Getting a new pet can be very exciting for you and your family, but there are some important first steps that you should take before your get your pet settled into their new home. Regardless of the type of pet you get, you want to make sure that the pet is healthy and has a fresh start in your home. Follow these steps to give your pet the best fresh start.

A Wellness Visit

It is important that you take your new pet into the vet for a wellness visit. If your new pet is a puppy or kitten, they will need to have their development measured and receive some basic vaccinations. If you have adopted an older pet, it is important to have them examined to determine if they have any health conditions you should be aware of.

Microchip

You should get your new pet microchipped as soon as possible. Microchipping your pet will help make sure that they can find their way home if they get lost. If you are adopting an older pet, they may already have a chip. Take them to your vet to see if they have a chip and have the information updated to your contact information. Read more

Many people consider their pet as a member of the family. Since we see them as one of us, shouldn’t we be taking the extra step to ensure their safety? Accidents happen, and sometimes our pets get lost. Microchipping is a safe and effective technology that allows us to recover our missing pets when these accidents do happen.

How is the Microchip Inserted?

Microchipping is a very quick process that can be done at a scheduled vet appointment. The implantation procedure is simple and virtually painless for your pets. The chip is inserted by one of our veterinarians through an injection, much like a vaccination. After the chip is inserted, you and the veterinarian can go through the microchip registration process together.

How Does the Microchip Work?

Brand new microchip technology has completely changed the microchip and recovery process to one that is very simple. The old system required tedious work, only for the chips to often not be in the database. Luckily, a new system was created by a group of rescuers known as Save This Life, and gave this process a much-needed update.

Now, if your pet becomes lost and is taken to a clinic or vet equipped with a scanner, the process to be reunited is much quicker. With this new system, all the microchips are available with a quick Google search. Simply have someone from the animal clinic scan for a microchip and search the chip number on Google. This will pull up your contact information and send you a GPS location with the location that your pet was found. Additionally, a Lost Pet Alert will be sent out to shelters and rescues within a 25-mile radius of your pet’s last known location. Read more

As a pet owner, you have an innate sense for your dog or cat’s wellbeing. You know the moment that scratching becomes too fierce or whines become too loud. It makes sense that you want to take every measure possible to keep your pet happy and healthy. In addition to nutritious food and regular walks, a flea preventative should be one of the essential tools you use to keep your pet in his best health.

Fleas Cause Allergic Reactions in Pets and Humans

Fleas are dark, tiny pests that jump from one place to another and feast on the blood of cats, dogs, and even humans. You can recognize fleas from these common symptoms:

• “Flea dirt” in your pet’s fur
• Allergic dermatitis on the skin of your pet
• Excessive scratching, licking, and biting at the skin
• Hair loss, especially in areas of excessive scratching and biting
• Scabs and hot spots

Some dogs and cats can even develop anemia from flea infestation, and it’s possible for fleas to carry tapeworm eggs that are given to your pet. Read more

Florida law outlines specific requirements for child safety in vehicles, but pet safety is a largely overlooked concern. Whether you are driving your cat to the vet or taking your dog along to the beach, it’s important to take proper precautionary measures that keep your pet safe in the car. Use the following guide to double check your safety procedures and protect your furry friend.

Never, Ever Leave Your Pet Alone In a Parked Car

We’ve all heard the heart wrenching stories of babies who lose their lives because they are trapped in hot cars, and animals are just as vulnerable to such tragedies. Even with the windows open, a parked car becomes dangerously hot within minutes. After sitting just 10 minutes in 85-degree weather, your car reaches 104 degrees. Avoid the possibility of heatstroke and death by making sure your pet never stays alone in your parked car, even when the weather feels mild.

Restrain Your Dog Properly

Your dog may want to ride shotgun with the windows down, but there are many safety problems associated with that type of freedom. It is best to use some type of restraint to keep your dog in a safe space. Pet barriers are available to give your pet room to move while still keeping him safely contained behind the rear seat. It’s also possible to purchase a harness that functions like a doggy seatbelt. Read more

Chiropractic care isn’t always given enough attention for its ability to improve health and wellness, especially in pets. If you are tired of watching as your dog suffers chronic pain or loss of agility, chiropractic care could be the answer. This holistic and natural treatment approaches musculoskeletal pain with low force manual manipulation of the spinal column, joins, and other affected areas. Once you read more about the benefits of chiropractic care for your own pet, you’ll realize just how powerful it can be.

Chiropractic Care Treats a Variety of Conditions

Joint, muscle, and skeletal problems are common in dogs, especially in certain breeds predisposed to complications. Chiropractic care can serve as an alternative to medication and surgery or a supplemental measure to a healthy lifestyle and dietary changes. Either way, an animal chiropractor can help treat the following conditions:
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