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Common Allergies in Pets |
Irritated eyes, itchy skin and constant sneezing may be signs that your dog or cat has an allergy. These three types of allergies are particularly common in pets. Flea Allergy Dermatitis If your pet is allergic to the saliva of fleas, just one bite may cause intense itching. Regular use of products that kill adult fleas and stop immature fleas from maturing will help keep your pet comfortable. Seasonal Allergies You may not be the only one in your home who suffers from seasonal allergies. Pets can also be allergic to tree pollen, ragweed, mold, dust mites and other allergens. Your pet may try to find relief by licking or biting or its fur or scooting against carpeting or rough surfaces. Frequent baths may remove allergens and reduce symptoms, but if your pet is very uncomfortable, medications can be prescribed to make your furry friend more comfortable. Food Allergies Some pets are also allergic to certain foods. Because the symptoms of food allergies are similar to those of seasonal allergies, it's important to schedule a visit with your pet's veterinarian to determine the cause of the problem. |
Have you ever heard that a wet nose is a sign that your pet is healthy? Although that's often the case, it's not always true. A moist nose can benefit your pet in several ways, but it doesn't necessarily guarantee good health.
How Does a Wet Nose Help My Pet?
Have you ever been woken at 5 a.m. by a cold, wet nose rubbing against your hand or face? Although the ability to easily wake lazy humans is certainly one advantage of a wet nose, your dog or cat benefits from a moist nose in a few other ways.
Scents are very important to your pets. Animals mark their territory by leaving subtle scent clues when they rub against people and objects. Outside, pets set boundaries by urinating or defecating in strategic places. When other animals sniff those scents, they understand the message your pet is sending.
A wet nose enhances your pet's ability to identify scents. Microscopic scent particles float through the air and land on your pet's nose. If the nose is wet, they'll stick to it rather than falling off, which makes identifying odors much easier.
A wet nose also helps keep your pet cool. As moisture evaporates from the nose, it provides a cooling effect. Luckily, it's easy to restore lost moisture with a simple swipe of the tongue.
Can My Pet's Nose Be Too Moist?
A wet nose isn't always a good sign. If your pet's nose is suddenly very wet, an upper respiratory infection may be to blame. When dogs and cats catch a cold or other virus, they may experience runny noses just like people do.
Is a Dry Nose a Bad Sign?
A warm, dry nose isn't necessarily a sign that your pet is ill. Some dogs or cats naturally have dry noses. Even if your pet normally has a cool, wet nose, it may tend to become dryer and warmer after a nap or a few hours spent in the sun. Dryness may also be a natural effect of aging.
A dry nose can be a sign of dehydration or illness, particularly if your pet's nose is usually wet. You can tell if your pet is dehydrated by examining its gums. Dehydration often make the gums look pale instead of pink. The scruff test offers another way to determine if dehydration is a problem. Perform the test by gently pulling up on the skin on the back of your pet's neck. If your cat or dog isn't dehydrated, the skin will quickly snap back against the body. It will take a few seconds for the skin to return to normal if your furry friend is dehydrated.
Other signs that may indicate illness in pets, whether the nose is dry or wet, include:
Has your pet's nose suddenly become dry and warm? Call us to schedule an appointment to find out if a health issue is the reason for the change.
Sources:
Dog Health: Does a Dry Nose Mean My Dog is Sick?
https://www.doghealth.com/how-and-why/why-dogs-have-wet-noses
Catster: Ask a Vet: Should a Cat’s Nose Always Be Cool and Moist?, 6/21/16
http://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-care-nose-wet-moist-cool-ask-a-vet
VetStreet: Why Does My Dog Have a Wet Nose?
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-have-a-wet-nose
Animal Wellness Magazine: What Your Dog’s Nose Can Tell You
https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/what-her-nose-can-tell-you/
Healthy Pets: Help Your Dog Overcome These 3 Common Allergies, 9/15/11
Drs. Foster and Smith: Allergy Signs & Symptoms
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?siteid=12&acatid=169&aid=75
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Office Hours
Day | Morning | Afternoon |
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Monday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
Tuesday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
Wednesday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
Thursday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
Friday | 8:00am | 6:00pm |
Saturday | Closed | Closed |
Sunday | Closed | Closed |
Day | Morning | Afternoon | ||||
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Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
8:00am | 8:00am | 8:00am | 8:00am | 8:00am | Closed | Closed |
6:00pm | 6:00pm | 6:00pm | 6:00pm | 6:00pm | Closed | Closed |
Testimonial
Provides great care for your pet. I don't think there isn't anything they can't do for your pet. They are also the only vet in the entire area that can provide Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM). It's a form of chiropractic work for animals. I thought they were nuts for suggesting it, but it's the only thing that has helped my dog with her back issues. She does not take any pain meds and is like a puppy as long as she has VOM every month. It's truly a life/pain saver. My dog is living proof that this practice works. This practice is so rare that even a veterinary hospital in another state who specializes in rehabilitation does not perform this procedure (which is mind boggling). My other dog could not stomach pain meds and antibiotics after a surgery. We tried homeopathics and that's what helped her with her pain. They definitely know what they're doing when it comes to medical care for animals. We've been going there for 12 years and counting......
Dear the amazing team at Village Vet, thank you for the beautiful poem and heartfelt card you sent me after Lucy's passing. Its nice to know how much you care about your patients and their owners. I will miss my little monkey but WHEN we decide to bring another little furbaby into the family you'll be the first people I'll call.