ABC Veterinary Hospitals

Very Understanding!

3 Ways to Keep Your Feline Companion Cool in the Summer

Whether your cat primarily spends his time indoors or outdoors, it’s important to take extra steps in the summer to keep him cool and hydrated. Even if your home is air conditioned, the hot weather outside can lead to dizziness, sunburn, and heat exhaustion for your cat. Some of the signs that your four-legged friend is suffering due to the heat include panting, increased heartbeat, and reddening in the gums. Here are a few strategies to keep your pet healthy during the summer months:

Supply Plenty of Fresh Water

During the summer, you should make sure that there are at least three containers of fresh drinking water in rooms your cat normally occupies. You should also make sure that this water gets changed several times throughout the day. If you are unable to be at home for an extended period of time, you should replace the water in the morning before you leave and in the evening when you get home.

Keep One Room Dark

You can give your cat a permanent cool resting place by designating one room to remain completely dark throughout the summer days. You can help keep block heat from coming inside this room by using blankets and towels to cover the windows. The best room to designate as your cat’s dark room is a space where your cat already tends to spend his days and is more likely to naturally go to rest.

Rub Your Cat with a Cool Towel

A great way to keep your cat comfortable during the summer is by wetting a washcloth with cool water and running it over your cat’s back, neck, head, and stomach. Cats tend to have different preferences on how they like to be touched, so you should take your time seeing how and where your cat specifically likes to be rubbed.

Dr. Weber founded ABC Veterinary Hospitals to provide San Diego pets with quality, compassionate treatment. Our offices offer a range of services, including spaying and neutering, dentistry, and vaccinations. Call us at (858) 278-1825 to learn more.

Signs of Gingivitis in Dogs and Cats

One of the most common health problems among dogs and cats is oral uncleanliness. In fact, 70% of cats and 80% of dogs show some signs of dental disease by the age of two. If you don’t take care of your pet’s gums and teeth, plaque can build up and harden into tarter. This hardened tarter eventually leads to gingivitis, an oral health condition characterized by inflamed gums.

Gingivitis can eventually lead to advanced stages of periodontal disease, which can cause your pets to lose teeth or develop infection. Recognizing the signs of gingivitis can help you prevent the onset of advanced periodontal disease in your pet. Some initial signs include difficulty eating, dribbling saliva, and yellow or brown tartar on your pet’s teeth.

If you notice signs of gingivitis in your pet, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced veterinarian. Schedule an appointment with the friendly veterinary team at ABC Veterinary Hospitals by dialing (858) 278-1825.

Choosing the Best Food for Your Growing Puppy

Puppies grow the fastest during the first six months of their lives, so they require a higher level of nutrients during this time. Even though they need more nutrients than older dogs, puppies have small stomachs, so it’s important for them to consume dense, nutrient-rich puppy food.

When shopping for dog food, you may notice that there are three types of food: dry, semi-moist, and moist. In this video, you will learn which of these types is best for puppies. In addition, you will find out what to look for on the ingredients label when you select a brand of puppy food.

ABC Veterinary Hospitals can help you care for your pet at all stages in life. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (858) 278-1825.

A Look at the Growing Trend of Obesity in Canines

Just like their human owners, dogs that overeat or don’t get enough exercise are at risk for carrying excess body fat. Obesity in canines can lead to serious health consequences, including bone and joint pain and reduced lifespan. That’s why, as a dog owner, you need to carefully monitor your pet’s nutrition and make sure that he or she gets enough daily exercise to stay fit and healthy.

Risk Factors Dogs of all ages can become obese, but it is usually more common in dogs between the ages of five and ten. Dogs that are spayed or neutered and spend the majority of their days indoors also have a higher risk of developing extra body weight. You can tell whether or not your dog is carrying extra body fat by watching for signs of weight gain, including limited ability or lack of willingness to exercise.

Causes Obesity occurs when your dog eats more calories than are being burned off each day. Obesity is more common among older dogs because age tends to decrease a dog’s ability to exercise and burn off energy. Other reasons why your dog might become obese include feeding him or her high-calorie foods or frequent treats throughout the day.

Treatments If you’re concerned about your dog’s body weight, discuss his or her best treatment options with your vet. In many cases, your veterinarian will advise you to reduce your dog’s caloric intake and spend more time walking or playing with him or her. Your veterinarian can also help you develop a diet plan and eating schedule for your dog based on his or her age and required caloric level.

Would you like to learn more about caring for your pet? Schedule an appointment with ABC Veterinary Hospitals by calling (858) 278-1825. Our veterinary staff provides comprehensive and quality patient care to help your pet feel his or her best.