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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PET EUTHANASIA

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.

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.

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.

SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR YOUR PETS

 

Spring is here, and that means that many people will begin their spring cleaning routine. This is a great annual tradition that can lend to the fresh-start feeling that comes with spring. Cleaning your home, getting reorganized, donating unused items, and undertaking more home improvement projects are all great springtime activities. However, it is very important to remember your four-legged friends when you are getting ready for these projects! Here is the first thing to keep in mind:

KEEP CHEMICALS SAFELY STORED

 

SPRING CLEANING CAN MAKE YOUR HOME FEEL LIKE NEW AGAIN. BUT BE CAREFUL, BECAUSE MOST OF THE CHEMICALS WE USE TO CLEAN OUR HOMES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO OUR PETS. MANY PETS ARE NATURALLY CURIOUS, AND WILL TRY TO GET INTO ANYTHING THAT IS SITTING AROUND UNATTENDED. EVEN IF YOUR PETS ARE VERY WELL TRAINED, THEY MAY BE ATTRACTED TO THE SCENTS OF THE CLEANING CHEMICALS. YOUR BEST BET IS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ALWAY SAFELY STORED WHEN YOU ARE NOT DIRECTLY USING THEM. ANOTHER GREAT OPTION WOULD BE TO KENNEL YOUR PETS, EITHER IN A PET KENNEL, OR EVEN JUST A ROOM YOU AREN’T CURRENTLY WORKING IN, WHILE YOU ARE DOING YOUR KENNEL. IF YOUR PET CONSUMES ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS, OUR MOBILE VET IN LOS ANGELES CAN HELP PROVIDE THE QUICK CARE THEY NEED TO AVOID DISASTER.

 

AS YOU CAN SEE, SPRING CAN BE A SOMEWHAT HAZARDOUS TIME FOR YOUR PETS. NEXT TIME, WE WILL LOOK AT TWO MORE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND. CHECK BACK SOON!

SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR YOUR PETS, PART TWO

 

Spring cleaning is a great way to get your house in order for the year. In our last blog, we looked at one of the major hazards that spring cleaning can pose to your pet: cleaning chemicals. These chemicals are a life-saver when it comes to cutting down on dirt, grime, and grease, but they can be a life-destroyer if your pet gets into them. Here, we will look at two more things to keep in mind while you are spring cleaning to ensure that your pet stays safe:

BE AWARE OF PET ALLERGIES

Just like humans, pets can get allergies. Spring cleaning can kick up a lot of dust that has settled over the fall and winter. You may not even realize just how much dust is in your home, until you start spring cleaning and it is stirred back into the air. Many people suffer from dust allergies, and some pets do as well. Pollen is another allergen that can lay dormant in your home. Keep a close eye on your pet, and contact a vet as soon as possible if you think they might have allergies.

MICROCHIP YOUR PET

A big part of spring cleaning is getting rid of items you no longer use. Whether you are taking them to the dump, donating them, or selling them at a garage sale, chances are good that it will involve a lot of in and out activity through your front door. This is a prime time for your pet to escape, unfortunately. If you haven’t already, you should get your pet microchipped. This can be a huge help if your pet does go missing. Our advice: keep your pet locked up while you are moving items in and out of the house.

If your pet suffers from any type of accident during spring cleaning, our mobile vet in Los Angeles can help. Call today!

SIGNS YOUR DOG NEEDS TO SEE THE VET, PART TWO

Knowing when to call the vet is an important skill that every pet owner should master. Last time, we talked about three reasons you should call for the help of a vet. In this blog, we look at three more reasons:

Coughing
Coughing can be because of something simple, such as an irritation in their throat. But it can also mean that they have an infection caused by debris lodged in their throat. Kennel cough is also a common cause of coughing in dogs. Worst case scenario, coughing could be a sign of heartworm infection or heart disease. If your dog’s cough lasts longer than a few days, it is time to seek the consult of a vet.

Consumption of hazardous items
In a previous blog series, we went over a list of foods that your dog should not eat. Beyond food, there are several other household items that can cause a dog to become ill, such as medications, antifreeze, insecticides, cleaning products, and much more. Since toxicity can set in surprisingly fast, immediate action should be taken if your dog consumes any hazardous material.

Bloody stool
If you notice blood in your dog’s stool, it can be a symptom of a serious condition. Some common conditions that have bloody stool as a symptom include infection, parasites, roundworms, and in severe cases, cancer. Don’t wait to see if it gets better; get in touch with your vet as soon as possible.

When your pet is sick, every moment counts. Call our mobile vet in Los Angeles for in-home veterinary service today!

SIGNS YOUR DOG NEEDS TO SEE THE VET, PART ONE

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!

WARNING SIGNS YOUR DOG HAS HEARTWORM, PART TWO

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!

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