When your dog is sick, you can feel a sense of helplessness set in. But being able to know when to call the vet can help alleviate that feeling. Over the next two blogs, we will look at some warning signs that you should call a vet. Here are the first three:

Decreased appetite
If your dog has a decreased appetite, it can be worrisome, especially if your dog is usually a voracious eater. When a dog doesn’t eat normally, it can be a sign of serious pain, illness, or discomfort. Since there are so many different reasons that could lead to a decreased appetite, it is important to seek veterinary consultation as soon as you notice the change.

Low energy
A lethargic dog is a sad sight. It can be hard, at first, to distinguish between a dog who is simply being lazy, and a dog who is truly experiencing fatigue or lethargy. When a dog succumbs to the effects of overwhelming weakness, it can be a warning sign of serious problems.

Vomiting
Has your dog been vomiting? Sometimes this is a one-time occurrence, and nothing needs to be done. If they are happy and alert, but vomit just once, you probably do not need to see a vet. On the other hand, if they are vomiting multiple times, seem distressed, have blood in their vomit, or seem bloated, it is best to get the vet involved.

When your dog is sick, they can’t tell you exactly what is wrong, and that can be scary. That is why it is important to be able to recognize the warning signs that indicate a veterinarian should be sought out. We make it easy for you to get high-quality vet care. Our mobile vet in Los Angeles will come to you, so call us today if you need help!

Last time, we touched on a few warning signs to watch out for. Heartworm is one of the top causes for death in dogs. It is sometimes known as the “silent killer”, because symptoms can progress extremely quickly once the heartworms are full grown. That is why prevention is a major key. Heartworm medication should be part of your dog’s normal health care plan. Here are two more warning signs to keep an eye out for:

Bulging chest
A dog with an advanced heartworm infection will often have a swollen abdomen. There can be a variety of causes for this, including anorexia caused by the infection, fluid build up in the lungs, and more. Your dog’s ribs will become much more pronounced, as well.

Lethargy
Once the heartworm infestation is in full swing, your dog will begin to experience severe lethargy. Even the smallest exertions of energy can be too much for them to handle in some cases. As we mentioned in our last blog, this can even extend to simple tasks like eating. Your pet will seem tired all of the time and reluctant to even get up. When they do, they will run out of energy very quickly.

If you suspect that your dog might have a heartworm infection, don’t take any chances. It is better to be safe than sorry. Our mobile vet in Los Angeles can provide all of the in-home veterinary services that you need. Call us today to schedule your visit, or to learn more about our mobile vet services!

Heartworm disease is a serious condition affecting dogs across the country. Luckily, this is a condition that is very simple to prevent. In this two-part blog series, we will look at some of the warning signs you should be aware of. Here are the first three:

No symptoms
In the early stages of a heartworm infection, there will be no symptoms. It can take up to six months for the worm to fully mature and start causing problems. This is why prevention and early detection are very important. There are a number of heartworm medications available, and regular examinations should be part of your normal veterinarian schedule.

Coughing
Once the heartworms are fully mature, they will target your dog’s lungs. Once they are in the lungs they will begin to reproduce and further infest the lungs and surrounding areas. This can lead to a dry cough. This cough is one of the major warning signs for heartworms. It can get so bad that your dog faints even with light exertion.

Weight loss
When your dog has heartworms it will be difficult for them to perform many normal activities, including eating. If your dog has a drastically decreased appetite that leads to weight loss, this may be a sign that they have a heartworm infection.

Heartworm is an extremely serious condition that should not be ignored. Ideally, you will either prevent it completely, or catch it early. In our next blog we will look at two more warning signs. If you need a mobile vet in Los Angeles, we’ve got you covered. Call us today for door-to-door veterinary services, including emergency care.

Last time, we went over some common oral health issues that your dog might run into over the course of their life. Oral health is not something that many pet owners think about until they have to. Like with most things, a little preventative care can go a long way. Here are some tips for prioritizing your dog’s dental health:

Start young
As with many things, it is easiest to train your dog to accept oral health treatments when they are a puppy. Daily brushings and regular examinations of their teeth should be started when they are still puppies. You should regularly use your hands on your dog’s lips, gums, and teeth when they are very young so that they are used to having a person examine them in such a way.

Be consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to working with dogs. They are the ultimate creature of habit. Dental health care should be something that is done on a regular and predictable schedule.

Utilize toys
There are many toys that can assist you in providing great dental care for your pets. In addition, bones are a great chewing tool as well. Regular chewing helps to break down the plaque that can build up on your dog’s teeth. Plaque buildup is one of the factors for developing periodontal disease, so it is important to avoid.

With these tips in mind, it should be easy to develop an oral hygiene for your pets. If your dog has an oral health emergency (or any other needs), we can help. Our mobile vet in Los Angeles can provide in home veterinary service, 24/7. Call us today!

Dental health is something that is extremely important for humans. We teach our kids from a very young age to care for their teeth. The same care should be given to our canine companions. If not, they are at risk for developing a variety of oral health problems. Here are a few common ones:

Broken teeth
Dogs are gifted with very strong teeth, but that doesn’t mean that they are indestructible. Dogs will often break their teeth by trying to chew on objects that are too hard for them. A broken tooth can be very painful, even if your dog doesn’t show any outward signs of it. Dogs have a high pain tolerance, so it is up to us to be cognizant of the warning signs that something is wrong.

Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is the most common oral health problem that a dog will run into in their life. It can lead to chronic pain, tooth loss, bone loss, and more. Periodontal disease has a wide variety of symptoms, none of which are very pleasant. Some common signs of periodontal disease are bleeding gums, bad breath, and problems picking up food. It is best to catch it early or to avoid it completely. Luckily, with preventative care, this is very easy to do by developing a good oral health care routine for your pets.

In our next blog, we will take a look at some things that you can do on a regular basis to help your pet maintain optimal oral health throughout their life. If you need in-home mobile vet in Los Angeles, we are only a phone call away. Call us today for door-to-door veterinary service.

Last time, we talked about two of the most dangerous foods for your dog: chocolate and onions. In this blog, we will look at three more dangerous food items. Here they are:

Grapes
Many fruits and vegetables are perfectly safe for canine consumption. Grapes, however, are not. Even a small amount can be fatal. Grapes (and raisins too) can cause severe and sudden kidney failure in dogs. It is important to contact a vet as soon as you realize that your dog has eaten any grapes or raisins.

Sugar-free candy
Your dog should not eat any form of candy, but sugar-free gums and mints that contain xylitol are especially harmful. It can lead to liver failure, low blood sugar, and death. The biggest risk for xylitol consumption is usually if your dog gets into a pack of gum that is around the house and easy to access.

Dairy
Finally, be sure to avoid letting your dog consume any dairy. Cheese, yogurt, milk, and ice cream are some of the most common dairy items your dog could ingest. The problem is, most dogs are lactose intolerant. Consuming these items will likely give your dog an upset stomach, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and pain.

The wrong foods can be extremely hazardous for your dog. Luckily, there are countless options for feeding your dog safe, healthy, foods. If your dog has accidentally ingested a harmful food, our mobile vet in Los Angeles can help. Call us 24/7 for emergency service at your doorstep.