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February is National Pet Dental Health Month - a great reminder that your pet's oral care is key to their overall health. Schedule a professional cleaning to keep their smile bright and healthy!

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

Starting the year with a new puppy or kitten? This guide covers everything new pet parents need to know - from vet visits and nutrition to training and safety - so you and your furry friend can thrive together.



First Steps for New Pet Parents: Caring for Your Puppy or Kitten in the New Year

Help your cat beat the summer heat with hydration tips, grooming advice, diet updates, parasite prevention, and mental enrichment. This seasonal guide covers everything to keep your feline happy and healthy all June long.



Essential Cat Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

As pet owners, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring our furry friends are happy and healthy. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can sometimes be challenging, as they can't communicate in words like we do. However, animals do have ways of letting us know when something isn't right. Here's a guide from our team, at Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic, to help you understand if your pet might be in pain and what steps you can take to help them feel better.

Is My Pet in Pain? Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to educate pet owners about this prevalent tick-borne illness. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease for pets and humans.

Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

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Parasitic worms that can live on the right side of the heart in pets like dogs, cats, and ferrets cause heartworm disease, a serious and occasionally fatal condition. Mosquito bites are the primary method of disease transmission, endangering pets everywhere. Recognizing heartworm infection signs is vital for prompt diagnosis and successful treatment.Understanding Heartworm InfectionThe heartworm parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, is responsible for heartworm disease. Heartworm larvae are transmitted to pets through the bite of an infected mosquito and, over months, develop into adult worms. These adults can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage.Indicators of Heartworm Infection in Dogs:<ul><li>Heartworm disease frequently causes dogs to develop a persistent cough, which can get worse with exercise and resemble other respiratory conditions.</li><li>Lethargy and Exhaustion: Infected dogs may show a significant drop in energy, tiring easily with moderate activity or avoiding exercise altogether.</li><li>Appetite Loss and Weight Reduction: Progression of the disease may cause dogs to lose their appetite and weight.</li><li>Breathing Difficulties: Dogs may struggle to breathe and have an increased respiratory rate as heartworms occupy the lungs and blood vessels.</li><li>Enlarged Chest: In severe cases, a swollen chest may become apparent, either from weight loss or fluid accumulation.</li><li>Sudden Collapse: A dog may collapse without warning if the worm’s burden overruns the cardiovascular system.</li></ul>Indicators of Heartworm Infection in Cats:Cats may display different or no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:<ul><li>Coughing or Asthma-like Episodes: Cats with heartworm disease may experience respiratory issues, often confused with asthma.</li><li>Vomiting: Cats may vomit unrelated to eating, a frequent symptom of feline heartworm disease.</li><li>Weight Reduction: Cats, like dogs, can lose weight as the disease progresses.</li><li>Lethargy: A decrease in activity or general malaise in cats can be a sign of heartworm disease.</li><li>Abrupt Collapse or Death: Cats may collapse or die suddenly, as even a small number of worms can have a significant impact.</li></ul>Heartworm disease poses a serious risk to pet health but can be prevented and treated if detected early. If you observe any of the symptoms in your pet, or if you wish to protect them from heartworm disease, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your vet can conduct tests and suggest preventive measures to safeguard your pet. Proactive prevention is the key to combating heartworm disease. Don’t delay—arrange a veterinary consultation to discuss heartworm testing and preventive care for your pet.

Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal condition in pets. Learn the signs, risks, and how early prevention and vet care can protect your dog, cat, or ferret.



Protect Your Furry Friends: Recognizing the Indicators of Heartworm Infection

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Protect Your Furry Friends: Recognizing the Indicators of Heartworm Infection

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