cat - Barnyard Veterinary Service & Supply

Can I Give Shots?

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Regular exams with vaccinations are an important part of your pet’s health care.

Why should I have a veterinarian give my pet’s vaccinations when I know how to give a shot myself?

Certainly some pet owners feel comfortable administering their own pet’s vaccinations and they might even offer to do the same for a friend. However there are some problems with this.

First, the pet misses out on the opportunity to get a physical exam from a licensed veterinarian. I regularly counsel owners of apparently healthy dogs and cats about dental disease, preventative care, obesity, behavior, nutrition, arthritis, and allergies, among other things.

Secondly, if vaccines aren’t administered at a veterinarian’s office, you have no legal proof that the vaccine was given or that it was given correctly. Most pet boarding facilities, dog groomers, housing complexes, other veterinary offices, and city/state entities require legal proof of vaccination. Legal proof is especially important when it comes to rabies vaccinations as the disease is lethal to both pets and humans. Strict rules about rabies vaccination and control are established by governing authorities.

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Shop with us online

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

You can now shop locally, online.

We have partnered with VetSource Home Delivery which will allow you to make purchases for your furry friends online and have their supplies delivered to your door. We can even set you up for your pet’s prescription medications!

Click this button to explore our new eCommerce site!

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The Cone of Shame

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

The “Cone of Shame is also called an E-collar, Elizabethan Collar or buster collar

Why must the “Cone of Shame” be endured?

Most dogs and cats hate having an Elizabethan or buster collar installed around their neck. Unfortunately it is sometime a necessary evil. These collars help prevent a dog or cat from self-mutilation in the event of a wound.

Once the itching/scratching cycle can be stopped, then the pet will likely become more comfortable. Sutured incisions or wounds usually take about 10-14 days to heal sufficiently for the sutures to be removed. If the pet licks the sutures out before this time the whole wound that you just spent a lot of money on to get fixed will come apart.

Depending on the severity and nature of the wound and your dogs personality, a clear collar, neck brace type collar, soft collar bandage, or body stocking may be substituted for the traditional white plastic E-collar.

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What dental treats actually work?

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Look for the VOHC stamp of approval on dental home care products.

What dental treats actually work for decreasing plaque and tartar in my pet’s mouth?

If you are trying to improve the quality of your pet’s mouth, skip the box of bone shaped treats. Studies have been done to show that both rawhide chews and Greenies can reduce plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth.

There are some treats specifically designed for cats as well, if they are so inclined to oblige you with a trial.

For a list of pet dental products that have been shown to reduce plaque and tartar visit www.vohc.org and look for their stamp of approval on dental home care products.

Visit your local veterinary office for more tips on oral care in dogs and cats.

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Pet Dental Health Month – Pet foods to help pet’s teeth

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education, Uncategorized .

February is National Pet Dental Month

Do they make pet foods designed to help keep my dog’s and cat’s teeth clean?

Yes! Research shows that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs will have some form of dental disease by the age of two years. Sticky plaque build up is the number one cause of periodontal (dental) disease.

Hill’s Science Diet T/D and Purina ProPlan’s DH are both prescription dental foods that are designed to reduce plaque and tartar when fed as the sole diet. The larger unique kibble size is designed to scrape the tooth as it is chewed. Additionally the kibble breaks down more slowly in the pet’s mouth allowing for even more chewing and scraping action.

These foods are formulated to be fed to most adult or senior pets, but consult with your veterinarian to make sure this is a good choice for your particular pet.

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Digital Thermal Imaging

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

Digital Thermal Imagining allows us to better evaluate and treat your four-legged friends.

We are proud to announce that we now offer Digital Thermal Imaging.

Veterinary patients do not seek medical attention themselves. An animal is most often presented to the veterinarian as a result of symptoms observed by an owner or caretaker. The veterinarian responsibility is to then evaluate and treat the animal as accurately as possible. Diagnostic evaluation is often aided by immediate visual cues.

Digital Thermal Images do not depict temperature but measure the radiant energy from the target tissue. These cameras read and illuminate this energy and are both non invasive and non destructive as an aid to patient diagnosis and improved treatment plan.

This new digital thermal imaging is best for musculoskeletal and inflammatory issues.

Ask us about Digital Thermal Imaging at your next appointment.

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Avoid pet food advertising hype?

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Sandra Wahlert DVM Posted in Education .

What does your pet food say?

Avoid pet food advertising hype?

Some pet food companies do a great job of marketing to pet owners. They claim that their pet food is all natural as if suggesting that another companies’ food is not made up of edible products. With that being said there is a difference in the quality of pet foods on the market.

It’s always best to feed the highest quality food your budget will allow. While lower cost brands usually have adequate protein content, it can be excessive for the pet’s life stage. Many of these foods also contain excess amounts of minerals (ash), including salt.

A veterinarian well versed in nutrition can be a valuable resource for helping one develop the best feeding plan for the pet. Stay tuned for a list of pet food terminology

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