vets

3 Tips to Limit Your Doggie's Doctor Office and Vet Visit Anxiety
Advice

3 Tips to Limit Your Doggie's Doctor Office and Vet Visit Anxiety

While some pooches approach the doctor's office like a new place to play and a vet as a newfound BFF, other dogs want no part .
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While some pooches approach the doctor's office like a new place to play and a vet as a newfound BFF, other dogs want no part . . . and make that known. Make it easier on both of you and follow these three steps for smoother sailing come checkup time:

  • Do pre-appointment prep. Call the vet beforehand to find out what procedures your dog will receive and about how long they'll take – it gives you an idea of what's in store and how to prepare. If your dog is never lifted up on a table other than at the vet, consider a couple trial runs (like at a park's picnic table). Have friends and strangers nearby so he gets used to unfamiliar hands and faces. Also, if you think this visit will be an issue, ask for the least busy appointment slot. Fewer dogs in the waiting room and less waiting time means you can get in and out!
  • Stick to a routine of fun. Try to make the big day as pleasant as possible. Don't schedule a visit during his normal playgroup, give him his once-monthly bath that A.M., or do anything that would ordinarily stress him out. Also, make sure he goes into the office well worn out – head over 20-40 minutes early and walk him vigorously around the area or give him nearby play (and potty) time.
  • Reward, reward, reward. Bring a pocketful of tiny training treats – if he starts to get antsy, bring his attention back to you with a yum. Don't forget to reward him with an additional playtime or snack when you leave the office – your good boy deserves it!
Have Your Dogs Given Blood?
Health

Have Your Dogs Given Blood?

While not something that all pet owners utilize (or even know about), animal blood banks are key for furry families' emergency surgeries and other procedures as a result of accidents and illnesses.
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While not something that all pet owners utilize (or even know about), animal blood banks are key for furry families' emergency surgeries and other procedures as a result of accidents and illnesses.

Without generous donors — like Jackson here — veterinary surgeons couldn't do their lifesaving work. Seen here is Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank in Severna Park, MD, where Dr. Ann Schneider and veterinary assistant Dave Anderson soothe the pooch as the fluid is collected. Have any of your pets donated blood, or used blood from others?



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Do You Know Where the Closest 24-Hour Vet Clinic Is?
Health

Do You Know Where the Closest 24-Hour Vet Clinic Is?

Take a minute and look for the closest emergency vet to your home .
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Take a minute and look for the closest emergency vet to your home . . . if you don't already know it. Since North's regular doc is at a 24-hour facility, I have the phone number already in my phone in case of an accident. Even if you don't program it in, it's good to know how far you'd have to go if need be. Did you already know the location of the nearest urgent care for animals, or was this your first search?

Source: Flickr User Dimmerswitch

How Much Did You Spend to Spay or Neuter?
Health

How Much Did You Spend to Spay or Neuter?

Depending on where you live, this average price can vary (as with any other services from daycare to dog walking).
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Depending on where you live, this average price can vary (as with any other services from daycare to dog walking). Regardless, there's a huge difference between "low-cost" spray/neuter options and ones at a private veterinary clinic. Whether your pet stayed overnight or was out in a flash for laser or stitched procedures, how much did the total package cost you?

This Just In: Getting Greenies Just Got a Little More Difficult . . .
Food

This Just In: Getting Greenies Just Got a Little More Difficult . . .

Rather controversial but still well-loved by pups across the nation, the manufacturer of Greenies just announced today that the product will now be offered exclusively through vet hospitals and pet specialty stores.
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Rather controversial but still well-loved by pups across the nation, the manufacturer of Greenies just announced today that the product will now be offered exclusively through vet hospitals and pet specialty stores. The hard treats help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, but some dogs have trouble chewing and properly digesting them . . . which leaves many animal lovers confused and on the fence about the snacks. Citing studies that show nearly 75 percent of pets exhibit some stage of oral disease by age 3, Carolyn Hanigan, vice president of marketing for Nutro Products, Inc. says:

We believe that pet medical professionals at veterinary hospitals and well-trained, knowledgeable staff at pet specialty stores are best equipped to answer pet owners’ questions about our products, and to make the right recommendation.

I've given these treats to North in the past and, while he'll gladly gobble most anything, I would never offer one unsupervised. What do you think of the news? Does it change your take on the toothbrush-shaped snacks?

Source

PetMD Comes to the iPhone
Health

PetMD Comes to the iPhone

If you're already an iPhone owner (or just contemplating a purchase), here's yet another app to add to your must-download list.
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If you're already an iPhone owner (or just contemplating a purchase), here's yet another app to add to your must-download list. Health portal, PetMD, has a free Finder that can help you locate key pet services in your area. Whether you're in a new neighborhood, planning a vacay, or simply curious what your city has to offer, this app is essential since you can search by either zip code or current location via GPS.

In addition to emergency clinics and shops to stop at, you can seek sitters, walkers, groomers, etc. near you, then read about and rate them as well. You'll get just about any information in a pinch, making you the new, insta-expert at the dog park you'll discover – don't forget to add it – on your next adventure. Go forth, download, and hit the road!

This Crate Makes the Car Part of Vet and Groomer Trips Easier
Travel

This Crate Makes the Car Part of Vet and Groomer Trips Easier

When picking up a jumbo-sized bag of dog food at my local pet megastore, I noticed a frustrated-looking owner try to lure his poodle into a standard crate in the back of his SUV fresh from the in-house groomers.
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When picking up a jumbo-sized bag of dog food at my local pet megastore, I noticed a frustrated-looking owner try to lure his poodle into a standard crate in the back of his SUV fresh from the in-house groomers. Now, some people find it easier to load up a pup inside the home before carrying the animal and crate out to the car, but this isn't always possible on the way back.With larger dogs, couple a pet ramp with a side opening crate like The Other Door Steel Crate ($200). It's way easier to let a pet walk in from the side than have to maneuver to the traditional lengthwise door in a limited car space or this model has (yet) another door on top for lifting and loading – that's three ways total!