Happy New Year

By: Amy Marcum, LVT

With ringing in the New year also comes, New Year resolutions.  We all make them whether it is to lose weight, get organized, spend less or save more.  This year why not make resolutions for your pet.  You could brush your cat once a week, or extend your dog's playtime.  How, about making New Years resolutions that are beneficial for your pet.  The following are a few from Central Kentucky Veterinary Center.



Check-up
    It's important that at least once a year your pet has a through exam, vaccinations and annual tests.  During the examinations, the doctors will look in the mouth eyes, and ears.  The doctor will also listen to the heart and lungs, feel for any enlarged lymph nodes or lumps and bumps.  It is recommended by the doctors at Central Kentucky Veterinary Center that dogs and cats be vaccinated at least once a year.  The vaccines and tests that your pet needs are determined by where your pet lives and goes.

Weight Loss
    Getting your dog or cat to a healthy weight can be a challenge.  There are several things you can do to accomplish this.  You can decrease the amount of food you are feeding or increase the amount of exercise your pet receives.  You can also change the food you are feeding to a lower calorie food or in January  2013 we will have a new food available that is proven to provide safe weight loss in as little as 2 months.  Our veterinarians and staff can help you come up with a plan that is right for you and your pet.

Dental
    Does your pet have bad breath when they get in your face?  If the answer is yes, then your pet may need to have his/her teeth cleaned.  This is very beneficial to prevent periodontal disease, tooth loss, bad breath caused by bacteria, which can get in to the blood stream and can cause heart and kidney failure. 

Have a safe and happy new year!