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North Hollywood Vet Offers Pet Grooming Services
Posted on 2012-01-31 07:39:45
Pretty bows, braids or even jewels can adorn your pet coat after a trip to the groomer. However, pet grooming not only helps your pet's appearance but it is an essential part of keeping them pet healthy. Good hygiene for your pet will help ensure that they do not pick up disease or attract fleas, ticks and other infections. Personal pet grooming can be done professionally at a pet hospital or you can choose to do it yourself at home. At Blue Cross Pet Hospital, we offer pet grooming services in our clinic.Dogs and Cats Need Regular Veterinary Care and Grooming
Dogs should be routinely groomed by bathing and regular brushing. A mild shampoo and soap that is not harmful to your pet will keep them safe and smelling pretty. You need to protect your puppy's eyes when bathing and do not let their bodies become chilled during or after their bath. Cats often keep themselves fairly clean naturally; they do not require baths as frequently as dogs, but when you do bathe your cat it is important to keep water out of their sensitive ears and eyes. You need to use soap and shampoo that is specifically designed for cats because some dog shampoos may be irritating your feline’s sensitive skin.
Pet grooming procedures also include nail trimming for both dogs and cats. Regular nail trimming is essential for cats, which are infamous for shredding things and scratching people and other animals with their sharp claws. Dogs that do not get their nails trimmed regularly can have problems with the nail curving over and digging and cutting into their paws causing them immense pain.
The main benefits of routine pet grooming are improvements in health and overall appearance of their coat and skin, prevention of health issues that can be caused by matted fur or scratches, reduction in horse tack chafing and an opportunity to check your pet for parasites, fleas and other skin conditions.
When you take on the responsibility of a pet it is critical that you know correct grooming and hygiene procedures so that your pet is properly cared for. Our North Hollywood vet can give you the information you need and provide you with the services to keep your family pet groomed and healthy. If you live in the Burbank or Sherman Oaks area, visit Blue Cross Pet Hospital for all of your grooming and veterinary needs.
Does your pet like being groomed?
Pet Vaccinations From Studio City Veterinarians
Posted on 2011-12-09 08:35:45
The wellness of your pets is extremely important to our Studio City veterinarians at Blue Cross Pet Hospital in North Hollywood, CA. In addition to regular examinations, grooming, and dental care, we offer vaccines to protect your pets from dangerous diseases such as rabies and feline leukemia. Vaccinating your pet keeps him healthy. It also protects you and your loved ones from diseases that can spread from animals to humans. Types of Vaccines
The vets at our North Hollywood pet hospital offer several vaccinations to protect your pets and you. Generally, there are two classes of vaccine. Core vaccines are recommended for almost all pets, while non-core vaccines may only be needed by certain pets, depending on where they live and what they are exposed to.
In California, all cats and dogs need to receive a rabies vaccine. Rabies is fatal in most cases, and can be transferred from animals to people. A pet should receive a rabies vaccine either yearly or once every three years, depending on the strength of the vaccination.
Other core vaccines for pets include canine distemper for dogs and feline calicivirus and feline herpes virus vaccines for cats. Cats that go outdoors should be vaccinated against feline leukemia, a virus that spreads from cat to cat through bites or other contact. Dogs should also be vaccinated against parvovirus and hepatitis.
Vaccines for Wellness
Vaccines are essential to a pet's care. Most pets should begin receiving vaccinations from a young age. After birth, pets receive antibodies from their mother's milk which help protect them from infections. The antibodies wear off after a time and vaccines take on the role of protecting pets. Many kittens should be vaccinated starting at six weeks of age. Dogs are usually vaccinated starting around five weeks of age.
Even a pet owner thinks her pet is protected from disease because the pet stays indoors, she should still vaccinate the pet. A cat or dog can be exposed to a disease through even the lightest of contact, such as passing a sick pet in the park.
Have you had your pet vaccinated?
Is Your Pet Having a Bad Hair and Skin Day? Veterinary Dermatology from North Hollywood Pet Hospital
Posted on 2011-10-28 07:32:52
If your pet seems to be constantly scratching, biting, and chewing at an itch and just won’t stop, it may be time for a trip to Blue Cross Pet Hospital. Our North Hollywood pet hospital offers veterinary dermatology treatments that can alleviate a number of common and not-so-common skin conditions. In addition to constant itchiness, other signs of skin ailments include dandruff, hair loss, scabs, repeated shaking of the head, or changes in the texture or color of your pet’s coat.Vet Provides Exam, Tests and Skin Condition Treatments
A wide number of causes can be behind a pet’s abnormal skin condition. These include genetic or congenital defects, infections, allergies, parasites, traumatic events, or even imbalances in the pet’s diet. The first step our North Hollywood vet takes is conducting a thorough exam of the pet’s skin and coat. Specific diseases and conditions have telltale signs, although several can appear very similar and require lab work to determine the exact condition.
Alopecia X is an abnormality in the hair growth of Pomeranians and similar dog breeds that can lead to hair loss. Scabby skin lesions can be the result of an infection or a condition called pemphigus foliaceus, which is determined through a biopsy and cell examination. Skin biopsies can also help diagnose a disease known as discoid lupus erythematosus, which can cause scabbing and pigment loss in the nose area.
Allergic reactions are another cause of skin conditions, with reactions to specific foods, products or environmental allergens. The chronic skin condition atopy, also known as atopic dermatitis, is often diagnosed through skin testing.
The dermatological treatments offered by our Studio City and Sherman Oaks animal hospital depend on the exact cause of the condition. Our veterinarians are experienced at treating skin conditions with a number of methods that include medications, environmental management, allergen elimination, and immunotherapy.
How do you help keep your pet’s hair and skin healthy?
Spay and Neuter Procedures Have Health Benefits
Posted on 2011-09-29 14:14:22
Top Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet at Our Animal Hospital
Spaying and neutering are surgeries that are performed by a veterinarian to prevent cats or dogs from being able to reproduce. In a female animal, the spay procedure involves surgical removal of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. Neutering requires the complete removal of the testicles, which renders male animals infertile. Being spayed or neutered may cause your pet to experience mild and temporary discomfort, but the benefits associated with these surgical procedures last a lifetime. Spayed cats and dogs have a reduced risk of developing breast, uterine and ovarian cancer while neutered males are protected from testicular cancer. Neutering male animals lessens the likelihood of injury and disease transmission since males that have not been neutered are more likely to fight with other animals.
You will likely notice that your pet’s behavior improves following surgery since spaying and neutering can reduce the hormonal surges that can lead to behavioral issues.
Lastly, neutering or spaying your pet also helps ensure that he or she will not exacerbate the animal overpopulation issue that is plaguing our country. Many dogs and cats in shelters or humane societies are the unwanted offspring of family pets, and by spaying or neutering your pet you are reducing this population.
Quality Surgical and Pet Care Services from our North Hollywood Veterinarians
Our veterinarians and staff at Blue Cross Pet Hospital have been performing spay and neuter procedures for our clients in the North Hollywood, Studio City and Sherman Oaks areas for many years. We want every animal to find a loving home, which, unfortunately, cannot happen as long as animal overpopulation continues to be an issue for Hollywood, Sherman Oaks and Studio City. Each veterinarian at our North Hollywood pet hospital would be happy to give you more information about these safe, cost-effective surgeries and the pet care that will be required following each procedure.
We would love to read your feedback about spay and neuter procedures offered at our animal hospital. Are you considering having a vet spay or neuter your pet? What information can we provide to help you with your decision?
North Hollywood Vet Keeps Bad Breath at Bay
Posted on 2011-08-25 22:06:59
At Blue Cross Pet Hospital, we want pet owners to know that maintaining healthy teeth and gums in your pet is important both to his or her oral hygiene and overall well-being. Tartar build-up or gum disease could lead to infections and further affect different parts of your pet's body. Our North Hollywood pet hospital is here to help with all of your pet dental care needs, providing care for pets in the Sherman Oaks and Studio City communities as well. We encourage pet owners to be proactive in caring for their pets' teeth. Bad breath in your pet can often be a symptom of poor oral health or other health issue. By scheduling a visit with the vet, a minor problem can be fixed before it turns into a major one. At the appointment, our veterinarian can also demonstrate brushing methods so that you will be able to maintain proper dental treatment for your pet at home between visits.
Our animal hospital has been in practice since 1949, and we are adamant about educating pet owners about the preventative measures they should take to make sure pets are at their healthiest. Dental examinations are a necessary part of a pet's health routine and should be included when scheduling regular check-ups with our veterinarian.
Animal Hospital Dental Services Give Pet Owners Reasons to Smile
For our North Hollywood pet owners as well as those in Sherman Oaks, Studio City and the surrounding neighborhoods, we understand that a healthy pet is a happy pet. The services we provide are to make your pet feel their most comfortable while undergoing care at our hospital.
Our professional teeth cleanings keep pet teeth healthy and polished. We can also inspect for any broken teeth or teeth that have become loose from chomping on chew toys, teeth erosion or other factors that may indicate decay and disease. In the case where surgery may be required, we provide anesthesia that is safe and animal-friendly to ensure a smooth procedure.
The goal of each dental visit is to make sure that your pet's health is at its best. Need at-home tips for dental care for your pet? Ask away!
Do you have helpful tips for home pet teeth cleaning for other pet owners?
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Hollywood Veterinarian
Blue Cross Pet Hospital
5505 Tujunga Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-732-6932
Blue Cross Pet Hospital
5505 Tujunga Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91601
818-732-6932
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