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Your pet will rely on you to keep him in good health. A proper diet, regular exercise and grooming, and routine check-ups at the veterinarian will help keep your pet well.
Links of Interest:
Recommended Emergency Link:
Animal
ER Center:
www.animalercenter.com/index_content.html
Other Emergency Links:
OVRS – Oakland Veterinary Referral Services
http://www.ovrs.com MVS – Michigan Veterinary Specialists
http://www.michvet.com/
AER – Animal Emergency Response
http://disaster.petfinder.com/emergency/home.html
AEC – Animal Emergency Center
http://www.theanimalemergencycenter.com
Cats:
Dogs:
Exotic Pets:
Veterinarian Medicine:
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EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS:
- Difficulty breathing, blue tongue or raspy breath sounds.
- Swollen or distended abdomen, with or without productive vomiting.
- Inability to urinate or defecate, especially if straining. (Cats may repeatedly go to the litter box, lick at the genital area, and/or vocalize.)
- Ingestion of toxin, including but not limited to: chocolate, rodenticides (mouse and rat bait), garden pest control products (snail baits), prescription, over the counter or illegal drugs, and household cleaners. BRING THE CONTAINER WITH YOU!
- Traumas such as being hit by a car, a fall from a height or blunt force, even if the animal is NOT showing any ill effects!
- Collapse/inability to stand or walk.
- Loss of balance or consciousness, convulsions or seizure activity.
- Any trauma or concern with the eyes.
- Penetrating wound, such as bite wounds (dog or cat), gunshot or stab wounds.
- Bleeding that does not stop. (Apply pressure with a clean cloth while on your way).
- Vomiting or diarrhea with blood.
- Heatstroke: heavy panting, weakness on a warm day.
- Exposure to snakes or ticks.
- Any time you feel something just is not right.
Call 248 960-7200 for any EMERGENCY!
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Choosing a Pet
Adding a pet to your home? Choose one that fits your lifestyle and family’s personality. You can think about…
- Activity and Enjoyment
- Love to be on the go? Are you happy to be running, biking or active outdoors?
- Prefer to happily relax or watch others?
- Time
- Are you living on a tight schedule with little free time?
- How much time do you and your family plan to spend on care and playtime?
- Living Arrangements
- How much space will you need for your pet of choice. Are you living in a home, apartment, with others, on a farm?
- Cost
- Pets provide wonderful companionship but are a financial responsibility as well. You can choose one to fit any budget.
- Family or Friends
- If you are not living alone, think about the ages
of others in your home. Young children and elderly
people benefit greatly from having a relationship
with a pet if chosen wisely.
The perfect pet for you may be a puppy, a grown dog, a kitten, a cat, a rabbit, a gerbil or a fish. Whatever your choice, we will be here to help you make a happy and healthy home. Contact us if you have any questions.
 Food and bed
- Choose the best quality food you can afford. It’s important for both nutrition and to keep your dog’s weight at a healthy level. High quality food will also contribute to a shiner coat and better energy level. Read the ingredients list if packaged.
- Have a comfortable space (that’s easy to clean) for food, fresh water and a nice nap.
Plan for exercise
- Unless you live on a large plot of enclosed land, it’s a good idea to have your dog on a leash.
- Healthy exercise can include walking, running, swimming or playing… and usually involves you!
- If you have a pet with special needs, we’d be happy to suggest the best way to keep him active and healthy. Contact us anytime!
Hot Summer Days
- Keep cool!
- Have lots of fresh drinking water available and fill up that kiddy pool to cool off.
- Try walking in the early morning or evening before it gets too hot and watch your dog for signs of overheating.
- If you have any concerns, please call us immediately
at (248) 960-7200.
Grooming & Bath time
- While swimming in natural water may be a good way to bathe and exercise, good shampooing, rinsing and conditioning of your dog’s skin and coat also keep lice and fleas away.
- Brush and groom often. It’s not only a great way to keep your pet clean; it feels good!
- There are many good grooming salons we can recommend, but if you want to bathe your dog at home here are some tips.
- If the dog’s coat is matted, brush him first to untangle the knots.
- Choose a tub that suits the size of your pet and make sure he feels safe and secure. Have brushes, shampoo and plenty of towels handy.
- After lathering and cleaning, rinse well keeping soap away from his eyes.
- Dogs often shake so plan to get wet. Those towels will come in handy so dry well.
Traveling with your pet
Most dogs like to travel and go out for an adventure.
Some people you encounter may be afraid of dogs though and dog messes can be troublesome while traveling. Look for hotels and public transport services that cater to pets. A pet sitter or professionally staffed kennel may be needed while you are on a trip. If so make sure it is clean, comfortable and staffed to provide proper feeding and exercise. We have some recommendations on this site.
If you prefer to take your pet along with you, here are a few tips:
- Get a health certificate from your vet
- Sturdy dog crates or carriers are best.
- Check with the airlines if you’re flying. Some allow your dog to remain with you in the passenger compartment and others do not.
- Dogs need air-conditioned and well-ventilated cars to keep cool. Never leave your pet in the car on a hot day…. even if the windows are partly open.
- If traveling internationally, every country has its own specific rules regarding travel with pets. Be sure to follow them carefully.
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate and an official health certificate in the other country’s native language is always helpful.
- Get a pet identification tag, complete with dog’s name, owner’s name and contact number.
- Take along a first aid kit
- Dog seat belt harnesses are available for riding in the car.
- Take enough favorite food and treats to last for the entire trip.
- Pack water, dog dishes, leash, favorite toys, brush, towels, plastic bags for cleaning up, dog wear and all the things to keep your dog happy during the time away from home.
- Make sure to stop at least every 2-3 hours for a potty and water break.
Your Older Dog
Our pets are part of our family so as they get older here are some ideas to keep them healthy.
- Give me good food but don’t let me get overweight.
- Exercise and fun are still important but keep any limitations in mind.
- No ticks and fleas. Clean is content!
- Brush my teeth and keep them clean.
- Be alert for common symptoms of aging and tell your vet when you first notice any changes.
- Take me to my vet for checkups every 6 months.
- I’m still your best companion. Play with me!
Dental Health Vaccinations and your vet
Regular veterinary care is essential to a pet’s health. From the time your puppy comes home, obtain regular preventative care such as vaccines, de-worming, teeth maintenance, and flea/tick prevention. You don’t need to wait until your pet is ill to make a trip to our office. We can make sure you get off to a good start with all the help and resources you need.
We keep track of your visits and will send follow up reminders. Always give us a call at any time if you have questions or concerns. |
