Things Every First-Time Dog Owner Should Know
Whether you’re a college student or senior citizen, adopting your first dog is a momentous and exciting experience. No doubt you’ve got your new best friend’s food and bowls, bag of treats, new leash and collar, and shiny toys ready to go. But fun and kibble aren’t the only the responsibilities of being a good pet owner. While lots of love and good nutrition are certainly an important part of pet ownership, it’s also important to consider how your new four-legged friend will impact your home and life, and plan accordingly.
How to Help a Reluctant Pet Take Medication
Aside from the dreaded task of tooth brushing, many pet owners struggle with administering medications. Most animals don’t like their mouths touched, and there are times when no amount of treats or promises will convince a pet to take medication. However,understanding your options and learning simple tips for pills and capsules can be useful. Oral medications generally come as a pill, capsule, chewable tablet, or in liquid form. If your pet is particularly resistant when it comes to swallowing a pill, ask the team at Schertz Animal Hospital if a liquid alternative is available. Dosage is also important. Antibiotics, for example, must be administered until all pills are gone; otherwise, you risk decreasing their effectiveness. Pets who require multiple meds each day will need a schedule, unlike medications that are taken on an “as needed” basis.
Vet Approved People Food for Pets
You have probably run across those long lists of foods deemed not safe to give your pets. If you are like the vast majority of the animal-loving population, though, you probably can’t resist sliding a little food from the table to your favorite furry friends. So what foods are okay, and which are an absolute no-no? Keep reading to learn some options for people food for pets that have received a stamp of approval here at Schertz Animal Hospital. In general, most veterinarians instruct pet owners to steer clear of people foods. There are a few reasons for this.
How to Clean Dog Ears with Confidence
Most pet owners are a little apprehensive when it comes to cleaning ears. How do I do it? What if I hurt him? Do I need an ear cleaner? How do I know what is normal? Thankfully, knowing how to clean dog ears isn’t rocket science. Half of the battle is knowing what’s what when it comes to your pet’s ears. Those furry flaps look a little different than our own ears, but we have all of the same parts. The pinna – The outer ear flap, called the pinna, can come in many shapes and sizes. Its main jobs are to protect the ear canal and channel sounds in towards the eardrum. The ear canal – The opening inside the pinna lead to a long, L-shaped tunnel known as the external ear canal. This tube leads to the eardrum.