Being a pet owner comes with many benefits, the main benefit being that you have a furry companion who loves you unconditionally. However, some owners take their pets for granted, using them as a status symbol or for unlimited cute pictures. Being a pet owner comes with many responsibilities, and it’s heartbreaking when the basic needs of a pet are left unfulfilled. In today’s post, we will discuss a few tips for being a responsible pet owner in hopes that you will be able to give your pet the love and support that he or she needs.

At 911 Vets in Los Angeles, we are dedicated to the care and wellbeing of your pet. Providing your pet with veterinary care is a large part of being a responsible pet owner. We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to get your pet to the vet, which is why we offer a mobile vet clinic! Our clinic provides you with all the services of a traditional veterinary clinic, in the comfort of your own home! Whether you’re in need of an emergency vet or you just need a routine checkup, 911 Vets is the 24-hour mobile vet for you! Browse our website to learn more about our services, and contact us at 310-341-0216 to schedule an appointment today!

AVOID IMPULSIVE DECISIONS

Adopting a pet is a big responsibility, and not everyone has the time or financial means to have a pet. It’s hard to resist those adorable puppy eyes or tiny kitten purrs, but it’s important to think of the welfare of the pet before you commit to getting a pet. Adding a new furry friend to your home should never be an impulsive decision, as there is a good chance you could regret it at a later time.

Before you adopt a pet, it’s important that you first do your research and consider your current lifestyle. Different pets have different needs, and as a pet owner, you need to be sure that you can accommodate those needs given your lifestyle. For example, dogs need a lot of attention, and they need to be walked and let outside multiple times throughout the day. That being said, if you really want a dog but you’re never home, it wouldn’t be fair to the dog to leave him or her at home at all times or in the care of someone else.

INVESTMENT

Caring for an animal is an investment in both your time and your money. Smaller animals will require that you take the time to clean their cage every week, while larger animals will require time spent playing, going on walks, and grooming. As we mentioned above, it’s important that you do your research and see what sort of time commitment is required for your desired pet. If it becomes clear to you that it will be difficult to devote the necessary time to your pet, you may want to consider choosing a different kind of pet, or changing your lifestyle or schedule to accommodate his or her needs.

In addition to time, adopting a pet is also an investment in money. Pets need toys, beds, food, veterinary care, and more! Some shelters will give you a rough estimate of what the cost of your animal may be, and some may not let you adopt a pet if the cost is not something you can afford. Ask other pet owners what they spend in a month on their pet, and be sure to keep in mind any extra expenses that may occur, such as emergency vet visits.

FILL EMOTIONAL NEEDS

While some pets require that you fill their most basic needs, most pets require more than just a full bowl of food and water and a roof over his or her head. Every pet requires that their owner fill some sort of emotional need, whether that be playing for at least 15 minutes every day or cuddling on the couch before bed. Emotional needs could be anything from curiosity to boredom. It’s your job as a pet owner to recognize the emotional needs of your pet and fulfill them.

PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE

Your pet’s wellbeing is another big responsibility of the pet owner. Unlike humans, your pet cannot tell you when he or she is feeling sick. You spend the most time with your pet, therefore you know when he or she is not acting like themselves. When you suspect that your animal is sick, it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to take him or her to the vet. It’s also your responsibility to schedule appointments to have your pet’s shots updated and get them checked by the vet to help avoid any health problems in the future. Just as you would care for your own health and wellbeing, it’s important that you care for your pet’s health as well.

At 911 Vets, we care for your pet almost as much as you do, and we are dedicated to giving him or her the best care that we can give. That being said, we understand that in some cases it can be difficult for you to take your pet to the vet. Luckily, 911 Vets is a mobile vet clinic that offers all the service of a traditional vet clinic. To learn more, contact 911 Vets today!

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When it comes to your pets, it’s not necessarily a matter of if you will need to call the vet in an emergency, it’s a matter of when you will need to call the vet. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and you find yourself in an emergency situation, 911 Vets can help. Our mobile vet clinic makes it easy to get the help that your pet needs. Instead of worrying about getting your pet to the clinic in time, 911 Vets can come to you at all hours of the day and night. When you’re in need of an emergency vet clinic, call 911 Vets at 310-341-0216 right away!

In an emergency situation, it’s not always clear when you need to call the vet, which is why in today’s post, we will cover a few situations in which you should call the vet for assistance, and how you should react in an emergency situation. If your pet experiences any of the following situations, be sure to call 911 Vets right away.

IT’S NEVER A WRONG TIME TO CALL THE VET

The best rule of thumb is that it is never a wrong time to call the vet. If it’s an emergency situation and you’re not sure how to react, the best thing you can do is to call the vet, even if you’re not sure if it is necessary. By calling the vet, you have your pet’s best interest at heart, and can reduce the risk of more serious complications down the road. When it comes to your pet’s health, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry.

YOU KNOW YOUR PET BEST

You spend a lot of time with your pet. Even if you’ve only had your pet for a few days, it doesn’t take long to pick out distinct personality traits. With that in mind, you know your pet’s personality the best, so if there is something unusual in the way your pet is acting, then don’t hesitate to call the vet, even if you suspect that it’s nothing.

It’s also important to keep in mind that if your pet is exhibiting signs of illness or injury, the problem could be worse than the problems he or she is exhibiting. Because illness or injury is seen as weakness and vulnerability in the wild, animals have become experts at hiding signs of illness.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Aside from calling the vet, the best way to help your pet during an emergency situation is to be prepared. It’s difficult to be prepared for every possible situation, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your pet will get the proper care he or she needs. The first thing you need to do is find a vet that you trust. Many vets only operate during the day, which is why it’s always a good idea to have the number for a 24-hour vet in an easily accessible location.

Another easy way to ensure that you are prepared for an emergency is to ask your vet for advice. When you go to the clinic for your next appointment, ask the vet what you should do in an emergency situation. This is also a good chance to see if they have a 24-hour clinic that they recommend.

DEFINING AN EMERGENCY

As we mentioned above, it can be difficult to identify an emergency situation and react accordingly. With that in mind, if your pet is showing signs of any of the following symptoms, it’s important that you take them to the vet right away.

Known exposure to dangerous poisons – Unfortunately, there are many substances around your home that can be poisonous to your pet. Anything from rat poison to chocolate could lead to serious complications if ingested. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something poisonous, don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse before you call the vet.

Not eating or drinking – Depending on your pet, not eating or drinking could be a major sign that something is wrong. Some pets eat everything in their bowl within minutes, while other pets choose to savor their food and make it last for hours. With that in mind, in most cases, not eating or drinking within in a 24-hour period is cause for concern and you should visit the vet.

Vomiting and diarrhea – If your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea, it could indicate that there is a serious problem, especially if either contains blood. If it only happens once, it may not be something to stress over. However, if your pet is vomiting or has diarrhea repeatedly, it could lead to severe dehydration.

Difficulty breathing – Breathing difficulties, strange noises when breathing, or any other irregularities in your pet’s breathing need to be addressed right away by a vet.

These are just a few of the common emergencies that need to be addressed by a vet. If your pet exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, you need to seek treatment from a vet right away. Luckily, if you live in the Los Angeles area, 911 Vets can help. Our mobile vet clinic is available 24/7. We offer all the veterinary services that you would find in a normal vet clinic, except we bring our services to you. Call 911 Vets at 310-341-0216 today.

Going to the vet is no walk in the park, and chances are, your pet will most likely put up a fight or try to avoid it as much as possible. Luckily, if you live in the Los Angeles area, 911 Vets provides you with the convenience of bringing the vet to your home! With our mobile vet clinic, you won’t have to worry about trying to get your dog into the car or your cat into his or her carrier. We provide you with our expert vet services in the comfort of your own home. Whether you are in need of a routine check-up or emergency services, our vets will come to your aid at any hour of the day or night. Learn more about our services, and contact us at 310-341-0216 today!

In our previous blog, we talked about a few ways to help make your trip to the vet as stress-free as possible. In part two of this multi-part series, we will continue to talk about some more ways to help your pet feel more at ease when it comes to visits to the vet. Continue reading below, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the experts at 911 Vets!

MAKE THE PET CARRIER COMFORTABLE

In part one, we discussed how to help your pet become more familiar with the car and his or her pet carrier. Another great way to put your pet’s mind at rest on the way to see the vet is to make his or her pet carrier as comfortable as possible. Whether the carrier is just out in the open or you’re taking your pet to the vet, it’s important to make that environment comfortable. No cat or small dog will enjoy sitting in a hard, plastic carrier. Lay down a blanket or towel to increase the comfort level and maybe even throw in your pet’s favorite toy. The littlest things could help your pet feel a little calmer.

USE RELAXING SCENTS

For pets that are extremely anxious or nervous, you may want to consider using calming scents. Animals release pheromones that help to calm both themselves and other animals, and recently, companies have been able to create products that have the same effect. Most often, these pheromones come in spray bottles. Before you go to the vet, spray the towel in the carrier or the seat in the car with these pheromones to provide your pet with a calming scent.

GIVE YOUR PET TIME TO RELAX

Once you’ve returned home from the vet, be sure to give your pet some space if that is what he or she desires. Visiting the vet is stressful, and just as you enjoy some downtime after a stressful event, so does your pet. He or she may run and hide, or curl up in their bed and sleep for a long time. Either way, give them some space until they show signs of wanting attention, but still keep an eye out for any bad reactions to shots or medication that your pet received during the visit.

Hopefully, these tips will result in a stress-free visit to the vet. If you’re looking to minimize the stress by having the vet come to your home, 911 Vets can help! We are proud to provide the Los Angeles area with all the services that you can find at a traditional vet clinic, 24/7. Whether it’s an emergency or a cancer screening, we can give your pet the attention and treatment he or she deserves. Call 911 Vets today!

A trip to the vet can be a stressful experience for your furry friend. Not only is he or she in an unfamiliar setting, but they also are poked and prodded by strangers. It’s no wonder you fluff ball gets scared or anxious every time you have to take him or her to the vet.

At 911 Vets in Los Angeles, our mobile vet clinic provides you with all the services you would find at a traditional vet clinic, but instead of having to put your pet through the stress of going to a new location, we bring the clinic to you! We provide our expert service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re in need of a routine check-up or it’s an emergency, our mobile vet clinic will come to you. Give us a call at 310-341-0216 to schedule an appointment!

With our mobile vet clinic, going to the vet isn’t quite at stressful for your canine or feline friend. However, once the exam starts, you may find that your pet is still not at ease. In part one of this multi-part series, we will discuss a few things you can do to help your visit with the vet be as stress-free as possible. Continue reading below and don’t forget to contact 911 Vets to schedule an appointment with our mobile vet clinic.

FAMILIARIZE YOUR PET

Anxiety at the vet clinic affects both dogs and cats, and most of the time it is because they are unfamiliar with this new environment. It’s important to give your pet the chance to become familiar with his or her surroundings in addition to any mode of transportation you will use to get there. For example, with your pup, try making car rides a regular activity. Take your dog to the park or on a hike, but make sure that he or she becomes familiar and comfortable in the car. With a cat, try leaving the cat carrier inside the house. If you only bring the carrier out of storage when it’s time to visit the vet, there’s no question that the sight of the pet carrier will make your cat nervous. Allow your cat the opportunity to get comfortable with the carrier by leaving it inside and allowing him or her to explore without the fear of going to the vet. If your cat is extremely nervous about the carrier, try placing his or her food inside of it and reward your feline with treats.

REWARD YOUR PET THROUGHOUT THE VISIT

The main reason pets feel stressed at the vet’s office is because they aren’t comfortable. While it may seem like an impossible feat, it’s important to try and reassure your pet throughout the visit. You can do this by giving him or her reassuring pats or rewarding good behavior with treats. That being said, some pets might become too nervous to eat, but it’s a good idea to offer the treat so that your pet will have it later when he or she is calmer.

Reassuring your pet is a good way to calm his or her nerves, but it’s also important that you give the vet and the vet’s assistant room to work. Too many hands touching your pet can cause overstimulation. Remember, the vet is trained to handle scared or anxious pets, therefore it’s a good idea to give him or her some space when necessary.

A trip to the vet can be a stressful situation for your pet, and these are only a couple examples of ways you can make the visit as easy as possible. Keep an eye out for part two where we will discuss a few more ways that you can help your pet relax at the vet. In the meantime, if you are in the Los Angeles area and you’re looking for all the traditional vet services in the comfort of your own home, call 911 Vets. With our mobile vet clinic, you get quality care around the clock. Call us today to get started!

Candlelit dinners, boxes of chocolates, and bouquets of flowers all spell romance for your human beau, on the other hand, these testaments of love could be dangerous to your favorite furry Valentine.

911 Vets proudly serves the Greater Los Angeles area with our mobile vet clinic. We offer all the traditional veterinary care services, however instead of you coming to our clinic, we bring the clinic to you! Whether it’s an emergency or your furball just needs a simple pet exam, our mobile vet clinic will come to you! View our extensive list of services and call 911 Vets today!

It’s important to be aware of the common dangers your pet may face on a daily basis, but on Valentine’s Day you may be exposing your pet to more safety issues than you realize. Continue reading below for a few things to keep in mind while you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones, and if your pet should eat something harmful, be sure to call 911 Vets immediately.

Chocolate

Chocolate is most likely one of the first things you think of when it comes to harmful substances for your pet. While you may indulge in the decadence, your pet should not. Chocolate may be fatal, especially if it’s dark and bitter, as this will cause your dog or cat to eat more. Milk chocolate also has a higher fat content, meaning if your pet consumes a large amount, it could lead to life-threatening inflammation to the pancreas. That being said, if you decide to eat chocolate this Valentine’s Day, make sure you keep it in a safe place where your pet can’t reach it.

Flowers

Flowers are another popular symbol of love on Valentine’s Day, and your pet may love the sweet scent of the bouquet as much as you do! Certain plants and flowers are poisonous to your pooch or furry feline, but they may be tempted to taste anyway. Lilies are especially toxic to cats.

If you’re sending a bouquet of flowers to someone with a cat, be sure to specify no lilies when you send in the order. Upon receiving flowers, take note of any that may be poisonous to your pets and remove them. Your bouquet may not be as pretty, but your pets will thank you.

Candles

For those who plan to stay at home on Valentine’s Day, a candlelit dinner might be on the menu. Candles construct an aura of romance and you may use them to create ambiance for your romantic evening. However, if you have curious pets, you may want to keep them out of the room if you have candles lit. The last thing you want is to have to call the fire department on Valentine’s Day because your pet knocked over a candle during his or her investigation.

Roses

Roses for your sweetheart is a wonderful gesture on Valentine’s Day. Roses are not toxic to your pets, but if your dog or cat decides to take a closer look, they may run into some thorns. Puncture wounds can easily become infected, or even worse, your pet could accidentally swallow a thorn. Your best bet is to check roses for thorns and remove them as soon as your bouquet arrives.

911 Vets

There may be many dangers for your pets this Valentine’s Day, but if you are aware of the hazards, it’s easy to keep your favorite furballs safe from harm. However, if your pet should eat something poisonous, call 911 Vets right away. Unlike traditional veterinary clinics, we offer a mobile vet clinic that will come to you! In addition to emergency services, we offer all the bells and whistles of your primary vet clinic. To learn more, check out our website, or contact 911 Vets at 310-341-0216 today!