Harness vs. Collar For Dogs
	Laser Surgeries
	Why Is My Cat Using The Floor Instead Of Their Litter Box?
	Travel With Pets
	Common Causes of Itching/Scratching
	Pet Insurance
	Microchip Pet Identification
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Harness vs. Collar For Dogs

We recommend harnesses over collars for the simple fact that a collar is no better than a noose around your dog’s neck. Pulling on the leash with a collar causes throat trauma, and can choke, or seriously hurt your dog.

A harness that goes around the dog’s chest and midsection gives the owner even more control of the dog’s movements, and does not threaten the dog’s well-being, as the pulling forces are distributed more evenly around the body rather than being concentrated on the dog’s throat.

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Laser Surgeries

Our office is now equipped with the abillity to perform laser surgery. Why lasers? Because lasers provide great benefits to your pet both during and after surgery.

While laser surgery costs more than standard procedures, Dr. Carver will always highly recommend laser surgery for your pet because of its many benefits. See more about the benefits of laser surgery on our laser surgical procedures page.

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Why Is My Cat Using The Floor Instead Of Their Litter Box?

Inappropriate urination in cats can be caused by a variety of factors. The problem can be physical, psychological, or due to a cat’s tidy nature. Cats don’t like to go to the restroom outside their litterbox, but they feel forced by certain conditions to do so.

Physical Infection
First we must rule out the issue of a physical infection. Infections of the blood or urinary tract may cause a cat in pain to stop using the litter box. This is an indication of a physical problem, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as scooting their rear around on the floor, or dark or painful urination. Then again, this may be the only symptom of the infection. If your cat starts to go outside the litter box, bring them in to see us to rule out a physical problem.

Stress
Second, cats under stress break their normal habits and may start using areas other than the litter box. This is not “revenge” or an attempt to punish you, but in fact a physical reaction to stress by a confused animal.

If there has been a major change in the cat’s life, such as

• a new pet
• a new baby
• a move
• a divorce
• any other change in the cat’s routine

they may respond by changing their habits. Please help your cat through this difficult time by shielding him from the stressor, or giving him more attention than normal. Because each stress has a different solution, feel free to ask us for more ways you can help your cat through stressful times.

Territory
Some cats are territorial and don’t want to share their litter box. A multiple-cat household should have at least one litter box per cat, spaced evenly throughout the house. The boxes should be cleaned every day, or even twice a day, depending on how many cats are using them. This may reduce bad box behavior.

Dirty Box
Finally, if a litter box is too dirty for a cat’s tastes, they may start going to the bathroom outside the box. This may be the cause in a cat that has occasionally gone outside the litterbox throughout their life. A sudden change in litterbox use, however, indicates a physical or psychological problem.

Some cats prefer a perfectly clean box, and even one little puddle or pile may cause your cat to go in the corner. If this is the case, a self-cleaning litter box, or a little more cleaning of the box, should help with the problem.

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Travel With Pets

Good Health Counts
Schedule a veterinary checkup as part of your travel preparations, whether your pet is going along or will be boarding. Many states and foreign countries require a current health certificate within 10 days of travel, and documentation of rabies vaccination.

Check with your airline and hotel for pet travel arrangements. Always check with Customs of countries prior to travel. Carry copies of your pet's complete medical records if they are traveling with you.

Good Behavior Matters
Use a collar and leash for security, and to keep your pet at their public best. Pet carriers are also useful.

Confirm Your Welcome
check ahead with motels or hotels where you intend to stay with y our pet. many allow pet guests and have special facilities, but call to be sure.

Keep Life Cool
Protect your pet from heatstroke and death. NEVER leave your pet in a closed car, even for a few minutes, especially during hot weather. The car's interior temperature can rise dramatically in a short time and quickly reach temperatures that can kill during a hot Texas summer.

Watch the Windows
Keep car windows closed far enough to prevent your pet from jumping out into traffic when loose, and avoid injury by keeping their paws and faces in the vehicle.

Light Food Intake, Fewer Problems
Feed small amounts before you leave for your trip. Make sure your pet has adequate water throughout the trip. It's a good idea to bring a jug of water from home, as the chemicals and smells of the new water may cause tummy problems for your pet.

Motion Sickness?
Ask us for medications that can calm your pet and prevent them from becoming sick while traveling.

Plan to Stop
Schedule bathroom and activity breaks at regular intervals. For cats carry a litter pan with familiar litter. Remember, the smaller your pet, the more often they will need a bathroom break.

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Common Causes of Itching/Scratching

All causes of itching and scratching can be dangerous to your pet’s health. A diagnosis of the problem by Dr. Carver is the safest way to help your pet with this annoying and frustrating problem.

Itching & Hair Loss
The most common cause of itching in puppies is mange. Mange is caused by one or more of three different types of parasites, and is not contagious to humans, but can spread to other animals. It is characterized by mild to fierce itching, and possibly also hair loss on the face, ears, or rest of the body, as well as doggy dandruff. Visit Dr. Carver as soon as you notice this to keep the problem in hand.

Scratching Around Rear
If your pet scratches themselves mostly around their rear, the cause is most likely fleas. See our section on fleas for more information about how to combat this problem.

Itchy Ears, Face, Stomach, Paws
If your animal itches in their ears, on their face, stomach, and/or paws without any visible ear mites or other infestations, your pet may suffer from allergies. There are treatments available for pets with allergies, and Dr. Carver would be happy to discuss options with you if allergies are diagnosed.

Itching With Patchy Hair Loss / Pink Ring-Shaped Sores
If your pet’s hair falls out in patches, or if there is an itchy patch of skin in a pink ring shape, these are common signs of ringworm or some other infestation of your animal’s skin. Ringworm is very contagious, and to keep from getting it yourself, your pet should be handled very carefully. Call us for tips on how to transport your pet to our facility for diagnosis.

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Pet Insurance

Pet health insurance is available to cover medical problems and conditions related to accidental injuries, emergencies, poisonings, and illnesses including cancer, diabetes, ear infections, broken bones, and more. Coverage also helps pay for routine medical tests and office visits.

Mixed or purebred dogs and cats are eligible for coverage. We are a licensed veterinarian, and will accept most types of pet insurance. If your pet runs away and is hurt, having an insurance tag around their neck will increase the likelihood that someone will bring your pet for medical attention.

Coverage for exotic pets (pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, etc.) is also available , covering conditions specific to these types of animals.

Pet insurance is not offered by our hospital, but we can refer you to insurance companies that can meet your needs.

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Microchip Pet Identification

Microchipping is permanent pet identification. A microchip is inserted under your pet’s skin, and is good for the life of the pet. A collar tag is also provided with a phone number for people to call after they have found your pet.

Animal shelters, veterinarians, and animal control officers use harmless scanners to detect and read the microchip under your pet’s skin, and contact you so you can come get them.

Microchipping is a fast procedure that does not require anesthesia. It is safe for kittens, puppies, and older animals who may wander away from home.

Home Again Microchip ID System: Find more information on their website at http://www.homeagainid.com.
Updates to your address and phone number can be made by calling 1-800-252-7894, emailing found@akc.org, or on their website.

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