Brooklyn Veterinarian Covers Pet Care Basics
Pets need healthy food, clean water, shelter and regular medical care, just like everyone else in the family. Here in our animal hospital, Brooklyn veterinarian, Dr. Pamella Dendtler, gives pets regular checkups,
ongoing illness care, and urgent care. Please read the following basic pet care tips to help that special family member stay happy and healthy for a long time.
Spay and Neuter and Pet Vaccinations in Brooklyn
Pet Vaccinations
Both cats and dogs need a regular rabies vaccination. Our vets will specify how often a pet needs its rabies vaccination updates, since some last longer than others. Dogs also need annual distemper/parvo shots, and puppies need their first round of vaccinations at 8 weeks. If a dog needs to be boarded, it also requires a biannual Bordatella shot. Cats need yearly distemper/leukemia shots, with kittens receiving their first shots at 8 weeks.
Spay and Neuter In Brooklyn
We urge all pet owners to spay and neuter their pets. Pets that are not spayed or neutered are more prone to serious illnesses, behavioral problems and getting lost, not to mention overpopulating the area with poor, unwanted animals. We spay and neuter pets as young as 4 months old here in our animal hospital.
Keeping Your Pets Safe And Happy
Pets need safe, clean places to live that shelter them from the heat, cold and inclement weather. They also need to be enclosed safely where they can play freely, but where they can't get out and get hurt or lost. All creatures must move every day to stay healthy. When pet owners walk and play with their pets regularly, everybody stays healthier and happier. Like humans, pets should be brought to the doctor for annual wellness visits to help maintain proper health and provide early detection if health problems are developing. Pet owners should follow a few simple tasks listed below, to keep pets safe and happy.
Pet Hygiene:
Pets need regular brushing, bathing, and dental care. Pet owners can do this at home, taking care to look for hidden bugs, cuts or skin irritation while brushing or bathing, or they can employ a grooming service. Daily pet dental care is also very important for helping pets avoid serious health problems that result from periodontal disease. Pet owners can get further information and instruction on how to best care for their pets teeth at one of our animal hospitals.
Pet Diet:
With the help of our veterinarians, pet owners should identify the appropriate diet for their pet to maintain proper health, strong clean teeth and a shiny coat. Owners should avoid feeding pets human food because that can lead to health problems. Also, changing your pet's water daily prevents bacterial or algae growth that can make your pet ill. At the 6th Avenue Animal Clinic and the Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, we are happy to field questions about a pet's diet any time.
Pet Parasites:
Tapeworms, heartworms, fleas and ticks are just a few parasites that can seriously endanger your pet's health. Our veterinarians recommend monthly application of preventative flea, tick and worm medications that protect pets and their families from these nuisances. Additional pets should be tested for worms annually.
Pet Safety:
Millions of pets are lost each year and many are never returned to their owners. It is important that pets have ID tags and/or microchips implanted in your pet. A microchip implantation is a safe and effective way to identify your pet if lost. Implantation is very quick and can be done during a routine wellness exam.
Following these basic steps helps pets live longer, happier lives. We invite all pet owners in the area to call either of our two veterinary hospitals in Brooklyn at (718) 623-3999 with any questions or concerns, or to schedule an appointment.