Skip to content

Category: Pet health

Do Rats Make Good Pets
April 29, 2021 | ,

Do Rats Make Good Pets?

If you’re a first-time pet owner or have a fondness for small creatures, a domesticated rat can make a great companion! Rats make good pets because they are not only low-maintenance and easy to handle, but rats are also affectionate and intelligent animals. For these reasons, more and more people are choosing to embrace these curious critters and have turned into true believers that rats do, indeed, make great pets. Rats are social and affectionate creatures These pocket-sized pets are very social and have a tendency to form strong bonds with their human family. If encouraged, rats enjoy resting on
Pet the Cat
March 22, 2021 | , , ,

How Long After Flea Treatment Can I Pet My Cat?

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian Fleas are a common external parasite that feed off your cat’s blood. Although they can create some health concerns, itchiness and allergic reactions on your cat’s skin is a common symptom. Some fleas even carry certain species of tapeworms, which make your cat susceptible to contracting parasitic infections. The good news is there are many available products that can help protect your cat from getting new flea infections, as well as treat any pre-existing infections. What types of flea treatments are available? There are numerous types available. A virtual consult with a
How Often Should You Change Cat Litter
March 10, 2021 | , , ,

How Often Should You Change Cat Litter?

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian Cats are clean animals. Unlike dogs, felines constantly groom themselves and they’re notoriously picky about where they urinate and defecate. A cat can develop physical and mental ailments if they’re unable to clean themselves or forced to live in a dirty space. Therefore, it’s essential that cat parents provide their cats with a sanitary litter box. Here, we’ve provided a guide on litter box maintenance to keep your cat happy and healthy. We’ll go over how often you should change your cat litter as well as reasons why a routine cleaning is
How Often Do You Take Your Cat to The Vet
March 8, 2021 | , , ,

How Often Do You Take Your Cat to The Vet?

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian It’s important to make sure your feline friend has regular check-ins with a veterinarian. Cats age at a much faster rate than humans, which means they develop age-related health conditions much faster than we do. Read how to care for a senior cat from one of our Hello Ralphie vets! The number of times you speak with a veterinarian about your cat’s health will depend on a variety of factors, include your cat’s age, any pre-existing medical conditions, and possible special needs. Most vets generally recommend a feline physical exam at least
a kitten and a puppy sitting on a wooden floor
March 4, 2021 | ,

Top Ten Less-Known Pet Toxins

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian Less-Known Dog Toxins and Cat Toxins March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month and the Hello Ralphie team would like to highlight some pet toxins to keep your pets safe! While some pet toxins such as chocolate are well known and others like bleach and household cleaners are obvious, other pet toxins are less well known.  We are highlighting five dog toxins and five cat toxins that may be less well known to our pet parents. Hello Ralphie offers immediate sessions with expert veterinarians Five Less-Known Dog Toxins Pasta Sauce While the tomato
How do I Brush My Cat’s Teeth
March 3, 2021 | , , ,

How do I Brush My Cat’s Teeth?

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian Dental disease is one of the most common health issues that veterinarians diagnose in cats. It can be present in every breed of cat and can be diagnosed at any age, although it becomes more prominent as cats get older.  Read more about senior cat care from a Hello Ralphie vet. Tarter and plaque naturally build on the outer surface of a cat’s teeth, which can result in malodorous breath (halitosis), tooth decay, and infections underneath the gums. These issues can cause your cat a significant amount of discomfort and pain and
How Often Should You Walk Your Dog
March 2, 2021 | , , ,

How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise and fresh air. A dog’s mental and physical health will suffer without regular walks. However, the exact amount of exercise a particular dog needs will depend on a variety of factors, including their age, breed, size, and health conditions, among other factors. We’ll go over some general rules to help you understand how often you should be walking your dog, including the needs of small-, medium-, and large-sized dogs. Additionally, we’ll explain how a dog’s age can impact their exercise needs and when you should
How to Sedate a Cat for Travel
March 2, 2021 | , ,

How to Sedate a Cat for Travel

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian Traveling long distances with your cat can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. Whether you’re commuting via car, plane, or just walking to your veterinary appointment, there are many ways to help make the trip easier for you and your cat. What Should I Use to Transport My Cat? It’s important to make sure your pet is safely secured in a cat carrier when you’re traveling. There are many different types of carriers on the market and they all serve the same purpose. Soft zipper carriers are a good
How to Deworm a Cat
March 2, 2021 | , ,

How to Deworm a Cat

Fact checked by a Hello Ralphie expert veterinarian Your veterinarian will recommend regular deworming for your cat depending on its risk level for contracting intestinal parasites. The number of times you’ll need to deworm your feline friend will depend on the cat’s particular lifestyle, as well as the area in which you live. Climate, temperature, and local wildlife also play a role in determining your cat’s risk level. Cats that spend a significant amount of time outdoors, or those that tend to prey on animals such as rodents, have a higher risk level for contracting an intestinal parasite. The likelihood
Load More