Day & Evening Pet Hospital

Veterinarian Palm Harbor

Call: 727-785-7200
511 Magnolia Ave
Palm Harbor, FL 34683

Really? A Dental Exam For My Pet?

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Have you thought getting a dental for your pet was not that necessary?

Actually, their mouths need care just like ours do.  Let’s say your cat or dog is an outside pet.  There is no telling what he or she may have eaten as a midnight snack.  Or maybe your dog went to say “hello” to another animal.  Or maybe your cat gave another cat a bath.  Regardless, that’s a lot of different bacteria spreading around and they do not get their teeth brushed several times a day like ours do!

Your dog or cat is susceptible to bacteria growing and causing infections and diseases in his or her mouth!  You can do things to help them by buying good teeth chews or treats for their teeth.  “Greenies” are a good choice.  You can even get your dog on a healthier diet.  Dr. Adney and Dr. Paredes specialize in pet diets and pet dentals so ask the vet about it and he can recommend the food for your dog’s needs.

Sometimes, a tooth(s) can get so badly “infected” that it would need to be removed.

Some signs that your dog or cat is overdue for a dental are bad breath, puffy or swollen gums, discolored teeth and ulcers on the gums.

Giving your dog or cat a good diet and treating them with some yummy chews that are good for teeth cleaning do not replace an actual dental; however, they do help keep your pet cleaner and healthier.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month.  So, call us and make an appointment.  One of the things we are known for are our dental specials.  Giving your pet a healthy mouth will ensure a happier and longer life.  And that’s exactly what we want!

 

 

 

Fleas and Ticks, Oh My!

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Fleas and ticks are not only annoyingly scratchy for your pet, but they are a burden for you too!

Firstly, what exactly are fleas?  Fleas are wingless, jumping insects that will feed on the dog or cat’s blood for survival.  There are actually over 2000 different types of fleas!  Dog and cat fleas will even use us as hosts to feed on if they can.  Fleas can carry different kinds of parasites that can later turn into diseases that can affect the life of you and your pet.  It’s important to know what you can do to prevent them.

When you bring your dog or cat in, Dr. Adney or Dr. Paredes will do a thorough physical examination.  One of the things they will check for is to see if your dog or cat does have fleas or ticks.  If your pet does, they are simple to treat and they will give you recommendations as to what to do for your specific pet.  If your dog or cat doesn’t have any, (Phew!) you will most likely hear about a tick and flea preventative.  This is a monthly application that is easy and simple for you to give.  Dr. Adney recommends Frontline as the flea and tick preventative to use.  The clinic usually has specials on it so call and ask!

So now you have your flea and tick preventative and now you’re all set, right?  …Maybe!  Lets check over a couple other areas.  If your dog or cat is let out to play in the backyard there are some other preventative steps you can take.  Look over your yard.  Fleas like to live in darker, shadowy places with areas of higher humidity.  Examples of places like this would be a dog house outside, underneath the porch, swing set, places like that.  Ticks like areas where the grass is tall (makes it easier for them to jump on your pet or you!).

So keep these things in mind and keep them clean, keep the yard trimmed and keep your pet on a flea and tick preventative.  It really does make all the difference in the world for you and your pet.

What Are Heartworms?

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Heartworms have several stages.  They don’t start out as “worms.”  Heartworm disease is actually brought about through mosquito bites to your dog or cat.

Heartworms themselves start out as a parasitic entity circulating in the blood of an infected animal.  The mosquito gets this parasite from biting whatever animal that was.  After that parasite is given to the mosquito, it is allowed to grow through several stages in the mosquito.  (We will keep it all less technical!)  Later,  when the mosquito has a meal and bites your dog or cat, these parasitic entities are then passed into the bloodstream of your pet.  Once this occurs, the parasite is allowed to grow into a full worm.  During this growing stage of the worms in your pet, it won’t show up in a heartworm test if the mosquito recently bit your dog or cat.  The reason for this is because it does take a couple months for the heartworms to go through the different growing stages it goes through before it can show up on the test.

It is called a heartworm because they congregate in the heart of your dog or cat.  When your pet is first bit, the heartworms go through the bloodstream and stop in the heart.  Before they become full worms and are just larvae, they reside in the heart where they are allowed to grow quickly in both length and size.  Female worms have been seen to grow 14 inches long!  As they grow and mature, they become sexually active and mate.  Offspring is produced which puts more heartworms in your pet.

The solution to all of this is to get your dog or cat tested regularly and on a Heartworm Preventative!  Heartworm preventatives are pills given monthly.  Correct and honest heartworm testing is very important for the long life of your pet.  Dr. Kevin Adney and Dr. Al  Paredes give state of the art tests to ensure your pet’s results are accurate.  Take time to do it.

New Pet Over the Holidays?

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Getting a new pet and adding a new addition to the family makes for happy times and fond memories! Just like any other member of your family, your new pet is going to need a few things from their doctor to have a happy, long life.

After you have caught up with your regular routine after the Holiday season, it is a must that your new pet get a physical exam from your veterinarian.  No matter where your new pet came from, he or she is still susceptible to different diseases, allergies and parasites.

In this physical examination, your pet will have their eyes, nose, ears, gums and their overall body structure checked.  Their skin will be thoroughly examined to check for possible allergies, diseases or parasites.  Their temperature will get taken, one of our knowledgeable doctors will listen to your little one’s heart and lungs and feel over other internal organs to ensure they are functioning properly.  A fecal test will also be included.  Blood work may need to be done depending on your pet’s breed.

New puppies and kittens need vaccinations to help keep up their immune system while it is maturing. Certain vaccinations are required by law and others are given for important health factors.

Dr. Adney will recommend a diet plan for your pet.  Each pet is different and will have their own nutritional needs.

The goal of this physical exam is to not only rule out diseases spread by parasites, fleas and ticks, but to prevent them from occurring so you and your new family member have a long road ahead.

Please call us to set up an appointment for your new pet: (727)-785-7200.  We want your pet to have a long and happy life with your family!

Puppy Package $84
Physical Exam
Distemper/Parvo Vaccine #1
Bordetella #1
De-Worming #1 (takes care of Roundworms and Hookworms)
Fecal Test
1st dose of Heartgard (protects against Round, Hook and Heart worms)
Kitten Package $103
Physical Exam
Feline Distemper (FVRCP) #1
Feline Leukemia Vaccine #1
De-worming #1 (takes care of Roundworms and Hookworms)
Fecal Test
FIV/FeLV Test (test for Feline AIDs and Feline Leukemia)

 

Pet Health Care – Preventing Heatstroke In Dogs and Cats

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Prevent Heatstroke In Dogs And Cats
Working up a good sweat in the hot summer is good for humans, but getting over heated can lead to heatstroke in dogs and cats and can be fatal to your pet.

Your pet does not sweat like a human and outdoor temperatures and humidity levels can rise quickly in the Spring and Summer. The normal body temperature for your pet ranges from 99.5 to 102.5 degrees. When your pet gets over heated and thire temperature rises several degrees above normal, your pet risks heat exhaustion. At over 107 degrees heatstroke can cause major permanent damage and can even be fatal.

Heatstroke can cause nervous system problems. Your pet can suffer from cramping, extreme weakness, total collapse or even go into a coma.

An abnormally high body temperature [hyperthermia] starts when increased muscular activity occurs and your pet has impaired ability to cool down due to high heat and high humidity environments. This condition can be avoided by taking the proper precautions to protect your pet.

“If your pet exhibits any of the following signs of heatstroke, treat it as an emergency and bring your pet to our vet clinic immediately,” said Dr. Kevin Adney, veterinarian at Day And Evening Pet Clinic in Palm Harbor, Florida. You can help by using cool water to wet down your pet and providing cool water for your pet to drink if the pet is conscious and their breathing is not impaired.

The Warning Signs Of Heatstroke In Your Pet

1 – Weakness
2 – Rapid Panting
3 – Dizziness
4 – Bright Red Tongue
5 – Vomiting / cramping
6 – Thick, sticky saliva
7 – Diarrhea
8 – Depression
9 – Shock
10 – Coma

Prevention Of Heatstroke In Your Dog or Cat Is Simple

1 – Be aware of outdoor temperatures and monitor / limit your pet’d outdoor activity on very hot, humid days. Make sure there is a shady area available that your pet can rest in.

2 – Limit the time your pet is exposed to direct sun during the hottest part of the day.

3 – Exercise your pet in the early morning or evening at least an hour before or after feeding your pet.

4 – Never leave your pet in a vehicle during the day, even with the windows open. A vehicle can heat up to fatal levels very quickly, and is the most common cause of heatstroke.

5 – Provide plenty of cool water and shade for your pet. Take extra precautions for outdoor dogs and cats.

6 – Allow your pet time to acclimate to warmer temperatures before rigorous exercise, especially if changing from a cooler climate or air conditioning.

Prevent Heatstroke In Your Dog
Your pet is dependent on you for their care and survival. Take your responsibility seriously, and if you have any concerns, call us at 727-785-7200 and bring your dog or cat to our animal hospital. We welcome your calls and your questions. When your pet is healthy and happy, we are happy.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!