Last updated 4 months ago
Because your pet’s health is of the utmost importance, you’ll want to know how to navigate your four-legged friend’s first physical examination at the animal hospital. Your preparation will help you optimize your time with the veterinarian, making the appointment run smoothly. Knowing what to expect from your pet’s first veterinary visit beforehand can make the experience a stress-free one for all involved.
Maintenance of Health Information
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Your pet’s veterinarian will need to maintain excellent written notes for your dog or cat’s medical chart. This is the part of the visit where your help is most critical. Answer any questions the doctor may have about your pet’s health history. Bring any existing medical records to the visit. The pet’s vaccination record, past illnesses, injuries, surgeries, and any other medical history information will be helpful.
Examination Procedure
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Expect the examination to start with a temperature reading. This is taken rectally for cats and dogs, so don’t be alarmed if you have never seen this done before. As your veterinarian will attest, your pet will not be uncomfortable as the temperature is taken. The doctor will also inspect your pet’s skin, which will include checking the hair or fur. Much like your doctor would for your own physical exam, the veterinarian will check your pet’s ears, eyes, nose, and mouth for abnormalities and signs of infection. The doctor will also use a stethoscope to listen to the chest and abdomen to make sure all internal organs appear to be functioning normally.
Follow-up Instruction for At-Home Care
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Depending on the examination’s results, your veterinarian may have some specific instructions for your pet’s care going forward. You will need to be prepared to heed the advice and carry out any medical orders on your pet’s behalf. Your pet may need a specific diet or exercise regimen, or you may have to administer medication regularly. Whatever the instruction, your pet’s health depends on your readiness to follow through.
Complete physical examination is just one of the many medical and dental services we can provide for your pet at Hudson Veterinary Hospital. Call (914) 502-2523 to schedule a physical examination, grooming, or low-cost spaying or neutering for your pet today.
Last updated 5 months ago
Being a cat lover, you have decided on a highly intelligent and loyal friend to share your home with. Your new cat also likely has an independent streak and a desire to scratch items around the house. Fortunately, there are many effective, humane, and veterinarian-approved methods for curtailing scratching on your favorite furniture.
By watching this video, you will discover physiological and psychological solutions for eliminating cat scratches on your furniture, walls, and other undesirable areas. In addition to using a comfortable and prominently placed scratching post, you can keep your cat from destroying furniture by observing his scratching habits. Rewarding your cat for scratching on the post instead of on household surfaces will keep your pet loyal to the designated area. Nail trimming or temporary plastic cap placement over the nails during grooming are also alternatives for minimizing scratching damage around the home.
Nail trimming is one of many pet grooming options offered at The Groom Room at Hudson Veterinary Hospital. Call (914) 502-2523 today to schedule an appointment at our animal hospital to discuss behavioral health and grooming options for your cat.
Last updated 5 months ago
Great care is required to maintain a safe, nurturing environment for yourself and your pets. Still, even pet owners with the best of intentions can unknowingly put their animal friends in harm’s way. Keep your pets healthy and safe by keeping certain products away from your animals.
Pesticides
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Chemicals found in pesticides, namely flea and tick control remedies, can harm your cat or dog if ingested or administered incorrectly. According to The Humane Society of the United States, flea and tick treatment poisoning symptoms can consist of salivation, vomiting, tremors, hiding, dilated pupils, skin irritation, and shivering.
Human Medications
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Accidentally ingesting human medications like over-the-counter pain killers, vitamins, and prescription drugs can cause serious illness for your pets. Never treat your pet with human medications. See your veterinarian whenever your little buddies aren’t feeling well. Dispose of your medication containers carefully, so that your animals cannot find them.
House Plants
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Some of the plants that create the loveliest home environment, such as azaleas, philodendron, and even your holiday mistletoe, can make your animals very sick. Ask your veterinarian which plants are safe for your pets during the planning stage of your home gardening and potting.
Small Toys with Loose Parts
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If your pets love to play, you may be tempted to pick up any cute toy from the store or an old toy chest. Toys that are small enough to fit completely inside your pet’s mouth can pose a choking risk. Also, keep in mind that small, movable, or loose parts on larger toys can come off and pose similar risks.
Rawhide Chews
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Dogs love to gnaw, grab, and chew on tough surfaces. Rawhide chews seem like a good choice for satisfying your pet’s chew-toy obsession. However, rawhide can transport Salmonella. In addition, bits of rawhide can flake off of the chews and pose a choking risk.
The doctors at Hudson Veterinary Hospital can help you implement a plan to keep your home pet-safe. You can also visit the office in Ossining, NY if your animal does ever get sick from dangerous household products. Call (914) 502-2523 for our animal hospital’s help maintaining a healthy, safe environment for your pets.
Last updated 5 months ago
Pet health is a priority for pet owners. To learn about the pet health topics discussed in our recent blogs, explore the following resources. To arrange an appointment with a skilled and experienced veterinarian, call Hudson Veterinary Hospital at (914) 502-2523.
Last updated 5 months ago
Just as people can be vaccinated against certain viruses, pets can be protected from a number of serious illnesses through vaccinations. These vaccinations offer a number of benefits for your pets and your entire household, including:
Protecting Your Pet Against Deadly Diseases
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Vaccines can protect your pet from distemper, hepatitis, kennel cough, and other contagious diseases. Some vaccines only need to be given once, whereas others need to be administered every year or two in order to maintain effective protection against disease.
Promoting Healthy Development
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Young kittens and puppies are more susceptible to a number of diseases than are their older counterparts. By making sure that your pet receives her core vaccinations at the recommended age, you can help foster an environment in which your pet will be able to flourish. Some diseases, if contracted early, can adversely affect your pet’s development.
Keeping Your Household Safe
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Rabies and a handful of other illnesses can be transmitted to humans by pets. In addition to promoting your pet’s best interest, vaccinating your pet against these diseases can protect your family or roommates.
Considering the Health of Other Pets
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Vaccinating your pet in accordance with your veterinarian’s recommendations is a responsible decision. Not only will your pet be immune to a number of harmful viruses, but she will also not spread contagious diseases to other pets at the dog park or boarding kennel. In fact, most kennels only care for pets that have received their core vaccinations.
The veterinarians at Hudson Veterinary Hospital are qualified to vaccinate your pet and can provide you with information that will help you feel comfortable with the vaccination process. To learn about the recommended vaccination schedule for your pet, or to arrange to have your pet immunized against harmful diseases, visit us online or call us today at (914) 502-2523.
