February 15th, 2012
Food allergies are one of the top three allergies in dogs and cats. Pets can be allergic to any type of food, but the most common offenders include proteins or carbohydrates such as beef, chicken, fish, corn, wheat, or soy. Minor ingredients such as preservatives or dyes are also potential allergens. Despite common misconception, pets can develop food allergies even if they have “eaten the same food their entire life”. If your pet exhibits any of the following signs, he/she may have a food allergy that should be discussed with your veterinarian.
- Allergy symptoms (usually itching) that persist all year round.
- Chronic ear infections
- Repeated problems with the anal sacs.
- Allergy symptoms starting later in life (after the age of 5)
- Allergy symptoms which are only minimally responsive to steroids.
Food allergies are most often diagnosed by conducting a food trial during which the animal is fed only a hypoallergenic diet. This diet is carried out for 10-14 weeks. If symptoms resolve the pet is challenged with the old diet to see if symptoms return. Most food allergies are manageable simply by avoiding the offending food.
If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, bring him in to see us and we can discuss it.
Tags: food allergies in pets, Naperville IL Animal Hopitals, Naperville IL Veterinarians, Pet Food Allergies
Posted in Allergies, Pet Care, Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 8th, 2012
We’ve all heard the saying: Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. This not only applies to humans, but to our pets as well. It is estimated that most dogs need at least 6 hours of mental activity a day. Boredom can result in all sorts of behavioral problems, including destructive and obsessive behaviors.
Exercise is a great outlet, however many pets benefit from mental stimulation as well. Mental exercise is not hard to accomplish- try hiding treats around the house, playing hide-and-go-seek, teaching a new trick, or making a play date with another pet. For dogs, try doggie daycare to keep them occupied while you’re away. You may just see a change in your pet’s behavior for the better. And you will have a happy dog or kitty to boot!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss some suggestions for your pet, contact us!
Tags: animal behavior, bored pets, doggie daycare, Naperville IL Veterinarians, Naperville Veterinarian, pet care, vets in naperville il
Posted in Pet Care | No Comments »
January 27th, 2012
Just like the rest of America, our nation’s pets have expanding waistlines. According to the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, about 54% of pets in America are overweight or obese. While being curvy may be cute, it is not healthy. Pets that are overweight are at increased risk for the following:
- Osteoarthritis
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart and respiratory disease
- Joint injury including cranial cruciate ligament injury
- Kidney disease
- Many forms of cancer
- Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years!)
If those aren’t reasons enough to take your pet’s weight seriously, then nothing is. If you are not sure if your pet is overweight, be sure to ask us at your pet’s next checkup. We can also give you helpful tips in order to aid in shedding pounds including prescription diets and lab work to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Tags: animal hospitals in naperville il, fat pets, Naperville Veterinarians, pet care, Pet Obesity, pet obesity prevention, Veterinarians in Naperville IL
Posted in Animal Fitness, Pet Care, Pet Safety | No Comments »
January 19th, 2012
Ah, the dreaded butt-drag. Every pet owner has experienced it. But what does it mean? Don’t ignore it! If your dog is carpet surfing, there is a reason. Here are the most common causes:
- Anal sacs -
All dogs and cat have little sacs right inside the rectum that contain a stinky fluid. Normally this fluid is expressed when your pet has a bowel movement. Sometimes the glands can become clogged or infected, however, resulting in a very irritating pressure that can be painful. You can help avoid this by bringing your pet in for grooming, which can include anal gland expression.
- Parasites – Intestinal parasites such as tapeworms can cause irritation around the rectum, resulting in scooting.
- Allergies - Allergies, in particular food allergies, can cause an itchy behind. Give us a call if you suspect this may be the case for your pet.
- Irritation - Anything irritating such as debris stuck in the hair around the rectum or inflammation secondary to diarrhea can result in your pet dragging or licking at its bottom excessively.
- Fleas - Fleas love to hang out around the back half of the animal, which can sometimes result in scooting. Fleas can also carry tapeworms, another culprit!
So next time you catch your pet dragging its rear end on your white rug, don’t yell at him or her- Make an appointment to get it checked out! Your dog or cat is trying to tell you something!
Tags: animal care, butt-scooting, canine butt scoot, pet care at naperville animal hospital, pet care in naperville il, Veterinarians in Naperville IL, veterinary care at naperville animal hospital, vets in naperville il, what does it mean when a dog scoots
Posted in Allergies, Fleas and Ticks, Pet Care, Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 6th, 2012
Does this weather have your pup feeling blue? As Old Man Winter settles in, most pooches get less exercise due to plummeting temperatures and early sunsets. Here are a few ideas to banish the winter blahs once and for all!
- Teach an old dog new tricks
No matter how well trained your dog is, there is something he can learn. Head to the library and check out one of the many books loaded with ideas for new tricks, or work on some oldies but goodies like roll over or shake. Your dog will appreciate the quality time.
- Head back to class
Many obedience schools have indoor facilities where your pet can brush up on their manners, take part in agility, or become certified as a Canine Good Citizen. Activities like these not only burn off some steam, but help your dog be the best he can be!
- Bundle up and brave the great outdoors
Break out the hats and gloves (and dog booties and coats if appropriate) and enjoy the weather. Most dogs love to romp around in the snow, and you’ll get some exercise, too.
- Have a snuggle session
Sometimes nothing beats curling up with a good movie, some popcorn, and your favorite pet (or pets)!
- Play a game
Many pets will get hours of enjoyment out of a new interactive toy or playing a round of hide-and-seek with their owner or a special treat.
- Make it a date
Does your dog have any canine friends that it might enjoy visiting? Or maybe he would like to spend the day with us, playing with the other dogs at our doggie daycare? Dogs that enjoy social activities often love a little time with their puppy pals.
So worry no more… there is plenty for you and your dog to do over the winter months. And even better, spring is right around the corner!
Tags: animal hospitals in naperville il, keeping your dog active this winter, things to do with your dog in cold weather, Veterinarians in Naperville IL, vets in naperville il, winter activities for dogs, winter activities for dogs in naperville il
Posted in Pet Care, Pet Safety | No Comments »
December 28th, 2011
Introducing a new puppy to your home can be an exciting and challenging time. Remember, they are cute for a reason! Puppies are babies, and they require extra care. Use the following tips to make your new family member’s transition into your home as smooth as possible.
- Make sure you have done your research! Know about the breed you are bringing home and learn a little about puppy training and socialization before your little one comes home.
- Prepare any children in the house for taking care of a puppy. They should know on an age-appropriate level about basic care and how to handle the new dog. There are many resources geared towards children to help you teach them about their new pet.
- Pick a potty place! You are going to be spending a lot of time here over the next few months. This should be the first place your pup visits when he or she gets home.
- Come and see us! A new puppy should be examined within 24-48 hours of coming home so that potential health problems can be addressed and any questions regarding care and training can be answered. And don’t forget that we offer this first exam, an intestinal parasite evaluation, and your puppy’s first shot all for free!
- Puppies need to be kept safe and relatively contained. Purchase a crate, baby gates, or any other items needed to help you keep close tabs on your pup.
- Puppy-proof the house. Objects that you don’t want to be chewed like plants, electrical cords, and other doggy dangers should be secured. Get down on your hands and knees and think like a curious pooch!
- Buy the basics. Your pet should have a few toys that are suitable to chew on, a leash, collar, and identification tag, and bowls. Have a week or two of the food it has been eating so that you can transition over to any new diet over the course of 7-14 days.
- Prepare existing pets. Be sure that they are healthy and up to date on any medical needs. Cats in particular may appreciate a “puppy-free” zone where they can seek shelter.
Congratulations on your new pet! By laying the foundation for a good start, you are helping to ensure a long and healthy life! Check out the pet care handouts on our website for some more puppy tips and tricks. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us.
Tags: Animal Advice, Bringing a New Puppy Home, Free Puppy Exam, Naperville Animal Hospital, Naperville IL Animal Hospitals, Naperville Veterinarian, Veterinarians, Veterinarians in Naperville IL
Posted in New Pet, Pet Adoption, Pet Care, Pet Safety, Puppy Care | No Comments »
December 21st, 2011
There is no doubt that winter is on its way. As temperatures drop there are some special considerations for our pets. Did you know that…
- … salt products used to melt ice can be very irritating to delicate paws and some are even toxic? Use pet-friendly ice melting products for your sidewalks and driveway and be sure to wipe your pet’s tootsies and underside when they come in after a walk.
- … anti-freeze is lethal to pets even in tiny amounts? This sweet tasting liquid causes rapid kidney failures. Notify neighbors if you notice a leak in their driveway and use a pet-safe alternative for your own vehicles.
- … many a chilly kitty has taken refuge on a warm engine block. If you do not park in a garage, bang on the hood of your car to scare off any stowaways before starting your engine to avoid an unwitting animal becoming injured under your hood.
- … pets can get frostbitten too! While many do sport a warm, furry coat, they should not spend a substantial amount of time outdoors in subzero temperatures without shelter. Thinner coated pets might benefit from a warm coat and/or booties as well.
- … very young or elderly animals may not tolerate the chilly weather as well others? Use common sense when taking these animals outdoors this winter.
- … cats should be kept inside whenever possible in the winter? The dangers of being outdoor increase substantially for kitties when the temperatures plunge.
- … dogs can lose their scent in the snow? A dog that panics off leash in a snow storm may not be able to find it’s way home like it would normally. Keep your dog leashed.
As always, please call us if you have any questions about keeping your pet safe this winter.
Tags: Antifreeze and Pets, Cats in Snow, Dogs in Snow, Keeping Pets Warm in Winter, Naperville IL Animal Hopitals, Naperville IL Veterinarians, Winter Pet Tips
Posted in Pet Care, Pet Safety | No Comments »
December 16th, 2011
Everyone wants a puppy or kitten… right? The truth is that taking on a new family member is a huge responsibility, and not everyone is up to the commitment. While the image of a little furry friend sitting under the Christmas tree may be irresistible, giving a pet as a gift is a very serious matter.
With 6 to 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters every year, selecting a pet that is right for an individual family and situation is of utmost importance. Because having a pet is a decision that an owner must be committed to for the pet’s entire life emotionally, financially, and physically, the selection of an animal is usually best left to the individual taking on the responsibility. The holiday season is often not a good time to introduce a new family member, either, as new pets take extra time and attention often not available during this busy season.
Please think carefully before giving a furry gift, and certainly do not do so without discussing extensively with the recipient. Or, if the surprise is a big part of the gift, consider giving a gift card to a local rescue or animal shelter that will cover the adoption costs. That way the recipient will still have the surprise of a new pet, but will also have the ability to pick one out that suits his or her lifestyle and personality.
Tags: Giving Pets as Gifts, holidays and pets, Naperville IL Animal Hopitals, Naperville IL Animal Rescue League, Naperville IL Veterinarians, pet adoption, pet care
Posted in Holidays and your pet, New Pet, Pet Adoption | No Comments »
December 13th, 2011
November was Pet Cancer Awareness Month, and although we’re now into December, we wanted to be sure to address this important topic.
The good news: Our pets are living longer than ever thanks to advances in medicine and better overall standards for care. The bad news: Just like in people, the longer a pet lives the more likely it is to be affected by cancer. In fact 1 in 4 pets will die of cancer. But all hope is not lost. By following these tips you can help catch problems in your pet early as well as take actions to try to minimize the risks of your pet developing cancer.
- Keep those appointments. Annual or semi-annual vet visits allow us to perform a thorough examination and lab work as well as time for us to discuss any new concerns that you might have. These visits are an important step in stopping cancer in its tracks.
- Know your breed. Did you know that certain breeds of dogs and cats are more prone to certain types of cancers? While any breed can develop any kind of cancer, knowing what body systems would most likely be affected can tip you off to problems early on in the process. General signs of a problem can include weight loss or behavior changes, among other things.
- If it’s bad for you it’s bad for your pet. Substances that are known to cause cancer in people likely can lead to cancer in our pets- think cigarette smoke, asbestos, and herbicides. As if you needed another good reason to give up smoking!
- Spay or neuter! Spaying your dog or cat greatly reduces her risk of mammary cancer (among other health issues) and a pet that is neutered can’t get testicular cancer!
- What’s good for the goose… We’ve all heard it a million times over. Eat right and exercise. Good quality nutrition and a healthy weight are important factors in reducing cancer risk.
While cancer is a formidable foe, it is not unbeatable. By working with us as a team, you can help identify problems early, making your pet’s prognosis much more favorable.
Tags: Cancer Prevention in Pets, Canine Cancer, Feline Cancer, Naperville IL Animal Hopitals, Naperville IL Veterinarians, Pet Cancer, Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Posted in Animal Cancer, Pet Care, Veterinary Oncology | No Comments »
November 23rd, 2011
It’s that time of year again! Sure, you want your pets to take part in the holiday festivities. Make sure that you aren’t making a post-holiday vet visit, though, by avoiding the following:
- Turkey bones- What may seem like a tasty treat could end up lodged in your pet’s intestines!
- Bread dough- Raw bread dough can expand in your pet’s stomach and potentially cause a life-threatening emergency.
- Raw foods- Pets can get salmonella just like the rest of us. Undercooked meat and cookie batter are best served cooked.
- Over-indulgence- While Turkey Day often results in loosening a notch on our belts, pets who have a little too much of a good thing may end up with stomach upset, diarrhea, or more serious conditions.
If your pet does end up eating something that he shouldn’t have, please contact us.
Tags: keeping your pet safe during the holidays, pet safety, Table Scraps, Thanksgiving
Posted in Holidays and your pet, Pet Safety | No Comments »
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