Category Archives for "Dog Q & A"

0 Do You Know The Hardest Part Of Your Fur Baby’s Body?

What is the toughest part of your fur baby’s body? Do you have an idea?

Can you guess?

Is it bone?

Nope! While it comes in a close second,  it isn’t.

It’s the teeth!

Enamel makes up the teeth which are the strongest part of the body.

Fur babies need their teeth to be strong, so they won’t have problems when they eat.

While teeth are sturdy and can take a lot of punishment, you still need to look after them.

Brushing daily is one way to keep them healthy.

It keeps teeth clean by removing food that may cause tartar buildup. 

Choose food that helps to keep your fur baby’s teeth clean.

Certain types of food and treats will keep pet’s teeth healthy.

It would be best to have occasional dental scaling.

Your veterinarian will recommend how often your pet needs this.

Dental scaling is a procedure that requires general anesthesia.

This means a veterinarian will put your pet to sleep.

This planned procedure requires a battery of tests to ensure your fur baby is healthy enough to undergo the process.  

Dental scaling and brushing prevent dental plaque.

Dental plaque is a substance from food particles and saliva that mix in your mouth.

It will build up in your mouth if not removed, which may lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

If the plaque isn’t removed, this will lead to tartar buildup, leading to other problems.

Tartar may also cause something we all hate, bad breath!

While you may be tempted to remove the tartar, this isn’t recommended as you may damage your pet’s teeth.

Experts should do this.

Give us a call for an appointment at 0908-896-7113 or message us on our FB page or email at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com

We’ll help keep your fur baby’s fresh and teeth healthy!

0 Why Is Adopting the Kinder Choice: One Special Day In The Life Of A Rescue

Overpopulation is a serious problem for dogs and cats in the Philippines.

Many animals spend their lives on the streets, struggling to survive. 

Hundreds more go through euthanasia every month at municipal pounds. 

This isn’t the fault of the shelter workers or local governments — it’s a simple math equation. There are far too many animals and too few homes willing to take them in. 

. . . But you can help change that when you consider adopting a pet and not shopping for one.

You see, when you buy from a breeder, you are supporting a business that uses animals for profit. 

Not only that.  For every puppy or kitten you buy from a breeder, there’s one less home for an animal waiting in a shelter. 

Life in a shelter is comfortable and safe, but it can be lonely.  This is especially true for dogs and cats who are looking forward to having a forever fur family . . . someday.

They may not say it . . . but their eyes, barks, and meows express their longing and eagerness for that ONE SPECIAL DAY.

Did you know that the best day of any rescued animal’s life is when they’re adopted?

Now, you can be a part of that ONE SPECIAL DAY!

Give an animal the best life possible when you adopt pets from shelters near your community.

Do you need more convincing?  Let me give you …

5 Reasons to Adopt

• You’ll give someone a second chance in life. Sadly, many rescued animals were previously owned by people who gave up on them. Adopting one means someone is saying “I gotchu!”

• You’re saving not one but two or more lives.  For every rescue who gets adopted, you are saving another homeless animal.  The shelter can take in other rescues because a new space is now available.

• You’re setting a good example.  You will inspire others to open their hearts to rescued animals instead of buying from a breeder.

• Rescued animals are under the care of a licensed veterinarian.  They are fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered.  Here’s a bonus: they’re often housetrained.  How does it get better than this? 🙂

• Rescued animals come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. A rescue group or shelter can help match you with the perfect companion animal.

However, if you have limited space and adoption is not possible for you at this moment, you can still help.

If for some reason, your current lifestyle makes it challenging to adopt, then I invite you to . . .

Consider Fostering

Fostering is for you if you can’t commit to adoption but love animals.  If you have space in your home and heart to care for a cat or dog for at least four weeks, consider fostering instead. 

Foster homes provide a safe and secure environment until they get adopted. 

Normally, organizations cover all the costs for the supplies and veterinary care needed for the foster animal.

Where to Adopt

Now, you have reached this point of this article for a reason.

You may be considering fostering or . . .

. . . Giving that one special rescue a chance to experience that ONE SPECIAL DAY

Let’s chat.  Please send us a message at Makati Dog And Cat Hospital FB Page.  We will connect you with the animal shelter of PETA.

Ampon Alaga is the rescue and adoption project of PETA based in Metro Manila. 

First, pet parents will enjoy the ease and convenience of the adoption process.  There will be a screening process.  This is to assess if you are the perfect fur family who can provide for the needs of your rescue. Also, this is to ensure that you and your rescue will have a happy furever home.

As part of our advocacy to Adopt, Do not Shop,  pet adoption with PETA  is 100% FREE.  This way, you’ll start with resources to welcome and care for your new rescue!

Lastly, there’s no need to get out of your home for we will deliver the animal to you. The group is open to adoptions anywhere in Metro Manila, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, and Rizal.

This is your opportunity to give that one special rescue a chance to experience that ONE SPECIAL DAY.

Send us a message on Facebook at Makati Dog And Cat Hospital and we will connect you with Ampon Alaga of PETA.

Author: Ashley Fruno

0 From First Time To Adopt A Pet To Surviving The First 30 Days With A Clean Home And A Happy Rescue

One look and one lick, I already know that we are taking our first rescue home.  

His name is Snoopy.

Our fur family excitedly welcomes this adorable 5-month-old rescue … But after 30 days, we are looking for a new home for Snoopy.

What happened?

Weeks before, my sister and I were like giggly teenagers ordering online dog beds, puppy clothes, and cute chew toys preparing for our new puppy. Just want to make sure that Snoopy feels welcome.

That same week, I read an online discussion on pet adoption horror stories. But I brushed these off thinking that they will never happen to us.

I thought I am made of sturdier stuff, that I can easily adopt a new puppy and live happily ever after.

I was wrong!

While preparing to welcome our new puppy, I keep asking this question: “How can I prepare Snoopy to make his stay with us fun and long-lasting?”

… Little did I realize that it was the wrong question.

Based on my 30-day “adventure” with Snoopy, these are the 3 questions that you should be asking YOURSELF so you will survive the first 30 days with your rescue:

1. Am I ready for the responsibility?

Having a new fur family member is an added responsibility. Are you prepared to give the full attention that a playful and active puppy needs?

2. Can my lifestyle accommodate an active rescue?

A 5-month-old puppy is like a child. Snoopy is an active puppy and needs attention. He loves going on walks and extended playtime.

If you have a regular day job, can you give the attention that a puppy craves?  Perhaps a year-old rescue would be better for you.

3. Is my home ready for a playful rescue?

Again, it’s like having a curious child in your home. “Accidents” will frequently happen so toilet training is the first order of the day. Know how to train a pet to keep your home clean and odor-free.

To a young pup, your home is a playground! Everything is a toy! This I learned too late. You see, despite having chew toys, Snoppy loved playing with our slippers, brooms, and chairs. Even our wallpaper is not spared 🙂

Giving him his own space is a great step towards this.

 So you see, pet adoption requires preparation.

It includes preparation for you, your family, and your home. After all, you will be welcoming a new member of the family. So all parties must be prepared.

As you prepare, it is also best that you contact your Vet so you will have a partner in caring for your rescue.  

We will be happy to be your partner at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital.  Send us a message on our Facebook Page.

Call us and have these 3 questions in mind so you will be fully ready and emerge stress-free, happy, and survive the first 30 days with your rescue!

0 One Of The Best Things You Can Do For Fur Babies

We all find fur babies cute.

That’s why a lot of us have them in the first place!

That’s why there are so many of them!

For some reason, dogs and cats trigger something innate in us.

Who wouldn’t melt when they see puppies!

Even the hardest people with hearts of stone just couldn’t control themselves when they see puppies.

They would just hug, kiss, and play with them!

They’re just so cute!

And what about cat videos?!

They are among the most watched videos on Youtube.

People just love to watch their cuteness.

Kittens just do things we find so amusing and funny.

But behind this, love for dogs and cats does cause a problem.

Because everyone likes them so much, now there are too many!

There is an overpopulation of fur babies in several countries, the Philippines included.

For each pet that is fed well, given proper shelter, and medicated correctly; several others are neglected,

They’re just left on the streets to fend for their own.

Doesn’t it just break your heart to see unloved fur babies left to fend for themselves?

For a lot of people, it’s just too much.

They rescue the fur babies and nurture them back to health.

Alas, there are just too many of them.

Plus, rescuing is more of a band-aid solution than anything else.

The best thing to do is to keep the number of pets down.

But how do we help in doing this?

It’s by having our fur babies spayed and castrated.

Studies have shown there are several benefits to having pets desexed.

For sure,  that will help in keeping your fur babies healthy.

Another important thing it will do is keep the number of dogs and cats left on the streets down.

It will lessen the number of unloved fur babies left to fend for themselves.

Let’s all do our share.

Call us at 090888967113 or message us on our Facebook Page or email us at MakatiDogAndCatHospital@gmail.com

0 No Need For Check Ups, Your Fur Baby Will Do Just Fine… So They Say

Many pet parents think checkups are a waste of time and money.

This is because they hear of some pet owners having fur babies for years and never getting sick, even though they never have a checkup!

Those are the lucky ones.

They’re outliers.

There will always be that small percentage of pets that seem to never get sick.

Think about it.

Do you have that uncle or aunt who reached their 80s and 90s while smoking a pack of cigarettes daily?

And they still look like they’re healthy?

Heck, I know of an aunt who espouses smoking.

She smokes at least a pack daily and never gets sick because of it.

She’s in her 80’s and is still very healthy.

But… not everyone can be that fortunate.

She might be one of the lucky ones.

And we never know that she’s sick or suffering some disease related to smoking until it’s too late.

The same goes for our fur babies.

A lot of them may look normal.

They may even act like they’re very healthy.

But you can never be sure; you need to have them checked yearly.

For example, liver and kidney diseases are only detected when a large part of those organs are already damaged.

Some diseases like Heartworm infection may not show signs until it’s too late.

A lot of diseases could have been treated or managed if they were only detected early.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda…

Things could have gone for the better if only we had known earlier.

Like people, our fur babies need to have their annual checkups.

We have to ensure they don’t have any underlying condition we need to handle.

Call us at 0908-896-7113

8896-6386 / 8896-2860 or message us at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com for that appointment.

We’ll check your furbaby to ensure there’s nothing to worry about!

0 Why You Should Adopt An Adult Fur Baby

Why You Should Adopt An Adult Fur Baby

It can be lots of fun to have a fur baby.

They make great companions.

Loneliness will be a rarity.

It’s proven that pets make us healthier in so many ways.

But…

Would it be easier if we could get an adult dog?

Most likely, they’re mature in temperament.

Destructive puppy behavior is unlikely.

And in addition, wouldn’t it be nice if they’re:

1) Fully vaccinated.

2) Neutered.

What if I tell you there is a way to get a fur baby with all of those above?

In return, you have to sign a contract.

Basically, it says you will love and take care of them.

And you will never give them away!

If you are interested, please send us a message at (Viber) 0908-8967-113 or email us at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

We’ll tell you how to get a fur baby and help save the world!

0 Hey, It’s National Train Your Dog Month!

A lot of people think that only puppies can be trained.

They think teaching your fur baby anything new when they reach a certain age is impossible.

They believe you can’t change their habits when adopting an older pet.

Well,  that’s not true!

Adult dogs have a better attention span.

Adult dogs have more self-control.  

These traits make them easier to train than puppies.

Younger dogs may pick things more quickly, but it is still possible to train older dogs.

Sure, they may be set in their ways, but they can still be taught new things.

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers established National Train Your Dog Month, knowing that dogs can be trained at any age.

People ask, why is it important to train your dog?

Training does the following things for your fur baby:

Builds confidence.

Provides mental stimulation.

Strengthens the human-animal bond.

Training is necessary because dogs need socialization and schooling to become well-behaved companions.

Some activities you can do during Train Your Dog Month are:

Teach your pet a new trick, like rolling over or playing fetch.

Enjoy Furry Fridays by taking your dog for a walk or watching a movie together!

Post on social media your dog training accomplishments and challenges.

You can do a lot more to enjoy this month, focusing on training your fur baby.

But…there are times you feel like just giving up.

You may think that it’s impossible to train your dog to urinate in the proper place, but it doesn’t just occur.

There may be a reason why this isn’t happening.

You may need to have your fur baby checked.

They may have a urinary problem that can be solved by the family veterinarian.

That’s why it’s a great idea to have your pet checked.

Your pet may be experiencing something uncomfortable or painful.

That is why they don’t want to fetch, jump or do anything else.

Give us a call at 0908-896-7113

8896-6386 / 8896-2860 or message us at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

We can help you train your fur baby better!

0 If You Are Someone Who Is Planning To Get A Pet: READ THIS FIRST!

Are you someone who is planning to get a pet?

Well,  I want to tell you that it entails a lot of responsibility.

Getting a puppy is a risky proposition.

You need to spend a lot on vaccinations and dog food.

You have to train your pet, so they don’t become destructive.

You need to socialize them with other puppies and people, so they become friendly.

All of those take a lot of work!

What if I tell you there’s a way to make it easy for you.

It’s through pet adoption.

There are animal-loving groups that rescue abandoned dogs from the streets.

They spend money on their vaccinations, food, and parasite control.

They even take care of their neutering/spaying.

All of those will cost a lot of money!

They even care for them, so they become friends with people and other dogs.

Where do you come in?

You have to promise to give them a good home.

No need to spend for all of what I mentioned above.

You save tons of money.

You give a fur baby a new home.

You get love in return.

If you are interested in giving a fur baby a forever home, call (Viber) 0908-8967-113 or send us a message in our FB Page Makati Dog And Cat Hospital.

—-

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS, Diplomate PCCP

Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

0 Give Your Furbaby A Break

Remember when you were young, and your parents made you take medicine or vitamins?

And you just hate the taste?

What about doing the same thing for your fur baby?

To keep them healthy, you may have to give preventatives.

Some are okay.

Your pets will just swallow or chew them.

Some are nasty.

Whatever you do, you struggle to give it to them.

I’ve seen pets that would pretend to swallow a tablet.

When you aren’t looking, they will spit it out!

Then the fun part begins.

You get the tablet and give it again!

And again!

Finally, you give and mix it with something to make them swallow it.

What if I tell you there is such a tablet that 9 out of 10 dogs will just take on their own when offered?

And this tablet will keep your fur babies from getting the dreaded Heartworm.

It will also keep them from getting ticks and fleas.

These also protect your loved ones from getting any intestinal roundworms!

All of these for 30 days!

To find out what this is, call us now at 0908-896-7113 or email us at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Make it easy for yourself and your fur babies!

0 What Scares Veterinarians

It’s fun to be a veterinarian!

We get to be with cute animals all day.

Kittens are so funny to watch!

You can stare at cuddly puppies the whole day.

This is one of our benefits, although there is a risk here.

We have a higher than usual possible exposure to rabid animals.

I’ve handled quite a handful of pet patients that have rabies.

The furious form is the type of rabies that people are more likely to be familiar with.

Rabid dogs with this type would bite anything!

And I MEAN ANYTHING!

These dogs bite cages, other animals, and even you!

But there is another form that is equally as dangerous.

This is called the “paralytic form.”

The patient is lucid and remains quiet.

The problem here is people are unlikely to think that the patient has rabies.

They become complacent and do risky things like touching the mouth of the patient.

In my practice, we had a case of a pet dog with the paralytic form.

Because of this, nobody thought of the patient having rabies.

Guess what?

When the patient suddenly died, we decided to have it tested.

It turned out that it had RABIES!

Too late!

Five of our hospital staff got exposed to the patient.

Luckily they all had pre-exposure vaccinations for rabies.

They also had post-exposure vaccinations to ensure they didn’t get it.

Although preventive vaccination and post-exposure treatments work, you still get some anxiety.

You keep on thinking that you might get it!

One scary feature of Rabies infection is that it is most likely fatal when you get it!

And our country is considered to be high risk for Rabies.

This is why you should get your pet dogs and cats vaccinated for this deadly disease.

Dogs make up most of the rabies infections of animals in the Philippines.

Cats make up a distant second.

Don’t endanger the lives of your pets.

Keep yourself from getting infected too.

Make sure you get your fur babies vaccinated today!

Send us a message at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com or call 09088967113 so we can schedule the rabies vaccination of your fur babies.

Make sure you, your family, and your pets are protected!