Education and Counseling

ANIMAL EDUCATION AND COUNSELING FOR PET PARENTS

Sharing your home with a pet can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also bring challenges you may or may not expect. Now more than ever, pets are becoming more like family members. We value their companionship and enjoy the sense of purpose that comes with taking care of them. Our doctors and support staff in Hyde Park are happy to be a part of that care, but we also know the importance of educating and counseling our clients.

Keeping pet parents informed and self-assured about their pet’s needs is essential to improving the lives of their companions. We can help you be the best caregiver for your pet.

PUPPY AND KITTEN CARE 101

Puppies and kittens are big responsibilities wrapped up in small packages. In addition to all the care they need to stay healthy, they also grow very rapidly in a seemingly short time. Bringing your new pet to the veterinarian shortly after adoption will help them get the best start in life.

• First, puppies and kittens need to be examined by their veterinarian as soon as possible. They can be vulnerable to illness and less able to fight off infection. A physical exam and blood and fecal testing can show us if your pet has parasites or some other condition that could harm their health.
• Vaccinations should begin when your pet is between 6-8 weeks old. Vaccine boosters gradually build up your pet’s immunity to diseases and keep them protected from infection.
• Spaying and neutering can also improve health, in addition to reducing overpopulation among stray dogs and cats. Your veterinarian will discuss all aspects of the procedure and what you can expect after.

CARE KITS FOR PUPPIES AND KITTENS

Taking care of a puppy or kitten for the first time can be overwhelming, especially if you’re still trying to process all of the information one of our vets in Hyde Park gave you. To keep you familiar with basic care tips and other information, we’ll provide you with a variety of informational kits during your first visit. These cover:

• Wellness care and disease prevention
• Healthy nutrition
• Obedience, socialization, and housebreaking rules
• Solving behavioral problems
• The ins and outs of pet insurance
• Routine spaying and neutering
• Emergency and critical care options
• …and more

ENSURING A HEALTHY LIFE FOR YOUR SENIOR PET

It’s a known fact that our pets age much faster than we do. This makes sticking to a wellness routine all the more important! As pets get older they begin to slow down, similar to humans. They can start to develop life-limiting conditions, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Diabetes
• Renal failure
• Heart failure
• Obesity
• Loss of vision and hearing

Preventive care is necessary for every stage of your pet’s life, but especially in their senior years. Regular exams and blood tests can alert our veterinarians in Hyde Park to developing illnesses or signs of injury, which we can then diagnose and help you manage. Easing discomfort and improving the quality of life is our basis for providing comprehensive senior care. In addition to medication, your aging pet may also need the following services to support them through their golden years:

• Yearly lab tests and X-ray imaging to evaluate health and function
• Laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, or other rehabilitation therapies to relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation
• Dietary recommendations to provide essential nutrients, promote weight loss and improve certain conditions

BEHAVIORAL COUNSELING

Bad behavior can damage or even sever the bond between a family and their pet. These behaviors can lead to increasing tensions within the home or the family giving up their pet. We want to help pets and their families stick together through thick and thin. That’s why we offer counseling to alleviate these behaviors and help people enjoy a harmonious relationship with their companions. Some of the most common bad behaviors we see in pets include:

• Chewing up and destroying furniture (cushions, pillows, chairs, etc.)
• Scratching and chewing at doorways, table legs, and chair legs
• Having accidents in the house
• Eating socks and other inedible objects
• Constant barking, whining, and other types of vocalizing
• Escaping from the house or yard
• Aggression (food aggression, aggression around other dogs or people)

Some pet behaviors may be rooted in health problems. Therefore, we should see your pet for an exam and possible blood testing before we can make any assumptions. If their health is not the problem, we can suggest obedience training or behavior therapy as options. Treating inappropriate behaviors that stem from environmental factors takes time, but we’re happy to work with you to find a solution.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PET’S HEALTH?

Give us a call at (773) 324-4484! Our team is ready to help you through any pet-related problems you may currently be having. Most pet problems can be solved with a checkup, a conversation with your veterinarian, and a well-designed treatment plan. Don’t lose hope–if help is what you need, we’re just a phone call away!