Tag Archives: veterinary clinic Roanoke VA

General Care

How Smart Are Our Canine Pals? 

Ever wonder about your dog’s intelligence? Some of our canine friends are very smart! The typical pooch can pick up more than 100 phrases and gestures. Some are capable of learning up to 250. As a matter of fact, Fido is about as intelligent as a two-year-old human toddler! Below, a local Troutville, VA veterinarian explores this intriguing subject.

 

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Intelligent?

 

Do you want to know how smart your dog is? In some cases, it’s pretty clear. Fido is probably fairly intelligent if he has managed to unlock the door or open the fridge.

 

However, there are a few methods you can try to put your pooch to the test.

 

Puzzle Toys: These are also a useful tool for determining your dog’s dog IQ. Give Fido a toy that he must operate or handle in a specific way in order for him to receive his prize. Another option is to try hiding munchies beneath a cup.

 

Learning: We definitely recommend prioritizing teaching Fido the fundamentals of obedience before moving on to tricks. That said, as you’re training your pet, see how long it takes him to pick up new skills.

 

Word Play: When you call your dog, do you typically speak in a particular tone of voice? Talk to Fido in that same tone, but say something else. Any phrase will do. The more random, the better! If you say “Garlic Bread” or “Star Trek time!” and Fido ignores you, but perks up when you call him by name, you may have a smart pupper on your hands.

 

Of course, there are situations where it could be simpler to recognize that your canine buddy isn’t the smartest dog on the block. Your pet will more than make up for his lack of intelligence, though, with his endearing charm and devoted companionship!

 

What Is The Average Dog IQ?

 

Fido can’t technically take written exams, of course. However, scientists have done a great deal of research in this area. The results? According to studies, the typical dog has an IQ of roughly 100. 

 

What Were Some Really Smart Dogs?

At the top of that list are two Border Collies. Let’s start with Chaser. This amazing dog learned to recognize over a thousand objects by name! The cute dog participated in a Wofford College training program. Another Border Collie, Rico, was gaining attention for his intellect even before Chase arrived on the scene. Rico knew more than 200 words!

 

Of course, there’s another animal to which Chaser and Rico play second and third fiddle, respectively.  Puck, a Budgie, was one special fluffy bird. That feathered genius learned nearly 1700 words!

 

Additionally, there are other dogs whose intelligence is causing waves besides these two. 

 

Check out these other “pawesome” pups:

 

Fellow: When this German Shepherd was still a puppy, a man named Jacob Herbert fell in love with the cute canine. Herbert was able to teach the pooch to obey very specific commands, such as “Jump Over the Sofa” and “Go Into the Back Room.”

 

Gander: This dog is well known for his bravery and intelligence. A native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Gander rose to fame in World War II by aiding Canadian soldiers. The amazing dog went so far as to grab a deadly grenade and carry it away from his fellow soldiers, ultimately giving his life to save theirs.

 

Colonel: Charles Kestler, the owner of the Merchants’ Hotel, was the owner of this Denver dog.  Playing with his ball, which Kestler kept in the writing desk drawer, was the Colonel’s all-time favorite pastime. When no one would play with him one day, Colonel took matters into his own paws and figured out how to open the drawer. This involved stepping behind and under the desk, standing on his rear legs, and pushing the drawer open!

 

Which Dog Breed Is The Most Intelligent?

Breed undoubtedly contributes to Fido’s IQ. Several studies have been done on this. While there is a bit of variation in the order and list, for the most part, the same pups consistently make it to the top of the list.

 

Here they are:

 

  • Border Collie
  • Poodle
  • German Shepherd
  • Golden Retriever
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Papillon
  • Rottweiler
  • Australian Cattle Dog
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Belgian Tervuren
  • Schipperke
  • Collie
  • Keeshond
  • German Shorthaired Pointer 

 

Stanley Coren, PhD, outlined this comprehensive list in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, which came out in 1994. 

 

Additionally, Cohen classified canine intelligence into three main categories.

 

  • Instinctive Intelligence measures how strongly dogs naturally take to certain actions. The Border Collie’s behavior of “herding” his humans is a prime example of this. 
  • Adaptive Intelligence The ability of a dog’s mental processes to adapt to their surroundings is known as adaptive intelligence. This is relevant for a lot of working canines, such as assistance dogs for the blind. For example, service dogs may ignore orders to lead their humans across a street if they spot an approaching car.
  • Working Obedience Fido will put in a lot of effort to please you. How quickly he responds is what is measured in working obedience. In one study, for example, the most intelligent breeds answered commands over 95% of the time on the first try.

 

We’re Still Learning About Dogs’ Intelligence

 

Although Cohen’s work is still highly regarded, further research has since provided additional insight into this subject. One particularly interesting study from Helsinki was published in 2022’s Scientific Reports.

 

Over 2350 pups were assessed by researchers between 2016 and 2022. The dogs were a mixture of mutts and purebreds. Each of them underwent a battery of tests, called the smartDOG test battery. Greeting behavior, activity level, exploratory behavior, learning, memory, inhibitory control, problem-solving, logic, and gesture interpretation were some of the areas of canine intelligence that were assessed in those tests. 

 

Many of the results were as expected, particularly for certain breeds. A herding dog, for example, would be expected to be adept at gestures, so it’s no surprise that the Malinois did well in this area. A few of the findings were unexpected, though. For instance, the Labrador Retriever, who is frequently considered one of the smartest dogs, did not score well.

 

What Are The Least Intelligent Dogs?

 

Let’s just say this up front: we sincerely love every one of our canine patients. Not all dogs need to know how to fetch specific items or follow complex orders! Fido can still be a Very Good Boy even if he isn’t a four-legged brainiac.

 

We do have a list of the dog breeds that are the least clever, though, in case you were curious.

 

  • Basset Hound
  • Mastiff
  • Beagle
  • Pekingese
  • Bloodhound
  • Borzoi
  • Chow Chow
  • Bulldog
  • Basenji
  • Afghan Hound

 

These pups are still excellent pets, of course, and they should receive affection, affection, and belly rubs just like any other dog.

 

That being said, if your canine friend is one of these, we would definitely suggest being extra careful about petproofing and perhaps adopting a few extra safety precautions. Ask your Troutville, VA vet for tips on this. 

 

Do you have concerns regarding the wellbeing or upkeep of your dog? Feel free to get in touch with us at any time. As your neighborhood Troutville, VA veterinary clinic, we can assist you!

 

Cat Care, General Care

International Cat Day

International Cat Day is coming up August 8th. Kitties around the world will be more than happy to get some extra attention, and perhaps a special gift or two. If you have kids, you may want to take full advantage of this cute holiday. International Cat Day can be both fun and educational! A Roanoke, VA vet lists a few things you can do to celebrate below.

Treats

No animal holiday is complete without some special treats! Fluffy can have store-bought goodies, but she may also appreciate some plain tuna in water, or perhaps some shredded deli meat. Don’t give her any milk, though: despite all of those iconic pictures of cats drinking milk, most of our feline pals can’t digest dairy.

Toys

Kitties are very playful, which is one reason they’re just so much fun to have around. Pick up some new toys for the furball. Or, better yet, have the kids make Fluffy something. You’ll find some great ideas online!

Photo Session

You can never have too many adorable pictures of kids or cats. Kids and cats together? Even better! Snap some cute pictures of your feline buddy. You can play around with different filters and effects after. Frame your favorite. Or, start a collage, and add to it every year.

Box Castle

If there’s two things we know about cats, it’s that they love boxes and are convinced that they are superior beings. Have your youngsters make Fluffy her own box castle. This can be very simple: you can just cut a door and ‘windows’ out of a single box. Or, you can incorporate several boxes, and create features like towers and turrets.

Art

Creativity and the arts are just wonderful for children: they really help kids learn to express themselves. Have your little ones do something fun in honor of Fluffy. They can write a poem or story, draw a picture, or even sing a song about her.

Story Time

There’s no shortage of cute tales about our feline pals. Look into some of the myths and stories about Fluffy, and choose a cat-centric bedtime story from around the world.

Movie Night

Movie nights are purrfect for cuddling cats! Pick a feature that features a feline. Puss In Boots is a good bet.

Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, we’re here to help!

Dog Care, General Health, Illness & Disease

Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Heartworms

April is Heartworm Awareness Month. Heartworms, as you may know, are very dangerous parasites that take up residence in dogs’ hearts, lungs, and arteries. Heartworm infestations can cause some very dangerous medical issues in dogs. They can even be fatal. A local Roanoke, VA vet goes over the basics of heartworm infestations below.

Life Cycle

Dogs don’t transmit heartworms directly to one another. Instead, heartworms are actually transmitted by everyone’s favorite insect: the mosquito. Mosquitos pick up infected blood from one dog, and then transmit it to another. The worms are in larval form at the time of transmission, but they grow rapidly. They reach maturity in about 6 or 7 months. At this point, they begin to multiply.

Hotspots

Since heartworms are carried by mosquitoes, that means that Fido can get infected anywhere there are mosquitoes … even inside your home. However, damp, marshy areas are particularly risky. Dog parks can also be hot zones. While many ordinances require dogs to be current on preventative care, this is hard to enforce. That’s why it’s so important to keep your canine pal on preventative care all year long.

Warning Signs

Usually, coughing will be the first indication of a heartworm infestation in dogs. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and lethargy. Fido may not feel very playful, and he may get tired after even mild activity. Severe infestations cause more severe problems, such as fainting, seizures, and heart attacks.

Treatment

There is both good and bad news on this one. There are treatments available for heartworms. However, they are much more expensive than preventative care. Treatment also isn’t much fun for poor Fido, who may need to be restricted or even kenneled. Severe cases may even require surgery.

Preventative Care

Fortunately, it’s not hard to protect your canine buddy from these terrible worms. Just keep up with his parasite control regime. If Fido isn’t currently on parasite control, he’ll need to be tested before beginning a regime. This is because the products that prevent infestations don’t kill live worms. You’ll also need to have your dog tested regularly. Unfortunately, as often happens with bacteria and parasites, some worms seem to be developing a resistance to certain products. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you have questions about heartworm preventative? Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Cat Care, General Care

Playing With Your Kitten

Has a kitten just joined your household? Congratulations! You’ve basically adopted an adorable, tiny, fluffy predator. Little Fluffy will spend the majority of the next year trying to perfect her pouncing, biting, and scratching techniques. A local pet clinic Roanoke, VA offers tips on playing with kittens below.

Encourage Good Petiquette

Kittens may be small, but these miniature furballs have very sharp claws and teeth. Little Fluffy is going to be very focused on learning how to operate those nails and choppers. She may try to practice on you. This may be cute, but it’s best to discourage this behavior. Otherwise, you may find that your feline buddy still treats you as a cat toy when she’s an adult. That definitely won’t be cute! Tell your furry friend ‘Don’t bite’ or ‘Put your claws away’ in a firm, disapproving tone. You can also blow in her face. Then, just ignore her for a while. Most cats get the hint fairly quickly. 

Make It Routine

Cats tend to thrive when they’re on a set routine. If you pay attention, you’ll see that your tiny feline soon settles into her own kitty schedule for naps, meals, more naps, more meals, and playtime. Try to play with your feisty furball at the same time every night. (Tip: if little Fluffy gets the zoomies at night, schedule kitty playtime for just before bed. If you tire her out, she’ll just go to sleep.) 

Make It Challenging

Playing allows cats to both hones and satisfies their innate hunting instincts. Playtime will be much more fun for little Fluffy if you control the toy. Your frisky pet will have to focus to track where her ‘prey’ will go next. This offers your kitty beneficial mental stimulation. It’s also a great confidence booster! 

Be Safe

Kittens don’t know what is and aren’t safe to play with. In fact, they tend to gravitate towards the things that aren’t. Keep a close eye on your adorable bundle of mischief. Don’t let her play with anything that could be dangerous, such as small or sharp objects, plastic wraps, and anything with dangling threads. 

Have Fun

Little Fluffy’s adorable toddler stage will pass very quickly! Enjoy this time with your furry pal. Take plenty of pictures and videos. 

Please contact us if ever we can be of assistance. As your veterinary clinic Roanoke, VA, we’re here for you!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Autumn Care for Cats

Fall is officially upon us! Many people are seeing to seasonal chores and tasks now, and getting ready for winter. Your cat will probably sleep through most of your autumn activities. However, you will need to keep Fluffy’s safety in mind as the seasons change. Here, a Roanoke, VA veterinarian offers some helpful tips on caring for your kitty in fall. 

Bedding

Did you know that Fluffy will sleep even more than usual when it’s gloomy out? (We can’t really blame her: rainy days are great napping weather.) Make sure your drowsy little furball has lots of warm beds to curl up in. 

Grooming

Fluffy may shed more than usual in autumn, as she changes into her winter clothes. Get into the habit of brushing your pet daily. This will remove dust, dead fur, and dander from her coat. You’ll also find less hair on your furniture, and hopefully, fewer hairballs. 

Safety

The Great Outdoors is always dangerous for cats, but it’s particularly treacherous in fall and winter. Plummeting temperatures; snow; wild animals; toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and antifreeze; and shorter days all pose additional hazards to kitties. Halloween is particularly dangerous. Unfortunately, our feline friends are also at higher risk of being hurt or stolen around the autumn holiday. Keep Fluffy safe and purring indoors.

Parasite Control

Fleas and ticks are not as prevalent in winter as they are in summer, but they don’t go away completely. In fact, many of them will try to hunker down indoors. Mice and vermin might also try to get inside. These uninvited guests can carry dangerous diseases and parasites. Keep up with Fluffy’s vaccines and parasite control products. 

Decorations

Keep your frisky feline in mind as you hang seasonal decorations. Anything with dangling ropes or cords can be dangerous to a kitty. Small or sharp items are also unsafe. (This of course means that Fluffy will insist on playing with them.) Keep these items, and things like candles and potpourri burners, out of paws’ reach. 

Purrs

Dreary autumn days are perfect for relaxing at home with a good book or movie, a hot tea or coffee, and a purring kitty. Enjoy some down time with your feline buddy. Cats make great snuggle buddies! 

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

Cat Care, General Care

Cold Treats for Fluffy

Does your kitty rub against your legs when she wants you to feed her? Does Fluffy pay extra close attention when she notices that you’re eating something she likes? Cats are much more finicky than dogs are, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy treats. In fact, your feline pal may also appreciate having some cold snacks when it’s really hot out. A local Roanoke, VA vet suggests a few purrfect ones below.

Cold Dinner

Keep some plain canned tuna in water in the fridge, and offer Fluffy some on sweltering days. You can also do this with unseasoned, canned chicken, turkey, shrimp, crabmeat, or boneless salmon. Your furball may also enjoy a bit of cold deli meat.

Broth

Sodium-free meat, fish, or chicken broth is a great treat for kitties. It contains electrolytes, which is good for helping Fluffy stay hydrated. You can give your furry buddy a chilled bowl as a treat. Or, freeze small amounts of broth in ice cube trays, and give your furball one or two at a time.

Kitty Snow-Cone

Pour some tuna juice or wet cat food over shaved ice. You can also mix it together in a blender. Think of this as the kitty version of a milkshake!

Ice Cube

Some cats enjoy licking ice cubes. Go ahead and put one on a plate for your kitty. Don’t be surprised if she chooses to bat at it instead. Fluffy’s adorable ‘toe beans’ help her regulate her temperature. Therefore, playing ice cube hockey will both entertain your pet and help her stay cool.

Catsicles

Get a few cans of wet food with a high moisture content, and add water or sodium-free broth to thin it out even more. Then, freeze some in small portions. You can use bottlecaps to portion them out. Offer your furry pal a few pieces when it gets hot.

Feline Ice Cream

While real ice cream isn’t good for kitties, you can make your feline buddy her own. You can use frozen yogurt or cat milk, which you can find in many pet stores, as a base. Add things like tuna; cooked meat, fish, or poultry; bits of kibble; catnip; and/or organic baby food. Just be sure to stick to ingredients that are safe for your feline friend.

Please contact us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We’re dedicated to offering great veterinary care.

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Caring for an Aging Cat

Did you know that cats are officially considered seniors by the time they are 11? Our feline friends usually age slowly and gracefully, so you probably won’t’ notice major changes happening very quickly. However, as your furry buddy grows older, you will want to make some changes to her care routine. Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on caring for an aging kitty.

Grooming

Older kitties sometimes have trouble reaching their entire bodies to groom themselves. Brushing Fluffy gently will help keep her fur from getting matted or tangled. This is a good time to check your pet for bumps, bruises, or other signs of trouble.

Playing

Playing is actually great for your kitty! Running and jumping keep her in shape physically, while timing those pounces offers her mental stimulation. Try to play with your feline pal every day. Don’t worry about overdoing it: if Fluffy gets tired, she’ll just walk away and find her next napping spot.

Kitty Luxuries

Fluffy will spend most of her retirement napping and relaxing. Make sure your home has plenty of comfy kitty napping spots. Store-bought beds are fine, but your furball will also enjoy sleeping on an ottoman or chair with soft blankets.

Safety

We recommend that all cats stay indoors. This is especially important for older kitties! Fluffy won’t be as quick or agile as she once was, and may not be able to escape predators. She may also forget how to get home, and will be at higher risk of getting lost.

Confusion

Just like people, cats can get a bit confused and forgetful in their golden years. Fluffy may forget where her water dish is, or get lost on the way to her litterbox. She may meow loudly to vocalize her angst. Just try to soothe her.

Litterboxes

Speaking of litterboxes, you may want to get one with low sides. We also recommend keeping litterboxes on every floor of your home. That way, your cat won’t have to navigate the stairs as much.

Purrs

The most important thing you can do for your feline buddy is just pay attention to her, and make her feel loved. Just be very gentle when picking Fluffy up or putting her down!

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

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

Adopting a Senior Dog

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month. Older dogs often have a very hard time finding forever homes, and typically spend a lot more time in shelters than their younger counterparts. This is very sad, because they make absolutely wonderful pets. Here, a local Roanoke, VA vet discusses adopting an older dog.

Benefits

There are some great reasons to consider adopting an older dog. For one thing, they’re much calmer than younger pups. That means they don’t need as much exercise or playtime, and are much less destructive. They’re also usually already trained, which means you can skip the housebreaking stage. Plus, you won’t have to wonder how big Fido will get, or what he’ll look like in a few years. What you see is what you get! Last but not least, dogs in their senior years are often very sweet and affectionate. These adorable pooches really just want someone to love them, care for them, and scratch their backs.

Finding Fido

There are far too many older dogs in shelters, desperately hoping someone will love them enough to take them home. Many of these sweet pups have been abandoned by their owners, often after a lifetime of loyalty. In other cases, they may have ended up in shelters due to unfortunate circumstances. Giving a senior pet a second chance at happiness is a wonderful act of kindness, and a great way to meet your furry BFF!

Getting Settled

Before you bring your canine buddy home, you’ll need to go shopping. A comfy doggy bed is a definite must. You may want to get some pet ramps, to help Fido get around. We recommend elevated doggy dishes, which are easier for pooches to eat from than bowls on the floor. Your list should also include food, toys, treats, grooming supplies, waste baggies, a travel crate or carrier, a leash, and a collar or harness.

Love and Tail Wags

Fido may need some time to get used to his new home. Don’t rush things: just focus on offering your furry friend great care. Treats, walks, playtime, and belly rubs will all help your canine companion feel loved and safe. With lots of TLC, patience, and love, you’ll have that cute tail going before you know it!

Do you need to get your senior dog an exam? Please reach out to us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Pool Safety For Dogs

Do you enjoy swimming? Many of our canine patients love going for a dip on hot days. Pools can be dangerous for Man’s Best Friend, though, so you’ll want to take some precautions to keep Fido safe. A Roanoke, VA vet discusses pool safety for dogs in this article.

Swim Lessons

If your dog can’t swim, take some time to teach him. Gently support your four-legged pal as he is learning, and encourage him with praise and compliments. It’s a good idea to put a doggy lifejacket on Fido, at least at first. If you know someone with a dog that swims well, enlist them to help. Your pooch may learn more quickly by observing another pup!

Steps

The first thing you want to do whenever you take Fido to a pool is show him where the stairs are. We can’t overstate the importance of this! Even dogs that are great swimmers can panic if they fall in and don’t know how to get out. Take time with this training, and make sure your canine buddy really retains the knowledge. It’s also a good idea to get pet pool stairs, especially if you have an above-ground pool.

Other Precautions

In general, follow the same pool safety rules as you would with a toddler. First and foremost: never leave Fido unattended near water. Also, don’t let him swim immediately after eating. We also recommend fencing your pool off when it isn’t in use. This is especially important if your dog can’t swim well, is a small dog or senior, and/or has health issues that affect his sight or mobility. Pool covers can also be dangerous, as dogs sometimes mistake them for solid surfaces, and try to walk on them.

Water

This may be easier said than done, but try not to let Fido drink from the pool. The best way to avoid this is to make sure he always has fresh water available.

Fur

Did you know that dogs can get sunburns? Pooches with pale and/or thin fur are most vulnerable. Ask your vet about putting sunscreen on Fido.

Paws

Dogs’ paw pads are very sensitive, and are extremely delicate when they’re wet. Keep Fido on soft ground after he gets out of the water.

Enjoy your summer! Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, with any questions or concerns about your dog’s health or care.

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

What You Need to Know About Your Cat and Dairy

Cats and milk seem to go together like two peas in a pod. You might be surprised to learn that the two don’t actually mix very well! Learn more here from your Roanoke, VA veterinarian.

Why is Milk Bad for Cats?

It turns out that most adult cats are actually lactose-intolerant, just like many humans are. This means that they don’t possess enough of the enzyme lactase in their digestive systems to properly digest lactose, the main enzyme found in milk. While a small bit of milk might not do your cat any real harm, too much isn’t a good idea. It’s likely that a cat will experience an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea if they drink too much milk!

Don’t Kittens Require Milk?

You might be wondering about kittens, who do indeed require their mother’s milk—or a synthetic substitute if the mother’s milk isn’t available—in the early stages of life. During this time, milk is necessary for proper growth, but it won’t remain so as a cat grows older. Typically, a cat starts producing less and less lactase as they age, becoming entirely lactose-intolerant by the time they’re a full-grown adult.

If you’re raising a kitten, they may need to be bottle-fed with the mother’s milk or a commercial milk substitute. Ask your veterinarian for help, and also be sure to ask about transitioning your kitten from milk to wet food.

Is Any Dairy Safe for My Cat?

Other dairy foods like cheese and yogurt don’t contain as much lactose as pure milk does, so they might be a bit safer for your cat to eat. Keep in mind, though, that no dairy is a nutritional necessity for your cat and that too much of any foreign food can cause problems. If you insist on having your cat try cheese, yogurt, or other forms of dairy, keep the portion size extremely small.

A better idea for your cat is a “cat milk,” a relatively new product that can be found in many pet supply shops. It’s a special milk made just for cats that has had all lactose removed, meaning that it’s completely safe for your feline friend.

What Does My Cat Need to Drink?

Your cat only needs one liquid to drink: fresh water. Provide a full dish at all times!

To learn more about your cat’s nutritional needs, call your Roanoke, VA vet clinic today.