Turner Veterinary Clinic News
Safety Tips for a Fun Summer with Your Pet
Dog owners can become too relaxed keeping an eye on their dog near water because they assume all dogs possess an innate ability to swim. This simply isn’t true, particularly for dog breeds with small hindquarters and large chests. When bringing your dog to a pool or beach this summer, make sure you’re in the water with him and remain no more than an arm’s length away. If you decide to go boating with your dog, he should have a life jacket just like everyone else in the boat.
Internal and external parasites can be a problem all year long, but they’re especially prevalent in the summer. Fleas can survive long periods without a living host and may burrow in your carpet or furniture until one becomes available. Be sure to vacuum your carpet regularly, wash your pet’s bedding in hot water, and give your pet frequent baths during the summer to minimize fleas.
If possible, keep your pet indoors when you’re mowing the grass, applying chemicals, or working in the garden. Chocolate mulch is popular among gardeners, but can be toxic to pets if ingested. Insecticides, snail bait, and slug bait are among the top 10 accidental poisonings for domestic pets. If you set rodent traps outdoors, make sure your pet can’t get at them. Some of these chemicals can cause seizures, tremors, and death. You may want to consider an organic alternative for your lawn and garden products.
There’s no shortage of opportunity to cook outside in the summer. Your dog or cat would like nothing better than to find scraps of meat on the ground or even grab whatever is cooking on the grill. Food meant for people can be toxic and a choking hazard while your pet could burn himself on a hot grill. Having a pet underfoot is probably not a good idea at these events. If your pet is present, make sure that all guests know he is not to receive any scraps.
April is Heartworm Awareness Month
Dogs and cats get heartworm disease when an infected mosquito bites them. The heartworm then gets inside of their body and can reproduce, which only worsens your pet’s symptoms. The illness is much more prevalent in dogs, but cat owners also need to know about the symptoms so they can prevent and treat it if necessary. Puppies can start on preventive heartworm medication at eight weeks old without any type of testing. At six months of age, a puppy needs to test negative for heartworm infection before a veterinarian can prescribe preventive medication.
It's Flea and Tick Season
Categories
Recent Posts
Think heartworm is just a summertime issue? Or that your indoor cat is safe from it? You're not alone—many pet owners have heard (and believed) myths about heartworm disease. But the truth is, this serious and potentially deadly condition affects pets in every state and can impact even those who never leave the house.
Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the real facts about heartworm—so you can protect your furry family members with confidence.
February is here, and love is in the air! But while you're showering your loved ones with chocolate, flowers and cards, don’t forget the furry members of your family. This month is National Pet Dental Health Month and a perfect time to prioritize your pet's dental health. Just like us, pets can develop dental problems that impact their overall health and happiness.
Proper dental care can improve your pet’s quality of life and even extend their lifespan. Here, we’ll share essential tips to ensure your pet’s teeth stay healthy and strong.
From October 13-19, 2024, we join veterinary clinics nationwide in celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week! These incredible individuals are the backbone of our clinic, working tirelessly to ensure every pet receives the care they need. If you’ve ever wondered just how our vet techs make a difference in the life of your pet, we’re here to shed some light on their remarkable work.
As a veterinary team, one of the most important conversations we have with pet parents is about pain. Unlike us, our pets can’t simply tell us when something hurts. They often mask their discomfort, making it difficult to recognize the early signs of pain. Whether your pet is growing older or experiencing an acute injury, understanding the subtle indicators of pain is one of the best things you can do as a pet owner to facilitate your pet’s overall wellbeing.
When was the last time your cat visited the vet? Cats are known for their independent and often aloof nature, which can sometimes lead to the misconception that they don’t require regular veterinary care. However, just like dogs, cats need routine checkups to ensure they live long, healthy lives.
Providing Exceptional Veterinary Care
SERVING BATTLE CREEK, AUGUSTA, GULL LAKE, RICHLAND, AND SURROUNDING AREAS.