Here we’ll cover the best cat foods you can buy in 2023. We’ve included 12 wet and dry foods, and we’ve based our decisions on:

• Professional formulas
• Consumer reviews
• Availability
• And price 

That last item matters a lot, because we all need to draw the line somewhere at cat food costs. So enjoy this list of the best cat foods available in 2023.

1. Royal Canin Brand

Royal Canin is the leader — by far — in our list of best cat foods. The Royal Canin feeds include vet-approved formulas for every imaginable breed and health situation. Most common kibble formulas — like standard Kitten, Adult, and Senior — are available at online retailers like Chewy and Amazon, as well as veterinary offices and local feed stores.

Specialty formulas (like urinary crystal prevention) must be ordered online or through your vet.

• The price per bag ranges from $25 to $75 depending on the formula, which makes these feeds more expensive than any grocery store brand, but still far less than other prestigious brands. 
• Canned feeds range from around $1.25 to $2.00 per can, depending on the formula. Again, high for cat food, but far from the most expensive.
• Consumer reviews agree these feeds are all palatable and picky-eater-approved.

We love Royal Canin because it offers specially formulated and sized feeds for rare and elite hybrid cat breeds. Cat parents can find wet and dry meals for every breed or condition. Royal Canin has the food your kitty will eat if you have a Maine Coone with dental problems or a Bengal with urinary crystals. However, most Royal Canin feeds are NOT grain-free, and that’s a deal-breaker for some cat parents.

2. Hills “Science Diet” Cat Foods

Another well-respected vet-formulated food is Hills Science Diet products. Science Diet boasts terrific reviews online, and it’s a go-to brand for most vets. The “Kitten” and “Adult” feeds are a bit cheaper than other elite cat food, but the “Prescription” formulas are priced a bit higher. 

Hills formulas are available at online retailers like Chewy, and they are a standard offering at most vet offices. You won’t often see them in grocery stores or local feed stores. 

3. Fancy Feast Canned Wet Foods

Fancy Feast is a reliable standard. This Purina Mills product is considered a top-shelf grocery store feed available everywhere, from dollar stores to gas stations. The ingredients are correct, and consumer reviews are mainly positive. Even the choosiest kitties seem to love it. It’s not the most prestigious food on the market, but it does a great job hydrating our feline friends.

Fancy Feast canned cat foods get bonus points for being affordable. Simply put: it’s cheap, everywhere, and your cat WILL eat it!

4. Purina Pro-Plan Veterinary Diets

Designed to compete with Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet, this Purina product is also vet-approved. It’s a bit cheaper than Science Diet, and some formulas are considerably less expensive than Royal Canin. However, consumer reviews suggest that kitties who favor Royal Canin will be reluctant to make the switch.

These formulas are trusted, and diabetic feeds, in particular, have great consumer reviews. Getting your hands on this specific strain of Purina products can be challenging, but they’re almost always available at Chewy.

5. Blue Buffalo “Carnivora” Wet and Dry Cat Foods

Carnivora blend cat foods provide superior grain-free nutrition that cats LOVE. Do the math, though, and you’ll find they’re far more expensive than Royal Canin. They’re easy to find. Chewy and Amazon carry them, as will many locally-owned feed stores. We’ve even seen them on the shelves at high-end grocery stores and niche pet boutiques. 

6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Indoor Dry Cat Food

Another grain-free choice, specially formulated for indoor cats. Wilderness is on the expensive side of cat food, but boasts excellent reviews. There was a time when this niche feed was hard to get, but today it’s available everywhere — pet stores, feed stores, online retailers, and even your neighborhood grocery store. 

7. Perfect Portions

Sheba is a well-known brand of cat food, and it’s always a reliable product. It fits the middle of our list perfectly because of its average price and medium availability. You might find this standard cat food available at your local grocery store, or you might not. It’s always available online at Chewy and Amazon. 

Customer reviews reflect some issues with the packaging, however:

• If ordered online, the packaging is sometimes dented or damaged.
• It’s hard to open the plastic containers without spilling strongly scented juices. 

The portion size seems suitable for most standard house cat breeds, like Domestic Short Hairs. Larger breeds — your massive Highland Lynx or tall Savannah-type cats — will find these portions only perfect for a snack.

8. American Journey Grain-Free Cat Food by Chewy.com 

American Journey tells a patriotic story. This Chewy-only brand of cat food is made entirely of US harvested ingredients, milled, processed and canned in the US! On top of that, it’s incredibly affordable.

Customer reviews are mostly positive, though some picky kitties won’t eat it. The only challenges are that you will only be able to get this feed from Chewy. So if you ever have a customer service disagreement with them or choose to boycott the company for some reason, you’ll be switching foods. 

9. Purina Mills Purina ONE

Purina ONE is a reliable standby that’s available anywhere. Grocery stores, drug stores, pet stores, and online retailers like Amazon and Chewy will have this quality food ready for purchase. It’s very affordable and boasts solid reviews from cat owners.

If you’re looking for a high-gloss coat for your show cat, comprehensive nutrition for a nursing queen, or grain-free formula, this isn’t your best choice. 

10. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Cat Food

Taste of the Wild is available online and at most pet stores and animal feed stores, and online at Chewy. This grain-free formula is affordable as premium cat foods go, but it’s more expensive than most grain-free varieties.

Customer reviews for this cat food are usually good, but sometimes mixed. Picky cats seem not to care for it, which can be a deal-breaker for the price. That’s why this popular cat food is only ten on our list. 

11. AvoDerm Grain-Free Tuna with Lobster & Crab Meat

AvoDerm cat foods are terrific for long-haired breeds and any short hair breed that might suffer from dandruff. Online reviews are outstanding, but this specialty formula does come at a cost. Expect to pay at least $20 for a five-pound bag, making them more expensive than Royal Canin and Hills Science Diet.

AvoDerm can be challenging to find since the supply chain struggles of 2020. Shop for it online at Chewy.com, or in person at luxury pet stores. 

12. AvoDerm Natural Chicken & Herring Dry Cat Food

This formula is NOT grain-free. It’s more affordable than the grain-free version, but just as challenging to come by. Online reviews are pretty good, and many cat-owners believe this food makes a big difference to overall health and coat condition. It can be difficult to find, and some reviewers have struggled to buy this food since the 2020 pandemic. 

Did We Miss Your Favorite Brand?

Now you’re armed with the knowledge to choose the best cat food for your feline, based on price, availability, ingredients, and more. Did we miss out on your favorite brand? Tell us in the comment below. We’d love to share that information with others.

The post The Best Cat Foods of 2023 appeared first on Verblio.

Sometimes, however, our pets can have dental issues. Even if the only symptom you notice is bad breath, it could indicate a more serious problem, such as periodontal disease or other dental issues. Left untreated, this could lead to many other health issues for your pet.

You want to prevent any dental shortcomings for your furry companions. You can do so by brushing their teeth daily and occasionally taking them to professional dental cleanings. Here are four tips to keep their pearly whites healthy.

1. Provide chews that clean your pet’s teeth

Your pets love treats. They will do almost anything you ask to receive them. Of course, you always want to reward your pet for good behavior, which is perfectly natural. However, you want to make sure that you are only giving your pets treats that are good for their teeth. This will lead to far fewer problems later on down the road.

Only give your pets chews that are good for their teeth. Your pets will love you for giving them chews. These treats will also clean their teeth. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Watch out for harmful treats

Make sure that you do not give chews that will damage their teeth. For example, cow bones or hooves will do more harm than good. They could damage your dogs’ teeth. They might even break your dog’s teeth.

2. Brush your pet’s teeth

Brushing your pet’s teeth might sound like putting them in stuffy sweaters when you take them to the holiday party. This is not at all the case. In fact, regular dental care is essential for your pet’s oral hygiene. You should brush their teeth every day of the week. They will thank you for it (even if they don’t like it at first).

This might sound like it’s a bit much, but, believe it or not, a very effective way to care for your pet’s teeth is to brush them yourself. This will ensure that your furry friends maintain healthy oral hygiene for many years to come.  Try to brush your pet’s teeth once per day. This might not happen if they’re being temperamental and uncooperative though. In that case, aim for brushing your pets’ teeth three to four times per week.

Bad breath is a red flag

If your pets have bad breath, you should not ignore this issue. It could be a sign that your pet is suffering from serious health issues. They are most likely suffering from periodontal disease, which affects 90% of dogs and cats after they turn three. This terrible disease could potentially lead to them losing their teeth. It could also damage their heart and kidneys. 

You can use a small human toothbrush that fits into your pet’s mouth to brush their teeth. You can also use toothbrushes that have been specifically designed for pets. Fingertip style toothbrushes make it easier to brush hard-to-reach spots in your pet’s mouth if you would prefer that option.

If you are in a jam, using some dental wipes will get rid of some bacteria and food. Any pet-formulated toothpaste will be wonderful for cleaning your pet’s teeth. They come in many fun flavors, such as chicken or fish, which your pets will sincerely appreciate.

Try giving your pets healthy treats if they are behaving well and gradually introducing teeth-brushing into their routine. Do not use human toothpaste to brush your pet’s teeth. It contains harmful ingredients that could severely affect your pet’s health. You do not have to worry about cleaning the sides of the teeth that face inside. Dogs and cats can do this with their tongues.

3. Have professional dental cleanings performed regularly

Although it is extremely beneficial for your pets if you brush their teeth daily, you will still need to take them to professional dental cleanings occasionally. Only a professional can remove the plaque from your pet’s teeth and remove the bacteria from underneath their gums. This will ensure that they do not suffer from periodontal disease.

Make sure your pet gets anesthesia for deep cleanings

It is important to make sure that your pets are under anesthesia during these treatments. The risk of anesthesia for your pet is lower than the risk of improperly cleaned teeth. It might be tempting to allow your pet’s teeth to be cleaned without anesthesia. This is not a good idea. If someone performs dental procedures on a pet who is not on anesthesia, the plaque below the gum line and between the teeth cannot be removed. These are very likely to cause periodontal disease in the future.

4. Always know that you have the right to ask for a second opinion

If you do not feel comfortable with a certain recommendation for your pet, always feel free to ask for a second opinion. This is part of being a responsible pet owner. If you do not agree with one veterinarian about a certain course of action, ask another one in town. When it comes to your pets, you are the pet owner and, therefore, should only agree to treat your pets in ways that you feel comfortable with.

If you take care of your pet’s teeth, they will be forever grateful for a healthy smile. It will be more affordable in the long run because you will not have to worry about any major dental diseases down the road. Your pet’s breath will not stink and you will get to spend some quality time with your furry companions each and every day. 

The post 4 Tips for Pet Dental Care appeared first on Verblio.

Most pet owners are familiar with fungal infections like ringworm that affect the skin, often causing redness, hair loss and itching. More serious fungal infections can invade your dog’s body and cause medical issues throughout the body. Fortunately, if you observe symptoms and take your dog for medical care right away, an experienced veterinarian can diagnose systemic fungal infections and offer treatment to help your pet recover.

What are Fungal Infections?

You might think of mushrooms when you hear about fungus, and it’s true that mushrooms are one of the most well-known types of fungi. Most fungi, however, are tiny, parasitic organisms that live in soil. Millions of different species of fungi exist, and the majority are harmless to both humans and dogs. A few types of fungi, however, can be inhaled or ingested and cause internal issues.

Once fungal spores enter your dog’s body, they can target different types of tissues. Some fungi take up residence in the respiratory system, the digestive tract, or the joints. Depending on where the fungus sets in and begins to reproduce, you may see a variety of symptoms that could include coughing, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Fortunately, under normal conditions, developing a fungal infection is rare for both dogs and humans. That’s because the immune system prevents fungi from spreading throughout the body, just like it attacks and destroys invading bacteria or viruses. As well, resident bacteria on the skin and in the mucous membranes like the mouth and stomach destroy fungi so it can’t grow.

How Do Topical Skin Infections and Systemic Infections Differ?

Skin infections caused by fungi are relatively common and can be spread via contact. In other words, you touch an infected person or animal’s skin or something like bedding or towels that have been in contact with the skin, and you develop ringworm. Humans might pick up fungal skin infections like athletes’ foot in the shower or locker room. Fungi on the skin doesn’t usually go any further, and while it can be time consuming and inconvenient to treat a fungal skin infection, it’s typically annoying rather than serious.

Systemic fungal infections, on the other hand, can be extremely serious. That’s because they move inside the body and take root on internal organs or joints. They’re tough to eradicate once they start growing and can do damage to the function and structure of the lungs, eyes, or digestive system.

Different types of fungi invade the skin and the body, so you don’t normally have to worry that your dog will contract a serious systemic infection from a skin irritation. Systemic fungal infections are often contracted through digging in soil or inhaling spores rather than by contact.

What Symptoms are Common with Fungal Infections?

Because different types of fungi work on different systems of the body, symptoms can vary depending on the infection. Many systemic infections move to the lungs and impact the respiratory system, leading to coughing and shortness of breath. Some types will target the digestive system, so you may see diarrhea as a primary symptom. In still other cases, your dog will simply act like something is off—perhaps you’ll see a loss of appetite or fatigue that’s not regular behavior for your pup, but nothing that triggers immediate red flags.

Whenever you notice signs that your dog is acting abnormally and they persist for more than two or three days, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit. Because fungal infections are hard to quickly identify and may require blood tests or other more invasive testing, it requires the trained eye of a medical professional to identify and diagnose fungal infections. The more quickly an affected dog begins to take anti-fungal medications, the easier the disease is to treat.

What are Some of the Most Common Fungal Infections in Dogs?

Most healthy adult dogs will fight off fungal infections. But if your dog is older, already ill, or on some types of medications that can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, he or she may be more susceptible to picking up a fungal infection.

Here are some of the most frequently diagnosed types of infections.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillus fungus is often found in soil, grass clippings or hay. This fungus usually stays around the nasal area and can cause sneezing, swelling, discharge and bleeding.

In rare cases, the fungus spreads throughout the body; this is called disseminated aspergillosis and is most likely to affect German Shepherds and mixes. You will spot neurological issues as the fungi attacks throughout the body, but it can be very slow to develop.

Treatment: A topical anti-fungal medication is usually applied to a dog’s nose, sometimes under anesthesia. Most of the time, one application is all that’s required, though sometimes it needs to be repeated. For disseminated aspergillosis, systemic antifungal medication is required.

Histoplasmosis

The Histoplasma fungus is found in the soil and in some bird and bat droppings, and is usually inhaled. It’s most often found in the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri River Valleys, though it has been found around the world. The fungi will cause vomiting and diarrhea as well as a cough, fever and sometimes eye irritation. You’ll usually notice that your dog is losing weight fairly quickly.

Treatment: Your dog will need to take an anti-fungal medication for several months. Your vet may require hospitalization and use of subcutaneous fluids to stabilize your pet and prevent the infection from getting worse. If not caught in time for treatment, histoplasmosis can lead to death.

Blastomycosis

The Blastomyces fungus lives in rotting wood, damp soil and bird droppings. If you live near the Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, or Ohio River basins, the Great Lakes or in the Pacific Northwest, your pet may be more likely to pick up Blastomycosis. There’s an increased risk for hunting dogs, who are more likely to run through areas contaminated with this fungus.

Most of the time, Blastomycosis impacts the lungs and causes coughing and difficulty breathing. It can also move to the eyes and could lead to blindness if not treated. You’ll likely also see weight loss in your pet and possibly a fever.

Treatment: Anti-fungal medication for at least two months. In about 20 percent of dogs, Blastomycosis can re-occur after treatment is completed.

Coccidioidomycosis

Also called Valley Fever, Coccidioidomycosis is caused by the Coccidioides fungi found in dust or dirt, usually in areas like the deserts of the southwestern U.S. where there isn’t much rainfall. Most of the time, spores are inhaled and the infection is limited to the lungs, causing a chronic cough. If your pet is very immuno-compromised, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment: Anti-fungal medication for several months. Most cases can be successfully treated.

Cryptococcosis

Mainly found in cats, sometimes the Cryptococcus fungus can infect dogs. When it does, it’s usually serious. This fungus is found worldwide but is often in bird droppings. Cryptococcosis can spread throughout the body, causing symptoms that range from lethargy, coughing, nasal discharge, eye problems, skin lesions and less commonly, seizures and other neurologic problems.

Treatment: Anti-fungal medication for as long as a year. Sometimes, Cryptococcosis infections can be deadly.

Several other types of fungus can cause canine fungal infections. Many of these commonly take up residence in the lungs. If you notice your pet exhibiting signs of respiratory issues like breathing abnormally, coughing or showing nasal discharge, it could be symptomatic of a fungal invasion. In addition, unusual behaviors like eating less or showing signs of low energy could be an indication that there’s a health issue caused by fungi.

Can Fungal Infections be Prevented?

You won’t find a vaccine or preventative medication that can keep your dog from developing a fungal infection. However, a dog in good health is much less likely to become ill with a systemic fungal infection. The best way to keep your dog healthy is to feed a well-balanced diet, get plenty of exercise, and see a veterinarian for regular check-ups.

If you live in an area where certain types of fungal infections are more common, you may wish to keep your dog from digging around in damp soil. Always do your best to prevent your pet from stirring up bird or bat droppings and stay out of areas where there are large quantities of fecal matter.

You may not be able to prevent a fungal infection, but you can be aware of the symptoms and seek medical care without delay if you suspect your dog may be infected. Rapid weight loss, coughing that lasts more than a few days, and fever are all symptoms that should be checked by a qualified veterinarian.

The post Systemic Fungal Infections in Dogs: Could Your Pet Be Suffering from Spores? appeared first on Verblio.

Owning a dog not only comes with its share of laughter and love, but with several newfound responsibilities as well. Some of these responsibilities include:

• Physical and emotional health
• Hygiene and grooming
• Proper diet
• Exercise and training

Let’s take a look at each of these categories and some of the great products that can help you with them.

1. Physical & Emotional Health

Just like vitamins and supplements can help us live a healthier life, they can also help your dog do the same. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help your pooch maintain good bone and joint health while a product like Fido Vitamins can give them a beautiful coat and healthy skin.

If your fur baby experiences separation anxiety, try a Comfort Zone plug-in. This product mimics a pheromone that is given off by nursing mothers and can help comfort your dog while you’re gone.

Keeping your dog busy and entertained is important to their mental and emotional health. Interactive toys that dispense treats, like Busy Buddy toys, can help keep your dog entertained and reward them for interaction. You don’t like to sit around and do nothing all the time, and neither does your pooch.

Don’t forget that a bored dog can quickly become a destructive dog. So many dog behavioral issues, like excesives, barking or digging, resolve themselves when your pup gets enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation.

2. Hygiene & Grooming

Depending on what breed of dog you own, monthly grooming visits may be part of your fur baby’s hygiene routine. Breeds that grow hair (a coat that keeps growing), as opposed to fur (a coat with a pre-determined length), require regular upkeep. If you don’t brush them at least once a day, you may soon see mats and knots, and this can become very uncomfortable for your pooch. A comb or a pin brush tends to be the best option for these breeds.

If your dog has a fur coat, you may not have to worry so much about knots and tangles, but you may face a daily battle against shedding. In these instances, grooming tools like a shedding blade and a slicker brush may soon become your new best friends (next to your dog, of course!).

Another aspect of hygiene is keeping up with your dog’s dental health. A teeth-cleaning treat like Greenies is a great option that your dog will love. Busy Bones, crunchy biscuits, and rope toys are also options that can help reduce build-up. Dog toothpaste (in pup-friendly flavors like venison) and a toothbrush that fits over your finger are other dental hygiene nust-haves.

3. Proper Dog Diet

Making sure your fur baby is getting everything they need from their food is vital to them having a long and healthy life. You may see store-brand foods boasting “21% protein” or “24% protein” on their bag, but the important question is where that protein is coming from.

Proteins are not all created equal. Meat protein has essential amino acids that dogs need (and can’t make on their own), whereas plant protein (like corn or soy) do not. Dogs are omnivores, so plants are needed for a well-balanced diet, but meat protein is a must.

Foods like Canidae, Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness are all yummy brands that offer a wonderful nutritional balance and excellent protein sources for your pooch.

4. Exercise & Training

Again, our fur babies are not so different from ourselves. Just like we need regular exercise to maintain optimum fitness, so do they. Having a well-fitting harness that is comfortable and easy to use can make getting that exercise a little bit easier. You also want to make sure you have a high-quality leash that is appropriate to the size of your dog. Coastal brand offers leads, collars, and harnesses for all sizes of pooches, and the quality of their products is wonderful. You won’t have to worry about your large dog pulling too hard on its leash and breaking the handle or latch.

When training your dog, a training leash is a very helpful tool. With lengths from 10 feet up to longer than 30 feet, you can teach your dog a variety of commands without having them off-leash—an important safety aspect if you aren’t able to work with them in a fenced-in area on a regular basis.

Keeping a happy and healthy pet is the biggest responsibility of facing any pet owner. With brands and products like these, finding ways to keep up with that responsibility may not be as difficult as you expected.

We strive to keep up with the latest products from the most trusted brands in pet care and to keep you informed about those products. If you have any questions about a specific brand or item, please contact us and let us know. We work hard at being the one-stop-shop for all your pet care needs.

The post Dog Products That’ll Keep You & Fido Happy appeared first on Verblio.

1. Dogs teach responsibility and compassion.

Having a dog to take care of teaches children to care for and think of others’ needs. With supervision, many children can start to feed a dog when they are just a few years old. Help your children by encouraging them to join in walking the dog and cleaning up after it. 

2. Dogs offer unconditional friendship and love.

A family dog will be a good friend to your children, even through the difficult teenage years when some teens have social and emotional difficulties. A dog will love them no matter what, which will also help to teach your children about acceptance.

3. Dogs keep everyone active. 

When many children love to watch television, your family dog begging to go outside for a walk is a good way to get everyone out the door. Children love to run and play ball with their eager playmate.

It’s reasonable to be worried about all of the extra care and responsibility that comes along with a family dog. The truth is that the benefits outweight the cons. Dogs teach responsibility, acceptance, and friendship. They will also keep the whole family active, and not just playing video games or watching TV.

Keep all of this in mind as you consider getting a dog for your children. You just might have trouble saying no to that cute puppy face the next time you pass one.

—–

Blogging may sound like a great idea on paper but you know that you don’t have the time or skills to pull a great blog off. Maybe you don’t even want to try. We will work hard to fill up your blog with this and other great blogs to show potential customers that you are knowledgeable and trustworthy.

The post It’s A Ruff Life: The benefits that dogs can give to children appeared first on Verblio.

When you select a healthcare provider for yourself, you likely research your options first. Likewise, finding a quality vet hospital or clinic also takes forethought—but it’s well worth the effort. Here are some basic steps you’ll want to follow when choosing a veterinary practice for your pet. 

1.  FIND A FACILITY WITH THE RIGHT CREDENTIALS 

There are numerous credentials associated with veterinarians in the United States. Below are the essentials plus some additional ones in case you need to travel, or if your pet has a health condition. 

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): With the exception of the University of Pennsylvania’s Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris, this is the official veterinary degree conferred in the United States. Veterinarians usually go through four years of undergraduate school and then four years of veterinary college to earn their DVM. 
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): The AMVA sets the national standard for veterinary schools in the United States. In fact, the AMVA Council of Education is the accrediting body for the 30 Veterinary Medicine schools in the country.
• State Veterinary Licensing: Some states require state licensing, as well. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) governs state licensure and can let you know which states require state certifications. 
• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA): Established in 1933, the AAHA is the only accrediting organization for veterinary hospitals in the United States. An estimated 12-15% of operating animal clinics are AAHA-accredited. Since this accreditation is considered the highest standard in veterinary care, some states accept AAHA accreditation in place of state licensing. So, if you just moved to a new area, contact the AAHA to locate the right veterinary practice for your pet. 
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): The USDA certifies the health of animals that enter or leave the United States. If you intend to cross the border, you’ll need your fur baby to be examined by a USDA-approved veterinarian. Veterinarians who are accredited by the AAHA and AVMA are already USDA-approved. So, if you see travel plans in your future, you’ll want a veterinarian who is accredited by at least one of these organizations. 

2. KNOW YOUR VET’S PHILOSOPHIES

Like medical health care providers, veterinarians also vary in their approaches to healing. Their philosophies on important areas like nutrition, medication, pet behavior, or euthanasia will affect treatment options for your pet. Here are some questions you’ll want to ask:

• “What should I feed my pet?” 

Veterinarians with a holistic-based outlook, for example, may recommend a diet comprised of whole foods (no canned food or dried kibble) and prepared according to a nutritionist’s guidelines. Other veterinarians may allow that kibble or canned foods that bear the appropriate certifications are also acceptable. 

• “How do you deal with pet aggression?”

You (and your pet) will find the office visit less stressful if your vet exudes calm competence and confidence. Look for an experienced vet who holds a holistic view of pet relaxation techniques.

• “What are the treatment options for X pet condition?”

Veterinarians may hold different philosophies about healing. If your pet has a specific condition, and you prefer holistic remedies, find out if your vet endorses and has experience with complementary interventions like acupuncture, homeopathy, and herbal therapy.

3. THINK ABOUT THE SPECIALTIES YOUR PET WILL NEED

Some veterinary practices specialize in just cats or dogs, while others cater to the needs of rare pets. 

If your pet has a health condition, you may want to seek out veterinary specialists in that area. For example, if you suspect that your pet may have heart problems, make sure your vet has the latest equipment to perform echocardiograms or electrocardiograms.

Meanwhile, if your pet has skin allergies, you’ll want to ask whether your vet can provide the right treatment options. If they have little to no expertise in the area, ask whether they can provide reliable referrals to a veterinary dermatologist.

4.  CHOOSE A VET WHO HAS GREAT RAPPORT WITH YOUR PET

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you’ll want to evaluate the rapport your potential vet has with your pet. You should also feel at ease talking with your vet about your pet’s health — and you should be able to ask questions or share concerns. Likewise, your fur baby should demonstrate some level of rapport with the vet, even under the stressful conditions of a routine exam.

5. ASK ABOUT PET INSURANCE, COSTS, AND EMERGENCY CARE

Cost is an important factor. Ask your vet whether they take pet insurance. If they don’t, be sure to inquire about monthly payment options, prompt pay discounts, and the availability of a credit line. You’ll also want to make sure that any clinic or veterinary practice you choose provides 24-hour emergency care and/or tele-vet services. 

Too busy to take your pet to the vet during the workweek? Inquire about the availability of evening or weekend hours. You can also ask about drop-off options.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VETERINARY PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR PET’S WELLBEING

In short, finding the right veterinary practice takes some research and forethought. It’s a good idea, however, to start your search by using the word-of-mouth method. Ask your neighbors, friends, or family for recommendations. In addition, look for reviews or comments about local clinics on the social media platforms you frequent. 

Above all, remember that the top veterinary clinics are AAHA-accredited. After you get a referral from friends and family, check to see if the veterinary practice is AAHA-approved. 

This is important if you’re thinking of taking Fido on that family vacation you’ve been planning since January. Since an AAHA-accredited vet already meets USDA approval, you can rest easy knowing that your pet will have the right vaccinations when you travel. 

The post Choosing the Right Veterinary Practice for Your Pet appeared first on Verblio.