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Cats are curious creatures and like to play with anything and everything they can get their paws on, especially if they are young. Unfortunately, many of your kitty’s favorite toys could be harmful and easily swallowed. If your cat starts choking on a toy, call 911 Vets right away. We serve the greater Los Angeles area and make house calls for a number of pet emergencies. Unlike traditional vet clinics, we come to you if you are unable to make it to our clinic. Learn more about our mobile vet clinic and in-home treatments, or contact us to schedule an appointment.

If you are unsure about what toys are safe for your cat or kitten, continue reading below for a list of common items your kitty can choke on.

Rubber Bands and Hair Ties

Talk to any female cat owner and she will tell you that once she got a cat, her hair ties started disappearing. Hair ties and rubber bands are irresistible to your furry friends, however if you’re not paying attention, your pet could end up choking. Cats who love to play with rubber bands could end up breaking them apart into little pieces, and these pieces could then get caught in their throat and cause them to choke.

The same goes for hair ties. Though it’s fun to watch your kitten bat a hair tie across the floor or flip it around, the consequences won’t be as fun.

String and Yarn

Most of the time, string or yarn is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of common household items for your cat to play with. This is due to countless cartoons, images splayed on your grandmother’s sweater, or a holiday cookie tin picturing a cute kitten playing with a ball of yarn.

Contrary to popular belief, yarn and string are huge choking hazards for cats. Playing with a mess of string not only runs the risk of tangling around your kitty’s neck, but similar to rubber bands, string poses a serious threat for choking if your cat accidentally swallows some. Your best bet is to monitor your cat when they play with string or yarn and keep it in a safe place when you aren’t around.

Balls of Foil

Rolling up your used foil into a ball for your cat is very tempting, but it could be a dangerous choking hazard. No feline can resist batting around a shiny ball, and while the simple act of chasing it around is harmless, you run into danger when they start to chew on it. When your cat starts to chew and bite on a piece of crumpled foil, they could end up biting a piece off or accidentally swallowing small pieces. Those small pieces could get lodged in their throat and cause them to choke.

If your cat starts choking on pieces of foil, or any other toy, call 911 Vets right away. We provide emergency and routine house calls to the Los Angeles area. If you pet is in distress and you need help right away, 911 Vets is here to help! Our mobile vet clinic doesn’t require that you bring your pet to us; we come to you. Learn more about the services we offer or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Toys with Ribbons, Feathers, or Plastic Eyes

Your cat’s favorite toy is probably one with ribbons or feathers that catch in the wind with you wave it around. It could also be a catnip filled mouse. These toys provide hours of entertainment for your feline, and probably for you too, but it’s important to be careful. Embellishments like ribbons and feathers, or even the plastic eyes on catnip mice pose a threat. If any of those items come loose and get swallowed by your cat, they can become lodged in his or her throat.

So What Toys Are Safe?

At this point you may be wondering if any toy is safe for your cat. The answer is yes, cat toys are safe as long as your cat is monitored while playing with them. It’s also a good rule of thumb that if any of the toys can fit completely in your cat’s mouth, then they are a choking hazard.

However, if your cat starts wheezing and it sounds like there is something stuck in its throat, call 911 Vets right away. Our mobile vet clinic provides both emergency and routine services right in your home. With traditional vet clinics, you have to go to them, but with 911 Vets, we come to you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

While your cat may seem extremely self-sufficient, it’s up to you as the pet owner to ensure your kitty is in optimal health. From scheduling regular checkups with your local veterinarian to making sure your feline has all of the shots he or she needs to guard against illnesses, there are many things pet owners should do to ensure their cat’s health is up to par. In this blog, we’ll look at a few common cat ailments, including urinary tract diseases and cancer, so you’ll be able to spot warning signs that your little furball may need medical attention in the future.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re looking for mobile veterinary services for your cat or dog, contact the professionals at 911 Vets® right away. We offer a variety of services from routine house calls and emergency house calls to home hospice care and euthanasia. Contact our veterinarians today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services!

Common Cat Illness #1: Lower Urinary Tract Disease

Lower urinary tract disease, also known as FLUTD, can encompass a variety of different conditions that can affect your cat’s bladder and urethra. If your kitty has stopped using the litter box or you notice that your furry friend is in pain when they try to urinate, there could be an issue with your kitty’s urinary tract and you should seek medical attention right away. The first step in treating FLUTD is identifying the cause of your cat’s symptoms, and a licensed veterinarian will be able to help. Some culprits for FLUTD include bladder stones, urinary tract blockage, infection, and even kitty cancer.

Common Cat Illness #2: Kitty Cancer

The most common type of cancer in cats is known as lymphosarcoma, which is a cancer of the lymph system that can be associated with the feline leukemia virus. Lymphosarcoma accounts for one-third of all malignancies in cats and can occur in places like the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and spleen. Symptoms of cat cancer can include lumps, swelling, sores, lethargy, weight loss, skin infections, and sudden lameness.

Common Cat Illness #3: Infectious Diseases

The most common types of infections in cats are respiratory in nature, and some can be prevented with the proper vaccinations. If your feline experiences symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, a fever, or sores in the mouth, there’s a good chance your cat has a respiratory infection. Since some respiratory infections can be fatal, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention for your feline if he or she starts to show the symptoms above.

Another very common infectious disease among cats is known as feline panleukopenia. This highly contagious viral illness is caused by the feline parvoviruses and symptoms can include fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration, and a loss of appetite.

If you live near Los Angeles and you suspect your cat may be ill, contact the friendly staff of veterinarians at 911 Vets today. We’ll schedule a convenient time to come to your home to complete a thorough examination of your cat before recommending the best treatment solutions. Call us today!

When our animal companions become ill or immobile with old age, it may be time to provide them with a peaceful goodbye through the use of euthanasia. While no one likes to think about having to put their four-legged friend down, if your pet seems incapable of truly enjoying life, it may be the best option for them.

At 911 Vets® in Los Angeles, we understand that the decision to euthanize your pet can be one of the most difficult choices a family has to make. Whether your cat has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or your dog is simply getting too old to walk and play like he or she used to, there are many factors to consider before you say goodbye to your pet. Our full staff of veterinarians offers in-home pet euthanasia for animals that are too scared or nervous to travel. We also offer clinic services and emergency house calls for those times when Fido gets into the garbage or chocolate box. If you’re interested in learning more about our veterinary services, contact us today.

What Is Pet Euthanasia?

Pet euthanasia is the process whereby an animal is deliberately put down, often by a veterinarian or another animal industry professional, for reasons of humane relief of suffering. Euthanasia may also be used to put down an animal with uncontrollable behavioral defects such as aggression, as well as a means of population and disease control.

During the process of euthanasia, the animal patient is typically injected with a chemical substance called pentobarbitone. This unique chemical essentially acts as a severe overdose of veterinary anaesthetic. As it enters the animal’s bloodstream, it will slowly suppress the function of the animal’s heart and brain. This can cause an instant, painless loss of consciousness, immediately stopping the animal’s heart and brain, resulting in death while the animal is asleep. This is where the term “put to sleep” comes from in the veterinary world, as the animal peacefully and instantly falls asleep and passes on to the next life.

Reasons Pet Owners Choose To Put Their Pet Down

There are a variety of reasons pet owners choose to put their pet down. If the animal is suffering from a terminal illness that medical or surgical therapy can no longer relieve or help, euthanasia may be recommended by your veterinarian. This is often the most common reason dog and cat owners decide to euthanize their pet, however it’s important to note that not every animal that is diagnosed with a terminal illness needs to be euthanized right away. Before you make any decisions surrounding euthanasia, make sure to talk to your veterinarian. He or she will be the most qualified person to help guide you through this difficult process. Below are some signs that may indicate your pet is suffering or is no longer enjoying a good quality of life:

Your pet is experiencing chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication (your local veterinarian will be able to tell you if your pet is in pain).
Your pet vomits frequently or has constant diarrhea that is causing them to become severely dehydrated or they are losing weight quickly.
Your pet has stopped eating and will only consume food if you force feed him or her.
They have lost interest in partaking in all or most of their favorite activities like going for a walk, playing with toys, and eating treats.
Your pet cannot stand on his or her own and falls when trying to walk.
Your pet is suffering from chronic, labored breathing or coughing.

What To Expect When You Have Your Pet Euthanized

Making the decision to euthanize your pet can be extremely stressful, and the anxiety you’re feeling will likely be exacerbated if you don’t know what to expect during the veterinary procedure. Here are a few things you should know before you bring your pet to the vet or call an in-home euthanasia service.

When you meet with your veterinarian for pet euthanasia, your vet will take the time to explain the procedure to you before they get started.
Small- to medium-sized pets are often placed on a table for the euthanasia procedure, while larger dogs are more likely to be handled on the floor.
Regardless of where in the office your pet will be euthanized, make sure they have a comfortable blanket or bed to lie on.
In most euthanasia cases, a trained veterinarian technician will hold your pet throughout the procedure. If you plan to be present during the euthanasia, make sure you allow enough space for the veterinarian and technician to do their work.
When you’ve had a chance to say your last goodbye, your veterinarian will give your pet an overdose of pentobarbital, which will quickly cause your pet to fall unconscious and gently stop their heartbeat.
Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to confirm that your pet’s heart has stopped. Once your vet has confirmed that your pet has passed, he or she will likely ask you if you would like a few final minutes alone with your pet.

If you need veterinary assistance with your pet, call the certified veterinarians at 911 Vets® today.

As the old adage goes, a dog is a man’s best friend. If you own a dog, you already know that taking care of them is relatively straightforward. From keeping them well feed everyday to giving them enough exercise, there are many things you can do to give your pooch the love and attention that they deserve. Dealing with a sick dog, however, can be very stressful for any pet owner. If you think your dog may be ill or they have started to act in an unusual manner, it may be time to take your dog to the veterinarian. In this article, we’ll take a look at some common signs it may be time to take your pup to a specialist.

At 911 VETS®, we understand how important your four-legged friend is to you, which is why we offer mobile veterinary services throughout the Los Angeles area. We offer a plethora of veterinary services for your dog, from routine house calls and treatment to euthanasia and aftercare. If you’re interested in learning more about our mobile vet services or you’d like to speak to one of our certified veterinarians, contact us today!

Your Dog Has Difficulty Breathing

If you’ve noticed that your dog has difficulty breathing, it may be time to seek help from a veterinary professional. Dyspnea, also known as difficulty breathing, can manifest itself in several forms including wheezing, choking, and respiratory arrest. This can occur when there is a foreign body present in your dog’s throat or if they have an allergic reaction. Dyspnea has also been known to occur when a dog has heart disease pulmonary disease, as well. Breathing issues are almost always an indicator of bigger health problems, so don’t wait to bring your dog to the vet if and when this occurs.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and are in need of an emergency house call for your dog, contact the experts at 911 VETS® right away. We’ll rush to your home to tend to your dog right away, and our veterinarian will perform a thorough inspection of your pooch before recommending the best treatment solution for them.

Your Dog Has Experienced Trauma

If your dog has experienced any type of trauma such as a fall, wound, or getting struck by a car, it’s critical to get them to a veterinarian right away. Even if your dog appears to be fine after an altercation with another dog, scheduling an appointment with your vet is necessary to ensure your dog isn’t injured. Many canine injuries such as a ruptured lung or internal bleeding will not manifest symptoms immediately and some lacerations may be deeper than they actually appear. If you’ve noticed your furry friend limping or crying for no reason, contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

Your Dog Shows Signs of Neurological Conditions

Did you know that neurological conditions can manifest in your dog in a variety of ways? From disorientation and incoordination to lethargy and unresponsiveness, there are many telltale signs that there could be something wrong with your pooch. A healthy dog will always act alert and responsive, so if you start to notice that your pup isn’t acting like their happy self, it could be time to call the experts at 911 VETS®.

Your Dog Has Seizures

One of the scariest things you can witness as a dog owner is watching your dog having a seizure. While there are many signs that your dog may be having a seizure, some of the most common symptoms include uncontrollable shaking and tremors, a loss of consciousness, and loss of bowel or urinary control. One of the most common causes of seizures in dogs is epilepsy, and your local veterinarian will be able to properly diagnose this condition in your dog. If your pup has one or multiple seizures within a 24-hour period, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away.

Your Dog Has Eaten Something Toxic

If your dog has gotten into a box of chocolates or you discovered a chewed up rat bait while doing some laundry, your dog may have gotten into something toxic. If you suspect your dog has consumed something harmful, call the ASPCA animal poison control at (888) 426-4435 to get immediate advice on what to do. A veterinary toxicologist may advise you to induce vomiting in your dog before seeking immediate medical attention. Make sure you have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your house at all times in case you are asked to induce vomiting.

911 VETS® MOBILE VETERINARY SERVICE IN LOS ANGELES

If live near Los Angeles and your dog has difficulty breathing or they have suffered trauma from another animal or fall, contact 911 VETS® today. We offer the best mobile veterinary services in town and we’ll gladly come to your home to tend to your pet.

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 Right

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!

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.

Dog 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 Dogs

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.

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.

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.

PREVENTION

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.

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