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TIPS & TRICKS FOR NEW KITTEN OWNERS

Adopting a new kitten can be a fun and exciting time, not only for you, but for your new feline friend as well. Just as a human baby has vastly different needs than a teenager, your kitten will have unique care requirements until they grow to become a fully matured cat. At 911 VETS in Los Angeles, our veterinary professionals believe that with proper care and training, your kitten will grow up to live a long and healthy life. If you recently adopted a kitten, or are considering adopting one in the near future, try to incorporate the tips and tricks below as soon as you bring your little furball home.

Feed Your Kitty Rightdreamstime_xxl_47421253

Depending on the age of your kitten, their dietary needs and requirements may need to change as they gradually develop. Kittens that are under eight weeks of age typically still need to receive nutrients from their mother’s milk, if possible. Kittens that are between eight weeks and two months of age should be fed high quality, protein-filled cat food to ensure they receive the sufficient amount of calories and nutrients. If you’re unsure of the best type of food to feed your kitten, ask your local veterinarian for recommendations.

Schedule Vaccinations For Your Kitten

Most veterinarians recommend vaccinations to keep your kitten healthy. At 911 VETS in Los Angeles, we offer a variety of mobile veterinary services including vaccinations for your cat and dog. While there are many vaccinations available for kittens and cats, below are some of the most common.

Feline Panleukopenia

Also known as FPV, the feline panleukopenia virus is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease among cats. This virus has a negative effect on a cat’s blood cells found in the intestinal tract and can open the body up to viral and bacterial infections. This popular feline parvovirus has been known to cause fever, dehydration and diarrhea among kittens and cats alike. Kittens that are between two to six months of age are at a very high risk for developing this severe disease. Symptoms can include vomiting, weight loss, high fever and anemia.

Feline Calicivirus

Most often responsible for a variety of upper respiratory infections in cats, feline calicivirus is highly contagious among unvaccinated cats. Typically seen in shelters and multicat facilities, this vaccination can be administered as early as six weeks and should be repeated in three to four week intervals until your kitten is at least sixteen weeks of age. If you need a mobile veterinary service to come to your home to administer vaccinations to your kitten, contact 911 VETS in Los Angeles today!

Feline Rabies
As one of the most common feline diseases, rabies is an inflammatory infection that directly affects the central nervous system of your cat. Once this dangerous virus enters your cat’s body, it can quickly spread among various nerve fibers in your cat’s system. Often transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, rabies can lead to fever, seizures and paralysis.

Bordetellosis
Bordetellosis is a very contagious bacterial disease that can affect the upper respiratory tract of your kitten. Easily spread in kennels and cat shelters, this disease is most severe in young kittens less than six weeks of age. Common symptoms associated with bordetellosis can include lethargy, sneezing and difficulty breathing. If you’re concerned your kitten may have this virus, contact the veterinarians at 911 VETS in Los Angeles today.

Find A Local Veterinarian

In order to ensure your kitten’s life is a healthy one, find a local veterinarian you can trust to bring your kitten to for vaccinations and checkups. If you don’t have a veterinarian in mind, ask the cat shelter where you adopted your kitty if they have any recommendations. A great vet will be able to give you plenty of kitten care advice and will be able to answer any of your kitten questions on the spot. If you live near Los Angeles and need a mobile vet to come to your home to perform a checkup or to administer kitten vaccinations, contact the cat lovers at 911 VETS in Los Angeles today!

Play With Your Kitty

Once your veterinarian has confirmed your kitten is free of disease and parasites, it’s safe to let your furry feline explore their new home and surroundings. Once your kitty becomes comfortable in their new environment, try to make a point to play with your kitten at least once a day. There are a variety of cat toys, scratching posts and kitty enclosures to help keep your cat entertained and happy. This will not only help you form a strong emotional bond with your cat, it’ll give you an opportunity to learn more about your cat’s personality and play style.

If you’re looking for a mobile veterinary service in Los Angeles, contact the veterinarians at 911 VETS today!

7 COMMON DOG DISEASES YOU SHOULD KNOW

If you have a faithful four-legged friend at home, keeping a close eye on their health is detrimental to the quality of their life and longevity. At 911 VETS Home Pet Medical, we understand how important your dog is to you, which is why we’re proud to provide mobile veterinary services for those times when your pooch needs medical assistance. Like humans, our canine friends are susceptible to all kinds of diseases and illnesses. If you’re a dog owner, it can be very helpful to learn about the common diseases in dogs, so you can recognize when your dog is in distress.

dreamstime_15222627Dog Eye Infections

Did you know that your furry friend in susceptible to pink eye? In addition to conjunctivitis, your canine is at risk for a variety of eye infections, which are luckily easy to spot. Common symptoms of dog eye infections can include discharge around the eye, dark-colored tear-stained fur on the face and inflammation of the eyelid. While there are many different types of eye-infections your canine can catch, below are some of the most popular.

Conjunctivitis – Also known as pink eye, symptoms of conjunctivitis can include red, swollen and itchy eyes with a crusty residue along the eyelid.

Cherry Eye – Cherry eye is the result of an enlarged tear gland that forms a cherry-like mass on your dog’s eye.

Glaucoma – Glaucoma occurs when your pup experiences an increase of pressure in their eyeball. A cloudy-looking cornea and an enlarged eye are both symptoms of this canine disease.

If you start to notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact the certified veterinarians at 911 VETS Home Pet Medical right away. We offer emergency transport and housecall services to ensure your pooch receives the medical attention they need as quickly as possible.

Canine Cancer

Cancer is among the most difficult diseases in dogs to detect. While there are many warning signs of canine cancer, below are some of the most common symptoms our veterinarians have seen in dogs with cancer.

Smelly & Unusual Odors – Does your dog have unusually bad breath despite your tooth-brushing efforts? If so, this could be a sign of a tumor. Canine tumors are known to have foul and smelly odors, so contact your veterinarian right away to diagnose your pup’s condition.

Lumps – If you start to notice any unusual lumps or bumps on your dog, it could be a sign of a fatty tumor, wart, cyst or another type of infection.

Sudden Weight Loss – If your pooch has been shedding pounds without any change in their diet or physical exercise routine, it’s very possible that an illness could be lurking.

Skin Infections In Dogsdreamstime_xxl_18328300

If you start to notice bald patches on your dog’s coat, or an unusual smell seems to be permeating from their fur, your dog could have a skin infection. Oftentimes, dogs who suffer from skin infections will want to scratch the infected area which can result in scab-like, red bumps on their skin. Allergic dermatitis and hot spots are also a sign of a flea infestation.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper, also known as hardpad disease, is a serious and dangerous condition that can have a critical effect on your dog’s health. Symptoms of early stages of canine distemper include diarrhea, coughing and a mucus-like discharge from the eyes and nose. As this disease progresses, your pooch could suffer from debilitating seizures. In order to prevent canine distemper in your pup, make sure they receive a distemper vaccine shot from your veterinarian.

Bloat

This life-threatening condition is most common in large dog breeds such as Great Danes and Mastiffs. When a dog overeats or eats its meals too quickly, it can cause gas and fluid to build up in their stomach, causing them to become bloated. When a dog’s stomach is bloated, their stomach can twist internally, cutting off the circulation to their internal organs. If left untreated, bloat can quickly lead to death. Common symptoms of bloat include:

  • Your dog dry heaves every five to thirty minutes
  • Your dog’s abdomen appears swollen and bloated
  • Your dog appears weak and collapses

Canine Rabies

Canine rabies is a viral disease that can be spread from animal to animal through saliva. Rabies can cause your dog to become overly aggressive, spreading the disease through bite wounds and mouth-to-mouth contact with other dogs. Common symptoms of rabies include behavior changes, fevers and slow eye reflexes. Since rabies is a deadly and contagious disease, all dogs are required to have a rabies vaccination upon adoption.

Heartworm

Heartworn is a parasitic disease spread by mosquito bites, where parasitic worms grow and thrive inside of your dog’s heart chamber. These foot-long worms can wreak havoc on your pup’s heart, blood vessels and even lungs. Symptoms of this life-threatening disease can include difficulty breathing, coughing and congestive heart failure. Heartworm can be very difficult to treat, however your local veterinarian can provide you with a monthly heartworm preventative for your dog.

If you’re worried your dog might be suffering from any of the above conditions, contact the experienced veterinarians at 911 VETS Home Pet Medical in Los Angeles to schedule a veterinary appointment. We offer routine house calls and emergency house calls for those who have a pup that is reluctant to travel, so your dog can be treated in the comfort of their home. Contact our Los Angeles veterinarians online or call us today to schedule a house call for you dog.

SUN EXPOSURE CAN KILL

We recently responded to an emergency for a French Bulldog in distress. The poor dog was taking a leisurely stroll on the Venice Beach Boardwalk with his guardian. After awhile the dog became lethargic and refused to go further. He started to vomit and have diarrhea. He was taken to the shade of a local store where we found him panting, drooling in pain with a fever of 104.7! He was stabilized and transported to the emergency hospital where heroic efforts were initiated to save the poor guy, but in spite of valiant efforts he passed away. This dog was a small brachycephalic breed (short-muzzled) and was black in color. These two factors made him prone to heat stroke. His inability to cool down from underperforming airways and the fact he was a dark color absorbing more heat than lighter colors made him more prone to organ damage. Please take care to shield your pets, especially like this one, from the hot summer sun and never leave a pet in a vehicle even with the windows open for air.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEARTWORM PREVENTION

While heartworm prevention is important year round, it is especially crucial during the summer months. Summer is when the mosquito populations see significant increases, and since mosquitoes are the transmitters for heartworm disease, this only makes sense. Heartworm larvae require temperatures above 57 degrees Fahrenheit to mature. Although it is pretty warm here in Los Angeles all year round, we do dip below that number during the winter months quite often, especially at night. Summer is really the prime time for heartworm to thrive. Here, we will look at some of the dangers of heartworm, and what you can do to prevent them.

DANGERS

Once your dog has been bitten by a heartworm infected mosquito it can take around six months for the larvae to mature into adult worms. During this time, they will travel through your dog’s bloodstream, eventually ending up in their heart. Here, they will begin to reproduce, filling your dog’s bloodstream with new larvae which will be picked up by the next mosquito, starting the process all over again somewhere else. As the heartworms continue to reproduce, they will begin to clog your dog’s heart and lungs, eventually obstructing blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Eventually, most dogs will die from heartworm infestation.

PREVENTIONdoggy

The great news is that heartworm is completely preventable. The only way for a dog to become infested with heartworms is through a mosquito bite. There are several options for heartworm prevention, including pills, topical treatments, and injections. We can help you determine which route is best for you and your dog.

TREATMENT

If your dog becomes infected, acting fast is essential. If it is caught early enough, heartworm can be fully treated. All dogs should be tested annually for heartworm for this reason. If you find out that your dog has become infested, your vet will work with you to create a treatment plan based on the severity of the infestation. Once your dog has tested positive, here are the likely steps that a treatment would entail:

  • Confirmation of diagnosis using a secondary test
  • Restriction of exercise
  • Medication
  • Retest to ensure success

Your treatment plan will vary depending on the severity of the infestation. After the treatment plan is complete, prevention is key. Reinfestation is still a risk, even if a dog has already gone through heartworm treatment.

As you can see, heartworm prevention is extremely important. We can test your dog for heartworm, provide prevention options, as well as treatment in the event that your dog has an infestation. Contact us today for mobile vet services in Los Angeles.

4TH OF JULY DOG SAFETY TIPS

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and it is one of the best times of the year to celebrate with family and friends. Fourth of July celebrations are often not the best places for dogs, however. They introduce a wide variety of hazards that are easily avoided. Here, we look at some tips to help you keep your dog safe this summer.

NO SCRAPS!

Fourth of July barbecues are a timeless tradition. Delicious food, great company, and a national holiday are great reasons to celebrate. It is important to remember that no matter how delicious your hamburgers, ribs, chicken wings, and hot dogs might be, they are not dog food. These foods contain way more fat than your dog needs, and can quickly cause an upset stomach. Furthermore, rib bones and chicken bones can be dangerous for your dog. Our advice? Keep the people food for the people, and stock up on some dog treats for your furry friends this Fourth of July.

KEEP THE DOORS AND GATES CLOSEDdreamstime_l_5347069

Events like your annual barbecue are some of the most common time when dogs go missing. With so many people at your home, chances are good that someone might leave a door or gate open at some point. It is important to ensure that everyone is aware that you have pets, and that the doors and gates need to be closed. As we discussed in a previous blog, we highly suggest having your dog microchipped, so that if they do go missing, chances are better that they will be returned.

KEEP YOUR DOGS AT HOME

Just like you, we love our canine companions, and want to take them with us wherever we go. But there are certain places that are simply unfit for a dog, and a fireworks display is definitely one of them. The loud noises and crowds of unusual people and smells can drive your dog crazy, and can also be dangerous. Your pet may become frightened and escape, looking for shelter. Leaving them in your car is also a bad idea (and illegal in California). Your best bet is to leave your dog safely at home while you enjoy the festivities.

Independence Day should be a day you enjoy, and if your pet goes missing, or becomes sick, it won’t be. By following the tips we have outlined in this blog you will have a much better chance of ensuring a fun and safe time for you and your dog. If you need mobile vet services in Los Angeles, we can help. Our vets are standing by around the clock to help you with all of your emergency needs. Contact us today.

THE DANGERS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION FOR DOGS

Summer has arrived, and temperatures are skyrocketing. While summer can be a great season to spend time outdoors with your dog, it also poses a unique set of risks that you don’t have to worry about the rest of the year. The biggest summertime risk for your canine companion is heat exhaustion. Here, we will look at a few of the warning signs for heat exhaustion, dogs who are at a higher risk, and what you can do if your dog succumbs to the heat.

SYMPTOMS

Dogs suffering from heat exhaustion will display a variety of symptoms, including excessive panting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, increased heart rate, and collapsing. If you notice any of these warning signs, you must act quickly.

DOGS AT RISKDog

All dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion, but certain breeds are far more prone. Dogs with short snouts, like bulldogs, pugs, boston terriers, and boxers have trouble panting quickly enough to cool themselves down in extreme heat. Dogs with really thick coats, such as malamutes, american eskimos, and huskies are also at increased risk. Any dog left in a hot environment, such as a car, is at high risk. You should never leave your dog in the car when it is hot outside. Not only is it extremely dangerous for your dog, it is also illegal in California. You risk fines and possible jail time, not to mention the health of your dog.

TREATMENT

If your dog is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, it is extremely important to cool them down safely. Cooling them down too quickly can actually be extremely dangerous. Begin by moving them out of direct sunlight. If you can bring them indoors that is best. Cooling them down with a cool (not ice cold) shower is a great way to safely lower their body temperature. If you have to stay outdoors for whatever reason, using a hose to begin cooling them down will work too. If you are unsure of how to proceed, call us immediately for assistance.

OTHER RISKS

If your dog succumbs to heat exhaustion, they are at risk for heat stroke, which can be deadly. Severe heatstroke occurs when your dog’s body temperature rises above 106 degrees fahrenheit. Heat stroke can send your dog into shock, put them into a coma, or kill them.
As you can see, the summer heat can be a major hazard to your dog’s health. After beginning to cool your dog down using the steps above, give us a call. Our mobile vet in Los Angeles can come to you to make sure that your dog is recovering properly, and can check for any complications that may have arisen. Contact us today for all of your veterinary needs.

4 REASONS TO MICROCHIP YOUR PET, PART TWO

In our last blog, we looked at two reasons why microchipping your pet is important. Here, we look at two more.

IT CAN HELP YOUR DOG GET HOME SAFELY

This is obviously the biggest benefit to getting your pet microchipped. A pet with a microchip is far more likely to be returned to its owner if it is lost. Most shelters and animal control centers have microchip scanners nowadays. With your pet’s identification information safely embedded under their skin, it is much likelier that they will be safely back home in short order. As an added layer of security, consider adding a second tag to your dog’s collar with the microchip company’s information on it. This is an easy way to let everyone know that your pet has a microchip embedded.

IT IS PROOF OF OWNERSHIP

The information you register on your pet’s microchip is the ultimate proof of ownership in the case of any dispute. There are several reasons why an ownership dispute may occur, and microchip information helps to protect your case. Many times these disputes boil down to your word against someone else’s, but with a microchip, you have something better than that. Don’t take any chances when it comes to proving your ownership of your pet; get them microchipped at your earliest convenience.

As you can see, microchipping your pet is full of benefits, with no downsides. Call us today for recommendations on microchip providers. Contact us immediately if your pet is in need of mobile vet services in Los Angeles.

4 REASONS TO MICROCHIP YOUR PET, PART ONE

Getting your pet microchipped is something that every pet owner should consider. Over the course of the next two blogs, we will look at four reasons why microchipping your pets is important.

IT IS MORE RELIABLE THAN A COLLAR TAG

A collar tag is something that all pets should have. It should include at least two contact phone numbers, your pet’s name, and the city you live in. But even with all of the right info, an ID tag is useless if it somehow gets separated from your pet. This is where the microchip advantage lies. While there are a hundred different ways that an ID tag might be ripped off of a collar, and another hundred ways that a collar might get separated from your dog, there is no scenario where you dog will become separated from their microchip. It is far and away the most secure method for ensuring that your dog has identifying information with them at all times.

IT IS INEXPENSIVE

Many people are scared away from microchipping their pet because they believe that the procedure is too expensive. The good news is that microchipping is actually extremely affordable. It is also something that you only have to do once. Regardless of cost, when compared to the prospect of losing your furry friend, it is a small price to pay.

If you are interested in microchipping your pet, give us call today for recommendations. If your pet is in need of emergency care, call our mobile vet in Los Angeles for immediate service. Stay tuned for our next blog, where we look at two more advantages to microchipping your pet.

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