Tag Archives: vet Sale Creek TN

Dog Care, General Health, Illness & Disease

Heartworm Awareness Month

Did you know that April is Heartworm Awareness Month? We’re guessing probably not. Heartworms definitely aren’t something to celebrate! However, it is very important to understand what they are, and why they are so dangerous to pets. A Sale Creek, TN vet discusses heartworms below.

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are parasitic worms that infest dogs’ hearts, lungs, and blood vessels. (Note: cats can also get heartworms. However, unlike Fido, Fluffy isn’t an ideal host, so serious infestations are rare.) The worms are not transmitted directly from dog to dog. Instead mosquitos—possibly the biggest jerks of the insect world—transport worm larvae via infected blood from one pooch to another. Infestations are painless and asymptomatic at first. However, as the worms grow, they can cause some very serious health issues. In fact, untreated infestations are often fatal.

Symptoms

Coughing is one of the earliest signs of a heartworm infestation. As the worms grow, Fido may lose his breath easily, and may seem very tired. Weight loss is another warning sign. Severe infestations can cause more serious symptoms, such as heart attacks. Ask your vet for more information.

Treatment

There is both good news and bad news regarding heartworm treatment for pets. The good news is that there are treatment options available. The bad news is that they can be quite expensive, and they aren’t much fun for Fido. Your four-legged buddy may need to take some very strong medicine. He may also need to be kenneled during treatment. Some cases even require surgery. However, as with anything pet-related, the earlier an issue is caught and treated, the better. If you notice any signs of heartworm infestation in your pet, call your vet immediately.

Prevention

As the saying says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is definitely true when it comes to pet care! You can keep your furry buddy safe from heartworms simply by keeping up with his parasite control products. There are several options available, from topical drops to oral medication. However, if Fido has had a lapse in his parasite control regimen, he’ll need to be tested before starting again. This is because the medication that prevents heartworm infestations won’t kill adult worms. Ask your vet for more information.

Please call us, your Sale Creek, TN pet hospital, with any questions about heartworm or parasite control. We’re here to assist!

Cat Care, General Care

7 Ways to Solve Litterbox Smells

There are many things to love about our feline friends. Fluffy is cute, cuddly, charismatic, and highly entertaining. She’s also quite clean. Your pet will carefully groom herself every day, and will use her litterbox to discretely see to her needs. Although Fluffy’s purrsonal powder room will definitely make life easier for you, it doesn’t do much for your décor. Smell is another issue. We can help! Read on for some great suggestions from a Dayton, TN vet on defeating litterbox smells.

Cleaning

First things first: make sure to keep your cat’s litterbox nice and clean. We recommend scooping the litterbox out daily, and following up with more thorough cleanings every week.

Air Fresheners

Given that air fresheners are designed to combat bad smells, it probably isn’t a shock to find that they can be quite effective at defeating litterbox odors. There are a few caveats here, however. Look for products that actually break down scent molecules, rather than just masking them with perfumes. Consider putting a timed-release product near your feline pal’s litterbox.

Plants

Plants can not only make your home look nice, they can also help it smell better! Set out some pet-safe plants near Fluffy’s private bathroom. Check the ASPCA website for a list of suggestions.

Location

Choosing the right spot for your kitty’s litterbox can also help. Pick an area that is well-ventilated. If you put the litterbox in a spare bathroom, keep the fan running in that room.

Deodorizers

There are now quite a few products aimed at eliminating or—at least minimizing—litterbox smells. Powders, sprays, and liners can all be quite effective. You can also experiment with using different types of litter. Just be sure to keep your feline pal’s opinion in mind. Some kitties have very specific preferences for bathroom products!

Offer Good Food

While some litterbox odor is to be expected, if your cat’s waste smells extremely foul, she could have a medical problem. Fluffy’s diet will also affect the smell and texture of her waste, so be sure to offer her good, high-quality food. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Avoid Overcrowding

Do you have more than one cat? You’ll need one litterbox per kitty, plus at least one extra. Cats hate sharing bathrooms!

Is your kitty due for veterinary care? Contact us, your Dayton, TN pet hospital, today! We’re here to help!