All Posts by MakatiDogCat Hospital

0 Don’t Underestimate The Exercise You Get From Dog Walking

Walking your dog regularly? Don’t underestimate the exercise you get from dog walking!

Many say that when you get a dog, you’ll exercise more. Why? Because it’s a requirement for most, if not all dog breeds to have them walk at least 30 minutes a day. Although this time may vary depending on the type of dog, considering that sporting dogs will always require more exercise & stimulation.

But this saying does beg the question, do you really get any exercise from walking your dog? And if you technically do, does this exercise have any actual value to your health?

Answer is, Yes! For one thing, your dog is not the only one that’s moving; you’re also moving! Any sort of bodily movement – even if it’s as simple as walking – makes great exercise.

You’re outside, breathing the fresh air while enjoying the companionship of your furry friend. It’s a lot more stimulating compared to normal exercise, which you might find to be boring.

And another thing – even if dog walking only lasts, probably 20 or 30 minutes it’s still consistent.

Unlike with normal exercise, you can’t just suddenly stop walking your dog*. It’s one of their most important needs. With exercise, consistency is always the key!

*granted, this is the average dog. Some dogs may have health issues, or are disabled. Although those are the exceptions; not the standard. 

Dog Owners, if you need guidance on your dog’s health management do not hesitate to bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 (Viber too!) | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Lover: Why You Should Get A Cat

Are you a cat lover? Then read on to find out why you should get a cat!

Cats. Everybody always talks about how great dogs are, but what about cats?

Dog owners often like to say that cats are aloof and less affectionate. However, I’d argue that they’re just more independent and have a different method of showing affection. They’re just meant for a different type of character.

Now don’t take this as me turning this discourse into putting cats and dogs at odds with each other. I love both! It’s just, this time I want to express my appreciation for cats. So here are reasons why I think you’d love to have a cat:

Cat Lover: They’re independent

A cat’s independence makes them a lot more low maintenance! Perfect if you’re a busy student. They can be left alone for several hours, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bond with them! It just means they know how to enjoy solitary time.

Subtle Affection

Many dog owners express their distaste for cats being “less affectionate.” But honestly, like dogs, cats are different from one another! Some cats can be as affectionate as a dog, licking their humans out of affection. But most often, cats show their affection through purring, grooming, or rolling around you! Cats also do this thing called “bunting” where they rub their head on you- it’s their way of showing trust.

Pest Control

In the olden days, cats were used to kill vermin. Despite their domestication, cats still have that killer instinct to kill pests. Cats are a great way of getting rid of roaches and rats without having to do the work yourself.

Calming Presence

Call me biassed, but I do genuinely feel calm when there’s a cat by my side. There’s just something so..serene and peaceful as they tuck their arms underneath themselves, close their eyes, and sway their tails.

Are you convinced? Then why not get a cat? Of course, there are considerations before you could just, impulsively decide to get a cat. Nonetheless, they are pets that are worth your time.

Pet Owners, if you need guidance on your cat’s health management do not hesitate to bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 (Viber too!) | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Animal Cruelty on Social Media

Animal Cruelty on Social Media

There are billions of people on the internet – meaning there are loads of content. A lot of it is fun and cute stuff. But at the same time, the internet can be a dark place, full of videos and pictures depicting harm to animals, all for the sake of twisted and cruel minds of people who, for some reason, enjoy that type of stuff.

Sometimes, animal cruelty will be obvious- just as that infamous “cat in a blender video.”

But some animal harm videos are not as easy to catch for the uninformed.

There are many videos online which depict a prey animal with a predator animal being friendly with each other, or even showing “affection.”

For example, some videos such as this one depict the cat and rat being friends. Some videos show cats and dogs being affectionate with hamsters, or birds. These videos are surely cute.

But it’s important to remember that predator animals should never be left unattended with prey animals.

No matter how gentle, or domesticated housepets are, cats and dogs have always been predators in the food chain, coming from the same families as African Wildcats and Wolves respectively. When you see a dog or cat staring at a hamster, rat or bird, it may look cute. But on their end, it may be a prepared ambush. They will recognize prey behaviour and will act on it.

To Shave or Not To Shave: Should you have your dog shaved?

Pet owners need to put disclaimers on their videos, warning the public about the dangers of putting predator and prey pets together. It’s also important for the general public to consume such media responsibly and intelligently.

And then there’s another genre of these animal abuse videos: Live feeding.

How many animals, such as reptiles and amphibians require live feeding? It’s just hard for some species to consume already dead animals.

However, some people post videos on YouTube of putting a hamster and a frog in a box, labeling it “educational.” Perhaps, to an extent, it may be educational. But to do it several times and to profit off the suffering of animals is ridiculous.

Hamsters are not frog food, and it can seriously harm the amphibian. And – it goes without saying – that the poor hamsters died stressed.

Now . . . what are you, as the viewer, supposed to do about this? The best thing you can do is to not engage with this sort of content. Any engagement (including liking and commenting) will promote such media on the algorithm.

Be Responsible Pet Owners. If you need guidance on your pet’s health, do not hesitate to bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 (Viber too!) | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Importance of Dental Care in Pets

Importance of Pet Dental Care:

Oral health doesn’t exactly top the list when it comes to pet care. Of course – dogs and cats don’t need to brush their teeth 3 times a day.

But just like us humans, cats and dogs’ teeth can have plaque buildup which eventually hardens into tartar. This is no less unpleasant for our furry friends.

This can cause Dental Disease, which consequently causes tooth loss. Not only very painful, but removes one of the very basic functions – to be able to eat.

It’s also important to carefully watch your cats and/or dogs. They’re very good at hiding their pain in the early stages of this disease

Most dogs and cats have some sort of oral disease by the time they’re three years old.

If you have a puppy or a kitten, make sure to start a tooth-brushing routine by the time they’re 6-9 months old.

Meanwhile, if you have a pet that doesn’t have a brushing routine, make sure to get them checked by a vet before taking any other actions. Depending on the severity, you might need your pet to be professionally cleaned.

For Dental Care for Pets, bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital.

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 How To Deal With Pet Allergies

Are you a pet owner with fur allergies? If so, you’re not alone.

Let’s delve into my personal journey, starting from my earliest years. My mother has always been a dog lover, dating back to her own childhood when dogs shared her bed.

However, when she had me, she had to change her ways. I was so allergic to dogs that my skin broke out in rashes, I suffered from incessant itching all over, and my eyes turned a telltale shade of red.

As a preschooler, I couldn’t stand being around dogs because of the relentless itchiness in my eyes.

Fast forward to today, and I no longer break out in rashes after touching dogs. There are occasional sneezes, but it’s a vast improvement from my early days.

So, how did this transformation occur?

Well, it all begins with understanding how dog allergies work in the first place.

When it comes to dog allergies, most people assume that the fur is the culprit. While that’s not entirely wrong, it’s not the whole story either.

Allergic reactions stem from substances found in the fur. Dog fur acts as a reservoir for allergens like dead skin cells (commonly referred to as dander), saliva, and urine.

These are the real culprits that trigger allergic reactions.

So, every time you pet, hug, or cuddle with your dog, you run the risk of experiencing an allergic reaction.

While you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of reacting to your furry friend, there are several effective ways to minimise it.

For instance, make sure to bathe your dog(s) at least once a week to remove allergens from their fur.

It’s also important to control where your dog(s) roam in your home. Prevent them from entering your bedroom, as this can be a hotspot for allergens.

Additionally, it’s recommended to keep dogs off the couch since they tend to accumulate allergens from their fur there.

Most importantly, don’t forget to wash your hands regularly to minimise the transfer of allergens.

Pet Owners, if you require pet grooming for your pets do not hesitate to bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Pet Shaving: Should I Have My Dog Shaved?

PET SHAVING: Should I have my Dog Shaved?

On a day where the sun burns your skin, and the heat makes you melt, it may be tempting to shave your dog.

Just look at that poor thing! Panting, tongue out and drooling.

What a pitiful sight. Add to that- if your dog’s got a thick coat, it must feel even worse.

So what exactly should you do? Call up your groomer and set a shaving appointment?

Well, not exactly.

PET SHAVING: Double and Single Coated Dog Fur

Do consider a few things. Each breed of dog has different fur types. Many dog breeds have what is called a “doable-coat” such as golden retrievers, german shepherds, pomeranians and samoyeds to name a few. 

You might be wondering what a double coat is. However, if you are aware of its existence, you’d know that dogs with this fur type have an inner coat which acts as an insulating layer. This inner coat helps dogs regulate their temperature whether in heat or in cold.

In the hotter weather, a bit of this insulating layer is shed, meaning that air can be caught between the 2 layers of fur. In the cold, they keep the inner layer for extra warmth. 

What happens when you shave this layer? Well, for one thing it can cause damage in the long-run.

If you shave a double-coated dog’s fur down to the skin, it decreases their protection to the seasons, and causes improper hair growth.

But what about single-coated dogs? Dogs with only one layer of fur?

For dogs such as poodles, maltese, boxers and greyhounds, you mustn’t shave down to their skin either. For both fur types, vets recommend at least one inch to protect them from sunburn or keep them warm on cool evenings.

The only situation when you should completely shave your dog’s fur-whether double coated or single coated, is when their fur is so matted that brushing gets you nowhere. But hopefully, you’re too much of a good pet owner for that.

How about declawing are you considering it? Here’s why I do not support declawing.

Pet Owners, if you still need guidance on your pet’s grooming do not hesitate to bring in your pet at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 WHY I DON’T SUPPORT PET DECLAWING

WHY I DON’T SUPPORT PET DECLAWING

Got a destructive cat?

Often people will tell you many different options on how to prevent it- and one of those methods can stop scratching completely. That is the method of declawing.

This process involves amputating the front knuckles of a cat’s toe so that it can no longer use its claws.

If you have a feline that is constantly destroying household items it may be tempting to declaw them, but you have to consider a few things.

First, a cat’s claws are their first line of defense. If they ever get into a fight with other cats or any animal, your feline has an increased chance of getting injured or even killed if declawed.

Second, this surgery can cause many complications such as infection. It’s not easy to keep a cat’s feet clean after surgery, as they use it to walk to their litter box filled with debris. Additionally, surgery can cause nerve damage which is very, very painful. 

Now this reason is still debated amongst pets – but there is evidence showing that declawing can cause behavioural changes in chats.

Scratching is an innate behaviour for cats – it’s part of their instinct. To suddenly not be able to do it may cause them stress.

How to Deal with Your Cat Scratching

In some cases, pet declawing can even make cats more aggressive, specifically causing more biting.

Before making any major decisions like declawing, make sure to consider it very carefully. Perhaps it may make your life easier, but it’s not the same for your pet.

Cat Owners, don’t forget that if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Scratching: EMERGENCY! CAT IS DESTRUCTIVE!

Cat Scratching: EMERGENCY! CAT IS DESTRUCTIVE!

Having a cat is lots of fun. They are cute, fluffy, and amusing creatures. Adding to that, their natural instincts make them great pest control!

However, there is a negative side to this instinct. Specifically, their scratching tendencies. We’ve all experienced it before. You’ve bought your cat a scratching post and yet, they choose the furniture. What are the possible reasons for this?

★ Instinct

○   Behaviour such as scratching is simply part of a cat’s instinct. It’s also natural for cats to destroy household items!  It’s simply an innate behaviour, similar to grooming or burying waste.

★ Bored

○  Perhaps your cat is just not getting enough mental stimulation! Remember a cat’s intelligence is quite comparable to a 2-year old child. With that sort of brain, they need to be stimulated. Otherwise, they become bored, which can then lead to undesirable behaviour. No parent expects their toddler to sit down and do nothing- the same thing applies to your cat. 

★ Attention Seeking

○  Maybe your cat thinks that the only way they can get your attention is by engaging in destructive behaviour. For example, instead of meowing, does your cat scratch your closet, and then you respond to it by scolding them? To some cats, any attention is good attention.

★ Curious

○  Does your cat often jump on countertops? Perhaps they’re enticed by something such as a bird in the window. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and there’s nothing wrong in honouring that curiosity. However, if it’s destructive, something must be done about it

Now that you know the possible reasons as to why your cat may be destructive, you might be wondering, “What can I do about this behaviour?”

Is your cat an indoor or outdoor cat? Find out if you should let your cat out or just keep them indoors.

Well dear reader, you’ve come to the right place! Here is what you can do to prevent your cat from being destructive:

Cat Scratching Tips

★ Toys

○  Cat toys such as scratching posts can prevent your feline from scratching furniture. These toys can act as a non-destructive outlet for your cats to let out their natural instinct.  

★ Play time        

○  There are many toys that allow you to play with your cat. When you play with your cat, you strengthen the bond between you and your feline. Make sure to have a dedicated time of the day to play with your cat.

○  As long as you keep your cat engaged, it will satisfy them and prevent them from being bored.

★ Scent neutralizers

○  Unlike us humans, cats have noses more sensitive to us. It’s innate cat behaviour to revisit a place that they’ve marked or scratched previously. By using a scent neutralizer, it discourages your feline from repeatedly destroying previously marked furniture 

★ Environment

○  Why not create a more stimulating environment meant just for you cat? If your cat is a fan of jumping on countertops, why not get a cat tree or a cat perch? Providing items specifically meant for cats and redirecting the behaviour to such items will help keep your items safe from cat scratches

★ Vet check-up

○  In the worst case scenario, your cat may be destructive due to unidentified medical issues. If any of the previous suggestions do not address your cat’s destructiveness, make sure to check with a vet.

While having a cat is fun, their destructiveness can be a challenge. However, do keep in mind that this is an innate behaviour in cats. It would be impossible to stop your cat from scratching. Luckily, it is possible to prevent his behaviour by giving them enough mental stimulation. You can also redirect your cat’s behaviour to more appropriate objects such as a scratching post!

Cat Owners, don’t forget that if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Owners: Should You Let Your Cat Out?

Cat Owners: Should You Let Your Cat Out?

Compared to dogs, cats are a lot more independent. From being able to hunt for their own food to being able to clean themselves. This characteristic of cats may be a turn-off for some, but to many, it’s ideal.

Because of their independence, many cat owners are likely to allow their feline outside the house, alone & unattended. This choice is very debated amongst several pet owners. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the debate.

Cat Owners: Indoor or Outdoor Cats?

Many pet owners argue that letting cats roam free outside is better for their pet’s well-being. It’s allowing cats to hunt for their own food- letting their natural instinct take over. Letting cats outside allows them to have the mental stimulation they need and gives them a great opportunity for exercise. This prevents hyperactivity in cats. Hyperactive cats are bored cats. Bored cats are destructive cats.

Allowing your cat to roam free also means less damage to your furniture, as your feline friends can just use trees or plants as their scratching post. Also, there’s less cleaning for the litter box, as your cat can just do their business outside.

However, just because cats are more independent to dogs, doesn’t mean they’re invincible to the outside world. Even if your feline wins a cat fight, they can still get infected with diseases such as feline panleukopenia. What’s even worse is that your cat can get parasites from so many different things. Fleas from other animals, roundworms from the eggs in the soil, and tapeworms from birds.

And you can’t just let your cat outside anytime- especially in extreme weather. They can get heatstroke, or hypothermia– depending on which climate you live in.

If you have an unspayed female cat, they can get pregnant. Kittens may be cute, but they are not easy or cheap to take care of. If you have a male cat, he might impregnate a female stray, which will contribute to the already troublesome problem of overpopulation.

In the worst case scenario, your cat can even die due to car crashes, or by being attacked by another animal. And even if they don’t die, you’ve still got a hefty vet bill to pay.

 In the end, it’s up to you to decide.

However, you don’t have to play both extremes. You don’t have to keep your cat completely outdoors, or indoors. You can walk your cat, just as others walk your dog. In fact, it might be good bonding time with your cat! If a leash isn’t for your cat, then a cat bag might suffice. If you can’t directly attend to your cat, you might want to consider a GPS tracker collar for your feline.

So Cat Owners, if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 🐾 Calling All Wonderful Pet Lovers Like You!🐾

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We know you’d move mountains for your pets – and so would we.

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Embrace this opportunity to shower your pets with the look and feel of extraordinary!

Book now and unleash the happiness in their eyes. Because when you care, they thrive. Let’s make every tail wag and purr resonate with joy.

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Message us here in our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC