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Rabies & Distemper: Understanding Core Pet Vaccinations

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:28:40 GMT

Pet Vaccinations: Rabies & Distemper

Keeping our pets healthy is one of the most important responsibilities we have as pet owners. Among the many ways we support their well-being, pet vaccinations play a critical role in preventing serious and potentially fatal diseases. Two of the most essential core vaccines for dogs and cats are those protecting against rabies and distemper. Understanding what these diseases are, how they spread, and why vaccines matter can help you make confident decisions about your pet’s health.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals—including humans. It is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.

Key Symptoms:

Behavioral changes (aggression, anxiety, or unusual friendliness)
Excessive drooling
Difficulty swallowing
Paralysis

What is Distemper?

Distemper is another highly contagious viral disease, most commonly affecting dogs, though cats have their own version known as feline panleukopenia (often referred to as feline distemper).

How Distemper Spreads:

Direct contact with infected animals
Exposure to bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces
Airborne transmission through coughing or sneezing

Common Symptoms:

Fever
Nasal and eye discharge
Vomiting and diarrhea
Neurological signs such as seizures or loss of coordination

Distemper is dangerous because it attacks multiple body systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Without vaccination, pets who contract distemper often face life-threatening complications.

Why These Are Considered Core Vaccines

Veterinarians classify rabies and distemper vaccines as core because they protect against diseases that are:

Severe or fatal
Highly contagious
Widespread or endemic
Zoonotic (rabies), posing risks to humans

Core pet vaccinations are recommended for every puppy and kitten, as well as adult pets, following proper booster schedules.

When Should Pets Get Vaccinated?

Puppies & Kittens

Begin vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age
Receive a series of boosters every 3–4 weeks
Rabies is typically administered around 12–16 weeks

Adult Pets

Require regular boosters based on local laws and veterinary guidance—often every 1 to 3 years

Sticking to a vaccination schedule ensures your pet maintains strong immunity throughout their life.

The Takeaway on Essential Pet Vaccinations

Rabies and distemper are serious diseases, but the good news is that both are highly preventable through routine pet vaccinations. By keeping your pets up-to-date on these core vaccines, you’re not only protecting them but also helping maintain a healthier and safer community.

If you're unsure whether your pet is due for their shots, reach out to Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital in Dunn, NC. Our team can review records and recommend the best plan for lifelong protection.

When Should You Call an Emergency Veterinarian?

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:19:56 GMT

Does Your Pet Require Medical Attention in the Benson, Clinton, Dunn, or Fayetteville, NC Area?

Sometimes it can be hard to know when you should call an emergency veterinarian and when you should wait it out. However, anytime that you feel your pet needs medical attention, call your local emergency veterinarian, or just bring your pet in to be seen. For pet owners in the Benson , Clinton , Dunn , and Fayetteville , NC area, the emergency vet of choice is Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital. Here are a few scenarios that you should bring your pet to the emergency veterinarian.

Difficulty Breathing or Choking: If your pet is having difficulty breathing you should take them to see an emergency veterinarian. Not being able to breathe properly could result in your pet dying, so it is best to take them in as soon as you notice any sign of labored breathing.

Severe Injury or Trauma: If your pet gets injured by another animal or does something dangerous like jump out of a window on an upper level of your home, you should take them in immediately to be checked out. Even if your pet seems okay, you should have them seen by a veterinarian to ensure they have no hidden injuries.

Ingestion of Toxic Substances: Certain human foods are toxic to dogs so if your dog ingests any of them or any other known toxic substance, they should be taken to an emergency veterinarian immediately.

Uncontrolled Vomiting or Diarrhea: Like humans, consistent vomiting or diarrhea is a sign of illness. If your pet is experiencing either of these symptoms they should be seen by an emergency veterinarian.

Sudden Behavioral Changes: A sudden change in behavior could be a sign that your pet is uncomfortable or in pain. Contact or visit an emergency veterinarian for assistance with the next steps for your pet. Behavioral changes should not be taken lightly as they are typically the first sign of a deeper issue.

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws This Spring

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:19:12 GMT

Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Paws Protected in the Spring

The paws of your dog are critical to their health and well-being. Their paws are equivalent to our hands and feet. We need to keep our pet’s paws in good condition so that they are comfortable and able to walk around easily and safely. Unfortunately, paws are susceptible to injury because they are constantly placed on hard surfaces and debris as our pets roam around. Things like sticks, rocks, oil, and animal feces are just some of the things that your pet can step on that can injure their paws or compromise their health. That is why it is important to keep their paws clean and always protected. Here are some tips for keeping their paws protected in the spring:

Stay on Grass: Hot pavement is a common source of paw problems. It can cause burns to the pads of the paw leading to irritation. This irritation will cause your dog to nip at their paw, causing further issues. Walk them on grass whenever possible to keep their paws off the hot pavement.

Use Paw Wax: Paw wax can be easily applied to your dog’s paws to protect against harmful substances. It can also protect against hot surfaces and road salt, making it a year-round solution.

Dog Shoes: If your dog allows you, putting dog shoes on them keeps them protected from all kinds of potential hazards that they may encounter. It allows them to safely walk through mud, water, and on hot surfaces.

Regularly Check Their Paws: After walks, check their paws for debris and dirt stuck in their paws. If you find anything stuck on their paws or between their toes, clean their paws thoroughly.

Learn More From Our Veterinary Clinic Serving Benson, Clinton, Dunn & Fayetteville, NC Today!

At Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital, we provide veterinary care services to the Benson , Clinton , Dunn , and Fayetteville , NC area. . Our veterinarians are here to help with all your veterinary needs. We perform annual wellness exams, pet vaccinations, and emergency veterinary care services. Contact us today to schedule your veterinary care services!

Preparing for Springtime Injuries and the Importance of Pet Vaccinations

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:18:45 GMT

Ready to Prepare Your Pet for Spring?

As the weather warms up and spring arrives, many pet owners are excited to get fresh air and spend more time outdoors with their furry companions. While being outside more may sound like a fantastic idea, warm weather and outdoor activities can put your beloved pet at risk. As pet owners, it is crucial to be prepared and knowledgeable about common pet injuries and the importance of pet vaccinations. Below are some common springtime injuries and how pet vaccinations play a vital role in keeping your fur baby safe and healthy.

Common Springtime Injuries for Pets

Allergies and Insect Bites: Just like humans, pets can suffer from allergies and insect bites during the spring season. Common allergens include pollen, grass, and certain plants. Insect bites from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can also cause discomfort and potential health issues for our pets. If your pet has excessive scratching, redness, swelling, or difficulty breathing, contact a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Poisons: Certain foods, plants, and insecticides can be toxic to pets if ingested. Common poisonous plants and food include lilies, azaleas, daffodils, tulips, garlic, onions, chocolate, and gum. Keeping an eye on where your pet is roaming will help keep them safe and healthy.
Injuries from Outdoor Activities: When your pets are outside, they will participate in various outdoor activities such as running, jumping, and exploring. While these activities are great for their physical and mental well-being, they do come with the risk of injuries. Supervising your pet while outdoors and ensuring they aren't overexerting themselves will help minimize the risk of accidents.

The Importance of Pet Vaccinations

Now that you better understand the different risks when bringing your pets outside during the spring, knowing how to protect them is equally important. Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing various diseases and ensuring your pet's overall health. Below are multiple reasons why pet vaccinations are so necessary:

Prevents Disease: One of the main reasons to ensure your pet is vaccinated is to protect them from various diseases. By keeping your pet up to date with vaccinations, you are protecting them from life-threatening diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia.
Reduces Spread: When vaccinating your pets, you are not only protecting them but also the community. Pet vaccinations help reduce the spread of diseases to other animals, including wildlife, and can help prevent outbreaks.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Preventive care, such as pet vaccinations, is often more cost-effective in the long run compared to treating diseases that could have been prevented. Investing in vaccinations will save you on expensive medical treatments and will ensure a long and healthy life for your pet.

Visit Our Veterinary Clinic Today!

As springtime approaches, it is essential to ensure your pet is ready. At Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital, we take pride in providing pet vaccinations to help prevent disease and maintain the long-term health of your fur baby. If your pet has suffered a springtime injury, our knowledgeable veterinarians will quickly determine the best course of action. Know that when you visit our veterinary clinic, you and our pets are in excellent hands and will receive the care they deserve. Give us a call today to schedule your pet vaccinations . We offer services to those in Benson , Clinton , Dunn , Fayetteville , Smithfield, NC , and the surrounding areas.

Common Holiday Foods That Should Not Be Fed to Dogs

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:52:15 GMT

Holiday Foods That Veterinarians Suggest You Skip Sharing With Your Dog

As tempting as it may be to give food scraps to your dog or someone else’s this holiday season, be sure to do your research first. There are many foods and drinks that we eat during the holidays that are not safe for dogs to eat. Here are some common holiday foods that veterinarians say to avoid feeding your dog during the holidays.

Candy: There is a sweetener known as xylitol that is commonly used while producing most kinds of candy. Xylitol can cause liver failure which will lead to death in dogs. So, veterinarians suggest keeping any little kids running around with candy in their hands away from your dog this holiday season.

Chocolate: There is caffeine and a chemical called Theobromine that are both found in chocolate and dogs cannot metabolize them like humans. Theobromine is used as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and muscle relaxant for humans, but when it comes to this chemical found in chocolate, a dog’s body is much different than a human’s body.

Dairy products: To put it simply, dogs are lactose intolerant, and will therefore their bodies will have a tough time breaking down any dairy products they are given. Dairy products can cause diarrhea and other unpleasant digestive issues in dogs. If your dog ingests a large amount of dairy by mistake, you can contact our veterinarians for advice on what to do.

Eggnog: Milk, cream, eggs, and nutmeg are all ingredients in eggnog that can cause serious digestive issues for your pet. So instead, veterinarians suggest that you give your dog a treat that is made for pets that you know they can enjoy without any repercussions.

Garlic: Garlic poisoning in dogs is due to the chemical properties of garlic causing damage to their red blood cells. The damage to their red blood cells will cause digestive problems and respiratory issues, which can both be life-threatening for your dog. Contact a veterinarian immediately if your dog ingests garlic this holiday season.

Onions and chives: N-propyl disulfide is a chemical found in onions that like garlic, causes damage to red blood cells in dogs. The breakdown and the destruction of red blood cells in dogs after ingesting onion can be fatal.

Raisins or grapes: There is still more research that needs to be done, but grapes are to be avoided at all costs when it comes to dogs because they cause kidney damage. The damage to the kidneys can lead to kidney failure and the death of your dog.

Turkey bones: When dogs chew on turkey bones they break up and irritate their digestive tracts. The irritation can lead to some serious internal damage to your dog’s body. If your dog devours a turkey bone, contact a local veterinarian to get your dog in for an x-ray.

Contact Our Local Veterinary Clinic to Request Further Information

Contact our veterinarians at Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital anytime if you have questions regarding what holiday foods are safe for your pet to enjoy. Our veterinary clinic offers services to residents of Benson, Clinton, Dunn, Smithfield, and Fayetteville, NC.

Tips to Properly Care for Your Pet

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:30:47 GMT

Tips to Properly Care for Your Pet in Benson, Clinton, Dunn, or Fayetteville, NC

Veterinarians are medical professionals who specialize in caring for animals. There are several things that veterinarians recommend you do or don’t do to care for your pet at home properly. However, some actions should be taken that involve leaving your home such as annual visits to the vet. Here are some tips about how to care for your pet:

Annual vet visits - It’s so important to bring your pet to a veterinarian at least once a year to be checked out. Your veterinarian will be able to check the health of your pet and either tell you that everything you’re doing is great or give you some suggestions on how to improve the physical health of your pet. Your veterinarian will also check if your pet is up to date on all its vaccines to keep you and your pet safe.

Spay & neuter - After getting a pet, you should take them to an animal hospital to be spayed or neutered. This will prevent you from ending up with unwanted kittens or puppies. However, that’s not the only benefit it also helps decrease your pet’s risk of getting cancer.

Take steps to minimize parasites on your pet - Your veterinarian can recommend vaccinations and medications to keep fleas, ticks, and other unwanted pests away from your pet. Be sure to keep up with medications for your pet, especially during the warmer months of the year when ticks are out.

Keep their weight in check - Some dogs and cats are very good at maintaining a healthy weight, but others struggle and tend to eat more than they should. As their owner, you should do everything you can to keep your pet’s weight in a healthy range. Failure to do so can result in health issues, just like humans who are overweight.

Take them for walks - Walking your dog is a great way to improve their physical and mental health. Walks also allow your dog to interact with new people and sometimes other dogs.

Take care of their teeth - Brushing your pet’s teeth or giving them a daily dental treat makes a huge difference to their overall dental hygiene.

Proper seating in vehicles - Keep your pets in the back seat of all vehicles. It is never safe for your pet to be in the front seat. You should also purchase some sort of pet seat belt, so your pet stays secure if you stop quickly or get into a car accident. No one wants to take a trip to the animal hospital because their pet flew out of the car.

Contact Our Local Animal Hospital to Request Support

Contact Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital for more information about our animal hospital serving the Benson , Clinton , Dunn , and Fayetteville , NC communities or to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians.

What to Expect When You Go to the Vet for the First Time

Mon, 22 May 2023 15:05:42 GMT

Prepare for Your First Visit to a Local Veterinary Clinic

Taking your pet to a veterinary clinic for the first time is very similar to taking a human child to the doctor for the first time. There are a few different things that your pet will be checked for and vaccinated for when they go to the animal clinic for the first time. Here’s the breakdown of a visit to the animal clinic:

Full body examination:

The veterinarians at your local veterinary clinic will start by doing a full body examination to make sure there is nothing wrong with your pet.

Checking vitals - A veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs to make sure there are no signs that they are struggling to breathe.

Weight check - It’s important that all animals stay within a healthy weight range. When an animal is overweight, they are more at risk for health issues and may do damage to their legs.

Examining eyes - While at the animal clinic, your pet’s eyes will be checked to make sure there are no abnormalities or issues. Some things that are cause for concern are excessive discharge, redness, cloudiness, issues with their tear ducts, and eyelid abnormalities.

Checking the coat of your pet - The coat of your pet shouldn’t be flaky, and they shouldn’t be losing excessive amounts of hair at a time. If their coat is looking a little rough the veterinary clinic team may suggest changing their food or giving them a supplement like salmon oil.

Examining ears - Checking your pet’s ears is done to make sure there are not any ear mites or bacteria growing. Another thing that the animal clinic’s team will check for is excessive ear wax.

Checking their teeth - It’s not uncommon for puppies to lose their teeth and adult dogs' teeth to rot out. It’s important to be brushing your dog’s teeth or giving them dental treats to help prevent their teeth from rotting out as they get older.

Looking at their skin - The skin underneath your pet’s coat also needs to be checked for abnormalities such as bumps, lumps, flakiness, and parasites. It’s important to put flea and tick medication on your pets to keep them from getting diseases during the warmer months of the year.

Vaccinations:

Many vaccinations are used to protect dogs and cats from different parasites and sicknesses. Some vaccines that are routine for your dog to get are DAPP and rabies. Other vaccines that are only given to dogs that are constantly around other dogs or getting boarded are DAPP, rabies, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and the canine influenza virus vaccine.

The routine vaccinations for cats are feline panleukopenia virus, feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline caliciviruses, rabies virus, and the feline leukemia virus vaccine. Contact our animal clinic serving the Benson , Clinton , Dunn , and Fayetteville , NC communities if you have questions about the vaccine schedule for your dog or cat.

Importance of Spaying/Neutering Your Pet

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:55:40 GMT

Benefits of Spaying/Neutering Your Pet:

Pet homelessness is one of the biggest problems across the United States. Each year, millions of healthy animals are euthanized because there aren’t enough homes for them. One of the best ways you can help control pet homelessness in the country is by choosing to spay or neuter your furry friend. Any type of surgical procedure can be overwhelming, but there are a variety of benefits to spaying or neutering your animal. From medical to behavioral benefits, check out the following sections to learn more.

Medical

Spaying your female dog or cat will prevent uterine infections and decrease the chances of breast tumors. In male pets, neutering can prevent testicular cancer and reduce the chances of developing prostate issues.

Behavioral

Female Pets

During the heat cycle, female pets tend to meow/bark and urinate more frequently. In some cases, they may even urinate in the house to attract a mate. Spaying your pet before its first heat cycle will prevent the occurrence of these behaviors.

Male Pets

During the breeding season, male dogs will do anything to find a mate. Dogs that escape are at a much higher risk of being injured in traffic and fighting with other animals. Choosing to neuter your pet will prevent them from roaming freely. Male pets tend to mark their territory by spraying, which can leave your house smelling like urine. Neutering your pet early enough will prevent this behavior from starting. It will also reduce the chances of mating behaviors such as mounting other animals or objects. If neutered early enough, it can help to reduce aggressive behaviors.

When Should You Spay/Neuter Your Pet?

Choosing to spay or neuter your animal is a big decision, which is why finding a trusted veterinary clinic is key to keeping your pet happy and healthy. An experienced professional will be able to help you determine the best time to spay/neuter your pet. They will also be able to properly inform you of the risks of your pet undergoing this surgery. Check out the following section to learn more about when to spay/neuter your pet.

Dogs

Dogs can be spayed/neutered anywhere from 6 to 9 months old. Depending on their health, puppies can be neutered as young as 8 weeks old. Although adult dogs can be neutered, they are at a higher risk for complications.

Cats

Kittens can be spayed/neutered as early as 8 weeks old. If done early enough, it can prevent spraying along with eliminating any chance of pregnancy.

Rely on Our Veterinary Clinic for Quality Pet Services!

At Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital, we have years of experience in spaying and neutering pets across Benson , Clinton , Dunn , Smithfield , Fayetteville, NC and the surrounding communities. When you choose to spay or neuter your pet, you’re helping to control the pet homelessness crisis across the nation. Spaying/neutering your pet is the only true way to prevent the cost of caring for a litter. If you’re looking to spay or neuter your pet, rely on our veterinary clinic for top-quality care that you can depend on. Contact our veterinary clinic in Dunn, NC to learn more about our surgical services!

Flea & Tick Prevention Tips

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:36:03 GMT

How to Protect Your Pet from Fleas & Ticks

Our pets are our best friends so it’s important to keep your furry friend feeling healthy. One way to do that is by protecting them from fleas and ticks. These types of pests can cause harmful diseases and infections. Without the proper protection, your pet is at risk of contracting diseases like Lyme disease. When it comes to flea and tick protection, it's important to find the right products for your pet and their needs.

It’s important to do your part in preventing fleas and ticks from harming your furry friend. This will ensure they’re ready to play outside all summer long. Check out the following section for some tips on how you can prevent these nasty pests from causing havoc on your pet’s life.

Keep Your Home Clean

Routine cleaning can keep flea eggs from hatching and invading your home. Cleaning your couches, curtains, carpets, and your pet’s bedding will ensure your home is free from flea eggs. After you’re done cleaning, it’s important to dispose of the vacuum bag properly. This will ensure the eggs won’t hatch and continue to multiply after they’ve been vacuumed up.

Keep Your Yard Clean

Just like cleaning your home, the yard needs to be well kept as well. Regular maintenance like mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and removing brush clippings will prevent the chances of fleas hanging out and breeding. Ticks tend to hide in high grasses, which is why it’s important to keep them well-trimmed. They also tend to thrive in deeply wooded and humid areas, like North Carolina. Treating your lawn with flea and tick prevention chemicals will reduce the chances of them clinging to your pet.

Check Your Pet Regularly

Living in a deeply wooded and humid area increases the chances of your pet getting bit by a tick. It’s important to check over your pet regularly for ticks. They tend to cling to their skin, ears, and under their legs. Once a tick has attached itself, it only takes about 24 hours for it to transmit diseases. Routine skin checks on your pet will prevent the development of common diseases that ticks transmit, like Lyme disease. If your pet has been bitten by a tick, they may show changes in their behavior. Common signs are loss of appetite, limping, and tiredness.

Use Flea & Tick Prevention Treatments

Since ticks and fleas tend to thrive during the summer months, it’s important to use a preventative treatment to keep them at bay. Your pet should be on a yearly flea and tick product to prevent the chances of a bite. It’s important to consult your veterinarian whenever you’re deciding on the right product for your pet’s needs.

Contact Our Emergency Veterinarian in Dunn, NC Today!

When you’re looking for someone to help keep your pet healthy, turn to Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital. Flea and tick bites can cause a variety of issues for your pet. Whether they’re in need of a special flea and tick treatment or an emergency veterinarian, we’re here to help. After any tick bite, it’s important to monitor your pet’s behavior. If there’s any appetite changes, excessive tiredness, or limping – you should contact an emergency veterinarian. At our animal hospital, we’re fully equipped to handle any type of pet emergency.

For years, our emergency veterinarian has provided quality services for Benson, Clinton, Dunn, Fayetteville, Smithfield, NC and the surrounding communities. To learn more about our services, contact our emergency veterinarian . Have no doubt, that we’re here to ensure your pet stays healthy.

The Importance Of Having Your Indoor Pet Vaccinated

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 13:54:26 GMT

Reasons to Get Your Pet Vaccinated:

While we may assume that our indoor pets are protected against many viruses and diseases, as they spend so much time indoors, this isn’t always the case. It is extremely important to make sure your indoor animals receive regular vaccinations to prevent potential illnesses and avoid expensive vet bills down the line.

Some of the reasons it is so important to make sure your indoor pets receive the right vaccinations include:

● It’s a law in many states. In some states, including North Carolina, you are actually required to vaccinate your pets, especially cats, dogs, and ferrets, regardless of whether they live outdoors or indoors.

● You want to make sure your animal is protected in case they run into an animal that isn’t vaccinated. Unfortunately, sometimes our pets can escape our homes and even run away. If this were to happen, your animal could come in contact with a stray who has contracted some form of disease or illness. If your pet is vaccinated, you won’t have to worry about them potentially contracting a disease or illness.

● You can actually bring diseases into your home unknowingly. A pet can quickly become ill from a virus or disease that was brought in unknowingly by a member of the home. However, you don’t have to worry about what could potentially be brought into your home if your pet is vaccinated, as they will be less likely to contract a virus or illness.

● Your animal could contract an illness while at a kennel. If you go out of town regularly and rely on a kennel or animal boarding business to look after your pet while you are away, then you’ll definitely want to make sure your pet is vaccinated. They will come into contact with a ton of other animals during their time at a kennel or boarding facility, and you never want to worry about them contracting an illness like canine influenza. If you plan on leaving your animal at one of these facilities, you’ll definitely want to have them vaccinated beforehand.

● You will also be protecting yourself and the members of your home. As much as we love our pets, we would hate to become sick because of something they have contracted. It is important to have your pet vaccinated to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the other members of the home.

● A vaccination can save you time and money down the line. The whole point of getting your pet vaccinated is to prevent them from getting sick. Should your pet be unvaccinated and get extremely ill, you’ll likely have to take them to the vet to receive expensive treatment. By having your pet vaccinated, you won’t have to worry as much about their health or expensive trips to the animal hospital.

If you have questions about pet vaccinations or want to set up an appointment to have your pet vaccinated, please give us at Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital a call today. Our knowledgeable staff will recommend the right vaccinations to protect your pet. Contact our staff today to learn more.

Schedule a Vaccination Appointment in the
Benson, Clinton, Dunn & Fayetteville, NC Area

If you have questions about pet vaccinations or want to set up an appointment to have your pet vaccinated in the Benson , Clinton , Dunn , and Fayetteville , NC area, please give us at Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital a call today

Holiday Hazards: Keeping Your Pet Safe

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 15:49:43 GMT

How to Keep Your Pet Safe & Healthy this Holiday Season:

The holiday season is typically a fun time for all. These few months that are considered the “holiday season” are filled with lots of great food, time spent with family, fun decorations, time off from school or work, and so much more. What’s not to love about this thrilling time of year? Unfortunately, there may be a member of your home who is put at a greater risk for injury or illness during this time: your pet.

Sometimes the holiday season can become dangerous for pets. With all of the new foods, new environments, and new decorations, it is important to keep your home completely safe for your pets. Below are a few pet holiday hazards to be on the lookout for and how to avoid these hazards that could lead to a visit to the vet.

Decorations/Ornaments : While decorations and ornaments may be fun and whimsical for you, they could be a potential safety hazard for your pet. Pets can pull them down and eat them, which could lead to them getting sick, or when they pull on it, it could lead to them getting hit by the decoration which could lead to injury. So, it is important to leave these ornaments out of reach from your pets.

Food: Food is usually a very popular topic of discussion during the holiday season. However, in this instance, food may not be such a popular topic. During the holidays, there may be new foods that you don’t typically have around your home and you may be tempted to give these foods to your pets to try. Unfortunately, good foods for humans might not be so great for pets. Some foods to avoid include chocolates, anything with a bone still in it, uncooked dough, fat trimmings, turkey skin, etc. These types of foods can be a choking hazard for your pet or could make your pet very ill.

Seasonal Plants: Seasonal plants can also cause major issues for your pet. Examples of seasonal plants that are toxic for your pet to ingest include azaleas, holly, ivy, and mistletoe. Definitely take the time to keep these out of reach from your pet, as they can be harmful for pets to ingest.

Candles: Candles can be a great way to create a warm and cozy atmosphere during the holiday season. However, these small objects can cause major problems for you and your pet. If you leave your pet and the candle unattended, your pet could let their curiosity get the best of them and potentially burn themselves. Your pet could also accidentally knock the candle over and cause a major fire in your home. That is why it is always best to make sure to keep the candles away from your pet and to make sure they are not lit when you leave your home.

It is also extremely important that you express any concerns you have about your pet to any guests that you have so they can be sure to not give your pet anything that they aren’t supposed to have and so they can be careful not to leave anything that could be harmful for your pet laying around.

You definitely want to be able to enjoy your holiday season without having to worry about potentially putting your pet at risk. If you are in the Dunn, NC area and you ever find yourself needing an emergency veterinarian, turn to us at Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital. We offer emergency veterinarian services so even when the unexpected happens you can count on us to get your pet feeling their best once again.

Call Our Benson, Clinton, Dunn & Fayetteville Area Clinic for More Tips!

If you are in the Benson , Clinton , Dunn , or Fayetteville , NC area and you ever find yourself needing an emergency veterinarian, turn to us at Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital.

Schedule Your Annual Check Up

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:21:52 GMT

Ensure Your Pet Has a Healthy Start to the Year
– Visit Our Vet in the Benson, Clinton, Dunn & Fayetteville, NC Area!

As we settle into the new year, chances are that you have your own to-do list for the year. One area you’ll want to be sure to add is your pet’s annual health and wellness checkup. Having yearly visits to our animal hospital is key to a long and happy life for your pet. Keep reading below to see why it’s so important for your pets to keep up with their annual appointments.

Annual Exam

During your pet’s annual exam, we take your pet’s weight, check their fur, and review, ears, eyes, mouth/teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, and any other areas that may be bothering your pet or that you have concerns over. This is especially important if you have an older pet or one with previously diagnosed health issues. Annual exams help us track your pet’s health progress, ensure that aging pets are healthy, and look out for any new health situations.

Pet Vaccinations

Whether you have a cat or a dog, there are some vaccines that you must keep up with, such as the rabies vaccine. Your pets must have proof to verify that these vaccines are current. However, there are some vaccines that are not mandated but that we strongly recommend have your pet receive for optimum health. Check our list of canine and feline vaccines below.

Critical Vaccines for Dogs

Canine Distemper Virus
Parvovirus
Canine Adenovirus
Rabies

Recommended Vaccines for Dogs

Distemper-Measles Combination
Respiratory Diseases
Canine Parainfluenza Virus
Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough)
Leptospira
Borrelia Burgdorferi (Lyme Disease)
Giardia

Vaccines for Cats & Kittens

Critical Vaccines for Cats
Feline Herpesvirus 1
Feline Calicivirus
Feline Panleukopenia Virus
Rabies

Recommended Vaccines for Cats

Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Chlamydophila Felis
Bordetella Bronchiseptica

Contact Our Certified Veterinary Clinic to Schedule an Upcoming Exam

Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital offers routine pet exams , pet vaccinations , and emergency care for Benson , Clinton , Dunn , Fayetteville , and the surrounding NC areas. . Our emergency veterinarian can help with sudden health issues that require immediate care. Our office offers walk-ins for standard services, but appointments are honored. Contact us today to get started.

Scheduling Regular Check-Ups For Pets

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:24:18 GMT

It's Important to Schedule Regular Exams at a Local Animal Hospital

Pets are special members of your family. They offer a special bond and endless entertainment as well as love. Studies have shown that pets help reduce stress in their human companions and having a pet can provide many mental and physical health benefits. Unlike a child who can tell you what is wrong, your pet can't verbalize when something hurts or irritates. Just like people, your pets need regular check-ups as well to ensure they are healthy. Dogs and cats should have check-ups annually, allowing your vet to determine any subtle changes in your pet's health. This is also a great time to report anything that has been different including loss of appetite, coughing, weight changes, and more. Regular check-ups play a huge part in preventing health issues.

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Stay Up to Date on Pet Vaccinations and Preventatives- Regular check-ups give your vet the opportunity to make sure your pet is up to date on their recommended vaccinations. Vaccinations are very important as they help prevent pets from contracting serious diseases. Common routine vaccinations include distemper, leptospirosis, adenovirus, parvovirus as well as parainfluenza, Bordetella (kennel cough), and rabies. This is also a good time to allow your vet to check for fleas and ticks, as well as check for Heartworm and other parasites.

Catch Problems that Haven’t Shown Symptoms Yet- You may be able to notice certain signs that your pet is not feeling well. However, since they can't speak, it makes determining most issues difficult. An animal hospital or veterinarian clinic will have the experience to help keep your pet healthy by checking blood work and vital signs. This will help reveal any illnesses or problems your pet hasn't shown symptoms for yet. By the time your pet shows symptoms, it may be too late to treat. Regular check-ups help catch problems early on that may have been missed.

Opportunity to Ask Questions- A routine check-up is a perfect time to ask your vet any questions or express any concerns that you may have.

Monitor Dental Care- Dental care is important for all dogs but more important in older dogs. Dental diseases will not only cause pain in your pet, but it could lead to problems with their internal organs due to the bacteria the diseases can create. Routine check-ups will include looking at your pet's teeth to monitor build-up and to decide if dental cleanings or tooth removal surgeries are needed.

Our Local Animal Hospital Offers Versatile Care

At Vetcare for Pets Animal Hospital, serving Dunn , Benson , Smithfield , Fayetteville and Clinton, NC , we take pride in our services. When it comes to regular check-ups for your pets, there are a variety of reasons why they are so important. From monitoring weight to staying up to date on pet vaccinations and dental health , it's important not to miss the opportunity to have your pet examined so they can stay happy and healthy for years to come. A check-up can make a major difference in the life of your pet. For more information or to schedule services, please contact us today!