Boarding
Whether you choose a traditional kennel or a luxury run for boarding your dog or cat, we assure they will have a comfortable stay boarding at 4 Paws. Your pet will enjoy the heated floors, soft music and playtime with our fun loving staff. Our cat and dog boarding kennel is perfect for your pet.
We welcome any pet up to date on the required vaccinations and /or tests to stay with us. Feel free to schedule a tour of our boarding kennel facility. Our vet clinic is centrally located to offer boarding to Troy, Albany and Rensselaer counties.
Canine Laboratory Tests For Veterinary Care
Understanding Dog Blood Tests
A blood test or lab test allows us to learn information about your dog's health which can only be found from collecting a sample of blood and having it analyzed. This includes a CBC (complete blood count) and blood chemistries that analyze chemical components in the blood.
Canine Medical Imaging, Ultrasound, MRI, X-rays, Radiographs
What is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging?
Canine Surgical Procedures
What To Know When Dog Surgery Has Been Recommended
Caring For Mature, Senior and Geriatric Cats
Understanding The Changing Health Needs Of Mature, Senior And Geriatric Cats
Cat Dermatology
Most cats will scratch on occasion but if you notice that the occasional scratch and regular grooming turns into a cat who appears uncomfortable, cat skin problems may be present. You should schedule an appointment with one of the veterinarians here at 4 Paws Veterinary Care.
Excessive scratching, hair loss and a mildly frantic cat are signs that cat skin problems may be present and your feline friend needs medical attention. While cat skin problems are rarely an emergency, an uncomfortable cat will have trouble enjoying daily life until those symptoms are under control.
Cat Emergency
If your cat has suffered a sudden trauma or is experiencing any life threatening symptoms, please call us immediately at: 518-300-4279
In an emergency, time is of the essence, please bring your cat to our emergency hospital as soon as possible. The address is:
Cat Grooming, Bathing, Clipping, Brushing Services and Tips
Cat Grooming, Bathing, Clipping, Brushing Services and Tips
Cats typically take care of daily grooming by themselves. If you’ve ever seen a cat lying in the sun grooming itself, it can be quite calming to observe the meticulous routine. Cats instinctively groom themselves to banish any odors that may be noticed by other animals, especially predators. Cats are also able to maintain a healthy-looking coat by daily grooming and distributing natural oils to keep their coats clean and shiny.
Cat Medications
If you’re like a lot of cat owners, you know your cat’s daily routine. If you notice your cat is not following his usual activities, or if you see a change in behavior patterns, those could be subtle but important clues that your cat is sick. As a pet parent, it’s time for you to step in and get the vet on speed dial.
Cat Spaying & Neutering
Information And Services To Spay And Neuter Cats
Cat Vaccinations - Everything You Should Know
The importance of vaccinations to the overall health and longevity of your cat cannot be understated. Cat vaccines are medically and scientifically proven to combat the incubation and transmission of crippling and fatal feline diseases. Our veterinary staff is dedicated to educating people about the importance of cat vaccinations, including what cat vaccines are necessary, and when they should be scheduled.
Dental Care For Cats
What Every Cat Owner Should Know About Dental Care For Cats
Dentistry
As of July 2022, we are not performing dental procedures at this time, but can offer referrals for existing clients.
Sometimes, keeping Tiger’s chompers healthy can feel like big job. Luckily, our practice provides advanced veterinary dentistry services in addition to basic dental care.
This includes routine care such as cleaning, along with treating more complicated conditions. Because our pets don’t brush their teeth every night before bed like we do, tartar can firmly adhere to the teeth.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer in Cats
Diagnosing And Treating Cancer In Cats
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, we understand that feline cancer is a devastating diagnosis. It is natural to feel highly emotional. However, a cat cancer diagnosis is not necessarily a hopeless one. Depending upon how early it is identified and the type of cancer involved, there are certainly options that can lead to very positive outcomes.
Digital Radiology
As technology leads us into the future and improves our lives, diagnostic imaging is no exception. Digital radiology gives our practice the ability to diagnose conditions almost on the spot. This allows us to treat conditions faster and more effectively.
Does Your Dog Have Allergies? Dog Allergy Testing
Dog Allergy Symptoms
While not usually life threatening, allergies in dogs do cause discomfort. Most symptoms are associated with dermatologic problems but some can also lead to chronic respiratory issues in some dogs if untreated for long periods of time. Sometimes an owner will bring their dog to a veterinary appointment, suspecting a serious medical condition and end up finding out that their canine companion has an allergy.
Here are some allergy symptoms commonly found in dogs:
Dog Acupuncture
What Is Veterinary Acupuncture For Dogs?
Dog Cancer - Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, we understand that your canine companion is not just a pet, but that he or she is a beloved, cherished family member. The mutual bond of love and loyalty between you can make a diagnosis of any form of dog cancer very difficult to hear. Our veterinarians and support staff are empathetic, compassionate and trained to focus on both the emotional and medical aspects of dog cancer.
Dog Dental Care - Bad Breath, Teeth Cleaning, Dog Dentist
It is important to realize that your dog will never tell you when it is experiencing dental pain. All dogs will endure some level of dental disease and dental pain during their lives. The best way to minimize these issues is for your dog is to start out with a great dental health routine at home. This should be supplemented with regular dental cleanings performed by veterinary professionals (a veterinarian and veterinary nurse to aid in the dental cleaning and patient care during the procedure).
Dog Deworming
How Worms In Dogs Are Contracted
Dog Microchipping
Why Should I Microchip My Dog?
Dog Nutrition
What Is The Right Food To Feed Your Dog?
Good nutrition is feeding your dog the building blocks and energy components that allow them to grow, develop to their potential and stay active throughout their life. There are many ways to feed your dog and hundreds of diets to choose from. Most people tend to use dry and canned dog food for convenience and cost.
Dog Pregnancy
Dog Pregnancy Care
A dog pregnancy is one of the most amazing, yet vulnerable times for a female dog as well as her unborn puppies. Therefore, it is essential to provide proper care during the prenatal period. First and foremost before allowing a dog pregnancy, make sure you have properly protected your female dog and her potential litter by following these steps:
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Most veterinarians advise against vaccinating pregnant dogs, so dogs should be vaccinated well before pregnancy occurs
Dog Vaccinations
Everything You Must Know About Vaccinating Your Dog
Dog vaccinations play a critical role in protecting your dog from many dangerous and even fatal diseases. While state law requires all dogs are vaccinated for rabies, there are a number of other vaccinations that can protect your dog from serious diseases that are easily preventable.
Doggy Daycare
Doggy daycare should be more than just a place to leave your dog when you’re unable to be with them.
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, we treat your pup to fun-filled days of socializing with other dogs, interacting with our caring team, exercising and burning off plenty of pent-up energy. You’ll no longer feel guilty about not having enough time or energy to play with your dog after a long day of work because, at the end of every day, you’ll pick up a perfectly happy (and played out) pup.
Emergency Dog Clinic - What To Do In A Dog Emergency
If your dog has suffered a sudden trauma or is experiencing any life threatening symptoms, please call us immediately at: 518-300-4279
What To Do In Case Of A Dog Emergency
Emergency Vet
If you ever feel that your pet needs emergency treatment do not hesitate to call or come in immediately. If possible it is best to call before coming in so that a team member can advise you on the particular emergency.
Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats
While cats confined to an indoor environment generally live longer and are at less risk for contracting infectious diseases or injuries due to trauma, they are at greater risk for a variety of behavioral problems. These problems include urinating and defecating outside the litter box, anxiety, eating disorders, attention seeking, aggression, self-injury and compulsive disorders like excessive grooming and scratching.
Everything You Should Know About Microchipping Cats
What Are Microchip IDs, And Why Does My Cat Need One?
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, we understand that the bond you and your beloved feline friend share is invaluable and irreplaceable. We also understand that by nature, cats are roaming creatures and therefore run the risk of wandering too far from home, or just accidentally losing their way. In fact, a staggering number of cats are lost in the shelter system each year because they lack any means to identify them with. This is why we are happy to offer cat microchip identification services.
Feline Diagnostic Imaging Ultrasound, MRI, X-Rays, Radiology
What Is Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging For Felines?
Flea and Tick For Cats - Get Information and Treatment
The Dangers Of Fleas And Ticks For Cats
Of all the pesky nuisances out there your cat might face, fleas and ticks are two of the most troublesome. For cats, fleas and ticks pose a variety of potential health issues, including:
Grooming and Pet Bathing
Routine, therapeutic, and breed-specific grooming as well as simple bathing services are available.
Heartworms In Dogs - Symptoms and Treatments
Since 2007 the veterinary staff at 4 Paws Veterinary Care has made heartworm prevention for dogs an important part of our approach to preventive care. A heartworm infection can lead to numerous health problems up to and including early death. Therefore, heartworm prevention cannot be ignored. Our team is here to educate you and protect your dog from this terrible disease.
Kitten Care
Getting a new kitten is a very special experience with lots of joy, warmth and laughter. There is a reason why the internet is so full of kitten and cat pictures and videos. Kittens are super fun, loving and entertaining. Kitten care does involve some amount of hands-on attention from human family members. The focus of kitten care is on acclimating the kitten to its new family, and providing for the kitten's physical well being to support healthy development.
Laser Surgery
State of the Art Laser Surgery
What is a laser?
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is an opto-electronic device that produces highly concentrated light rays. Laser power may range from milliWatts (in CD-ROM drives and laser pointers) to dozens of Watts (industrial and medical applications) and over trillions of Watts (pulsed lasers in scientific and military applications).
Laser Therapy For Cats
What Is Laser Therapy For Cats?
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, we are always looking to new ways to care for your cat. Medicine and technology are constantly advancing and we embrace staying at the forefront of the best medical and surgical care. We are proud to offer laser therapy for cats at our veterinary clinic.
Laser Therapy For Dogs
What Is Laser Therapy For Dogs And How Does It Work?
Optimum Feline Nutrition - What Should You Feed Your Cat?
The Pros And Cons Of Different Types Of Cat Food
Feline nutrition is very important for general health. However, the plethora of dietary options, brands and formulas available to consumers can be confusing, when deciding which kind of cat food is best for your feline friend’s health and wellness.
Pain Management
When it comes to managing your pet’s pain, our practice offers and the highest quality of care utilizing compassion and the most effective medical treatments available. We develop a unique pain management plan to best serve the individual needs of your pet. This plan may include medication, complementary treatment or a combination of both.
Preventing and Treating Fleas and Ticks For Dogs
How Does My Dog Pick Up Fleas And Ticks?
Preventing And Treating Heartworms In Cats
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, our highly experienced team of veterinarians and veterinary support staff have been helping educate our clients and win the fight against heartworms in cats since 2007. The importance of heartworm prevention for cats cannot be overstated. Once a cat has contracted heartworms, it cannot be cured. Therefore, preventive measures are absolutely necessary in order to keep your beloved feline friend healthy and safe.
Preventive Care That Will Ensure A Happy, Healthy Cat
What Is Involved In A Cat Preventive Care Program?
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, we understand that prevention is truly the best medicine where the health and wellness of your cat is concerned. This is why we offer our feline patients and their human counterparts a comprehensive array of cat preventive care services that promote cat health, wellness and longevity of life.
A cat preventive care program consists of:
Preventive Health Care For Dogs
What Goes Into A Dog Health Preventive Care Regimen
Puppy and Dog Obedience Training Classes
We are proud to offer Puppy and Basic Dog Obedience Training Classes by Certified Trainer Teri Rudolph! The curriculum is focused on positive reinforcement, socialization, and prevention of unwanted behaviors. The 6 week dog training program is held Monday Evenings at 4 Paws Veterinary Care, and each class is 1 hour long.
Follow Teri on Facebook for great tips, information and updates on how to train your puppy or dog!
Puppy Care
How To Take Care Of A Puppy
One of the greatest joys in life is having a cuddly, cute puppy to have and hold. This is a memorable time for the entire family and everyone can participate in loving and caring for your new puppy. Our staff and veterinarians know what an exciting and special time this is for you and we want to provide you with the best information and health care to get a great start for your new puppy's life. The time you commit to this puppy in the beginning of its life will have a great impact on your relationship for the next 12-15 years.
Senior Dog Care
Taking The Physiological Changes Of Aging Dogs Into Consideration
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, we love providing senior dogs with the care and support they need to age gracefully and comfortably. We understand that the experience of caring for older dogs can be a tremendously rewarding one that enhances and enriches the lives of dogs themselves, as well as their human caretakers. We truly are dog people at heart. We love to lend insight and guidance into caring for older dogs.
Spaying or Neutering Dogs
If you have owned an animal, or if you know anyone who has, chances are you have heard of the terms spay and neuter. Spaying is a term that describes the ovariohysterectomy, or the removal of portions of the reproductive system of a female dog. Neutering is a term that describes the castration, or the removal of the testicles of a male dog. Veterinarians perform these surgical procedures, which render dogs incapable of reproducing.
Veterinary Acupuncture For Cats
Cat acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment modality that allows the veterinarians here at 4 Paws Veterinary Care to address a variety of feline health issues and reduce pain in our feline patients.
Veterinary Services
4 Paws Veterinary Care Offers A Full Service Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Services For Cats
Since 2007, the veterinarians and support staff at 4 Paws Veterinary Care have sought to achieve the highest standards of veterinary medicine. We feel that cats are part of the family, yours and ours. Our clients' response to the care we provide is the strongest testament to the quality of care we provide for their cats.
You can find our recent client feedback here.
Veterinary Services For Dogs
Dog Veterinarians Who Really Care
What Blood Tests Can Tell You About Your Cat's Health
When Will A Veterinarian Order Blood Tests For Cats?
Sometimes in the case of an eye or ear infection, your feline friend's medical condition affords a veterinarian the opportunity for a relatively straightforward diagnosis. However, other times the results in the need for further examination. In such a case, your veterinarian will order feline blood tests to aid in his or her investigation. The following situations can result in the need for blood tests for cats:
What To Know About Your Cat's Pre and Post-Op Surgical Care
Understanding Why A Cat Surgery Has Been Recommended
At 4 Paws Veterinary Care, our primary concern is for the health and well being of your cat. Unfortunately, there may arise a circumstance when a surgical procedure is in the best interest of your feline friend, and in these times you will need to make that decision. We understand what that feels like, and our veterinarians and staff are here for you too.
What To Know If Your Cat Requires Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery
In comparison to traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery for cats is a minimally invasive alternative and typically results in shorter recovery time. Similar to arthroscopic surgery, your veterinarian will make one or two small openings in the cat’s abdomen and insert both a camera and the surgical tools required to complete the procedure.
What To Know When Your Cat Needs Anesthesia
There may be a time when your cat will require a procedure or surgery for his continued health. At the time of surgery your cat will require anesthesia which will be carefully administered and monitored by our veterinary staff. Knowing the basics about how anesthesia will be is used in cat surgery and the recovery basics will help to ease your mind while kitty is under our care.