Last updated 4 months ago
Brushing your pet’s teeth a little brush can go a long way toward improving your pet’s overall health. Like in humans, gingivitis and other dental diseases in dogs are correlated with other diseases, including heart disease. Here’s why you should care for your pet’s dental hygiene:
Health
- Dogs are susceptible to periodontal disease, decay caused by plaque between the teeth and the gums. Semi-regular brushing (twice a week) of your dog’s teeth can prevent costly dental problems. You can even make your own toothpaste by mixing a few drops of water with a spoonful of baking soda. Wipe down all your dog’s teeth, especially in the back, as the upper molars are most susceptible to gum disease.
Relationship
- Dogs are man’s best friends. Like any good friends, they respond to our emotions. You may not play like puppies anymore, but you still need share time with your dog. Dogs need love just like humans and will become depressed if neglected. Brushing your dog’s teeth means spending time with your companion, and if you reward your dog with a treat it should go along just fine.
Hygiene
- The key teeth to focus on are the upper molars in the back of the mouth, where bits of food may get stuck between your dog’s cheek. Dogs don’t chew the way we do, so check the areas between the canines and around the gums. Brushing will clean the teeth and reduce bacteria, which means your dog’s breath will be much more bearable.
To make sure your pet’s dental health is good and to learn how to care for your pet’s teeth, visit East Boston Animal Hospital or call us at (617) 418-4930.
Last updated 5 months ago
Winter is a time for family, holiday gatherings, and keeping warm, but the cold weather can be dangerous to your pet’s health.
In this video, we learn how winter can be dangerous for your pet and how to keep your pet safe. Surprisingly, the danger isn’t always snow and ice. Make sure your pet avoids holiday goodies such as grapes, onions, and fatty foods. If your cat or dog eats lilies, mistletoe, or poinsettias, it can cause vomiting, allergies, and even death, so do your research and make sure your home is pet-safe.
For a pet wellness check-up, visit East Boston Animal Hospital or call us at (617) 418-4930.
Last updated 5 months ago
It is very difficult to leave your faithful friend behind when you go on vacation. Thankfully, pet boarding services make vacationing without your pet worry-free. Here are some of the benefits of boarding your pet during vacation:
Nutrition
- When you board your pet with a veterinarian, you know that it will be taken care of properly. At Boston Animal Hospital, we ensure that your pet maintains a healthy diet. If anything is wrong with your pet, we will know how to care for him or her properly.
Care
- When you’re on vacation, you want to know that your pet is having a comfortable and enjoyable time. Make sure to choose an animal hospital that provides a friendly atmosphere for your dog by offering walks, daily interaction, and playtime. You want to leave for a vacation knowing your dog is happy too and you won’t have to worry about coming home to a chewed shoes or a yellow stain on your carpet.
Ease
- Hiring a dog sitter can be stressful. You have to find someone you can trust with your pet, and often have to give the sitter access to your home. When you choose to work with a boarding service, you do not have to experience any hassles.
Relaxation
- The best part of any vacation is finding some time to relax. Vacations are supposed to be stress-free, and if you are worried about your pet, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself. When you board your pet, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
If you have a vacation coming up, make sure Fido is in good hands. Come visit East Boston Animal Hospital or call us at (617) 418-4930 to hear more about our pet boarding services. We’ll make sure that your pet is happy and healthy when you return!
Last updated 5 months ago
In our recent blogs, we’ve discussed caring for your reptile and the importance of pet parasite medications. If you would like more information on these topics, check out the resources below. To schedule a veterinary consultation, call East Boston Animal Hospital today at (617) 418-4930.
- To learn more about Lyme disease, take a look at this article from about.com.
Last updated 5 months ago
Reptiles require specific care in order to be healthy and happy pets. If you decide that a reptile is the perfect pet companion for you, then it is important to be prepared before you bring one home. Check out these tips to help you care for your new pet.
- Preparing Your Reptile’s Home
When you bring your reptile home, be sure to have a secure enclosure prepared. Your reptile needs a cage that is large enough and that contains shelters and decorations which mimic its natural surroundings. All items should be sterilized before they are placed within your reptile’s enclosure, and it is important to regularly clean your reptile’s cage. Keeping the temperature within the enclosure constant is necessary for the health of your reptile. The temperature should be neither too cold nor too hot, as both can be dangerous to reptiles.
When you buy a reptile, you’ll have to decide whether you want to feed it live prey or pre-killed food. Getting your reptile accustomed to pre-killed food at a young age is essential if you do not want to feed it live prey. Individual animals may still refuse pre-killed food and you may have to switch to live prey. If your reptile suddenly begins to refuse its food, contact your local animal hospital for advice.
If you choose to feed your reptile live food, gut loading the prey first is necessary. Be sure to feed your reptile’s prey a high-quality diet to ensure that your reptile is also getting a high quality diet. It is also important to provide reptiles with clean and fresh water daily, especially if you keep multiple animals in one enclosure, as diseases can spread easily through shared water dishes.
If you need more information about caring for your reptile, East Boston Animal Hospital can help. We serve the Boston and Winthrop areas and provide care for reptiles as well as dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Call us today at (617) 418-4930.
