Why Do You Want Your Pet to Have a Physical Exam?

Your pet can’t always tell you where it hurts, or pets may mask their pain (a survival behavior in the wild). A comprehensive physical exam allows our doctors to compile a list of clues that can help uncover dis-ease. Early detection and treatment are essential to avoid undue suffering and to prolong the quality and longevity of your pet’s life. Watch for subtle changes in your pet’s body weight, appetite, water intake, urination and bowel habits, as well as general attitude and activity level.

Beach Buddies Animal Hospital wants you and your new puppy or dog to start out on the right paw together! We offer DOG TRAINING GROUP CLASSES held in our parking lot. These classes run April through October each year and are on Wednesday Evenings and Saturday Mornings.

Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) is a common problem. Similar to people, many pets with diabetes need daily injections of insulin. Difficulty often arises in determining the optimal type, dosage, and frequency of insulin administration. As with diabetic people, each pet is a little different. Inadequate dosing can lead to poorly controlled diabetes. Excessive doses can cause weakness, coma and even death. One of the best ways to determine the optimal insulin dose in a pet is the glucose curve. In this test, a series of blood glucose (sugar) tests is done over a 24-hour period. The results of this test facilitate proper insulin dosage and time of insulin administration.

As more and more options are being made available in the world of medicine, it was only a matter of time before holistic medicine became a treatment option for pets as well as humans.

Holistic vets are more liberal in their thinking. They have an open mind to a variety of treatments and look at the pet as a whole, without just treating the immediate symptoms. Besides medicines, treatment could include a change in the diet, taking into account the psychological and emotional states of the animal and focusing on the bond between owner and pet. There could be a number of systems used at the same time, for example, massage, homeopathy, acupuncture, and conventional allopathy. This could further be combined with a change in environment, a new diet and nutrition plan, and maybe even an extra large dose of pampering. What is important is that each pet is treated on an individual basis.

Animals of varying temperaments appropriately have varying responses to going to the vet. While few animals are what you’d call “Zen” about the experience, most will end up no worse for wear at the end of the day. They might wedge themselves down into a remarkably creative hiding place that you would have sworn they could never access, let alone fit into, howl like a sugar filled toddler who’s late for his nap during the car ride to the office, and fight and squirm impressively as the vet is attempting to examine them, but, when all is said and done, they’ll turn their backs on you for just the appropriate length of time to let the silent treatment sink in, and all will be forgiven.

Our in house lab is a fundamental component of our operation. Tests on blood, urine, stool, or tissue are often critical for determining either illness or health. Sulphur Springs Vet Clinic's full service, in-house lab allows us to make quicker diagnosis because we can get results quickly rather than sending samples to another lab then waiting for processing and reports. Our complete in-house laboratory means quicker treatment for your pet and faster more efficient monitoring.

Microchips are fast becoming a popular method for permanent identification of pets. The chips are considered reliable and an effective way to identify lost pets. The chip is small, compact and easily inserted under the skin. But once inserted, there are two other equally important components of the microchip system that must be in place in order to properly identify and return lost pets to their owners; the microchip scanner and an accessible and accurate database. However, there is controversy regarding the chips and scanners.

Providing the right nutrition is the single most important thing an owner can do for their pet's health on a daily basis. Proper nutrition can help manage a pet's development and specific needs including common conditions such as a sensitive stomach, skin and coat issues or even more serious topics like joint, kidney and heart health. The right nutrition can promote healthy living and put your pet in the best possible health if they encounter such conditions. Unfortunately, many owners adopt a "one size fits all" approach to feeding that can leave pets open to future health problems. We want to help you provide your pet the best in everything and dietary choices are no different.

When you lose a faithful companion, it can be a tremendously emotional time. This is due to the fact that pets hold a unique and special place within a home. The void left by the loss of a pet creates understandable sorrow in the lives of family members. It is only natural that you desire an appropriate and meaningful way to say farewell to one that has meant so much to your life. This is why Beach Buddies Animal Hospital will help guide you through the process of creating a memorable tribute and memorial.