Turner Veterinary Clinic News
Come See Us When Your Pet is Well
October is National Pet Wellness Month. This purpose of this awareness campaign is to help pet owners understand the importance of preventive care. Visiting Turner Veterinary Clinic once a year when your pet is not sick or injured gives Dr. Huelsbergen the opportunity to check for unknown health issues, follow-up on previous treatment plans, and monitor her weight, growth, and behavior. We recommend bi-annual preventive care exams for senior pets due to their changing health needs. If you have a puppy or kitten, Dr. Huelsbergen will discuss the preferred vaccine and exam schedule at her first appointment.
It's Happy Healthy Cat Month
Although your cat probably thinks it should be every month, September is officially Happy Healthy Cat Month. The love and care you provide your cat makes a big difference in his longevity and overall well-being. Cats are wonderful companions who really ask for so little in exchange for the purrs, snuggles, and unconditional love. In honor of this special month, here are some things you can do to give your cat the happy life he deserves:
- Provide several places to sleep and hide throughout your home. Cats need a place to retreat when they feel fearful in addition to wanting privacy from time to time.
- Get your cat microchipped and provide her with a collar and identification tag. This greatly increases the chances of a happy reunion should she ever become separated from you.
- Feed your cat nutritious food, limit treats, and make him work for his food sometimes. Place it inside of a toy or in different places around the house to satisfy his natural hunting instinct. This also gives him much-needed exercise.
- Make sure your cat has plenty of toys and spend a few minutes each day playing with her. Cats are just as entertained batting at a piece of string as they are with an expensive toy from the pet store. Playing with your cat encourages exercise, mental stimulation, and the human-feline bond.
- Place scratching posts in a few different areas of your home to give your cat the chance to sharpen his claws as well as release the natural need to scratch. This saves your furniture too.
Regular Veterinary Care is the Most Important of All
A 2013 study by the American Association of Feline Practitioners indicates that more than half of all cats don't see the veterinarian regularly. Although more than 80 percent visit the vet during their first year of life, cat owners seem to only bring them in when they are sick or injured after that. At Turner Veterinary Clinic, we encourage all cat owners to schedule a physical exam at least once a year. This is important for early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of feline diseases as well as to track your cat's growth. Dr. Huelsbergen looks forward to seeing you and your cat soon.
An Immunized Pet is a Healthy Pet
It's August, which means that National Immunization Month is here. Just like people, animals need vaccines to protect them from the devastating effects of several contagious diseases. Keeping up with your pet's regularly scheduled vaccines is one of the most important things you can do to ensure her long-term good health. This is true even if she mostly stays inside. Many serious animal illnesses are spread through airborne contact, which means your pet could pick up a virus through an open window. Germs can also spread quickly among unvaccinated pets in places such as grooming salons, boarding kennels, and dog parks.
Essential and Optional Vaccines for Cats and Dogs
The feline distemper shot, also called the FVRCP, protects cats against the serious and highly contagious diseases of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. The canine distemper shot, also called the DHPP, protects your dog from Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. Most states also enforce mandatory rabies vaccinations for both cats and dogs.
For cats, Dr. Huelsbergen may recommend a vaccine for Bordetella, Chlamydia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), and Feline Leukemia based on your cat's lifestyle, breed, and other factors. For dogs, he may advise you to get a vaccine for Bordetella, Canine Influenza, Canine Virus, Leptospirosis, or Lyme Disease. Dr. Huelsbergen always takes your feedback into consideration when making these recommendations.
Kittens and puppies should start their FVRCP or DHPP series between six and eight weeks of age. This involves getting the original dose followed by several boosters to ensure strong immunity. If your adult cat or dog is behind on his shots, we can get him caught up at Turner Veterinary Clinic. We are happy to discuss your pet's vaccination schedule at his next well visit exam, by phone, or through electronic messaging.
Categories
Recent Posts
If you're lucky enough to have a senior pet, you know just how special that bond becomes over time. From cozy afternoons on the couch to the look in their eyes that says, "I've known you forever," there’s a deep and quiet understanding between you. As pets get older, though, their needs change. Aging isn’t a disease, but it does require us to adapt how we care for our beloved companions.
The good news? With the right care and attention, senior pets can enjoy happy, healthy golden years. Here are seven simple but meaningful health tips to help your older dog or cat feel their best.
Has your dog seemed a little more reserved lately, or is your cat less interested in playing with their favorite toys? It can be easy to attribute these changes to aging or mood, but pets are experts at hiding discomfort. The good news is that there are plenty of subtle signals that can provide clues that your pet may be experiencing pain, and many treatment options to help alleviate this discomfort.
Did you know that pets accidentally start nearly 1,000 house fires every year in the United States? It’s a scary thought, but it doesn’t have to be a reality in your home. Our furry companions are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings, but sometimes their adventures can put them, and your entire household, at risk. The good news? With a little awareness and a few easy changes, you can protect your pets and keep your home safe from fire hazards
If your dog won’t stop licking, chewing, or scratching one spot, it’s natural to wonder: “Is something wrong with my pet?” While occasional itching can be common, constant attention to a single area can signal a more serious issue, such as a hot spot. These inflamed patches of skin can appear almost overnight and quickly become painful and infected without treatment.
Let’s explore what hot spots are, what causes them, and how to help your dog heal quickly.
Sunshine, open windows, and the promise of new adventures—summer road trips are hard to resist. And if you’re like many pet parents, there’s no way you're leaving your four-legged friend behind. Whether you're headed to a cabin up north, the lake for the weekend, or on a cross-country tour, traveling with pets takes some extra planning. But with a little prep, your journey can be just as smooth for them as it is for you.
Before you gas up the car and grab the treats, here’s what you need to know to help your pet stay healthy, safe, and comfortable on the road.