Cats bring such joy to our lives and provide us a love like no one can imagine. As much as we love our pets, sometimes they do things or ruin things that they shouldn’t. It can be pretty frustrating and costly, depending on what your cat happens to ruin. There are some cases where cats have torn and ripped up full-on pieces of furniture. However frustrating this may be for us humans, we have to remember that our beloved pets are still animals, and they will act as such.
If you haven’t had your cat spayed, there’s a definite possibility that she can become pregnant, even as a house cat. Unlike dogs, many owners allow their cats to roam around the neighborhood at their own leisure if their cats are able to navigate the streets and return home regularly. Cats are also much smaller and often have an easier time “escaping” home by climbing out of windows or sliding through doors. Obviously, we can’t spend all our time regulating our cats’ activities, but we also can’t ignore them if and when they become pregnant! Here’s what to do if your cat is expecting!
Pop open the bubbly and string up the tinsel, it’s almost New Year’s Eve! It’s the perfect time to get together with family, friends, and of course, pets. Though most of your human companions will have no trouble rejoicing in the new year, your dogs and cats may not understand what’s going on. To make this holiday fun for all your furry guests, here’s what you should keep in mind before the countdown.
If you plan on having guests over to celebrate the new year, make sure your pet is ready for them. Some animals can get overly excited or even hostile at the prospect of visitors. Pets who are uncomfortable with humans may bark or hiss loudly and even attack. Keep your pet on a leash or behind a pet barrier to avoid this situation.
Making a toast to the new year with a freshly opened bottle of champagne is a New Year’s tradition, but it’s important to be responsible throughout the night, especially if you have pets. Alcohol can be poisonous for pets, so don’t leave any drinks where your pets can reach them. When pets ingest alcohol, they could vomit, have tremors, or even lose consciousness.
Many beverages are also bottled in glass, which can easily break and cause injuries for your guests and pets. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they are safe from these dangers at all times.
Though the firework show may be beautiful, your dog or cat may not be able to appreciate it quite as much as you. It’s no surprise that pets can get jumpy when there are loud noises abound, so it’s naturally that many cats and dogs act out when they hear fireworks. Many house pets express their anxiety by howling, crying, hiding, chewing up objects, walking in circles, etc.
Prepare yourself and your pet for the ruckus of the new year by providing them with a safe, comfortable place to stay when the fireworks explode. You can also reward them for staying calm when there’s thunder or airplanes flying overhead throughout the year. Some pet parents have been able to acclimate their pets to the sound of fireworks by playing softer recordings before the big night. If none of these seem to work, you may want to contact your vet for advice.
As the holiday season wraps up, you’ll probably need to take down your ornaments, tinsel, ribbons, and other festive decor. Try to keep your pet at a distance when you’re cleaning up because pets will often consume items they’re not supposed to. Plastic, metal, and glass are not digestible and could cause serious problems. Small decorations are also a choking hazard. Make sure to stow everything away in a place that can’t be accessed by your pets and try not to leave any trinkets behind.
With the end of the year, we’d like to thank all our visitors at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center for being great pet owners and friends. If your pet ever needs medical attention, stop by our veterinary clinic. We’re always happy to help!
Your pets are a part of the family, so getting them a gift for the holidays is only fitting! Do they really need a heated bed or a monogrammed sweater? Not necessarily. But during this festive time of the year, your four-legged friends deserve the absolute best! Check out this gift guide to see our favorite gifts for your dog or cat.
Snuggly Heated Pet Bed
If you live somewhere that gets especially cold in the winter, or just want your furry friend to stay warm, this heated bed is perfect for them! This bed is at a comfortable temperature that is suited for your pet’s normal body temperature. It is also designed for 24/7 operation so you can sleep comfortably knowing that your pet is safe and warm. You can get one online or check your local pet store. Just make sure to check on your pet to make sure they don’t get overheated at night!
Dog DNA Test Kit
If you are curious about your mixed dog’s ancestry, there is a perfect solution for you! Similar to the DNA test kits for humans, the Embark test will tell you about your dogs’ ancestry, disease history, and even traits. All this test kit requires is a simple cheek swab from your dog’s mouth! There are a few different companies that provide this service, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Reversible Hammock
Hammocks are the perfect vessel for the lazy cat that loves to lounge all day! With the adorable reversible pattern of leopard and white, you are sure to love it just as much as your cat. If you’ve got a mischievous feline, keep an eye on your pet, so they don’t get tangled or hurt by the hammock when it’s in use. You can grab these cute, kitten-sized hammocks online.
Santa Suit Cat Sweater
A Santa Claus sweater is perfect for the cat lovers that enjoy dressing their companions up. Handmade on Etsy, your cat is sure to love dressing up like everyone’s favorite Christmas character! You can get one most stores and online. Target offers a few options and there are customizable ones on Etsy, too!
Pet Carrier
Perfect for those pet owners that are always on the go, this affordable and fashion-forward pet carrier is sure to make a statement in your wardrobe (okay, so maybe this is a gift for owners too). Either way, your pet is sure to appreciate you for letting them tag along on all your daily errands!
Sporty Personalized Collar and Leash
A colorful collar with your dog’s name and your phone number on it will ensure your furry friend never gets lost! It’s comfortable material and padding makes your dog enjoy their walks with you even more, while ensuring their safety. And get a matching leash while you’re at it, too!
All Natural Waterless Cat Shampoo
Burt’s Bees offers this all natural waterless shampoo that contains apple and honey, which acts as a natural cleanser that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This spray is mild enough for all cats and kittens and is pH balanced. This gift is perfect and affordable, but make sure to check with your veterinarian before you try it on your pet. Buy it here!
Collapsible Dog Bowl
Perfect for dogs on the go, this durable, water repellent dog bowl can travel everywhere with you and easily collapses. Simply throw it in your purse and go! Your dog will definitely thank you when the hot summer months come along.
Personalized Dog Bag Case
For the people that love dog walking, this personalized item is sure to help you enjoy it even more. You can personalize the dog bag holder with either your name or your pups! It’s perfect for bringing little treats, leashes, or doggie bags.
Sushi Cat Toy
Each felt toy is stuffed with organic catnip and made with eco-friendly felt made in the USA. Your cat is sure to go crazy for this fresh sushi! You can choose from tuna, salmon, egg, and shrimp for your cat. Now, you and your pet can enjoy your favorite dish together!
At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center, we’re so excited to spend the holidays with our friends, family, and pets this year! If you need to schedule a last minute vet appointment, please give us a call. Health and safety is the best gift all, so our Anaheim vet’s office be open for patients Christmas week (excluding Christmas Day).
According to the LA Times, a relatively new breed of mosquitoes has taken over Southern California. This invasive breed is called Aedes Aegyptai and there have been multiple reports of its migration to Orange County. Unlike other mosquitoes, they bite during the day and mostly on the lower leg and ankle region. While mosquitoes can be itchy and annoying for us, they may be a life-threatening problem for our pets. The bloodthirsty pests are known to and infect dogs and cats with microfilaria, or heartworm larvae.
Heartworm is a deadly disease that causes long-lasting damage to an animal’s internal organs. Once the worms have matured, usually within 3-4 months, they can grow up to 12 inches long and survive for many years. They can infect and cause major damage to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidney. Dogs are more commonly affected by heartworm disease than cats, but it’s still possible for cats to get heartworm, too. While heartworm doesn’t affect dogs in the same way, they can cause clots in the arteries, so make sure to keep your Orange County equestrians safe from feral creatures!
Symptoms of heartworm include loss of breath, lethargy, and a persistent cough. At first, however, there may be no symptoms of heartworm at all. That’s why it’s important to get your pets seen by a veterinarian regularly.
Once your pet is old enough, start getting them tested regularly. If you’re able to catch the infection early on, you can destroy the larvae and prevent heartworm disease.
Your cat or dog veterinarian can help keep these parasites at bay by administering a shot of Moxidectin every six months. It is a neurotoxin that shocks and kills the heartworm larvae before it can reach the internal organs. Another way to prevent heartworm is feeding your pet chewables that also kill off the larvae. While these medications can prevent heartworm, they are still toxins. Ask your veterinarian about how to use them correctly, so you don’t compromise your pet’s immune system.
Since heartworm is carried through mosquitoes, it’s more commonly spread during the hot season and warm climates. By keeping your home clean and mosquito-free, you can also reduce the risk of heartworm infection for your dog or cat. For example, if you have a pool, drain it to keep mosquitoes from breeding close by.
Heartworm treatment exists, but it can be costly and dangerous to administer. It is a form of arsenic that is injected into the animal to kill off the worms, but it can also hurt your pet. Prevention is the key to keeping your dog or cat happy and healthy.
Getting bit by mosquitoes is no fun, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy the last of the summer sun! As long as you are taking preventative measures to ward off icky heartworm, you can still go outside with your furry companion. If you have questions about heartworm or animal care, Dr. Lopez is a veterinarian in Anaheim who can help you. Make an appointment today!
Pets are a lot of work. From having to keep them clean to cleaning after their messes, dogs and cats can become a huge commitment, but you may also find your life very disorganized after getting a pet. Many American households may find themselves with a variety of animals, from dogs to reptiles. Cleaning after them and keeping an organized structure may become difficult when you don’t know the ins and out of living with mini pigs, birds, cats, reptiles, and such.
Don’t fear, maintaining your pets is not as hard as you think. Here is a list of tips that help when trying to live an organized life when your household has cats and dogs.
To stay organized with multiple pets, it’s best to separate and organize all pet belongings. It starts with veterinary organizing appointments to bedding designation; pet living must be kept organized to help the owner and pet’s happiness.
Organization for Cats and Dogs:
Medication and Record Organization:
We, humans, keep files of paperwork of our health records, taxes, and other necessary paperwork, so why don’t we have a place for our pet records? Pet records include adoption records, traveling paperwork, veterinary visit history, microchip records and any other documentation needed to keep your pet safe and healthy. Keeping separate folders that contain information for each pet will help in case of any unexpected event.
Many pets require medication given to them daily. Organizing the medicine will make it easier to administer medication and lower the risk of feeding the wrong medication. Making it a part of your everyday routine will make it easier to remember to give it to your pet
Pet Supplies and Toys Organization:
It starts with just one squeaky ball, but suddenly, toys and pet supplies multiply, and soon, you are tripping over chew toys and stepping into your dog’s water tray. It is important to remember to maintain pet belongings just as organized as you maintain yours.
Additional Organization Tips:
Protecting Furniture
There is that one thing that we all hate as dog owners: dog shedding. Some shed excessively, leaving hair everywhere. One way to maintain it is by placing fleece blankets and throws around your home. This gives your living room a trendy look that also hides the hair. If you are allergic to pet hair, you can control your pet allergies with an air purifier.
Achieving Control
Depending on the canine you own, at times you may find yourself trying to accomplish a task, but your three pets running around the house can make it very difficult. Having baby gates will provide a space for the dog and allow you to cook or clean without complications.
Lastly, more pets mean more fun times, love, and attention! Not just more messes. Make sure you, as an owner, are prepared to provide the quality of care each pet desires.
Difficulties may arise when a household fosters several pets, but the memories and love are unmeasurable. Organize and maintain for your pets as you would for your belongings, and this will help keep an organized life while owning several pets. Organize your next pet appointment with Dr. Lopez, an experienced veterinarian in Orange County, to make sure your pets are healthy and happy!
Does This Human Make Me Look Fat?
Approximately 2 out of 3 American pets are considered overweight or obese. According to a 2017 study from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of cats and 60% of dogs are overweight due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Despite the recent push toward healthy, balanced eating for humans, there has been significantly less information about how to improve the diet and lifestyle of some of our most beloved family members, our pets. Without nutritious food and exercise, animals can easily develop costly and even life-threatening health problems such as diabetes, kidney dysfunction, respiratory disorders, or worse.
The first step to solving pet obesity is identifying pet obesity. Your dog’s pot-belly might be kind of adorable, but could it also be a sign of poor health. Sometimes, it can be difficult to differentiate between a little puppy fat and a serious underlying problem. Here are a few symptoms of pet obesity you can keep an eye out for:
Like humans, all animal body types are different, so make sure to do your research on the healthy size for your pet’s breed. Some dogs are naturally lean and others are perfectly healthy couch potatoes. If you’re still not sure, you can always take your pet to a veterinarian for a professional evaluation.
Unfortunately, there are few regulations on pet food to ensure animals are receiving the nutrients and vitamins they need. A lot of products in the market are low-quality and unhealthy for animals. Many owners are unaware that their cat or dog’s favorite food is the animal equivalent of eating junk food with little nutritional content. Check the ingredients before you purchase any pet food.
Avoid the following:
Ingredients to look for:
To improve your pet’s diet, take a second to read the ingredients label on pet food and treats the next time you go shopping. You can also get some fresh ingredients to cook for your dogs and/or cats! It’s not
as expensive and time-consuming as it seems and it can definitely benefit your pet to have some variety in their diet. Lastly, stop feeding your animals table scraps! The extra calories add up and more often than not, human food isn’t healthy for dogs and cats.
How you feed your pet is almost as important as what you feed your pet. Portion control is really important to regulating diet. Overeating can result in digestive problems, choking, or bloating. When dogs or cats eat t
oo fast, they ingest large amounts of air, resulting in discomfort and even vomiting. In the worst case scenario, they may develop Gastric Dilation Volvulus, which is when air expands in the stomach and ruptures.
Luckily, there are many ways to avoid this problem. If your pet eats dry food, you can scatter food on the floor, so your pet has to eat each piece separately. This method is only viable, however, on clean hardwood floor or concrete. You don’t want your pet ingesting any harmful chemicals, dirt, or other objects.
There are also plenty of slow feeder bowls that are designed with obstructions in the bowl your dog will have to eat around, slowing them down. For cats, puzzle balls are a great option for both mental stimulation and controlled eating. The food is placed in a ball with food inside that the cat must move around for the food to fall out of the holes. A simple way to slow down your pet’s eating is to feed them more meals in smaller quantities throughout the day.
The exercise required to maintain a healthy lifestyle depends on your dog or cat’s breed and age. Ask your local veterinarian to assess just how much is appropriate for your pet. For obese animals, so much exercise all at once can be laborious, so owners may have to slowly incorporate more and more exercise into their pets’ daily routines with time.
Typically, 30 minutes to two hours a day is a good amount of exercise for dogs. Take your dog for a walk, play a game of fetch, or go swim! It’ll be good for both you and your pup to head outside for some fresh air and outdoor activity. If you’re located around Anaheim like us, we have a list of fun things to do for you and your dog to doright here in Orange County.
Unlike dogs, cats have extremely high metabolisms that allow them to lounge about without too much consequence. Nevertheless, you should still consult your veterinarian about a fitness plan for your cat, especially if they’ve been getting a little pudgier than usual. For most cats, aim for around 15 minutes of exercise. Get some toys like yarn, a laser light, a wand, or a ball. Kittens can actually be trained to go on walks similar to dogs, but that does require proper training and equipment. Cats like to climb, so getting a cat tree could encourage your cat to exercise more.
Pet obesity is no joke! It can lead to tons of expensive, painful health issues later down the road such as liver disease or osteoarthritis. Just because your little buddy is somewhat fluffier than normal, that doesn’t necessarily make you a bad owner. Now that you know, there are numerous ways to prevent and treat obesity for pets, so they can live the long, healthy lives they deserve. If you’re worried about your pet, it’s never too late to ask your veterinarian for a checkup, pet food recommendations, and an exercise plan. If you have more questions about pet obesity, Dr. Lopez is an experienced veterinarian in Orange County who can answer your questions and help your furry friend.
Itching to adopt a pet? Literally?
Despite the wishes of their physicians, an estimated 10% of pet owners who are allergic to their beloved animals still keep them, yet they continue to lead healthy and happy lives. By understanding why they are allergic to certain animals and choosing the right hypoallergenic pet, tons of people are able to control their symptoms and enjoy the companionship of a lifetime. In the battle against pet allergies, here’s how you can own yours – let’s break it down.
Many animals produce a type of protein that is found in animal urine, saliva, and dander. Some people have immune systems who can’t handle these foreign substances which is what triggers allergies. Symptoms may include symptoms like teary eyes, itching, swollen membranes and more. Contrary to what many believe, people aren’t allergic to pet hair – they’re allergic to the allergens that are present in pet hair. Allergic reactions can be caused when the allergens become airborne as well, so it’s possible to be susceptible to an allergy attack without even touching the culprit.
Don’t forget, animals can be allergic to things, too! Many dogs and cats experience allergies between each other and some are even allergic to humans. If your pet suffers from allergies, visit a local veterinarian to figure out the best course of action.
Pet allergies are annoying; there’s no doubt about it. But taking certain steps can improve quality of living and minimize allergic reactions. Here’s how pet owners deal with dander from their pets:
If your pet allergies are extremely serious, many pets are still available out there. According to Babble, experts have determined some animals produce less allergens or no allergens at all, making them better choices for people who are hyper-sensitive to these substances. There are tons of options out there including certain breeds of dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, and more. Here’s a list of hypoallergenic pets that may be compatible with your allergies.
Pet allergies can definitely be in-fur-iating, but they’re no reason to eliminate the possibility of having pets altogether. There are tons of solutions available to treat them and lots of hypoallergenic pets to adopt. If you’re interested, check out your local pet shelter because there are always animals in need of loving homes. For anyone who’s already a proud pet parent, Brookhurst Animal is a veterinary clinic located in Anaheim, CA, and we are just a call away if your pet needs medical attention.
Our pets bring happiness and joy into our lives every day. We all know of the perks that come with owning a pet, including the emotional support and physical health benefits they provide us. But unfortunately, some of us just can’t enjoy spending time with furry friends without facing a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or rashes.
If you’re allergic to animals, know that you aren’t alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 3 in 10 people have allergies to dogs and cats. A common misconception is that pet hair is the main cause of allergic reactions, which is untrue. Allergies are triggered by dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and pet urine. Some of the annoying reactions you might get include mild irritations such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, or skin rashes.
So what can you do if you are allergic to furry animals?
We know – it’s tough being an animal lover who is allergic to animals. If you have only mild allergic reactions to animals, and they are not life-threatening, there are a few things that you can do to ease your symptoms.
The first thing you can do to alleviate your allergy symptoms is to keep your home clean. Wipe down surfaces, wash your clothing, and vacuum or mop the floors regularly. These can collect dust, pet hair, and other particles that might be causing your allergies.
Invest in a High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filter, or HEPA air cleaner, for your home. These can improve the air quality in your rooms by removing allergenic particles, relieving you of your allergy symptoms.
Ideally, this zone would be your bedroom. Keeping your furry friends out of your bedroom will let you sleep peacefully, without the threat of allergic reactions. You’ll also want to create animal-friendly zones in your house as well, where your pet can roam around and play to his heart’s content.
Rugs and carpets can often trap the allergenic particles that cause your symptoms. While vacuuming seems effective, it can stir up the allergens that got stuck to the carpeting and worsen your allergies. You may find it more convenient in the long run to simply remove the carpets and rugs, and replace them with hardwood floors or tiles instead. These are easier to clean, and they do not trap dust and pet hair like carpets do.
If you have mild allergies, you are probably already familiar with antihistamines. This over-the-counter medication can relieve mild symptoms, allowing you to play with your pets without worrying about allergic reactions.
If you have more severe allergies and plan to have furry pets for a long time, you may want to consider allergy shots. While it takes a while for allergy shots to fully take effect, it is the most effective way to get rid of your allergies in the long run.
Lastly, if you are an animal lover looking to open up your home to a new pet, consider adopting an animal without fur. Some of your options are fish, turtles, bearded dragons, geckos, and more fur-less and featherless animals.
If you have any questions about your pet, contact our Anaheim veterinarian, Dr. Lopez, at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center. Our team is always here to help!
