How to Prevent Lyme Disease and other Diseases Caused by Parasites in Pet?

By southernpriderottweilers
|
September 19, 2022
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| Animal Hospital

For a good reason, Lyme illness has been in the headlines recently. The country’s most often spread vector-borne disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is Lyme disease. The illness affects both people and pets; if untreated, it can lead to many unpleasant side effects.

Now is the ideal time to concentrate on protecting pets from Lyme illness as spring weather intensifies. Thus, pet parents should speak with Virginia Beach animal hospital staff about Lyme disease and its prevention.

Lyme Disease in Pets

Ticks of all kinds can latch to your pet. However, black-legged bugs, commonly known as deer ticks, are the ones that can transmit Lyme disease. Although dogs are more likely to contract Lyme disease than cats or other warm-blooded animals, they are both susceptible. Many animals don’t show signs of the illness, but those that do may show fever, limping joint problems, and depressive symptoms.

How to Protect Your Pet from Parasitic Diseases?

The best approach to protect your pet from Lyme disease is to keep them on a regular flea and tick control regimen. Give your vet a call as soon as possible if you need a refill or haven’t begun your pet on a parasitic prevention plan yet.

You may safeguard your pet in other ways, too, like:

  • After being outside, thoroughly check your pet for ticks, especially paying emphasis to the ears, between the toes, underarms, and root of the tail.
  • Keep your dog away from shrubbery and dense grassy areas when out for a walk or a hike.
  • By keeping weeds and plants pruned and discarding any heaps of leaves or waste, you can reduce the tick population on your property.
  • You should also get your pet evaluated for the Lyme disease vaccine.

Tick Removal 101

Even if you take every precaution, there’s a significant possibility you’ll occasionally discover a tick implanted in your pet. To safely remove a tick from your pet, follow these instructions:

  • Grab the tick’s head with tweezers as close as possible to your pet’s skin.
  • Avoid spinning or bending as you slowly and steadily remove the tick.
  • Use rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant safe for pets to clean the area.
  • Burn the tick or submerge it in rubbing alcohol to dispose of it. If you want to get the tick tested for Lyme disease, you can also preserve it in rubbing alcohol.

Keep an eye out for Lyme disease symptoms in your pet, such as a rash near the attachment site.

Tick management can be frustrating, but by focusing on safety and prevention, we can keep our pets well even while exploring the outdoors. Call the staff at the Virginia Beach vet hospital if you have any inquiries concerning Lyme disease in animals.

The Trouble With Parasites

It’s understandable why we detest most pests after suffering a mosquito or unwanted tick bite. An itchy bite is less worrying than the more severe illnesses parasites frequently transmit.

What are parasites? Animals that live on their hosts’ bodies or on their skin are called hosts for organisms known as parasites.

There are two different species to protect your pet from intestinal parasites and exogenous parasites. Internal parasites exist within the body. Giardia, tapeworm, and heartworm are a few examples. Bugs sting the skin and are known as external parasites; examples include fleas, lice, mange, and mosquitoes.

The parasites transmit diseases and ailments, spanning from anemia and allergy to zoonotic diseases. Although a flea or insect bite may appear inconvenient but innocuous, there are several significant hazards they can pose.

Why is Prevention from Parasite Essential?

Detecting and preventing parasites is a crucial aspect of pet wellness care. e normally advise a year-round treatment tailored to fight fleas, ticks, insects, and gastrointestinal disorders because parasites are common and active all year long. Depending on the medication, your pet may get a monthly chewable and topical flea treatment.

You may buy certain preventatives online or at your neighborhood pet supply store. However, if a pet has been ill or the wrong pet comes into contact with the product, these goods could pose significant health risks. For instance, several topical intended for dogs are highly dangerous to cats.…

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Things to Consider When Adopting a Senior Dog

By southernpriderottweilers
|
July 11, 2022
| No Comments
| Animal Hospital

Getting a senior dog is a great plan that may offer you endless delight if you are adequately aware of the positives and downsides involved. An aged furry friend can provide you with a unique company but will require gentle love and care on your part. The word “senior” may be deceptive in and of itself because the age of maturity varies across breeds.

Not all dogs above the age of 7 are considered senior; a huge dog will approach adulthood at the age of 8 – 10 years, whilst a medium breed would reach maturity at the age of 6 – 7 years. As a result, be conscious of the life stage of the dog you are adopting, as this will aid in selecting the maintenance regimen and training tactics. However, whether you are adopting a puppy or an adult dog, you should take them to Virginia Beach veterinary hospital for medical examination.

Aside from fundamental concerns regarding breed facts and the specific physiological conditions of the chosen dog, you must spend time answering these important questions before adopting a dog in his golden years. 

1) Are you adequately prepared and knowledgeable to deal with age-related and medical issues?

A senior dog, like any other animal, will experience health difficulties. As his caregiver, you must be properly informed and equipped to cope with the medical challenges associated with the dog’s old age and the costs related to keeping him well. Agility concerns in large breed elderly dogs are common, as are chronic issues in midsized breed dogs. It is highly recommended that you comprehend the day-to-day upkeep and pattern of the dog you decide to put into your life and be prepared to invest the time and money required to keep them fit and active.

2) Do you have the patience to correct negative behavior?

Before knowing you, older dogs have already formed a character and specific tendencies. If the dog’s prior owner or the rehabilitation shelter where it was housed ignored destructive tendencies like rubbish eating or frequent howling, you will have to change such habits. Remedial training will need time and persistence to address such habits and behaviors. Begin by making the dog feel entirely comfortable in your home, and then utilize strategies such as incentive reinforcement to correct negative behaviors.

3) Are you psychologically prepared for this exciting but brief ride?

When you bring a senior-friendly home, remember that his heyday is past. Though you will both treasure this relationship, it will be brief. A fully mature dog, say 6 or 7 years old, may enjoy a comfortable life for another 6-7 years with regular care from you. If you accept a senior dog at ten, your contribution will be more, but the partnership will be much shorter. Be prepared mentally for this, but don’t allow it to interfere with the relationship you’ve formed in such a short period of time.

4) Can you reverse the negative training?

An elderly dog may be taught new tricks, but reversing an existing behavior is arduous. A mature dog has lived a long life before you adopt him, and as his new parent, you must be willing to accept his previous life. Adult dogs persuaded into altering certain old habits may become fear biters, which mean they may begin nipping out of fear, particularly if they correlate your corrective instruction with an unpleasant event they had in their prior life. Thus, you should contact professionals at veterinary hospital or animal behaviorists.

5) How to deal with authority issues regarding senior dogs?

Although older dogs are accustomed to being companions and will follow their human parents, keep in mind that despite your kindness and affection for the dog, you are still a different person in their life, and it may take some time for it to become acclimated to you. Suppose the dog has previously been in foster care or has had a negative encounter with outsiders. In that case, you will need to spend more TLC and effort before the elderly canine welcomes you, responds to your companionship, or follows your directions.…

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What is Alopecia and how does it affect dogs?

By southernpriderottweilers
|
April 30, 2022
| No Comments
| Pet Care

Alopecia is characterized as a region of abnormal hair loss in dogs. However, these bald spots are usually symptoms of a more serious health problem. Alopecia can be caused by various factors, some of which are readily remedied and others that indicate a more severe problem. A dog owner will be better equipped to assist cure hair loss in a timely way if they recognize the various factors why a dog may experience alopecia. The best course of action is to take your dog to the nearest animal medical center Virginia Beach VA for timely treatment.

Hair loss is known as alopecia, and several forms of alopecia can impact dogs. The area or source of hair loss is used to classify these categories.

Alopecia is often accompanied by itching and skin irritation. There may be circular, focused regions of baldness, a moth-eaten look to the fur, or perhaps even proportional hair loss on both sides of the body, depending on the origin of the alopecia.

A variety of factors can cause alopecia.

A variety of factors can cause alopecia, but the two most common types are congenital and acquired. Some alopecia causes have unique labels, whereas others are just referred to as hair loss caused by an actual reason.

Alopecia Areata: This kind of alopecia is characterized by focal patches of hair loss. This is an uncommon auto-immune illness in which there is usually no inflammation. It’s most common on the neck and head.

Follicular Dysplasia: This kind of alopecia impacts certain breeds and results in a thinning hair coat that looks like it’s been moth-eaten. Follicular lipidosis and color dilution alopecia are two types of follicular dysplasia caused by a genetic mutation.

Post-Injection Alopecia: Some dogs suffer alopecia at the injection site after receiving certain types of injections. Post-injection baldness has been documented after a rabies shot or steroid injection.

Post-Clipping Alopecia: When a dog’s fur is shaved, the coat in the clipped region does not always come back. This kind of alopecia has no recognized etiology.

Pattern Baldness: The origin of this hair loss is unknown; however, it is present in several canine breeds, such as Dachshunds. It can also induce hyperpigmentation in the skin’s underlying layers.

Traction Alopecia: Barrettes or hair ties are sometimes used to style dogs’ hair. Alopecia can develop if these hair stylings tug too firmly on the hair follicles.

Pineal Alopecia: Restricted to the ear lobes, pineal alopecia induces hair loss in the ears as the hair grows thinner and thinner.

How to Recognize and Treat Alopecia?

If your dog has baldness, your veterinarian at the pet care Virginia Beach will attempt to determine what’s causing it. To determine the cause of the alopecia, skin shavings for parasitic infections, a thorough physical, blood work, and biopsies may be suggested. There are no particular tests for some types of alopecia, but they are generally identified when other causes have been ruled out.

Alopecia Treatment

The therapies for eczema in dogs vary depending on the hair loss cause. In some situations, your dog may require antiparasitics, antibiotics, antifungals, and other drugs to treat hair loss by addressing the fundamental cause. Alopecia is sometimes incurable owing to auto-immune or hereditary reasons.

How to Prevent Hair Loss?

Some varieties of alopecia may be avoided, while others are beyond the control of dog owners. The easiest strategies to minimize these preventable kinds of alopecia are parasite control and making sure any hair ornaments are not attached too tightly. Other types of alopecia, such as those caused by a hereditary or auto-immune condition, cannot be prevented, although they can be reduced in coming generations by selective mating.…

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How to Prepare Your Pet’s Surgery?

By southernpriderottweilers
|
December 28, 2021
| No Comments
| Pet Care

Nobody wants to think that their dog or cat is sick. With all of the joy they bring to our lives, it might be difficult to imagine a loved one enduring surgery. However, whether you’re bringing your cat in to pet care Virginia Beach to be spayed or she requires normal medical treatment, surgery is sometimes an inevitable aspect of keeping her healthy.

We’ll give some recommendations in this blog article to assist your family in preparing your pet and house for surgical procedures. We’ll also discuss after-care for your cherished pet. 

Making Surgery Preparation Plans

Our pets are one of the brightest moments in our days for most pet owners. Our pets never pass judgment on us, no matter how bad we are feeling. They’re always willing to get out with us and show us their undying love and support. That’s why, when our dogs need us, we want to be there for them.

It may be a challenging moment for you and your family when your pet is scheduled for surgery. You’re anxious about your pet’s operation, but also about how they will feel and how painful the recuperation will be. Taking the proper steps to ready your pet and your house for operation can help reduce stress and provide a safer, more pleasant healing for your pet. 

Here are a few things to be aware of when it comes to surgery:

1. Determine whether or not your pet requires fasting.

Fasting is required for all pets requiring an anesthetic prior to surgery. Since the drug used during surgery impairs an animal’s ability to swallow, this is the case. If they throw up, the pet may aspirate, perhaps resulting in aspiration bronchitis.

Even though some pets have difficulty fasting, it is critical to restrict them from eating before surgery to ensure their safety. It’s crucial to receive such rules from your vet because certain animals may be permitted some food or drink.

2. Talk about your medications ahead of time.

Some drugs are dangerous to take around operation time, so be sure you tell your doctor about all of your pet’s prescriptions. We’ll also gladly answer any concerns you have concerning the procedure and put your mind at rest.

3. Get ready for the big day.

Ask your veterinarian at animal medical center VA Beach if you need to carry your pet’s regular food to the veterinary facility ahead of time. For the travel to and from the vet, you might wish to bring your pet’s favorite blanket or other valued things. 

Post Surgery Care

After surgery, your pet will be transferred to a dry, warm place to be observed as they gain back from the anesthetic. You’ll be kept informed about how the procedure went and how your pet is healing afterward.

A physician will go over the post-operative home healthcare instructions with you again when you pick up your pet. In most circumstances, you will not be obliged to stay at home with your pet all day. You will almost certainly need to provide drugs, as all animals are given pain killers and, in some cases, antibiotics following surgery.…

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How to calm pets during fireworks?

By southernpriderottweilers
|
September 24, 2021
| No Comments
| Pet Care

There is something magical about fireworks. When crackers shot to the sky and split into million sparkles, we all froze in amazement. Although we may enjoy the revelry of crackers and fireworks, pets find them distressing and scary. In animals, fireworks and bustling sounds can trigger anxiety and stress. In extreme distress, pets may experience violent shaking, howling, barking, uncontrolled drooling, and hiding under furniture. Some pets may lose their appetite and even lose bladder control. If you have a pet at home that isn’t comfortable with fireworks and thunderstorms, you should prepare for any party or celebration in advance. You can also consult vets from animal hospital Virginia Beach for professional advice. 

Pets and Fireworks- Why they don’t go along together?

When fireworks are set off, it makes loud and sudden noises. Unexpected noises like bangs, sirens, shrieks, crackles, etc., can startle or frighten animals. Besides the loud noise, bright light flares and flashes also upset pets. Pets are sensitive to loud noises and bright lights. Firecrackers also release smoke and fumes and produce gunpowder smells that further irritate pets’ noses. Fireworks are often a part of more significant celebrations or gatherings. Pets that are normally docile may become uneasy around strangers or too many people. This can further aggravate the situation and stress your pet.   

All the elements associated with fireworks and crackers can stress any animal and instill a sense of fear and anxiety. Every other pet has different ways to react to such stressors. Depending on the temperament of your pooch, he may turn frantic or tremble, bark or whine, or hide under the bed from all the commotion happening around. In certain dogs, such stressors can make them aggressive. They can bite or growl on people around them until their fear eases. 

How do you keep pets calm during the fireworks?

If you are having a party at your house or neighbourhood and planning to put up a firework show, ensure your pet doesn’t get affected in any way. Prepare your pet in advance for any fireworks-intensive party. It is advised to keep small children and pets away from fireworks. Most pet owners wish to make their pets part of every family gathering and outing, including fireworks displays. However, it’s important to remember that pets are not humans, and they perceive fireworks as a threat and danger. If you are a new pet parent concerned about keeping their safe and calm pets during fireworks, consult veterinarians from pet hospital Virginia Beach. You can also hire a pet sitter who can stay with your pet while you enjoy the fireworks show. 

You should also desensitize your pooch to fireworks in advance. Train your pet for loud sound by playing audio recordings or videos of fireworks. This will help your pet become used to the loud noises. At first, play the recording on lower volumes. Once your pet gets comfortable with it, increase the volume. Once your pet becomes familiar with the fireworks, they will be able to manage their anxiety and stress. …

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