Blog - Pet Family Animal Clinic and Grooming Center

28th Annual PAHA Conference

28th Annual PAHA Conference: Innovative Veterinary Learning Towards Global Competitiveness

PET FAMILY ANIMAL CLINIC AND GROOMING CENTER is now a proud bona fide member of the association.

Empowering Pet Care: Our dedicated Veterinarians from Pet Family Animal Clinic and Grooming Center.
-Doc Ann, Doc Alecx, Doc Jean and Doc Ryx

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Boehringer Ingelheim, MAN Pharma, AVLI Biocare, Zoetis, Infinnomed Enterprise and Pet Ideas for their generous sponsorship of our Veterinarians at PFAC to the 28th Annual PAHA Conference held at Marriot Hotel Manila last August 30- September 1, 2023.

Your assistance is essential in promoting our mission and enabling our medical professionals to participate in this significant event.

Your commitment to the healthcare community is greatly appreciated, and looking forward to the knowledge and insights our doctors acquired from this conference.

– COMING SOON IN PFAC

Emergency and Critical Care Workshop

PCCP

Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Veterinary Medical Mission

Volunteer Surgeon : Rabies Awareness

The Importance of Pet Grooming

Pet grooming is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership that goes beyond mere aesthetics. Regular grooming keeps your pet looking and smelling good and contributes to their overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the importance of pet grooming and the various benefits it provides for your furry companion.

Grooming is more than just a beauty regimen for pets. It encompasses various activities promoting cleanliness, comfort, and good health. While some pet owners may opt to take their pets to professional groomers, grooming tasks can also be performed at home. Regardless of the approach, regular grooming is crucial in maintaining your pet’s physical and emotional well-being.

Maintaining Skin and Coat Health

One of the primary benefits of pet grooming is maintaining the health of your pet’s skin and coat. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, dirt, and debris, preventing matting and tangling. It also stimulates the production of natural oils, which nourish the skin and promote a shiny, lustrous coat. Additionally, grooming allows for the early detection of skin conditions, parasites, or abnormalities, enabling timely intervention and treatment.

Prevention of Matting and Hairballs

Pets with long or dense fur are prone to matting, which occurs when the fur becomes tangled and forms knots. Matting can be uncomfortable and even painful for your pet, pulling on the skin and leading to skin irritation or infections. Regular brushing and proper grooming techniques help prevent matting by removing loose hair and preventing the formation of knots. Moreover, grooming reduces the risk of hairballs in cats, as it helps remove loose hair that can be ingested during self-grooming.

Promoting Healthy Skin and Paw Care

Grooming includes caring for your pet’s skin and paws, which are prone to various issues. Regular inspection and cleaning of the skin help prevent bacterial or fungal infections. It also allows you to identify and address any dryness, redness, or inflammation. Similarly, maintaining proper paw hygiene by trimming nails, checking for cuts or abrasions, and removing debris helps prevent your pet’s discomfort, infection, and mobility issues.

Ear and Dental Health

Pet grooming involves regular inspection and cleaning of the ears, which helps prevent the buildup of wax, debris, or moisture that can lead to ear infections. Additionally, dental care is an integral part of grooming. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly and providing appropriate dental chews or treats promotes oral health, prevents tartar buildup, and reduces the risk of periodontal diseases.

Bonding and Mental Stimulation

Grooming sessions provide an excellent opportunity for bonding and strengthening your relationship with your pet. Physical contact, gentle handling, and positive reinforcement during grooming help build trust and create a positive association with grooming activities. Moreover, grooming sessions can stimulate your pet mentally, as they require focus and attention, keeping their minds engaged and active.

Early Detection of Health Issues

Regular grooming allows you to observe your pet’s body closely, enabling early detection of any changes or abnormalities. You can identify potential health issues such as skin infections, parasites, lumps, or weight changes by routinely checking your pet’s skin, coat, eyes, ears, teeth, and overall body condition. Detecting these problems early on facilitates timely veterinary intervention and increases the chances of successful treatment.

Professional Grooming Services

While basic grooming tasks can be done at home, professional grooming services offer additional expertise and specialized care. Professional groomers are trained to handle various breeds. They can provide specific services, such as breed-specific haircuts, coat styling, and breed grooming techniques. They have the tools and knowledge to handle different coat types and ensure a professional finish. Professional groomers can also offer additional services such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing, providing comprehensive care for your pet.

The Emotional Well-being of Your Pet

Regular grooming contributes to the emotional well-being of your pet. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and discomfort associated with neglected grooming needs. Pets that are groomed regularly tend to feel more comfortable and relaxed, which positively affects their overall demeanor and behavior. Grooming sessions can be a soothing and enjoyable experience for your pet, strengthening the bond between you and creating a positive association with grooming activities.

Pet grooming is an essential aspect of pet care that goes beyond aesthetics. Regular grooming promotes your furry companion’s health, cleanliness, and well-being. It helps maintain healthy skin and coat, prevents matting and hairballs, promotes healthy skin and paw care, and ensures proper ear and dental health. Grooming sessions also offer opportunities for bonding and mental stimulation. By regularly grooming your pet and seeking professional grooming services when necessary, you contribute to their overall health, happiness, and quality of life.

Pet Emergency Care 101: What You Need to Know

Pet emergencies can be a distressing experience for both pets and their owners. When an unexpected incident occurs, it’s crucial to act quickly and decisively to ensure the well-being of your furry companion.

Understanding the signs of a pet emergency, knowing the appropriate steps to take, and being prepared can significantly affect the outcome. This article will discuss pet emergency care and provide essential information to help you navigate such situations confidently.

Our pets are cherished members of our families, and their health and safety are of utmost importance to us. While we strive to provide a loving and secure environment, emergencies can arise without warning. Whether it’s a sudden illness, an accident, or a natural disaster, being prepared and knowing how to respond is crucial in ensuring the best possible outcome for our pets.

Understanding Pet Emergencies

A pet emergency is any situation where a pet’s life or well-being is at immediate risk. These emergencies range from acute illnesses severe injuries, and life-threatening conditions. Pet owners must recognize the signs of a pet emergency, as prompt action can often be the difference between life and death for our beloved companions.

Signs of a Pet Emergency

Recognizing the signs of a pet emergency is vital in providing timely care. Here are some common indicators that your pet may be experiencing a medical crisis:

Difficulty Breathing

If your pet struggles to breathe or shows signs of respiratory distress, such as wheezing, gasping, or excessive coughing, it could indicate a severe underlying issue requiring immediate attention.

Uncontrolled Bleeding

Profuse bleeding from a wound or any uncontrolled bleeding can lead to severe blood loss, shock, and potential organ damage. Applying pressure to the wound and seeking veterinary help is crucial.

Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially if your pet cannot keep any food or water down or if the vomiting or diarrhea is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. It’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly.

Collapse or Loss of Consciousness

If your pet suddenly collapses, loses consciousness, or is unresponsive, it requires immediate medical attention. This could be a sign of a severe underlying condition or trauma.

Fractures or Limb Injuries

Visible fractures, dislocations, or severe limb injuries should be treated as emergencies. Immobilize the affected area and seek veterinary assistance immediately to prevent further damage and alleviate your pet’s pain.

Steps to Take During a Pet Emergency

During a pet emergency, staying calm and taking appropriate action is crucial. Here are the steps you should follow:

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Panicking can make the situation more challenging. Take a deep breath, stay composed, and assess the severity of the emergency. This will help you make clear decisions and provide the necessary care.

Contact a Veterinary Professional

Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic to inform them about the situation. Follow their guidance and provide accurate details to ensure they are prepared for your arrival.

Provide Basic First Aid if Safe to Do So

Suppose you have basic first aid knowledge, and it is safe to do so. In that case, you can provide initial care to stabilize your pet before reaching professional help. This may include applying pressure to a bleeding wound, immobilizing fractures, or performing CPR if necessary.

Transporting Your Pet to the Vet

If your pet is stable enough to transport, carefully move them into a carrier or use a makeshift stretcher for larger animals. Minimize movement and keep them as calm as possible during transportation to prevent further injuries.

Common Pet Emergencies and First Aid Tips

While seeking professional veterinary care for any pet emergency is crucial, knowing some first aid tips can help alleviate the situation before reaching the vet. Here are a few common emergencies and the corresponding first-aid measures:

Choking

If your pet is choking, check their airway for any obstructions. Perform the Heimlich maneuver or modified versions for small or large pets, respectively. Seek immediate veterinary care even if you successfully dislodge the object.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Move your pet to a cool area, apply cool water to their body, and fan them to lower their body temperature. Seek veterinary care to evaluate for any internal damage.

Poisoning

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact a veterinary professional or a pet poison helpline immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance, as some substances can cause more harm when regurgitated.

Burns or Scalds

Flush the affected area with cool water to alleviate pain and prevent further damage. Do not apply any creams or ointments without veterinary advice, as they may be toxic to pets.

Seizures

Ensure your pet’s safety during a seizure by removing any nearby objects. Do not restrain them, but gently cushion their head and monitor the duration of the seizure. Seek veterinary care to determine the underlying cause.

Allergic Reactions

If your pet shows signs of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, it could be an anaphylactic shock. Administering antihistamines or prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian and seeking immediate veterinary care is crucial.

Pet Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for pet emergencies can make a significant difference in their outcome. Here are some important steps to take:

Assemble a Pet First Aid Kit

Create a pet first aid kit with essential items such as bandages, antiseptic solution, gauze, tweezers, a digital thermometer, and any prescribed medications. Keep the kit easily accessible, and regularly check and replace expired items.

Know the Nearest Emergency Veterinary Clinic

Research and be aware of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic in your area. Keep their contact information handy, including their address and phone number. This will save precious time during an emergency.

Pet Safety at Home

Prevent common household hazards by ensuring your home is pet-proofed. Keep toxic substances, small objects, and dangerous plants out of reach. Secure windows, doors, and fences to prevent accidents or escapes. Regularly inspect your pet’s toys and bedding for any signs of wear or damage.

Being prepared and knowledgeable about pet emergency care is crucial for every pet owner. By understanding the signs of a pet emergency, knowing the appropriate steps to take, and being prepared with essential supplies, you can ensure the well-being of your furry friend in times of crisis.

Remember to stay calm, seek professional help, and provide basic first aid when safe. Your proactive approach and quick actions can make a significant difference in the outcome of a pet emergency.

Things to Know About Deworming Dogs

Deworming dogs are an important part of general health care for your furry friend. Deworming helps to get rid of or control the worm population in your pet’s body. A dewormer is a product, usually administered orally, that helps to prevent and/or remove worms from your dog’s system and provides long-term protection against them.

The benefits of deworming are numerous. Regularly administering a dewormer can help protect your pup from intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and giardia. These parasites can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In addition to thwarting potential illnesses caused by worms, deworming also helps keep your dog’s fur and skin healthy by eliminating the possibility of worms using them as a host.

Regular deworming can also help reduce the spread of parasites between animals and people. By removing any existing worms from your pup, you decrease its chances of unintentionally spreading those germs to other pets or even humans in its environment. This is especially important for households with children, who are often more susceptible to picking up parasites from their furry friends.

In addition to physical health benefits, regular deworming may help improve your pup’s mental health too! Since intestinal parasites can cause significant discomfort, removing them will make your pet feel much better. This improved comfort leads to a better quality of life, as your pup can participate in activities with more enthusiasm and energy.

Overall, deworming is an important part of maintaining your pet’s health. It helps protect against various illnesses caused by parasites, keeps the fur and skin healthy, reduces the spread of germs, and can even improve mental health. By regularly administering a dewormer, you will be helping keep your best friend safe and health