Question 1

Is it good to send a puppy away for training?

Accepted Answer

Having your puppy trained at a young age can help them to become more obedient, improve their behavior and can help them to develop their social skills. The ideal period for puppies to start socializing is between 7-12 weeks. During that period, having your dog socialize with other dogs and professional trainers can help them to form bonds and become more accustomed to the world around them.

Question 2

What is the best age for puppy training classes?

Accepted Answer

Having your dog trained at a young age can help them to correct any bad behaviors early on and can teach them to become good citizens. Training your dog while they’re still young can also help them to develop their social skills and pick up good behaviors they see in other dogs. Typically, the best age to have your puppy professionally trained in obedience is between 7-8 weeks.

Question 3

Can an 8-week-old puppy be potty trained?

Accepted Answer

While 8-week-old puppies will take longer to potty train, it’s always good to start early and housetrain them slowly. Providing positive reinforcement when they use a puppy pad or use the bathroom outside can help them to learn those behaviors and repeat them. However, the ideal age to start potty training is between 12-24 weeks. During this period, your dog will be easier to potty train and will be able to pick up good behaviors more quickly.

Question 4

How often should senior dogs get bloodwork done?

Accepted Answer

Senior pets, defined as dogs 8 years old or older and cats 11 years old or older, should have routine blood work done every 6 months because their health deteriorates faster as they age. Similarly, pets with long-term health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and other conditions may require more frequent testing at the discretion of the veterinarian.

Question 5

What is senior early detection testing for dogs?

Accepted Answer

Early detection testing is usually done as part of a larger health and well-being exam. The purpose of the exam is to provide information about your pet's overall health and wellness. Blood and urine testing is done in addition to a general physical exam that looks at all factors of your pet's health. The details of your pet's internal health can be examined more closely using these two tests.

Question 6

Is a senior blood panel for dogs necessary?

Accepted Answer

Wellness testing for senior dogs is divided into four categories: complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and thyroid hormone testing. Because of the increased risk of underlying disease in senior dogs, comprehensive testing is recommended.

Regularly monitoring your older dog's health allows your veterinarian to detect minor changes that indicate the onset of disease or deterioration of an existing condition.

Question 7

What is good oral hygiene for dogs?

Accepted Answer

Just like with humans, good oral hygiene for dogs involves brushing their teeth regularly (at least once a week) using a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush. It's also important to clean their gums regularly with a damp cloth.

In addition to brushing their teeth, it's important to provide your dog with chew toys and treats that help clean their teeth and gums. Dental diets are also a great way to help keep your dog's teeth healthy - look for dental diets that specifically mention being beneficial for oral health.

Question 8

Why is pet oral health important?

Accepted Answer

Pet oral health is important for several reasons. First, if your pet has poor dental hygiene, they're at risk for developing gum disease, which can lead to problems with their teeth and gums. Additionally, poor oral health can also lead to bad breath, which is not only unpleasant for you and your pet but can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. Finally, as pets age, their teeth can become discolored or stained from years of built-up tartar and plaque; regular brushing can help prevent this.

Question 9

How can I clean my dog's teeth naturally?

Accepted Answer

There are a few different ways to clean your dog's teeth naturally. One way is to give your dog chew toys or bully sticks to gnaw on. This will help remove plaque and tartar from their teeth. Another way is to give them fresh vegetables or fruits, such as carrots, apples, or celery. These contain natural enzymes that help break down plaque and tartar. You can also brush their teeth with a toothbrush and water, or use an enzymatic toothpaste designed for dogs. Whatever method you choose, be sure to do it regularly to keep your dog's teeth healthy and clean!

Question 10

Why is pet obesity a problem?

Accepted Answer

Pet obesity is a common problem that can severely affect a pet’s health. Some of the main problems a pet can experience by being obese include:

Increased risk of cancer and heart disease.
Arthritis.
Respiratory issues.
High blood pressure.
Shorter life expectancy.

Question 11

How common is pet obesity?

Accepted Answer

Pet obesity is very common and can contribute to a lot of issues that can affect your pet’s health, well-being and life expectancy. Statistically, 59.5% of cats are obese and 55.8% of dogs are obese. To help prevent obesity in pets, it’s important to feed them the proper diet, make sure they get the adequate amount of exercise each day and manage their caloric intake.

Question 12

How can we prevent animal obesity?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to prevent pet obesity, but the most common way to prevent your pet from becoming obese is by managing their caloric intake. When it comes to pet obesity, many people overestimate the effects of exercise. While it’s healthy for your pet to exercise, managing your pet’s diet is the main way to prevent obesity. You can help to manage your pet’s diet by having them follow a strict plan and making sure they’re not consuming too many treats or human foods.

Question 13

How can you tell if a dog has allergies near Garner NC?

Accepted Answer

The most obvious way to tell if a dog has allergies is if the dog is constantly scratching, either in one spot or all over their body. Other symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny eye or nose discharge, vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect your dog is experiencing allergy symptoms, Carolina Ranch can help. We can help determine what your dog is allergic to and how best to treat it, giving your pup some much needed relief. Contact us online today to schedule an appointment or to learn more!

Question 14

Can dogs suffer from seasonal allergies near Garner NC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies. In Garner in the spring, for instance, we get high tree pollen counts. Dogs can be affected by tree pollen, as well as ragweed and dust mites. These allergens, also known as atopy, are environmental and are inhaled or come into contact with the dog’s skin, causing an allergic reaction.

Contact Carolina Ranch online today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about allergies and your pet.

Question 15

What can you give a dog with allergies near Garner NC?

Accepted Answer

Some common allergy treatments for dogs include:

Antihistamines - There are prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines that can be given to dogs to help with allergy symptoms. Make sure to consult with your veterinarian first before administering medicine.
Hypo-Allergenic Shampoos and Wipes - These products are helpful in cleaning your dog without irritating their skin.
Supplements - Some dogs respond well to fish oil supplements for skin care.
Prescription Topical and Oral Treatments - Your veterinarian will determine if any prescription medicine would work well to treat your dog’s symptoms.
Allergy Shots - Allergy shots are beneficial for dogs that do not respond well to oral medications.

Do you have questions on how to treat your pet’s allergies? Contact Carolina Ranch online today to schedule an appointment or to speak with one our knowledgeable vet technicians.

Question 16

What causes dog allergies?

Accepted Answer

Dog allergies are caused by an hypersensitivity of the immune system to proteins from plants, insects, animals or foods. Some common dog allergies stem from:

Pollen

Mold spores

Dust mites

Shed skin cells

Insects, like fleas

Medications

Foods

Allergies are actually pretty common in dogs. Carolina Ranch can help determine if your dog is suffering from an allergy and how best to treat it, giving your furry friend some much needed relief. Contact us online today to schedule an appointment or to learn more!

Question 17

What does a first time dog owner need?

Accepted Answer

Owning a dog for the first time is fun, but it’s important to be prepared and know exactly what you’ll need first before committing to getting a dog. Some of the most important things you’ll need as a first time dog owner include food and water bowls, a collar and leash, an appropriately sized bed, toys, dog waste bags for walks, a dog brush, nutritious food, treats and a reliable local veterinarian.

Have any questions about how to prepare for being a new dog owner? Call Carolina Ranch to have all of your questions answered today!

Question 18

What to think about before owning a dog?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are great companions and a lot of fun, but it’s important to consider everything involved with taking care of a dog before you get one. Dogs require a lot of love and attention, so it’s important that you’re able to dedicate time throughout the day to play with them, take them for walks and engage with them. Most dog breeds also shed and produce pet dander, so you’ll want to research hypoallergenic breeds if you’re an allergy sufferer. Dogs can also be expensive to take care of. If paying for vet visits and regularly buying food, toys and other things your dog will need is outside of your current budget, it may not be the best time for you to own a dog yet.

Question 19

What age should I get a dog?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are a lot of fun to have for any age, and it can be particularly good for children to grow up around dogs. Having a dog as a child can lead to healthier psychological development and can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety. However, taking care of a dog requires time, commitment and patience. If you are at an age or time in your life where you cannot fully commit to caring for a dog, it may be best to wait on adopting a dog until the timing is better.

Question 20

How much can a cat surgery cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a cat surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery that is being performed. A routine spay or neuter surgery typically costs around $100-$200, while a more complex procedure like feline leukemia surgery can cost several thousand dollars. Ultimately, the cost of the surgery should be seen as an investment in your cat's wellbeing. Surgery can be vital to preventing health problems down the road and can help your cat live a longer, happier life.

Question 21

What can I do to ensure my cat’s comfort after surgery?

Accepted Answer

After your cat's surgery, you'll want to make sure they remain comfortable and safe. You can do this by providing a calm and quiet environment, ensuring that your cat has easy access to food and water and by checking in on them regularly.

Most importantly, remember to be patient with your cat. Cats often recover more slowly than dogs or humans after surgery. Be sure to give your feline friend plenty of TLC in the days following the operation. By providing a supportive environment, you can help ensure they make a quick and healthy recovery.

Question 22

What to do if your cat needs surgery and you can't afford it?

Accepted Answer

Much like with dental care or any other type of medical procedure, veterinary surgery can be very expensive. If you're unable to afford traditional means of paying for your cat's surgery, there are a few things you can do in order to get the money together.

One option is to ask your veterinarian to set up a private payment plan so your cat can get the care they need right away. Another option is to look into CareCredit, which offers financing options specifically for vet care. If you’re able to wait a month or two before the surgery is needed, you can also invest in pet insurance to help covere the cost of treatment.

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