As pet owners, we go to great lengths to make sure our furry companions are healthy and safe. From routine vet visits to belly rubs and the occasional treat, their wellness is always top of mind. But one silent threat often goes unnoticed until it's too late—heartworm disease. At Home Veterinary Services is using National Heartworm Awareness Month to shine a spotlight on this dangerous yet preventable condition that affects both dogs and cats across the country.
Heartworm Disease and How It Spreads
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and lungs of infected pets. It's primarily spread through mosquito bites. Yes, one single bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes. Every year, over 100,000 dogs in the U.S. are diagnosed with heartworm infections. While dogs are the most common hosts, cats are also at risk, and both can suffer severe health consequences if left untreated.
Once a pet is bitten by an infected mosquito, microscopic larvae enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart and lungs. Over several months, they mature into adult heartworms, causing inflammation, lung disease, and eventually heart failure if untreated. Your pet may not show symptoms until the disease has advanced.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Pets
If you notice any of these signs of heartworm disease, schedule a veterinary visit right away. Early detection can significantly improve the outcome.
Symptoms in Dogs
We’ve all experienced it—your dog jumps up for a kiss, or your cat snuggles close, and suddenly, you’re hit with an overpowering wave of bad breath. While many pet owners brush off foul breath as "normal," persistent bad breath can actually be a warning sign of underlying health issues.
At Home Veterinary Services hears from pet owners concerned about their furry friend’s halitosis (chronic bad breath). While occasional bad breath after a meal is nothing to worry about, ongoing odor can signal dental disease, infections, or even internal health problems. In this blog, we will uncover the possible causes of bad breath in pets, when to be concerned, and how to keep their breath fresh and healthy.
What Causes Bad Breath in Pets?
Bad breath isn’t just unpleasant—it’s often a symptom of a bigger issue. Here are some of the most common causes of foul-smelling breath in pets:
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
The most common culprit of bad breath in pets is plaque and tartar accumulation. When food particles and bacteria mix with saliva, they form a sticky substance called plaque, which hardens into tartar over time. This leads to gum inflammation (gingivitis), tooth decay, and painful infections.
As a pet owner, you likely understand the importance of keeping your furry friend happy and healthy throughout their lives. Just like us humans, pets need routine checkups to thrive. While some pet owners might think checkups are only necessary when their pet seems unwell, this couldn't be further from the truth. Regular veterinary checkups are the cornerstone of preventive healthcare for pets, acting as a vital tool for identifying and addressing potential health issues before they blossom into serious problems. These checkups, often referred to as wellness exams, go far beyond simply checking for temperature and listening to the heart.
For many pet owners, a trip to the veterinarian conjures up images of frantic car rides, anxious whimpers in the waiting room, and the general chaos that often comes with transporting furry (or feathery) friends to an unfamiliar environment. While traditional veterinary clinics serve a vital purpose, there's a growing trend in pet care that offers a calmer, more convenient alternative: at-home veterinary services.
Halloween can be a thrilling time for families, but for our furry friends, it’s often more of a spooky season full of anxiety and potential risks. From strangers ringing the doorbell to the constant noise and excitement, pets may feel overwhelmed and could even run off in fear. That’s why microchipping in Seattle, Wa is such a smart move during this time. With the increased chances of pets getting lost during the holiday, taking steps to microchip your pet can ensure they are safely returned if they unexpectedly wander off.
Owning a pet is not just a source of joy but also a responsibility that involves more than feeding and playtime. Regular veterinary check-ups and screenings are critical to pet care, often overlooked until a pet shows signs of illness. Understanding the importance of these routine visits is key to ensuring our furry companions' long-term health and well-being.
For people in the Bellevue, WA area who’ve never thought to use the best house call veterinarian around, At Home Veterinary Services, it can be a little strange to decide when they’re a good idea compared to a vet clinic. Imagine this scenario:
If you’re a pet owner in Issaquah, WA you could especially benefit from the services of a mobile veterinarian. You know what it’s like to get home after a long commute just to turn around and run out the door to make an appointment at the vet clinic.
Having just finished celebrating World Rabies Day, the importance of vaccines is at the front of everyone’s minds. Rabies is one of the most devastating examples of a deadly virus — and one of the shining beacons of hope for us all.
When it comes to our pets, we always want the best for them. For animals suffering from a chronic illness, though, it can be difficult to balance their medical needs with their comfort.
Why should you start thinking about a mobile Veterinarian in the Seattle, WA area?
Did you know that there are more dogs and puppies in Seattle city limits than there are human children?