Pet Laser Therapy: Effective, Noninvasive Pain Management

veterinarian laser therapyPet laser therapy is an exciting healing modality used by veterinarians to treat injuries, expedite surgical recoveries, and reduce pain. Also called photobiomodulation, laser therapy has been embraced as an effective, noninvasive, painless treatment option. Keep reading to learn more about this complement therapy and its benefits.

What is Pet Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is the use of wavelengths of light to stimulate cells and increase blood flow to a targeted area. This has many therapeutic benefits. As circulation is increased, so too are oxygen levels, endorphins, and nutrients, all of which aid in reducing inflammation and pain. It also promotes faster healing and recovery.

Continue…

Laser Therapy for Pets

VolVet_iStock_000016496555_LargeIf the word “laser” brings to mind images of Star Trek, light sabers, and the movie Independence Day, Volunteer Veterinary Hospital is about to change your world. Just as in human medicine, lasers are being used with increasing frequency in veterinary medicine, too; and we are happy to be able to help our pet patients with our state-of-the-art K-Laser.
So, what is laser therapy for pets and what exactly does it do? Look no further for the answers… Continue…

Inevitable Change: Senior Pet Care Basics

An old dog.

Life is composed of a series of changes, and we either accept and adapt or fight against time. One day, your pet is flying through the air in pursuit of a favored Frisbee; the next, he or she inexplicably refuses to get off the couch for a meal. Embracing this type of change can be very difficult, but through an understanding of basic senior pet care, you can fortify your aging pet’s overall wellness to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

Continue…

Exercise and Entertainment After Your Dog Has Surgery

Exercise is not only important to a pet’s physical health, it is also a great way to reduce negative behaviors and encourage enrichment and enjoyment.

After a surgery, however, your pet will be naturally limited to how much and what kind of exercise they can participate in. For minor surgeries, your veterinarian may instruct you to start your pet walking or other form of movement after a day or two, while more major surgeries might require immobilization for some time.

The team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital knows how important following guidelines after surgery are, in order to prevent injury and encourage better recovery. This is why we are here to offer a few exercise suggestions for the recovery time after your pet has surgery.

Continue…

A Soft Touch: Recognizing and Handling Pet Pain

Pet pain can have a tremendous impact on pet health and happiness

As wonderful as the journey of pet ownership can be, there are bound to be bumps in the road at some point. Pet pain is a common occurrence, and it can be surprisingly difficult to detect given the natural instinct most animals have to hide signs of pain or illness.

Managing pain is absolutely critical to the overall well being of any creature – but how do you know when your pet is in pain?

Continue…

Catios and Other Forms of Cat Enrichment: Guaranteed to Get Fluffy Going

Cat enrichment keeps your cat happy and promotes cat healthThere are few things more entertaining than watching a cat play, stalk, pounce, stare-down, and ambush their “prey”. Luckily, there’s an endless supply of funny cat videos online to keep us going throughout the day!

But, while everyone’s amused by the internet cats, what’s happening with the ones we know and love at home? Are they flinging themselves off dangerous heights, climbing into cardboard boxes three times too small, or cuddling a fellow feline? If so, it might be time to consider the ways you can improve cat enrichment.

The Link

There’s no question that a cat’s overall health is tied to their environment. Of course, there are other things that are just as important, such as vaccines and parasite prevention, nutrition, and dental care, but the link to feline happiness is undoubtedly their surroundings. Continue…

Packing on the Pounds: Pet Obesity

A fluffy pet is super cute, but what about a fat one? Despite the adorable images of roly poly cats and dogs, there really is nothing cute about an overweight pet.

Pet obesity is a huge factor in the health and quality of life of our animal friends. At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, helping your pet maintain a healthy weight is a top goal.

Continue…

A Matter of Trust: What to Look for in a Trusted Veterinarian

veterinarian examining dental hygiene of a purebred dog.Pets are living longer, healthier lives than ever before thanks to advances in veterinary care and pet owner education. This makes choosing a trusted veterinarian one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner.

When choosing a veterinarian for your family, we recommend using the same criteria you would in selecting a primary care physician, pediatrician, or dentist. Not only are you looking for a doctor and staff who can meet your pet’s medical needs, but also with whom you can develop a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
Continue…

Pet Safety: Determining if a Gift is Safe for a Pet

pet safetyWhat chew-happy dog doesn’t enjoy a rawhide bone? What curious kitty doesn’t love a ball of yarn? Unfortunately, we forget to consider our pet’s safety when choosing a gift and some of the playthings we associate with our pets aren’t safe or appropriate.

Shopping for a much loved family pet can be a great source of fun – after all, their delight over a new toy or tasty treat is contagious. However, before you make your pet gift list this season, be sure to know which gifts are safe for a pet and which are definite no-no’s.

Continue…