Since your dog is not just a pet, but part of your family, you want to keep him as healthy as possible. Part of your dog’s wellness routine with the veterinarian includes preventative care against heartworm disease, a top killer of American canines.
In this video, you will learn different ways to prevent heartworm disease in your dog. There are oral medications your dog can take to keep heartworms and other parasites at bay. If for some reason your dog cannot take oral treatments, you can try a topical alternative. Your vet will perform lab work to check for heartworm disease during your dog’s wellness exam.
At Lake Emma Animal Hospital, we perform annual wellness exams to protect your dog from heartworm disease and other potential health problems. Call us at (407) 792-3322 for more information on our veterinary care and grooming and boarding services.
Cats are highly intelligent, independent animals that can bring great joy to your home with minimal maintenance. However, with that intelligence comes complex personalities that can put strain on cats’ relationships with other animals. You should always tread carefully when introducing a cat into a new environment. Your veterinarian can assist you with maintaining your cat’s wellbeing at every stage.
Adopting Single Cats
There’s nothing wrong with adopting a single cat. A single cat will acclimate well into your home as long as you provide a safe, healthy living environment. However, there may be challenges if you later decide that your cat should have companionship from another feline, as cats are very territorial.
Adopting Littermates
The safest way to assure companionship for a cat is to adopt one of its littermates at the same time. While cats can be very territorial and unfriendly to other felines, they tend to have special bonds with their siblings and can usually live with them peacefully. In addition, kittens of similar age that are not littermates can generally grow up and live well together.
Integrating New Cats
Cohabitation is tricky when trying to introduce a new cat to your older cat who has established territory in the home. Try to introduce a new cat that is younger, or a kitten. Your first cat will likely feel less threatened by an adolescent cat than he would by another adult cat. It may be wise to allow your two cats to occupy separate sections of your home until they get used to each other. Make use of vertical space to add extra areas for your cats to explore and find privacy in.
Lake Emma Animal Hospital offers vaccinations, preventative care, and other support for cats in and near Lake Mary, FL. Call us at (407) 792-3322 to learn more about our services or to find out how we can help you encourage peaceful relationships between your cats.
At Lake Emma Animal Hospital, we understand how much you love your pets because we feel the same way. Click these links for more valuable advice about keeping your pets healthy and happy. Whether your pet needs preventative veterinary care or treatment for an illness, Lake Emma Animal Hospital can help. We also offer reproductive, boarding, and grooming services. Make an appointment today by calling (407) 792-3322.
Thank you LEAH for the amazing service and genuine concern for my lost kitten last week! I was in tears worrying for my missing kitten, Felix. They calmly helped me locate the kitty's microchip number in my file, called the microchip company for me to report my lost kitten and even called me back to let me know how the system works and...
Cats are at risk of developing bladder stones at all stages of life. A cat may develop a single large stone or several smaller stones. Some stones grow without treatment, while others remain static in size. If you notice symptoms of bladder stones, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. When left untreated, stones can cause a bladder rupture, which could be life-threatening for your pet. Here is what you need to know about feline bladder stones:
What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are deposits of organic material, crystals, and minerals that clump together to form hard, rock-like objects. Despite the fact that they both appear in the urinary system, bladder stones are completely unrelated to kidney stones. Vets aren’t sure why some cats get bladder stones, but factors like an unbalanced diet, dehydration, urinary tract infections, and genetic disposition could all play roles.
What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Stones?
Blood in the urine is the most common sign of bladder stones. You may also notice that your cat is straining to urinate or appears to be in pain during urination. Cats with bladder stones may urinate more frequently and may have accidents outside of their litter boxes. Constant genital licking is another symptom. Report any of these signs to your vet, who can check your cat for bladder stones through a physical exam, ultrasound, or urinalysis.
How Are Bladder Stones Treated?
The treatment your vet uses depends on the type and size of the bladder stones. In some cases, the best option is surgical removal, especially for large stones that are blocking urinary tracts. In other cases, dietary adjustments and increased water intake can encourage your cat to pass the stones. Shockwave therapy can be used to break-up stones for easy passage.
If you suspect that your cat has bladder stones, call the vets at Lake Emma Animal Hospital today. We perform many surgeries on-site in our veterinary clinic and will work with you to come up with the best treatment for your cat. Schedule an appointment by calling (407) 792-3322.
