Helping You Care
For Your Pet
Laser Surgery
Bay Pines and Lake Street Veterinary Clinics are proud to offer laser surgery as a progressive option for our clients who want the safest and least painful treatment for their pets. In many cases, laser surgery can be extremely beneficial over traditional surgery. The main advantage of the laser is the result of the laser energy sealing off the nerve endings and blood vessels. The patient benefits because there is less bleeding, less swelling and considerably less post-operative pain, which leads to a quicker recovery. Laser surgery is by far the most humane way to declaw your cat for example. We look forward to discussing with you whether laser surgery is the best option for your pet.
Pain Management For Your Canine Companion
Managing pain for dogs has changed greatly over the past few years with many options available from new drug therapies to more commonly available remedies.
Have you noticed your dog moving slower, limping after exercise or morning stiffness when they first get up? If your dogs has had an orthopedic injury sometime in their life (ie. Bone fracture, ACL tear, chronic luxating patella), chronic pain from hip dysplasia; or simply arthritis from old age there are many ways to make their life more comfortable.
Here are some ideas to explore and as always, please ask our friendly staff for more details and possibly an appointment with one of our veterinarians.
Always offer warm, soft bedding to sleep on.
Avoid lying on cold concrete as much as possible.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate products are great for increased joint mobility AND have no known side effects. You may find them over the counter at most drug stores and health food stores. There is no difference between the canine version and the human version.
Non-Steroidal medications (either over-the-counter or stronger ones prescribed by your veterinarian) can help to give your dog muscle strength and help them to be more active.
Other products like Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E products (both over-the-counter) may also help with pain.
Light to moderate activity is great. Keep joints moving to prevent further loss of movement.
Swimming or walking in water on the beach (at shoulder level) are both excellent to increase muscle strength without putting to much pressure on joints.
Special diets like Hill's JD diet and joint mobility diets are available at veterinary clinics and provide relief.
Please ask how we can help to improve your dog's quality of life. Your veterinarian can recommend medication dosages and put together a great plan for you and your companion. Your dog's life can be more comfortable and they can stay active throughout their life with just a few simple adjustments in your routine.
So you've decided to add a puppy to your family. Owning a dog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities. Keep the following questions in mind as we go along.??
1. Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home??
2 Will you have enough time to spend training, grooming and exercising a dog???
3 Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for a dog? ??
The Breed For You Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you select the right dog for you and your family. Purebred dogs are predictable in size and some characteristics. But a mix breed dog from a shelter can be an excellent choice without the high cost of a purebred.
You and Your Dog Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase is by a family with children. Buying a dog is like buying anything else; the more you know before you buy, the better off you will be. This advice applies to all aspects of buying your dog, from selecting the breed to deciding where to obtain the puppy. Remember to consider your dog's lifestyle, too. The Bearded Collie you fell in love with because of his lush coat is indeed beautiful, but are you going to be able to brush this coat every day as it requires? Maybe a short coated dog better suits your busy lifestyle. Think about the size of your house or your apartment. Will that Golden Retriever be happy in your studio apartment? The Golden Retriever is a larger sporting dog that requires a lot of exercise. Do you have a fenced yard so he can go out safely? If not, can you afford to install a fence? These are crucial questions regarding the safety of your dog and being a responsible neighbor.
Owning a dog is a big responsibility! Talk to breeders and your veterinarian. Ask them lots of questions; we all know there are no stupid questions. A responsible breeder will eagerly answer your questions and share his or her experience and knowledge with you.
Selecting A Breeder Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy. Avoid "puppy mill" breeders at all cost. These breeders usually have many dogs, in small cages and are only concerned with profit. Many puppy mill dogs are not healthy puppies, and that can lead to heartbreak for your family. Mixed breed puppies found at the humane shelter can also be a great option. But always do your research.
How Much Does A Puppy Cost? This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment. ?Humane Society puppies can be less expensive than a purebred and should always be an option for your family.
Can You Afford A Puppy? The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care, (a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership = Responsibility.??Your dog will have lifelong health care needs, whether for preventive care or for unexpected accidents, injuries and illnesses that could happen at any time, however well you look after your dog. It is sensible to consider planning for these.. There is no doubt that a puppy is a cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility. ??
Caring for your dog All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine diseases.
By choosing your new family member carefully and committing to a wellness plan from the beginning, a new puppy ,purebred or a Heinz 57 will add joy to your family for many years to come.
Thinking about buying a Puppy?
Not worried. but, informed ! There are many causes of kidney disease in our pets. The disease can come on quickly and be due to an infectious disease. Or, the disease can come on slowly and be due to the natural aging process. Don’t worry about what type your pet could develop. leave that job to your veterinarian ! The most important thing you can do is look for changes in your pet’s daily activities and overall health.
Common symptoms of kidney problems are: increased intake of water, increased frequency and quantity of urine output. or even accidents in the house. They can also have weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting or lethargy.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should probably discuss the situation with your veterinarian. Many animals with kidney disease may also have hypertension. Therefore, a thorough physical exam, urinalysis, blood work and possibly a blood pressure evaluation will help us to figure out what type of kidney disease may be present and what we can do about it. Some kidney failures can be fixed. others can be managed to help your pet have a good quality of life, and maybe a longer life, too.
*** As a special note, dogs in Michigan may be at risk for kidney disease associated with Leptospirosis bacteria. It is a frequent contaminant in standing water. If your dog drinks water outdoors that is infected, they are at risk of developing this life-threatening disease. We have a vaccination that will help prevent the disease. So, if your dog gets outdoors frequently, especially in the woods, he may benefit from this vaccine.
Please ask about this important vaccine at your next visit.
Should I be worried about kidney disease in my pet?
Keeping Your Pet Warm
Now that it's getting cold outside, it's important to remember to keep your pet warm too. If you have a dog house, make sure it has a strong roof that does not leak, clean dry straw and warm blankets. The shelter should have it's opening facing away from the wind and should be covered if possible.
If your dog is a house dog, consider a coat for them for the winter, especially if they are a short-haired dog such as a Greyhound, Boston Terrier or Chihuahua. Most dogs who get used to a coat love them after a few times outside in the snow.
Cats need shelter too. If you have barn cats, construct a place where they can escape from the elements. Fashioning a home out of bales of hay or straw is an easy way to accomplish that. Then, place fleece pads or clean, dry blankets on the inside.
And don't forget the water. Using a heated bowl or bowls with water heaters will insure they always have access to drinkable water. Animals stay healthier in the winter if they consume luke warm water as opposed to very cold water. It helps them keep a consistent body temperature.
Lastly… animals burn more calories in the winter keeping warm. They may need a change in diet to help them create enough energy. Talk with your vet if you have questions about increasing or changing your outdoor pet's food.