Microchipping Common Questions

Q: What is microchipping?  How do you do it?

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A: Microchipping is a small chip that is implanted into an animal to track it.

A needle is used to place a little chip under the animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. That chip has a unique number on it that can be picked up and read by a scanner.

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Q: Is it painful to my pet?

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A: It hurts about as much as having blood drawn. It’s a large needle. There’s a pinch.

Q: How long does it take, and does it have to be done by a veterinarian?

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A: It takes the same amount of time it takes to give any injection. It takes seconds. It takes more time to do the paperwork than implant the microchip.

No, it doesn’t have to be done by a veterinarian, although it’s recommended a veterinarian do it.

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Q: Do all shelters scan for microchips when they find a pet?

A: All shelters should scan any pet that comes in for microchips and they should do so with a universal scanner. 

How to Add Years to Your Pet's Life

This is a great article!

Source: PetMD

PetMd

How to Add Years to Your Pet's Life

By Lorie Huston, DVM

  

Anyone who has ever had a dog or cat wishes just one thing — that he or she has a healthy and long life. Here are five tips that can help your pet do just that.

1. FEED A HIGH QUALITY DIET.

Pets fed a high quality diet have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin, and bright eyes. A good diet can help strengthen your pet’s immune system, help maintain his or her intestinal health, help increase his or her mental acuity, help keep joints and muscles healthy, and much more.

Read: 4 Reasons Life Stage Diets Will Help Improve Your Cat's Health

Read: The Importance of Life Stage Feeding

2. KEEP YOUR PET LEAN.

Pets that are overweight are at risk for a myriad of health issues. Obesity is the number one nutritional disease seen in pets currently and studies have shown that being overweight or obese can shorten a dog or cat’s life span by as much as two years. Why? Being overweight or obese puts your pet at risk for joint disease, heart disease and diabetes, among other things.

Read: How Obesity May Shorten Your Pet's Lifespan

3. TAKE YOUR PET TO THE VETERINARIAN REGULARLY.

All pets, including both dogs and cats, require regular veterinary care. However, veterinary care goes far beyond routine vaccinations, even though those are important. A routine examination by your veterinarian can uncover health issues of which you are unaware. In many cases, an early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment. Early diagnosis is also likely to be less costly for you than waiting until your pet’s illness has become advanced and serious before attempting treatment.

Read: The Importance of Veterinarians for Cats

Read: The Physical Exam: What to Expect at the Veterinarian's Office

4. KEEP YOUR PET’S MOUTH CLEAN.

A common problem among dogs and cats, dental disease and oral health issues can cause your pet pain, making it difficult for him or her to eat. If left untreated, oral health issues may even lead to heart and kidney disease. In addition to regular dental checkups, the most effective means of caring for your pet’s mouth at home is to brush his or her teeth at home. If your pet isn’t a big fan of toothbrushes there are other alternatives as well, including dental diets, treats, and toys. Ask your veterinarian for some recommendations.

Read: 10 Tips for Keeping Your Cat’s Teeth Clean

Read: Oral Hygiene and Your Dog's Health

5. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR PET TO ROAM UNSUPERVISED.

Allowing your dog or cat to roam free may seem like you’re doing your pet a favor. However, pets that roam are susceptible to a number of dangers, including automobile accidents, predation, exposure to contagious diseases, exposure to poisons, and more. Additionally, allowing your pet to roam unsupervised may alienate your neighbors should your pet ever "relieve" him- or herself in their lawn or dig up their garden.

Large Animal Services

Large Animal Services

Our big animals need love too! 

That is why our very own Dr. Thompson makes those necessary house calls to service the large animals that are most comfortable in their own environment. 

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Call today for all your large animals needs. (817) 404-9222

Services for Large Animals: ​

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• Physical exams
• Artificial insemination - fresh & frozen semen
• Semen collection from stallions
• Equine dental care - pneumatic floats
• Lameness Exams
• Pre-purchase exams
• Health certificates for Interstate and Canadian transport
• Freeze branding
• Bovine herd health
• Pregnancy diagnosis by ultrasound
• Necropsy (autopsy)
• Farm calls
• Dehorning of bovines and goats

Snake Bites and How to Protect Your Pet

Snakes 

Pets are curious creatures and like to explore.  They will find all of the little creatures that they think are fun to play with and sometimes that can lead to trouble for them.  One risk they find is dangerous creatures to bother that can bite or sting them.   One big risk in our area is snakes, especially copperheads and rattlesnakes. 

What does it do? 

The vaccine works by generating protective antibodies against the rattlesnake venom. It helps your dog by making them experience less pain and have a reduced risk of permanent injury from the bites.  It is important to know that while this helps your pet you need to still get your fur baby to the vet as soon as possible to be checked out.  

Top 5 Reasons Fluffy Isn't Using the Litter Box

Yuck! The cat "missed"! 

If you find that your cat is using anything to go to the bathroom except the litter box there are many, many reasons why.  Here are 5 of the top reasons why your cat may be not using the litter box. 

1. UTI - Yep. Cats get them too!  A trip to your vet can help you determine if this is the cause and give you treatment to take care of the infection.
2. Did you get a new litter with that fancy scent?  Yeah, your cat hates it.  Try an unscented litter.
3. When was the last time you cleaned your box?  You may have a picky cat that really just wants to do their business in a nice clean fresh box! 
4. STRESS!  Yes, your cat can get stressed too.  New house? New baby? Did you get a dog? Or a new cat...don't be too surprised if your beloved feline protests in the form of peeing in the sink. 
5. Do you have a covered box?  Many cats hate them. Think about it as going into a port-a-potty in your own house....yeah, we can't blame them for hating it! 

Doe vs Buck

Doe vs Buck

How can you tell the difference between a doe and a buck?  The most obvious, at first sight, the antlers are a dead giveaway.  Bucks have antlers and does, do not.  Beyond this huge difference, you can tell a doe from a buck by their tracks!  Does have a pointed track where a buck has a more wide track and the buck also tends to drag their feet.  

 Doe

Buck

International Day of Happiness!

Be Happy!

Today is International Day of Happiness! Let's get happy!! Share with us what makes you happy! 

Look what we found!!

Take a look at this blog we found!! 

How to Give your Pet a Long, Happy Life

Posted by JOHNH

http://www.worldzootoday.com/how-to-give-your-pet-a-long-happy-life/

Are you overfeeding?

Too much food! 

How much food do your animals actually need?  Let's take a look at how much you should be feeding!

Cats

Cats should be fed about twice a day and did you know your bag of cat food actually has recommended amounts to feed your cat on the bag!  Read those and measure correctly, guestimation doesn't work well when it comes to making sure you're giving the right amount!  Don't forget that fresh water all day! 

Kitten

Make sure you're using a KITTEN FOOD not a cat food.  If your little fur baby won't eat within 12 hours try some canned food and work up to dry by mixing it with dry food.  Offer your kitten plenty of dry food all day and tons of fresh water available always. 

Dog

Dogs should be fed only twice a day. Offer food, leave it for 15 minutes and then remove it.  Don't free feed! If your dog haven't eaten their food, they'll eat next time!  Dogs won't starve themselves.  A consistent feeding schedule will help your dog establish a potty break schedule too. 

Puppy

Make sure you're using that puppy food!! Follow the same idea as adult dogs.  Give your pup 15-20 minutes to eat their food then remove it.  Until your pup is 6 months old go ahead and feed them 4 times a day 

All of the Above

Make sure you're looking for "nutritionally complete".  Always provide fresh clean water.  Do not free feed!  Skip milk and table scraps.  

4 Facts about Deer!

Deer or Moose??

Deer are part of the Cervidae family! Other animals in the Cervidae family are moose, reindeer, and elk.  

Meat or Veggies?

Deers are all about their veggies!!  They are basically the opposite of little kids. They'll eat any veggies they can find!  Berries, flowers, grass, anything! 

Antlers 

Deer are the only living animal on the earth that shed their antlers every year. 

Super Ears

Listening ability of deer is far better than human. Deer can catch those frequencies that human can’t.  They can also turn their ears in any direction without turning their head.

A Message from Dr. Thompson!

News!!

People, people people!!!! Gather around!! Want to bring up a new diagnostic addition to Thompson Veterianary Services, & that is the addition of a new IN-HOUSE test by IDEXX LABS, for the detection of KIDNEY DISEASE, earlier, in dogs and cats. This IS VERY BENEFICIAL, especially in geriatric patients, patients on arthritis medications, patients who have been on long-term prednisone or prednisolone for allergies, lasix therapy and other situations where the kidneys are potentially at risk. The test is the SDMA test. SDMA is a biomarker for kidney function, and along with another kidney enzyme, CREATININE can help detect kidney disease earlier. One of the cool things about SDMA, IT'S NOT INFLUENCED BY OTHER DISEASES!!! SO, if your fur babies have been drinking a lot, urinating a lot, maybe losing weight, maybe not eating like they used to, or having vomiting episodes, CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY to set up an appointment for us to take a blood sample. Kidney disease isn't easy to treat at times, & KNOWING EARLIER can help.


Thanks for following...Dr.T

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Your dog's mouth health can lead to other health problems with them just like it can for humans.  Making sure that your pet's mouth is clean and free of plaque will lead to a healthy pet. 

A Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Find a calm time when your dog can be relaxed.

2. Make sure that you go to your local pet store to get a pet toothbrush.

3. Test out how your dog will react to having their gums and teeth touched before sticking the toothbrush in there. Praise for tolerance! 

4. Introduce the toothbrush by touching it into their mouth before you start the scrub. 

5. Let your pup get a small taste of the toothpaste from your finger.

6. Put toothpaste on the brush and start brushing the top teeth first, front to back. Make sure to praise your pup. 

7. Move to the bottom, front to back.

8. Tons of praise!  If your pup tolerated this well give them treats and make sure they are well rewarded.  After your pup is used to their teeth being brushed start removing treats during the process. 

Watch this video for a visual guild! 

National Pet Dental Health Month

Does your dog have "doggy breath"?

If your dog has some serious doggy breath going on, it actually can be a sign of serious a health problem!  It can be a sign of problems with their gums and teeth but also their internal organs. 

Check it out

We found this great video about Periodontal disease that gives some great info! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6gNkXpRZkE 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 2. Potty Training

Potty Training

No one wants to clean up doggy puddles...or worse.  So how do you make sure that your sweet new puppy won't be leaving you unpleasant gifts?  You potty train them!  

Key Points

Control your puppy's diet.  Make sure you have scheduled feedings and keep the schedule consistent.  Make sure you have regular trips outside, exercise, and feeding times.  Giving your new puppy lots of exercise will also help to keep your puppy's super energy under control and keep them from other bad behaviors.  Use positive reinforcements during outside time.  When your puppy goes potty outside make sure to reward them for it, a ton of praise and love is perfectly fine for this reward, it doesn't have to be food related.  

Techniques 

Crate Training

Teaching your new pup to love their crate is a very beneficial lesson that will help you both out throughout their life.  Dogs naturally love being in a den and creating a space for them will actually be a comfort.  Dogs will also not soil the place that they are sleeping as long as their crate is the right size.  If your crate is too small your puppy won't be comfortable, but too large they can use a corner for their waste and still be comfortable in another area.  Make sure your dog can stand up, lay down, and turn around.   When your puppy starts whining and showing signs they need to go potty take them out right away. 

Puppy pads

These can be confusing for your new puppy, but in some cases such as a very small dog being home for long periods of time while you're at work.  They can be used to teach a puppy to only use the bathroom in this one approved spot and then as they mature they can be trained to only go outside when their body is able. 

Scheduling 

A tiny pup cannot go long after eating or drinking before going potty.  Having a schedule where they go outside first thing in the morning, after each meal, after drinking,  after crate time, after a nap, after chewing on their toys or bones, after spending time playing, and right before bedtime. 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 1. Behavior

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy

A puppy is such a sweet little additon to your family!  Much like children there is a lot of work that comes with having a puppy in your home.  You may have some chewed up toys, shoes, furniture. You might have a few puddles in your home you wish you didn't.  The key to a happy realationship with your new puppy is training.  

Behavior

The first thing to teach your puppy is to come on command.  Using a rewards system teach your puppy Come _____.  Good boy/girl!  Using rewards and positivity to will enforce this lession and become extremely usful as your puppy grows.  

Stop those jump ups early.  When your puppy jumps at you simply ingore him/her.  Do not praise or pick up your puppy for this behavoir.  When your puppy calms down and stops jumping praise them and go down to their level for a nice rewarding cuddle.  

Move quickly.  Puppies won't remember their behavior in 2 minutes from now, you cannot wait to correct bad behavior.  Such as if your pup is on the couch and this is not allowed, immediately remove them, don't let it go for a bit, immediately take action.  

To stop biting and nipping act like you're in great pain.  This will surprise your puppy and usually stop this behavior.  If it does not work, or you prefer, trade your hands with a chewing toy.  

Start immediate training to help your puppy not become food aggressive.  This is extremely important if you have children.  While a puppy is eating doing small things such as stepping towards their food quickly and rewarding no reaction by dropping in a treat, or rolling a toy close by and again rewarding the pup for continuing their meal calmly, gently touches, nudges, and pets should also be trained.  If your puppy becomes threatening by growly, freezing, or snapping at you make sure to stop and try again later.  If you cannot get through any meals without your puppy becoming aggressive consult with a professional. 

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird

What You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird

Do you love birds?  If you're thinking of adding a bird to your family there are several things to consider before adopting a winged friend into your home. 

1. Many types of birds are very messy, loud, and destructive.  Be prepared for birds to be vocalizing, dropping food and waste that may land outside their cage, and chew through things.  Birds chew and shred wood and they can easily make it through toys, curtains, power cords, paper, curtains, and your furniture. 

2. Parrots are beautiful birds that many people love to have.  However, did you know a parrot could live to be 50 years old?  Having one as a pet is a long-term investment. 

3.  Birds should never be exposed to tobacco smoke, chemical fumes such as hairspray or cleaners, or Teflon coated materials.  This is because birds expel nearly all of their air during their breathing cycle.  Humans empty a portion of our air as we breathe out, bird expel nearly all of it which means with each inhale they are bringing in more pollutants.

4. Birds need to go to a veterinarian that specializes in bird care.  Your beloved vet who take great care of your cat, may not be able to take care of your bird as well. 

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Warm on Winter Walks

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Warm on Winter Walks

When it's cold outside you bundle up!  But what about your pets?  How are you keeping them warm while on a walk this winter? 

Here are some great tips to keep your dog happy on those chilly walks! 

1. Keep their toe hairs clipped so that ice does not form causing them problems. 
2. Invest in some doggy boots for your furry family members.
3. Wipe their paws.  This is very important.  Use a warm washcloth to wipe off the cold snow and also chemicals that may have been used to pre-treat.
4. Moisturize their little paws with a safe option such as coconut oil.  Their paws can become dry and cracked just like our skin can.  
5. Keep is short!  

How to Keep Your Pet Entertained Indoors During Bad Weather

How to Keep Your Pet Entertained Indoors During Bad Weather

If bad weather is keeping your pets indoors they can quickly start to drive you crazy!  We've found some great ways to keep those pets entertained and happy with the more confined day of being indoors.

1.  Hide and Seek for treats!  Hide a few of their favorite treats around the house for them to get a good smell of and let the hunt begin.  You can make this as easy or as challenging as you'd like for your pet.
2. Tug of war! If the kids are stuck inside to a great game of tug of war can keep everyone entertained! 
3. Chase.  Instead of your pet running around like crazy through the house find a favorite toy such as a tennis ball or a jingling ball depending on if you have a cat or dog, and roll it down a hall or across the room.  It will keep them from going all over the place trying to find something to do.
4. Chase Level 2.  If you have stairs, sit at the top and play chase down the stairs.  This is a great (if noisy) way to wear your hyper pet out.
5.  And finally, most important CUDDLES!  Once you've worn your fur baby out it's time for some Netflix and Cuddles!