Senior pets are a breed of their own and need special care from your local veterinarian.

Veterinarian suggested tips for senior pets.

Aging doggies and cats have changing veterinary needs, mainly they require more frequent physical exams, more blood testing, frequent checking of blood pressure, and x- rays if needed.

At any age, physical checkups are necessary for our furry friends. Because animals age 4 to 6 years for every human year, a lot can change in that time. It’s recommended to bring Fido in for a checkup twice a year, once every six months. This is to catch any maladies or illnesses as soon as possible. Diseases are much more manageable when treated in the early stages. Aging pets are more susceptible to sicknesses, so staying up-to- date with the veterinarian is very important at this age.

Blood testing is done on a semiannual basis each time you bring your furry friend into the veterinarian and animal care clinic. These tests check for liver health, thyroid levels, blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function, and many other signs of early disease or illnesses. Urine is also tested and analyzed to allow our veterinarians the best chance for an early detection of common health problems.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is prevalent in older animals, especially cats. We also see this disease in dogs, though it’s not as common. Our veterinarians recommend testing for high blood pressure once each year.

Certain breeds are more prone to heart disease, and should have chest x- rays to catch changes in the heart before clinical changes develop. Dog breeds that should go in for regular x-rays include breeds like Great Danes, Dobermans, Shepherds, Boxers, and many small breed dogs. The large breed dogs often do not show any signs of heart disease until very late in the disease.

Of course, keeping old Fido happy is important, so take extra care of your old boy in the best ways you know how! Feed senior pets foods that are adequate for their breed and age. Many of these over-the-counter senior foods have additional dietary supplements that can help older dogs or cats that have arthritis. As always, make sure your pets have a safe place that is specifically for them, and for your senior pets a quiet area to lie down. Be aware of any behaviors that may indicate your pet is in pain or distress, and take him or her into the vet for regular check-ups.

Healthy Teeth ~ Happy Pet ‘Tips from your local veterinarian.’

A Veterinarian, near you, can perform services to keep your your dog and cats’ teeth cleaned.

Just like us, animals need regular dentist check-ups and teeth cleanings for oral health.

A complete dental cleaning, from a vet, means the cleaning each tooth, under all the gums and then polishing each tooth.

This is then followed up with x-rays to find any hidden disease. The costs of dental care are associated with the time involved, the anesthesia needed, and advanced equipment and training.

Professional dental cleanings are much more than simple brushing of the teeth. True dental cleanings involve scaling the teeth (the scraping your dentist does to your teeth). This can be time consuming, especially after years of tartar build up. Disease also occurs under the gums as well, it is important we reach those areas too.

Once cleaning is complete we take X-rays of the teeth to ‘see’ if there are any underlying issues or if disease is present. If there are concerns or teeth that must be extracted, we will contact you and give our advice based on what the x-rays show.
Learn more about Dental cleanings and our process Here in our Pet Care Library

Healthy Pet Care from your local family veterinarian in Canton, GA.

7 Holiday Foods Not To Feed Your Pet – Veterinarian’s Advice

Tips from our friendly veterinarians in Canton, Ga. to ensure your pet stays safe.

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year.

We all love to give our pets a special treat now and then. Sometimes that treat is a table scrap or two. Here is a video explaining 7 foods most likely around during the holidays that you should not feed your pet.

What Are Pet Vaccines (shots)? – Free Vaccines for Life from vets in Canton

Canton vet advice on vaccines.

New puppies and kittens are born with natural antibodies supplied from their mother.

These antibodies are the only way puppies and kittens can fight disease, and they wear off very quickly. For puppies and kittens to survive the viruses and pathogens they will undoubtedly come into contact with, it is critical for them to get their vaccines.

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to create antibodies to the most prevalent diseases found in cats and dogs. Antibodies are the only ways puppies and kittens can fight off diseases.

Without these antibody-building vaccines, cats and dogs that come into contact with diseases may become very sick or even die. Vaccines are very critical to your puppies’ and kittens’ health.

Our friendly and helpful veterinarians at the Cherokee Animal Hospital in Canton can also provide an accurate timeline for vaccinating your puppies or kittens when you bring them in for examinations at the animal care clinic.

Tips for happy living with a family dog.

Your local vet can help your family adjust to furry members.

The family dog is a welcomed part of the family, we as humans can help them stay safe and happy with these few tips from your veterinarian.

– Consider installing childproof cabinet locks or using baby gates to block off areas of the home that are off-limits to your dog. Especially when you’re newly welcoming a dog to your home, it’s important to set boundaries. Keeping dogs out of under-sink cabinetry that contains …chemicals, trash cans, medications and other common household hazards….

– Never approach a leashed, tethered or confined (including in a car) dog. They are in their territory and will often defend it. This is normal dog behavior.

– A dog’s bed, food bowl and toys are also their territory, and defendable. This is also normal dog behavior.

– Let sleeping (and eating) dogs lie.

– Most dogs will avoid confrontation if at all possible. Humans generally fail to recognize dogs repeated requests to be left alone. Their communications are subtle but recognizable with practice.

– Young children and dogs should NEVER be unattended, regardless of how well either party behaves. Never leave a dog unattended in a car, not even for “just a few minutes.” Keep all pets dewormed and flea free to prevent transmission of certain diseases to the family.

For more information on healthy and happy pet instructions… get Dr. Bryant’s Owner’s Manuals for cats and dogs.

Tips from your local vet in canton.

What happens during a pet dental cleaning?

A Veterinarians’ take on dental care.

Professional dental cleanings are much more than simple brushing of the teeth and a dental cleaning really must be done under anesthesia.

Many owners are fearful of anesthesia for cleaning their pets teeth. However, there are several safety precautions that are taken before a pet is prepped for dental cleanings.

True dental cleanings involve scaling the teeth (the scraping your dentist does to your teeth). This can be time consuming, especially after years of tartar build up.

Disease also occurs under the gums as well, it is important we reach those areas too, cleaning only the part of the tooth you can see is nothing more than a cosmetic procedure.

Pets will not willingly sit still for these cleanings. For the safety of the veterinarian and your pet it is important they are not awake for these procedures.

Don’t be fooled by those selling cleanings while your pet is awake. “Awake” procedures are unethical, ineffective and they trick owners into thinking they have done right by their pets

Dental cleaning instruments are very sharp. Use of these instruments in a moving patient is unsafe and ineffective.

Finally, the teeth are fully polished and any grooves left in the enamel are smoothed. This is so plaque and tartar do not reform into these grooves.

Polishing requires a rotating device just like your dentist uses, and the polish is applied under the gums.

This final step decreases how quickly future disease will occur. Just like in people, oral health is a daily battle and at home brushing is the best way to slow recurrence of disease and oral infection, improving the quality and health of your furry family member.

Dental cleanings are continued on an ‘as needed’ basis usually between 1-2 years. Infection in the teeth can lead to heart and kidney disease if left unchecked. Regular, frequent cleanings keep costs and risks to a minimum.

Our main goal is to maintain a high quality of life for your pet as long as possible. Thankfully, our pets live a lot longer now, and their teeth can last longer too.

Contact your local vet, in Georgia, to schedule a cleaning and exam.

“My pet doesn’t seem to be in pain. Wouldn’t he stop eating if his teeth hurt?”

Bad news from your veterinarian?

The truth is most pets will continue to eat despite constant and throbbing dental pain.

Sadly, pets can’t easily tell us about it and the painful teeth often look totally healthy from the outside.

There is hope! Many owners comment on how much more lively and playful their pet is after we have removed infected, painful teeth and have given the others a good cleaning. More than anything this increased activity confirms the amount of pain the pet was in before the procedure.

New information is allowing veterinarians to understand dental disease. It is highly treatable if caught early. We can minimize pain and tooth loss through physical exams, testing, and regular, frequent cleanings.

To learn more Click this link: Dental Care Booklet for Owners

What better time than now to schedule your pets dental cleaning at a vet in Canton.

How do I keep my pets teeth clean? Advice from Canton Vets

Vets in Canton agree Healthy Teeth equals Healthy Pets.

As veterinarians, we know it would be great if pet owners could brush their animal’s teeth every day.

We realize; that’s probably unrealistic, so once a week is good. You will still make an impact for the better of your pets health. Use a Plain toothbrush, plain water, you don’t need special paste to brush your pets teeth.

We recommend brushes, the little finger brushes that you can find in pet stores really don’t have enough abrasive abilities to them to do the job. But a plain, little soft kid’s toothbrush on the outer surfaces of those teeth, brushing once a week, you can make a pretty big impact.

Your pet will still need to have their teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian, but we can, hopefully, do that less frequently.

Allergies and Your Pet from a Georgia Veterinarian

A vet’s guide to pet allergies.

Allergies are a very common, and very frustrating problem for people and pets alike. People often get sinus symptoms and itchy, watery eyes.

While we sometimes see these signs in pets (especially cats), it is much more common to have skin and ear problems.

Pets often shake their heads, scratch their ears, lick and chew at their feet, or are itchy all over. Secondary skin and ear infections are a common result.

Pets can be allergic to all the same things we are. Pollens, grasses, molds, foods and insects (fleas). Just like in people, these problems come and go throughout the year and are managed rather than cured.

This means that a certain amount of itching and chewing will usually remain but, that we minimize the secondary problems with medications such as antihistamines.

Not all antihistamines are safe for pets. Some are even toxic if they contain other ingredients such as decongestants. Always call and ask if a medication is ok before giving it. We will be happy to answer or offer alternatives.

If you notice an allergic reaction from your pet. Take them to your veterinarian or pet doctor for help.

The veterinarians at Cherokee Animal Hospital talk about fleas.

Vets in Georgia understand the need for year-round flea and tick treatment.

Just a few fleas can turn into a massive infestation in a hurry. Dr. Bryant, a vet in Canton, talks about fleas and your pet.

Your yard is constantly being visited by wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and opossums, as well other neighborhood pets (cats are notorious roamers). These animals can spread fleas and flea eggs, which can infest your pet when he goes outside.

In warm, humid areas like Georgia, fleas thrive year round. Plus, fleas can survive on your pet and inside your home all year! Year-round flea control is best for your pet. Fleas carry disease that can make both you and your pet sick.

All pets in your household need to be treated— especially the cats (fleas’ favorite host). Some pets are more sensitive to fleas than others, so if you treat only the pet that’s scratching, she’s likely to be re-infested by other pets that also have fleas but aren’t giving you any itchy signals.

Generic or older over-the-counter flea control products are not as safe or effective and do not last as long as the newer products. Don’t be fooled by label claims that these products are the same. Many old products are particularly dangerous to cats. Even if they just rub against a dog treated with these products.

Unlike “natural” products, prescription flea control agents have been extensively tested and approved by the FDA.

Ask us for recommendations. We will take into consideration your pet’s environment and lifestyle to help you make the best choice.

In Georgia, our vets suggest the need to use these products consistently year-round.