General Wellness

What are vaccines, and why do they matter?

Vaccines are products designed to trigger protective immune responses and prepare the immune system to fight future infections from disease-causing agents. Vaccines stimulate the immune system's production of antibodies that identify and destroy disease-causing organisms that enter the body.

What is dental health?

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Dr. Hooman A. Pooya is a Maryland-based mobile vet surgeon performing orthopedic and soft tissue surgery on cats, dogs and other small animals.

Parasites such as fleas and ticks can be very damaging to your pet’s health. Preventive measures should be taken year-round to inhibit potential outbreaks.

At Swan Harbor Animal Hospital we recommend year-round treatment of Heartgard and Nexgaurd.  

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What is a microchip?

A: A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice. The microchip itself does not have a battery—it is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area, and the radiowaves put out by the scanner activate the chip. The chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen. The microchip itself is also called a transponder.

7 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Pet Healthy

1. Keep your pet at a healthy weight.

2. Exercise your pet.

3. Feed your pet a balanced, nutritious diet.

4. Have your veterinarian examine your pet at least once a year to make sure your pet is healthy and to help detect problems earlier.

5. Vaccinate your pet against potentially deadly diseases such as distemper, parvo, panleukopenia and rabies.

6. Keep your pet free of parasites (fleas and ticks, heartworm, etc.) – consult your veterinarian for the best product for your pet.

7. Spay or neuter your pet.