Heat Stroke and Your Pet

Border collie puppy and ballSpending more time outdoors with your pet is one of the biggest perks of summer. For many of us, the warmer days mean more walks, more play time, and more fun in the sun as we frolic and play with our beloved pets.

But, as fun as the summer sun can be, it also bring the propensity for heat stroke and dehydration – neither of which are any fun at all. So before you and your pet head out to play, keep these tips in mind for preventing heat stroke in pets… Continue…

Why Wellness Care Matters in the Life of Your Pet

GirlAndDog2With tough economic times still impacting many family budgets, there can be a tendency to wait until emergency situations occur in our pet’s health before seeking veterinary care. However, foregoing routine examinations, vaccinations, and testing can diminish the quality of life for our pet, and end up costing much more in the long run.

Just like our own annual physicals and tests that are vital to diagnosing and preventing the onset of disease, our pets benefit from the same type of preventative care. At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, our wellness plans focus on every facet of health in your pet’s life, including behavioral, physiological, and age-related needs.

Wellness plans also include those important examinations that provide a baseline of information to be used as your pet ages. Consistent veterinary care and comprehensive testing are incredibly helpful in determining underlying health issues and increasing longevity. Continue…

Fourth of July Pet Safety

Field of Flags at Kennesaw Mountain 9-11 AnniversaryWhether you are headed out and about to enjoy Fourth of July festivities or planning on staying home and inviting friends over to celebrate, it is important to consider your pet’s safety. The Fourth of July can be a terrifying day for pets. The loud noises, crazy crowds, and even the abundance of people food, can cause your pet to feel overwhelmed and exhibit signs of fear ranging from hiding to aggression.

As a responsible pet owner it’s best to plan ahead for your pet’s well-being. Keep these Fourth of July pet safety tips in mind as you gear up for the big day… Continue…

Pet Travel Safety

iStock_000016700754_SmallWith summer under way, many of you are looking forward to your summer vacation. But when the open road calls to both you and your pet, there are a few extra steps that should be taken. Keep these pet travel safety tips in mind, both as you pack and as you travel, to help ensure that you and your pet have the vacation you both deserve.

ID Tags and Microchips

When preparing your pet for a family vacation you’ll want to make sure he or she is wearing a collar, equipped with proper ID tags. However, collars can and do come off. Because of this, we also advise that you have your pet microchipped (if he or she isn’t already), and that you double check that the chip is both activated and updated with your Continue…

WHY PET DENTAL CARE MATTERS

iStock_000009963933_Small (1)Pet dental care is just as important as our own. Unfortunately, many pet owners tend to let this facet of their pet’s overall wellness fall to the wayside. Left unchecked, your pet’s teeth and gums can deteriorate quickly, and unresolved dental issues can lead to a number of problems for your pet’s well-being.

Dental Disease

Unbeknownst to most pet owners, dental disease is one of most common diseases seen in pets by veterinarians. A large majority of pets (around 80%) have some form of dental disease that ends up causing issues both large and small. Some of the signs of dental disease can include: Continue…

Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms: What You Need to Know

German Shepherd Dog and cat togetherThe spring rains and warmer temperatures mean that it is time to think seriously about parasites and protecting our pets. Fleas, ticks, and heartworm are all especially bad this time of year, and pets that aren’t protected by a monthly parasite preventative are at risk.

These parasites are more than just a nuisance. All can pose serious threats to your pet’s health and, in some cases, even be fatal. Find out what your pet is up against when it comes to these parasites, and how you can help.

Fleas

Fleas are more than just an itchy nuisance for your pet. They can be an issue for you and your family when the fleas on your pet infest your house, including your furniture, linens Continue…