March 17,2011

A Client Asks:

I see on your website that my dog needs a bordetella vaccine in order to visit your groomers. I don’t want my dog to board; I just want him to have a bath and haircut. Why does he need the bordetella vaccine for that?

Our Response:

While the bordetella vaccine is commonly known as the “kennel cough” vaccine, a kennel is not the only place that a dog can contract the respiratory illness. Think about all the places where we can contract the flu: work, school, shopping malls, the Metro—unfortunately, anywhere you can find people, you can probably find an infectious disease. So, it follows that dogs may come in contact with the bordetella illness anywhere that other dogs may be in close proximity. This includes kennels, dog parks, pet stores, doggie day cares, and even the groomer.

Bordetella is highly infectious and actually quite common, and studies have shown that the vaccine may not be fully protective for an entire year. Therefore, we require the vaccine every six months. After all, we are a hospital, grooming, and kennel facility, which means that there are several dogs all over our ground son a daily basis. For example, a dog from our boarding facility may be scheduled for grooming at the end of a week’s stay. While boarding, this dog may have been part of a daily play group with two or three other dogs. To head to his grooming appointment, this dog may travel through the hospital lobby. Finally,he’ll have a kennel right next to your dog’s in our Grooming Cottage. This chain of events includes several points of contact for potential infection for your dog, even if he comes to Stream Valley for nothing other than a grooming appointment. Therefore, a bordetella vaccine every six months is vital to protect your pet’s health.

Click for more information about grooming and boarding vaccine protocols. If you have any further questions, or if you would like to schedule your pet’s vaccine or grooming appointment, we can be reached at (703) 723-1017.

April 14,2011

A Client Asks:

I haven't had a pet for some time, and I'm interested in adopting a kitten or cat. I know that cats can be prone to scratching furniture, carpeting, and curtains, but I don't necessarily want to declaw my pet. What are some other options to control scratching?

Our Response:

Best of luck in your search for your new kitty friend; it's so smart of you to plan ahead for your pet's care!

A cat’s natural urge to scratch and pare down those claws can wreak havoc on furniture and upholstery, so of course you want to find a solution that works for you and for your pet. To declaw obviously means to remove the claw, something that we and many other veterinarians only do for the front feet. Because cats don’t do much furniture scratching with the rear feet, this is no true reason to remove the rear claws.

However,some pet owners see no reason to declaw at all if they can find a suitable alternative. For example, you can simply trim your cat’s nails on a regular basis. Often a large set of human nail trimmers will work just fine, but you can use pet nail trimmers as well. You’ll just need to avoid cutting the“quick,” or the sensitive blood-filled area before the nail tip. Usually, cat’s nails are white or clear, so you’ll be able to see the pink quick quite easily.If you would prefer a bit of “training” before you start this at home, you can give us a call and set up a technician appointment for a nail trim demonstration.

You can also be sure to have plenty of appropriate scratching posts and other such toys in your home. Some of these products incorporate cat nip, making them even more appealing. Giving your cat a proper outlet for scratching urges can keep your furniture and draperies safer.

As an extra bit of insurance, you might also try a product called Soft Paws. We can apply them to your cat’s nails in our office, but you can purchase the product to apply at home. Soft Paws are small caps that attach with a special adhesive and fit over your cat’s nails. They cover the claw, and can last for about a month or more, so your cat can carry out the scratching behavior without the ill effects to your home furnishings. Most cats don’t even seem to know that they are wearing the Soft Paws, so they generally aren’t bothered by them at all.

While you can’t really stop a cat from scratching altogether, you can help protect your home from damage. Again, we wish you the best as you prepare to welcome a new friend into your home, and we hope that the above tips help make the transition a bit easier. If you would like further information, or if you would like to schedule an appointment once a new cat joins your family, we can be reached at (703)723-1017.

May 12,2011

A Client Asks:

I have a 65-pound boxer mix who loves car rides, so I try to take her to the park, the pet store, or anywhere I can as often as possible. But she’s always trying to climb up to the front seat, and sometimes she even tries to sit on my lap! Is there a way to keep my dog still in the car?

Our Response:

It must be so much fun to share all that quality time with your dog! I’m sure she appreciates it just as much as you do!

For both convenience and safety, it is best to keep your pet from wandering all over the car while you drive. You want to keep her from distracting or disrupting your driving, and you want to help prevent injury to her in the event of sudden braking or a collision.

If you have an SUV or crossover-type vehicle, you can install grating to keep your dog restricted to the rear cargo area. She’ll likely still be able to see you, but she won’t be able to climb up to the front seat. Many pet supply, automotive supply, and general retailers carry these products.

Another option is the seat belt pet harness. Your dog wears this harness, and it attaches to a standard seat belt, keeping your pet both restrained and comfortable. She’ll still have a great view during the drive, and you can even roll her window down, but she won’t be able to hop in and out of your lap. Again,these harnesses are relatively easy to find at pet supply stores. You may want to ask a store employee to help you properly fit the harness to your dog as well.

Obviously,your larger breed dog would not fit in a carrier or travel kennel, but smaller dogs and cats are often best kept confined this way. Certain travel carrier scan also attach to seat belts for extra security. These kennels, a familiar blanket, and/or a favorite toy can also signal to your pet that this is “her spot,”and encourage her to stay put during car rides. Plus, such recognizable and comforting items can reduce anxiety for a pet who is overly excited or nervous in the car.

Hopefully these tips can bring you a sense of peace and security during your next drive! If you have any further questions, please give us a call at (703) 723-1017.