Spring in San Diego makes for a beautiful season; but for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, the blooming landscape can loose a little of its charm. Unfortunately, people aren’t the only ones susceptible to allergens: if you see your pet scratching away at a persistent itch, there’s a good chance that he or she is dealing with a similar problem. Caring for pets with allergies begins with a visit to the veterinarian, where your pet can be assessed and diagnosed accurately. From there, treatments ranging from dietary changes to topical solutions and medication can help manage pet allergies and make your furry friends much more comfortable.
Humane and compassionate animal care is essential to successful veterinary work; but as community healthcare providers, it behooves veterinarians to implement environmentally friendly practices into their hospitals as well. A veterinary hospital is first and foremost a hub for pet owner education, disease prevention and expert medical treatment. However, as stewards of better health and well being, veterinarians can set an example that extends beyond the basics – and inspire safer, greener and more sustainable communities through the use of eco-friendly business strategies.
As hard as it can be to imagine when we first meet our treasured family pets as kittens and puppies, animals age much like humans do; and just like us, they eventually require more frequent and specialized geriatric pet health care to meet their changing needs. The definition of “old age” for pets depends on the type and breed of the animal. But no matter what, all aging pets will benefit from certain changes in their diet, dental care, veterinary visits and evaluations in order to remain fit, happy and comfortable into their advanced years.
With the start of a new year, many people make New Year’s resolutions – oftentimes to improve their own health and that of their families, and to instate better habits for the year ahead. Pets can also benefit from this way of thinking; and for those people who count a furry or feathered friend amongst their family members, preventative veterinary health care is a simple and effective way to include pets in the wellness resolution trend.
For better or worse, for richer or poorer, most Americans remain dedicated pet owners when it comes to providing veterinary care for their furry, fuzzy, scaly and feathered friends. According to the Los Angeles Times, a recent poll indicates that the nation’s pet owners frequently prioritize veterinary care despite the cost in order to ensure the health and safety of their extended family members – be they canine, feline, equine or otherwise. When it comes to veterinary dental care, these numbers are especially encouraging: according to the American Veterinary Dental Society, at least 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of three, making routine visits for a professional veterinary evaluation and cleaning all the more critical to the health and well-being of America’s much-loved pets.
With Halloween already behind us and Thanksgiving just around the corner, the holiday travel season is almost in full swing. As pet owners begin making holiday travel plans, the issue of whether or not to bring the family pet along for the ride is bound to arise: and while traveling with pets can present unique challenges, a combination of smart tips and safe alternatives can help pet owners rest easy in the knowledge that their four-legged friends will be comfortable and well-cared for throughout the holiday season.
Heavy media coverage surrounding the recent cantaloupe-borne listeria outbreak has led to significant concern over food storage and handling safety, as well as increased awareness regarding the importance of properly washing produce prior to consumption. According to MSNBC, dozens of people in 20 different states have been infected with the dangerous bacteria, and so far 18 individuals have died as a result. Prior to this summer’s outbreak, listeria was primarily associated with deli meats and cheeses, as opposed to produce. But what some may not realize is that listeriosis, the infection caused by the listeria monocytogenes bacterium, is in fact one of many risky zoonotic diseases – that is, diseases that originate in animals before being transferred to humans.
For many of us, the dawn of late summer brings to mind Labor Day barbecues, back-to-school shopping, crisper air and a sense of new beginnings; but for pet owners, this otherwise delightful season also brings with it another, not so pleasant association in the form of rampant, pesky fleas. Throughout San Diego, where warm temperatures are a year-round reality, flea season effectively never ends. The hotter it gets, however, the more troublesome fleas become; and while there are plenty of products on the market to help get rid of unwanted fleas, new oral medications and preventative measures are the best means by which to ensure that your pet stays safe, healthy and pest-free – even in the midst of a perpetual San Diego summer.
