Oak Forest Veterinary Hospital
Is Your Pet in Chronic Pain? Top Signs of Pet Arthritis
How do you tell if your beloved cat or dog is in pain? Sometimes, our faithful companions and cuddly cats make it easy for us. Sometimes, they will cry out in pain, hold up a paw or even limp. These more obvious signs usually happen when their pain is acute. Unfortunately, often times they suffer in silence.
A pet suffering from arthritis often doesn’t cry out or limp until their pain becomes intolerable. More commonly, a fair amount of older pets will do the best they can to continue in their normal routine. If we know what signs to look for in our aging pets, we can better control their pain before it becomes unbearable. Also, if we know our pets are starting to suffer, we can actually slow the process of pet arthritis with medications.
Senior Dog Care: Special Considerations for Senior Dogs
Dogs older than seven years of age are considered senior pets. Senior dogs are in the stage of life in which the aging process is beginning to affect every organ system. Some organs “wear out” faster or are more susceptible to cumulative damage than others, so certain observations are especially important to make.
The Prevalence of Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes continues to be one of the most prevalent diseases affecting people, but did you know diabetes is also on the rise among cats and dogs? Diabetes impacts 1 in 200 cats and approximately 1 in every 200-500 dogs. While this disease is more common in senior pets, we’re also seeing many cases among younger animals.
If you’re wondering what causes diabetes in pets and what the symptoms are, you’re in luck because November is National Pet Diabetes Month. In observance, the team at Oak Forest Veterinary Hospital wants to help you learn more about this condition and its prevention.
The Dark Truth About Black Cats and Halloween
The western world generally regards black cats as harbingers of bad luck, evil, or death, but other cultures see these special felines differently. For example, many Asian countries and parts of the UK perceive black cats as lucky, even using them to ward off bad juju (how’s that for irony?). Bastet, the Egyptian goddess, was often depicted as a black cat who symbolized family, fertility, and joy.
Leptospirosis: What You Need to Know
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs and other mammals that primarily affects the liver or kidneys. Infections is uncommon in areas where widespread vaccination of dogs has been practiced for many years. Outbreaks of the disease are still seen from time to time.
How is Leptospirosis Transmitted?
Leptospira bacteria are carried mainly by rats and other rodents, but can also affect almost any mammalian species, including people. Infected or recovered “carrier” dogs may act as a source of the infection.
Ingestion of infected urine or rodent-contaminated garbage is the most important means of transmission, but some forms of the bacteria can penetrate damaged or thin skin. For instance, when dogs swim in contaminated water, they may become infected through their skin. The incubation period (from infection to onset of clinical signs) is usually four to twelve days. Continue…
A Touchdown For Pets: Football Players And Pet Charities
The National Football League is known for its contributions to charities throughout the country. From its partnership with the American Cancer Society to its commitment to student health and fitness through its NFL Play 60 foundation, this uniquely American sport has benefited communities throughout our great nation.
In recent years, individual players have turned their sights, and considerable influence, toward helping pets in need. We are excited to highlight the connection between football players and pet charities!
Pet Vaccines: Helping Your Pet Live a Long and Wag-Full Life
By Audrey Wojtkowski
Recently there has been a lot of talk about fully vaccinating children and the dangers of over-vaccination. But what about your fur-child? How do you know which vaccines are appropriate for your pet? What about preventative care beyond pet vaccines? How can we catch diseases early enough to treat and allow your pet to live a longer life?
Pet Vaccinations in a Nutshell
Let’s start with the basics: what is a vaccine? A pet vaccine is a segment of the virus or bacteria that will help to prepare the body’s immune system to fight off the disease should it ever be exposed in the future.
There are so many diseases that your pet can be vaccinated for that it can be overwhelming when your veterinarian is poking your pet. If you aren’t sure what your fur-baby is being vaccinated for, or if you are confused you should always ask for clarification. Continue…
Pet Vaccines 101: Keeping Them Well
Pets have never had it so good. Unlike their predecessors, modern dogs and cats have access to the best in veterinary medicine, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives than ever before. Besides enjoying scientific advances in the areas of surgery, cardiac care, oncology, physical therapy, and more, today’s pets benefit from preventive care in the forms of nutrition, wellness exams, and of course, regular pet vaccines.
It may seem like an inconvenience to bring your puppy or kitten into the veterinarian’s office every few months for shots, and then back for boosters every year, but having a long and healthy life for your best pal is well worth the effort.
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
One of the viruses that we vaccinate every puppy for is Canine Parvovirus (CPV). Parvovirus, more often referred to as just Parvo, is a virus that affects the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and young dogs. This disease primarily affects those who have not been vaccinated, but improper vaccinations and a lack of boosters can also lead to your dog or puppy contracting the disease.
Canine Parvo Prevention
It is important that your dog or puppy is vaccinated appropriately in order to prevent the disease. AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) recommends vaccines every three to four weeks starting at 6 to 8 weeks and boostering every three to four weeks until your pet is over 14 weeks old. Older puppies without vaccine history should be given a vaccine when you initially bring him in and boostered three to four weeks later. Continue…
ACHOO! Updates on Canine Influenza Virus (CIV)
If you’re like many Lone Star State pet owners, the latest outbreak of canine influenza virus (CIV) across the South, and now here in Texas, may have you concerned. The latest strain of canine influenza has been making its way across the states since early 2015. While CIV has been around for a few decades, the most recent strain infects almost all unvaccinated dogs who are exposed to it.