Riverfront Animal Hospital

What to Do When Your Cat Keeps Vomiting

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 01:58:00 +0000

11.06.2018

What to Do When Your Cat Keeps Vomiting

Owning a cat can be an adventure every day. But when that adventure is punctuated by piles of puke on the floor and throughout your home, you are likely less happy about the adventure and more worried about what is going on with your cat and their health.

Before you panic, get to know some of the things that you can and should do when your cat keeps vomiting. Then, you can do everything in your power to help your cat overcome these puking problems as soon as possible.

Know That Cats Commonly Vomit

Cats are, in general, prone to vomiting from time to time. Cats may have eaten their food too fast and thrown up, for example. Or your pet's stomach may be a little bit sensitive on some days.

Whatever the case may be, know that cats commonly vomit and that it may not mean anything serious. Do not panic or worry if you find one or two spots in your house where your cat has vomited in a day. The issue may resolve on its own.

Try a Hairball Formula Food

One of the main reasons that cats may end up vomiting is hairballs. If your cat has recently eaten and then gets a hairball from cleaning their coat, vomit will likely occur.

Visually inspect your cat's vomit, even though this is not a pleasant task. If anything resembles a clump of hair, you likely found the cause of the vomit. Even if there is no hairball visibly in the vomit, a hairball could still have contributed to the issue.

As such, one of the best things you can do for a cat that has been having occasional vomiting issues is to switch to a hairball formula cat food. These cat foods are designed to help prevent your cat from getting hairballs in the first place.

Hairball control cat food contains specific enzymes that are designed to dissolve hairballs or prevent them from forming in your cat's stomach. The result will be fewer incidents of hairballs being coughed or vomited up and your cat being happier and healthier overall.

Prevent Overeating by Controlling Food Availability

Cats can sometimes vomit because they overeat. Overeating is a common problem with cats. If, for example, a cat's food bowl was empty most of the day and the cat was hungry, they may overeat when you put food in their bowl to make up for the lack of sustenance throughout the day.

Some cats are also hearty eaters who will clean out a bowl every time you put it down. As a cat owner, you probably already know if your cat is this type of eater.

If your cat eats as much as you give them, try feeding them smaller amounts more frequently throughout the day. This can prevent your cat from eating a large amount of food quickly, and therefore could prevent vomiting issues.

If your cat is a steady eater throughout the day and gets upset when their dish is empty, make sure their bowl always has at least a little food in it. This can also prevent binging behavior in that they know some food will always be available to them.

For cats that eat too fast no matter how much food you give them, you can get cat food bowls that can help. These bowls are often called fun feeders and are divided bowls that make it more work for your cat to get to their food, forcing your cat to eat slower.

Go to the Vet

If your cat continues to vomit frequently (i.e. several times a day or for several days in a row), they may have an infection, parasite, or other health issue going on. In this case (or if you have tried all of the other vomit-prevention methods), go to your veterinarian's office.

The vet will run tests on your cat and possibly give them medications to treat the underlying vomitcausing condition.

Now that you know more about why cats vomit and how to prevent it, take these steps to get your cat feeling better as soon as possible.

Summer Dangers for Dogs and What You Can Do About Them

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 20:58:07 +0000

07.06.2018

Summer Dangers for Dogs and What You Can Do About Them

The summer brings sunny days, warm weather, and plenty of outdoor pet play. Before your pup starts spending long days outdoors, you need to make sure that you understand summer safety - for dogs. The more you know about summer-time pet health, the better able you are to protect your family's best furry friend.

Whether you're preparing for the upcoming summer or it's already mid-August, your pet's health is always on your mind. What do you need to know in order to keep your canine safe and sound during the warm weather months? Take a look at some of the top summer-time dog dangers and what you can do about them.

Heat and Dehydration

The warmer the weather gets, the more likely it is that your pup could experience heat-related illnesses or dehydration. Limiting your dog's exposure to the heat and sun can reduce (but might not completely eliminate) the risks. Instead of letting your dog run and play all day, limit their outdoor time, provide plenty of shade, and keep the water coming.

Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can progress from something that may seem minor to a serious, lifethreatening condition rapidly. Warning signs to look for include excessive panting, disorientation or confusion, vomiting/diarrhea, or gum color changes (to red or blue). If left untreated, heat-related signs and symptoms can move into convulsions or a full collapse.

In the case of dehydration, you may notice that your dog has dry mucous membranes (mouth or nose areas) or sunken eyes. Dehydration can also cause a dog's skin to lose elasticity, meaning that it won't spring back if you gently pull it outwards.
Again, shade, a cool environment, and plenty of fresh drinking water can help to prevent heat-related conditions. If you do see some, any or all of the symptoms of dehydration or heat-induced illness, call the veterinarian immediately.

Biting Bugs

Outdoor play provides your dog with the opportunity to exercise and enjoy the warm weather. But it also gives ticks and fleas a chance to feast on your pet. Both fleas and ticks live outdoors and can easily hop onto your pet as they run and roll through the grass.

Flea infestation and bite symptoms include visible fleas (small, dark-colored bugs) or flea dirt on your digs coat or skin, scratching, biting (the dog's own skin), scabs, or patchy hair loss. Unlike fleas, ticks may not cause your dog excessive dermatological discomfort. While you may not notice the excessive scratching seen with flea bites, you can see ticks on your dog's skin. As the tick feeds on your pet, it will grow in size.

Along with discomfort, fleas and ticks can cause blood loss, anemia and skin infections. Your dog can also carry these pests indoors, transmitting them to you and your family.

Prevention is absolutely essential when it comes to fleas and ticks. The vet can recommend a preventative medication to keep these pests away. If your dog does get fleas or a tick bite, the vet can also recommend a removal strategy. For fleas, this may involve using topical or oral treatments and cleaning your home thoroughly. For a tick, you, or the vet, will need to remove the tick fully to alleviate any serious symptoms.

Water and Swimming

While a kiddie pool filled with water can help your pup cool down, it can also pose a danger. Never assume that your dog knows how to swim and never allow your dog to play alone in water. This means that you shouldn't leave your dog outside in your backyard pool or near a pond or other natural body of water.

If your pup does jump into a chlorinated pool, keep their swim brief. The chemical-filled water isn't safe for them to drink in large quantities, and they may suffer eye or skin irritation from the chlorine.

Do you have more summer-time dog-related questions? Contact Riverfront Animal Hospital for more information.

5 Dog Health Tips for Springtime

Wed, 09 May 2018 17:37:01 +0000

05.09.2018

5 Dog Health Tips for Springtime

Dogs love spring as much as you do. The warmer temperatures, fresh air, and ability to play outside without trudging through a foot of snow will have your dog feeling great as springtime rolls in.

However, there are some important health concerns that come up for dogs as the weather starts to warm up. To ensure that your canine companion remains happy and healthy in the coming months, follow these five health tips.

1. Practice Good Flea and Tick Prevention

If you stopped using flea and tick prevention medications over the winter, then make sure you remember to start using these products again as soon as the weather warms up. Even if your dog does not have contact with other pets, they could pick up fleas in the grass outside. Ticks, which spread Lyme disease and other serious illnesses, become more active in the spring.

There are both spot-on treatments and oral treatments that keep fleas and ticks away from your dog. Some heartworm medications also protect against fleas and ticks. Talk to your vet if you are unsure about which treatment is best for your pet.

2. Make Sure Your Dog's Rabies Shot Is Current

Rabies is essentially 100 percent fatal. It presents a risk to your dog and to you and your family members - your dog can pass rabies on to you if bitten and infected by a rabid animal. With the weather warming up and dogs spending more time outside, it is vital that they are up to date on their rabies vaccines.

Most dogs are given a one-year vaccine for rabies when they are puppies, and subsequent vaccines last for three years. If your dog's vaccine is expired or will expire soon, make an appointment at the vet's office. While you are there, your vet can review your dog's records and recommend other vaccines they may need.

3. Keep Your Dog Out of Standing Water

On unseasonably warm spring days, your dog may be tempted to take a dip in a pond or ditch. However, you should make an effort to keep your dog out of standing water. Numerous diseases, including leptospirosis, giardia, and cryptospirosis are spread through water. Some of these diseases also affect humans, so if your dog does take a bath in a puddle, wash them carefully and protect yourself with gloves.

4. Ease Your Dog Into an Exercise Routine

If your dog spent extra time on the couch this winter, then make sure you ease them back into an exercise routine. For example, do not head out on an eight-mile hike the first time you take your dog out in the spring. Start with just 15 or 20 minutes of walking or playing outside a day and slowly lengthen your play sessions as your dog's stamina returns. This approach helps prevent injuries and exhaustion.

5. Remember Safety While Spring Cleaning

If you plan on following a comprehensive spring cleaning plan, make sure the products you use are safe for your dog. Many conventional carpet cleaners and surface cleaners can irritate your dog's respiratory tract and digestive system. Look for more natural, earth-friendly cleaners that are labeled safe for pets or rely on vinegar and baking soda for more of your cleaning tasks.

Also, keep pet safety in mind when cleaning up your landscaping for the spring. Herbicides and lawn chemicals can cause nausea and an increased risk of certain cancers in dogs. Do not use these products on areas of the yard where your dog roams.

Spring is in the air, and with the tips above, this season will be a healthy one for your dog. Contact Riverfront Animal Hospital if your dog is due for vaccinations or if you have other questions about preventative healthcare.

How to Protect Your Dog's Paws From the Hazards of Chemical Deicers

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 08:24:16 +0000

03.12.2018

How to Protect Your Dog's Paws From the Hazards of Chemical Deicers

During cold, snowy Michigan winters, it is important to take extra safety precautions when walking your dog. One part of your dog's body that is difficult to protect from the winter elements is their paws. During the winter, chemical deicers often cover outdoor areas. These deicers cannot only cause painful irritation to your dog's paws, but they can also cause paw chemical burns. In addition, your dog can also accidentally ingest the deicing chemicals and then experience severe gastrointestinal upset.

Read on to learn how to protect your dog's paws from the hazardous chemical deicers that are often used to treat pavement in the winter.

Consider Training Your Dog to Wear Shoes

While dog shoes can protect your dog's paws from the winter elements very well, training your dog to walk in shoes takes time and is a project to tackle slowly.

Start by letting your dog visually inspect the shoes, then give your dog a treat. Next, place one shoe on just one foot for a few seconds, give your dog a treat, then pull the shoe off. Repeat for each dog paw. Repeat this process daily, extending the time the shoe is on each of your dog's paws daily, until your dog gets used to having one shoe on.

Finally, place all booties on your dog and allow them to practice walking around the house. Once they are walking confidently, you can then take them outside and look forward to their paws being well-protected from winter deicers.

Cover Their Paws with Petroleum Jelly or Paw Balm Before Walks

While it is best to avoid walking your dog on areas covered with chemical deicers altogether, there are times when you just may not be able to avoid these areas. Another way to protect your dog's paws from the hazards of these chemical deicers is to cover their paws with petroleum jelly or a paw balm before you walk them.

These products will form a shield between the soles of your dog's feet and the deicers. Just remember that it is best to avoid walking your dog on pavement covered with deicers when your dog's paws are covered with one of these products because the shield they form does not offer impenetrable defense against excessive deicer exposure.

Keep The Fur on Your Dog's Paws Well-Trimmed

While it is important to keep your dog's paws well-groomed year-round, it is especially important during the winter. Chemical deicers can collect in the fur between your dog's paw pads and on the fur around their paws. When this happens, your dog's feet will be exposed to the deicers long periods of time, which can lead to extreme paw irritation.

Also, if you walk your dog on the snow, ice balls can form on the fur between your dog's foot pads. This can make your dog's paws extra cold, which puts them at a higher risk of developing paw frostbite. Also, since dogs are often tempted to chew these balls off, this further increases the chance of chemical deicer ingestion.

Choose a Pet-Safe Deicer For Your Own Property

While you cannot choose the type of deicer applied to a public property you may walk your dog on, you can choose the deicer you apply to your home walkways, driveway, and sidewalk. For dog safety, skip any chemical deicers that contain chlorides, such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride.

Instead, choose one made from a combination of eco-safe glycols and modified crystalline carbonyl diamide. Both ingredients are safer for your dog's paws and less likely to irritate them.

Clean Your Dog's Paws After Exposure to Chemical Deicers

Even if you cover your dog's paws with petroleum jelly or a paw balm before their walk, it is important to clean their paws off after their walk. If you don't, they may lick their paws and ingest any deicing chemicals they encountered while walking.

Follow these steps to protect your dog from the hazards of chemical deicers this winter. Reach out to the staff of Riverfront Animal Hospital if you have any more questions about pet winter safety.

Canine Seizures: What To Do If Your Dog Has A Seizure

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:45:03 +0000

01.09.2018

Canine Seizures: What To Do If Your Dog Has A Seizure

Canine epilepsy is common, especially in breeds of dogs such as Labrador and golden retrievers, Beagles, dachshunds, poodles and German shepherds, although being a particular breed doesn't mean your dog is guaranteed to have seizures.

Seizures don't always look the same either; one dog may have a seizure that looks more like a head shake, while another may have a full body seizure. If you notice your dog acting differently, or suspect he or she is having a seizure follow the tips below on what to do.

Pay Attention

Keep an eye on your dog if you suspect they are having a seizure. If it's a full body seizure (grand mal seizure), you will be able to notice, but a small sign such as a head shake or excessive licking could also be a seizure.

Sometimes your dog's eyes may bulge a bit and you may also notice the pupils getting larger. Your dog may also breathe heavily or have clenched teeth or jaw. Take notice of what all your dog is doing and write it down to report to your veterinarian if you're concerned.

Clear the Area

If your dog is having a full body seizure, you will want to clear the area of anything that could harm your pup. A full body seizure could involve thrashing, so if your dog kicks at something such as a table, it could cause an object to fall onto your dog.

Also clear the area of small children and other pets. If your dog is having a seizure, other pets or small children could startle your dog and could put them in harm's way.

Keep the room as quiet as possible and clear the room to keep your dog having the seizure safe and to keep other pets or small children safe as well.

Take Your Dog Out

Immediately after the seizure subsides, your dog may need to relieve themselves outside. This is especially true if it was a grand mal seizure. Your dog may have expelled some urine or feces during the seizure. If this happens, do not punish your dog. Instead take your dog out just in case there is any more that needs to come out.

Your dog may be a little unsteady, so give your dog a few minutes to get moving and avoid any stairs if possible.

Call the Veterinarian

Give your veterinarian a call if you've suspected a seizure and give him or her all of the details of the seizure. The veterinarian may ask you how long the seizure lasted, if you've noticed any seizures in the past, what type of food you feed your dog and if you've noticed any other symptoms or oddities with your dog.

The veterinarian may ask that tests be ran on your dog, or may have you keep an eye out for any other seizures. Your dog may need tests such as blood work or x-rays, and they may need.

Keep an Eye Out

If your dog is prescribed medication, be sure to keep an eye on your pup for any other seizures and take note of how often they occur.

The medication may need to be adjusted, so write down everything. Seizure medication may make your dog a little unsteady, so also watch your dog when using stairs. If your dog happens to be allergic to the medication, you may notice your dog panting heavily or showing signs of a fever, which should be reported right away to your veterinarian.

Epilepsy in a dog can be quite scary. Be sure to keep an eye on your pup to keep him or her safe, take note of the seizure and report everything to your veterinarian at Riverfront Animal Hospital.

A Guide to Treating Pets With Food Allergies

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 02:47:00 +0000

11.14.2017

A Guide to Treating Pets With Food Allergies

Pets bring great joy to your life, and you are dedicated to doing what it takes to keep them healthy. When you keep up with your pet's preventative exams and grooming sessions, it can be alarming to discover them displaying unusual symptoms such as scratching or obsessively licking their skin.

A food allergy is often a surprising diagnosis for pet owners who may have been feeding their favorite animal the same diet for years. However, pets often develop a food sensitivity that gradually increases in severity until the symptoms become serious enough that they manifest in noticeable ways.

If left untreated, a food allergy can become severe enough to impact your pet's long-term health. Use this guide to understand more about food allergies and pets so that you can work with their veterinarian to find the right treatment strategy.

Know the Signs of a Food Allergy

After getting to know your pet, it gets easier to tell when something is wrong. You may notice changes in your pet's behavior such as listlessness or a lack of energy. Alternatively, you may notice them turn down their food, which is a sign of nausea.

Your pet's food allergy may manifest as gastrointestinal distress such as flatulence or diarrhea. Alternatively, some pets get frequent ear infections that do not seem to respond to the usual home care strategies such as keeping the ears dry.

Rule Out Other Conditions

When you schedule an exam for a possible food allergy, one of the first things that a veterinarian will do is check for other conditions that cause similar symptoms. For instance, your pet may be checked for parasites to make sure that fleas are not causing them to constantly scratch their skin.

Laboratory tests may also be ordered to make sure that your pet does not have a serious health problem causing symptoms such as vomiting. Once these tests are clear, you can begin to work on assessing your pet's diet for potential allergies.

Identify the Allergen

Pets can be allergic to a variety of different ingredients, and an animal that is allergic to one ingredient is likely allergic to others. A veterinarian can sometimes use lab tests to help determine a potential allergen. However, you may also be asked to put your pet on an elimination diet to help you be sure.

During an elimination diet, the veterinarian will simply recommend feeding your dog or cat only one or two ingredients. Once your pet successfully eats those ingredients without displaying symptoms, you can gradually add in another ingredient.

This process is followed until you are able to find the culprit. Common food allergens for pets include corn, meats, soy and dairy products. For this reason, these types of ingredients may be held until the very end of the diet if your pet continues to show no more symptoms.

Select an Appropriate Food

Once you know what your pet is allergic to, you can begin testing dog or cat foods that omit these ingredients. Typically, you should see an improvement in your pet's symptoms over the next few days as any allergens exit their system.

Prevent Accidental Ingestion

The next step of treating pet food allergies is to make sure that your pet does not accidentally get fed an allergen. Make sure that everyone who cares for your pet is aware of their allergy, and always supply extra food for their special diet when you hire a sitter or board your pet at a kennel.

If you have several pets on different diets, then you can feed them in separate rooms if necessary. You may also need to make sure your pet does not accidentally eat crumbs off the floor if they are allergic to foods that you routinely eat.

At Riverfront Animal Hospital, our veterinarian is always alert for signs of food sensitivities in pets. Contact us to schedule an exam for your pet today if you suspect that food allergies may be behind their recent symptoms.

Common Health Problems to Watch for in Dogs

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 13:48:16 +0000

09.15.2017

Common Health Problems to Watch for in Dogs

Pet owners spent about $16 billion on veterinary care and an additional $15 billion on medicines and medical supplies in 2016. Surprisingly enough, dogs can have many of the same health problems as people and even get similar treatments for these conditions. Understanding which conditions are the most common in dogs can help pet owners know what to look for and potentially catch these health problems in the earlier stages when they're easier and less expensive to treat.

Gum Disease

If your dog has particularly stinky breath, you may want to get him checked for gum disease, which is one of the most common health problems affecting both dogs and cats. If not caught early, the dog will lose his teeth, making it harder to eat. Gum disease can also lead to an increased risk for other serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Taking good care of your dog's teeth can help reduce these health risks, so brush his teeth with dog toothpaste and have him chew rawhide bones to help keep the teeth and gums healthy.

Obesity

Just like people, many dogs become overweight over time. Catching inappropriate weight gain early and making changes as directed by the vet to the dog's diet and exercise routine will make it easier to keep the dog healthy. Being overweight is especially detrimental to older dogs, as it increases the risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other health problems.

Heartworms

There's a reason the vet recommends medicine for heartworm prevention. If dogs get heartworm disease, it causes depression, lethargy, collapsing and even heart failure or death if not treated promptly. It's easier to prevent heartworm than to treat it, as medications don't always kill all the parasites and surgery can be risky.

Arthritis

As dogs get older, they may develop arthritis and have more trouble moving around. The dog may no longer want to play as often or may not like to be petted as much as in the past. There isn't any cure for arthritis, but keeping the dog active with regular walks and feeding him age-appropriate food can sometimes help to make arthritis progress a bit more slowly. The vet may prescribe medications in cases of severe arthritis.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal issues in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea, can be due to a number of different causes, including eating things they shouldn't. An isolated instance usually isn't serious, but if the condition persists or includes blood, it's a good idea to get it checked out by the vet. These issues can also be caused by infections like the parvovirus or parasites in the intestines. Make sure to keep the dog hydrated with plenty of water, and check with the vet to see what and when to feed your dog.

Skin Problems

A variety of skin problems can occur in dogs and can be due to allergic reactions, fleas, infections, ringworm or the mites that cause mange. Treatment will depend on the exact cause of the problem but could include using a special shampoo or medication, dietary changes or injections. Left untreated, skin irritation could lead to acute moist dermatitis and hot spots, which are inflamed red areas where the dog has scratched the area bare.

Ear Infections

If a dog is scratching near his ears, shaking or tilting his head, having trouble balancing or discharging fluid from the ears, he could have an ear infection. If a dog shakes his head too hard, it can actually cause a rupture in the outer ear that would require surgery to fix. The vet can clean out the ear and prescribe medication to help clear up the infection.

Cancer

One of the more severe health problems in dogs is cancer, with dogs getting cancer at about the same rate as people do. It is one of the main killers of dogs and can be very expensive to treat if you don't have pet insurance that covers it. Drastic weight loss and lumps are two of the signs a dog may have cancer. As with people, catching the disease early is the key to successful treatment.

The professionals at Riverfront Animal Hospital can help with any concerns you may have about your dog's health.

Four Changes in Cat Behavior That Call for a Visit to the Vet

Thu, 13 Jul 2017 13:04:54 +0000

07.13.2017

Four Changes in Cat Behavior That Call for a Visit to the Vet

Cats' behaviors can seem mysterious at times. It's hard to say why your cat prefers the hard shelf when you've set out a comfortable bed for him across the room or why he insists on jumping on the table every time you start typing. But while some cat behaviors are just silly and quirky, others can indicate illness and pain. Here are four additional changes in cat behavior that indicate it's time for a visit to the vet.

1. Changes in Vocalization

Some cats are naturally more talkative than others. If yours has always been vocal, then there's probably no reason to worry. On the other hand, if a typically quiet cat starts meowing frequently, he could be in pain or uncomfortable. Your cat may be trying to get your attention and let you know how they are feeling. Be especially wary if your cat meows more while urinating or eating, as this behavior could indicate pain during these activities.

You should also be concerned if a typically talkative cat suddenly stops meowing--especially if he appears to be trying to meow but is struggling to make a sound. This sign could indicate any number of respiratory ailments, from an upper respiratory infection to pneumonia.

2. Avoiding Grooming

Cats typically spend several hours a day grooming themselves. When this behavior ceases, they begin looking scruffy and greasy within days. If your cat has stopped grooming himself, there's a good chance it's due to pain that's limiting his movements and flexibility. This issue is common in older cats who develop arthritis. Sometimes, a lack of grooming also signals dental pain; your cat's jaw hurts when he opens it to lick himself.

If your vet finds that your cat has arthritis, there are supplements and medications they can prescribe to alleviate joint pain. Most cats will begin grooming again once the pain is under control. Tooth decay is quite common in cats, and removing the damaged teeth typically makes the cat much more comfortable.

3. Over-Grooming or Pulling Out Hair

If your cat has begun licking himself excessively or even pulling his hair out with his mouth, this behavior is usually a sign of itchy skin. Your cat may have fleas, mites or even ringworm, which are thankfully all easily treatable by your veterinarian.

If your cat's excessive grooming persists even after he is treated for skin ailments, then he may have psychogenic alopecia, a stress-related condition that causes him to pull his hair out in response to anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications are often needed to keep the condition under control.

4. Excessive Drinking

Cats evolved in the desert, and as such, their bodies are very efficient at handling water. A 10-pound cat who is exclusively fed dry food should only drink about a cup of water per day, and a cat that's fed wet food may only drink 1/3 cup. If your cat begins drinking large amounts of water, this is not a good sign.

Excessive drinking may indicate that your cat has a kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats and must be carefully managed to keep your cat comfortable. You may need to switch a kidney-friendly cat food and give your pet several medications each day. Diabetes can be managed with insulin injections and dietary changes, and hyperthyroidism is manageable with oral medications.

If your cat displays any of the behavioral changes discussed above, give Riverfront Animal Hospital a call. Our veterinarians will work with you to figure out what's bothering your cat and design a customized treatment protocol to have him feeling better in no time.

Grooming Tips and Services

Tue, 30 May 2017 18:22:00 +0000

05.30.2017

Grooming Tips and Services

Keeping your pet clean and healthy can sometimes be a challenging task, especially for outdoor animals. Riverfront Animal Hospital provides grooming services to give you a hand.

Professionally Trained Groomers – Our groomers know all the breed-specific haircuts for show animals, or can just give your pet a nice summer cut.

Dogs and Cats – Our groomers take care of dogs and cats, and the animals are kept separate to avoid anxiety problems or behavior issues.

Bathing – We gently wash your pets with skin-appropriate shampoos to clean them without causing irritation. If your animal has special conditions, please let us know when you call.

Flea Dip – Animals may have a flea infestation and require a good flea dip to eradicate the adults and their eggs. We provide flea dip services under the direction of our vet.

Skin Diseases – Medical baths are utilized to combat skin irritations and diseases. These are performed under the supervision of our vet.

Nails, Ears, Glands – Our groomers take care of clipping toenails, cleaning out the ears, and expressing the anal glands.

Our groomers prefer that you make an appointment for your pet. Animals are dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon. Call us for your pet’s grooming appointment today!

Tips for Protecting Your Dog from Fleas and Ticks

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 18:36:32 +0000

03.22.2017

Tips for Protecting Your Dog from Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks, which are insect parasites that feed on blood, can harm your dog. These pests can spread disease and cause heartworm, which can be deadly in the long term. However, there are several ways to protect your dog, both outdoors and in your home.

Keep Your Dog Clean

Brush your dog at least once a week and inspect its coat for the presence of fleas or ticks. If your dog has a long or double coat, be especially vigilant about inspecting it. Wash your dog with a preventive shampoo that repels and kills fleas and ticks.

Maintain Your Yard

Fleas and ticks are quite hardy and can survive in a variety of environments. Your yard can make a suitable home for them if you are not careful, so clean up and maintain your outdoor perimeter, which may include:

Removing dead leaves
Keeping grass short
Pruning shrubs and flower bushes

Keeping your yard clean means keeping bloodsucking bugs at bay.

Reduce Contact with Unfamiliar Animals

Stray cats, dogs and wildlife can carry fleas and ticks, which they might transfer to your dog during a meeting or confrontation. Install chain link fencing around your home to keep stray pets and wild animals out of your yard and away from your dog.

Fleas and ticks can seriously harm your pet’s health if they go unchecked. For more information on how to protect your dog from these pests, call Riverfront Animal Hospital at 517-487-3646.

Five Early Warning Signs That Your Cat is Sick

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:56:52 +0000

01.23.2017

Five Early Warning Signs That Your Cat is Sick

Unlike people, cats aren't able to communicate how they are feeling. While some types of injury and illness can be recognized quickly, even severe medical conditions can go unnoticed. This is especially true of internal issues with cysts, tumors and digestive track disorders. Here are five warning signs of potentially serious illness.

Altered Appetite: while cats do not always follow a strict feeding schedule, a sudden change in appetite (overeating or under eating) is usually a sign that something is wrong.
Weight Gain or Loss: if your pet is suddenly gaining or losing excessive weight, there could be a range of underlying issues. For instance, cancers and thyroid disease are sometimes the cause of weight loss.
Change in Behavior: cats who are feeling ill often become especially withdrawn. Owners should be concerned when a usually social animal begins to isolate itself habitually.
Bad Breath: if you notice that your kitty's breath is particularly foul, he or she may have a decaying tooth or gum disease. Certain internal disorders, such as kidney disease, can also cause changes in breath odor.
Neglecting the Litter Box: while many owners tend to chalk this up to a behavioral issue, eliminating in unusual areas could be an indicator of urinary blockage or bladder infection.

To learn more about interpreting your cat's potential symptoms, call Riverfront Animal Hospital at 517-487-3646.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Winter

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 15:56:16 +0000

11.18.2016

How to Prepare Your Pet for Winter

The coming winter means special concerns for your indoor and outdoor pets. With some simple precautions, you can ensure that everyone has a safe and fun winter season.

Keep Them Warm

Even with their furry coats, your pets can still get cold and are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Expose your pets to the cold only in small doses and always monitor for signs of distress.

Be Safe with Salt

The winter means icy sidewalks and driveways covered in rock salt and ice melt chemicals. Some ice-melt products are toxic for pets. Consider salt-safe booties or be sure to wash your pet’s feet after coming inside.

Be Ready for the Holidays

Winter means holidays, and holidays create unique concerns for your pets. Cats like to chew and eat light strings and ribbons. Poinsettias are poisonous for your cat, and your dog could easily choke on those leftover holiday dinner turkey bones. Monitor both your pets and guests to make sure everyone is having a safe holiday.

Wintertime can be lot of fun for you and your pet, but with the cold weather, winter chemicals and holiday festivities, you must take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. Call Riverfront Animal Hospital at 517-487-3646 to learn more tips for how you can prepare your pet for winter.

The Benefits of Pet Dental Care

Fri, 23 Sep 2016 17:53:39 +0000

09.23.2016

The Benefits of Pet Dental Care

You need to brush and floss your teeth, and the same principle applies to your furry friends as well. Your dog or cat needs clean teeth and gums in order to take advantage of some great benefits.

Cleaner Breath

Has your dog ever gotten right in your face and you were greeted by foul-smelling breath? Make those instances a thing of the past by brushing your dog’s teeth from time to time. That way when it wants to get up close and personal, you will not mind it.

Better Overall Health

Poor dental habits can cause pets to lose their teeth. However, it can also result in other health problems. In particular, bad oral health seems to be linked to heart health. By preventing other health issues, you will also be saving money in health costs in the long run.

Eliminate Pain in Your Pet

A variety of health complications can arise in pets. Sometimes their baby teeth will not fall all the way out. Other times, periodontal disease will develop. Your dog or cat cannot tell you that it is having problems, so you need to see a veterinarian regularly.

With proper pet oral health care, your furry companion can enjoy a bright, healthy smile. If it has been awhile since your pet had a checkup, call Riverfront Animal Hospital at 517-487-3646.

Three Reasons to Take Your Pet in for a Checkup

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 19:22:00 +0000

07.01.2016

Three Reasons to Take Your Pet in for a Checkup

Dogs and cats do a great job of staying upbeat until they’re dealing with a real ailment. While the positivity is nice, it makes it hard on pet owners to treat health problems in a preventative manner. Annual checkups at the vet are the only way to stay ahead of the bigger health issues. Here are three specific reasons why you should be scheduling yearly wellness visits for your animals.

1. Parasite check

There are a number of parasites that affect cats and dogs, and many are very common:

Roundworms
Hookworms
Tapeworms

Pets with worms often times won’t display symptoms, so the issue just gets worse. When a vet is able to detect this problem, they can go about curing it right away.

2. Organ Issues

Organ failure is a problem that can sneak up on your pet, but the signs are visible to a trained professional who can get your dog or cat on the right meds.

3. Allergies

What might appear to be a flea issue could actually be related to food allergies. Annual checkups can help your vet monitor your pet’s reactions to what it’s eating.

You want the best for your beloved animals, and part of that is giving them proper medical care. To learn more about pet wellness, call Riverfront Animal Hospital at 517-487-3646.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Diabetes

Sat, 21 May 2016 16:47:00 +0000

05.21.2016

What to Do If You Suspect Your Dog Has Diabetes

Dogs can suffer from diabetes just as humans do, and diabetes mellitus is the most common form of the disease. After your dog eats, its digestion breaks down nutrients and turns some of them into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream. In a healthy dog, the pancreas produces insulin to tell the cells to use the glucose for energy. Insufficient insulin or insulin resistance prevents the animal from metabolizing the glucose, which can lead to starvation despite being fed and/or organ failure.

Symptoms

The first thing you should do if you suspect your dog has diabetes is to assess its behavior for underlying symptoms of the disease. Indications of the beginning stages of diabetes include:

Excessive thirst
Frequent urination
Weight loss
Increased appetite

Advanced cases in canines will demonstrate:

Appetite loss
Decreased energy
Depression
Nausea and vomiting

Call Today for an Appointment

Diabetes is a very complex condition that requires proper testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. If you observe any of the above symptoms, you should take your dog in for a full veterinary examination, which will include urine and blood samples and a glucose test. If caught early, diabetes can be managed, and your dog has a good chance of living a full and healthy life, so don’t place your canine’s health at risk – contact Riverfront Animal Hospital.