disease can be traumatic for both you and your pet, which is why it is helpful to educate yourself on what to look for and what can be done about it.

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How Often Should You take Your Cat to the Vet?

Like many cat owners, you love your pet very much, but how often should you take your cat to the vet? Even though cats are very popular and people take them in as friends, companions and even family members, these lovely animals often do not receive the veterinary care they need.

Why Owners Don’t Take Pet Cats for Checkups

There are two major reasons that cats are not taken to the vet regularly. One, people believe in the myth of “feline self-sufficiency.” To put it simply, people usually assume that cats can take good care of themselves and don’t need help from a vet. This myth is reinforced by the fact that cats don’t follow their owners around, are litterbox-trained very easily, always groom themselves and are very independent animals, which does indeed make them appear to be self-sufficient.

Read moreHow Often Should You take Your Cat to the Vet?

Here is a Helpful Care Guide for New Ferret Pet Owners

Ferret care involves understanding their needs and the nutrition, exercises and grooming care that will keep him or her happy and healthy. In addition, you need to schedule regular visits to a veterinarian who is experienced in the care of these smaller pets.

Although most of your friends have pet dogs, cats, fish, or birds, you’ve decided to get yourself a ferret. And why not? These little pets are very cute, active and lovable, and definitely make great companions. They are members of the weasel family and have been domesticated for a long time; however, they have retained their curiosity and endless energy, and a little extra effort is required in caring for them.

Read moreHere is a Helpful Care Guide for New Ferret Pet Owners

Older Cat Health Tips: How to Help Reduce Obesity

One of the most difficult aspects of being a pet owner is watching your beloved furry friend age. As you are responsible for their well-being from the time they come under your car until they pass, there are certain things you should be on the lookout for with senior animals.

Older cats have a tendency to gain weight, which is largely due to a lack of mobility in their senior years. Being aware of older cat health needs and educating yourself on how you can help your cat age as fit and in as good of shape as possible is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

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Dog-Friendly Parks and Trails for Owners in Sykesville, MD

Being a pet owner in Sykesville has many incredible benefits, a lot of which involve the outdoors. Sykesville is a dog owners’ paradise, from the various trails accessible to dog parks to state parks that allow dog visitors.

There are many advantages to living in an area that is so dog-friendly, one of which is that many of the state parks have started allowing leashed dogs. When the weather is warm and beckoning you to go outside and play, we think it would be fun to look at some of the best spots to take your dog in the Sykesville area.

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Everything You Need to Know about Heartworm Disease and Prevention

Heartworm disease is a serious condition that affects the lungs and right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other animals. As a pet owner, you have undoubtedly been warned about the seriousness of this disease and the necessity to ensure your beloved pet is heartworm free. From taking your pet to your vet on a regular basis and keeping an eye out for any of the heartworm symptoms listed below, you are being a responsible pet owner and doing everything in your power to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Because dogs and cats of any breed are susceptible to heartworm disease, it is important for all pet owners to familiarize themselves with the characteristics of the disease as well as what can be done to prevent it.

Read moreEverything You Need to Know about Heartworm Disease and Prevention