Colleyville Animal Clinic

Signs Your Pet May Need to Start on a Diet

Posted on May 21, 2013 by admin

Large Cat Just as physicians recommend that people stay within a healthy weight range, the same is important for a family pet. Many pets do not get enough physical activity and are overfed, which can result in the pet becoming overweight. Many pet owners may be surprised to learn that overweight pets are at risk for health problems such as diabetes, joint problems, and skin disorders, just like humans.

The best way to help an overweight pet or a pet at risk for weight-related diseases is to put the pet on a diet. However, this should only be through a veterinarian’s recommendation. Make sure to call your local vet if you notice any of the following signs of weight gain in your cat or dog.

Take Notice of Your Pet’s Appearance

Take a good look at your pet—he or she should have an hourglass-shaped figure with a clear waistline.
Feel along your pet’s midsection to locate where their ribs stop. If you cannot feel the animal’s ribs, he or she is carrying too much weight.
This is also where your pet’s waist is. If the waist bulges rather than indents, this is a sign your cat or dog is overweight.

Observe Your Pet

Observing your pet as he or she walks can help identify whether it is carrying too much weight on its frame. If your pet’s belly area sways or significantly protrudes, her or she is probably overweight.

Monitor His or Her Activity Level

If your pet has trouble while trying to groom or has trouble going on short walks or playing, he or she could be overweight and might need to start on a diet.

Consult with a Veterinarian

All pets need medical supervision to ensure good health and dietary adequacy. Before attempting to start any pet diets, first consult with a veterinarian to ensure your pet’s good health.

We repeat, only an experienced veterinarian like those on our team at Colleyville Animal Clinic can tell if a pet needs to start on a diet.

Call our vet in Colleyville today at 817-281-3449 to schedule an exam for us to evaluate your pet’s weight and make sure he or she has received the necessary annual pet vaccinations.

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Infographic: Pet Travel 101

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin

Spring is here, which means that summer is right around the corner! Once kids are out of school and you’ve had some time to accrue vacation days at work, you’ll likely start to plan your summer travel plans. But if you have pets, this can cause a bit of a dilemma.

Pets are, in many ways, just like people—some will enjoy traveling while others might not. Many pet owners choose to enroll in pet boarding with a local vet while they leave for vacation, and still others decide to bring them along for the fun.

No matter how you’re traveling—by car, boat, plane, or train—if you’re planning to bring your dog or cat along with you for your summer vacation, use the following infographic for some helpful tips and tricks!

Pet Travel 101 infographic by Lemon.ly.

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Keeping Outdoor Pets Safe This Spring and Summer

Posted on March 26, 2013 by admin

Outside Dog Warm weather is on the horizon, which is good news for outdoor pets. Unfortunately, warm weather in Texas also brings with it pests that can make your pet sick, increased activity among other mammals, and temperatures that can dehydrate your animals. The Colleyville Animal Clinic encourages you to follow these tips to protect your outdoor pets this spring and summer.

Vaccinations

Even if your dog never sees other dogs, you still need to get him vaccinated for diseases like parvo and distemper. These diseases are carried in the blood, saliva, and urine of an infected animal. A dog can easily become infected after a skunk wanders through your property and urinates in the area near where the dog sleeps. There is no known cure for distemper or parvo.

Heartworms are also a serious problem and are difficult to cure. Protect your pets by visiting our Colleyville veterinarian today to invest in pet vaccines that will keep them safe from the unexpected.

Shade & Water

The heat in Texas can leave your pet dehydrated, and a water bowl that’s been tipped over will not provide any relief from the temperatures. Make sure your pet has access to a sheltered, cool area when the temperatures climb. Additionally, invest in tip-proof water bowls that will provide him or her with the necessary water for proper hydration. You could also consider investing in a drinking fountain that will keep the water fresh by constantly circulating it.

Fleas & Ticks

The misery of fleas and ticks are a battle every year. Get a jump start on the fight and protect your vet by visiting us and investing in flea and tick preventive treatments. We have topical treatments and oral medications that are highly effective at keeping fleas and ticks away. This protects your dog and prevents the unwanted pests from transferring to your family when you spend time with your outdoor animals.

Use these pet safety tips to protect your outdoor animals this year. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the Colleyville Animal Clinic at 817-281-3449. We are more than happy to talk with you, provide your pet with a thorough exam, and offer you any other advice on protecting your animal.

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Pet Training Tips for Better Behavior

Posted on February 25, 2013 by admin

Welcoming little Fido or Fifi into your home is exciting for the entire family, but remember that you’ll have to go through the process of training your new family member. Following the tips below and seeking out expert advice from the Colleyville Animal Clinic are two ways to complete this mission.

Positive Reinforcement

If you have a dog, one of the essential components of pet training is positive reinforcement. When your dog engages in a behavior that is desirable, you can reward him or her with a treat, plenty of praise, and lots of love. Your pet will associate this positive behavior with the desired action. Repeating this pattern teaches your pet about the importance of engaging in this behavior.

Pro Tip: Be careful with an excessive amount of treats, though; check with your Colleyville vet to ensure the proper daily food requirements.

Consistent Training Tactics

One of the problems that arises when training a pet is that owners will try to employ a diverse array of tactics. Unfortunately, doing so just confuses the pet. Your dog will not know if you’re being positive or negative or what types of behaviors he or she should engage in. Pick a program and stick with it.

Of course, you might find that it isn’t working. Make sure you put plenty of effort into it. If that fails, you can then change your course of action.

Showing Your Cat the Way

Cats can be super affectionate and very smart, but they love to do their scratching. You don’t want them tearing up the couch or any other items, so be alert to when they start to scratch. Move them away from the furniture and bring them to a toy or a scratching post that they are permitted to use.

Pro Tip: You can also employ some positive reinforcement tactics by petting the cat or providing him or her with a treat upon leaving the no-scratching area.

Training pets can be difficult, but it is entirely worth it in the end. Throughout the process, you will be getting acquainted with your pet and his or her unique needs, and help from a Colleyville vet can strengthen the process.

Whether you need professional training assistance or pet grooming, call us here at Colleyville Animal Clinic by calling 817-281-3449.

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How to Keep Your Pets out of Your Food

Posted on January 28, 2013 by admin

Food Storage From meatloaf to tuna casserole, burgers to bologna, pets are always interested in what you are cooking or eating. They may turn up their noses at what’s in their own bowls in favor of a chance for some of what you’re having. This can lead to dogs and cats pestering their owners at mealtime. Persistent pets will even try to snitch your food when your back is turned. Although it may be tempting to bribe them off with a small morsel, here at Colleyville Animal Clinic, we strongly recommend that you don’t. Giving in to your dog or cat’s demands for food is a guaranteed way to create problems at mealtime.

Putting some distance between your food and your pets can be as simple as putting your them outdoors at mealtimes or simply closing the door to the kitchen or dining room. If that is not an option, most dogs can be trained to behave around food and can be rewarded with appropriate treats when they have done well.

Cats are trickier. One idea is to keep a spray bottle filled with plain water on the kitchen counter. A squirt of harmless water is a strong deterrent to an interloping kitty after your food. Proper clean-up and food storage will also help.

Teaching your pets to refrain from begging will not only keep the peace at the dinner table but also may avoid a visit to a Colleyville vet.

There is a long list of people food that pets should avoid, including:

Chocolate
Coffee/Caffeine
Avocado
Macadamia Nuts
Grapes/Raisins
Yeast Dough
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, Bones
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Onions, Garlic, Chives
Milk
Salt

The pet poisoning hotline lists food as the number one substance for emergency calls for pet poisonings, ahead of all chemicals and household cleaners. Although animal surgery is not generally needed for animal food poisoning, a trip to the Colleyville vet may be required.

Some of the symptoms of food poisoning in pets include:

Nausea and Appetite Loss
Watery Diarrhea
Drooling and Mouth Irritation
Breathing Difficulties
Urination Problems

If you suspect food poisoning in your pet, then do not hesitate to call us here at Colleyville Animal Clinic at 817-281-3449.

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Adopt a Pet This New Year!

Posted on December 27, 2012 by admin

A roof over our heads; a warm, safe place to sleep with plenty of good food to fill our stomachs; and the company of a loving family: it’s what we all want. It’s what homeless pets want too. Pet adoptions at the Colleyville Animal Clinic are designed to match homeless pets to loving families and this is the perfect time of year for that.

Interesting fact: If just half of the families in the United States would adopt a pet from a shelter, most of the shelter animals in the United States would have loving homes.

Whether you live alone or with others, adopting a pet from a shelter can bring enjoyment that you’ve never imagined. Our pets love us unconditionally. All they ask in return is love and good care. Taking care of a pet can teach children responsibility as well as compassion for another being. Studies have shown that having a pet can also increase a child’s social skills and self-esteem.

Pet owners statistically have lower blood pressure and lower rates of depression than those who do not have a pet. In addition, pets reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can be common among single people.

Instead of buying the latest technological gadget this Christmas season—and most gadgets become obsolete and are replaced within a year anyway—why not consider adopting a pet instead? Remember that this is a lifelong commitment, it’s not until you tire of the pet or decide it is no longer convenient. However, a pet gives you unconditional love, comfort, companionship, and the satisfaction of knowing that you saved a life. Not many Christmas gifts or New Year’s resolutions can do that.

All pets from shelter adoptions will be either spayed or neutered and they will have the appropriate animal vaccinations, so you can rest assured that they are safe for your family and your other pets.

If your Christmas shopping is done, why not make a New Year’s resolution to adopt a pet? Colleyville vet has a wide selection of loving animals that would love to have a home. Call Colleyville Animal Clinic at (817) 281-3449 and save a life today!

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Winter Weather Pet Health Concerns

Posted on November 30, 2012 by admin

photo by ktylerconk on Flickr

Even though your four legged companion has a coat of fur, there are many winter health concerns that apply to your pet, no matter how thick his coat is. Keeping your pet safe this winter protects his or health health and could prevent the need for costly veterinary treatments. As your Colleyville vet, our team of veterinary health professionals at Colleyville Animal Clinic offers these tips to keep your family pet safe and healthy this winter.

Keep Pets Indoors

Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Cats and dogs that are used to the indoors can easily become lost and may not be able to maintain their body temperature. Lost animals could be stolen or exposed to infectious diseases from other animals.

Cars

Many pets, especially outdoor cats and dogs, are attracted to the warmth provided by car engines. If you park outdoors, make some noise to ensure that your cat or dog is not sleeping underneath your car before you start the engine. Be wary of antifreeze leaks, as cats and dogs are attracted to this substance. Ingestion of antifreeze is deadly for pets. Do not leave your pet unattended in a car, as he and she could freeze within minutes.

Cleaning

After your pet comes in from outdoors, clean his or her feet and brush his or her fur. Chemicals from de-icers, car fluids, and other substances can get through his or her skin and cause illness. Wipe your pet’s feet to remove snow and ice and brush his or her fur then dry it with a towel to remove any lingering snow.

Walks

If your dog has short hair, put him or her in a dog coat or sweater before walking. Always keep your pet on a leash. For pets that spend plenty of time walking outdoors in the winter, you may need to add more fat and protein to their diets.

When you have winter health concerns regarding your pet, our team at Colleyville Animal Clinic is here for you. We offer pet vaccinations, exams, medications, diagnostics, and treatment services for all types of pets. Call us today at 817-281-3449 to schedule an appointment or learn more about winter health care for your pet.

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Protect Your Pets with Vaccinations

Posted on October 25, 2012 by admin

Just like your family, your pets require regular vaccinations to protect them from disease. Animals are just as susceptible to diseases as humans are, and many of the diseases cats and dogs can contract lead to debilitating side effects. In order to protect your pets from disease, you should see one of the Colleyville veterinarians at Colleyville Animal Clinic on a regular basis so that they can administer the proper vaccinations.

Just like human babies, kittens and puppies are more susceptible to contracting diseases from viruses and bacteria than more mature pets. Some of the most common diseases for cats and dogs include:

For dogs:

distemper
parainfluenza
bodetella

For cats:

feline leukemia
bordetella
calcivirus

Rabies is also a concern, especially for cats and dogs that venture outside and come in contact with wild animals. Colleyville Animal Clinic has the tools to protect your pets from the dangers of these diseases. Just like the chicken pox, the flu, and the mumps vaccines for humans, animal vaccines can keep your pet healthy and protected from disease.

Your pets are just like your family, which means you want to protect them just like your family. Colleyville Animal Clinic has been providing veterinary care to pets in North Texas since the 1970s. Our team just loves seeing healthy, happy pets, and we do everything we can to make sure your pet is lovingly cared for while in our services. No matter your pet’s size, breed, or needs, we have the skills and expertise to take care of them. Call our vet clinic today to ask about the vaccinations your pet should receive or to schedule an appointment: 817-281-3449.

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Dietary Plans for Pets at Colleyville Animal Hospital

Posted on September 27, 2012 by admin

Just like the other members of your family, your pet can have special dietary needs that need to be observed carefully. The reasons for pet diets can vary, depending on your pet’s specific needs and breed. The veterinarians at the Colleyville Animal Hospital offer the following information about different pet diets available:

Dry Food vs. Wet Food
Dry pet foods are great for busy families. The crunchy food particles in this type of diet help keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and clear of plaque or tartar buildup. Dry pet food is also often less messy than wet foods, and stays fresh much longer. Wet foods, however, have the highest level of palatability for your pet, meaning they are likely to enjoy it more. This type of diet is considered better than a dry food diet because the food is less processed and is served fresh.

Natural Diets
Sometimes the ingredients in name-brand pet foods are heavily processed, which often makes these foods unhealthy because they cannot be digested as easily. Natural food diets use only natural or organic ingredients, including meat products and vegetables. This type of diet is supposed to mimic the diet that your pet would find and eat if they were in the wild. Natural diets are becoming more and more popular with pet owners, and there are many pet food brands that now support natural products. Additionally, natural diets can be prepared at home.

Weight Loss Diets
Some pet foods are specially designed to help your pet lose weight. This type of diet contains ingredients that are high in nutrition and fiber, and when paired with regular exercise, can dramatically improve your pet’s health. However, you should always consult your pet’s veterinarian before buying weight loss food, as not all pets need to be placed on a weight loss regimen.

Before placing your pet on a diet, you should first consult a trained veterinarian. The vet technicians at Colleyville Animal Clinic are some of the best in the industry, and can answer any questions you may have about special pet food diets. Call our veterinary office in Colleyville today to speak with one of our vets or to schedule an appointment for your pet: 817-281-3449.

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Dependable Veterinary Services in Colleyville

Posted on August 27, 2012 by admin

Vet Services in Colleyville Your pet is an important part of your family, and as such, they deserve the best medical treatment. Colleyville Animal Clinic is a full-service veterinarian in Colleyville TX that is dedicated to making sure your pets are healthy and happy. Regardless of your pet’s breed or age, our experienced and specially trained veterinarians are highly qualified to care for your pet.

At Colleyville Animal Clinic, we offer the following veterinary services:

Annual Physical Exams
Vaccinations
Radiology – X-ray and Ultrasound
Heartworm & Flea Prevention
Surgery (including spay/neuter)
Hospitalization
Adoption Assistance
Dentistry
Diet Planning & Prescription Medication
Boarding (please call in advance due to limited space)
Funeral Services
And more

Whether your pet is feeling under the weather or simply needs their annual checkup, make sure they get the best medical attention around. Your pet deserves to be happy and healthy, and our Colleyville veterinarians can make it happen, no matter your pet’s needs. Call the vet office at Colleyville Animal Clinic today to schedule an appointment for your pet: 817-281-3449. You can also schedule an appointment using our convenient online form.

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