Why We Immunize Our Pets

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Why We Immunize Our Pets

Vaccines are one of the most important components of wellness and preventative care for both pets and people. Despite rumors that circulate about the “dangers” of vaccines, vaccinations are actually quite safe and incredibly effective at preventing both pets and people from falling victim to extremely dangerous diseases.

Top 5 Reasons Why We Vaccinate Our Pets

1. Vaccination Protects Pets From Dangerous Diseases

Vaccines are designed to protect pets from contracting highly dangerous and contagious diseases, such as rabies, distemper, feline leukemia, and more. Many of the diseases from which vaccines protect pets are difficult to treat and are often fatal.

2. Vaccinating Animals Saves Human Lives, Too

Many of the diseases that pet vaccines prevent are also zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from pets to people. Vaccinating your pets also protects your human family members.
For example, according to the [World Health Organization] , rabies is responsible for the deaths of about 59,000 people worldwide each year. Thanks to robust vaccine efforts that are backed by local laws, the United States rarely experiences rabies-related deaths as a result of unvaccinated domestic animals. Ninety-five percent of rabies-related deaths occur in Africa and Asia, and dogs are largely responsible for the spread to people in these places.

3. Vaccines Are Safe and Effective

Extreme reactions to vaccination are rare, and the risks associated with vaccinating pets are so minimal that the health benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks

4. Prevention Is Always Less Expensive Than Treatment

As a general rule, preventative care is always less expensive than the cost of treating a disease that could have been avoided. Plus, in many cases, curative treatments aren’t even available for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines.

5. Preventative Care Saves Pets Pain and Suffering

No one wants to see their cat or dog suffering from an illness – especially one that could have been easily prevented with a simple schedule of vaccinations.

Schedule Your Pet's Annual Wellness and Preventative Care Appointment in Pensacola

At Olive Branch Pet Hospital in Pensacola, we provide pets with comprehensive wellness and preventative care with a variety of cost-saving wellness plans available, too. Our veterinarians will recommend a schedule of core (required/recommended for all pets) and non-core (recommended on a case-by-case basis) vaccines based on your pet’s individual lifestyle and exposure level to ensure your cat or dog stays safe and healthy.

How to Keep Your Pet Healthy During the Rainy Season

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How to Keep Your Pet Healthy During the Rainy Season

As winter nears its close and the beginning of the rainy season approaches, it’s easy to feel tempted to stay cooped up indoors where it’s warm and dry. However, it’s important for pets – especially dogs – to get outside for walks and plenty of exercise. During the rainy season, that means braving the mud puddles and wet weather. While no one minds a little drizzle, the added moisture can pose a few health concerns for pets. Continue reading to learn how to keep your pet healthy during the rainy season.

5 Pet Care Tips for the Rainy Season

1. Stay Dry

Splashing in puddles and rolling in the mud is fine, but staying wet and muddy for too long can be bad for your pet’s fur and skin because moist fur is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. When you come inside from a wet walk, be sure to dry your pet’s fur completely. If muddy or salty, it’s important to bathe and dry your pet. Make sure that your pet’s bedding stays dry too.

2. Prevent Parasites

Warmer, wetter weather means more mosquitos, and these pests put our pets at risk of heartworms. Make sure your dog has had a recent heartworm screening and is thoroughly protected with a heartworm preventative.

3. Paw Perfection

Wet, muddy paws can trouble your pet just like wet fur can. We recommend protecting your pet’s paws during wet weather with waterproof dog booties if you can coax your pup into wearing them. If your dog simply won’t be seen in footwear, then it’s best to clean and dry their paws as soon as you get home.

4. Healthy Diet

Whether you’re helping your pet maintain a healthy weight or a strong immune system, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is essential when you might be less active due to poor weather.

5. Clean Ears

During the rainy season, pets are at an increased risk of contracting illnesses and developing infections. With all the added moisture, we always see way more ear infections at this time of year. Do your best to keep your pet’s ears clean and dry – especially if they’re of the floppy variety.

Schedule a Preventative Pet Care Appointment in Pensacola

As warmer, wetter weather approaches, it’s important to remember that parasites and the dangerous diseases they carry will be more abundant. Schedule an appointment for your dog or cat at Olive Branch Pet Hospital in Pensacola to make sure they’re adequately protected from heartworm-harboring mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
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It’s Time to Get Your Pet’s Teeth Cleaned!

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It's Time to Get Your Pet's Teeth Cleaned!

Did you know that — just like humans — dogs and cats need dental care? Each February, Olive Branch Pet Hospital celebrates National Pet Dental Health Month by educating pet parents and spreading awareness about the importance of caring for your pet’s teeth.

Why Is Dental Care So Important for Pets?

It’s estimated that by age 3, at least 70% of cats and 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease, and this bacterial infection of the gums can cause a whole host of health problems for pets.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

  • Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that occurs when dental care is neglected. When teeth aren't properly cared for, plaque and tartar accumulate along the gum line, creating pockets of space where bacteria thrive.
  • Periodontal disease inflames the gums and causes pain, bleeding, and swelling in the mouth. Additionally, it causes loose teeth and tooth loss. Left unaddressed, it can destroy a pet's periodontal ligaments (the structure connecting teeth to the jawbone) and lead to deterioration of the jawbone itself. Left untreated, bacteria from the infection can enter the bloodstream, travel throughout the body, and damage a pet's vital organs, eventually leading to an early death.

Periodontal Disease Prevention for Pets

The best way to prevent periodontal disease to protect your pet’s health is with a combination of at-home and professional dental care.
At home, we recommend brushing your pet’s teeth with a toothbrush that’s designed for your pet’s breed and size. Be sure to use toothpaste that’s flavored and formulated to be safe for cats and dogs. If your pet doesn’t tolerate brushing, try using pet dental wipes, instead. You can also provide your pet with dental-friendly chew toys and treats.
You can also talk with our veterinarians about scheduling a professional dental appointment for your cat or dog. During these appointments, we’ll scale and polish your pet’s teeth to remove tartar buildup and perform a thorough examination. Otherwise similar to human dental exams, professional pet dentistry appointments do occur with pets under general anesthesia.
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Pet Dentistry in Pensacola

At Olive Branch Pet Hospital, we offer comprehensive pet dentistry services. Whether you have a dog or cat, we strongly encourage you to celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month and safeguard your pet’s wellness by scheduling a dental cleaning and exam. We’ll scale and polish your pet’s teeth and perform a complete examination to ensure there aren’t any more serious issues occurring.
To learn more or to schedule a dental appointment for your pet in Pensacola, contact us today!
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How to Keep Your Pet Healthy This Winter

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How to Keep Your Pet Healthy This Winter

Although the Gulf Coast doesn’t see the same kind of winter weather that places further north experience (blizzards, icy roads, and several feet of snow), there are still some precautions and modifications you can make to your pet’s care to keep them at their healthiest and happiest throughout the colder season.

5 Tips to Keep Your Pensacola Pet Healthy This Winter

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Just like people tend to feel hungrier during the fall and winter, pets get hungrier, too. When pets are outdoors most of the time, they might need a slightly increased diet in winter because their bodies will burn more calories while staying warm. Whether indoors or outdoors, it’s important to measure your pet’s portions of kibble and treats each day to prevent unnecessary weight gain. Plus, remember that they still need plenty of exercise to burn excess calories, stay healthy, and feel happy.

2. Continue Parasite Preventatives

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos carrying heartworms remain alive and active throughout winter in Pensacola. So, it’s important to provide your pet with a good parasite preventative throughout the year.

3. Go for Longer Fur-Styles

With cooler temperatures, your pets will appreciate having a bit more fur to keep them insulated and warm. That being said, it’s also important to leave at least one inch of fur on your pets during the summer to protect their skin from sunburn.

4. Stay Dry

With cooler temperatures and furnaces running more frequently, the air indoors is usually drier. This can dry out their skin, leading to flaking, irritation, and rashes. It’s important to keep your pets dry to protect the health of their skin and coat. After baths or after coming inside from a wet walk, be sure to dry your pets thoroughly with a towel.

5. Check Your Car

When the temperatures drop, animals tend to look for warm places to curl up. A favorite for small animals and cats is underneath a car’s warm engine. Get in the habit of checking under your car before starting the engine to prevent accidents from happening.

Schedule a Wellness & Preventive Care Appointment with One of Our Veterinarians Today

Regular wellness and preventative care are essential to every pets’ health – no matter the season! To continue providing pets with exceptional veterinary care, Olive Branch Pet Hospital is open and operating with thorough health and safety protocols in place. If your pet’s due for vaccine boosters or a checkup, we welcome you to contact our office to schedule an appointment today.