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.

It may seem obvious, but many of the food items you love can wreak havoc if ingested by your dogs. One of the most common calls we get is address a dog that has eaten something they shouldn’t have. Depending on the size of the dog, what was ingested, and how long it’s been, the results can range from an upset stomach to a near-death experience. Avoid the stress and heartbreak by keeping human food away from your pets. In this two-part installment, we will look at five foods that dogs should never, under any circumstance, eat. Here are the first two:

Chocolate
If you are like most people, chocolate is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It is delicious, versatile, and can turn even the most stubborn frown upside down. But for our furry little canine friends, it can be deadly. Even a small amount of chocolate can have serious consequences if it is ingested by your dog.

Onions
Onions are delicious, and if you cook at home very often chances are good that you will always have onions on hand. That is why it is very important to know that onions are extremely toxic for your dogs. Both raw and cooked, they will lead to red blood cell damage, lethargia, shortness of breath, and more.

If your dog has ingested chocolate or onions, time is of the essence. Our mobile vet in Los Angeles can come to you for the quickest possible treatment. Stay tuned for part two, where we will look at three more foods to keep away from your dogs.