Borchard Veterinary Clinic

Pets that suffer from certain medical conditions may require some dietary changes. For instance, dogs with kidney problems should be given high-quality protein with reduced sodium and phosphorous. Animal nutrition is one of the things a vet will discuss with you during hospital visits.

The word veterinarian was derived from the Latin veterinae, meaning ‘working animals’. The term veterinarian was coined by Thomas Browne in 1646 and is cited by the Oxford English Dictionary as the source of the word.

One of the most common emergencies we see is heat exhaustion and stroke caused by leaving a pet in a car on warm or hot days. If the weather is warm, or going to be warm, leave your pet at home. Simply cracking windows open is not a preventive measure.

Did you know that the parvovirus can live in the environment for as long as a year? Despite aggressive treatment, some dogs aren’t able to survive the disease. Vaccination can save you from the expense and the pain of losing a beloved pet.

To avoid injuries, always keep your pet on a leash when you walk it, regardless of how well-trained is. You never know how other animals are being walked or what may cause your pet to bolt into danger.

Did you know that Dalmatians are pure white when they are born? The spots don’t appear until they’re at least four weeks of age. More interestingly, these spots can also be blue, brindle, or lemon in color!

Spaying or neutering your pets not only help prevent unwanted litters but could also save your pet’s life. Neutering male animals helps prevent prostate and testicular cancer while spaying female pets helps prevent breast and uterine tumors.

Cats spend around 30 to 50 percent of their day licking themselves. They do this to cool down, improve blood flow, and cover their scent so they can’t be tracked by predators.

Between the years 1930-1939, only 0.8 percent of veterinary school graduates were women, according to the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians. Today, almost 80% of practicing vets are women!

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the first veterinary school was founded by Dr. Claude Bourgelat in Lyons, France in the 1760s. Originally planning to become a lawyer, Dr. Bourgelat eventually gave in to his love for animals.

Because of their curious nature, it’s not unusual for puppies to experience vomiting and diarrhea. However, because they are more prone to dehydration, it’s important to rush them to an animal hospital if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.

Those working at animal hospitals are some of the most compassionate people you’ll ever meet. Not only do they care about animals, but they also empathize with pet owners during their most difficult periods.

While most vets cater to companion animals such as dogs and cats, 16 percent of vet services are dedicated to farm animals and wildlife. Six percent of vet services are dedicated to horses.