Do you have an appointment booked at our animal clinic soon? While it’s probably safe to say that your furry best friend would probably rather stay home and take yet another nap, regular visits are crucial to your beloved pet’s health and well-being. This is also a great time to get some personalized care tips to help you keep your beloved pet happy and healthy for as long as possible. As your veterinarians in London, Ontario, we are always more than happy to answer questions!

Here are a few things you may want to pick our brains about:

Is My Pet At A Good Weight?

Part of good pet care is providing a proper diet. If Fido or Fluffy are, well, round, there’s a pretty good chance that they may be a bit chubby. Of course, a pet with clearly visible ribs may need to gain weight. There are also cases where you may not know if your furry pal is overweight, underweight, or just right. Another thing to consider? Any sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain can be a warning sign of illness or disease. 

What Health Issues Is My Pet At Risk Of?

Pets can also be genetically predisposed to certain conditions. Find out if there is anything that your furry pal is at elevated risk of developing. For instance, pups with white coats are more susceptible to vision and hearing loss. German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are among the breeds that are at risk of hip dysplasia, while pugs can be prone to eye injuries.

Breed isn’t the only thing to consider here. Your furry friend’s history also matters. For instance, pets that have been given steroids may be at higher risk of developing diabetes. 

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

This one really applies more to dogs. Cats more or less self-regulate their workout sessions … or lack thereof. (Fluffy also considers catching Zs to be a legit form of exercise, but that’s another topic.)

Doggy workout needs vary tremendously. Size is one key factor. A Chihuahua may get all the activity they need just running around on those tiny legs. A Labrador Retriever may need an hour or more of vigorous activity daily.

Your canine pal’s breed and physiology also matter. Brachys, such as pugs, should never be encouraged to run, jump, or swim. Because of their short airways, they lose their breath very quickly. Jumping and standing can also be unsafe for bigger dogs, as it puts too much strain on their hips. Ask your vet for more information.

What Sort Of Food Should I Give My Pet?

Your furry pal ultimately is going to need a personalized menu. You don’t necessarily need to break the bank on pet food, but you should make sure that your pet is getting a good, nourishing food that is appropriate for their age, health, and lifestyle.

We do have a couple of tips on this:

• Get into the habit of reading pet food labels. Pick things that contain ingredients you can actually identify. For Fido and Fluffy, meat, fish, or poultry should be listed first on the label. Avoid things with long lists of unidentifiable ingredients.
• Always make dietary changes slowly, over the course of several days.
• Be careful with portions! Even overfeeding by small amounts can cause weight gain.

Your pet’s needs will change over time. Check with your vet regularly on this.

What Vaccinations Is My Pet Due For?

Pets are susceptible to a variety of illnesses and diseases. There’s no way to protect your four-legged buddy against every potential threat. Fortunately, there are vaccinations available for many of the most common ones.

We generally recommend that Fido and Fluffy get the core vaccines, at the least.

For dogs:

• Canine distemper virus (CDV):
• Canine adenovirus (CAV):
• Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV‐2):
• Rabies

For cats: 

• Feline parvovirus (FPV)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV
• Feline herpesvirus‐1 (FHV‐1)
• Rabies

Your vet may also recommend non-core vaccines, such as the Bordetella, Lepto, and rattlesnake vaccines. Ask your vet for more information. 

How Are My Pet’s Teeth?

Fluffy and Fido can’t clean their own teeth, nor can they schedule dental care. However, issues such as abscesses, gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, infections, and misalignments can cause excruciating pain, and can lead to serious—and possibly fatal—infections.

In addition to having your vet check your pet’s teeth, you may want to get some tips on home care.

Does My Pet Need Preventatives?

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms may be small, but they can cause big problems. Some infestations can even be life-threatening. In some cases, your pet may need to be tested before being started on a specific regimen. Heartworm is an example of this. The products that prevent infestations do not kill live worms, so if Fido is already infected, he would need a treatment regime rather than simple preventatives.

We really can’t overstate the importance of a good preventative care regimen. It’s cheaper, easier, and more effective to protect your pet from harmful parasites and diseases than it is to treat them. It’s also much easier on your furry pal.

How Often Should I Bathe My Pet?

Pets’ bathing and grooming needs also vary quite a bit. A dog with short, sleek fur may only need to be bathed once or twice a month, whereas one with thick fur may need more frequent baths. Be careful not to overbathe or underbathe: both can cause discomfort, itching, and skin problems. 

Your London, ON vet can also offer you tips, and can also tell you if your pet requires any medical grooming procedures, such as anal gland expression.

Why Does My Cat ____? 

We left this one blank because there’s almost no end to the possible variations here. And to be honest, we may not be able to tell you why Fluffy eats wallpaper or why your dog is scared of the UPS truck. That said, we’re happy to offer a petucated guess.

Make An Appointment With Our Vets In London

Is your beloved pet due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Are you looking for a great veterinarian in London, Ontario? Please do not hesitate to contact us. As your local pet hospital, we are here to help.