Last updated 15 hours ago
Your kitten’s first visit to the vet can be an adventure. Most likely, your kitten is feeling anxious and worried, and you probably feel the same way. That said, by coming prepared and knowing what to expect, your kitten’s appointment will go more smoothly. Here is what to expect at your cat’s first trip to the veterinarian.
Your Cat Will Have a Physical Exam
One of the very first things that will happen at your kitten’s appointment is a physical exam. People are used to having their temperature and vitals taken when they go to the doctor, and for your kitten, it is much the same. The veterinarian will take your cat’s temperature, check his eyes, listen to his heart, and check for mobility.
Your Veterinarian Will Administer Shots
Most likely your kitten has not had any vaccinations, so your vet will administer shots. For this to be successful, your cat needs to be calm, which can be accomplished by letting him roam around a little bit before or after the physical exam. The veterinarian will administer blood tests to check for viruses and diseases found in cats as a precautionary measure.
You Will Be Asked About Your Kitten’s Temperament
Be prepared to answer questions about your kitten’s temperament. This includes fielding questions about your cat’s eating habits, sleeping habits, litter box habits, and anything else noticeable in behavior. Your veterinarian wants to get a better idea of how your kitten acts around the house.
You Will Be Expected To Bring a Fecal Sample
Bringing a fecal sample is standard and very helpful. The veterinarian will use the sample provided primarily to make sure there are no worms, but also to check for other ailments. Once the fecal analysis is complete, the results will be explained to you.
A trip to the vet may seem scary at first for both you and your kitten, but it is extremely useful and necessary. Contact Lincoln Avenue Veterinary Clinic in San Jose for experienced pet care. Schedule an appointment for your pet by calling us today at (408) 565-8601.
Last updated 7 days ago
Aging is a natural fact of life for pets. As your pet gets older, he may need a specific type of diet and special veterinary attention. This doesn’t mean that your pet’s quality of life should deteriorate, however. In fact, quite the opposite can occur if you take special care of your loved one. Consult with your local San Jose veterinarian. Here are some helpful tips for taking care of your older pet.
- Be Conscious of Your Pet’s Diet- Older pets are susceptible to painful tooth and gum conditions, which make eating and chewing a potentially excruciating process. The biggest sign of discomfort or pain is when you notice your pet is dropping food from the mouth when chewing. Typically, older pets benefit from softer and more easily-digestible foods.
- Adjust to the Lifestyle Needs of Your Pet- Each pet is unique and each pet ages differently. Most likely, at some point they will slow down a bit. Some pets may need more time indoors, less physical activity, or even a comfortable place to sleep, away from crowded areas of the house. The comfort of your pet is key in keeping them happy.
- Be Alert to Behavior Changes- Any changes in behavior your pet exhibits can be a sign that something is wrong physically or even mentally. For instance, if your pet seems detached and spends less time around humans than normal, this may be an effect of aging or sadness. Lastly, beware if your pet becomes more irritable and doesn’t respond to your commands and calls. If you notice behavior changes, bring it up with your veterinarian.
- Always Be Cautious about Your Pet’s Health- There’s nothing you can do to prevent your pet from aging, but there is plenty you can do to keep your pet energized and in good health. Schedule regular veterinary visits and annual vaccinations. Also, be sure to feed your pet a healthy diet as recommended by your pet’s veterinarian.
After many wonderful years living together, your older pet will truly appreciate receiving extra care and attention. If you’re looking for gentle health care for your older pet, check out Lincoln Avenue Veterinary Clinic in San Jose. Call us at (408) 565-8601 to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian today.
Last updated 14 days ago
If you’ve ever bought new furniture only to see it scratched and clawed by your cat, you’re not alone. Scratching is simply in their nature, so don’t be too hard on your beloved kitten. Instead, try to prevent it by taking the actions illustrated in this educational vet video.
Cats will designate certain locations as scratching areas, and they are specific about the type of surfaces they will claw. To minimize the problem, place a scratching post in the area your cat seems to prefer. Another useful method is to put double-sided tape on surfaces because cats won’t enjoy scratching something sticky. Lastly, be sure to trim your cats’ nails frequently.
If your cat is due for a visit to a veterinarian, contact Lincoln Avenue Veterinary Clinic in San Jose. Call us at (408) 565-8601 to schedule an appointment today.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your veterinarian to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual veterinarian
Last updated 23 days ago
With summer just around the corner, it might be a good time to review the various problems that heat can bring, and what you can do to prevent them. Always have your local veterinarians number handy. Dogs and cats do not have the ability to sweat like people do. Signs of heat exhaustion, or heat stroke include collapse, non-responsiveness, weakness, vomiting, and of course, excessive body temperature. A dog or cat’s normal rectal temperature is between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees. Below are a few summer tips to consider:
- Pets, cars, and heat do not mix well. Temperatures in cars can quickly rise to lethal levels in a very short time. Never leave your pet in a car with the windows up all the way. Park in the shade. It's best to leave your pet at home if possible.
- The pavement, asphalt, and sidewalks can get literally blistering hot on some days. If you have to walk your dog, do so in the early morning or around sunset, when things cool off. The pads can blister, leaving the feet extremely painful and open to infection.
- If you can, provide a large chunk of ice for your pet to lick or drink. The cool water will help them just as much as it would us.
- Fans can provide an inexpensive way of providing a cooling relief without putting a major drain on our energy supplies. If the pets are left in the house, closing the curtains, blinds, and windows will help keep the cool in and the heat out.
- Older pets are especially susceptible to heat. You may need to provide more ways for them to cool off.
- If your dog is left outside, some dogs will use a wading pool to cool off. You may be able to time your lawn sprinklers to go off during the day.
- If you suspect your dog is over heated, take its temperature immediately. If it is over 103.5, you should call a veterinarian immediately and then cool the animal down with cool water on its body. If the pet can drink, sips of cold water will help. Get that pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please call Lincoln Avenue Veterinary Clinic at (408) 565-8601.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your veterinarian to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual veterinarian
Last updated 28 days ago
In our latest blogs, we’ve discussed the meaning behind common dog behaviors and looked at some important vaccines for pets. You can learn more about pet behavior and pet health with the resources below. To schedule a veterinary appointment for your pet, call Lincoln Avenue Veterinary Clinic today at (408) 565-8601.
Disclaimer:
The materials available at this website are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing medical advice. You should contact your veterinarian to obtain advice with respect to any particular medical issue or problem. Use and access to this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create a doctor-client relationship. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the opinions of the medical office or any individual veterinarian
