Thanks to the AMAZING staff of Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital during a traumatic accident as a puppy, Lenny (& I) have been able to do our part to help NYC's homeless animals!
If you’re considering taking your pet on your next vacation, you’re not alone. According to a 2010 study, 61% of all pet owners in the U.S. take their animal companion on a trip at least once a year. Before you hit the road, however, you should pick up the phone and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Is your pet up to date on his or her vaccinations? If you aren’t sure, a trip to the vet will enable you to be sure of whether your pet can travel safely. A pet is likely to encounter other animals on a trip, and encountering a virus or a germ that he or she is not immunized against could result in a serious illness. If you are planning an overseas trip, most countries require that your pet be accompanied by proof of various vaccinations or a USDA-certified health certificate.
If you are planning to fly, you should ask your veterinarian whether your pet has any conditions that could be aggravated by traveling at a high altitude. If your pet has a respiratory disorder or a heart condition, air travel could induce vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. Even a pet without such a condition may be prone to altitude sickness. Check with your airline to make sure there are no restrictions on pet travel that you are not aware of.
It’s equally important to consult a veterinarian if you are planning to drive. If a pet is not used to the car, a long car ride could induce motion sickness, hyperactivity, or severe anxiety. You should take your pet on several shorter trips before a long one, and watch for signs of distress or nausea. If your pet seems to be exceptionally bothered by these trips or becomes sick afterward, talk to your vet about possible medications that you can use to calm your pet.
At Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital, we provide comprehensive pet care services, drawing on both Western and Eastern medicinal traditions. Our veterinarians are caring, experienced, and utterly professional. Contact us today at (917) 675-3708 to schedule an appointment for your pet.
Keeping your pet healthy is key to giving it a long and comfortable life. Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital provides excellent veterinary care, caring support, and top-notch treatment options so you can keep your loving companion safe, happy, and healthy. Call us today at (917) 675-3708.
Get more information on digestive tract parasites and tips on prevention from PetMD’s website.
This informative article offers more information on intestinal parasites and answers some commonly asked questions about care, symptoms, and treatment.
PetEducation.com offers extensive information on roundworm infections on their website.
The Arthritis Foundation provides information on diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment for arthritic pets in this article.
Learn more about causes and prevention of arthritis in animals from WebMD.
I'm sure everyone is excited to know the results of the charity promotion. The charity that won the most votes was ANIMAL HAVEN! Congratulations! A special thanks to Animal Haven and Celebrity Catwalk for all of their hard work and compassion for animals.
If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, you will do everything you can to make sure your companion isn’t suffering. After diagnosis, talk to your veterinarian and make a plan for treatment that’s right for your dog’s individual needs. At Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital, we care deeply about your pet’s comfort and will provide you with the tools to give your dog a happy, comfortable life.
Diet: Maintaining a healthy weight puts less stress on your dog’s joints and muscles, making life with arthritis easier. Talk to your veterinarian about choosing food that contains helpful, pain-fighting ingredients like Omega acids and glucosamine.
Exercise: Just like in people, keeping your dog’s joints and muscles active and moving keeps the pain at bay. Regular exercise also helps control your pet’s weight, which lessens the pain associated with arthritis.
Medication: Work with your veterinarian to determine a medication regimen suitable for your dog. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed to relieve your pet’s discomfort. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements like fish oil pills, which are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Assistance: Aches and pains don’t prevent dogs from wanting to do what they love, like sleep next to you, watch TV on the couch, or go for a car ride. There are a variety of products like ramps or stairs that allow your dog access to its favorite spots without having to strain its joints by jumping.
Comfort: Arthritic dogs need a comfortable home to feel their best. Soft bedding, slip-free floors, and padded areas to sit or lie will give your dog relief in its day-to-day activities.
Following these tips and treatments will lead to a comfortable life for your arthritic dog. Talk to your veterinarian about these and other ways to create a pain-free life at home. Call Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital at (917) 675-3708 to make an appointment with our exceptional veterinary staff today.
