Animal Wellness Center, Author at Animal Wellness Center

How to Hit the Road and Have Fun With Your Pet: 5 Tips for Car Trips With Pets

If you are planning to take a trip and bring your pets along, Animal Wellness Center is here to help give you some tips on how to prepare for the journey. These tips will help put your pets at ease the whole drive-through. Call us today to book an appointment for your pet’s clean bill of health!

How to Hit the Road and Have Fun With Your Pet: 5 Tips for Car Trips With Pets

Nothing beats hitting the open road for a car trip with your best furry friend by your side. Traveling with pets, though, is more complicated than choosing a destination and taking off; it requires careful planning and packing to make sure you and your pet have a fantastic time.

5 Tips for Better Road Trips With Your Pets

1. Schedule Plenty of Breaks

Make sure to schedule time for plenty of breaks and plan good places to stop along the way before leaving. Be sure you have a secure harness and leash for your pet.

2. Give Your Pet a Designated Spot

Traveling with pets is safer if your pet has a spot to relax safely and securely. Small pets can travel in pet carriers. Larger pets should have a designated dog bed and vehicle harness.

3. Pack Extra Pet Supplies

Bring more food and water than you need. Remember your pet’s medications, poo bags, toys, bed, and an extra leash.

4. Don’t Roll Down the Windows

Yes, pets love to feel the breeze in their fur, but rolling down the windows actually exposes your pet to dust, debris, and allergens that can lead to eye and ear infections. It’s better to leave the windows up and crank the AC.

5. Get a Microchip Before You Leave

Pets are more likely to become afraid, disoriented, and get lost when they’re visiting unfamiliar places. Schedule an appointment to microchip your pet before you leave. Then you can have peace of mind that your pet is outfitted with permanent identification. Be sure your contact information is kept current in your pet’s microchip database.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Travel-Ready With a Checkup at Animal Wellness Center

Before you hit the road with your pet, getting a clean bill of health from a veterinarian is a good idea. Plus, if you plan to cross state lines or travel to a different area with your pet, then it’s good to make sure your pet has all of the necessary vaccinations, parasite protection, and paperwork to ensure they can travel safely and legally all the way to your destination.

To learn more about traveling with pets or to schedule an appointment for your dog or cat, we welcome you to contact Animal Wellness Center today.

Dog Swim Safety: Do These Three Things

Swimming is the perfect summer exercise activity – especially for senior dogs with joint health issues and cold-weather dog breeds. However, swimming isn’t 100% safe; it poses some risks. Before you head to the lake or river with your pup in tow, consider the following top three safety tips for swimming with dogs.

Dog Swim Safety: Do These Three Things

Three Safety Tips for Taking Your Dog Swimming

1. Swim Lessons

Although most people associate dogs with water, not all dogs can or like to swim. There are certain breeds, like retrievers, that have a predisposition to spending time in the water. Other breeds, however, might not be so comfortable. So, be sure to start out slowly with your pet. Test the water in a shallow area where there is no current and stay close. Watch your dog closely to see how they react. Do they dive right in and paddle away? Or do they seem apprehensive to get their paws wet? Take cues from your dog and don’t try to force your dog to swim, if they don’t seem like they want to.

2. Avoid Toxic Algal Blooms

From mid-June to September in Wisconsin (and elsewhere), blue-green algae is a problem and a risk for pets swimming in fresh water. These algal blooms contain cyanobacteria and are highly toxic and are usually fatal for pets who swim in them. Swimming in a harmful algal bloom (HAB) can quickly turn a fun day at the lake with your pet into a tragedy by late afternoon or evening

3. Know Your Dog’s Limits

Just because your dog can swim and enjoys swimming it doesn’t mean they’re ready to swim Niagara Falls or maybe even in a swift creek. If your dog is a puppy or senior, has short legs, is brachycephalic, is a small breed, or simply isn’t the best swimmer, be sure to stay in places where there is no current and the water is shallow enough for them to touch the bottom.

It’s smart to invest in a life vest for your dog – whether they are a strong swimmer or not. This will prevent your dog from getting overly tired or too cold and struggling to stay afloat.

Talk Dog Swimming Safety With Our Expert Veterinarians in Wisconsin

If you aren’t sure about whether your dog can swim safely or what their limitations in the water might be, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian at Animal Wellness Center in Wisconsin.

Keeping Your Pets Happy When You Are Away

Whether you’re returning to work at the office after working from home or have a pet that feels anxious when you leave, the following tips can help your pet have a happier, more content time while you’re away for any reason.

Keeping Your Pets Happy When You Are Away

Our pets are social creatures. This is one of the reasons why they love living with us, but it’s also the reason they often have a difficult time being left alone. Whether you’re returning to work at the office after working from home or have a pet that feels anxious when you leave, the following tips can help your pet have a happier, more content time while you’re away for any reason.

6 Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy When You Aren't Home

1. Know the Signs of Separation Anxiety

There’s a difference between a pet being sad that you’re away and a pet that is suffering from separation anxiety. The latter is marked by severe distress, excessive vocalization, destructive behaviors, accidents in the house, and other problems. If your pet has separation anxiety, you should seek assistance with training and your veterinarian right away.

2. Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys can keep a pet’s mind occupied and busy for hours while they work to solve the puzzle and release the treats hidden within.

3. Dog or Cat Television

There are several YouTube channels that provide calming, engaging content that is dedicated to entertaining dogs and cats. If this isn’t an option in your home, you can simply leave the television or radio on while you’re away.

4. Chew Toys

Chew toys are a great way for your pet to direct their instinct to chew (sometimes as a result of anxiety) toward a positive activity. Provide them with chew toys that are appropriate for their size and strength, making sure your pet won’t be able to destroy them and accidentally swallow the pieces while they are unsupervised.

5. Snuffle Mat

A snuffle mat is a soft, grass-like feeding mat that provides a way for pets to practice the foraging skills they would use if living in the wild.

6. Safe Retreat

Be sure your pet has a safe place, like a bed, cat tree, or crate, where they can find comfort when you are away.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Counseling at Animal Wellness Center

If your pet is exhibiting behavior issues while you’re away from home, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian at Animal Wellness Center. We can examine your pet to rule out (or address) any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to the behavioral issues. We can then provide you with powerful training tools and pet enrichment advice to help you get your pet on the track to happy independence. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact us today.

Your Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe From Ticks

When the weather warms up, it’s time to take your favorite furry friend out and about. Unfortunately, you’re not the only one who wants to get up close and personal with your dog or cat. Many insects and pests, especially ticks, love to hitch a ride on Fido’s fur. When that happens, your pet may get a tickborne disease, putting it in the hospital or potentially leading to life-threatening situations.

Your Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe From Ticks

But how can you keep your pet safe? Let’s break down the top tips for tick prevention and mitigation for pets.

The Dangers of Ticks

Ticks can carry and transmit various harmful diseases to both humans and animals. The most well-known is Lyme disease, but depending on where you live, you likely have to worry about several more, like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

The primary issue with tickborne diseases is that vaccines or treatments don’t exist for pets. So, your furry friend will have to suffer through the worst symptoms while you watch, helpless to do anything.

Another issue is that it can be hard to spot ticks and tick bites on your pet because of all its fur. You also can’t rely on your dog or cat to notify you when they’re not okay since they may not feel the tick either. So, you could wind up with a sick pet with no prior warning.

How to Protect Your Pet

There are several protective options to keep your pet safe, such as:

Use Medications - You can talk with your vet about different topical ointments or oral medications that may kill ticks on contact or prevent their diseases. Although many tickborne illnesses don't have vaccines or treatments, you can protect against those that do. When using a topical treatment, check the instructions, so you never miss a dose. Otherwise, ticks can hitch a ride easily.
Tick-Proof Your Yard - The best tick prevention is to eliminate them from your property. You can use tick-based pest control solutions around your house so that there are fewer insects to latch onto your pet. Start these treatments before tick season and continue them during the off-season as well.
Inspect Your Pet - Another excellent way to prevent ticks is to check your pet regularly. Ideally, you can inspect their body every time they come in from outside, but you should do this at least twice or three times a week if your pet is outdoors often. Ticks prefer non-furry body parts, like the ears, anus, between the toes, and the underbelly.

Contact Animal Wellness Center Today

Don’t wait until your pet gets sick to take action. At Animal Wellness Center, we can help you prevent tickborne diseases and keep your pet safe. Contact us today to find out more.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Dog Fit

Most dogs are naturally active and curious animals, meaning they need lots of love, affection, and exercise. However, since modern life can often get in the way, many dog owners don’t keep their pets as physically active as they should. If you start to notice your dog packing on the pounds, now’s the time to do something about it.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Dog Fit

Here are four tips for keeping your dog fit.

Pay Close Attention to Its Diet

Weight control starts with what you eat. It’s the same for humans and dogs. Fortunately, since dogs have a higher metabolism, it’s easier to shed pounds. So, a few tweaks to your dog’s diet should help it look trim and fit in no time. If necessary, talk with your vet about specific dietary needs or restrictions.

As a rule, your dog should never eat human food. So, if you’re feeding your pet table scraps regularly, changing the habit can yield some incredible benefits.

Exercise and Walk It Daily

Some breeds are more active than others. Generally, small dogs have more energy, but what really matters is the dog’s genetics. Do some research to figure out how often you should be walking your pet every day. Most dogs should be okay with one 30-minute walk daily. Some breeds may need two or more.

You can also exercise your dog by playing with it. For example, if your breed likes fetch, that’s an easy way to tire it out and give it some much-needed exercise. Physical activity is not just helpful for losing weight – it ensures the dog’s body is in peak condition.

Have Your Dog Interact With Other Dogs

Fitness is both mental and physical, so you have to stimulate your dog’s brain and body. Dogs are naturally social animals, which is a big reason why they’re so good with humans. Take your pet to the dog park regularly and let it interact with the other doggies there.

Get Regular Vet Checkups

Finally, the best way to ensure your dog stays healthy is to focus on preventative and comprehensive care. Rather than taking your pet to the vet whenever it’s sick, it’s better to bring it for an annual checkup. These visits allow you to spot potential health problems and eliminate them before they worsen.

Protect Your Dog With Animal Wellness Center

Animal Wellness Center is committed to bringing high-quality veterinary care to your pets. Whether you have a puppy or an elderly dog, we can provide the best care and treatment. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

5 Household Products That Could Put Your Pet in the Hospital

As a pet owner, you want what’s best for your furry friend. Unfortunately, pets are often curious creatures and can wind up putting themselves in unsafe and unhealthy situations.

As a pet owner, you want what’s best for your furry friend. Unfortunately, pets are often curious creatures and can wind up putting themselves in unsafe and unhealthy situations. In many cases, products that are human-friendly can be downright dangerous for dogs and cats. So, if you’re not careful, your pet could wind up in the hospital.

The best way to avoid this danger is to know what’s unsafe so you can keep it out of your pet’s reach. Here are the five most common household products that can be dangerous or deadly for your pet.

Human Medications

Most medications, even over-the-counter options, can be potentially toxic for your pet. Examples can include flu medicine, painkillers (such as Advil or Tylenol), cough medicine, and more. As a rule, you should never give your pet anything that hasn’t been approved by your vet. So, even if your pet is in pain, don’t try to prescribe anything, no matter how harmless it may seem.

Chocolate

Most people know that chocolate is toxic for dogs, but it’s also lethal for cats as well. Fortunately, cats tend to avoid chocolate, so there’s less of a chance that your feline friend will dig into a box of Hershey’s Kisses. As a rule, dark chocolate varieties are the most toxic, and even small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea in your pet. Overall, just keep chocolate away from your pup or kitty at all times.

Rat Poison

Getting rid of pests can be challenging as a pet owner because what’s lethal to rodents is also toxic for your furry friends. So, if you have a rat problem, you need to make sure to avoid putting traps where your pet can get into them. If you’re using rat poison, be sure to lock it up and put traps in hard-to-reach locations.

Alcohol

While a few sips can get your dog or cat drunk, the after-effects can be far more unpleasant than you may realize. Since your pet is much smaller than you, it doesn’t take much for them to develop alcohol poisoning. Effects can include diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, difficulty breathing, and even death.

Soap

Unfortunately, hand soaps can often smell appealing to your pet, so you have to keep them out of reach. The soap can wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system, which can dehydrate them and cause blockages.

Take Care of Your Pet With Animal Wellness Center

Even if you take steps to prevent your pet from getting into harmful household products, accidents can still happen. If your pet gets sick, we can help them get better. Contact us with all the details and set up an appointment ASAP.

4 Winter Pet Travel Tips

It’s winter and if you’ll be visiting relatives or family in a cooler climate and taking your pets with you, be sure to consider the following pet travel tips for winter.

4 Winter Pet Travel Tips

1. Plan for the Weather

If you and your pet are going to be in a cooler climate than Orange County, then be prepared. Your dog or cat won’t be used to the chilly weather. Pack a sweater or coat for your pet, but do not leave them unattended while wearing it, as they can present choking hazards and other dangers to your pet.

2. Fly Cozy

If you’ll be flying, research the type of pet travel crate you need and start crate-training your pet right away. You don’t want your dog or cat to be afraid while flying. Additionally, be sure to include a cushion, plenty of puppy pads in the bottom of the crate, and a warm blanket. If your pet does need to fly in a crate, it might also be a good idea to talk to our veterinarian about a sedative to reduce your pet’s travel-related stress.

3. Be Prepared for Emergencies

If traveling in a car, be sure to pack plenty of provisions for your pet. This includes warm clothing and/or blankets (just in case), plenty of water, food, pet medications, a leash and harness, a pet first aid kit, and travel pet bowls.

4. Wash and Dry Paws

If your destination has snowy and icy sidewalks, then it probably also has lots of salt and de-icers. These chemicals are harmful and toxic for pets. They can stick to your pet’s paws when they go outside for a walk, and then pets can accidentally ingest them when they lick their paws. Be sure to wash and dry their paws thoroughly whenever you come inside from the outdoors.

Schedule a Pre-Travel Checkup With Your Trusted Veterinarian

If you have an upcoming trip with your pet planned, we strongly encourage you to schedule a pre-travel checkup with our veterinarians at Animal Wellness Center. We’ll ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel, provide you with any of the travel certificates or vaccination records you might need, and help you determine if your pet should have any additional vaccinations or get a microchip before departure.

To learn more or schedule a veterinary appointment at your doorstep, please contact us today.

5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Active Indoors

Despite the unpleasant parts of the outdoors in winter, it’s still important for your pets’ mental and physical health to stay active and entertained each and every day – no matter how chilly or wet the weather might be.

The temperatures have plummeted. The sidewalks are covered in treacherous ice. The hard snowpack is rough on your dog’s paws, and there’s dangerously toxic salt and isomalt everywhere you look.

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get active and have a little fun with your pets while staying inside the comfort, warmth, and safety of your home. Next time you’re stuck indoors with your pets on a wintery day, give the following indoor activities a try!

5 Indoor Activities to Do With Your Pets

1. Build an Obstacle Course

Use cushions, chairs, blankets, and a hula hoop to build an agility course for your dog. Just be sure to reward them with a nice treat at the end of the run.

2. Play Hide and Seek

You can hide from your pet, hide a favorite toy, or hide a toy stuffed with treats somewhere in your house and encourage your dog to find it.

3. Try a Puzzle Toy

Puzzle toys have treats hidden within them but your dog has to solve the toy first. These provide hours of mental stimulation, entertainment, and activity.

4. Get a Snuffle Mat

Snuffle mats turn dinner into an activity. (They’re also a good solution for slowing down dogs that eat too fast!) These mats mimic the way a dog might eat in the natural world, helping them hone their foraging abilities while keeping them mentally engaged.

5. Play Tug-o-War

Get a strong rope toy, hold onto one end, and let your dog bite the other. Then let the tug-o-war begin. This is a great game for dogs who have already learned their obedience and manners. However, it’s not always recommended for puppies since it can teach them some bad habits by associated play with tugging things away from their owners.

Schedule a Winter Checkup With a Veterinarian at Animal Wellness Center

If you’re concerned about your pet’s winter health or weight, we welcome you to schedule a wellness appointment at Animal Wellness Center. We can talk with you about your pet’s winter lifestyle, diet, activities, and more to ensure your pet’s ready to hit the ground running once the ice thaws.

How to Introduce a New Pet Into Your Home

Adopting a new pet is exciting, fun, and nerve-racking – especially when it comes to helping them get used to their new home.

How to Introduce a New Pet Into Your Home

Adopting a new pet is exciting, fun, and nerve-racking – especially when it comes to helping them get used to their new home.

5 Tips for Introducing a New Pet Into Your Home

1. Have Everything You Need

Get all of your new pet supplies before you bring a new pet home so that you’ll be well prepared and not have to immediately leave and go to the store. Make sure your new pet has its own bed, food and water bowls, and toys.

2. Take Time

Be prepared to spend a good chunk of time at home with your new pet, even it means taking a couple of days off of work. Make sure your schedule will allow you to spend a few days at home while your pet gets acclimated to the new surroundings.

3. Give Them Space

It’s best not to toss your pet into the mix, giving them the full run of the house immediately – especially if you have other pets or small children. Instead, keep your new pet confined to a room or a small portion of your home. This can become a safe space for your pet where they can relax and eat their meals without feeling pressure or worry. As they get acclimated, you can slowly introduce them to the children and other animals in the house.

4. Go Slowly

Introduce new pets to your other pets slowly. First, allow them to get used to the scent of the other pet by sniffing each other under a door. Next, introduce a screen door or tall pet gate where the pets can smell and see each other but not physically interact. When you fully introduce your pets, don’t expect them to get along immediately, and don’t scold them for growling or setting boundaries with each other.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement Disease

Reward new introductions with plenty of treats.

Establish Care With Animal Wellness Center

When you adopt a new pet, one of the first things you should do is to schedule a new pet appointment at one of Animal Wellness Center’s Wisconsin locations. We’ll thoroughly examine your new pet, help them become familiar with our office, and ensure they (and the rest of your family) are well protected with the proper vaccinations and parasite preventatives.

To learn more about Animal Wellness Center or for more advice about bringing a new pet home, we welcome you to contact any of our offices today.

Did You Know Your Pet Can Transfer These Skin Problems to You?

We love our pets, and one of the coziest ways to express the affection we feel is by snuggling up together. As much as we love them, our pets can, unfortunately, pick up contagious diseases, parasites, and infections that they can then spread to us, humans.

Did You Know Your Pet Can Transfer These Skin Problems to You?

While there are countless zoonotic diseases in the world, the following four can affect your skin.

4 Skin Problems You Can Get From Your Pet

1. Ringworm

Despite the name, ringworm is not actually a parasitic worm. It’s actually a type of fungus that can infect the skin of both pets and people. It causes hair loss, itchiness, dry/patchy feeling skin, lesions, and a scaly scalp. It’s typically treated with antifungal medications.

2. Scabies (Sarcoptic Mange)

Microscopic parasitic mites called Sarcoptes cause sarcoptic mange. These mites bite into a pet’s skin and can be transferred to you through any kind of contact between your pet’s skin and yours. In humans, these mites cause a condition called scabies. In both people and pets, scabies and sarcoptic mange can be treated with medication.

3. Bacterial Skin Infections

Pets pick up a whole host of ickiness in their fur as they move about in the world and roll about in the smelly things they find outdoors. Several of these unpleasantries can cause bacterial infections in humans. One of the most common bacteria that can infect human skin is Staphylococcus.

Antibiotics can be used to treat these types of infections, and having your pet groomed professionally on a regular basis can help prevent them from occurring in the first place.

4. Creeping Eruption

Hookworm, a parasite that commonly afflicts dogs and cats, can also harm humans as it’s passed from pets to their owners’ skin, causing an infection called cutaneous larval migrans or “creeping eruption.” The infection causes blisters, a creeping rash, and itching.

Comprehensive Veterinary Care and Pet Dermatology for a Healthier Household

If you’re concerned about contracting skin problems and other diseases from your pets, then we strongly encourage you to prioritize your pet’s wellness and preventative veterinary care. The best way to keep your entire family healthy is by preventing your pets from contracting diseases and exposing your household to them in the first place.

To learn more about the wellness and preventative care and veterinary dermatology services available at Animal Wellness Center, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at any of our Wisconsin locations today.

How to Hit the Road and Have Fun With Your Pet: 5 Tips for Car Trips With Pets

5 Tips for Better Road Trips With Your Pets

Make Sure Your Pet Is Travel-Ready With a Checkup at Animal Wellness Center

Dog Swim Safety: Do These Three Things

Three Safety Tips for Taking Your Dog Swimming

Talk Dog Swimming Safety With Our Expert Veterinarians in Wisconsin

Keeping Your Pets Happy When You Are Away

6 Tips to Keep Your Pets Happy When You Aren't Home

Lifestyle and Behavioral Counseling at Animal Wellness Center

Your Guide to Keeping Your Pet Safe From Ticks

The Dangers of Ticks

How to Protect Your Pet

Contact Animal Wellness Center Today

Top Tips for Keeping Your Dog Fit

Pay Close Attention to Its Diet

Exercise and Walk It Daily

Have Your Dog Interact With Other Dogs

Get Regular Vet Checkups

Protect Your Dog With Animal Wellness Center

Human Medications

Chocolate

Rat Poison

Alcohol

Soap

Take Care of Your Pet With Animal Wellness Center

4 Winter Pet Travel Tips

Schedule a Pre-Travel Checkup With Your Trusted Veterinarian

5 Indoor Activities to Do With Your Pets

Schedule a Winter Checkup With a Veterinarian at Animal Wellness Center

How to Introduce a New Pet Into Your Home

5 Tips for Introducing a New Pet Into Your Home

Establish Care With Animal Wellness Center

Did You Know Your Pet Can Transfer These Skin Problems to You?

4 Skin Problems You Can Get From Your Pet

Comprehensive Veterinary Care and Pet Dermatology for a Healthier Household

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