Last updated 3 months ago
The majority of cats in the United States are indoor cats, and unfortunately, indoor cats seldom feel the need to exercise. If your indoor cat does not exercise enough, it could gain weight and suffer many health problems, from diabetes to arthritis. Follow these three tips to help your cat stay active, healthy, and happy:
Make Your Cat Work for Its Food
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When you feed your car, place the food in one room and the water bowl in another. This way, your cat will have to run back and forth to get both. For an even better workout, place one bowl on the floor and the other in a high place, such as a counter. Your cat will have to jump to reach the food or water, burning calories and building muscle in the process.
Use Playtime as a Treat
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Keeping your cat healthy often means limiting the amount of treats you give it. But you can still keep your cat happy by incorporating special toys at playtime. Make sure the toys you choose can be recognized as special, such as a fluffy wand that your cat will love to bat around or a laser pointer for hours of fun trying to catch that elusive red dot.
Play Hide-And-Seek with Treats
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So your cat REALLY loves food treats? You can switch to a healthier treat, but even then, you’ll still have to balance the treats with portion control and exercise. You can do this by taking small treats or pieces of a larger one and hiding them in various places around the room. Maximize the exercise factor by placing some in high places like shelves, counters, or windowsills, and space them out so that your cat will have to run around to get them. Then, just sit back and watch the fun begin.
If you suspect your cat is gaining weight, bring it to Hudson Veterinary Hospital. Our experts are trained to notice the onset of all weight-related health problems in animals, and can recommend a number of prescription pet foods to combat them. Call us today at (914) 502-2523 to set up an appointment.
Last updated 3 months ago
Most cats can’t resist the smell and taste of human food. But the next time you catch them looking up at you with pleading eyes, hoping for just a tiny morsel off your plate, don’t give in. Many foods are harmful or potentially deadly for cats.
In this video, a veterinarian answers a viewer’s question about foods that cats can’t eat. Cats’ digestive systems can’t handle many human foods, especially alcohol, grapes, and milk. Check out the video to learn more.
Contact Hudson Veterinary Hospital with any questions you may have about your pet’s diet. We offer a variety of prescription dog and cat foods to make sure that your furry friend gets all the nutrients it needs. We can be reached at (914) 502-2523.
Last updated 4 months ago
No matter what their age, dogs are like babies—cute, curious, and willing to put just about anything in their mouth without a second thought. But if your dog happens to get its teeth on something dangerous, like onions or chocolate, the consequences could be severe. Read on for a look at what to do if your dog eats something poisonous.
Stay Calm
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When people are bitten by poisonous snakes, their first objective is to stay calm and move slowly. This is because stress and panic increase your heart rate, in turn spreading the poison through your system faster. Use this same principle when your dog eats something poisonous. If your dog sees you panic and frantically talking on the phone with your local animal hospital, it will start to stress and panic as well. Its heart rate will then increase and the poison could take effect faster. Keep your voice down and your movements efficient, but collected, and your dog won’t suspect a thing.
Induce Vomiting
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Poisonous foods like chocolate become potentially lethal when they are dissolved in your dog’s stomach and absorbed into its bloodstream. This is a process that starts immediately, so—if possible—you should induce vomiting right away to get the bulk of it out of its system. If you don’t have a prescription medication for this, the safest way to induce vomiting is by giving your dog three percent hydrogen peroxide at a dose of about one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. This is in no way a cure, but it can certainly blunt the damage.
Administer Activated Charcoal Tablets
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Activated charcoal is not the same as the charcoal you use to light your grill. It is actually a form of carbon that has been compressed into tablets and filled with tiny pores. The pores—as well as the absorbent nature of carbon—work to soak up the toxins and poisons in your dog’s stomach, keeping them from spreading.
None of these tips can substitute for a consultation with your local veterinarian. At Hudson Veterinary Hospital of Ossining, we are dedicated to keeping your furry friend healthy and safe, no matter what. Our state-of-the-art clinic and trained professionals are well-equipped to deal with any pet emergency. Call us at (914) 502-2523.
Last updated 4 months ago
You can never have enough knowledge when it comes to taking care of your pets. Read these articles for research, tips, and facts that will help you provide the best pet care to keep your animals happy and healthy.
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The Humane Society of the United States provides research and facts about harmful flea and tick products. This webpage includes information on contaminants and poisoning symptoms.
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Did you know that grapes can be poisonous to your pets? CNN explores 10 household plants that are harmful to dogs.
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WebMD’s advice for making the most of your veterinary visits extends beyond preparing for physicals.
Hudson Veterinary Hospital is your pet’s one-stop hub for both primary and acute care. Call (914) 502-2523 to take advantage of our many medical and dental services, including diagnostic procedures, surgery, compounded medicine, dietary counseling, low-cost spaying and neutering, and grooming.
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.
