Turner Veterinary Clinic News
Knowing the Signs of Pet Cancer Could Save a Life
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs and cats, particularly when the animal is over age 10. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 50 percent of senior dogs and 33 percent of senior cats die of some type of cancer. No matter what the age of the pet, a cancer diagnosis often comes as a complete shock to his owner. That is because dogs and cats are good at hiding their symptoms and don't have the ability to verbalize that something is wrong.
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.
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You give your dog a bath and suddenly spot fleas. Or maybe you missed a dose of heartworm prevention and start to worry. Many pet owners find themselves asking the same question: Do I really need to give parasite prevention every month, or can I just treat problems if they show up?
February is often associated with love, thanks to Valentine’s Day, and that makes it a perfect time to show extra care to the pets who mean so much to us. While treats and cuddles are always appreciated, one of the most meaningful ways to support your pet is by focusing on their health from the inside out. Dental health and heart health may seem like separate topics, but they are closely connected and both play a major role in your pet’s overall wellness.
When was the last time your pet saw the veterinarian for a checkup, not because they were sick, but just to stay healthy? Preventive care is one of the most important ways to give your pet a longer, happier life. It’s not about doing one big thing. It’s about the small, consistent steps that help avoid bigger health problems later on.
The holidays are full of sparkle, laughter, travel, and to-do lists a mile long. As joyful as this season can be, it often means busier schedules and less time for everyday routines. In the middle of the holiday rush, it's easy to overlook one very important family member: your pet.
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.