ABC Veterinary Hospitals

A Quick Look at the Rabies Vaccine

From pain and confusion to fever and hypersensitivity, the symptoms of rabies in a dog are serious and heartbreaking for a pet owner to witness. You can protect your four-legged friend from running the risk of developing this life-threatening disease by having her inoculated with the rabies vaccine on a regular basis. As your veterinarian will share with you, the frequency with which your dog will need to be vaccinated depends on several factors including state law and the prevalence of local wildlife in your area. Puppies should receive their first rabies vaccination right around 12 weeks if they are in good health.

The rabies vaccine is just one of the many vaccines that your veterinarian can offer to protect your dog from fatal diseases like distemper and the parvovirus. To find out whether your pup is in need of a shot in the near future, be sure to call ABC Veterinary Hospital at (858) 278-1825. Together, we can help your pet stay happy and healthy for years to come.

Signs that Your Dog Needs More Exercise

One of the biggest health problems facing dogs these days is obesity, which is often brought on by an over-indulgence in dry food and a lack of day-to-day exercise. If you're concerned that your canine companion is overweight and in need of a lifestyle change, then it's a good idea for you to confirm your suspicions by scheduling a checkup at your local veterinary hospital. Here are some basic signs that your dog needs more exercise:

He Greets You with His Toys No matter the breed, dogs are active by nature. If you are unable to play with your dog for more than 30 minutes each day or you don't allow him to frequently run free in the backyard or a nearby dog park, then you may notice him requesting to go outside on his own. Instead of ignoring your dog when he greets you with a ball in his mouth, take this act as a sign that he's ready to go outside and play.

His Behavior Is Destructive While some dogs show their desire to go out by bringing toys to you or sitting by the door, others will express their frustration in less constructive ways. One of the most common signs that your dog needs more exercise is a rapid change in mood from easy going to anxious, destructive, and whiny. This change is the result of him wanting to expel energy outdoors but not having the opportunity to do so.

His Body Is Undefined Another way to determine whether or not it's time to add more exercise to your pup's routine is to check his body. When running your hands under his torso, you should be able to feel his ribs as well as an arch going up towards his hind legs. He should also have a defined waist when examined from above.

The best resource to turn to when searching for ways to improve your dog's exercise habits is your veterinarian here at ABC Veterinary Hospital. To find out how a consultation with our friendly and knowledgeable staff can support your efforts to get your dog in shape, call (858) 278-1825.

Understanding the Cost of a Poor Diet for Your Pet

With so many brands and flavors to choose from, it can be difficult to know which type of food is the best option for your pet. Whether you're looking for treats for your puppy or an everyday formula for your cat, the best place to turn for valuable insight is your veterinarian. Here is a guide to helping you understand the cost of a poor diet for your pet:

Allergic Reactions Just like their human counterparts, dogs and cats can be allergic to ingredients found in certain foods. Common allergies for dogs include artificial coloring, dairy, and grains, while many cats are sensitive to soy, corn, and dairy products. Since the symptoms associated with an allergic reaction—such as vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes—are harmful to a pet's mental and physical wellbeing, be sure to consult with your veterinarian to pinpoint their triggers.

Low Energy Levels Many small dogs require frequent meals in order to avoid hypoglycemia. If you notice that your little toy Poodle is acting sluggish or uninterested in certain activities, then you should examine the frequency of her feedings. Pets that are given a diet that lacks essential nutrients can also show signs of exhaustion or low energy levels, which are characteristic of malnourishment.

Cancer and Kidney Disease You're one of your pet's best lines of defense against diseases like cancer and kidney disease. One of the most effective ways to reduce your canine friend's chances of developing cancer is to provide him with a diet rich in C and E vitamins. To reduce the chances of him being affected by kidney disease, limit his intake of protein based on your veterinarian's suggestions.

Here at ABC Veterinary Hospitals, advising pet owners on the right type of pet food to purchase is just one of the many ways we express our commitment to keeping their furry friend healthy. To learn more about our services, be sure to visit our San Diego animal hospital. You can also visit us online or give us a call today at (858) 278-1825. 

What You Need to Know About Feline Obesity

One of the most responsible and loving things that you can do for your cat is to provide him with a lifestyle that encourages healthy eating and plenty of exercise. With cat obesity on the rise, it's important to understand that even a little bit of excess weight can increase your pet's chances of developing debilitating diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, renal disease, and possibly even heart failure. To check if your cat is too heavy, make sure you can feel his ribs when running your hand below the stomach and that his waist is visible from above.

If, after checking your cat's proportions, you notice that he could stand to lose some weight, feed him smaller meals and substitute all dry food for wet alternatives. For more information on feline obesity, be sure to watch this video.

The friendly staff here at ABC Veterinary Hospitals can help you learn more even more about the healthy ways to prevent your cat from gaining excess weight. To schedule a checkup with one of our vets at our animal hospital, call (858) 278-1825 today.

Can You Go Green with Your Pet Care?

It takes a lot of resources to keep a pet healthy and happy. That’s why reconciling your environmental concern with caring for your pet can seem quite difficult. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to lessen your environmental impact and provide the care your pet needs. Here are a few steps you can take to make your pet care more eco-friendly:

Recycle Old Materials

From old bedding and blankets to leashes and pet toys, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of stuff during the course of pet ownership. Rather than throw these old materials away, give your local pet shelter a call and see if they have any use for them. Many pet shelters are strapped for funding and will appreciate any materials you can give. They may even find use for non-pet related items, such as old computer monitors and printers.

Build an Outdoor Cat Enclosure

Cats love to roam outside, but they’re no friends to wildlife. According to a Fish and Wildlife Service study, feral cats and domestic cats allowed to roam outdoors kill anywhere from 1.4 to 3.7 billion birds per year. To keep your cat from leaving dead birds and rodents at your doorstep, consider building an outdoor cat enclosure. These enclosures can allow your cat to enjoy the sights and smells of the outdoors without preying on wildlife. They can also be an attractive complement to a backyard landscape.

Better Manage Waste

Many pet owners do a great job of picking up their pet’s waste, but the use of plastic bags for this task is a waste of resources. Try biodegradable bags instead. For cats, look out for eco-friendly cat litters that use recycled materials. Many standard cat litters use mined minerals.

If you want more tips to make your pet care more eco-friendly, consult with the experts at ABC Veterinary Hospitals. We serve pet owners from three San Diego locations, providing a lifetime of pet care services. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (858) 278-1825.