Abingdon
Veterinary Clinic
What to expect when you are expecting
Thinking about acquiring a new pet? If you have never owned a pet companion before, we urge you to consider the following:
The cost.
The annual cost for 1 pet is ROUGHLY $900-$1,600 according to the 2005-2006 APPMA pet owners survey.
This does NOT include if your pet gets ill and needs emergency care. It does NOT include teeth cleanings or emergency visits.
The Emotional Side
Pets need our attention. Sometimes they will allow nothing less! You need to be ready to give the attention your pet deserves. This includes walks, playing, training, and lots of petting. The pet you chose will be just that. They did not ask to be under your care. You assume that responsibility as soon as you take them home.
The Physical Side
Each pet requires certain physical activities. Some dog breeds need to run on a daily basis and therefore would be perfect for a family with a large fenced in yard. You may fall in love with the idea of a great dane, only to find out that the 1 bedroom apartment you own really isn't ideal for a 140 pound dog. On the other hand you work long hours and have found that a cat would be puurrrfect for your lifestyle since they have a more independent attitude. Here is a link to look into finding the right kind of breeds for your lifestyle.
Good Luck & don't forget that there are TONS of wonderful pets out there that need to be adopted! Please check out the following links to local rescues.
Luna's House: There's a place on this earth for every animal
Humane Society of Harford County
The Vaccines!
Your new companion will need yearly vaccinations. But do not be fooled into joining "clubs" that claim to cover your pet's medical expenses annually for a "low" monthly fee. Some of those programs vaccinate too often and too much & end up costing you more than necessary. We believe your pet needs to be protected, but there is a safe way to do so. When you first get your puppy or kitten they need to go through a series of first immunization vaccines, then vaccinated yearly.
They need to be spayed or neutered
Most owners feel that they are doing a great injustice to their male pets or taking away a chance at motherhood for their female companions. Truth: they are doing much more damage than good. Spaying and neutering eliminates the risk of several forms of cancer, it may reduce a male cats' tendency to spray if it is done early enough. The surgery reduces dogs' and cats' tendencies to fight and roam. Truth: If everyone had their pets spayed or neutered then our shelters would not have to euthanize millions of wonderful pets each year.
Myths to getting your pet fixed:
Their behavior changes drastically after surgery.
The only changes in behavior you'll see are positive ones. Neutered cats and dogs fight less, resulting in fewer battle scars, contagious diseases and abcesses. And since they aren't interested in pursuing females in heat, they also wander less, greatly reducing their chances of being hit by a car or getting lost.
Animals become fat and lazy after being spayed or neutered.
Fat animals are usually overfed and under exercised. If you notice your pet putting on some weight, reduce their calories and increase walks and play sessions.
I can find good homes for the puppies or kittens.
6.5 MILLION animals are euthanized EACH YEAR because there are not homes for them! For every puppy or kitten brought into the world by a well meaning owner, another will die somewhere else unwanted and homeless.
I want my children to see the miracle of birth.
A lot of the times, a mother animal will go off by herself to give birth. While the birth of baby animals may teach children a love of life and living things, this lesson can be taught in many other, more humane ways. Animal Planet has a lot of educational shows on birth! It should not be taught at the expense of the animal and her offspring.
Dental Care! Really, is it necessary??!
Imagine going your WHOLE life without picking up a toothbrush or visiting a dentist! YUCK! YES, your pet needs dental care. An unhealthy mouth can cause multiple other problems with your pet. A bad mouth can affect internal organs and shorten their lifespan.
Starting at home with brushing, dental chews, or even oral hygiene rinses can help a lot. But sometimes that is not enough and we really need to help get you started. We are more than happy to help educate owners on this subject. Please call us with any questions!!
FAT CATS AND PLUMP POOCHES
You love your pet. So much, that you feel the only way to really show Fluffy you adore her is to give lots of treats and sometimes whatever you're eating. Before you know it, your little Fluffy looks as though she is about to pop!! She also seems to become out of breath more often, doesn't want to go for walks and sleeps all day. Not to mention she has a much higher risk for arthritic issues, heart problems and to become diabetic! All that love was great at the time, but has taken a toll. There are a lot more ways to show your pet you love them!! And sometimes, an overweight pet isn't because of too many treats. It could be due to an underlying medical problem such as thyroid, heart or metabolic disorder. We suggest having them checked out.
Heartworms and Ticks, Oh My!
Heartworm disease is contracted through mosquito bites. Lyme disease is contracted through deer ticks infected with the disease. Tapeworms are contracted through flea bites. What better way to protect your pet than with a monthly treatment?! One is a chewable that most pets eat as a treat and the other is a topical liquid. Both are easy to give. Check out the following links for more information:
FrontlineŽ - Fleas and Ticks pose serious health risks