Day & Evening Pet Hospital

Veterinarian Palm Harbor

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

What is Feline Leukemia?

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Feline Leukemia is a virus.  It is spread from cat to cat.  Casual or brief contact will not typically transmit the virus; however, direct contact with a cat who has feline leukemia is dangerous.  This also means that if a mother cat has the virus, she can give it to her kittens.

Some symptoms that you should be aware of are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weight loss, loss of  appetite, they are more tired than usual, some coughing, sneezing or runny eyes/nose.  Additionally, some cats could have the virus and not have these symptoms at all.

For this reason, it is best to get them tested to ensure they do or do not have this virus.

Dr. Adney will test your cat with a blood test.  This is the only way to rule out the virus and can be done in a short amount of time.

You can take steps to prevent your cat from getting this virus.  For instance, if you have one cat and he or she lives indoors only and is not around other cats, your cat is not susceptible to getting Feline Leukemia.  If your cat does live outdoors and associates with other cats, you can get your cat a vaccine to protect him or her against the virus.

Please bring your cat in to the clinic and get him or her tested.  We want to ensure your cat has a long and happy life playing with his friends and family, virus-free!

Bath Time for Your Dog!

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So maybe your dog just got done playing in the dirt, maybe he had a fun time with some friends in the park, maybe he went out in the rain and he has dirty paws, maybe he had been playing a lot outside and is a little smelly…it’s time for a bath!

We want to make sure that if you do give your dog a bath at home, please do not use your shampoo on your pet!  Most of those  shampoos have fragrances and some may have color added to the shampoo.  Your dog has sensitive skin and cannot take the ingredients that we are able to use ourselves.  Your dog will get scratchy and may even develop rashes that would require further vet visits to remedy.  With that said, you leave your dog more open to bacteria growth, viruses and other parasites if you continue to bathe your dog with your shampoo.

The thing to do is to get specific shampoo that is made for dogs.  Most dog shampoos take into account the necessary pH levels needed  and have on their bottle that it is “pH-balanced for dogs.”  Look for that.  Also, when looking for the right shampoo, ensure that the ingredients are all-natural.  Read the label on the bottle.  Check for any artificial ingredients before you buy it because you do not want to use that!  Artificial ingredients can be the cause of allergic reactions and other discomforts for your dog.  You can also call us at the clinic and Dr. Adney or one our trained staff can let you know the recommendation for your dog.

Most shampoos have directions on how to use them.  Additionally, they do not require that you use very much at all in order to get the job done.

Your dog does not need a bath every day.  However, when you do want to give your dog a bath, use the right stuff so your dog will feel clean and happy afterwards!  You will be happy you did too.  Have fun!

Why Put My Cat on a "Diet"?

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It is a misconception that cats need the same nutrients as we humans need.  There is actually a correct proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, fats and oils your cat needs daily.  If you feed your cat table scraps or home-cooked meals, you may over- or under-balance this proportion and your pet will not get the essentials he actually needs on a daily basis.  As a result of your cat not getting what he needs, he can get sick, show lack of energy and be less playful, he can also become overweight and experience all of the problems that come with that.

There is a way to prevent these things and to keep your cat healthy and happy!

Your cat needs proteins for keeping up his body.  Proteins help with muscle growth and maintenance.  Protein for your cat is very important.

Your cat needs carbohydrates for energy.  A good amount of carbohydrates will help your cat feel well-fed and full of energy!  It will also help maintain blood sugar levels.  The right amount of carbohydrates will assist your cat in digestion.

Fats and oils are essential for similar reasons it is good for us:  it is just healthy and good for the body for a number of reasons.  It also helps the food taste better for your pet!

We do not recommend that you cook your cat homemade meals for his diet.  Dr. Adney will recommend a cat food that gives the right proportion of the diet essentials (listed above) for your cat.  We know that each and every cat is different and they have their own needs.  Dr. Adney has been in practice for over 25 years and knows the right path for your cat  to take so they can be healthy or even healthier!  All of this is done to ensure your cat has the longest and happiest life possible as part of your family.  We hope to see you and your cat soon.

Why Put My Dog on a "Diet"?

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It is a misconception that dogs need the same nutrients as we humans need.  There is actually a correct proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals, fats and oils your dog needs daily.  If you feed your dog table scraps or home-cooked meals, you may over- or under-balance this proportion and your pet will not get the essentials he actually needs on a daily basis.  As a result of your dog not getting what he needs, he can get sick, show lack of energy and be less playful, he can also become overweight and experience all of the problems that come with that.

There is a way to prevent these things and to keep your dog healthy and happy!

Your dog needs proteins for keeping up his body.  Proteins help with muscle growth and maintenance.  Protein for your dog is very important.

Your dog needs carbohydrates for energy.  A good amount of carbohydrates will help your dog feel well-fed and full of energy!  It will also help maintain blood sugar levels.  The right amount of carbohydrates will assist your dog in digestion.

Fats and oils are essential for your dog for similar reasons it is good for us:  it is just healthy and good for the body for a number of reasons.  It also helps the food taste better for your pet!

We do not recommend that you cook your dog homemade meals as his diet.  Dr. Adney will recommend a dog food that gives the right proportion of the diet essentials (listed above) for your dog.  We know that each and every dog is different and they have their own needs.  Dr. Adney has been in practice for over 25 years and knows the right path for your dog  to take so they can be healthy or even healthier!  All of this is done to ensure your dog has the longest and happiest life possible as part of your family.  We hope to see you and your dog soon.

Brush Your Dog's Teeth!

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Dogs can actually get Gingivitis.  It is a type of periodontal disease and this is how it works:  plaque builds up on the teeth and can then harden into tartar.  This causes your dog’s gums to swell and gives them discomfort.  Their teeth loosen up and it becomes harder for them to eat, etc.  They will also get bad breath.

You can brush your dog’s teeth daily to help prevent this disease.  This may sound tedious, and depending on your dog, it may be totally unworkable.  But, if you can do it at least two times a week this would help your dog a lot!

Firstly, you need to obtain dog-friendly toothpaste.  Once you have that, get a toothbrush and put a bit of toothpaste on the brush.  If your dog will let you, go ahead and brush over the entire mouth.  Use small circles over the teeth.  If your dog is eager to get outside and play, just do a couple teeth each day or so.  This will go a long way in prevention of mouth diseases for your pet.

Your dog does need to see a vet to get a full dental cleaning at least once a year (some breeds require more than annual visits, so check with Dr. Adney next time you see him).  However, to keep your dog even healthier, brushing their teeth on a weekly basis will be most beneficial to you and your dog!

Additionally, there are special prescription diet foods designed specifically for dental improvement.  There are also treats that dogs love which are good for teeth cleaning.  The Day and Evening Staff will be happy to help you on deciding the best care for your dog.  You can call them at:  (727)-785-7200.