Dog owners generally worry about a few common things when they add a new member to their pack. They make sure they have the right food. They make sure the dog has safe toys and a comfy place to sleep. And, they make sure their vaccines are up to date. When it comes to infections, particularly the highly contagious parvovirus, vaccines can make a big difference in the severity and
A few things are pretty predictable with cats. They will scratch your favorite furniture. They’ll purr if you find that one spot under their chin that they just can’t reach. They will walk across your computer keyboard while you’re on a Zoom call. And, there’s a good chance they will develop some type of dental disease at some point. Data suggests that as many as 90% of cats over the
Surgery is never anything a pet owner should take lightly, even if it’s a common procedure, like a spay or neuter for a dog or cat. Even though the overwhelming majority of cats and dogs that undergo a spay surgery return home to their owners the same day as the procedure, there are still potential complications that could pop up after surgery. Pet owners need to know what to look
Anyone who owns a pet is very likely aware of the costs that come with veterinary care. Recent reports have shown how costs for veterinary care are on the rise, to the point where many households struggle to cover those expenses. Multiple reports have suggested that the rising cost of veterinary care is associated with a combination of residual pandemic-related closures and profitability concerns within individual clinics. Fortunately for pet
Preventing Pyometra: One More Benefit Of Spaying For the most part, dog and cat owners arrange for their female pets to be spayed to prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, and do their part to control the animal population. Spaying also helps dog and cat owners avoid the messiness and behavioral changes that come with female heat cycles. But, the opportunity to avoid dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions, like
Aftercare Tips For Pet Dental Procedures Dental care for pets is an essential element of their overall care, whether it’s preventative treatment or treatment for a certain issue that is causing problems. Proper dental care improves the quality of life for dogs and cats, keeps them from developing chronic health conditions that affect vital organs, and helps prevent damaging and painful periodontal disease. With those benefits and more, there is
Specializing In Pet Surgery: The Surgical Veterinary Specialists at Dr. Kelly’s At Dr. Kelly’s, we specialize in veterinary surgical care, and we do that — in part — to help keep the cost of pet ownership affordable. However, not everyone is familiar with what a surgical vet is, what one does, and when one might be needed. Most people are more familiar with a traditional veterinary office setting, where dogs,
Budget-Friendly Pet Ownership Pet ownership, at first glance, doesn’t seem like it would be that expensive. Food, shots, and a few toys are usually the first purchases when a new pet joins the family — from kittens to puppies to rabbits and beyond. Of course, the cost of even those basic necessities fluctuates. Recent research suggests the cost of pet food has increased significantly since the pandemic and the cost
When pet owners bring a new animal into their lives, thoughts about the cost of caring for the new cat or dog usually focus on food, shots and the bounty of all-too-irresistible toys. Emergency veterinary care, or veterinary care for unexpected illnesses, diseases or injuries, is generally way down on the list of concerns — if it is present at all. It’s not something most people think about. And,
It is most common for dog owners to spay or neuter their dogs. Statistics indicate that nearly 80% of dogs are spayed or neutered, which helps control the animal population, mitigates unwanted or negative behaviors, and — research suggests — prevents the onset of certain diseases. Without a doubt, spay and neuter procedures have their benefits. Spaying and neutering is also an unspoken sign of responsible pet ownership, and is
By nature, most people like to procrastinate on tasks that either require extraordinary effort or come with a steep cost. No one wants to give up their precious time or their hard-earned cash that easily. But, one of the tasks that dog and cat owners should never put off is professional dental cleanings for their pet. Conducted by a trained veterinarian, pet dental care doesn’t have to cost a
Just like kids, pets need a little help when it comes to developing proper dental hygiene habits and routines. Since pets can’t handle their own dental hygiene routines on their own, their owners need to be the ones to lend a hand by purchasing the appropriate products, toys and chews that best support dog and cat oral health. After all, statistics indicate that most dogs and cats will develop
Hernias are not unique to humans. Cats can have hernias, too. While they’re generally pretty uncommon, they are able to be treated with a surgical procedure, whether the hernia is the result of a congenital issue or developed as a result of some type of trauma. At Dr. Kelly’s Vet, our surgical unit has extensive experience performing cat hernia surgery, which gives cat owners an added peace of
Gum health in dogs is one of those issues that dog owners know they need to be vigilant about, yet also find it difficult to maintain. Even those with the best of intentions may find it challenging to brush a dog’s teeth at home while keeping up with professional dental cleanings at a veterinarian’s office. Life moves fast and sometimes dogs aren’t really keen on caring about their own
Dental care is needed for dogs at every age, but it becomes even more apparent as a dog ages. As puppies, dogs are losing baby teeth and growing into their gleaming white adult teeth, chewing on toys and gnawing through bones. At that age, it’s easy to keep thoughts about senior dog dental care in the distance. But, practicing healthy dental hygiene habits at a young age, and instilling
Most dog owners make sure to spay or neuter their pets. In fact, statistics indicate that about 80% of dogs are spayed or neutered, which helps control the animal population. But, it might be surprising to know that the practice has other benefits beyond preventing the arrival of unwanted litters — particularly important in a country that sees people abandon dogs to shelters at a rate of about 3
Dogs may require surgery for a variety of reasons, from neutering and spaying to injuries and other ailments. But when it comes to eye surgery, it’s important for dog owners to understand the delicacy of the surgeries that are needed and the valuable role that experience plays in the process. Two of the more common eye surgeries we see at Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit are entropion surgery and surgery to
When it comes to dog ownership, it is safe to say that preventative dental hygiene practices falls to the bottom of the priority list for most people. It’s even fair to say that it never makes the list at all for a good number of dog owners. In fact, a survey conducted a few years ago by BarkBox revealed that almost three-quarters of dog owners have never brushed their dogs’
Surgery for a dog or cat is never something that is met with upbeat anticipation. The cost, the potential trauma, the recovery and the uncertainty create a perfect storm for anxiety — for the animal and the pet owner. At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we understand. And, we do our best to foster a caring environment that puts animals and their owners at ease, because sometimes surgery is unavoidable. People
Dental health is important for dogs and cats for many of the same reasons it’s important for humans. Healthy teeth and gums allow animals to eat properly, eat without pain, and avoid experiencing discomfort or bleeding. Just like in humans, dental disease could have a detrimental impact on overall health, underscoring the importance of regular dental cleanings for both dogs and cats. At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we make that
Pet owners never want their cats to suffer, experience pain or have to undergo surgery that may leave them without everything they were born with. But, sometimes it’s necessary. At Dr. Kelly’s Vet, the high volume of surgeries we perform allows us to keep the cost of procedures in an affordable range, which can make the experience a little bit easier for pet owners during what can be a
Cats are notorious for doing exactly what they want when they want. It’s just part of who they are. So, the thought of brushing a cat’s teeth at home might seem like a Herculean task. To be sure, it’s possible. It just might not be as easy as it is to brush a dog’s teeth, since dogs are generally more eager to please. Knowing that at-home dental care
It isn’t uncommon for cats to develop bladder stones. Because cats have certain minerals present in their body naturally, they are prone to developing stones from time to time. Bladder stones are essentially crystallized mineral deposits that develop over time, ranging in size from nearly invisible to some that measure several millimeters in size. They develop when minerals aren’t being processed properly by a cat’s urinary system, creating a single
Brushing a dog’s teeth isn’t an easy task for most dog owners. Different dog personalities take to teeth brushing in different ways, while some do their best to avoid the process entirely. The hassle that can often accompany at-home dental hygiene for dogs can leave owners looking for alternatives. Toothpaste, after all, can be messy — especially when uncooperative dogs are involved. The marketplace of alternatives to traditional toothbrush and
Most dogs and cats will have all of their adult teeth by the time they are six months old. With proper dental care and regular cleaning, they have the best chance to avoid experiencing gum disease — which still may become an issue since an overwhelming majority of cats and dogs experience periodontal disease in their lifetime. Knowing that gum disease is so common, it’s important for pet owners to
Pet ownership comes with a host of benefits, from companionship to improved health to less stress. It also comes with costs, from immunizations to food to treats, toys and gear. It’s a balance, for sure. One recent report pegged the cost of pet ownership at anywhere between $400 and $4,000 a year, depending of course on an owner’s habits and the needs of the animal. To minimize the costs associated
Dogs and cats can’t talk, although sometimes owners wish they would. But, they can communicate with their owners in ways that give clues to their moods and health. And as owners, that’s helpful — especially when something isn’t quite right. But, what exactly are the signs that an animal may be in poor health? There are quite a few to remember as general rules, although certain conditions may present
Dogs, like their human companions, can experience a host of dental ailments. In fact, dental disease is one of the most common issues veterinarians encounter when treating dogs. Statistics indicate that as many at least 80% of dogs have a dental disease by the age of 3. At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we can attest to its prevalence as we work with dogs every day that are affected by
Surgery isn’t something most people take lightly, but when it comes to cats, an overwhelming majority of them will undergo a surgical procedure at some point in their lives. Statistics indicate that up to 80% of cats are spayed or neutered, supporting the fact that most cats will endure at least one surgery in their lives. Surgeries, though, can be needed for any number of ailments. From elective to
Along with anesthesia and sutures, blood work is an important part of pet surgery. As a critical diagnostic tool that helps guide the care an animal is given, blood tests give veterinarians insights into how well an animal’s organs and immune system are functioning. While blood work, in many cases, is an added expense for an owner as their pet prepares for surgery, it’s a worthy one that could
