Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Dental Health for Your Pets

Caring for your pet's teeth is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership. Good dental health can add years to your pet's life by preventing the early onset of heart, kidney and liver disease.  We offer complete dental care including dental cleanings for your dog or cat. For the month of August 2017 we are offering a 10% discount on all dental cleanings and products. Wellness Rewards Members will receive an additional 10% cashback rewards making our total discount on dental services 20%. Ask us about becoming a Wellness Rewards Member which will give you 2 free exams and two free nail trims for any of your pets yearly. 
If your pet has any of the following issues take them to your veterinarian immediately and have their mouth teeth and gums examined.

  • Bad breath.
  • Change in eating or dog chewing habits.
  • Pawing at the face or mouth.
  • Depression.
  • Excessive drooling.
  • Misaligned or missing teeth.
  • Discolored, broken, missing or crooked teeth.
  • Red, swollen, painful or bleeding gums.
#WHpetvet

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Is Your Puppy at Risk?



Your puppy is brand new and you want to protect him. The best thing you can do is to feed him a healthy, balanced diet, provide plenty of exercise, and vaccinate for the following preventable infections! 

1. Parvovirus (Parvo)

This highly contagious virus attacks puppies aged between 12 weeks and up to 3 years. Transmitted through bodily secretions, parvovirus is easily passed on, though most dogs are vaccinated against it starting at six to eight weeks, then again every three weeks until they are four months old or have received 4 sets of vaccinations.
Symptoms: Parvo in dogs starts with a fever, and at this point puppies are probably very contagious (to other dogs, not humans). Dogs are lethargic and stop eating and drinking.  Vomiting and Diarrhea with dehydration are common in the first few days.  
Treatment: Vaccinate against parvovirus! If you haven’t, hospitalization is the best route, where your puppy will be given IV fluids and sometimes antibiotics to prevent sepsis, which can be fatal.
Recovery time: Three to seven days. Puppies with parvo are usually hospitalized for three to four days then go home with medications.

2. Distemper

The vaccination against distemper is quite effective. The first vaccination takes place at six to eight weeks, and requires a booster vaccinations.
Symptoms: Initially distemper in dogs typically appears as an upper respiratory disease with sneezing and eye discharge. Then it can develop into pneumonia or can lead to neurological problems such as a fatal encephalopathy (brain damage).
Treatment: Seek medical attention for distemper in dogs. This usually involves inpatient supportive care
Recovery time: It can take weeks to recover from canine distemper and pets usually go home from the hospital with respiratory medications.
The bad news about canine distemper is if your puppy survives it, the disease can lie dormant and break out again when she’s older. At that point she has an even worse prognosis because the disease can lead to neurological problems such as seizures.

3. Kennel Cough

Bacteria or parainfluenza viruses, both of which are airborne, cause kennel cough in dogs — also known as infectious tracheobronchitis. Dogs pass this virus similarly to the way Humans pass the common cold and do not need to be kenneld to contract this virus.   Puppies can be vaccinated against kennel cough starting at six to eight weeks, and then every six to 12 months after that, though the vaccine doesn’t necessarily protect against the disease, but does lead to milder symptoms and a quicker recovery time!
Symptoms: Kennel cough starts with lethargy, decreased appetite and fever, then puppies develop a deep, often productive, cough. If untreated, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia.
Treatment: If you note any unusual coughing from your puppy.
Recovery time: Kennel cough usually runs its course in 10 to 14 days.

4. Adenovirus

Adenovirus in dogs causes hepatitis, but it’s rarely seen these days because of the efficacy of vaccines. The adenovirus vaccine is given with the canine distemper vaccine.
Symptoms: It’s really difficult to know if your dog has adenovirus, but it typically starts with gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea and can develop into jaundice.
Treatment: Inpatient fluid therapy and nutritional support may be required. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and/or fluid reducers as necessary.

5. Leptospirosis

This bacterial disease can affect the kidneys and the liver and is transmitted through contaminated water and infected urine. Your puppy can be vaccinated against leptospirosis at 10 to 12 weeks, then again at 13 to 15 weeks. Be aware that not all clinics vaccinate for leptospirosis, so ask your veterinarian if it's appropriate for your puppy.
Symptoms: Symptoms of leptospirosis are flu-like: Vomiting and/or fever and/or lethargy.
Treatment: Antibiotics
Recovery time: Depending on the severity of the infection, an antibiotic course can last four weeks or more.

6. Vomiting (and Diarrhea)

If your puppy’s suffering from either of these symptoms, the first thing to rule out is intestinal parasites. If these are not the cause vomiting/diarrhea, your pooch has probably just eaten or licked something he shouldn’t have.
Treatment: Continue to offer water, and provide food if your puppy asks for it but that’s less essential than keeping them hydrated. After 12 hours (vomiting) or 24 hours (diarrhea), take your dog to your veterinarian if he’s not getting better. Your veterinarian can provide you with a therapeutic bland diet to help your puppy feel better.
Recovery time: Your puppy should recover from vomiting or diarrhea that is not related to a parasite within 12 to 24 hours.  If longer then follow up with your favorite Veterinarian to ensure there is a not an obstruction.

Call White House Animal Hospital today to schedule your pups vaccinations at 615-672-0357.  Schedule online at http://www.whitehousevet.com/contactus.html

Happy Spring! 

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 
White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WHPetVet
Follow us on Pintrest at https://www.pinterest.com/WHPETVET/


Monday, November 21, 2016

Pack your bags......

Pack your bags.
Pack your car.
Pack your sleigh.
But don’t let your pet pack on the holiday pounds.


Holiday season is upon us — a busy time of year for festivities, family and of course, lots of eating! Did you know that if a ten-pound cat ate just one ounce of cheddar cheese from your hors d’oeuvres, it would be the same as if a person ate three and a half hamburgers or four chocolate bars? Gaining those “holiday pounds” is not just a problem for humans, but also for our four-legged friends.

Research shows that pets are more likely to gain unwanted pounds during this holiday period than any other time of year. What pet can resist a potato chip, onion dip or chocolate? (Wait, you know better than to feed them that!)  

Obesity is the leading medical problem in pets. When a pet is too chubby, not only may they have little energy to walk or play, but also studies have shown that pets who are overweight may have a shortened life span.

How can you tell if your pet is at the right weight?

It can be hard to know because for many pets, they don’t get a big round belly. Instead, the extra fat is well hidden inside your pet’s body, tucked between their vital organs. So let us check! Our veterinary practice team has a trained eye to best assess your pet’s weight. Bring your pet in for their yearly exam and we’ll take a look at their body condition and nutritional needs. If we determine your pet needs to lose a few pounds, don’t worry. We’ll come up with a plan that will keep you and your pet sailing through the holiday season.




Call White House Animal Hospital today to schedule your pet’s yearly checkup. Happy holidays and remember, pack your suitcase. Pack a trunk. It’s even fine to pack a sleigh. But don’t let your pet pack on the pounds!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 
White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WHPetVet
Follow us on Pintrest at https://www.pinterest.com/WHPETVET/

Tips for Safe Flea Prevention!

Always read all label information before applying medications to your pet,
and ask yourself these questions:


                Is my pet the right age for this product?
                Many flea medications are not labeled for use in puppies or kittens under 6                             months of age.
      
                Do I have the right species of pet for this medication?
                There can be potentially fatal reactions with some dog flea medications when                         applied to cats or rabbits.
               
                Am I about to apply this in the right way?
                Is this something that you apply to the skin or give by mouth?
 
                Is there a health reason that my pet should not have this medication?
                Always consult with your veterinarian if your pet has any health conditions or is                     pregnant or nursing.


                If you have a cat, talk to your vet to make sure medications you use for your dog                 are safe around your cat.




Never use multiple flea medications on your pet, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. (Fleas can be a very frustrating problem, and it can be tempting to say that the medication is not working after a day or so and try another product.) While some flea medications work in different ways and can be used together, many are in the same class of medications, and can build up to toxic levels when used together.

Make sure your veterinarian is your primary source for information about flea medications, not the Internet.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and garlic (Allium sativum) are commonly recommended online to treat or prevent fleas—but these can cause serious and potentially life-threatening issues. If you want to use alternative flea control or prevention, speak with your vet first to see what they recommend and how to use it most effectively.

Always double-check everything before you apply flea medications to your pet. Many homes have multiple pets and therefore several different flea medications.

If you accidentally get a topical medication in your pet’s eye, first rinse the eye with a sterile eye irrigation solution or room-temperature tap water. Next, contact White House Animal Hospital and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for additional steps to take and signs to monitor for.

If your pet licks some of the medication off his or her body, give them a small amount of their food to help relieve the bad taste. Blot the area with a paper towel. Next, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for additional steps to take and what to watch for.

If you mistakenly apply a dog flea medication to a cat and the cat starts to have shaking, convulsions or seizures, take them immediately to White House Animal Hospital. These signs may take up to 48 hours to occur. If you realize that you have put a dog flea medication on your cat and they aren’t showing any signs yet, contact White House Animal Hospital and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. 

White House Animal Hospital has several options available to you, schedule today by calling 615-672-0357 or online for your Flea/Tick preventive consultation.  Walk out the door with treatment in hand or have it shipped to your door through our Online Pharmacy!




Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 
White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WHPetVet
Follow us on Pintrest at https://www.pinterest.com/WHPETVET/

Tips for Safe Flea Prevention!

Always read all label information before applying medications to your pet,
and ask yourself these questions:


                Is my pet the right age for this product?
                Many flea medications are not labeled for use in puppies or kittens under 6                             months of age.
      
                Do I have the right species of pet for this medication?
                There can be potentially fatal reactions with some dog flea medications when                         applied to cats or rabbits.
               
                Am I about to apply this in the right way?
                Is this something that you apply to the skin or give by mouth?
 
                Is there a health reason that my pet should not have this medication?
                Always consult with your veterinarian if your pet has any health conditions or is                     pregnant or nursing.


                If you have a cat, talk to your vet to make sure medications you use for your dog                 are safe around your cat.




Never use multiple flea medications on your pet, unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. (Fleas can be a very frustrating problem, and it can be tempting to say that the medication is not working after a day or so and try another product.) While some flea medications work in different ways and can be used together, many are in the same class of medications, and can build up to toxic levels when used together.

Make sure your veterinarian is your primary source for information about flea medications, not the Internet.
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and garlic (Allium sativum) are commonly recommended online to treat or prevent fleas—but these can cause serious and potentially life-threatening issues. If you want to use alternative flea control or prevention, speak with your vet first to see what they recommend and how to use it most effectively.

Always double-check everything before you apply flea medications to your pet. Many homes have multiple pets and therefore several different flea medications.

If you accidentally get a topical medication in your pet’s eye, first rinse the eye with a sterile eye irrigation solution or room-temperature tap water. Next, contact White House Animal Hospital and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for additional steps to take and signs to monitor for.

If your pet licks some of the medication off his or her body, give them a small amount of their food to help relieve the bad taste. Blot the area with a paper towel. Next, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for additional steps to take and what to watch for.

If you mistakenly apply a dog flea medication to a cat and the cat starts to have shaking, convulsions or seizures, take them immediately to White House Animal Hospital. These signs may take up to 48 hours to occur. If you realize that you have put a dog flea medication on your cat and they aren’t showing any signs yet, contact White House Animal Hospital and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. 

White House Animal Hospital has several options available to you, schedule today by calling 615-672-0357 or online for your Flea/Tick preventive consultation.  Walk out the door with treatment in hand or have it shipped to your door through our Online Pharmacy!




Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 
White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WHPetVet
Follow us on Pintrest at https://www.pinterest.com/WHPETVET/

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

The Best Way to Show Thanks this Season is with an Annual Checkup...

All pets come with special care instructions. Feed daily, love forever and yearly checkups. We know you have the first two covered, but what about the last one? Yearly checkups are equally as important! They are essential to your furry friend’s happiness and well-being. They are the best way to keep your pet healthier, longer!

During our veterinarian’s physical exam, your pet gets checked from tongue to teeth to toes to tail. (Plus all the parts in between!) Our in-depth, medical checkup not only assesses your pet’s current health status, but also helps to prevent future problems, such as obesity, periodontal disease and diabetes. At this time, it also provides us with the opportunity to discuss all the ways to keep your pal in good shape and to answer your questions. We can cover any topic you want in the comfort of our exam room.

Yes, all pets do come with special care instructions:
Feed daily (but not from the Thanksgiving dinner table)
Love forever (you do that the best!)
Yearly checkups (we’re here to ensure your pet stays healthy!)
Stay Safe this Holiday Season! 




We’re grateful for your trust in us to recommend what’s best for your pet. Call us at 615-672-0357 to make an appointment for your pet’s yearly checkup or schedule online today! Your pet will be thankful too.



Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at White House Animal Hospital! 


Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 
White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357
Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/WHPetVet
Follow us on Pintrest at https://www.pinterest.com/WHPETVET/