Whether you're an experienced pet owner or a first-timer, proper care of your animals can sometimes get a little overwhelming.  We've put together some basic pieces of information to be of service to you. If you have questions or require treatment at any time, please be sure to call on Robinson Animal Hospital, by calling 919-553-7173.

Exercise

Daily activity will keep your pet happy and healthy for life. Just think about how good you feel after taking a walk, or just moving around your house. Your pets feel the same way. Many behavior issues in dogs can be addressed with simple daily activity, such as a walk, a trip to the dog park, a game of fetch, or a run around the backyard. Likewise, cats benefit from daily activity, too. Toys for them to chase or a laser from the pet store are great for encouraging cats to move and stimulating their hunting instincts. Get up and play today!

Poisonous Plants

Many common house plants are poisonous to dogs and cats. And even if your pets are fed a good diet, they may still graze on your ornamental plants. Common poisonous house plants include: amaryllis, elephant ear, hyacinth, narcissus, oleander, rosary pea, castor bean, and daffodil. In addition, some outdoor plants are poisonous. Check with one of our veterinarians for information on your plants.

Toxic Foods

Sometimes, it's fun to give people food as a treat to your pets. And in small quantities, upon occasion, this is not a problem. However, there are some foods that are highly toxic, causing severe disease and even death. Although not an exhaustive list, the following food items must be avoided: chocolate, xylitol-containing treats (some candies, gum, toothpaste), grapes and raisins, garlic, onion, caffeine, and alcohol. The best practice is to not feed people food unless you know that it is safe.

Vaccines

Vaccinations help prevent common diseases to which our pets may be exposed. However, not all pets need every vaccine. But, all dogs and cats must have rabies vaccination to be in compliance with the laws of the state of North Carolina. Rabies is a fatal disease and prevention through vaccination is critical for reducing its spread. If your dog or cat is not vaccinated, call Robinson Animal Hospital today. Our veterinarians will design a vaccination program that suits your pet's needs.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease is common in North Carolina. It is transmitted by mosquitoes, and even if your dog or cat does not go outside, mosquitoes can still enter the house. Treatment for heartworms in dogs is harsh and expensive, and the disease can be fatal. Heartworm disease in cats is not treatable. Prevention is important and can be easily given once a month. In addition, the monthly heartworm preventative deworms your pet for several internal parasites, including roundworms and hookworms which can infect humans. Ask our veterinary staff about testing and heartworm disease prevention today.

External Parasites

Fleas and ticks are abundant in our area. They are a nuisance at best, and can carry diseases that can be transmitted to our pets. There are now multiple options for control of these pests and for environmental population control. Flea and tick treatment and control is not the same for every animal and environmental condition. Our veterinary staff can help design a program that is both effective and safe for your pets and family.