Last updated 9 months ago
Given the strong bond that humans form with their pets, many want to make sure that their cats or dogs are in the best health possible. The next time you visit your veterinarian or animal hospital, ask him or her the following questions to ensure that you are doing all that you can to maintain your pet’s quality of life:
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Are my pet’s teeth healthy?
Just as a human’s oral health can affect his or her overall wellbeing, a dog or cat’s health is affected by the condition of his or her teeth and gums as well. Veterinarians can recommend a wide variety of brushes, toys, and even foods to aid in the maintenance of your pet’s oral hygiene. They can also teach pet owners how to look for early signs of mouth disorders or oral disease, which can be diagnosed and treated before they become serious matters.
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Is my pet overweight?
Many veterinarians warn that too many pet owners are allowing their cats and dogs to become dangerously overweight. Given their smaller size in comparison to humans, pets that gain even a few extra pounds can suffer significant health problems. The added weight can put considerable stress on an animal’s heart, lungs, and joints. However, your veterinarian can devise a balanced diet strategy that will effectively remove those pounds from your pet.
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What signs of aging should I be looking for in my pet?
Depending on your pet’s size and breed, he or she may begin to show signs of aging in as little as five to six years. If you have noticed a recent change in your pet’s energy level, eating habits, or overall mood, tell your veterinarian. Your animal hospital can then recommend options regarding diet and exercise that can greatly increase your pet’s quality of life for years to come.
Hudson Veterinary Hospital provides superior health care options for pets and their owners. If you would like to learn more about our services, which include pet grooming and low-cost spaying and neutering, call us at (914) 502-2523.
Last updated 9 months ago
As veterinarians can attest, tick infestations are extremely detrimental to the health of your cat or dog. As this video explains, ticks can cause considerable ill effects when they come into contact with your pet.
In as little as 24 hours, a tick can transit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Bartonella, Ehrlichiosis, or Babesiosis to your cat or dog, all of which may prove fatal if left untreated. Aside from these complications, your pet may also experience irritation, inflammation, hair loss at the site of the tick bite, and anemia if the infestation is severe. If you suspect that a tick has bitten your cat or dog, immediately contact your animal hospital for assistance. To protect your pet from the many ailments caused by tick bites, administer a veterinarian-recommended tick repellent whenever you are in areas of thick brush or foliage.
Serving those in New York, Hudson Veterinary Hospital provides quality animal hospital care for pets and their owners. To make an appointment at our animal hospital, call us at (914) 502-2523.
Last updated 10 months ago
Cats can be demanding when it comes to their sanitation needs. Often, this conflicts with pet owners’ requirements that cats use indoor litter boxes. To express their discontent, veterinarians warn that felines will ignore the box and instead relieve themselves in other areas of the home. By adhering to the following guidelines, you can eliminate the stress and mess of unruly bathroom behavior:
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Have at least one litter box for each feline in your home. Cats can revolt if forced to share a litter box. Instead, provide one box for each cat and take care to purchase an extra box, too. This creates a more conducive environment for your cat’s sanitation needs.
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Keep the litter box in an open area. Animal hospitals caution that cats dislike covered litter boxes, as the enclosed space can produce fear and anxiety. Cats also tend to shy away from litter boxes that are confined to a remote area of the house, like a closet or basement.
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Make your litter box management as simple as possible. Refrain from using plastic liners or scented litter. If controlling litter box odor is a concern, try using baking soda underneath the litter instead.
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Remove the litter box from loud areas. Given the private nature of litter box activity, cats will react negatively to boxes that are placed in loud areas of the home, such as the laundry room or garage. Instead, veterinarians advise that you place your litter box in a quiet, traffic-free zone of the home to allow your cat the peace he or she requires when using the box.
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Clean your litter box as often as possible. Cats are notoriously clean animals. If you do not remove litter box remains frequently, your cat will refuse to use it. Cleaning out litter boxes on a daily basis is ideal; if you cannot adhere to such a rigorous schedule, invest in clumping litter that you can clean quickly and efficiently.
Hudson Veterinary Hospital offers quality care to those living in or near Ossining, New York. To learn more about our veterinary options, including pet grooming and low-cost spaying and neutering, visit us online or call us today at (914) 502-2523.
Last updated 10 months ago
Raising and caring for a pet requires patience, compassion, and commitment. Sometimes, you need a little bit of help. Here are some resources to help you and your pet have an enjoyable time together:
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Visit WebMD.com for a great checklist to help you expose your puppy to new places and experiences.
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Animals need exercise and play in order to lead a healthy life. Read this article for some activity ideas to save your pet from boredom.
For more information on caring for your pet, contact Hudson Veterinary Hospital at (914) 502-2523. We offer the residents of Ossining, NY diagnostic services, boarding, dentistry, dietary counseling, pet grooming, and emergency care. We look forward to seeing you and your pet soon!
Last updated 10 months ago
A cat’s natural tendencies towards fastidiousness, affection, and self-reliance make him a great option for a prospective pet owner. One of your first steps after choosing your new pet should be to take him to your animal hospital for a checkup. If you choose to bring home a kitten, here is what you should know to successfully introduce your new friend to his new home:
Prepare Your Home Beforehand
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Your kitten will need a warm bed and a litter box placed in separate, secluded spots around the house for privacy. He will also need high-quality cat food that is high in protein, fatty acids, and calories. Also, kittens love to make use of their claws, so be sure to buy a scratch post for your new pet.
Let Your Pet Slowly Explore
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The best way to introduce your new kitten to your home is to let him explore one room at a time. If you are bringing him home in a container, leave the door open as a safe place to run back to if he gets scared. Be sure to allow your kitten as much time as he needs to adjust to his new home. Show the kitten where his litter box is located, and place him in it several times to show that you want him there.
Handle Pet Introductions Delicately
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When your kitten is ready, introduce him to any other cats or dogs you may have. Soothe your senior resident with extra affection and let her investigate the new addition. However, be sure to keep a watchful eye on how they interact. Keep in mind that the introduction process could take some time.
Your kitten will need to see a veterinarian to receive treatments against disease and for spaying or neutering once he reaches six to eight months of age. Contact Hudson Veterinary Hospital in Ossining, NY at (914) 502-2523 to make an appointment for your new kitten, or any of your pets, today.
