Sugar Hill Animal Hospital

First and foremost, your pet requires fresh water and food daily. Make sure your dog or cat has free access to plenty of fresh water. For outside pets, there are large self-waterers that are free standing, and you can also get water bowls that attach to outdoor faucets that self-fill. Cats can often be free fed food during the day, unless underlying health conditions require strict feeding times (eg diabetes). Dogs often require one to two meals daily. Consult with your veterinarian as to which food might be best for your pet and its needs.

Some pets require more care daily than others. For our long haired cats and dogs, daily brushing may be necessary to keep their coat from becoming matted which can cause skin diseases. Bathing is important in all our pets to keep their skin and coat clean and healthy. Consult your veterinarian regarding which shampoo might be best suited for your pet. Remember to keep the soap and water out of your pet’s eyes and always rinse thoroughly when finished! If you have a puppy or kitten, play with your pet’s feet often and start trimming their nails when they are young. This will make it much easier as they age for you to trim them at home, or to have them trimmed when they visit their veterinarian.

For most dogs, daily exercise is imperative to keep in shape and remain healthy! Taking your dog on daily walks is a great way to keep your pet (and yourself) in shape. Be sure you have the appropriate collars and leashes when you walk your pet. If your pet mainly stays inside, make sure you have plenty of appropriate toys that he/she can play with to stay active.

Proper care and monitoring of your pet at home is key in catching health issues early. Look over your pet daily and contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following: new lumps or bumps, changes in activity, changes in appetite or drinking, abnormal behavior, any discharge from the eyes or odors from the ears, limping or lameness, foul breath, weight loss or weight gain, hair or coat changes, abnormal urination/defecation, itching or scratching. Early detection is important to help treat your pet with the very best care!

There are often health considerations during the year that we must remember with our pets.

Extreme cold or heat can be detrimental to our pets’ health. In the winter, it is best to keep your pet indoors to protect them from the freezing temperatures. If your pet is outdoors, ensure that they have a shelter from the elements and possibly an outdoor heat source. Some outdoor dogs can be crated at night in a garage or basement to help protect them from the cold weather. Heat stroke is a condition that can very likely kill your pet during the extreme heat of the summer. Never leave your pet in a vehicle during the summer (even with open windows) as the interior heat is too extreme for them to remain cool. Exercise your dog only during the cooler parts of the day and monitor for any excessive breathing, panting, or collapse. If you believe your pet may be overheated, get them to a cooler shaded area and sponge down with cool water. Contact your veterinarian as their assistance may be required to help your pet.

Fireworks are popular around several holidays, and they can cause a lot of stress in our pets. Be sure to store your fireworks in a safe place away from your pet’s access. The sound of fireworks can easily scare your pet. This can cause indoor pets to create havoc in the household and destruction can ensue. Outdoor pets can become scared and run away and possibly be injured by vehicles. If you plan on using fireworks, consider boarding your pet at a veterinary facility to prevent any problems.

Spring and summer are perfect seasons in Georgia for flea problems in our pets! Fleas can be a huge pest and cause many health issues in our pets, as well as become an annoyance to us. When flea season starts up, we see our pets scratching, itching, and possibly losing fur. Our pets suffer along with us during this season. The best preventative is to keep your pets on flea prevention year round. This will help prevent any infestation in the house when your pets come inside. Adult fleas jump on your cat or dog outside. They bite them to feed on the blood. Then the fleas produce eggs. Eggs drop from your pet to the ground or carpet. The eggs develop over time into adult fleas. And the cycle starts all over again. Consult your veterinarian today to discuss which preventative may be best for your pet!

Seasonal holidays bring different foods and decorations to the house. It is important to remember that we should never feed our pets table scraps as this can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes pancreatitis. When decorations are brought out for holidays, ensure that they are placed in areas that our pets cannot reach. Christmas season tends to bring out the most decoration, including ornaments on trees, tinsel, poinsettas, and bows on packages. Cats are notorious for playing with tinsel and bows. If ingested, these can become stuck within their intestines and cause severe pain, anorexia, and sometimes death. When lodged, they often require surgical removal. Poinsettas, and other plants, are extremely toxic to our pets. Keep all flowers and plants elevatated, away from the reach of dogs and cats. Make sure all electrical cords for trees and lights are well covered and not frayed. Keep all chocolate away from pets as this can be toxic as well.

As with most emergencies, it is easier to prevent injury than treat it. If your pet has become injured or seems hurt, give us a call immediately so we can try and help you with the situation. Injured dogs and cats are often painful and react differently to their owner than when they are healthy. Wrapping them in a blanket or sheet, and muzzling dogs, can often help them feel more protected and protect you as well. Never attempt to treat any injury at home without consulting with a veterinarian first. NEVER GIVE ANY HUMAN MEDICATIONS TO YOUR PET! Common medications such as tylenol and advil can be fatal (especially with cats), so always contact your veterinarian before medicating your animal at home.

If you believe your pet may have consumed a toxic substance, material, or plant, immediately call your veterinarian so we can let you know what next step is necessary. Often times with recent toxin ingestion, emesis can be attempted. With some substances, however, emesis is not appropriate due to the caustic nature of the substance. Veterinary care may be necessary to prevent further illness due to the toxin. If you know your pet has been poisoned, take the following steps: contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control immediately, try to determine which toxin and how much was ingested, try to keep your pet quiet.

Much planning goes into traveling with your pet. Always straighten out details in advance to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether you are sleeping at a hotel or home of friends and family, make sure your pet is welcome to stay there. Carry a kennel or crate for your pet to sleep in at your location. Determine if your pet suffers from car sickness by taking them for car rides before your vacation. A sick animal does not make for a comfortable car trip. If your pet does not travel well, figure out alternative arrangements. This can include pet-sitters that check in on your pets at home, or even boarding your pets with your veterinarian.

Before traveling, make sure you have all toys, dishes, food, and any medications your pet requires. If you are traveling across state or international borders, be sure your pet is properly microchipped and has a current health certificate. Health certificates are required by law and an exam must be conducted by an accredited and licensed veterinarian within 30 days of travel. Carry proof of a valid rabies vaccine, or ensure that it is part of the health certificate.

If you are flying with your pet, make sure you check with your airline regarding specifications on crates/kennels and length of the flight. Some pets are anxious during car rides or flights, so always discuss with your veterinarian in advance if your pet may need some medication to stay calm during the trip. This should be done well in advance so a trial of the medication can be done to see how your pet responds. Traveling on an empty stomach is usually recommended to prevent any vomiting during travel.

It is always recommended to keep a close eye on your pet while you are traveling to different areas. Some pets respond differently to new environments and can become ill. Always carry your veterinarian’s phone number with you in the case of an emergency. Keep your pet on a leash at all times when exiting your vehicle so to prevent any running away. Make sure your pets are properly identified with a microchip, collar and tag.

If your pet is extremely sick or so severely injured that he or she will never recover normal health, perhaps the kindest thing you can do for your pet is euthanasia. Your decision to have your pet euthanized is a serious one, and seldom easy to make.

A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make regarding your pet. Your decision is a personal one, but it need not be a solitary one. Your veterinarian and your family and friends can assist and support you. Consider not only what is best for your pet, but also what is best for you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people alike. Euthanasia can affect the entire family, especially children. Make sure children understand the illness of the pet and that we are all looking out for the pet’s best interest. Allow family members to say goodbye if wanted and express their feelings.

If your pet can no longer do with you and your family the things he or she once enjoyed, if your pet cannot respond to you in the usual ways, or if there is more pain than pleasure in his or her life, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option.

Euthanasia may be necessary for pets that have become vicious or unmanageable. Behavior issues alone, however, can sometimes be resolved with appropriate training over time. Economic problems or space limitations may cause euthanasia to be an option, however euthanasia should only be conducted when there are no other options. For healthy pets with behavioral issues or owners with monetary concerns, it is recommended to look into rescue agencies or alternative homes before euthanasia.

The process of euthanasia is quick and painless. Often times, a premedication is given to relax your pet. Euthanasia is conducted with a fast acting anesthetic agent that causes death almost immediately. You can choose if you want to be present during the process and stay with your pet. Afterwards, you may decide if you would like to have your pet’s remains cremated and returned to you. We do offer this and we can discuss options with you at that time. This is a decision we want you to be comfortable with and we are more than happy to discuss all details with you when this time arises.

It is completely natural to feel grief, sorrow, and anger after euthanasia of your pet. It is helpful to discuss these feelings with close family or friends. It may be difficult for some people to truly understand how close your pet was to you, but just try to explain your feelings. Often times people can relate to you from past experiences. If you don’t have other pets at home, you may question if you should get another pet. Each family member should have input in the decision of getting a new pet. Every person is different and for some it may take time before getting a new pet. Other pets at home may also seem to recognize the loss in the house. If your pet seems overly depressed and changes in behavior or appetite, let your veterinarian know. People and animals all react to another pet’s passing, and your veterinarian is here to help.

If you are considering euthanasia in your pet and want to discuss this decision with us, feel free to call us at any time. Each veterinarian here will be happy to go over everything with you and your family and we will be here with you as you make this decision.