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Best Vet Tips To Keep Your Dog Healthy In Sacramento

Natomas Veterinary Hospital owner and veterinarian Andrea Kirsch is the proud owner of two adopted dogs, so she understands how much Sacramento loves of its pets and knows how to keep them healthy and strong. Follow her recommendations to help your furry friend live a long, happy life.

Veterinary Care
Natomas Veterinary Hospital
4551 Gateway Park Blvd., Ste. 2
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 925-3535
www.natomasvet.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parasite Control
Diseases from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes can cause dogs more problems than just itchy skin. Without preventive medicine, a dog bitten by an infected mosquito can suffer greatly – and even die – from heartworms. Your vet can recommend preventive care, which is particularly important because the drug, immiticide, that treats heartworm has been banned with no known re-release date.

According to Kirsch, heartworm is a greater problem in West Sacramento, Natomas and the downtown area than in other parts of the valley. The American and Sacramento Rivers intersect here, providing a large and dangerous breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Veterinary Check-ups
People typically bring their pets to the vet only when they are visibly sick or injured. But it can be hard to tell when an animal isn't feeling well, and by the time it is noticeable, the dog may be very ill. Kirsch recommends a yearly vet visit for all pets. Given the differences in average life span, taking a dog to the vet once a year is similar to a human only seeing a doctor for a physical every five to seven years.

Puppy Eating out of Huge Bowl
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Diet
Trends-n-Treats Pet Supply, Boutique and Spa
8929 Madison Ave., Ste. 200
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 536-0000
www.trendsntreats.com

Hours: Mon to Fri – 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weight management is paramount for pets because excess weight can lead to canine health issues including diabetes, pancreatic and heart strain, and orthopedic stress. Trends-n-Treats offers healthy premium foods that are hard to locate at big box stores, including grain-free, raw, fresh and natural foods. Its knowledgeable staff helps pet parents find the right foods to keep their dogs at a healthy, manageable weight.

dog grooming
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Grooming
A Purrfect Groomer
1016 Jefferson Blvd.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 372-72881
apurrfectgroomer.com

Hours: Tues to Fri – 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sat – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Keeping your dog's coat clean and clear of mats is more than just a fashion statement. Doing so can help the dog avoid irritating rashes and skin problems, and bring attention to lumps and swelling. If keeping up with grooming, nail trims and ear cleaning is too challenging, schedule regular visits to A Purrfect Groomer to put your pet in the hands of experts who love pets as much as you do.

dog walking
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Emotional Support
Pawsitive Attention Pet Services
3053 Freeport Blvd., #424
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 585-3182
www.pawsitiveattention.com

Hours: by appointment only

For busy dog owners, a little extra assistance is the only way to a happy, well-adjusted furry member of the family. Pawsitive Attention socializes and house trains pets, provides temperament testing and delivers dog food and other products to your home. The company also helps owners find pet-friendly rental housing, assists with end-of-life issues and even helps Fido cope with weddings, show-and-tell day at school and moving-day issues.

Related: Best Clothing for your Spoiled Dog in Sacramento

dog training
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Training
The Local Bark
3201 Fitzgerald Rd.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 638-3880
www.localbark.com/learn/

Hours: by appointment only

Folsom Dog Resort and Training Center
525 Levy Rd.
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 439-7202
www.folsomdogresort.com

Hours: by appointment only

Most animals turned into shelters are surrendered because they have easily cured behavior problems. Obedience training that is reinforced continually at home will help your canine become a happy, well adjusted member of the family. The Local Bark and Folsom Dog Resort each offer an extensive range of training services, including everything from the basics for puppies to personalized training for more severe, problematic behaviors.

Related: Best Dog-Friendly Dining

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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