Posts in Category: You & Your Pet

Microchipping is just one element of pet ownership that gives pet owners a semblance of control in unexpected situations. Not a substitute for physical identification tags, microchips add a layer of protection in the case of a lost or missing pet. If you’ve ever wondered about microchipping your pet, we’ve got all the answers for you here:

Pets on the Run

Undoubtedly, many cats and dogs will not willfully take off on their own. Unfortunately, it does happen occasionally.Pets get curious about something they see, hear or smell and take off in hot pursuit. Their intention isn’t to stay away from home, but sometimes they get picked up, or become disoriented about their location. If the right opportunity arises, even a strictly indoor cat might just feel the need to explore. How do you begin to find your pet once they’ve left your property?

The goal of pet wellness is, of course, to keep your pet well. There are many things that go into this regiment, such as pet wellness examinations, parasite prevention, and screening testing. Of course, another large part of keeping our patients at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital healthy is pet vaccines.

Just as in people, though, not every vaccination is needed or even recommended for every pet. Our veterinary staff works to assess each individual patient to come up with personalized recommendations based on lifestyle and other risk factors. One of the pet vaccines that is most variable is the rattlesnake vaccine. Understanding why we might recommend it can help you to make the best decision for your furry friend.

If you own a cat, then you know that felines tend to exhibit a lot of unusual behavior that seems to have no clear cut rationale. One of the most common (and most confusing) cat behaviors is when they “make biscuits,” or knead your furniture, the blanket on your bed, or even your body. 

The team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital wants to help you understand why cats knead so you can develop an even closer bond with your favorite feline.

As humans, brushing our teeth is (hopefully)part of our daily routine. Without it, we know that plaque, tartar, and odor would build up until the acrid taste and ache of disease emanated unpleasantly from our mouths.

Our pets might not have the ability to brush their own teeth, but they are at risk for these same oral health issues without regular efforts to keep the teeth and gums clean. Many modern pet owners are coming to understand the important role that pet dental health has on an animal’s health and longevity. Keeping your furry friend’s teeth clean also vastly improves the condition of their breath.

Judging by the amount of toothpaste and mouthwash commercials on TV, it would appear that most of us are on board with dental hygiene. Although we can’t imagine not brushing our teeth every day and checking in with the dentist a couple of times per year, the majority of pet owners ignore their furry friend’s oral health. 

According to the American Veterinary Dental Association, up to 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of dental disease by the time they reach the age of 3. When left unchecked, dental disease can result in pain, tooth decay, tooth loss, and infection, both of the tissues in the mouth and the vital organs of the body. Poor oral health can actually decrease your pet’s lifespan!

Preventive pet dental care is a vital component of your pet’s well being, and MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital wants you to understand how regular home care, routine examinations, and professional dental cleanings can help.

There are many unavoidable truths to life, and one is that almost everyone we know will experience some form of a medical emergency. This is also true of our pets. 

It’s understandable to not want to focus on such a distressing topic, but when your pet gets hurt or falls ill, it is crucial to be prepared. Knowing how to discern whether or not it is a veterinary emergency is key to a better prognosis and recovery.

The team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital is here to explain pet emergencies and what you can do to help your pet.