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Testing 1, 2, 3: A Spotlight on Pet Baseline Lab Work
As pet owners, we try to make the world a wonderful place for our dear, furry companions. By making sure they have a nutritious diet, get their vaccinations, sleep in a cozy bed, and receive plenty of snuggles and playtime, we hope that we are giving our best pals the life they deserve. But what if there was something more we could be doing to ensure their long-term health and vitality?
Teaming up with your veterinarian for regular wellness care and diagnostic testing is a simple and extremely effective way to give your pet a better quality of life. Pet baseline lab work is essential for the early diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention of health issues before they become serious problems.
The Importance of Pet Baseline Lab Work
Running tests on a pet who isn’t feeling well is an obvious move, but don’t discount the importance of regular health and wellness screenings for healthy pets, as well. Lifestyle, age, and genetic predisposition all play a role in a pet’s susceptibility to disease. Annual wellness exams and diagnostic tests such as blood panels, urine and fecal testing, and other important screenings are indispensable tools for monitoring your pet’s health over time.
Hippity Hoppity: Rabbit Care Basics
Rabbits can make great pets. Not only are they adorable, but they’re also full of personality and are quite trainable. Sadly, though, many people take on a rabbit without fully understanding their needs. Many health problems that our bunny friends suffer are related to improper care. Androscoggin Animal Hospital knows the importance of rabbit care and is happy to help our fellow lagomorph lovers take better care of them.
How Fear Free Certification Benefits Your Pet – and You!
At Androscoggin Animal Hospital, our aim is to provide the best care possible for your furry family. One of the ways we have worked to accomplish this is through our Fear-Free Certification. With this distinction, you can rest easy knowing that members of our staff meet the national standards required to provide a comfortable and stress-free environment for our patients. This, in turn, allows them to experience complete wellness for their lifelong health and well being.
There is quite a bit involved with becoming a Fear-Free certified veterinarian that pet owners and pets will benefit from – here is why!
Beware Dr. Google: Finding Credible Pet Health Information Online
In our digital age, it’s only natural to turn to the Internet when we have a question or a problem. The proliferation of online resources makes finding the answers we need easier than ever before. Indeed, whether you are trying to find a good Chinese restaurant, researching local plumbers, booking a flight, or paying a bill, the World Wide Web has got you covered.
Many of us turn to the Internet to help us care for our pets also, including when we are concerned about their health. Having so many sources available to us is wonderful, but we all know that just because you see something on the Internet that doesn’t mean it’s true. Finding credible pet health information online can be a challenge, but your team at Androscoggin Animal Hospital is here to help.
Pet Boarding: The More You Know
Pet owners who travel with their pets are very lucky indeed, but sometimes the potential cost and stress involved can lead to other options. Asking friends or relatives to watch your pet may work well, but, like the 30 million other pet owners who depend on it, you may find that a pet boarding facility can also be ideal. However, not all pet boarding experiences are the same.
ER, Urgent Care, or Specialty Center? Which Type of Specialty Veterinarian Does My Pet Need?
There’s no doubt that veterinary medicine has come a long way in recent years. Our society’s growing respect for pets has corresponded to advancements in the field, and providing high quality medical care is now considered an essential element of modern pet ownership. Not only do today’s pets have access to preventive care on par with their human companions, but they also enjoy the best in diagnostics, surgery, physical therapy, emergency care, and more.
AAHA Accreditation and Your Pets
If you have taken the time to browse the Androscoggin Animal Hospital website, you may have noticed that little red logo in the bottom left corner that tells you that we are AAHA accredited. While that may sound fancy, do you really know or care what AAHA accreditation, means? Take a minute to learn more about why you should!
What is AAHA Accreditation?
AAHA is the American Animal Hospital Association, an organization that has been around since 1933. Their main goal is to ensure the highest level of care possible when it comes to the health care of pets.
Pet Laser Therapy: A Breakthrough Treatment for Pain Management and Recovery
One of the most exciting forms of therapy for treating pet pain and encouraging recovery is pet laser therapy. Laser therapy has been embraced as one of the safest, most effective adjunct therapies for numerous conditions that affect many cats and dogs. Its uses range from managing chronic pain to promoting faster healing to reducing swelling and inflammation.
However, while it’s a well-integrated component of modern veterinary medicine, it remains largely misunderstood by pet owners. To help clarify what pet laser therapy is and how it can help animals of all ages, the team at Androscoggin has compiled some basic information about this noninvasive, gentle treatment option.
From Rabies to Salmonella: The Prevalence and Risks of Zoonotic Diseases
Reviewing a list of zoonotic diseases can bring about a paranoid, highly concerned state of mind. As with anything, though, control is regained when you know what’s out there and how you can take measures to reduce exposure.
At Androscoggin Animal Hospital, our veterinarians help you do just that through your pet’s routine wellness exams. By updating vaccinations, continuing monthly parasite preventives, and observing any changes, you’re protecting your pet’s health – and the health of your entire family.
Pet Insurance: Is it Right for You?
There is no denying that the cost of healthcare is high, and continues to rise. Even in the veterinary field, new technology and capabilities are continuing to emerge, but they are not without cost. We can offer your family pet the best care and more treatment options, but sometimes these options can become cost prohibitive for pet owners.
People utilize health insurance to help offset some of the cost of their medical care, and pet insurance is also now widely available to help pet owners pay for their pet’s veterinary expenses. But is pet insurance really worth it? What are the benefits? Read on to learn if pet insurance might be right for you.