Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
La Cañada Pet Clinic

1400 Foothill Blvd

La Cañada, CA 91011 US

818-790-1205

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • COVID-19
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • Services
    • Nutritional Counseling
    • Rabbits and Small Mammals
    • Reptiles
    • Ultrasound
    • Wellness Exams
    • Behavioral Medicine
    • Dental Care
    • Euthanasia Services
    • Microchipping
    • Pain Management
    • Radiology (X-Rays)
    • Surgery
    • Vaccinations
    • Cat Boarding
    • Day Care
    • Dog Boarding
    • Fully Stocked Pharmacy
    • Internal Medicine
  • Our Staff
    • Services
  • Contact Us
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Reviews
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Pet Dangers
      • Behavior & Training
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Visiting the Vet >
  • Pet Care During Tough Times

Pet Care During Tough Times

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Visiting the Vet

Studies have repeatedly shown that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets as a family member. We spoil them with birthday parties, presents, and all manner of toys and treats to keep them happy. But, when money is tight, extra expenses need to go. Sadly, some pet owners choose to avoid veterinary visits as one means to save money. And believe it or not, others might give up their pets completely.

Knowing what you can safely do at home to lower your pet's healthcare costs is a good way to insure a healthy pet and a healthy wallet. First, don't skimp on wellness or preventive care. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are important parts of maintaining your pet's health and yours as well. Diseases like rabies and Leptospirosis are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread between animals and people. Similarly, intestinal parasites or even fleas and ticks, are capable of transmitting serious diseases to our families.

Some owners might choose to buy vaccines online or from a pet store. While this idea sounds like a cost-saving measure, there are many risks. Vaccines are delicate biological suspensions and require constant refrigeration to be effective. Some need proper mixing in order to work correctly. Improper preparation could make the whole process worthless. Choosing a lower cost flea product or a "do-it-yourself" dewormer at a general merchandise store is another option a pet owner might try to save money. Sadly, according to the Center for Public Integrity (www.publicintegrity.org), these over-the-counter products are likely responsible for a sharp increase in pet deaths and adverse events in recent years. The EPA has received more than 25,000 reports of over-the-counter pesticide reactions in pets since 2003.

Pet emergencies shouldn't be a place for shortcuts either. Some pet owners simply use topical antibiotics on bite wounds or lacerations in order to avoid treating the pet when initially injured. But, most of these animals end up coming into the veterinary hospital with out of control infections.

Always check with your veterinarian before giving any over the counter human medication to your pet! Many pet poisonings are caused by human medications. But don't worry; you can still save on your veterinary bills with a few simple steps at home. First, play with your pet! Veterinary behaviorists all agree that a tired dog is a happy dog and happy dogs don't tear up furniture or get into trouble. Since behavior issues are the number one reason for abandoning pets, this fun task might literally save your pet's life.

Playing with your pet has health benefits as well. A well-exercised pet is less likely to be overweight and suffer from obesity related problems such as arthritis, certain cancers, or diabetes. Next, when exercising your pet, use appropriate restraints and confinements. Pets who roam freely are often hit by traffic, get into fights or eat something dangerous. Emergencies like these can end up hitting your wallet very hard.

Despite all of these precautions, some pets will just get into trouble or develop a serious disease. Although veterinary medicine is still a bargain compared to other health services, most of us would be hard pressed to pay a big veterinary bill out of pocket. Consider pet insurance, or setting aside some money each month for your pet in case of an emergency.

We all want to keep our furry friends safe and healthy, but it is challenging when just feeding the family stretches your budget. Talk with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs and see what should be addressed immediately and what can wait.

Keeping up with Pet Care

1) Don't skimp on wellness care! Too many diseases and parasites are prevented by inexpensive vaccines and medications.

2) Avoid trying to save money by buying over-the counter products or vaccines. These items can be dangerous and sometimes deadly to your pet.

3) When emergencies occur, talk to your veterinarian. Don't try to treat the wound yourself with bandages or topical ointments. These steps are rarely helpful.

4) Never give human medications to your pets without authorization from your veterinarian. Many pet poisonings are due to this well-intentioned act.

5) Do exercise with your pet! A tired pet is a happy pet and less likely to look for trouble!

6) Keep your pet's weight at optimal levels. Obese pets are prone to costly diseases like diabetes, arthritis and certain cancers.

7) Love your pet each day! These daily touches can find little lumps and bumps before they turn into big expensive masses!

8) Consider a pet health savings plan or even insurance for your pet. A little money put aside today could be a life-saver for your pet tomorrow.

9) Talk with your veterinarian about the essentials of your pet's care. Some procedures could be delayed without undue risk to your pet's health.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

New Patients Welcome

Connect to us through your Petly page! (We must have your email on our computer system to generate an invite for you)

This website allows you to view vaccine records, edit pet info, make appointments online, and view bloodwork.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.

    Learn More
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!

    Schedule Now
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed at your convenience.

    View Forms

Business Hours

Monday:

9:00 AM

6:00 PM

Tuesday:

9:00 AM

6:00 PM

Wednesday:

9:00 AM

6:00 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM

6:00 PM

Friday:

9:00 AM

6:00 PM

Saturday:

9:00 AM

2:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr Pershing and her team are the best!!!"
    Erin G.

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More
  • Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More
  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More
  • Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help. ...

    Read More
  • World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map