Buena Veterinary Hospital

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"] Pet Grooming – What You Need to Know What is pet grooming? While most pet owners will immediately think about health, diet, and playing when talking about their pet’s wellbeing, not many will think of grooming. And yet, this too is an essential aspect of the life of a happy and healthy furry friend. Pet grooming essentially refers to the process of cleaning and caring for an animal’s body, in a way that optimizes its health. Pet grooming can also be done purely for aesthetic reasons, to enhance a pet’s appearance. Of course, the type of grooming performed will be determined by a range of factors, such as the animal’s breed, health requirements, and the owner’s preferences. Different types of pet grooming At Buena Vet, we specialize in a range of different grooming services for cats and dogs (if wondering about other types of pets, we strongly suggest you contact us). Some of the most common grooming practices that we offer include: Brushing – Regularly brushing your pet’s coat helps keep it looking sleek and elegant. Not only that, but brushing can also reduce build-up, and discourage the accumulation of dirt and grime on your pet’s coat between baths. For medium and long-haired dogs, brushing is also an important step to prevent shedding. Nail Trimming – This can be a pain even for some humans, let alone for some pets. And yet, nail trimming is just as essential as brushing or bathing for an animal’s wellbeing. The good news is, when done professionally, nail trimming doesn’t need to be invasive or painful for pets, owners, or groomers alike. Bathing – Shampooing your dog’s fur is another important aspect of making sure their coat stays nice and luscious, and so, should be done regularly. Aside from an uptick in appearance (and odor!), bathing is a great opportunity for your groomer to perform a quick check-up on your pet. During bathing, we will inspect your pet for ticks, fleas, bites, or other injuries that might be hidden by your dog’s coat. Teeth Brushing – While this may surprise some pet owners, brushing your pet’s teeth is just as important for an animal as it is for you. It helps prevent build-up and ensures proper dental health for your pet. However, it’s important that you let a professional take care of this grooming task. When brushing has not been a part of an animal’s life, it can be tricky to introduce it suddenly, and may even prove dangerous. On top of that, brushing a pet’s teeth is a delicate task that requires care and experience. Cutting Hair – last but not least, haircuts are a must when visiting a grooming salon. Just like you yourself need to get regular trims, in order to preserve the vitality and health of your hair, so too does your pet. Getting regular haircuts keeps your dog’s hair from matting and ensures neatness.   How often do you need grooming? Different pets require grooming at different intervals. Ideally, you will want to consult with your vet or your groomer, to determine the appropriate grooming frequency for your pet. Largely, this will depend on the size of your dog, and on how quickly its hair grows. When it comes to brushing, long-haired dogs will need the most attention (brushing is recommended once a day), and short-haired dogs the least (with a brushing session every few weeks being more than enough). Obviously, if you decide to brush your pet’s coat every day, you won’t need to visit a special grooming salon for that, but try to schedule professional grooming services for long-haired dogs at least once every 2-3 weeks. Bathing frequency, once again, depends on hair length, as well as time spent outdoors. Dogs with long coats, or who spend most of their time outdoors require a bath once a week, while shorter-haired pets and indoor dogs can do with a bath once or twice a month. You’ll also want to get your pet a nail trim about once a month, although dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, once again, may need fewer trims (since their nails are getting filed down through natural wear and tear). A long-haired dog will require a haircut about once a month, while short-haired and medium-haired dogs can get away with getting one once every 6-8 weeks. Lastly, it’s a good idea to brush your pet’s teeth daily, though that may be easier said than done. Try to get in 2-3 brushes per week, though, for optimal health. All in all, it would be great if you could take your pet to a groomer like Buena Vet about once a month, so they can get their necessary haircuts, nail trims, baths, and other requirements. However, since every pet is a little different, the best option is to reach out to a professional groomer, and determine the necessary services (and the ideal frequency) for your pet! Buena Vet is your stop for any veterinary needs. As one of the top veterinarian offices in California, we take pride in what we do. Give us a call today! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"]Physical therapy has successfully helped many people around the world recover from injuries of all kinds, helping them to get back to their normal lives. Just as humans can get it, pets are also able to undergo physical therapy. Pets that have been injured are capable of having remarkable turnarounds in their physical abilities once they have undergone physical therapy. Continue reading to learn more about physical therapy for your pet. What Is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy is a collection of various treatments that can be used to promote healing to pets with different types of injuries. Some of the different treatments involved in physical therapy are exercise, massage, electricity, hydrotherapy, and a wide variety of other practices. Each of these treatments has a specific purpose: to help your pet get back to the strength, range of motion, and mobility it had prior to the injury. Physical therapy relies on creating a high amount of blood circulation in the areas affected by injury in order to speed up the healing process. What Types of Pets Can Receive Physical Therapy? Physical therapy is so versatile and useful that it can be used on many pets. While it is commonly used only on horses and dogs, there is plenty of room for these treatments to be spread to many other species of pets, such as cats, birds, and many others. Since many of the treatments require an animal with a certain size and stature, certain modifications will need to be made for various other pets. What Problems Can Be Treated by Physical Therapy? Since there are so many different injuries a pet can experience, physical therapy treatments have been advanced to handle all different types of injuries. One of the most common injuries, particularly to horses and dogs, is various muscle sprains and strains that can occur. In order to rehabilitate the pet, exercise, massages, and a variety of other treatments can be used to effectively heal the tissues and help the pet to get back to its normal health. Beyond muscle strains and sprains, there are various areas of a pet’s body that may be experiencing swelling and pain for any reason. Physical therapy can provide a method for reducing the swelling and removing the pain through a course of treatments that could last just a few visits. One of the other problems that can be treated through physical therapy is any chronic pain problems your pet experiences, whether it is joint pain, muscle pain, spasms, or a variety of other injuries. A nice thing about using physical therapy for chronic pain is that it can be used as a substitute for full surgery. A regularly scheduled physical therapy appointment at a certain time interval could be a great way to keep chronic pain from ruining your pet’s quality of life. Beyond the injuries and problems mentioned, there are many more problems that can be rectified or improved by having physical therapy performed. What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy? Physical therapy can be a very powerful tool to use as a standalone alternative to surgery or medications, or it can be combined with other methods, making it a very useful set of treatments. One of the major benefits is that physical therapy is non-invasive, keeping your pet from having to undergo surgery. This not only saves you money, but it can prevent the tiny chance of an infection or other complication from surgery. Another benefit of physical therapy is that pets are usually not scared or irritated to undergo physical therapy. It can even make coming to the vet a fun time for them! In fact, many pets enjoy physical therapy once they begin feeling the results. A great benefit of physical therapy is that it can help improve the quality of life of your pet. This is especially important if your pet is dealing with a type of chronic pain. Chronic pain can be eliminated or at least helped by a proper course of physical therapy treatments. Finally, physical therapy can be a great way to speed up a pet’s healing process if they recently had a surgical procedure performed on them. This can keep your pet from experiencing so much pain, swelling, and discomfort, and will get them back on the move in no time! Is Physical Therapy Safe? If you take your pet to licensed professional, physical therapy services will be safe. Pets that are dealing with different injuries can be harmed by someone who is untrained attempting physical therapy, so it is very important that you take your pet to a professional. If you are concerned about your pet’s safety during physical therapy, talk to your provider and let them know your concerns. Where Can My Pet Receive Physical Therapy? Not just anyone can perform physical therapy services for your pet, as someone who is untrained may accidentally cause more harm to your pet. Since physical therapy for pets is not as common in some parts of the country, it is important to be aware that you may have to do some research to locate a professional who provides this service. Physical therapy services are often provided by full-service vet offices, such as Buena Vet, located in Ventura, California. It is important to note that not all full-service vet offices offer physical therapy, as performing physical therapy on pets requires special training and licensing in most jurisdictions. In order to locate a professional that offers pet physical therapy in your area, call around to some local vet offices and look around online to find some potential providers. How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost? Physical therapy is a process that begins with a licensed professional coming up with a treatment plan for your pet’s particular situation and needs. This can be a few visits, or it could become a long-term schedule at regular intervals. This will obviously affect the cost, so it all depends on a variety of factors. Each provider who offers this service will have their own prices, but in general, physical therapy cost depends on what problems your pet is experiencing and how they can be remedied. Buena Vet is your stop for any veterinary needs. As one of the top veterinarian offices in California, we take pride in what we do. Give us a call today! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"]It can be a scary time if your pet becomes sick, has an injury, or is having another problem that requires immediate medical attention. When this situation arises, it is important that you find a local vet office that provides urgent care services for whatever your pet is facing. Urgent care services for pets entail many different services, procedures, and possibly surgeries. Continue reading to learn more about urgent care services. What Are Urgent Care Services?     Urgent care services for pets can be used to describe a wide variety of different treatments and procedures. Urgent care services can sometimes be emergency medical services that need to be performed on your pet in a timely manner. Urgent care services can be a concerning illness that your pet may have come down with. Urgent care services can even be used to describe helping a pet recover from a surgery they went through. Emergency medical services are very important procedures that need to be performed in order to keep your pet alive. These situations can arise for many different reasons, but immediate medical attention from licensed professionals at the Buena Vet Hospital can save your pet’s life. Non-emergency urgent care services can be performed in a less-rushed manner. Non-emergency services can entail services such as prescribing antibiotics and pain medication for different health problems, as well as a diagnostic checkup to figure out what problem your pet may be experiencing if it is not apparent. When Does My Pet Need Urgent Care Services? There are many different illnesses, injuries, and health problems that pets can have. This leads to difficulty in identifying if something serious is wrong with your pet or if it is a mild problem that will resolve itself. In addition, it can be hard to figure out what is causing the problem as well. In order to determine if your pet needs urgent care services, there are some things to look out for. One of the most obvious problems that you can keep an eye out for is if your pet loses or gains weight suddenly. This can point to a variety of different problems, but it is important to have your pet checked out by a vet if there are fast changes in weight. Another important symptom to keep your eye out for is if your pet suddenly begins skipping meals or excessively eating large quantities of food. These two issues can point to many different causes, but a vet visit is definitely warranted if this occurs. One of the most visually obvious problems your pet may be experiencing is excessive vomiting. This can be caused by many different problems but could signify an allergic reaction. If your pet is vomiting excessively, it would not be a bad idea to contact your vet to find out if this is something that requires immediate attention. What to Do if a Vet Emergency Arises? There are some very important steps that you will want to follow if your pet should require any emergency medical operations of any kind. First, and most importantly, you need to remain level-headed and calm. While it is easier said than done, remaining calm will help you communicate with a pet hospital more clearly, which can save your pet’s life. One of the most important things you can do right away is to call your local veterinary hospital. While on the phone, be sure to explain to the hospital the exact situation and problem your pet is facing. Once you explain the details, the pet hospital will be able to give you instructions on the first aid steps you can take to help your pet. While on the phone, you can let your local pet hospital know that you will be arriving with your pet in an estimated timeframe. This allows the veterinarians and veterinary technicians to prepare for whatever procedure they may need to perform. Once this is done, be sure to perform any last-minute first aid steps on your pet, and then prepare to travel to the hospital. What to Do if an Urgent Care Situation Arises? While urgent care situations are serious, they are less time-sensitive than emergencies. If you are able to identify that your pet needs medical attention for any variety of different problems, a great first step would be to contact a local veterinary office. While you are on the phone with the vet's office, be sure to describe all of the symptoms and problems that your pet may be experiencing. This will allow the vet office to come up with some things for you to keep an eye out for or it could lead to making an appointment to see your pet at the office. Once you bring your pet in, a vet will be able to talk to you, examine your pet, and figure out what is wrong. Once this is done, a course of treatment or a procedure will be determined and followed. Who Provides Urgent Care Services? Urgent care services are provided by most full-service vet offices and pet hospitals. While the initial vet office you visit may not be capable of a procedure or treatment required, the vet will refer your pet to a larger medical facility that is capable of cutting-edge veterinary medicine. It is important to know that vet offices are licensed rigorously and require all vets and veterinary staff to be trained and knowledgeable in a variety of pet species, illnesses, and procedures. Give Buena Vet a call today for any urgent care service needs or questions! 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[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"]While many have heard of cold laser therapy and acupuncture for humans, these can also be extremely helpful therapeutic processes for pets as well. There are many ways to help heal pets, but some of them do not work on all species of pets, can be expensive, or are invasive. Cold laser therapy and acupuncture are a great ways to help your pet recover more quickly from injuries with less pain and discomfort. Continue reading to learn more about cold laser therapy and acupuncture for pets. What Is Cold Laser Therapy and Acupuncture? Cold laser therapy is a process that boosts blood circulation and helps the regeneration of cells speed up with the use of light. Since this procedure uses light, it is non-invasive, making it a less-serious option to deal with different injuries a pet may have. Cold laser therapy uses a low-intensity light, so only the surface tissues and more shallow tissues, which makes it perfect for use with a variety of sources of pain pets may have. Acupuncture is a type of healing practice that stimulates various parts of a body in order to produce a healing effect on the surrounding tissues. Acupuncture can be performed with tiny needles, or with laser acupuncture, depending on the discretion of the pet’s owner. Acupuncture can be used to treat different problems commonly experienced by pets. What Can Cold Laser Therapy and Acupuncture Help With? Cold laser therapy and acupuncture are very versatile healing practices that can help with a wide variety of different problems experienced by dogs and cats, as well as other pets. At Buena Vet, one of the common problems that both processes can help with is arthritis. Arthritis is very common in dogs and cats, and it can cause problems with mobility, serious pain, and a decreased quality of life. One of the more interesting uses of laser therapy and acupuncture is aiding the healing of parts of the pet’s body that underwent surgery. The two processes can be used to treat any sprains that an animal may have experienced while playing. Any problems with nerves and discs in causing problems with the pet’s back can also be treated. There are many other maladies that have been found to be improved by cold laser therapy and acupuncture. What Are the Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy and Acupuncture? There are many reasons that cold laser therapy and acupuncture should be considered as a first choice for many different pet health situations. One of the most important to consider is that these processes are non-invasive. While most surgeries, especially minor ones, go smoothly with no complications, there is always a slim chance of infection or a reaction. With cold laser therapy and acupuncture, this is not a problem. A great benefit of cold laser therapy and acupuncture is that it does not require your pet to be heavily dependent on various medications for pain relief, anti-inflammation, and other purposes. This not only saves you money, but it also negates the need to have your pet taking all kinds of medicines at once. Another reason to consider giving these two treatments a try is that they are very fast and will not take up a large amount of time. Even if your pet has to come back at a regular interval, there will be little time spent at the vet office, as most laser therapy sessions last around 15 minutes. Acupuncture appointments may take a little bit longer, though they usually average around 25-30 minutes, as the process moves a little more slowly than laser therapy. How Do the Processes Work?     Cold laser therapy is a very fast and simple process that can be used to treat localized areas on a pet’s body. In fact, most pets will enjoy the cold laser therapy process, as there is a release of endorphins that occurs, helping pets to relax and feel secure. While they feel safe and secure, vets are able to use the laser on the area of concern, using the laser to stimulate healing and pain relief in that area. Once this is done, the pet is good to go. These sessions can be done often until healing is finished, and can be continued at intervals for any type of chronic pain a pet is experiencing. Acupuncture is also a fast and simple process that is used to promote the healing of the pet’s body. During a typical acupuncture visit, a pet will be in a room with its owner and a vet. The vet will place the acupuncture needles at various points on the pet’s body. These needles rarely cause pain, and many pets will even fall asleep during the acupuncture process. Similar to laser therapy, these sessions can be repeated as much as necessary, until healing has finished, or at intervals for chronic problems. Where Can My Pet Receive These Treatments? Since cold laser therapy and acupuncture for pets is still fairly new to many places around the United States, it is important to do research before you go to a veterinarian's office. Buena Vet, located in Ventura, California, provides cold laser therapy and acupuncture for pets to help the healing process for a variety of health problems. Give us a call to learn more about cold laser therapy and acupuncture. 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[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Caring For Your Pet’s Eyesight Eyesight is just as important to animals as it is to humans. It should come as no surprise, then, that caring for your pet’s eyesight is crucial to keeping your pet happy and healthy. There are multiple ailments of the eye that your pet can get, all of which should be treated immediately. Luckily, the doctors at Buena Vet are experts at treating these and determining how to prevent your pet’s eyesight from becoming poor. What Diseases Can My Pet Get? Much like humans, animals are at risk of a wide variety of diseases. We’ve compiled a list of the most common and their subsequent methods of treatment Ectropion This is the condition in which the eyelid of an animal rolls outward, exposing the inside of the eyelid to outside pathogens. Typically treatment will be as simple as applying antibiotic eye drops to the area to prevent it from drying out and disease from forming. Ectopic Cilia Ectopic Cilia is a disease caused by hairs that grow inward and touch the cornea. This causes excruciating pain for the animal and potentially corneal ulcers. The only way to treat this disease is through surgical removal of the eyelashes that are growing inward. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_1019.jpg" title_text="IMG_1019" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Distichiasis Distichiasis, also known as ‘extra eyelashes’ is a very common eye condition for dogs. In this condition, the eyelashes grow from the eyelid margin as opposed to the eyelid skin. This can create discomfort and pain for the dog. It’s often treated using either ocular lubricant or by plucking the extra eyelashes altogether. Eyelid Tumor An eyelid tumor is a condition in which a tumor grows on the eyelid of an animal. It’s crucial to get the tumor checked to ensure it is non-malignant. The tumor has to be surgically removed. If the cancer is malignant then extra treatment must be done to ensure it doesn’t spread to other parts of the body. Trichiasis Trichiasis is a condition in which the eyelashes grow inwards towards the eye as opposed to growing outwards. This can create discomfort and pain for the animal. In some cases, surgery can be done to destroy the offending hair follicles and correct the growth of the eyelashes. Why Should I Treat Them? While some of the diseases mentioned above may seem harmless, they can actually result in a wide variety of diseases in other parts of the body. In some cases, if the eye were to get infected, the infection can spread to the internal organs or another part of the body if it were to reach the bloodstream. In most cases, an eye disease will be extremely uncomfortable and painful for your furry friend. And, the risk of potential blindness is high. If a disease or condition is left untreated it can result in the loss of the eye for the animal. This will make it more difficult for your pet to go through their daily life, especially while it adjusts to the sudden loss or limitation of vision. Why Should You Trust Buena Vet? Buena Vet is your number-one spot for a few reasons. For starters, our expert staff is trained for almost any scenario. This means that we’ll be able to treat your pet no matter how resistive or upset it is. Our doctors are specially trained and some of the best in California. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have and will always make sure that the pet is safe throughout an operation. If treatment is possible, our team will give you instructions on what to do and will make sure that you have a complete understanding of what you’re supposed to do during the treatment process. Furthermore, our doctors will look at all possible ways of treating your pet. They’ll give their recommendation, but also lay out all of the possible options you have. Our vets work to make sure you have a complete understanding of what the treatment process will look like and what it means for your animal. If you have any questions or concerns, raise them with the vet. They’ll provide an in-depth but understandable answer. If you suspect your pet has any possible eye ailments, give Buena Vet a call today! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]Canine Wellness Exams Annual wellness exams are an important aspect of keeping your furry friend happy and healthy. These annual exams will look over the health of your dog and determine if there are any risk factors present in your animal. We at Buena Vet are experts at completing these exams and will happily complete them for you, all while guaranteeing the quality of the exam. Wellness Exams…What Are They? A wellness exam is an exam done on a dog that appears to be healthy. Another common name for this exam is a ‘physical checkup’. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that the dog remains at optimal health. The frequency of these exams will change based on the age of the dog and the recommendation of doctors. When a dog is still a puppy the exams should be completed every month. As the dog moves into adulthood the exams will be moved to an annual basis. As the dog reaches its elder years, the exams should be done twice a year. Wellness Exams…What Are They? A wellness exam is an exam done on a dog that appears to be healthy. Another common name for this exam is a ‘physical checkup’. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that the dog remains at optimal health. The frequency of these exams will change based on the age of the dog and the recommendation of doctors. When a dog is still a puppy the exams should be completed every month. As the dog moves into adulthood the exams will be moved to an annual basis. As the dog reaches its elder years, the exams should be done twice a year. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6087.jpg" title_text="IMG_6087" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]Human Years Vs. Dog Years It’s well known that animals age at a faster rate than humans. It’s commonly believed that 1 calendar year to humans equals seven dog years but this is a flawed belief. The truth is, 1 calendar year to humans can equal anywhere from four to 15 years to dogs. Why is there such a drastic difference? This answer spans from the fact that puppies will reach maturity much faster than a human can. So, because of this, a dog that is one year old can be compared to a 15-year-old human. They are the equivalent of a 20 to 25-year-old by age 2. After reaching age 2, the general belief is that 1 human calendar year is equivalent to 4-5 dog years. By age 6, your dog will be considered middle-aged. Why Does Age Matter For Exams? Age is a crucial factor in determining wellness exams for a few reasons. Firstly, a wellness examination will ensure that your dog is happy and healthy and will maintain that health. The exam looks for any signs of potential disease or other ailments. Dogs are susceptible to different diseases at different ages. When younger, puppies are at a higher risk for Parasites, Parvovirus, Heartworm Disease, and Kennel Cough. As they age, dogs become more susceptible to physical illnesses. As they reach their elder years, the dog’s immune system may weaken. This makes it important to visit your vet twice a year to ensure your dog’s health is optimal and there are early warning signs of potential illness. What Is The Vet Looking For? There are a few steps to the wellness checkup process. The first step is questioning the owner. This crucial information from the owner plays a role in the rest of the checkup. After getting the information they need, the vet will then do a physical examination where they look for any visible abnormalities. After that, and arguably the most important step, the vet will palpate your dog for any abnormalities they can feel. This can include spots of discomfort or potential tumors on the dog’s body. What the vet will ask for When conducting the wellness exam, the vet is going to ask some key questions. These questions will be about the dog’s diet, behavior, water intake, lifestyle, and general health. The vet will then use these answers, as well as information from previous visits, to make recommendations about your dog’s health. Your vet may discuss anti-flea or parasite medicine for the dog’s coat, a change in diet, joint health, and the overall well-being of your dog. Along with asking questions, the vet will perform a physical examination. During this, the vet is going to look at the dog’s posture, alertness, body condition, muscular condition, as well as excess oil in the skin or excess shedding. What the vet looks for When it comes to looking at specific parts of the dog, the vet is going to focus on the face for signs of existing disease. When looking at the eyes, the vet is keeping an eye out for redness, discharge, ‘tearing’, cloudiness, as well as lumps on the eyelids. The vet will also see how the dog closes its eyes. The vet, when taking a look at the ears, looks for discharge, thickness, hair loss, or other issues. The vet will check the nose for symmetry, discharge, how well the dog breathes, and other abnormalities. The mouth is one of the most important parts that the vet will look at. When looking at the mouth and teeth, the vet will look at the color of the gums. Discolor is a sign of disease. The vet will look for other abnormalities such as the buildup of plaque and tartar, ulcers, and excess saliva. What the vet feels for Another aspect of the visit is palpitations. Palpitations are the feeling of the dog’s body for any physical abnormalities under the fur, skin, and internal organs. When performing palpitations the vet is going to feel the pulse, ensuring that it’s strong. This makes sure the blood is flowing as it should and the heart is pumping blood efficiently. The vet will also feel for swelling, particularly in the lymph nodes, and any places that cause the animal pain. When feeling the legs, the vet is looking for lameness, lack of movement, or muscular pain. They will also feel for potential problems with the paws or nails. The abdomen is a very important part, so it’s crucial for the vet to feel this as well. When feeling the abdomen, the vet is looking for abnormalities in the intestines, liver, kidneys, and spleen. While feeling for abnormalities, the vet will also see if any areas cause the dog pain or discomfort. What the vet listens for Along with the physical side of things, the vet is also going to check the temperature and listen to the heartbeat and breathing of your dog. This crucial information will be recorded and can be used for other visits to the vet. Abnormal breathing or heartbeats are a common sign that there is a disorder present in your dog that could potentially require medication or surgery. What To Remember Overall, as you take care of your furry friend, remember to take your dog to its annual wellness check. These are crucial, especially when the dog is younger or elderly. They are the first place that you’ll catch the warning signs of illness, as well as gauge the general health of your dog. Buena Vet is proud to offer this service to any owner. If you need a wellness check performed or have any questions or concerns, book an appointment with Buena Vet today! We are just one call away. Feline Wellness Checks- What Should I Know Annual wellness exams are a crucial aspect of keeping your feline friend happy and healthy. These exams, which should be done once or twice per year, will look over the health of your cat and determine if there are any risk factors for disease showing in your cat. The staff at Buena Vet are expertly trained in these checkups and will gladly complete an exam for you. Wellness Exams…What Exactly Are They? A wellness exam is an exam completed on a cat that appears to be healthy. They are also called physical checkups. The purpose of this exam is to ensure that the cat is still very healthy. The frequency of these exams will change based on the age of the cat and the recommendation of doctors. A younger cat should be taken annually but, as the cat ages, the exams should be increased to twice a year. Human Years Vs. Cat Years It’s well known that animals age at a faster rate than humans. Unlike dogs, converting human years to cat years follows a similar pattern. Because cat breeds aren’t as drastically different as they are with dogs, they age at a similar rate. Overall, it’s agreed that by the end of the first 2 years of a cat’s life, the cat will be 25 in human years. After this, one human year will usually be around four ‘cat-years’. This is important to remember because, as your cat ages, it will experience the same health ailments as an elderly human. Why Does Age Matter For Exams? Age is a crucial factor in determining wellness exams for a few reasons. Firstly, a wellness examination will ensure that your cat is maintaining good health. The exam looks for any signs of potential disease or other ailments. So, because a cat’s immune system weakens as it ages, it becomes crucial to check in with your vet more often. What Is The Vet Looking For? There are a few steps to the wellness checkup process. The first step involves the vet asking a series of questions. This crucial information from the owner plays a role in the rest of the checkup. After getting the information they need, the vet will then do a physical examination where they look for any visible abnormalities. After that, arguably the most important step involves the vet performing palpitations. The vet will palpate your cat for any abnormalities they can feel. This can include spots of discomfort or potential tumors on the cat’s body. What the vet will ask for When conducting the wellness exam, the vet is going to ask some key questions. These questions will be about the cat’s diet, behavior, water intake, lifestyle, and general health. The vet will then use these answers, as well as information from previous visits, to make recommendations on how to improve your feline friend’s health. Your vet may discuss anti-flea or parasite medicine for the cat’s coat, a change in diet, joint health, and the overall well-being of your cat. Along with asking questions, the vet will perform a physical examination. Let’s take a deeper look into that process. What the vet looks for When it comes to looking at specific parts of the cat, the vet is going to focus on the face for signs of existing disease. When looking at the eyes, the vet is keeping an eye out for redness, discharge, ‘tearing’, cloudiness, as well as lumps on the eyelids. The vet will also see how the cat blinks. They’re looking for abnormalities or discomfort. The vet, when taking a look at the ears, will look for discharge, thickness, hair loss,  or other issues. The vet will check the nose for symmetry, discharge, how well the cat can breathe, and check for any other abnormalities. The mouth is one of the most important parts that the vet will look at. When looking at the mouth and teeth, the vet will look at the color of the gums. Discolor is a sign of disease. The vet will look for other abnormalities such as the buildup of plaque and tartar, ulcers, and excess saliva. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6083.jpg" title_text="IMG_6083" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6086.jpg" title_text="IMG_6086" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]What the vet feels for The next step in the process is performing palpitations. Palpitations are the part of the visit where the vet massages the cat’s body, checking for any physical abnormalities under the fur, skin, and internal organs. When performing palpitations the vet is going to feel the pulse, ensuring that it’s strong. This makes sure the blood is flowing as it should and the heart is pumping blood efficiently. The vet will also feel for swelling, particularly in the lymph nodes, and any places that cause the animal pain. When feeling the legs, the vet is looking for lameness, lack of movement, or muscular pain. They will also feel for potential problems with the paws or nails. The abdomen is a very important part, so it’s crucial for the vet to feel cautiously. When feeling the abdomen, the vet is looking for abnormalities in the intestines, liver, kidneys, and spleen. While feeling for abnormalities, the vet will also see if any areas cause the cat pain or discomfort. What the vet listens for Along with the physical side of things, the vet is also going to check the temperature and listen to the heartbeat and breathing of your cat. This crucial information will be recorded and can be used for future visits to the vet. Abnormal breathing or heartbeats are a common sign that there is a disorder present in your cat that could potentially require medication or surgery. What To Remember Overall, as you take care of your feline friend, remember to take your cat to its annual wellness check. These are crucial, especially when the cat is younger or elderly. They are the first place that you’ll catch the warning signs of illness, as well as gauge the general health of your cat. Buena Vet is proud to offer this service to any owner. If you need a wellness check performed or have any questions or concerns, book an appointment with Buena Vet today! We are just one call away. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row column_structure="3_5,2_5" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="3_5" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Feline Surgery- What You Need To Know Surgery- Why Does My Cat Need It? There are a variety of reasons why surgery may have been recommended for your cat. Whether it be a surgery to prevent future ailments, such as neutering or spaying, or an emergency surgery to quickly provide your cat medical care, it can be a confusing prospect. Luckily, if a doctor at Buena Vet determines that surgery is necessary for your feline friend, they will explain their reasoning and the next steps in the process. The Two Kinds Of Cat Surgery There are two kinds of surgery for your cat: elective and urgent. Elective surgery is a surgery that isn’t urgent and, in some cases, isn’t required. Urgent surgery on the other hand is very necessary and needs to happen as soon as possible.   Examples of elective surgery: Spay/Neuter: This operation is done to prevent the cat from reproducing and, in some cases, reduces the behavioral aspects that come with heat cycles. Dental Extractions: This operation is done to prevent oral issues from becoming worse for the cat as well as prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="2_5" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6095.jpg" title_text="IMG_6095" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]Examples of urgent surgery Skin lacerations: This operation typically involves stitching together large wounds in the cat and is crucial to prevent infection or further blood-loss. Intestinal blockage: This operation is done to remove an obstruction in the intestines, allowing for the natural processes to occur and preventing disease. Skin cancer treatment: This operation involves the removal of skin tumors and treatments to prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the cat’s body. Fracture repair: This operation is done to repair a cat’s broken bone. It typically involves screwing together the bone and protecting it with a cast. Should I Be Worried? The simple answer to this question is no. With the advancements of modern medicine and the expertise of our doctors, your cat’s surgery will go smoothly and your cat will be safe. Elective surgeries will only be done when your cat is healthy and if it is seen as a surgery that will improve your cat’s overall well-being. Due to our expertise and attention to detail, including the monitoring of your cat’s vitals, we ensure the safety of your cat. Along with safety during the surgery, our doctors will provide you with special instructions to aid you in caring for your pet after the surgery. Care Is Our Priority We here at Buena Vet are committed to providing expert service that ensures the safety of your animal. Our commitment to excellent care has earned us AAHA approval for our standards of veterinary excellence. This is only awarded to the top veterinary offices in the US, proving that we are one of the best. Our commitment to excellence means we provide you with top-quality service the second you step foot in our office. Our top priorities are: Pre-surgery: We ensure that vitals are taken, blood is drawn, and crucial information collected. This includes determining whether or not your pet will be able to go under anesthesia safely. The information that we collect will be used during the surgery to ensure that your cat is safe throughout the surgery. During surgery: Safety is of utmost importance, especially during surgery. Our expert team ensures that the cat stays safe and maintains normalcy throughout the operation. Furthermore, we use separate suites when performing the actual surgery to ensure that no diseases can be transferred during the surgery or after. We use sterile equipment, and sanitize our uniforms before going into surgery. Post-surgery: Our doctors will provide advice on how to care for your cat after surgery. They will also provide the necessary medications as well as telling you what to look out for. This crucial step of surgery will be made much easier through the instructions of our doctors. As you can see, Buena Vet takes many precautions to ensure that your cat has a smooth and successful surgery. Among the precautions we take that are stated above, Buena Vet will give you tasks to complete before the surgery. Deciding If Surgery Is The right Option Deciding if surgery is the right option will depend on a few factors. We take into consideration the age of the pet, general health, and the consequences of not doing the surgery. In some cases, we may determine that surgery is not a viable route. This would mean we provide the proper medications that will allow you to treat your cat without the use of surgery. If we determine that surgery must be done, this will be discussed in detail with you. However, the final decision is completely yours. All prospects will be discussed with you in order to give you a full understanding of what the surgery will do. Our doctors are some of the best in the business and are always there to answer your questions or concerns. Helping your animal feel happy and healthy is our priority and will always be our goal. Tasks For The Owner Before your surgery, the vet is likely to give you some instructions to follow to ensure that the surgery goes well. This includes tasks such as fasting your cat, refraining from giving your cat water right before the surgery, monitoring your cat, and helping the cat throughout the recovery process. Pre-surgery Before taking your cat into surgery, your doctor may give you some specific tasks to complete. Generally, these tasks include fasting your cat to reduce the likelihood of the cat regurgitating under anesthesia. Other tasks include refraining from giving your cat water right before you leave for surgery, and most of all, arriving on-time for your appointment. Arriving on time is a crucial aspect because it allows the doctors to stay on schedule and not feel any rush. Your doctor may provide specific instructions based on what the surgery entails. Post-surgery After the surgery, your vet will provide more specific instructions. These instructions will likely include monitoring your pet for 24-hours and ensuring that your animal doesn’t behave abnormally. Keep your cat indoors during this period. The staff will brief you on the surgery and provide instructions for what to do going forward. There will likely be stitches from where the incision was done, so a cone may be present in order to keep the cat from tearing them out. If you have any pet concerns or questions and want to schedule an appointment, give Buena Vet a call today! We are happy to care for any and all your animal needs. Canine Surgery- What To Know Buena Vet understands the stress that comes along hearing that your dog needs surgery. If you have questions regarding your dog’s surgery, you’ve come to the right spot! We’ll answer all your questions and concerns in regards to canine surgery in this article. Read on to learn more about procedures and general information about dog surgery. Elective Vs. Urgent Surgeries There are two common types of animal surgeries: elective and urgent. Elective surgeries are surgeries that aren’t urgent but are strongly recommended. Urgent surgeries, on the other hand, are surgeries that are necessary to perform for the safety of your dog. Common elective surgeries Spay/Neuter: This operation prevents your animal from being able to reproduce. Dental Extractions: This operation removes teeth and treats diseases related to oral health. Benign Skin Growth: This operation removes growths on the skin that are non-malignant. Common urgent surgeries Skin Lacerations: This operation typically involves stitching together a deep cut in your dog. Intestinal Obstruction: This operation removes foreign objects from the intestinal tracks of your dog. Internal Bleeding: This operation is done to determine where internal bleeding is and correct the issue as fast as possible. Torn Ligament Repair: This operation is done to repair a torn ligament, allowing your dog to walk and play like normal.Bone Fracture Repair: This operation determines where a fracture is located and mends the broken bone through a variety of methods. Malignant Skin Tumor Removal: This operation is done to remove cancerous tumors from the skin to prevent the spread of cancer. Kidney Stone/Urethral Blockage Removal: This operation is completed to remove blockages from the urethra or kidney, relieving the dog’s pain and preventing bladder expansion. Cancer Of The Spleen: This operation removes cancer of the spleen and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the body.   Are Dog Surgeries Risky? Most dog surgeries are considered to be low-risk. However, Buena Vet ensures the safety of your dog by providing only expert service. Our surgeons are experts in their fields and have years of training and experience. We offer only the best quality service and ensure that your dog’s surgery goes safely and smoothly. The advancements of modern medicine ensure that your dog’s surgery is safe and successful. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6090.jpg" title_text="IMG_6090" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6088.jpg" title_text="IMG_6088" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]Committed To Excellence We here at Buena Vet are committed to providing expert service that ensures the safety of your animal. Our commitment to excellent care has earned us AAHA approval for our standards of veterinary excellence. This is only awarded to the top veterinary offices in the US, proving that we are one of the best. Our commitment to excellence means we provide you with top-quality service the second you step foot in our office. Our typical procedure will look something like this: Firstly the pre-surgical assessment will be done. This includes taking the dog’s vitals and the blood of the dog. This information will be recorded to ensure that the levels remain normal during the surgery. The most important aspect of this step is seeing if your animal can go under anesthesia. The second step is taking the dog to the surgical room. Our surgical rooms are dedicated and separated from other non-surgical rooms. These are dedicated rooms to ensure that there is no risk of disease being transferred. The entire surgical procedure is done with sterilized equipment as well as sterilized attire. As you can see, Buena Vet takes many precautions to ensure that your dog has a smooth and successful surgery. Among the precautions we take that are stated above, Buena Vet will give you tasks to complete before the surgery. Pre-Surgery Tasks Depending on whether or not the surgery is emergency or planned, steps will be given to the owner of the dog to instruct them on what to do before the surgery. Typically surgery will be done on a dog that hasn’t been fed. The reason you fast a dog before surgery is to lower the chance of regurgitation under anesthetic. Regurgitating under anesthetic can create complications. But, on an empty stomach, there is little to no chance of regurgitating. In most cases, your dog will be able to drink before surgery but in some cases will be asked not to do so. Pre-surgery tasks can vary from situation to situation so it’s crucial to listen to your vet when they give you the tasks to do. Caring For Your Dog Post-Surgery Caring for your dog after surgery is just as important as the before-surgery steps. Depending on the surgery, whether it was an emergency surgery, and how serious the surgery was your dog may be returned to you on the same day as the surgery. There are two potential scenarios: 24-hour stay at the vet In the case that your dog has to stay overnight at the vet, the staff will monitor your furry friend the entire duration of the stay. We are not a 24-hour vet, so we’d refer your dog to an office that specializes in this aspect. Here your dog will be taken care of and monitored 24 hours a day to ensure a smooth recovery. Returning home with you If your dog gets returned home to you, the doctors who performed the surgery will give you a specific set of instructions in order to aid you in providing the proper care for your dog. It’s imperative to always listen to the vet and follow all instructions that are given to you to ensure the safety and prosperity of your furry friend. The most important job for the owner of the animal is to monitor the dog and ensure nothing appears off. If you notice your dog acting abnormally it’s crucial to give your vet a call immediately. Always listen to doctor recommendations when it comes to feeding and giving medication. Buena Vet is your stop for any veterinary needs. As one of the top veterinarian offices in California, we take pride in what we do. Give us a call today! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]Diagnostic Imaging- What It Is And Why It Matters Diagnostic imaging is the use of medical cameras to map out the ailment your pet is experiencing. Using diagnostic imaging allows the veterinarians at Buena Vet to get a better understanding of the problem your pet faces and create a better action-plan. The doctors here at Buena Vet are highly trained when it comes to the art of diagnostic imaging. Read on to learn more about it! Why Diagnostic Imaging Is Used Diagnostic imaging is a great tool to use when swelling blocks the vet from getting a good look at what is bothering your pet. If your pet experiences heavy swelling of the face, it can be difficult for a vet to determine what exactly is causing that swelling. Diagnostic imaging will be used to determine what the possible reason is. This is especially effective when it comes to locating broken bones or objects stuck in the stomach of your pet. Furthermore, diagnostic imaging can be used to determine if your pet is pregnant. A vet may also use diagnostic imaging to determine if your pet has infections in internal organs, heart disease, or for collecting biopsy samples. As you can see, there are countless reasons for using diagnostic imaging! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" type="1_2"][et_pb_image _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" title_text="IMG_6093" src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6093.jpg" hover_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" type="1_2"][et_pb_image _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" title_text="IMG_6092" src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6092.jpg" hover_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" type="4_4"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]Types Of Diagnostic Imaging CT Scan – CT scans are used only for soft-tissue. CT Scans will produce a 3D model of the body part it’s scanning. CT scans are notable for giving more precise images when compared to other forms of diagnostic imaging. X-rays – X-rays are by far the most common form of diagnostic imaging. They’re typically the first test run on your pet. X-rays have advanced throughout the ages and Buena Vet only uses the safest and most up-to-date form of X-rays. By using the most modern equipment, our vets are able to get a more precise image and expose your pet to less radiation. Ultrasound – Ultrasounds are a form of 3D-imaging. It’s usage, however, is quite limited. Ultrasounds are only used in sensitive situations, such as immense pain or pregnancies because they’re very gentle. Ultrasounds are most commonly used on the abdominal area because of how gentle they are. What Does The Process Look Like? The process for diagnostic imaging varies greatly depending on the type of imaging being done and the species of animal. The smaller the animal, the easier the process is. A smaller animal will be laid down in different positions to get a variety of images of the body to get a more accurate understanding of the ailment your pet faces. Larger animals will require the machine to be moved, possibly resulting in fewer images. Pets with a disease or condition may feel discomfort or pain. This, in turn, makes the animal anxious and stressed. Because of this stress, they may be resistant to treatment and not be inclined to working with the vets. In these situations, our staff is trained to react with patience and coax the animal into cooperation. In extreme cases, such as aggression or bursts of violence, your pet may need to be mildly sedated. This is the last resort and is avoided if possible. If a test requires complete stillness, however, an anesthetic will be used on your pet. Buena Vet- Your First Choice The staff here at Buena Vet is highly-trained when it comes to diagnostic imaging. We’ve worked with countless animals and are able to react to any situation that befalls us with no issue. Our team works tirelessly to provide you and your pet a smooth experience and understand that the situation can be stressful. Your animal will be taken care of, ensuring that every step of the process guarantees their safety. We will inform you the entire way through and answer any questions that you may have. Our staff is here to make your pet comfortable and ease the stress of a vet visit. Buena Vet is your top-choice for any scenario involving diagnostic imaging! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Understanding Spaying And Neutering Spaying and neutering are important parts of keeping your pet happy and healthy. Spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries from the female pet while neutering is the removal of the testicles from the male. Buena Vet is happy to perform this operation on your animal to ensure it’s done properly and safely. We highly recommend performing a blood test before the surgery to determine if your animal can go under anesthetic. Why Do I Need To Spay Or Neuter? Spaying and neutering are crucial for a few reasons. The first and arguably the most important reason for neutering and spaying animals is the prevention of stray cats or dogs. Every year countless unwanted or abandoned animals are euthanized or killed. By neutering or spaying your animal you can prevent this from happening. Preventing the birth of unwanted pets does a great part in preventing the increase in animal deaths and stray populations. Looking deeper, spaying and neutering prevent diseases and illnesses related to birth and/or reproductive organs. Furthermore, spaying and neutering prevents animal behaviors related to mating. This can prevent you from struggling with an aggressive and destructive pet. Female pets, when in heat, are very aggressive and high-energy. This can be a nuisance for many pet owners. Males, when not neutered, are more likely to roam away from home and go out for longer. This can create the potential for a lost pet. Neutering or spaying pets can prevent the development of breast cancer or uterine infection in female pets. Neutering your male pet lessens the risk of an enlarged prostate or testicular cancer. The operation has no effect on the intelligence of your pet or your pet’s ability to play. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6096.jpg" title_text="IMG_6096" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/IMG_6108.jpg" title_text="IMG_6108" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Types of Sterilization Surgical Sterilization During an ovariohysterectomy, the female uterus and ovaries will be surgically removed. This process ensures that the female is unable to get pregnant and prevents the female from going into heat. By preventing her from going into heat, mating-related behavior will be eliminated. Behavior during an animal’s heat cycle includes higher energy levels and aggression. This is the typical “spay”. During an orchiectomy, the male testicles are removed. This prevents the male from being able to reproduce and lowers the mating behavior in the animal. This is the typical “neuter”. A hysterectomy removes the uterus and some of the fallopian tubes. This prevents the female from being able to reproduce while still producing mating-related hormones. This, in turn, does not prevent mating-related behaviors. A vasectomy removes the vas deferens, the tube that conducts sperm from the testicles. This prevents the animal from being able to reproduce but, much like a hysterectomy, allows the animal to produce mating-related hormones. A vasectomy may not prevent mating-related behaviors. An ovariectomy removes the ovaries from the female but not the uterus. This prevents the female from reproducing as well as stops the production of mating-related behaviors. Final Remarks Sterilization of your pet is an important and necessary aspect of owning a pet. It not only prevents the birth of unwanted pets but also prevents the development of diseases associated with reproductive organs. Spaying and neutering do not impact the health of your pet. Spaying and neutering, when you work with Buena Vet, is made to be affordable. This, in turn, allows you to sterilize your pet without breaking the bank. The only risks associated with spaying or neutering are related to anesthetics, making this a very safe operation. Buena Vet will perform blood tests to ensure that your pet is able to go under anesthetics safely. We know your pet is an important member of your family and intend to make them as happy and healthy as they can be. Give Buena Vet a call today for any sterilization needs or questions! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row column_structure="2_3,1_3" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="2_3" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0"]Animal Dermatology- Is It Necessary? The subject of animal dermatology is one that’s seldom talked about. In fact, some people don’t know that it exists at all! If you were told that your furry friend may need dermatology care, but don’t know what it is or if it’s needed, you’ve come to the right spot! Your friends at Buena Vet are experts when it comes to animal dermatology, and happy to break down the process for you. Read on to find out more! What Is Animal Dermatology? Unlike humans, most animals aren’t visiting a dermatologist to deal with acne or blemishes. Rather, animal dermatology focuses on treating skin-related illnesses and diseases. Typical issues pets face range from rashes and allergies to full-on infections. Animal dermatologists are certified in their field and aren’t related to groomers. It is a medical field, much like it is in humans. Animal groomers cannot diagnose skin conditions and advise you on how to handle them. This puts your pet’s life at risk. Instead, if you suspect a potential illness, book an appointment with Buena Vet or another veterinary service. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_6157.jpg" title_text="IMG_6157" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]Why It Matters The skin is the largest organ of the body. Furthermore, it connects fur to the body of animals and provides animals the ability to feel. But skin has many important purposes. For starters, it protects the entire body and holds thousands of small blood vessels. It absorbs many important nutrients such as nitrogen and, believe it or not, oxygen. Skin also keeps the body hydrated by retaining fluids. Skin regulates body temperature and, most importantly, is the first line of the immune system. Another reason to keep skin healthy, if you aren’t already convinced, is that your animal’s skin health impacts you as well. Skin diseases that animals acquire can potentially be spread to you and your family. The skin is one of the most important parts of the body and one that should be kept healthy, for the happiness of the animal and for you. What Skin Diseases Are There? Skin diseases can cause a wide variety of damage to vital body parts. Typical skin ailments can be divided into three categories. Bacterial, Fungal, and Allergenic. Let’s take a deeper look into these categories. Bacterial infections Bacterial infections aren’t afraid of making themselves known. Pus and redness are common signs of a bacterial infection of the skin. This isn’t surprising since the name for bacterial infections is pyoderma which, when translated, literally means pus on the skin. These infections typically occur when an animal spends a lot of time outdoors, as the bacteria is most commonly found in the dirt. Fungal Infections Fungal infections are another common form of skin infection. Fungal infections can be noticed by the red rash that they leave on the skin of your pet. Fungal infections can be serious and are very uncomfortable for your pet, so it’s important to see a dermatologist as soon as any symptoms make themselves present. Allergic Reactions Allergies are not what we think of when it comes to pets. But, much like us, our pets can have allergies too. Allergic reactions can result in rashes appearing on the skin of your pet. These rashes can be itchy and uncomfortable and should be treated as soon as possible. If the allergic reaction appears to be severe, give your vet a call right away to determine what to do. How Do I Know If I Need To See A Dermatologist? Now that you understand the importance of dermatology, you need to know when you should see one. In general, if your pet has dry, itchy, red, and potentially bald spots throughout its coat then it’s time to see a professional. Any sign of discomfort or pain in your pet is another sign that you need to visit a doctor.  Dermatologists will not only be able to treat the current issue but prevent future ones too! This is especially important if you live in sunny areas where skin cancer is a worry or wooded areas where fleas and bacterial infections are a worry. Dermatologists are experts, meaning you shouldn’t hesitate to visit one if you have any concerns about your pet. What Will They Do? The dermatologist will first examine your pet to fully understand what the issue is. After diagnosing the pet with the precise ailment, the treatment phase begins. This is done through a prescription for either a pill or medicated shampoo. The prescribed medicine will attack the disease and relieve your pet of the symptoms, making them happy and healthy once more. What We Offer Buena Vet offers expert-grade service and treatment. We have highly trained doctors who are always ready to help you with any situation. Our team will answer all your questions and explain what your pet has in easy-to-understand language. We know that seeing your beloved pet in discomfort can be stressful, so we take it upon ourselves to make the situation easier for you. Furthermore, our highly trained dermatologists will ensure that the proper steps are taken to treat your animal quickly and efficiently. We view your pet as part of our family, too. Buena Vet is happy to take care of any of your dermatology needs.   If you have any questions or concerns, give Buena Vet a call today to book an appointment! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Dental Care For Animals Dental care is an often overlooked aspect of animal healthcare but, in all actuality, is one of the more important parts of caring for your furry friend. There are a wide variety of health issues that can arise from poor dental care. Read on to learn about dental care, why it’s important, and health issues that can arise from neglecting to care for your pet’s dental needs. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_6103.jpg" title_text="IMG_6103" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_6105.jpg" title_text="IMG_6105" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Introduction To Animal Oral Health Though animals can’t get cavities, there is a wide variety of issues that can result from neglected oral care. Some of these issues are: Fractured Teeth Persistent Primary Teeth Stomatitis (cats) Oral Masses Periodontal Disease These diseases can be painful for animals and are often hard to detect if you don’t conduct oral checkups. Buena Vet is always ready to perform a checkup and, if necessary, treatment. We care for every animal that comes into our office and we always ensure that our checkups are in-depth and don’t miss any potential issue. The most important aspects of our checkup include checking for signs of periodontal disease and for oral masses. Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums. It results from a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Periodontal disease can be extremely painful for animals and is almost always uncomfortable. If left untreated the disease can result in tooth loss and, in serious cases, the disease spreading to the vital organs of the body. One thing is for sure, though. Periodontal disease results in your pet not being able to act like themselves. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_6109.jpg" title_text="IMG_6109" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_6116.jpg" title_text="IMG_6116" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]How can you prevent periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is fairly easy to prevent. It begins with regular dental examinations, cleaning of the teeth, and good general hygiene. Periodontal disease is mainly prevented by removing the plaque from the teeth to prevent a build-up of plaque on the teeth. The best way of doing this is by, starting when your pet is young and brushing your animal’s teeth with a finger brush. Use only pet-specific toothpaste! General Information How often should I do checkups? Checkups should be done annually to ensure that there are no signs of potential disease and, if there are, treat the disease in its early phases. Checkups are a much more cost-efficient way of keeping your pet happy and healthy as opposed to being reactive when it comes to your pet’s health. Preventing disease will not only keep your pet happy, but it will also keep your life stress-free! What does a checkup look like? Buena Vet stresses the importance of oral health in animals. An oral checkup always requires the animal to go under anesthetics. This is because the animal won’t understand what’s happening to it and is likely to bite or attempt to resist the treatment, endangering both the doctor and the animal. To ensure that the operation goes safely, the animal is put under anesthetic. In the case of abnormal results, extra precautions are taken. In some cases, the treatment may be rescheduled altogether. Is it affordable? An annual oral checkup for pets, while it may seem expensive, is a cost-efficient and affordable act. Rather than have to pay potentially thousands for surgery to help your furry friend, or having to deal with an animal in pain, doing a checkup can catch a potential illness early. This helps prevent the need to break the bank helping your animal. Furthermore, dental care can be done at home in-between checkups! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]What causes periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is a slow-developing disease. The cause for periodontal disease is the result of the gums’ reaction to the build-up of plaque and toxins on the teeth. The bacteria that comes from the plaque goes into the gums, causing a bacterial infection. What are some signs of periodontal disease? The first signs of periodontal disease that you might notice are: Bad breath Red/Swollen gums Swelling of eyes, discharge from nose Difficulty eating Missing teeth [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_6121.jpg" title_text="IMG_6121" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]How can I care for my animal at home? Caring for your animal at home is very important for the overall health of your animal. Oral care at home consists of using soft toothbrushes to remove plaque from the animal’s teeth and clean off any bacteria within the mouth. This can be done by asking your veterinarian for a toothbrush. They’ll show you how to brush your animal’s teeth properly as well as provide you with oral gel, toothpaste, and food recommendations that are good for your animal’s teeth. What food is good for your animal’s oral health? There are multiple types of foods that are good for animal teeth. Generally, switching from canned food to dry food is much better. This is because canned food will leave residue on the teeth. For dogs, carrot slices, apple slices, or squash are great treats that will help your dog’s oral health. As your dog chews the food the plaque will be scrubbed from its teeth. The Bottom Line Caring for your pet’s oral needs is one of the most important aspects of owning a pet. This is due to the possibility of illness spanning from poor dental care. These diseases can be hard to detect meaning that it’s a necessity to get your pet checked for potentially having a disease. Oral diseases can be potentially lethal for an animal if the disease is to reach the bloodstream. This is due to the potential that the bacteria will spread to the heart, brain, or liver. The most common disease for animals is periodontal disease, most commonly called gum disease. This disease, along with others, can be prevented through oral care done at home. This includes brushing the animal’s teeth and feeding the animal proper food. Oral checkups are a necessary part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. Oral checkups are affordable and cost-efficient. Buena Vet offers x-rays, ultrasonic cleanings, polishing, sealing, and scraping. To schedule, an appointment with Buena Vet call 805-642-2191 today [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"]Pet Behavior- Why To Train And What To Know There are a wide variety of behavioral issues in animals. From separation anxiety to fear of loud sounds, it’s important to get your furry friend treated for these issues. Buena Vet is here to explain why your animal is having these issues and what to do about it. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0324-scaled.jpeg" title_text="IMG_0324" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_image src="https://buenavet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0282-scaled.jpeg" title_text="IMG_0282" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0"]What Do These Issues Mean? There are many potential behavior problems that you may face with your animal. A lot of these behavioral issues span from the natural instinct of the animal. Luckily, there are ways to deal with these issues. Some more common issues found in both cats and dogs include:   Aggression Aggression is the first behavioral issue that pops into pet owners minds. Aggressive animals can be dangerous to themselves, you, and other animals. Aggression spans from the natural instinct in both cats and dogs to get up in the face of danger and scare it away. It’s a fear-based reaction. So, if someone your dog doesn’t recognize comes over, your dog may react aggressively out of fear. If a cat notices another cat, they will react aggressively to defend their territory. This is a very common problem and, fortunately, one that isn’t too difficult to fix.   Food Guarding Food guarding is another prevalent issue. This issue spans from the natural instinct in dogs to guard their resources. When dogs lived in the wild, they had to defend resources from other competing animals. This has been ingrained in their day-to-day instincts. Even a calm dog may become defensive when eating. Through a variety of training methods, this issue is one that can be nipped in the bud quickly.   Nipping and Play Biting Animals like to feel a sense of danger when they play. It’s part of what makes it exciting and fun! With this comes nipping and play biting. These may not be intended to harm you, but they can sure do that. Because of that, this particular habit is one that most pet owners want to get rid of as soon as they can. By training your dog young, you can eliminate this from becoming a habit engrained in them throughout their life. If your dog is mature, this habit can be broken by a professional.   Separation Anxiety This behavior is more common in dogs, but it’s not rare to see a cat with separation anxiety either. This habit is one that needs to be treated as soon as its symptoms are noticed due to the danger it can put the dog in. When a dog or cat experiences separation anxiety they will commonly attempt to escape the house. This can result in both property damage as well as damage to themselves. The attempts to escape made by dogs are often extreme, usually attempting to break through a window or scratch open a door. This can be a very serious behavioral issue and should be addressed as soon as possible. Destructiveness Destructiveness is common in both cats and dogs. Cats are especially prone to damaging furniture by scratching on it in order to shorten their nails. Though this is harmless to them and comes naturally, it creates frustration for the pet owner. Luckily, like most behaviors, destructiveness is a trait that can be eliminated from the animal. This can be done through a variety of methods such as buying a scratching post, putting tape on your furniture, or teaching the cat that scratching furniture is not allowed.   Urine Marking Urine marking is a problem that many cat owners face. Cats are particularly territorial animals and mark territory by urinating around the land. But, to the cat, your house isn’t seen as a house. It’s seen as their territory and, therefore, they feel the need to mark it. Your cat may urinate on your walls, your bed, or your floor. This is frustrating for homeowners and can be a problem that damages your house as well. Teaching your cats not to urinate from a young age is the best method, especially when a professional does it.   Barking/Meowing Both barking and meowing are ways cats and dogs communicate with humans. When they want to grab our attention, cats and dogs will bark or meow. Some pets, however, do this too often. Non-stop barking or meowing can keep you awake at night and create frustration. By using a behavioral specialist, your pet will be taught that excessive barking or meowing is not acceptable. Why This Matters To Veterinarians Veterinarians can be viewed as a threat by animals. Because we handle pets that are new to the situation and environment, along with smelling many different animals, your pet may experience high-stress levels. Our Fear Free Certified Veterinarian team ensures that your pet is happy and comfortable throughout the visit. Furthermore, if we find that your animal has behavioral problems, we’ll be able to prescribe medicine to treat it. We’ll also guide you on how to handle your animal at home and discourage unwanted behaviors. Buena Vet is here for all of your pet needs, no matter what! [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]