0 NEXGARD FOR TICKS & FLEAS: Keeping your dogs at ease!

I know, I know. We’re talking about ticks and fleas all over again. Who wants to think about these critters when they’re nothing but risky and disease-spreading, right?

Well, you have to know that this is the main reason why we SHOULD pay attention to them. Believe it or not, ticks and fleas may be tiny little creatures but they are your dogs’ BIGGEST problems! 

As a fellow pet lover myself, it breaks my heart to see my patients suffering from severe itching, blisters and swollen skin due to infections. I don’t like seeing them uneasy.

Although I always get different queries and tips on basic pet care, the most sought question that I often hear from dog parents is…

“Doc, how do I prevent my dogs from getting ticks and fleas?”

And that is where my job as a Veterinarian jumpstarts!

EVERYTHING STARTS AT HOME

Nooks and cracks, in beds and sofas, under the carpet and leaf piles— these are some of the places in your household where these mite-like creatures enjoy to hide! With their small bodies, they can surely fit even in the smallest spots where they can create their own nests. To avoid this, you can start by using the vacuum frequently, ensuring every space is spotlessly clean, and keeping your yard tidy!

BE AWARE OF ALL THE SAFE SPACES

We all know that dogs love the outdoors! Hiking, camping, going to the beach, running around the park— name it! However, ticks and fleas are active creatures and they can surely be found in these places as well. But hey, I know what you’re thinking… you still want your furbabies to enjoy the open, and they still can! Of course, as paw-parents, it is our responsibility to make sure that they are well-groomed upon entering our homes.

GO SOFT AND EASY WITH NEXGARD FOR TICKS & FLEAS

For some, medications are on top of mind the moment they find out that their dogs suffer from ticks and fleas. Treatments may vary from spot-on ones, shampoo, tick dips, oral medication, and a lot more. Regardless, I’m totally familiar with the struggles of a paw-parent— some products may be too strong for their babies’ skin or a specific tablet may be too hard to swallow— I’ve heard it all! 

So for someone who has been practicing veterinary medicine for quite a long time now, I would definitely go for a product that is easy to give, tasty, and kills both ticks in fleas. You can try Nexgard, the perfect one that your dog will surely love,  where a little chew can work for you!

Say goodbye to ticks and fleas and keep your dogs at ease! Pay a visit to PreventPuppyProblems.com to know more about Nexgard!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Why You Should Opt For Pet Boarding Facilities In Your Area During The Holidays

When you are a pet owner, you have probably heard of pet boarding facilities that you can use when you are away. 

Or you are not sure about boarding your pet for you prefer to leave your pets with friends and relatives?

But what if all your trusted family members and relatives are out of town for holiday merry making?

Well, in this scenario, your best option is to try one of the pet boarding facilities in your area.

Leaving your pet in a dog or cat boarding facility is a great decision and the start of having peace of mind and enjoying more your trips.

Why is that? You may ask. Let me lay out to you the great benefits when you take advantage of these boarding facilities.

Pet Boarding Facilities: Pet Professionals Are Looking After Your Pet

In a pet boarding facility, it is a given that the people who will take care of your pet are professionals. They are trained how to handle pets and their personalities. So no matter how tame or diva your pet can be, the pet handlers know how to make your pets feel at home.

Your Pet Is Up To Date With Vaccinations

One of the reasons you and your pet can benefit in boarding your pet is that your pet will have updated vaccination shots. Why? Because pet boarding facilities require that before boarding your pet, vaccines are up to date and your pet should have protection against ticks and fleas. 

You would not want to bring back your dog or cat back to your home and see ticks and fleas all over him. Just as the other pet owners do not want to see their pets with ticks and fleas as well because your pet was bringing them in. It’s a win-win situation really. Your pet and their pets go home happy and healthy.

Your Pet Can Avail of Check-up And Grooming

Since you let your pet check-in at one of the boarding facilities, why not get him to be checked and groomed as well? This way you do not have to go back and forth just to for check-ups and grooming.

So there, now you know why you should take advantage of pet boarding facilities when you travel for business or for holiday get-aways.

Pro Tip: Too far from pet boarding facilities? We offer Pet Pick-up and Delivery for your pet. This means we can get your pet from your house prior to boarding and bring back your pet when you are back from your trip. Yes, there’s a service charge for it but it will be less hassle for you.

If you want to learn more about pet boarding and our pet boarding facilities, you can call us at these numbers:  (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113. Ms. Mylez will be happy to accommodate you and your queries.

Enjoy peace of mind,
Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cytopoint is Now Available @ Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Cytopoint is Now Available @ Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Cytopoint offers 4 to 8 weeks of relief with a single in-office injection, helping to improve the quality of life for dogs and their families.

Cytopoint is now @ Makati Dog and Cat Hospital Call us at (02) 896 2860

0 Apoquel Is Now Available At Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Apoquel Is Now Available At Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

* Owners of itchy dogs treated with Apoquel reported a significant decrease in itching 4 HOURS after giving Apoquel

* Allergic dogs treated with Apoquel experienced a sustained improvement of skin lesions within 4 weeks

Apoquel stops itching, scratching and inflammation caused by flea allergy and contact allergy.

Apoquel stops itching by going directly to the cells, inhibiting the signals that trigger itching and inflammation.

Apart from stopping itching, Apoquel also decreases redness and inflammation of the skin.

Owners of itchy dogs treated with Apoquel reported a significant decrease in itching 4 HOURS after giving Apoquel

Get Apoquel at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital! Call us at (02) 896 2860

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS: Apoquel should not be used in dogs less than 12 months of age or with serious infections

It should not be used in breeding dogs, pregnant or lactating dogs

0 Makati Dog And Cat Hospital on Canine Allergic Disease Pathobiology

Makati Dog And Cat Hospital on Canine Allergic Disease Pathobiology

Canine Allergic Disease Pathobiology

An inside look at your dog’s skin allergy. What happens under his skin? What cycle happens that triggers the itching and scratching?

This cycle can be caused by allergens that cross the skin barrier and T-cells.

Recent research point to new findings that explains the sensitization, neuronal itch stimulation, and inflammation.

Several therapeutic options are presented. Know the best option to improve the quality of life of your dogs.

0 Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Are You Living In The Middle of A Flea Zone and Tick Hotspot? You Gotta Check Out Outside Your Home!

After scouring through your house and eliminating  ticks and fleas indoors, next is to make sure that your outdoor space is also tick and flea free. 

Did not read the previous article on the common places ticks and fleas hide in your home? You can check that out here: Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Where Do These Pests Hide In Your Home?

Where do these parasites like to hide and keep themselves cool especially during the summer months? Read on to find out.

Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Where Do Fleas and Ticks Hide Outside Your House?

Ticks and fleas can thrive outside your home as much as inside your abode. When the surroundings are just right and provide enough organic matter,  these pests can live outdoors without any problem. 

… And that thought should push you into action to clean up your yard immediately! 

Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Outdoor Feeding and Sleeping Area

The hotspots in your outdoor area for fleas and ticks are the feeding and sleeping areas of your dog. This is because your dog will be spotted in these spaces more often than any other places outside your home. Of course, that’s where these pests like to be as well, nearest to their hosts.

The feeding area is a given while you need to observe your dog where he or she usually takes naps or breaks during the day and night if your pet sleeps outside.

Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Shrubs, Trees and Leaf Piles

As a tropical country, leaves of the trees and bushes can fall off anytime of the year. But this is more evident during the summer months. Leaves fall off and give way to fruits or flowers. So you rake the leaves and pile them up to keep your garden look neat. 

But if you do not throw those dead leaves – because you should know by now that burning leaves is banned – then you are actually inviting ticks and fleas to live in your outdoor space. The leaf pile is a good place for them as it is not too hot and the organic matter is their source of food.

Make it a habit to throw those dead leaves away immediately after removing them from your garden. Do not let a pile of leaves sit for a long time in your yard.

Fleas and ticks tend to hide from the bright sun and hide under the shade of bushes and shrubs. Fleas at the early stages of being eggs, larvae and pupae thrive in the damp area of these vegetation. Keep your shrubs and bushes trimmed to ward off ticks and fleas.

Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Other Outdoor Areas To Look Into

There are other flea zones  outdoors as well. You can find these parasites near standing water and trash cans. If you have a garage, you will not be surprised to spot them there as well.

You have to understand that these areas are free from fleas and ticks at the beginning. These spots are not infected unless a dog infested with ticks and fleas passed by and flea eggs dropped on them. 

When another innocent pet goes in this area, the adult fleas will jump into his fur. The cycle will not stop unless the pets and the areas are given fleas and ticks treatment.

Now you know where to look for fleas and ticks outside your home. If you forgot where to look for them in your home, better read up here: Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Where Do These Pests Hide In Your Home?

If you want to learn more about keeping your dogs from ticks and fleas (including your home), you can call us at these numbers:  Or just go to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital from 7AM to 5PM, Mondays to Saturdays. These are the numbers to call: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Where Do These Pests Hide In Your Home?

Is your fleas and ticks treatment working? 

Are the pests really gone and have left your pet and home for good? 

When you take care of dogs, getting rid of ticks and fleas is a must in every household. They do not only pose a threat to your pets but to you as well. 

But how do you know that you got rid of all of them? You have to check every nook and cranny in your home to find out.

You think fleas don’t harm humans? Think again, read more about it here: Tick and Flea 101: Do Fleas Bite People?

Where Do Fleas and Ticks Hide In Your House?

Ticks and fleas can hide anywhere in your home. But the places they favor are areas that can give them privacy to grow and thrive before finding the host – your pet. Here are the top 3 places that these parasites are commonly found in your house.

Cracks on the Walls and Floors

Whether your house has wood finishing or floor tiles, ticks and fleas can make these places their hideouts. Cracks in between tiles and wooden walls or floors are welcome spaces for these parasites. 

You usually do not give them much thought unless the cracks pose a bigger threat to the safety of the structure of the house; or the cracked tiles are becoming hazardous to people passing through it.

But if you have a pet that you allow to get inside your home, make sure that you take care of these crevices on your wall and floor to eliminate the ticks and fleas making a place for themselves in there.

On Rugs and Carpets

Carpets and rugs are among the favorite areas of ticks and fleas in your home. These accessories allow  fleas to grow underneath them inconspicuously. As adult female fleas can lay as much as 50 eggs a day, the fecal matter of the adult fleas will be their food source. The larvae will also feed on the organic matter that gathers on the carpets and rugs.

Studies show that fleas on cocoon stage are immune to insecticides. Best if the carpets are vacuumed and cleaned regularly. Or you can simply eliminate the use of carpets where the dog usually stays in the house.

Upholstery, Beddings and Mattresses

Other than being dark and warm in upholstery and mattresses, fleas have an easy meal available for them during the day on the upholstery and on  mattresses or beds during the night – you! That might give you horrific thoughts but yes, this can happen if these parasites are present in your mattresses and upholsteries.

Take advantage of the summer heat and air dry your beddings and upholsteries under the very hot sun as fleas and ticks do not like too hot places. 

Now you know the primary places to check for fleas and ticks in your home. 

How about the outside space of your house, where can the fleas and ticks hide? This is another story for another day. But if you are ready to learn go here: Fleas and Ticks Treatment: Are You Living In The Middle of A Flea Zone and Tick Hotspot? You Gotta Check Out Outside Your Home!

If you want to learn more about keeping your dogs from ticks and fleas (including your home), you can call us at these numbers:  Or just go to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital from 7AM to 5PM, Mondays to Saturdays. These are the numbers to call: (02) 896-6386 / 896-2860 / 0908-896-7113.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Pet Neutering and Spaying: Quick Facts Every Responsible Pet Owner Should Know

If you are a pet owner, you have come across these words: neutering or spaying more than once. But if you are a responsible pet owner, you understand these terms already.

If you are new in caring for pets, then read on to know the quick facts on Pet Neutering and Spaying that every responsible pet owner should know by now.

What Is Neutering and Spaying?

Pet Neutering and Spaying are the procedure termed the removal of reproductive organs of an animal. Neutering refers to male animals while spaying refers to female animals.

So neutering is the removal of the testicles of the male animals, which is done outside of the male pet’s body or externally. Spaying on the other hand is an internal procedure to remove the uterus and ovaries. Both procedures require anesthesia and are done by a veterinarian.

What Age Should Your Pet Get Neutered Or Spayed?

Now before you make an appointment with your vet right then and there, you have to know what age is the right time for your pet to undergo neutering or spaying.

There may be a lot of recommendations you can find in the internet but in Makati Dog and Cat Hospital, pet neutering and spaying is usually done at the 6 month of your pet.

What Are The Benefits Of Spaying Or Neutering Your Pets?

There are various benefits when you opt to neuter or spay your pet. Here are the top advantages of Pet Neutering and Spaying:

Better Pet Behavior

Pets that are neutered and spayed are behaved better than those who are not. Spraying and marking of urine are lessened – yes, your house will smell less of pet urine. Your dogs and cats especially the male ones are less likely to roam in the neighborhood and find other dogs and cats to mate. This will result in reduction of aggressive behavior.

Lower Risk of Cancer and Increase Lifespan

As the reproductive organs are removed, dogs and cats that are neutered or spayed have a lower chance of getting cancer later in life. In fact, neutered or spayed pets increase their lifespan to 3 to 5 years.

Decrease Overpopulation

Of course, when you decide to neuter or spay your pets, you help in decreasing the overpopulation of pets not just in your neighborhood but all over the country as well.  

Here’s a trivia: In 3 years, 1 male dog and 1 female dog when left to breed can contribute more than 500 dogs while for cats it is almost 400.

Want to find more benefits for Pet Spaying or Neutering? Read here: http://makatidogandcathospital.com/pet-spaying-and-neutering-why-every-responsible-pet-owner-should-consider-this/  

As you can see, Pet Neutering and Spaying is not just an option for any pet owner, it is a responsibility especially if you do not see yourself caring for more pets in the future. So be a responsible pet owner.

Have you spayed or neutered your pets already? If so, you are one responsible pet owner.

If you want to learn more about spaying or neutering your pets, you can call us at these numbers:  Or just go to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital from 7AM to 5PM, Mondays to Saturdays. These are the numbers to call: (02) 896-6386 / 896-2860 / 0908-896-7113.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Pet Spaying and Neutering: Why Every Responsible Pet Owner Should Consider This

If you are a pet owner or a person that gets news updates from social media, you probably have heard of stray cats getting euthanized or pet shelters getting full and crowded. Yes?

Pet overpopulation is on the rise in the country. When you go around your area, you will definitely find a stray dog or cat roaming around looking for food or just doing whatever that they do.

Benefits of Spaying Your Female Pets

Reproductive health issues in dogs and cats contribute as much as 50 and 90 percent, respectively. When you spay your female dog or cat, this reduces uterine infections, uterine cancers and breast cancer significantly.

This will also result into a longer lifespan of your spayed cat or dog.

Your spayed cat or dog will not go into heat. Gone are the sleepless nights when female cats howl and yell for male cats. Because you have to admit they make disturbing noises. Your spayed dog will not make a mess around your house because female dogs bleed when they are in heat.

Benefits of Neutering Your Male Pets

Like the female pets, male dogs and cats that are neutered are prevented from reproductive issues such as testicular cancer. Thus, they are more likely to live longer and healthier lives.

Unneutered dogs and cats have the tendency to roam and manifest aggressive behavior. Neutered pets are much better behaved and easier to train. There is also less incidence of marking their territory by spraying their urine all over the house. That would be a welcome benefit to any responsible pet owner.

Help In Lessening The Overpopulation Problem of Pets

For both female and male pets, opting to spay or neuter your pets will avoid unwanted litter. You have peace of mind knowing that your dog or cat will not get pregnant. And if you have a male dog or cat, you are sure that they will not have ‘accidents’ with your pets or the neighbor’s pets.

Spaying and neutering your pets is making you help in solving the overpopulation of pets in the country.

Have you spayed or neutered your pets already? If so, you are one responsible pet owner.

If you want to learn more about spaying or neutering your pets, you can call us at these numbers:  Or just go to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital from 7AM to 5PM, Mondays to Saturdays. These are the numbers to call: (02) 896-6386 / 896-2860 / 0908-896-7113.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Pet Neutering and Spaying: What Are These And What Do You Need To Know

When you welcome a new pet in your home, do you ever think that you want to add more pets in a year or two? Or you just want to take care of that pet without any more additions in the near future?

How sure are you that your female dog or cat will not get pregnant or your male dog or cat will not go out there and impregnate another dog or cat?

If you are a responsible pet owner, most likely you have encountered the term: Pet Neutering or Pet Spaying. But have you really dug deep and understand these? If you have then well and good but if these are still vague to you then read on.

What is Pet Neutering?

Neutering is the term for the castration of male animals. Medically this is called Orchiectomy. The testes are removed from the male cat or dog hence, the animal’s breeding behavior are reduced or eliminated.

What is Pet Spaying?

Spaying is the term for removal of the reproductive organs of the female dog or cat. In medical term this is Ovariohysterectomy where the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed. The female cat and dog will not experience heat cycles as well as breeding behavior.

Basically, the Pet Neutering and Spaying are the same and only differs in the gender of the dog or cat. Though in general terms, neutering can apply to both genders while spaying is for females only.

Why Should Every Pet Owner Consider Pet Neutering and Spaying?

The reality of pets today is that there is overpopulation. Even puppies and kittens are put to sleep as they may be unwanted or abandoned. Shelters are threatened of overpopulation and dwindling food supply for pets that are not anymore wanted.

With the sad situation of homeless pets, responsible pet owners can make a difference when opting for pet neutering and spaying. This means that you only take care of pets that you think you can own and afford.

Still not sure about Pet Neutering or Spaying? Talk to your vet and discuss the best options for your pet.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client