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5 Tips for Dealing with Loss of Pet

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:31:31 GMT

Your pet has just died. Dog, cat, bird, hamster, ferret–the species doesn’t matter. What does is that your friend and companion is no longer with you and that your life is on much emptier place. Some people are more affected by the loss of a pet than others. For those who are intensely affected, here are some helpful ideas on how to handle the loss.

Stay busy

Involving yourself in activity, especially one you like, can really help. This is because any project you can do helps keep you focused on the world that exists outside of the emptiness you feel. Doing so will make your grief go away, but it will help you adjust your perception to the fact that water loss is a part of life, is not all there is.

It’s all right to cry as much as you want to and whenever you feel like it. If you don’t, you’ll just keep your self from being able to proceed on to the next stage of healing.

Think about about the other things that matter

Death does indeed touch many aspects of your life, but doesn’t change everything. Reflect on those things the loss hasn’t changed, such as the things you did and enjoyed without your pet.

Don’t dwell on the negative

This is especially true when it comes to the images you may have in your head about your pet’s last moments. Regardless of whether or not you witnessed them, you need to work on replacing them with more pleasant ones. If you believe in an afterlife, think about your pet as being whole and healthy in a happy new world. If you don’t, concentrate on the special things you did for your pet that made its time on earth worthwhile.

Avoid making decisions you can’t undo

If you can’t look at your pets toys without bursting into tears, don’t throw them away. Just put them out of sight for a while. You may want to have them later on as keepsakes or to create a memorial for your pet. Also, don’t rush out and get a new pet until you’ve had time to work through grief.

Count your blessings

No matter how bad you may feel, take time to remind yourself of all the good things you still have. You can make a list, either in your head or in written form. These won’t entirely make up for the loss, but they will remind you of what you do have.

At Austin Pet and Bird Clinic , we understand how difficult it is for people who are facing the impending death of a sick pet or who are going through the grieving process. Our veterinarians can give you the advice you need on how to best care for a terminally ill animal or on putting your pet to sleep. Don’t go through your loss alone: let us help you say goodbye to your pet with dignity and compassion.

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Flea Treatment for Austin, Texas

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:27:07 GMT

What are Fleas?

Fleas are little bugs. Usually you can see them if you part your dog or cat’s hair on the back near the tail or on the belly. You can see little black things crawling around. They’re pretty small. They’re about one to two millimeters or so I’d say. What would I compare them to? I don’t know, but you can see them crawling around. There are mostly cat fleas but both cats and dogs get them. Your dogs and cats get them from being around other cats and dogs. Sometimes they can just be in the yard or the dog park and there can be flea eggs and flea larvae there and they will pick up the fleas from the dog park, or outside, apartment complexes, where all of the dogs walk around. Those are terrible places for your dog to get fleas, so if you are a person who lives in an apartment, I tell them, “look, you have to have flea control. You have to put something on your dog.”

Look at what I have to resort to if you don’t treat my fleas…

Flea Control

Flea control is something you put on your dog or your cat and it’s going to kill the fleas that are on the dog or cat and prevent anymore from getting on them. The flea control that’s the safest and I like the best are Advantage and Frontline and you can get both of those of course at Wells Branch Pet and Bird Clinic.

Flea control has come a long way. We used to just use nasty, toxic medicine that we would dip the dogs in and cats in and it didn’t really dip them in, I think that term actually came from doing the livestock but we actually would mix it up in a gallon, bathe the dog and then pour it over them. I don’t know if you’ve ever done that with your dog or cat at home but we did it a lot in the clinic. I’ve done it a lot for a long time and it’s very chemically smelling. It goes all over the clinic and you can smell the toxin. It’s toxic because it’s supposed to kill something. It’s supposed to kill the fleas but still you’re supposed to use just enough the where it doesn’t hurt your dog or cat. That’s what we used to do. I still have people come in and ask if we can do a flea dip on their dog. I say no, I’m not doing flea dips anymore because there are products like Frontline and Advantage that are incredibly safe, they don’t have that chemical toxic smell because they’re not toxic. I can have it on my hands and not be worried about what I am going to get. You can apply it on your dog. It’s what we call a spot on. It’s a liquid that you apply to the skin of the dog and when you apply it, when you put it on, it spreads all over the body by itself by the body’s movement and the skin oils and goes all over the dog, from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, covers the dog completely and kills any fleas that are there and stays on the pet for a good amount of time. The product label says four weeks, probably two or three weeks to get good protection. And it’s really safe. That’s what I like.

What About Store-Bought Flea Treatment?

There are a lot of things in the grocery store that look the same or are made to be applied the same way, but look, those things have the same things in it that we used to use in our dips. It’s the same medicine and it’s not that safe. It’s not as safe as Frontline and Advantage and it doesn’t work as well. People use those products. It’s cheaper. Well, you know, it’s cheaper for a reason. It doesn’t work as well. Not as good for your pet. Not as safe. So that’s the difference with the products we use and the products in the grocery store for flea control.

To have your pet treated for fleas , call Wells Branch Pet and Bird Clinic at 512-339-8472 .

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Canine Skin Rashes

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:16:13 GMT

You can almost count on Fido getting a skin rash at least once in his or her lifetime. In general, a rash should not be a cause for concern. However, they can be very uncomfortable for your pet and sometimes lead to other health problems.

Skin rashes typically result from canine contact with something in his or her environment and are the sign of an allergic reaction. The stomach and legs are the most vulnerable to this condition, which most dogs try to relieve by excessive scratching.

Exposure to chemicals in pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, household detergents and shampoos can cause allergies. Rashes caused by these chemicals typically appear red as raised red itchy spots and may be hot to the touch.

External and internal parasites can also cause dog rashes. Flea rashes appear as red, pimple-like bumps whereas mite rashes may appear raw. Internal parasites such as worms can also cause belly rashes and must be diagnosed by a vet to receive proper treatment.

Yeast infections can also trigger canine skin rashes. Usually, these type of rashes have an unpleasant odor and appear red and flaky. They sometimes leave scaly patches on the skin.

Seborrhea, which is the canine form of dandruff, is another rash-like condition. Left untreated, it can make your canine pal’s skin look flaky and also cause red pimples to appear.

Left alone, most rashes will go away in short period of time. But if Fido’s rash doesn’t, or if you just want to be sure your dog doesn’t have something more serious, make an appointment at Austin Pet and Bird Clinic . Our caring staff will give your dog a full nose-to-tail checkup and run all necessary tests to determine the cause of your pet’s rash. Don’t let itching and scratching keep Fido down!

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Testing for Pets Showing Significant Weight Loss

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:12:21 GMT

What might be causing my pet to lose weight?

How can we determine the cause of weight loss in my pet? Weight loss may be caused by physical problems in grasping, chewing, and swallowing food. It may be related to problems of inadequate nutrition because of increased energy requirements; for example due to rapid growth, increased levels of exercise, pregnancy, or lactation (nursing). A poor quality diet may result in weight loss. And finally, underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism in cats, Addison’s disease in dogs, disease in the kidney, heart, liver or intestines, or cancer, may cause significant weight loss.

No need to study so hard, your Austin Pet and Bird Clinics have done the research

A thorough history and physical examination will provide us with some initial “clues”; for example, a cat with a mass in the neck region will increase our index of suspicion for thyroid disease, whereas abnormal heart or lung sounds suggest underlying cardiovascular disease. Often the cause of the weight loss will not be evident on physical examination alone, and a series of screening tests will be recommended. These screening tests include a complete blood count (CBC), a serum biochemistry profile, a urinalysis, fecal flotation, and evaluation of thyroid hormones in cats.

What might these screening tests indicate?

The complete blood count provides us with an evaluation of the red blood cells, the white blood cells, and the platelet components of a blood sample. This numerical analysis is accompanied by a microscopic evaluation of these cells on a blood smear.

Anemia may accompany many of the diseases that result in weight loss. The degree of anemia is often related to the severity of the underlying disease. The type of anemia and therefore the underlying cause of the weight loss may be suggested by examination of the blood smear. As one example, anemia due to chronic intestinal or urinary tract blood loss is characterized by small red blood cells containing less hemoglobin than usual.

Underlying inflammatory or infectious conditions may be suggested by increases in the white blood cell numbers. The appearance of atypical or unusual white blood cells might be indicative of underlying bone marrow or other neoplasia (cancer).

The serum biochemistry profile provides us with an evaluation of many organ systems including the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. In addition to organ related enzymes, the biochemistry profile evaluates blood sugar (glucose), proteins, cholesterol, and electrolytes.

Increases in the liver related enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), are suggestive of underlying liver disease. Mild increases in ALT and ALP in cats may also be supportive of thyroid disease. A marked increase in serum glucose concentration, especially if accompanied by the finding of glucose in the urine, is supportive of diabetes mellitus. Changes in the electrolyte (salt and mineral) composition of blood may be suggestive of underlying Addison’s disease.

Decreases in the serum proteins, namely albumin and globulins, may be the result of either blood loss or loss of protein via the intestinal tract or kidneys. When protein values are decreased, it is important to know what the CBC results are so that blood loss as a cause of protein loss can either be confirmed or eliminated.

The biochemistry profile provides us with an indication of kidney function by measuring two metabolites that are usually cleared from the blood via the kidneys. These metabolites are urea and creatinine. Increases in urea and creatinine are associated with kidney disease or with dehydration. In order to determine which might be the cause, the concentrating ability of the kidneys must also be assessed. Such an assessment is provided by the urinalysis.

A urinalysis provides us with an evaluation of the chemical and physical characteristics of a urine sample. It is essential to properly interpret any changes found on the serum biochemistry profile. Knowledge of the urine concentration, as well as urine glucose concentration, is vital in the diagnosis of kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus, respectively.

A fecal flotation simply requires a fresh stool sample. This sample is evaluated microscopically for the presence of intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasitism is more common in young animals and in those eating raw foods (such as cats that hunt). A large parasite burden may cause weight loss.

The majority of cases of hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed using a single blood test that measures the total thyroxine (T4) concentration.Because hyperthyroidism in cats is due to the unregulated production of thyroid hormones (primarily T4), the blood T4 concentration is usually markedly elevated in cats with the disease.

What additional tests might be indicated for the evaluation of weight loss?

Any additional testing that may be recommended will depend entirely on the combined results of the history, physical examination, and initial screening tests.

Given the many possible causes of weight loss, it is not possible to list all potential additional tests. However, a few of the more common additional tests are listed below:

In cats, underlying viral disease due to feline leukemia virus or feline immunodeficiency virus should be investigated. This requires a single blood sample.
If hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) is suspected, then confirmation of this disease will require an ACTH stimulation test.
Determination of the serum fructosamine concentration may be done to confirm diabetes mellitus.
Serum bile acid concentrations are often used to confirm hepatic dysfunction.
Problems with digestion of food due to deficiencies in pancreatic enzymes may be confirmed with a serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity test.
A urine Protein: Creatinine ratio may be indicated to quantify the amount of protein being lost in the urine.
Imaging studies such as x-rays or ultrasound may be undertaken if a tumor is identified. X-rays will also help us to evaluate the contents of the chest or abdominal cavity.
Fine needle aspiration or other biopsy techniques may be employed to obtain cells from any enlarged organs or masses.
Electrocardiophic studies might be indicated if abnormalities in heart size, rate, rhythm, or sounds are identified.

The Basics of Cat Psychology

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:05:15 GMT

Does that special feline in your life confuse you with behaviors that seem to run hot and cold? Cats can indeed be quite affectionate, some of the time, at least. But in general, they do tend to maintain a high degree of independence as well, which can strike many as a sign of disinterest or aloofness.

That’s why it’s important to learn how to understand the way your cat communicates. Like most animals, felines use body language to communicate. So when Kitty is feeling friendly, for example, his or her whiskers will point forward. And when your feline pal is feeling angry or defensive, those whiskers will lie close to the face.

Another thing to look for is what your cat’s tail is doing. When it’s held high, your furry friend is probably feeling happy. When it’s half-raised, Kitty is not quite as content. And when it’s held low to the ground your furry friend probably has a case of the blues. A twitching tail indicates that Kitty is angry or in hunting mode.

When your cat purrs, he or she is probably expressing contentment. But beware: depending on the situation and/or how your cat looks physically, that same purring could also signify distress, anxiety or illness.

Your cat’s meow can also carry multiple meanings, which can only be learned by observing him or her over time. Cats typically meow in different pitches, each of which carries a different meaning. Some meows may actually be “commands.” Others may be “requests” or “complaints.”

Feline temperament can also vary according to breed and level of socialization. A cat that was not socialized as a kitten may act guarded and display aggression towards other cats and strangers. Fortunately, you can address such problems using behavior modification strategies.

You may find that your particular feline is especially active at night. If this is a problem for you, try playing with Kitty about 2 hours before bedtime so he or she will get tired earlier. Be sure that playtime takes place at the same time every day: this will help reset your cat’s circadian rhythm.

“Learning” your pet takes time. But it’s important because it’s the only way you’ll know when something’s not right. If you do find that your cat just isn’t behaving the same, then make an appointment with Austin Pet and Bird . Our caring vets will run a nose to tail exam to find what’s really going on with your feline pal.

Is Your Pet’s Bad Breath Getting to You?

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:01:50 GMT

What is Halitosis?

Just because your pet doesn’t brush its teeth everyday doesn’t mean that it should have bad breath. Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, is the result of various conditions in the mouth and occasionally a sign of an underlying disease.

What causes Halitosis?

Periodontal disease is the most common cause of halitosis. Plaque accumulates on the teeth and readily serves as a surface on which bacteria can attach. After a short while the plaque mineralizes and produces tartar, also known as dental calculus. The tartar irritates and inflames the gums, thus making it possible for bacteria to invade and cause infection. The bacterial population changes over time to a more damaging strain that can destroy bone and eventually tooth loss. These bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which is the substance that causes the halitosis. Some other causes of bad breath are diet, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, foreign bodies, cancerous mass, and trauma.

How is this diagnosed?

Halitosis is most commonly first diagnosed by the owner. Other signs of periodontal disease are pawing the mouth and trouble chewing hard food. It is normally a painful disease, but most cats and dogs fail to show any signs other than the bad breath. An exam by a veterinarian is necessary for a diagnosis of the exact cause of the halitosis.

Your pet’s breath may not ever smell like flowers…but it can be improved!

How is it treated?

Treatment for the halitosis depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics may be necessary to kill the odor-causing bacteria and remove the inflammation. Dental cleaning can lessen the halitosis and protect against the consequences of the damaging bacteria in the mouth. With the animal under general anesthesia, the teeth are cleaned with a mechanical scaler to remove the tartar and then polished. If necessary, any decaying teeth will be pulled. Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed depending on the severity of the periodontal disease. Some animals may require dental cleanings more often due to individual variation, diet, and make up of the saliva.

Prevention

Once the tartar has been removed, several preventive products are now available to keep the animal’s teeth and gums healthy. Specially designed toothbrushes and specially formulated mouth rinses and toothpastes help curb the build up of plaque and tartar. Dog chews containing chlorhexidine, a non-toxic cleanser, are also available. Several dog food companies have diets that promote dental health. We carry and recommend Science Diet T/D which is very good for the maintenance of tartar build up. Regular dental prophylaxis should be a part of every pet’s routine health care and reduce the chance of more serious oral diseases. To quote an old adage: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

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Dogs, Cats and Vomiting

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:42:30 GMT

When animals–including your dog, cat or even you–vomit, it usually means that something irritating or infected is in the intestines or that toxins are affecting the brain. The process is a way for the body to eliminate harmful contents in the gut to prevent further damage from happening.

Vomit can be yellow, green or red. If it’s yellow, that means that only stomach contents are being thrown up. If it’s green, the food source has begun its journey in the intestines. These two colors are due to the presence of bile. The difference comes from the place from which the vomit originates.

Red vomit is much more serious. It usually indicates that whatever the animal has swallowed has caused severe enough irritation to the gut lining that blood is leaking from the gut, a stomach ulcer, a bleeding tumor in the gut or internal bleeding elsewhere, as might be caused from certain kinds of poisons or diseases. Digested blood can look like coffee grounds: it may look harmless, but it’s a definite indication that something is seriously wrong.

If your dog or cat only throws up once and you don’t see any redness in the vomit, then your four-legged pal is probably just trying to get rid of something that he or she shouldn’t have eaten. This could include garbage or certain plants. Viruses–such as the Parvo virus in dogs and the Panleukopenia or distemper virus in kittens and cats–can also cause Fido or Kitty to vomit.

If your pet has eaten a foreign body such as parts from a small toy, that entity could lodge in certain parts of the gut and not let anything pass through. This, too, could cause vomiting. If your dog or cat has eaten string or string-like material, this is especial cause for concern because it can tie up the gut and cut right through it.

The best thing to do if you see your pet vomiting blood or notice strange objects in the vomit is to call the DVMs (Doctors of Veterinary Medicine) at Austin Pet and Bird Clinic immediately. Our veterinarians will examine your animal pal from nose to tail to determine the cause of the problem. Your furry friend depends on you to take care of him or her during an illness. So let us help you give your pet the very best care possible. Contact us today!

Why Pets Eat Grass

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:35:49 GMT

You’ve probably noticed that your dog or cat may occasionally nibble on a few blades of grass now and then. While this behavior is quite normal for pets, it’s something that nevertheless leaves you wondering: why do they do it?

Sometimes, pets eat grass to help them induce vomiting to remove unwanted or harmful contents from their stomachs, including hair, bones, bad food or toxins. Experts believe that this behavior may actually be innate as it does seem to function as a form of self-preservation.

Grass may also contain nutrients pets need. To begin, it’s an excellent source of fiber which aids in digestion and the formation of stools. Fiber can also protect the intestines from sharp objects (like bones from prey) by wrapping around it. That way, the potentially harmful object can pass through the body or be vomited up without damage to either the gut or esophagus.

Additionally, grass has chlorophyll and B and C vitamins. Research has shown that the former has antioxidant, anticancer, detoxification and blood-stimulating properties. And vitamins, of course, are essential for proper metabolic functioning.

It’s also interesting to note that your pet’s carnivore relatives (wolves and lions, for example) as well as your dog or cat will usually eat the intestines first. This is because they typically contain digested grasses that prey animals (which are usually herbivores) have consumed. Intestines also have enzymes which are essential to predator health.

If your animal pal is eating items other than grass–for example, dirt, clay or chalk–or is vomiting severely, then you need to bring him or her to the Pet and Bird Clinic as soon as possible. This kind of behavior is not normal and could indicate more serious health problems. We understand that your pet is important to you. That’s why we provide only the highest quality veterinary care . When you have questions, we have answers: contact us today!

Coughing in Cats

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:23:16 GMT

Do cats cough?

Cats do cough but not as often as other animals. Retching or gagging is often confused with a cough. A cough is an expiratory effort producing a sudden, noisy expulsion of air from the lungs. It is usually stimulated by an irritation or inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the windpipe (trachea), bronchi or bronchioles in the lungs in an effort to expel some foreign material or accumulated inflammatory secretion or exudate. Bouts of coughing may end with a retch and even bringing up of stomach contents.

*cough…I should probably cut back on my smoking too…

What causes cats to cough?

In cats, coughing is most often a sign of an inflammatory problem affecting the lower respiratory tract, especially some form of bronchitis. This inflammation will often be from infection particularly with viruses such as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or bacteria such as Bordetella. Parasitic worms may be responsible in a few cases. Allergies of various origins may also cause coughing. Cats can cough for a variety of other reasons, including the presence of foreign material within the airway (e.g. pieces of inhaled grass), or irritation from inhaled liquids or gases. Chest tumors (cancer) can occasionally cause coughing. Coughing is rarely associated with heart disease in cats.

Coughing can also be seen with upper respiratory tract disease when irritation or inflammation affects the larynx or trachea, or a disease in the nose that results in excessive secretions draining into the larynx and trachea, causing irritation and coughing.

When does a coughing cat need veterinary attention?

It is normal for all cats to cough occasionally, and provided that the cat is maintaining good health and the cough is not productive (not resulting in the production of phlegm or sputum), veterinary attention is not indicated. However, if the cough persists for more than a few days, is severe, productive, or if the cat appears sick and losing weight, you should consult your veterinarian.

How is the cause of a cat’s cough diagnosed?

Because most cases of coughing are associated with other signs of respiratory infection, an intensive initial work up may not be required.However, if the cough is severe or if it has been present for some time, then further investigation may be needed. Careful recollection by the owner of the onset of the problem and its progression, any changes in the environment, or any other signs of illness in the cat, will be important. The clinical work-up may include blood tests, laboratory cultures of a wash sample from the lower respiratory tract, endoscopic examination and radiography. The cat may be given a sedative for some of these procedures.

How will the cough be treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Symptomatic treatment with decongestant medicines may be helpful in mild cases. In the case of viral with secondary bacterial infection or primary bacterial infection, antibiotics will likely provide rapid improvement. Do not stop the treatment once the cat seems better. Complete the medication as prescribed otherwise the infection may return and be more difficult to treat.

If the coughing is a more chronic problem (i.e. has been present for one to two months), there may be permanent damage to the mucous membrane surfaces such that they are not capable of healing. In these cases, infections may be recurrent. Targeted supplements that improve mucous membrane repair or act as immune stimulants may be helpful. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to suppress the inflammation particularly if there is an allergic basis and the allergen cannot be found and removed from the cat’s environment. In the case of certain types of cancer, chemotherapy may be an option.

Call Wells Branch Pet and Bird Clinic at (512) 339-8472 to have your cat checked .

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Thank you for reading our article – Coughing in Cats

Research More About Animal Health Here

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4 Ways to Tell if Your Bearded Dragon is Ill

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:14:55 GMT

Bearded dragons — also known as “beardies” — are docile, sociable and tolerate being handled exceptionally well.

If you want a beardie as a pet and are new to the world of lizards, it’s wise to become acquainted with typical beardie behavior. The more you understand your reptile pal, the better your chances of keeping him or her healthier for longer.

Closeup of bearded dragon lizard.

Healthy bearded dragons will be active, keep their heads perked up if they are awake and will be very alert when someone approaches their tank. Their skin will be smooth, their eyes will be clear and they will maintain a fairly regular bathroom schedule. A beardie is likely ill when he or she exhibits any of the following symptoms:

Inability to defecate
If you notice that your pet has stopped defecating for a few days yet is still eating, it could be a problem. The longer the beardie goes without relieving him or herself, the more serious the issue.
Diarrhea
A healthy bearded dragon’s fecal matter should be solid. If your lizard pal has recurring bouts of diarrhea, it could be a sign of parasites or worms.
Dehydration
Keeping a beardie properly hydrated is key to maintaining their health. Should your lizard have sunken eyes, excessively wrinkled skin, lack of appetite or energy or appear to perk up after drinking, he or she may be suffering from dehydration.
Eye problems
When a beardie’s eyes droop so that he or she looks like a bloodhound, he or she may have an infection or a problem with parasites. It’s also possible that your pal may have kidney issues. Swollen/puffed out eyes are also something to watch out for. They can be signs that your beardie is shedding or that he or she is suffering from an overdose of vitamin A, parasites or an eye infection.

If you suspect that your lizard pal may be ill, make an appointment at either Wells Branch or South Branch Pet and Bird Clinics . Our vets understand the special needs and requirements of beardies and lizards and reptiles and can help your pet get back on the road to good health.

Taking Care of Your Dog in Winter

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:07:55 GMT

Hard as it is to believe, winter is just around the corner. If you’re a dog owner, you need to make sure that you need to make sure that your furry four-legged pal gets the proper care during winter.

Very much sick dog , isolated on a white background.

Dealing with Fido on cold days: general advice

A good rule of thumb to follow when the weather turns chilly is to take your dogs with you when you go out…and then bring them back inside when you’re ready to return home. If your dog has to stay outside for significant lengths of time, make sure to provide them with shelter, thick bedding and lots of water. If the weatherman predicts an overnight hard freeze, play it safe and bring your dog inside.

Different canines have different levels of cold tolerance

Most long haired dogs can spend more time outside than short haired breeds. It’s also important to remember, though, that if your smaller dog has long hair, he or she will get cold more quickly than the bigger dogs. Puppies and senior dogs will also be more vulnerable to the cold than healthy adult dogs.

Doggie sweaters are OK but…

If your dog lets you put a sweater on him or her, great! But you do need to remember that dogs lose most of their body heat from the pads of their feet, their ears, and their respiratory tract. The best way to protect your four-legged pal from winter weather damage is to watch them closely and make sure they are comfortable.

Sick dogs need extra care in winter

Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hormonal imbalances can affect a dog’s ability to regulate body heat. If Fido isn’t in the pink, then he or she should not stay outside for long. Dogs suffering from canine arthritis should be treated with special care. The cold can make their joints extremely stiff and they may be more awkward than usual. Stay below these dogs as they are climbing stairs and be prepared to catch them if they slip as they try jumping up on furniture.

Winter is the perfect time to bring Fido into either the South Branch or Wells Branch Pet and Bird for a full nose to tail checkup. Our caring vets can help you keep your animal pal healthy, safe and happy all winter long. Contact us today!

Basic Grooming for Your Dog

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 13:57:24 GMT

Your dog offers you a life time of unconditional love, devotion, and companionship. In exchange, he or she depends on you to supply them with food, safe shelter, water, exercise, exercise, company, and more. To have your canine at their best, you will have to know some simple grooming skills and, if necessary, hire a qualified groomer.

Here are four areas that you should take of in grooming your pet.

Foot Care Coat Care
Without frequent combing and brushing, your dog’s hair mats. Matted hair can pull and inflame your dog’s delicate skin and can be hurtful to remove. Even pets with short and flat coats require frequent grooming to spread skin oils and get rid of dead hair. So every dog owner should have some simple grooming gear on hand.

Do not ignore routine attention to your dog’s feet. Since your canine consumes a lot time standing/walking without protection, their feet are vulnerable to punctures or injuries from sharp materials as well as abrasions and scrapes from gravel and cement pathways. Look at your pet’s feet on a frequent basis to ensure they have not acquired any fox-tails or goat-head stickers. If turf seeds become stuck in their paws, you can remove them with forceps or tweezers. Clean little cuts and apply antibiotic cream or ointment. Come to the Pet and Bird Clinic for more serious cuts.

Ear Care
Your dog’s ears are sensitive, delicate instruments enabling them to pick-up sounds significantly further than the human range of hearing. Microbial infection or foreign matters can significantly harm these wonderful creations, but taking a couple of minutes every week to check out and clean your pet’s ears can help keep them in good working order.

Dental care
Despite the fact that dogs don’t normally get cavities, they`re susceptible to gum disease triggered by tartar accumulation. Tartar is a byproduct of plaque — gummy deposits left on teeth after feeding. When plaque solidifies, it makes tartar which in return can trigger the gums to become red, irritated, and sore. This problem is known as gingivitis. Gum illness is essentially the most frequent complications vets find in dogs. Aside from creating bad breath, if it becomes awful enough, it can meddle with a pet’s ability to chew and even affect internal organs, resulting in bacterial attacks in the renal system and heart.

The Pet and Bird Clinic is here to assist you with the care of your dog. If you come across anything suspicious in the grooming of your pet pal that might be cause for concern, our Doctors of Veterinary Medicine are here to help you sort it out. Just bring your dog down to one of clinics.

Cataracts in Dogs

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 13:51:37 GMT

You’ve begun to notice that your canine pal’s eyes aren’t as bright as they used to be. In fact, one or both eyes seem to be covered in white film. What’s going on?

Fido is probably suffering from cataract disease. The lens of the eye gets clouded over, making it difficult – or some cases, impossible – for light to pass to the retina. Left untreated, cataract disease can cause blindness. Dog breeds most susceptible to this disease include:

miniature poodles and schnauzers
cocker spaniels
Boston terriers
Siberian huskies
golden retrievers

Symptoms vary according to the degree of vision impairment. Dogs with less than 30% lens opacity display few to no symptoms, whereas those with 60% lens opacity or more may suffer from loss of vision and/or have difficulty seeing in dimly lit areas.

If the cataract(s) have developed as a result of canine diabetes, you may find that Fido has increased levels of thirst along with an increased need to urinate. He or she may also experience weight loss along with vision impairment symptoms.

Most cases of cataract disease are inherited. However, other causes and risk factors associated with the condition can include:

old age
inflammation of the eye’s uvea
exposure to radiation or toxic substances (for example, naphthalene)
abnormally low levels of blood calcium
diabetes mellitus

The condition is also progressive. How quickly it develops depends on the underlying cause of the cataract(s), the location and the age of the afflicted canine. If your dog is also suffering from diabetes, the condition can progress especially fast.

Cloudiness in one or both of Fido’s eyes is your cue to contact either the Wells Branch or South Branch Pet and Bird Clinic immediately. Our vets will give your canine a complete physical and ocular exam to determine the best course of treatment that may (or may not) include surgery. Give your animal pal the gift of good health and vision: make an appointment with us today!

Kennel Cough in Dogs

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 13:46:24 GMT

Studies show good health is all important

Your dog seems healthy and even has a normal temperature. But that hacking cough that’s been hanging around for a few days is making you wonder: what’s up with Fido?

It’s possible that your canine pal has developed kennel cough (also known as croup). Bacteria known as Bordetella bronchiseptica attack the lining of the trachea and bronchi and cause inflammation. When air passes over the irritated areas, coughing, retching and sometimes even gagging results.

Dogs typically get this illness when they are confined with other canines in animal shelters or boarding kennels. They can also get it at a dog grooming shop or even dog shows. This highly contagious disease gets passed to healthy canines from infected ones, who may show no symptoms, via airborne organisms or close physical contact.

The incubation period for kennel cough varies. It can show up as early as 3 days or as late as 10 days after contact with a sick canine. Dogs typically get over the disease with no outside intervention in about one to two weeks.

If you suspect Fido is sick, the best thing to do is to keep him or her warm and make sure to have a bowl of clean water readily available. Remove your dog’s collar to reduce the chance of further irritating the bronchial area and use a harness to restrain him or her. You may want to give your canine pal soft food to help lessen the pain Fido may experience when swallowing meals.

Sometimes, a canine will develop a raised temperature or experience lethargy, loss of appetite or discharge from the eyes and/or nose. If this happens to your dog, make an appointment at Austin Pet and Bird immediately. Your canine pal could be suffering from a secondary infection that could lead to pneumonia.

Don’t let kennel cough keep Fido down. Contact Wells Branch Pet and Bird Clinic at (512) 339-8472 or South Branch Pet and Bird Clinic at (512) 462-0002 , for the best in Austin veterinary care !

Common Pet Parrot and Bird Illnesses

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 13:40:31 GMT

Bird Illnesses

About.com has some excellent resources for pet owners.

Here are the most common illnesses that affect birds in captivity. It is important to recognize their symptoms as soon as possible and seek treatment.

Pro ventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)

How this disorder is spread is not known. It is also called Macaw Wasting Syndrome or Parrot Wasting Syndrome.

Symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, changes in the bird’s droppings, and a swollen crop.

Parrots are great pets!

Psittacosis

“Parrot Fever,” as this is also called, is a Chlamydia bacterium that can affect all parrots. The disease can be passed from birds to other animals, including humans and is extremely contagious. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, eye infections and inflammation, loose, watery droppings, and general lethargy.

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)

PBFD usually strikes birds under the age of 2 but it can affect older birds as well. It is serious and symptoms include feather loss, abnormal feather development, absence of powder down, and growths, lesions, and abnormalities of the beak.

Polyomavirus

This causes the flight feathers and tail feathers of your bird to develop abnormally or not at all. Symptoms include appetite loss, an enlarged abdomen, paralysis, and diarrhea. Some birds can be carriers of the disease while showing no symptoms themselves, so this has to be watched for as well.

Candida

This can affect any bird and is a problem of the digestive system with yeasts. Expect white lesions in and around the mouth and throat, vomiting and appetite loss, and a crop that is slow to empty. Anti-fungal medications are generally successful in treating this.

Should you see any of these symptoms, bring your feathered friend immediately to one of the Pet and Bird Clinics . Our experienced and dedicated Doctors of Veterinary Medicine will take care of them and bring them back to health.