Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital

Knowing What to Feed Your Dog

While it’s important to know which human foods can benefit your pet’s diet, it’s also important to know which foods you should never feed your cat or dog. This video clip features a list of human foods that can be toxic or dangerous to pets even though they are safe for people to eat. Foods you should never give your pet include onions, garlic, chocolate, coffee beans, raisins, and grapes. Remember to take special care around the holidays, when candy seems to be everywhere, and keep dangerous snacks away from your pets.

Keep your pet safe with these tips and more advice from your veterinarian at Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital. Dr. Marc Siebert offers a variety of pet care services including nutritional care for your cat or dog. Contact us today at (917) 675-3708 or by clicking on our website.

How to Care for Your Energetic Retriever

Labrador and golden retrievers are popular breeds of medium- and large-sized dogs. Retrievers are playful, lovable pets with tons of personality—and tons of energy! With the help of the experienced and caring staff at Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital, you and your retriever can enjoy a lifetime of love and dedication.

Visit the Vet

Establish a rapport with your vet early on to determine a baseline for your retriever’s health. If you are not planning on breeding your dog, spaying or neutering will prevent unwanted puppies. Retrievers are predisposed toward problems with their eyes, heart, and joints. Although this does not mean your dog will have troubles, visiting your vet once a year will help to catch any medical issues early.

Exercise Daily

Both golden and labrador retrievers are energetic dogs that require daily exercise to stay fit. These dogs also tend to become destructive when bored, so it’s important to maintain regular activity. Two walks or play sessions of 20 minutes each per day should keep your dog in good physical and mental shape.

Manage Diet

Retrievers are voracious eaters and will eat anything in sight. One of the biggest health challenges these dogs face is obesity. As a pet owner, it’s important to manage your dog’s diet. If you have questions about how much your dog should be eating to stay healthy, consult your vet.

Groom Weekly

Retrievers have short, thick coats that shed frequently. Grooming with a brush once a week minimizes shedding and ensures comfort, especially during warm weather. Plan to bathe your dog in the tub once every few weeks, as necessary. Use room-temperature water and a shampoo formulated for pet use.

Call Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital today at (917) 675-3708 to schedule a wellness exam for your pet to find out more about his health and nutritional needs. Our veterinarians and staff are here to help you understand every aspect of your pet’s health and comfort. Check in with us online to explore more pet care topics by clicking on our blog.

Get the Facts About Your Pet Care Options with These Resources

Whether you're the proud new owner of a rescue dog or you've just become the proud parent of a baby Chinchilla, it's important that you familiarize yourself with the proper ways to feed, bathe, exercise, and care for your pet. You can get the facts you need to provide him or her with love and support by taking a look at the resources below. For even more guidance on pet care, set up an appointment with Dr. Siebert of Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital by calling (917) 675-3708.

Do cats always land on all fours? Is it okay to give your dog your leftover dinner scraps? Get the answers to these pet care questions and more by reading this article from Prevention.com.

The trick to getting your dog to allow you to brush his teeth is to slowly introduce him to the process. You can get step-by-step instructions for properly cleaning pet teeth in this article by WebMD.

It's estimated that nearly 35% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Find out how you can keep your best friend fit so that he can have a happy, healthy future by reading this Huffington Post story.

Although cats groom themselves throughout the day, it's always a good idea to help them out by bringing them into a professional groomer or brushing their fur at home. Read all about cat grooming and other essential cat care topics in this guide from Animal Planet.

Did you know that by leading your dog each time you walk, you establish yourself as the authority figure? Learn more about mastering the dog walk and rewarding your dog for good walking behavior by reading this article from Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer.

A Guide to Maintaining Your Pet's Dental Health

From going on daily walks to buying the right type of food, there are plenty of activities and responsibilities that you engage in as a pet owner to support your furry friend's well-being. There is, however, one area of pet care that even the most responsible pet owners tend to overlook from time to time: dental hygiene. Below you will find a helpful guide to maintaining your pet's dental health:

Never Underestimate the Significance of Bad Breath

There are many recognizable symptoms that can alert you to possible dental problems such as periodontal disease or gingivitis. One of the most obvious—and unpleasant—symptoms is bad breath, which is typically caused by either a gum infection or food trapped in the teeth. A simple way to combat this problem is to regularly clean your pet's teeth.  

Gradually Introduce Your Pet to Teeth Cleaning Routines

As your veterinarian can tell you, a simple way to get your pet's pearly whites looking their best is to brush them with a toothbrush that is specially designed for dogs or cats. Slowly introduce the brush to your pet over the course of a few days before placing pet-safe toothpaste on it and gently cleaning each tooth in a circular motion. Repeat this process twice or three times per week.

Invest in Fun and Practical Chew Toys

Chew toys are more than just fun items for dogs to nibble on throughout the day. They provide dogs with a great resource to exert their need to gnaw on something while also offering their gums some unique benefits. As your dog plays with the toy, his gums are massaged and potentially harmful tartar is chipped away from the surface of the teeth.

If you would like to know more about the best ways to care for your pet's teeth, then speak with one of the friendly vets or veterinary technicians here at Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital. We have over 14 years of experience and are always happy to help you learn more about proper pet care. To schedule an appointment with us, simply call (917) 675-3708 today.

Massive Pet Food Recall

Lines include: Innova®, California Natural®, EVO®, HealthWise®, Mother Nature® and Karma®... For more information please follow this FDA link: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm348786.htm Consumers who have purchased these pet foods should discard them. For additional information, consumers may visit www.naturapet.com. For a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123. (Monday â?" Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST).