Not Feeling Well

You know the feeling that something is just not right. Some pets don’t show obvious, in-your-face signs of illness or pain. The signs may be more subtle—like eating less, walking slower, or not greeting you the way they usually do. When it comes to medicine, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Neighborhood Vet offers same day availability to get your pet checked out easily. An examination and vital check is the first step. Lab testing may be recommended to have a better picture of what is happening inside the body. Our vet will be able to guide you on the possible causes of what is wrong with your pet and offer solutions.

Anal Gland Issues

Anal sacs or glands are on the inside of the rectum of dogs and cats. These two structures fill with a very smelly liquid. The contents usually express or release when your pet uses the bathroom or under times of stress. The odor of the liquid helps mark territories or is used for defense.

Some animals are unable to express their anal glands normally due to factors such as genetics, soft stools, rectal conformation, or underlying medical conditions. We only recommend anal gland expressions if there are signs of an issue.

Anal glands are prone to infection, impaction, rupture, and tumors. Signs your pet is having an anal gland issue is scooting, licking under the tail, a bad “fishy smell”, straining to poop, or a wound or blood near the anus.

Neighborhood Vet can check and express anal glands to prevent medical issues. We can treat minor anal gland infections , ruptures, and impactions.

Broken Nails

Pets’ nails and claws grow rapidly. When nails are longer, they are prone to break or tear. Very active pets are also prone to nail damage from putting strain on the nails during activity.

Broken nails are painful and can bleed easily. Just think of the pain of an ingrown toenail. Signs of a damaged nail are limping, bleeding, swelling of a toe, and licking paws.

Some broken nails require sedated medical treatment. Neighborhood Vet can assess your pet’s condition to determine the best course. Our team can treat minor nail damage. Treatment may include pain medication, antibiotics, and bandaging.

Bad Breath

PU! That breath is bad. Most commonly bad breath indicates a dental or tooth issue. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar build up in pet’s mouths just as in humans. Dental disease occurs in 70-80% of pets over the age of 3. Other causes of bad breath are viruses in the mouth, kidney disease, digestive issues, foreign objects in the mouth, and tumors.

Checking you pet’s mouth routinely and having dental care is essential to keeping your pet healthy. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is the best way to prevent bad breath. We know this is not easy! Neighborhood Vet can perform oral health exams and offer solutions for your pet. If a full dental cleaning is needed we can refer you to a full service vet hospital.

Wounds

Scrapes and cuts happen commonly with active pets. Nips and scratches from other animals can also occur. If you know your pet was injured, it is best to seek vet care. Even a minor wound can get infected and cause pain.

Neighborhood Vet can treat minor wounds. Treatments may include clipping the fur and cleaning, antibiotics, pain management, and topical medications. For deep wounds, painful wounds, dog fight wounds or actively bleeding lesions your pet may need more advanced care such as sedation at a full service hospital.

Insect Bites

Ouch! Indoor and outdoor pets are at risk for insect or spider stings and bites. Ant, bee and wasp stings are common in our area. If you pet suddenly exhibits pain, swelling, hives, or bumps this may indicate an insect bite. Some pets can be severely allergic to insects. Signs of a severe reaction and an emergency are facial swelling, collapse, trouble breathing, and extreme pain.

Neighborhood Vet can help your pet with mild insect reactions. If you notice any skin changes we can help. If you think your pet is having a severe reaction please go to the nearest emergency or urgent care hospital.