Tag Archives: vet clinic Roanoke VA

Cat Care, General Health, Illness & Disease

Things That Are Toxic to Cats

March is Poison Prevention Month! Cats have a very inquisitive nature. Fluffy often investigates anything new she spots in her domain, and has been known to try and sample things by eating them. This can be very dangerous! A local Roanoke, VA veterinarian lists some things that are poisonous to kitties below.

Essential Oils

While some essential oils are more dangerous than others, it’s generally never a good idea to use these on or near your feline pal. The oils are much more concentrated, which can make them toxic. Some of the more dangerous types include oil of cinnamon, citrus, wintergreen, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), and ylang ylang.

Lilies

Those peace lilies may be pretty, but they are toxics to our feline friends, it is one of the ones that is most dangerous. Sago palms, tulips, daffodils, oleander, and rhododendrons are also unsafe. You can check the ASPCA site here for more information on safe and unsafe plants. 

Salt Lamps 

Those pretty Himalayan salt lamps can give any room a cozy, relaxing glow. However, keep these in spots Fluffy can’t reach. Some cats like the taste of salt, and will lick them. This can lead to salt poisoning, which can be fatal.

Antifreeze/Coolant 

Antifreeze is another big concern. It is very poisonous to Fluffy, and can even be deadly. Unfortunately, many brands have a sweet taste that cats enjoy. Be sure to mop up any spills right away. 

Certain Foods

While some cats are quite fussy, others will eat just about anything. That’s why it’s important to know what is and isn’t safe for Fluffy. The list of dangerous foods includes garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; avocado; and xylitol.

Medicine

Any medication, whether prescription or OTC, should be considered a hazard to cats. Fortunately, Fluffy isn’t able to open bottles, so it’s unlikely that she’ll get into your medicine cabinet. The bigger concern is that people may try to give their pets medication, not realizing it isn’t safe.

Lawn/Garden Chemicals 

Pretty much anything that you would use around your home or yard should be considered toxic. This includes fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, cleaning agents, paints, to name a few. 

Please contact us with any concerns or questions about your cat. As your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, we are here to help!

Dog Care, General Care

Fido’s Holiday Wish List

Have you already started your holiday shopping? Or do you tend to wait until the last minute, and rush out to get everything at once? No matter which camp you’re in, don’t forget to pick something up for Fido! A vet clinic Roanoke, VA lists some great gifts for your canine buddy in this article.

Toys

No surprises here! There are now tons of great new dog toys to pick from. Look for things that fit your cute pet’s personality. A mechanical ball launcher is a wonderful choice for a pooch who loves nothing more than chasing tennis balls, while a puzzle toy may be a better gift for a curious senior pup.

Pet Tracker

Does your canine companion bolt for freedom at any chance he gets? Even the most loyal dog often can’t resist the temptation of an open gate. If you have a furry little adventurer on your hands, get him a GPS-equipped tracker that will help you monitor his movements. (We also strongly recommend microchipping.)

Gift Basket

Gift baskets have never gone out of style, and with good reason: they’re a great gift for anyone. The doggy versions typically include snacks, toys, and perhaps a few extras, like a comfy leash or a cute bandana. You can buy premade ones or just create your own.

Subscription Box

Want to keep that cute tail going all year long? Get Fido his own ‘subscription’ box. Your pooch will regularly get boxes of goodies in the mail. Plus, you get to watch him get excited over his mail.

Bed

A new bed is a great gift for any dog. Even if Fido already has one, he’ll appreciate having options.

Fountain

Another good option is to get Fido a doggy water fountain. Some shoot water into the air when your four-legged pal steps on a pad. Needless to say, this is adorable to watch.

Doggy Doorbell

Do you have a fenced yard for your furry friend to run and play in? Fido may appreciate having his own doorbell. These devices ring a bell when your pup steps on a pad. There is of course a learning process, but once your pet has it figured out, he’ll be able to let you know when he wants to go out or come in.

Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your animal hospital Roanoke, VA, anytime. We’re here to help!

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

Adopting a Shelter Dog

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. If you’re ready to bring a new pet into your life, please consider going through a shelter. This is a great way to find Fido! Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on adopting a shelter dog.

Benefits

There are some truly great reasons to get your canine companion from a shelter. First and foremost, you’ll be saving a life, and giving Fido another chance at happiness. That’s a beautiful thing, and an experience many people find very rewarding. You’ll also be able to choose your pet from a variety of adorable pooches. Another thing to feel great about? You’ll be promoting good animal welfare and helping the shelter provide care for other homeless pets. Last but not least, you may also find that going through a shelter is easy on the wallet, at least in comparison to going through a pet store or breeder.

Finding Fido

Choosing a pet is a huge decision. After all, you’re making a commitment to caring for Fido for the rest of his life. While sometimes you only need to glance at a pup to know you’ve found your new pet, at other times, it can be tough choosing the right dog. Spend some time with your canine pal, and make sure it’s a good fit.

Preparation

Before you bring Fido home, you’ll need to do some shopping. Your list should include bedding, toys, treats, dishes, grooming supplies, waste baggies, leashes, a collar, and a pet first-aid kit. You’ll also want to go through your house, and make sure that everything is safe for your pooch. Remove or secure anything that could be dangerous. This includes things like toxic plants, chemicals, medication, and anything small or sharp. If you have a yard, make sure that the fencing is secure.

Tail Wags

It’s always heartwarming to see how happy and excited dogs get when they realize they’ve been adopted. However, it can take time for them to really realize that they are safe, and that things will be okay. Give Fido time to settle in. Talk to him, play with him, and offer toys and treats, but don’t force attention on him. You’ll be getting tail wags and affectionate smooches in no time!

Do you have questions about adopting a shelter pup? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, today!

Adoptions, Cat Care, General Care

Adopt a Cat Month

June is Adopt A Cat Month! Of course, we think any time is a good time to adopt a cat. However, this is the purrfect time to add a new kitty to your household. Here, a local Roanoke, VA vet discusses adopting a cat.

Why Adopt A Cat Now?

June tends to be kitten season. At this time of year, the sudden surge of kittens being turned in leaves shelters overloaded and scrambling to care for their furry wards. This year, the coronavirus has made things even more dire. However, it’s also made us really appreciate how good cats are for us. Fluffy has been a huge source of comfort over the past few months. She’s also provided us with quite a bit of comedic relief. Plus, she’s a great lap warmer!

Finding Your Feline

There is certainly no shortage of kitties who are in desperate need of loving homes. However, picking the right pet can be hard. In some cases, you may immediately fall in love with a cute furball. At other times, you may have to think carefully to decide. You may be able to browse adoptable pets online, which might make the choice a bit easier. Listen to your heart, and keep an open mind. Don’t overlook the less adoptable pets, like the one-eared kitty with the funny meow, or the senior cat that just wants ear scritches. Sometimes the cats no one wanted are the best pets!

Things To Consider

Adopting a cat is a wonderful thing to do, and something that will change both your life and Fluffy’s. However, it is a huge decision, so be sure to think things through first. Make sure you are ready to commit to caring for your feline pal for the rest of her life. Adoption is forever!

Helping Animals

When you adopt a cat, you’re also helping other homeless kitties. For one thing, you’re opening up space at the shelter. You’re also helping them financially, as Fluffy’s adoption fees will help the shelter care for other pets.

Purrs

The best thing about adopting a cat is knowing that you’ve made a friend for life. Something pretty magical happens when a kitty looks at you with that adoring look and starts her engine!

Please contact us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Behavior, Dog Care

4 Things to Teach Your Dog

February is Dog Training Education Month! All dogs should know basic obedience commands. This is important for both petiquette and safety reasons. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet lists some that things your canine companion should know.

Basic Doggy Obedience

All of our canine buddies should obey basic commands. The five most important ones are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. It’s usually best to start with Sit, as it’s the easiest for dogs to pick up. Teach Fido one of these at a time. Make sure your pooch has each one down before moving on. Dogs don’t have very long attention spans except when bacon is involved. Keep classes short and sweet. We recommend working with your pup every day, for about 15 minutes at a time.

Crate Training

Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog every day, you should make sure that he is familiar and comfortable with being crated. After all, Fido will need to be crated sooner or later, either for travel or when visiting his vet or groomer. The key is to make the crate comfortable for your furry friend. Put some toys and soft bedding inside it, and give him treats and praise in and near it.

At Least One Trick

Many dogs like learning new things. Once Fido has the basics down, why not show him a cute trick? Classic dog tricks, like Roll Over, Beg, and Shake Paw, are always adorable. You can also teach your pup to Gimme Five, Smile, Hide Your Eyes, or Play Dead.

You Are Loved

Last but not least, make sure that your furry pal knows he is loved and cared for. Training is a great way to spend time with Fido, and keep that tail wagging! Man’s Best Friend strives to please his humans, and loves being called a good boy!

Tips

When training dogs, patience and consistency are key. It’s also important to make the experience fun for Fido. How do you do that? Incorporate some of his favorite things: treats, praise, and ear scritches. For treats, you’ll want to choose small portions, so you don’t overfeed your pooch. Cut up hot dogs are good options. Pieces of kibble also work well.

Please reach out to us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your pup’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

Understanding Your Feline Friend’s Hairball Production

Do you own a cat? If so, hairballs are a part of life for you and your feline friend. They’re certainly not pleasant to look at, and it doesn’t seem very pleasant for Fluffy when she coughs one up, but are they dangerous? Learn more here from a Roanoke, VA vet.

Why Do Hairballs Occur?

Your cat grooms herself often, as you know. When she does, tiny barbs lining the tongue pick up much of the loose hair from your cat’s coat. She swallows that hair, and most of it gets moved through the digestive tract normally and is ultimately expelled in the feces. Some of the swallowed hair, however, remains in the gut, clumping together over time to form a hairball. That gets regurgitated eventually, likely accompanied by a small bit of stomach fluid.

Do Hairballs Hurt My Cat in Any Way?

No, the occasional hairball doesn’t hurt your cat. It’s a natural part of life! There’s absolutely nothing to worry about if you see your cat cough up a hairball every now and then.

If your cat coughs up hairballs frequently, something could be causing her to shed more than normal. You’ll want to have your pet checked out at the vet’s office to be safe. Additionally, if your cat is gagging and retching but not producing anything, rush her to the vet’s office—your pet could be choking, or the hairball itself could be lodged in the esophageal tract.

Last but not least: vomiting and coughing up hairballs is not the same thing. If your cat is vomiting frequently, it’s time to see the vet.

How Can I Help My Cat Experience Fewer Hairballs?

You’ll be happy to learn that there are a few simple steps you can take to have your cat cough up fewer hairballs. That’s more pleasant for her, and it leaves less of a mess for you! First, brush your cat regularly; this removes a lot of the loose hair from Fluffy’s coat, preventing her from swallowing it in the first place. Secondly, make sure that your cat is receiving a high quality diet that contains all of the proper nutrients. When your cat’s nutrition is in tip-top shape, her coat of fur stays healthy with minimal shedding.

Does your cat need a veterinary exam? Schedule your four-legged friend’s next appointment right here at your Roanoke, VA animal hospital. We’re here for you!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Barbeque Hazards for Dogs

With summer here, we’re quickly moving into prime grilling season. Barbeques are one of our favorite summer activities, and we suspect that many of our canine patients share our opinions. However, Fido can get into quite a bit of mischief at barbeques, so you’ll want to take some steps to keep him safe. A Roanoke, VA vet discusses barbeque safety for dogs in this article.

Food

Many of our favorite foods are toxic to our canine buddies. Never let Fido have anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; alcohol; caffeine; grapes, currants, or raisins; mushrooms; or nuts. Meat on the bone is also a no-no, are raw meat, fish, and dough and anything containing xylitol.

Fire

Fires and pets are not a good combination. Keep your furry pal safely away from the grill. You don’t want Fido wrapping his leash around it, or snapping up a sizzling-hot burger that fell to the ground.

Chemicals

Lighter fluid, torch oil, citronella, bug spray, and other chemicals are all unsafe for pets. Keep these things well out of paws’ reach!

Open Gates

Keep an eye on your doors and gates, especially as people are coming and going. You don’t want Fido slipping out!

Heat

Summer can be tough on our canine pals. Make sure Fido has shade and water at all times. If you see him panting, bring him to a cool indoor spot and give him some water.

Parasites

Summer is a prime time for fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs. Make sure your furry friend is current on his vaccines and parasite control products.

Trash

Dogs are very opportunistic, and will seize any chance they can to score extra food. Fido definitely is not above going through the trash in hopes of snagging himself some leftovers! This can be dangerous, as the garbage may contain things like bones, skewers, tin foil, toothpicks, and other hazards. Clear the tables and put away leftovers as soon as everyone has finished eating. Use garbage cans with tight lids.

Being Underfoot

Man’s Best Friend likes to stick pretty close to his human pals. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to Fido getting stepped on, or getting his tail caught in doors. Keep a close eye on your pup!

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, if ever we can be of assistance. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

7 Reasons to Brush Your Cat

Cats have many wonderful qualities, but one of the best things about them is the fact that they are so clean. Fluffy will carefully groom herself every day. However, your furry little diva will still benefit from being brushed. Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet lists some great reasons to brush your feline pal regularly in this article.

Hairball Prevention

One benefit of brushing Fluffy regularly is that you’ll be capturing that fur with a brush before she can swallow it. (We all know what happens when cats swallow too much fur. Suffice it to say, this is not the best part of having a kitty.)

Circulation

Grooming is also good for your feline pal’s circulation. While it isn’t absolutely necessary to brush Fluffy for this reason, it certainly isn’t going to hurt.

Kitty Comfort

Some of our feline friends—such as senior cats, obese kitties, and pets with chronic pain—have a hard time reaching their whole bodies to groom themselves, and may need a helping hand. Brushing Fluffy will help her stay more comfortable, since, as one can imagine, dirty hair feels matted and itchy.

Insulation

Did you know that your four-legged pal’s fur has insulating qualities that not only help her stay warm in winter, but keep her cool in summer? Dead fur and dander interfere with the insulating abilities of your cat’s fur coat. Therefore, brushing Fluffy will help keep her comfortable temperature-wise.

Health Checks

While brushing should never replace veterinary appointments, it does give you a good chance to check your kitty for signs of injury or illness, such as lumps, bumps, cuts, or lesions. Call your vet right away if you notice anything unusual.

Less Fur Everywhere

This one’s a definite bonus! The more of Fluffy’s fur you can capture with a brush, the less you’ll find stuck to your sofas, chairs, carpets, and clothing. (Tip: use a squeegee, rubber dish glove, or a damp sponge to remove dead fur from upholstered surfaces.)

Purr Activation

Last but not least, brushing your cat is a great way for you to spend some quality time with her and keep that little motor going. Kitties are always happiest when they feel loved and safe and purrhaps just a little bit pampered.

Please reach out to us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We are always happy to help!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Beware of Autumn Pet Dangers

Autumn has officially arrived. Like the other seasons, fall time brings with it a few pet hazards to be aware of! Learn more below from a vet in Roanoke, VA.

Pesticide Products

It’s not uncommon for insects, small rodents, roaches, and other pests to begin invading our homes in the autumn, seeking warmth and shelter from the cooling weather outside. You may set up pesticides, rodenticides, and similar products around your home to ward off these pesky critters. Remember: pesticides are poisons, made specifically to kill the creatures who come in contact with them! Place pesticides with extreme caution, and always use pet-safe products or non-toxic options.

Wild Animals

Wild animals like raccoons and opossums can be more active in the fall, and they may harm an unsuspecting pet who disturbs them. Snakes are another wild-animal hazard in the fall; since they’re preparing for hibernation and are extra grumpy, they may bite a pet who comes across them! Supervise your pet closely while outdoors, and keep them away from tall grasses and heavy shrubbery.

Autumn Plants

Several plants and flowers that flourish in the fall—chrysanthemums, Autumn Crocus, certain lilies, and more—can prove toxic to pets! Additionally, common fall decorations like gourds, pumpkins, and autumn corn can harm a pet. These plants aren’t toxic, per say, but they can cause choking or upset stomach if a pet manages to ingest too much. Always keep a close eye on your pet to make sure they don’t try to chow down on any autumnal plants.

Wild Mushrooms

Autumn is peak season for mushrooms. While the vast majority of wild mushrooms aren’t toxic, a small number are—it’s just not worth the risk for your beloved companion. Plus, even mushrooms that aren’t toxic may be sprayed with weed-killing chemicals or lawn fertilizers, which you don’t want your pet to ingest. When your pet is outdoors, keep them away from any and all mushrooms!

Chilly Weather

Of course, with autumn comes cooler weather. Don’t leave your pet outdoors for long periods of time, where they may get cold. (This is especially true at night, when temperatures can drop to near freezing later in the season!) Your pet will be safest and happiest indoors with you and your family.

These aren’t the only fall-time hazards out there for our four-legged friends. Call your Roanoke, VA veterinarian today to learn about more great safety tips!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Health

Summertime Pet Hazards

The dog days of summer are nearly upon us. Will your animal friend be ready to face the hottest months of the year? Below, brush up on a few essential hot-weather pet care tips presented by your Roanoke, VA veterinary professional.

Heat and Humidity

Just like you, a pet won’t fare well if left out in heat and humidity for extended periods of time. Heatstroke and dehydration are serious issues—never allow your pet to remain outdoors during the summertime for hours on end, and make sure they have a large dish of cool, fresh water to drink from at all times. Check the water dish regularly to see if it needs refilled or refreshed.

Sunburn

Did you know that pets can get sunburnt, just like humans? It’s especially likely to happen on areas that are thinly covered by fur, like the tip of the nose or the edges of the ears. Your best bet to avoiding sunburn on your pet is to keep them out of direct sunlight for long periods. You can also try using a canine- or feline-formulated sunblock if your pet will have to stay outside for a longer period of time. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Outdoor Pests

Summer is prime-time for outdoor pests to latch on to your four-legged friend and start causing problems. Fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworm… make sure your pet is protected against these critters! Have your dog or cat wear a flea-and-tick preventative and take a quality heartworm medication. This way, any dangerous pests should be kept at bay.

Hot Asphalt

Do your best to avoid asphalt surfaces like driveways and parking lots when walking your pet. These surfaces can heat up drastically when the hot sun burns down on them all day. A pet who lingers on hot asphalt can experience painful burns and blisters! If possible, choose to walk your pet on cooler grass or dirt surfaces instead.

Toxic Plant Life

It’s likely your pet will spend more time outdoors during the warmer months. Remember that many plants and flowers aren’t safe for pets. Toxic varieties include rhododendron (also called azalea), philodendron, ivy, dieffenbachia, oleander, lilies, tulips, various aloe plants, certain rubber plants, the sago palm, and many more. To be safe, restrict your pet from munching on any plant life.

Want more tips for keeping your pet safe this summer? Call your Roanoke, VA vet clinic today!