White House Animal Hospital Blog: May 2016

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Start summer off right

Schedule your pet’s annual checkup todayto be sure your pet is healthy!

It’s summer! Time for BBQs, long hikes and refreshing water play! You and your pet enjoy this time of year. It’s filled with activity, fun and food!

There are a few things we have to talk about. First, is your pet eating the right food for their lifestyle? Meeting your pet’s nutritional needs is vital to their health and happiness. So before you take your big hike with Fido or start your movie marathon on the couch with Fluffy, bring in your furry friend for their annual exam.

Second, if your pet is just 10% over their ideal body weight (that may mean 1 lb. for a 10 lb. cat), they are at risk for developing serious medical conditions. Who wants that for their buddy? No way, you say! Come in for a checkup and a pit stop at the scale!

Third, most “people” food is not good for pets, especially from the grill! For example, feeding your pet chicken bones can cause tooth fractures and tear up their digestive tract during digestion.

Fourth, come in today to ensure your pets vaccinations and monthly preventives (Heartworm, Flea, and Tick) are up to date before heading out to the beach, lake, or park. Let us know your vacation destination to ensure proper protection from disease!

Make an online appointment for your pet’s annual checkup today – we’ll give them a thorough physical exam from nose to tail! And we’ll talk about what they’re eating and if we have to make any changes.

Who loves your pet besides you? White House Animal Hospital of Course! Book your pet’s yearly exam today online or call 615-672-0357 Today so we can keep your pet healthy and happy this summer!

Monday, May 9, 2016

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease: Is your dog protected

The warmer days of spring and summer offer more outdoor fun for people and dogs alike. These warmer times also offer greater opportunity for dog-to-dog contact and the spread of Bordetella bronchiseptica, one of the most common causes of Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD).

This highly contagious disease, also known as “kennel cough,” goes beyond the kennel. Your dog can pick up kennel cough anywhere: doggy day care, dog parks, you name it. Your dog can be infected even through just a brief contact.

Dry, hacking cough, retching and a watery nose can be signs your dog may have Bordetella.
CIRD can affect dogs of any age and some can be infected before showing clinical signs. This
can make diagnosis challenging, making it best to take preventative measures and reduce
dog-to-dog contact.

Although this disease is treatable, prevention is the first line of defense. The veterinary team at
White House Animal Hospital reminds dog owners that prevention is easy and preferable to treatment.

Tips for prevention of Bordetella
• Avoid crowding and stress.
• Limit dog-to-dog contact.
• See us here at White House Animal Hospital for a vaccination to provide protection both at home and away.

Contact White House Animal Hospital to make an appointment for a risk assessment and more information on Bordetella and CIRD. Schedule your pets appointment on online at http://www.whitehousevet.com/contactus.html

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357

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Friday, May 6, 2016

Bones, Muscles and Joints

Keep your pet moving and grooving this spring
Schedule their yearly checkup today!

Musculoskeletal diseases (conditions that involve bones, muscles and joints) can affect pets of all ages. They can have aches and pains like we do. But sometimes these diseases are hard to spot. Think about your furry friend for a moment...

Have they stopped jumping on you when they greet you at the door?

Have they stopped perching on the window sill?

Is your pet acting “old?”

These changes in activity may be due to weather, age or good training. However, to guarantee your pet is at their best, we have to rule out they don’t have a hidden musculoskeletal problem. Infections, hormonal imbalances, nutrition, blood disorders and arthritis can all affect your pet's activity—the way they play, move, eat and cuddle!

The good news is we have ways to prevent, cure or manage these conditions, so your pet can continue to have a good quality of life. White House Animal Hospital offers Cold Laser Therapy, pain management, and joint supplements to provide your pet withe the best options to get moving again! We are committed to the well-being of your pet for their lifetime. The best way to do this is to book your pet’s yearly checkup today. Make an appointment and together, we’ll keep your pet’s bones, muscles and joints (and the rest of your furry friend) in good working order! Schedule your appointment today at http://www.whitehousevet.com/contactus.html!