California's wildfires and traveling smoke cause unhealthy air quality in our area, and weather and climate experts warn that wildfire season in the state may now be year-round. Wildfire smoke affects more than just people—the smoke can also be hazardous to pets, horses, and other wildlife. If you can see or experience the symptoms of bad air, there's a good chance that your pet may also feel the effects.
The annual Thanksgiving and holiday feasts are delicious for us, but did you know that these special gatherings can actually be harmful to your pets? It's tempting to spoil our furry family members with treats from the dinner table or show them some love with leftover scraps, but holiday food can make your pets seriously sick.
Before you schedule an anesthesia free dental exam, the doctors at Sierra Veterinary Clinic want you to know what you are really buying. But before we talk about anesthesia free dental exams, let's talk about where most tooth problems come from in our pets.
During my first year here with Sierra Veterinary Clinic, I have learned a few things about Stockton pets. For example, many "itchy" pets have allergies more challenging to control than my own, chronic ear infections are my least favorite disease to tackle, and the requirement of a Rabies vaccination before treatment can be a surprise to our owners.
I completed my studies in Ireland where rabies is not evident; however, every person knew about Rabies and the risk it poses. While this dangerous disease is most commonly noted and shown in dogs around the world, we all forget or tend to ignore the human factor.
As a robust virus, the infection spreads via saliva and invades the central nervous system. Once the symptoms are detected, and a diagnosis of rabies is suspected, there is no known treatment and the outcome will likely be fatal. Recognizing rabies risk is often difficult to note in the United States because the most common carrier that will cross our path is a bat. A bite from a bat usually occurs overnight and is so small it will likely go unnoticed. This can be seen most dramatically as domestic and wild animals are only diagnosed once symptoms are present or after they have passed away.
Did you know that the leading health threat for your pet is obesity? With 55% of dogs and 60% of cats tipping the scales as overweight or obese, those few extra pounds can quickly pile up into a multitude of health problems. Overweight dogs and cats are prone to arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, joint and bone issues, and shorter life spans.
Why Does My Pet Need an Annual Exam?
Have you ever wondered if your pet really needs an annual physical exam? Your dog or cat seems perfectly healthy, so is a regular wellness exam necessary?
Whether you're hitting the road in a car, traveling by RV, or taking to the skies, keep these tips in mind to ensure the best possible experience when traveling with your pet.