Veterinary Care That Comes To You!

It is more and more common for us at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital to see people with pets other than dogs and cats. No matter the species, we think that your animal family members deserve the best in veterinary care.

Pot-bellied pigs as pets are an increasingly popular choice and they can make absolutely amazing additions to the crew. They aren’t for everyone, though. Before considering a pot-bellied pig as your next pet, it is important to do your research.

Learning the Basics

Before committing to a new porky addition, there are a few basic requirements that you  need to be sure that you meet. Find out the following: 

Imagine not brushing your own teeth. Within a day, your mouth would probably feel pretty gross. For most pets, never having their teeth brushed or professionally scaled is a fact of life. 

While it can seem frivolous or indulgent to care for a pet’s teeth, the fact is that a large majority of cats and dogs suffer from the effects of periodontal (gum) disease by the time they reach age 3. Caused by poor pet dental care, this irreversible disease is 100% preventable.

As a pet ages, certain conditions and diseases may become a problem if they are predisposed, either through lifestyle or genetics. This is not to say that aging is a prescription for illness. Not by a long shot. By making sure you follow a good wellness program for your best friend, it can benefit them down the road and help to ward off disease. 

How do you do this? This is where the team at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital come in! We’re here to explain the merits of senior pet wellness and what it entails, so that you can keep your furry, scaled, finned, or feathered friend in great shape for years to come.

The tiniest members of our families may not always be cats or dogs. In fact, the number of pet owners that are bringing unusual and wonderful exotic pets into their families seems to be increasing! Small mammals like guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets, birds of all varieties, reptiles and amphibians, and other exotic pets are a popular choice for those who seek the unique. 

Exotic pets make excellent pets, but their care is different from other domestic animals. The Shiloh Veterinary Hospital team is here to put a spotlight on exotic pet care and veterinary examinations for the best health and wellbeing of your pet.

In theory, dog parks seem like a nearly perfect place. Dogs can run off-leash while enjoying each other’s company and come home tired and happy – all while you’ve been relaxing and skipping the daily walk. Sounds like a great plan, but with so many dogs and people (most of whom are likely looking at their phones rather than watching their dogs), trouble can quickly arise.

Practicing good dog park etiquette is the key to safely enjoying the park, and making sure others do too. 

It’s that time of year again. Shopping for school supplies, snacks, clothes, and shoes and figuring out new schedules occupy the minds and hours of families with school-aged kids – but how does the family pet feel about the change in routine? 

Pet separation anxiety is real, and it can rear its ugly head as your pet’s small (or tall) summer companions troop back through the school doors for the next 9 months. Fortunately, boredom, depression, and behavioral issues can be prevented, and the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help.

No matter where we live, parasites are everywhere. These tiny facts of life can range from gross (discovering worms in your pet’s poop), to frustrating (a flea infestation in your home), to downright deadly (a pet diagnosed with heartworm). 

Because fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites pose a risk to dogs, cats, exotic pets, and people all year long, pet parasite prevention is a critical part of your pet’s health care plan. 

Even people with little to no experience with dogs can recognize the qualities of a “good dog.” They rarely bark or jump up on people, stay off of the furniture, and remember when it’s time to go outside for their bathroom needs. Likewise, “good dogs” don’t run away, chase after wildlife, and do not attack people and other animals. 

We’d love to think that dogs are simply born this way, but the truth is, well-mannered dogs have been trained to behave in certain ways around very specific stimuli. Don’t worry—the keys to effective dog training and proper socialization are within reach. 

To be a truly awesome pet owner, all you need is love, right? Without a doubt, warmth and tenderness are essential parts of the puzzle. But to be a responsible pet owner, an understanding of what to do in a pet emergency is crucial.

Acquiring items for a pet first aid kit is a great place to start, and knowing how to perform pet CPR takes it to the next-level in emergency preparation. 

Packing is no small feat, but when traveling with a pet the to-do list (or, to-grab list) can seem endless. Pets require extra gear and creature comforts while away from home, but to have the best possible trip it’s what you do before you leave that takes priority.

For sure, pet travel isn’t for everyone but when it’s approached the right way, it can make any journey more memorable.

Where to Start

Before you get too far ahead in the planning process, it’s a good idea to schedule a pet wellness exam. If there are any issues related to their health or behavior you can rule them out beforehand. Plus, we can give you ideas that aim to help your individual pet cope with being away from home.