Should I Give My Pet Vitamins?

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For people, it is not uncommon for a medical doctor to recommend taking a multivitamin, along with other possible vitamins. So you may be wondering if this same advice would be beneficial to your pet. Just like with humans, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. While vitamins may benefit some pets, they could harm others. Consulting with your veterinarian is the best way to be sure that vitamins are what your pet needs.

Why Would My Pet Need Vitamins?

Deficiency

Let’s think a minute about why medical doctors might recommend a daily vitamin for their human patients. First, if lab testing indicates that a person is deficient in a certain vitamin (vitamin D is a common culprit), then of course they will recommend supplementing with that vitamin orally until the cause of the deficiency can be corrected. This is generally the same with pets. If lab testing shows that your pet is deficient in any vitamin, mineral, or other nutrients, your vet will recommend supplementation to get those levels back to normal.

Diet

The other reason medical doctors recommend daily multivitamins to humans is that our diets vary so much. The same person might eat drastically different things from day to day, getting plenty of certain vitamins some days while not getting any of those vitamins on others. Plus, there are some people who eat nutrient-poor, junk food all the time. These people definitely need a multivitamin to feel their best.

Pets don’t typically have so much diversity in their diets. Most pets eat commercial-made foods sold at major retailers. These foods are made to be balanced and everything that a pet needs to thrive. Vitamin supplementation for pets on commercial food diets is not usually recommended as it can lead to toxicity and overdose.

However, the exception is pets who eat homemade diets. Whether it’s homemade kibble or a raw diet, homemade diets present some unique challenges in terms of getting the nutrient balance just right. For these pets, a vet may recommend a daily multivitamin just to be sure they are getting everything they need. However, if you know your homemade pet diet is well-balanced, discuss this with your vet, as extra vitamins may be unnecessary and dangerous.

Pet Care in Tampa

If you’re wondering if vitamin supplementation could benefit or harm your pet, don’t make the decision alone. Trust the experts here at Affordable Pet Hospital to fully evaluate your pet’s condition and provide advice and recommendations meant to give your pet the best quality of life. Call us at (813) 991-9898 or request an appointment online today!

Wound Care in Dogs and Cats

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Pet owners know their pets are prone to cuts, scrapes, and other wounds. However, the frequency with which these injuries occur might surprise you. Wounds can range from a shallow cut to a deep gash that exposes bone or even tendons. They can bleed profusely or not at all. They can be clean (no dirt or debris in the wound) or contaminated (soil, debris, bacteria on the wound). Depending on the extent of skin damage and contamination, wounds can heal quickly or require more extensive care and time to heal completely. In general, it’s always best to have veterinary advice when caring for your pet if you are unsure about anything related to your pet’s wound or its treatment. However, there are some general guidelines for wound care in dogs and cats that are good to know. Read on to learn how to manage your pet’s next cut, abrasion, or laceration so that it heals as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

Is Your Pet’s Wound Clean or Contaminated?

Wounds can be either clean or contaminated. Clean wounds are those with little or no contamination: no dirt, grit, bacteria, or other pathogens. Contaminated wounds, on the other hand, have one or more of these pathogens on or around the wound site. Clean wounds are easy to identify since they don’t present as much of a problem. There is no risk of infection or the wound healing poorly. Contaminated wounds are harder to identify since they might not look so different on the surface. Sometimes, the wound might actually look a little redder or swollen (although not necessarily). A contaminated wound, however, is at a much higher risk of developing a bacterial infection. This can lead to the wound healing slowly and requires antibiotics to clear up.

Steps to Take When Your Pet Has a Wound

  • Use a soft gauze pad or paper towel to dab away any obvious debris from the wound. If you know your pet has been in a dirt or sand-filled environment, you might want to use a gentle soap (mild dish soap is fine) and warm water to clean the wound further. 
  • Apply pressure using a clean gauze pad or paper towel to stop any bleeding. If there is significant bleeding, press down hard on the wound until the bleeding stops. If the blood doesn’t stop, seek veterinary attention immediately. 
  • Take appropriate antibiotics (if your vet has prescribed them) and follow your vet’s instructions for dosage and frequency of administration. 
  • Keep the wound clean and bandaged as directed by your vet or until the wound site has completely closed. 
  • If your pet’s wound is on the leg or paw, elevate the limb so that the wound is higher than the level of the heart. This helps reduce swelling, which can occur in wounds due to trauma or infection.

When Wounds Aren’t Healing

If your pet’s wound has been healing for two or three weeks and it’s not looking any better, if it’s more swollen than before, or if it seems to be getting red and puffy, then there is a chance that it’s infected. This can happen even if the wound was clean, to begin with, and even if your pet received antibiotics. In this case, it’s best to visit your vet and have the wound cultured and treated with more antibiotics as needed. Your vet may also clean and debride the wound (remove excess tissue or soiled matter within the wound) to help clear it up.

Tips for Cleaning Wounds in Dogs and Cats

  • For cuts and minor wounds, you can use a clean water and saline solution to clean the wound. This antiseptic, salt-based solution is also gentle enough to be used on wounds that are healing.
  • If your pet has a wound that’s been contaminated by sand, dirt, or other materials, you can use an enzymatic cleaner to help remove the materials from the wound. Your vet can also recommend some specific products that are very effective in cleaning wounds.

When to Seek Veterinary Care for Pet Wounds

If your pet’s wound isn’t responding to home care, if it’s getting worse, or if it’s been a very long time and the wound still hasn’t healed, then veterinary attention is a must. Your vet can examine the wound and direct you on what to do next. Depending on the extent of the wound, your vet will develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

Expert Wound Care for Pets in Tampa

Cuts and wounds are an everyday occurrence for pet parents and their pets. While some wounds will heal quickly and easily with just a little TLC, others will require additional care to heal properly. Wounds can be extremely dangerous to your pets if they are not treated properly. If you notice that your dog or cat has a wound, it is important to take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can be properly treated. If you live in Tampa, trust the veterinary experts at Affordable Pet Hospital for all your pet’s care. Call us at 813-991-9898 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

 

How to Manage Your Senior Dog’s Arthritis Pain

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According to the Arthritis Foundation, around 20% of dogs have arthritis. Arthritis is most prevalent in older dogs. A dog with arthritis may have:

  • Difficulty standing up from a lying position
  • Difficulty climbing stairs
  • Difficulty jumping onto the couch or bed from the floor
  • A narrow stance in the rear legs
  • Muscle wasting in the rear limbs

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian immediately for diagnosis.

Arthritis Diagnosis in Dogs

Along with a physical examination and health history, your veterinarian will want to take bloodwork and diagnostic imaging to confirm an arthritis diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, you and your vet can start working on a treatment plan that best suits your pup.

Arthritis Treatment in Dogs

Lifestyle Changes

One of the most important parts of any arthritis treatment regimen for dogs is lifestyle modifications. Several adjustments and adaptations will need to be made to keep your dog as pain-free as possible while lessening the chance of future injury. You can try:

  • Moving the dog’s bedding, food, and water to the ground level helps your dog avoid climbing unnecessary stairs
  • Installing ramps for your dog to use outside eliminates the need to climb porch or deck steps
  • Placing extra bedding on the floor will give your dog somewhere to lay instead of jumping up onto the couch or bed

Dietary Changes & Supplements

Eating a well-balanced diet is extremely important for dogs with arthritis. Not only does a healthy diet give your dog the nutrients they need to promote bone health, but it will also help your dog maintain a healthy weight. This reduces the strain on their joints and lessens arthritic pain. Consult with your vet about what food is the best choice for your dog. Prescription dog foods are often beneficial for dogs with arthritis, as they contain antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids.

In addition to a nutritious diet, you may also want to consider supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine and chondroitin. While research is conflicting, there are several studies that suggest that these substances reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.

Medications

If lifestyle and dietary changes aren’t enough to give your dog relief from arthritis pain, your veterinarian may suggest prescription medications. It is important that you NEVER GIVE HUMAN PAIN MEDICATION TO YOUR DOG. Many pain relief medications meant for humans are toxic to dogs. Instead, consult with your veterinarian to get a prescription for a medication formulated for dogs.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatments are blowing up the veterinary medicine scene these days, much like in medicine for humans. Some of the most popular alternative treatments for arthritis pain in dogs include:

  • CBD products

CBD is purported as a pain-relieving agent for both humans and animals. While the research into using CBD for medical purposes is still early, there does seem to be some sort of relationship between CBD and pain relief. With that said, there is very little regulation of CBD-containing products in the U.S. Products that appear similar may have very different formulations and concentrations that make them work quite differently. It is important, especially in this emerging industry, to do your own research into the manufacturer of any product you intend to purchase for you or your pet.

  • Acupuncture

Acupuncture definitely isn’t a new treatment option, as it has been used widely in eastern medicine practices for millennia. However, its use in dogs is still not well studied or understood. Some owners report significant pain relief from acupuncture treatments on their dogs, while others report little to no change.

  • Physical therapy

Physical therapy is still not common practice in dogs, but it should be! Physical therapy is a common sense approach to dealing with mobility issues in dogs. While more research is needed to find the exercises, activities, and modalities that work best in dogs, we see physical therapy as a great option that should be part of any dog’s arthritis treatment regimen.

  • Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is another great physical therapy option for dogs with arthritis pain. Water relieves pressure on the dog’s joints while providing a firm, massaging treatment that provides pain and stress relief.

  • Yoga

Yes, dog yoga is a thing. And while it certainly isn’t for all dogs, we can definitely see how the stretching and weight-bearing moves used in yoga would be beneficial for dogs with arthritis. So…namaste!

Arthritis Treatment for Dogs in Tampa

If your dog is showing signs and symptoms of arthritis, do not delay in getting them proper veterinary treatment. Every day they go without proper care risks increasing their pain and furthering joint damage. If you and your furry friend are in Tampa, the veterinary experts at Affordable Pet Hospital can help you with diagnosis, treatment, and long-term disease management. Call us at (813) 991-9898 or request an appointment online to get your dog started on a path to healing today.

What You Need to Know About Bad Breath In Dogs

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Puppy breath is adorable, but adult dog breath? Not so much. But even though your older dog’s breath might not smell like roses, it shouldn’t stink either. If it does, it could be a sign of bigger problems.

If you notice that your dog has unusually bad breath, it may be caused by:

  • Something they ate

It’s no secret that dogs like to eat some pretty nasty stuff. Of course, some of these things will give the offending dog funky breath. No worries, the smell should go away fairly quickly.

  • Foreign object

If your dog gets something stuck in its mouth and it begins to deteriorate, it will likely begin to smell. A thorough inspection of the inside of your dog’s mouth should reveal if this is the cause of their bad breath.

  • Dental disease

Dental or gum disease is actually the most common cause of bad breath in dogs. Many dogs require assistance to keep their teeth clean and dental disease at bay. Regular dental exams and cleanings are recommended.

  • Kidney or liver disease

The kidneys and liver keep the bloodstream clean and free of toxins, so when they aren’t functioning correctly, waste begins to build up. This can sometimes cause bad breath.

  • Tumor

Oral tumors are common in older dogs. If they become infected, which they often do, the infection leads to a very undesirable smell.

  • Nutritional imbalance

There are several nutritional deficiencies that can cause bad breath by disrupting the balance of bacteria in the stomach and intestines. This prevents some nutrients from being absorbed properly along with leaving a bad smell in the dog’s mouth.

Treatment for Bad Breath in Dogs

If your dog has bad breath, don’t wait to get them the care they need. If you live in or around Tampa, call the veterinary experts at Affordable Pet Hospital at (813) 991-9898 to schedule an appointment for your furry friend today!

Spring Allergies in Pets

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Did you know that your pets can have seasonal allergies just like humans? Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies, is very prevalent in pets, especially dogs. Any dog can have these allergies, but they are especially prevalent in pit bulls, boxers, bichon frises, cocker spaniels, German shepherds, and Golden retrievers.

Identifying Seasonal Allergies in Your Pet

While both humans and pets can have seasonal allergies, they don’t usually show up in the same ways. Humans have more respiratory symptoms, while pets tend to present their allergies through their skin. Look out for these symptoms when deciding whether or not to visit your vet about seasonal allergies:

  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Biting, gnawing, or scratching at the skin
  • Excessive shedding
  • Bald spots in the fur (known as hotspots)
  • Constant licking of the paws
  • Licking at the anal gland
  • Rubbing the anal gland on the floor
  • Red, waxy inner ears
  • Foul smell inside the ears
  • Drainage from the ears
  • Rubbing their face and snout on the carpet or furniture (mostly in dogs)
  • Respiratory problems (mostly in cats)

Treating Your Pet’s Seasonal Allergies

If you believe your pet is suffering from seasonal allergies, contact your local veterinarian immediately for advice and care. If you live in Tampa Bay, call Affordable Pet Hospital at (813) 991-9898 to schedule an appointment. It’s essential for a veterinary professional to evaluate your pet’s symptoms and condition so a proper treatment plan can be developed. In the meantime, follow these steps to keep your pet’s allergies at bay and reduce symptoms:

  • Bathe your pet regularly to remove allergens from their fur
  • Wash their ears out with a pet-friendly solution
  • Wipe off their paws after every visit outside
  • Keep your pets on a flea and tick preventative. Many of the skin symptoms caused by fleas mimic seasonal allergy symptoms.
  • Use anti-itch sprays or creams developed specifically for pets
  • Limit outside time
  • Try an over-the-counter allergy medication, only after consulting with your veterinarian first. Some allergy medications that are safe for pets include:
    • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
    • Loratadine (Claritin® – Note: NEVER give your pet Claritin-D®. It can be lethal even in small amounts! Use original Claritin® only!)
    • Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
    • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)

Spring Allergy Care for Your Pet

Don’t wait to get your pet relief from spring allergies. If you’re in Tampa Bay, contact the veterinary professionals at Affordable Pet Hospital for compassionate, competent, evidence-based care. Call us at (813) 991-9898 or contact us online today!

The Importance of Regular Vet Visits

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As a committed and compassionate pet owner, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry family members healthy and happy. One of the best ways to do this is to keep up with routine veterinary care.

Why is Routine Veterinary Care Important?

Just like humans, early identification of health issues leads to more positive outcomes in our pets. When you bring your pet in for routine vet check-ups, you’re upping the chance that any emergent health issues will be caught in the early stages, when most diseases are much more easily treatable.

What if My Pet Isn’t Sick?

Even if your pet doesn’t seem sick, it is still important to bring them in for regular veterinary visits. In addition to receiving expert advice from the vet about the best lifestyle practices for your pet, they will also keep your pet’s vaccination status up-to-date and in compliance with state laws. This will ensure that your pet is safe when interacting with humans, other pets, and wildlife.

How Often Should I Bring My Pet in for Routine Care?

Pets should be brought in for routine health checks at least every six months. Dogs, cats, and other pets age faster than humans, which is why they should visit the vet more frequently than we visit the doctor. If your pet has a chronic health condition, they may need even more frequent visits to best manage the condition.

What Will the Vet Check for During the Visit?

What the vet checks for during each routine visit will depend on your pet’s age, breed, and current health conditions. Most routine health visits will go over the following at a minimum:

  • Skin
  • Musculoskeletal system
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Respiratory system
  • Abdomen
  • Ears
  • Eyes
  • Mouth

Your vet may recommend a variety of diagnostic tests for your pet, including:

  • Bloodwork
  • X-rays
  • Heartworm test
  • Fecal analysis
  • Urinalysis

Where Can I Take My Pet for Routine Visits in Tampa Bay?

For the highest-quality routine vet care in Tampa Bay, trust the experts at Affordable Pet Hospital in Tampa. We offer a full range of preventative health services for dogs and cats of all ages, from wellness exams to vaccinations to dental care to grooming… we’ve got it all! Call us at (813) 991-9898 or request an appointment online today!

The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

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Spaying and neutering your pet can be a controversial subject, but it shouldn’t be! The evidence is clear… spaying or neutering your pet has many benefits and should be a first step for owners of a new pet.

When should I spay/neuter my dog or cat?

Dogs

You should wait at least 6-12 months to spay or neuter your small or medium-sized puppy. For larger canine breeds or breeds prone to orthopedic issues, we suggest waiting until they are at least 9-18 months.

Cats

It is standard practice to spay or neuter kittens at around 5-6 months old.

Behavioral Benefits

There are several behavioral benefits to spaying or neutering your pet as early as possible, including:

  • Females do not experience estrus (do not go into “heat”) or exhibit any associated behaviors
  • Males are less likely to roam
  • Less territorial behaviors like spraying, humping, howling, or aggression

Medical Benefits

Along with the behavioral benefits, your pet will also enjoy the following medical benefits after being spayed or neutered:

  • Longer life
  • Reduced risk of uterine infections (pyometra) in females if spayed before the first estrus
  • Reduced risk of breast tumors in females if spayed before the first estrus
  • Reduced risk of testicular cancer and prostate issues in males
  • Lower chance of contracting feline AIDS or feline leukemia (due to lowered aggression, resulting in less biting and fighting)

Community Benefits

When you have your pet spayed or neutered before they are able to reproduce, you aren’t just doing what’s best for their health and quality of life; you are also doing your local animal shelter, pet rescue organizations, and feral dog and cat populations a huge favor by reducing the number of unwanted and homeless pets in the community. Not only do these unlucky pets cause havoc by getting into trash, spreading diseases, and reproducing uncontrollably, they can also cause automobile accidents, fight with pets and other wildlife, and attack and frighten children and vulnerable people. The sad reality is that many of these feral animals are euthanized, when a combination of spay/neuter programs for feral populations, along with responsible pet ownership, could solve the problem and save so many lives.

 

Spay and Neuter Services in Tampa

 

If you’ve brought home a new puppy or kitten and want to give it the best start in life possible, check out our Puppy and Kitten Wellness Plans quality veterinary care during their first year. Our Puppy Gold and Kitten Gold plans include spay and neuter services, so you’ll be 100% covered when the time comes for surgery! Our wellness plans allow you to make monthly payments instead of having to come up with the entire amount for care at once, making responsible pet ownership easier and more affordable than ever. Call us at (813) 991-9898 or request an appointment online today!

What Are the Benefits of CBD for Pets?

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With the rise in media and social popularity of CBD for many ailments in humans, you may wonder if it could have any benefits for your pets as well. Just like all cannabis-based research, studies about CBD for medical purposes are still in its infancy. This is even more true for research into its benefits for animals.

However, early studies have yielded exciting results, and here at Affordable Pet Hospital in Tampa, we’re confident that future research will only confirm that CBD is a safe and versatile substance that can treat a variety of debilitating conditions!

What is CBD?

CBD is the non-psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. Contrary to some misinformation circulating out there, CBD does not give users the “high” feeling many associate with cannabis. Instead, that psychoactive effect is only brought on by THC, the other main component of the cannabis plant.

Is CBD approved for medical use in pets by the FDA?

There is only one medication containing CBD that is currently approved by the Food & Drug Administration, Epidiolex®. This medication is approved to treat seizures in humans. As of this writing, there are no FDA-approved CBD medications for pets.

However, there are many products available for sale in the U.S. for both humans and pets that legally contain CBD.

Is CBD safe for my pet?

Since there are no FDA-approved products containing CBD for pets, extreme diligence should be taken to ensure the quality of any CBD products you give to your pets. There are many high-quality products out there, but unfortunately, there are many low-quality and scam products as well. This is why many are calling for more regulation over the CBD market for both humans and animals.

Take the time to investigate the manufacturer and source of the CBD product you intend to purchase for your pet. Ensure that you are only purchasing products from reputable manufacturers and retailers with transparent business practices and sourcing information. Read customer reviews and look into as much information as you can online about the product and company. As long as you do this, the products you purchase for you and your pet should be useful and beneficial.

What are the benefits of CBD for my pet?

CBD’s beneficial effects on both humans and animals are linked to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps maintain equilibrium in other body systems. When any system in our bodies becomes unbalanced, the disease will almost surely follow.

Studies and anecdotal evidence have shown that CBD affects our pets in much the same way as it does humans. High-quality CBD products, given at therapeutic doses, have been shown to effectively treat:

  • Pain

Pain, especially that caused by inflammation and degenerative conditions like arthritis, has been greatly relieved in pets that are taking therapeutic doses of high-quality CBD products. This is believed to be caused by CBD’s interaction with nerves and receptors involved in pain sensations.

  • Anxiety

CBD is also believed to activate the same receptors that are turned on by serotonin, a chemical produced by the body that induces feelings of calm and happiness. Because of this, CBD has a calming effect that can be very beneficial for pets suffering from anxiety disorders.

  • Seizures

We mentioned before that the only FDA-approved CBD medication for humans is for the treatment of seizures, and pets are no different. Significant reductions in seizure activity have been seen in pets taking high-quality CBD products. CBD is thought to reduce the overactive firing of neurons in the brain, along with reducing the number of electrolytes in the system that contribute to seizure activity.

CBD Pet Product Advice in Tampa Bay

Are you considering giving your pet CBD to help with their pain, anxiety, or seizures? Do you have questions about what or how much to give? Contact the veterinary professionals at Affordable Pet Hospital in Tampa at (813) 991-9898 or via email at clientcare@newtampapet.com! We can answer all of your CBD-related pet questions, along with providing a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s health and current needs. For caring, compassionate, and competent care in Tampa Bay, Affordable Pet Hospital has you covered.

Keep These Holiday Hazards From Affecting Your Pets

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It’s that time of year again! The weather cools down and the outdoor decorating heats up as we approach Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. With all the celebration and conversation, it’s easy to overlook common hazards to your pets around the holidays. Protect your furry loved ones this holiday season by keeping an eye on these top holiday hazards:

Visitors

We love all the company that comes around during the holidays, but well-meaning guests might not always do the right things concerning your pets. The constant in and out of friends and family members can be very stressful for your pets, especially cats and timid dogs. Make sure your pets have their own dedicated space away from all the holiday hustle. If you notice your pet showing signs of extreme anxiety, such as hiding all day, tremors, or unusual whining, consult a vet for possible treatments. You may even want to consider boarding your pet until everything calms down.

Another threat posed by holiday guests is accidentally letting a dog or cat outside. Many pets live inside exclusively and don’t know how to behave or defend themselves outdoors. Other pets may be inclined to run off and find themselves lost with no idea how to return home. Make sure even indoor pets wear proper identification and preferably are microchipped, during the holiday season. Fencing in outside areas is a great way to give your dog time outdoors without fear of losing them. 

Decorations

There are literally endless possible threats when it comes to all the decorations that come in and out of a typical household during the holiday season. Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, garland, tinsel, and more all combine to present a smorgasbord of dangerous objects for your pets, especially young and inexperienced ones. If you have a pet that loves to chew and eat decorations, avoid placing garland, tinsel, and ornaments at the bottom of your Christmas tree. You may even want to consider a small tree placed on top of a table to be out of the dog’s reach altogether.

Lights and wires are also tempting chew toys for both dogs and cats, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Not only is the pet risking a painful shock, but fires can start from damaged wiring. Cord organizers and covers can be great ways to enjoy the holiday twinkle and keep curious chewers away.

Cats present a unique problem for Christmas celebrators. Their instinct to climb your Christmas tree might get the best of them, so get ahead of the problem by securing your tree firmly in a tree stand large and stable enough to handle it. A large tree teetering in a small, flimsy tree stand might land your Christmas tree and all its decor on the living room floor. There is also a risk of fire caused by falling trees.

Food & drinks

You’ll want to continue avoiding all the usual culprits of gastrointestinal issues in pets, such as chocolate, grapes, cherry pits, avocados, apricot pits, apple seeds, coffee, Xylitol, and garlic. But, the increased consumption of alcohol and baked goods during the holidays bears mentioning that both alcohol and unbaked doughs are also dangerous for pets to consume.

Foliage

Many flowers and plants popular during the holidays should be off-limits to pets, including:

    • Poinsettias (not as toxic as people think, but they still cause mild irritation)
    • Azaleas
    • Chrysanthemums
    • Juniper
    • Ivy
    • Holly
    • Mistletoe
    • Lilies
    • Amaryllis
    • Evergreens, like pine

Outdoor deicing chemicals

Antifreeze and other deicing chemicals are very dangerous, yet alluring to pets since they often taste sweet. Keep these types of chemicals completely away from areas where pets have access. If you think your pet has ingested one of these chemicals, take them to an emergency vet immediately.

Gifts

Children aren’t the only ones that love opening holiday gifts.. .dogs and cats are notorious for spoiling holiday surprises by getting into the gifts under the tree. Gifts that contain food items are especially tempting, so think about storing these gifts somewhere out of reach until you give them out. Gifts that include batteries also pose a problem for nosy pets, especially button batteries. If you think your pet has swallowed a battery, contact a vet immediately.

Clothing

We love dressing our dogs and cats up for the holidays (although they may not enjoy it so much), so it’s important to make sure that their clothes are safe too. Avoid outfits with items or accessories that can be chewed off and swallowed. So, no Christmas sweaters with sequins or jewels please! Also, make sure your pet can move freely in their clothes as tight clothing can cut off circulation and cause serious problems.

Our pets are just as much a part of the celebrations as our human friends and families, so be sure to protect them from all the risks and hazards that come with the holiday cheer. If you’re located in the Tampa Bay area and your pet gets into some holiday trouble this year, or they just need a pre-holiday makeover, call Affordable Pet Hospital in Tampa at (813) 991-9898.

Benefits of CBD for Pets

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Research has proven that CBD is a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of debilitating conditions in humans, but what about for our pets too? Can they enjoy the same pain and inflammation relieving benefits from using products that contain CBD that we can?

While existing research is promising, much more research on CBD use in pets is needed. Since marijuana and hemp, the plants that CBD is derived from, have been illegal federally for so long (and still are to a degree), researchers have had a hard time getting approval to study CBD until just recently. Were it not for individual states legalizing and authorizing studies of marijuana, hemp, and its components, we would likely still be in the dark today about their life-changing benefits.

Even though there isn’t tons of formal research out there, anecdotal evidence is clear: CBD has significant benefits for pets similar to those shown in humans. Pet owners report improvements in:

  • Pain levels, especially neuropathic pain
  • Seizure activity
  • Inflammation
  • Sleep
  • Appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anxiety

This has huge implications for pets experiencing crippling diseases such as:

  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Bone tumors
  • Eye disorders
  • Sleep disorders
  • Seizures
  • Joint pain
  • Diabetes/neuropathy
  • Anxiety

More research and experimentation will likely show that CBD is a safe and effective treatment for dozens of conditions, improving pet quality of life well beyond what is currently possible.

If your pet is struggling with a condition that you feel would be alleviated with CBD, contact us at (813) 991-9898 or online to schedule an evaluation. Our licensed, experienced vets will review your pet’s health history and current condition before deciding if CBD is the best treatment option. We can answer all of your questions about CBD and its benefits for your pet so you are completely comfortable with the treatment plan, after which we will follow up regularly to make sure everything is going smoothly. Don’t let your pet live with pain or stress any longer. Try CBD for your pet and see just why thousands of other pet owners choose this safe and effective treatment every day!