January is National Train Your Dog Month
January is National Train Your Dog Month. Based on what I have seen out in the world, as well as inside our veterinary hospital, there is no general standard for what a “trained dog” looks like. People have different expectations for how dogs should “behave” and what types of behavior they find acceptable or not.
Celebrating Senior Pet Health Month: Cherishing Our Senior Companions
November is Senior Pet Health Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and support the special needs of our beloved senior pets. Just as with people, our pets’ needs evolve as they age. Cats and dogs become more prone to certain health issues, such as arthritis, dental problems, and cognitive changes, and they may require additional care to maintain their quality of life. In this month’s blog we are going to discuss these common concerns as well as offer some tips for things to do at home to support your senior pet.
Understanding Pet Obesity: Causes, Risks, and Prevention
Obesity is an increasingly common problem among pets, and it can lead to serious health complications if not addressed. Just like humans, pets can gain excess weight due to various factors, and this extra weight can have detrimental effects on their overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of pet obesity, the risks and side effects associated with it, and, most importantly, how to prevent it.
Start Early When Socializing Your Puppy
By Reese Odenwelder, DVM Getting a new puppy is a very exciting time! There is so much fresh love and happiness with adding a new furry friend to the family. Certainly we want what is best for our new pet and during this novel period we often focus on the “now”. This typically includes potty training, nutrition, vaccines, or even grooming and obedience. As we try to master these goals as quick as possible we can often overlook important life steps for these furry kids.
Periodontal Disease: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
February is National Dental Month! Did you know that periodontal disease is one of if not the most common diseases that occur in our pets? Periodontal disease ranges from inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), to severe infection and loss of the bone surrounding the teeth (periodontitis).
Allergies and Asthma Awareness
Allergies in Companion Animals If you or someone you know has allergies, you know this time of year means clogged up, sniffly, sneezing misery with every new wave of Spring. People with allergies tend to sneeze and have watery eyes. Dogs and cats increase grooming as well as scratch and lick excessively to try to alleviate their discomfort. This can actually make things worse because these actions can cause further skin irritation and possible infections.
Pet Dental Health Month
February is dental health month for pets! Dental health is just as important in your furry pets as it is in you. During dental month, we want to educate owners about dental disease and what they can do to improve their pet’s dental hygiene. Routine dental care is an important way to keep your pet from needing oral surgery to treat infection, but also keeps bad dog breath out of the way of cuddling with your furry friend. Your pet’s teeth should be shiny, white, and clean.
Antimicrobial Stewardship: Safeguarding Antimicrobial Drug Use
When we think of “Antimicrobials”, to the general public this could mean “antibiotics”. While it is true that antibiotics are antimicrobials, not all antimicrobials are antibiotics. As a definition, antimicrobials are “Products that kill or curb the growth of microorganisms”.
Pets and the Summer Heat
As the summer nears and the weather continues to warm up, it is important to be mindful of the impact it can have on our pets. Dogs, especially, are spending a lot more time outdoors and traveling with their owners which can be a lot of fun, but can be potentially dangerous if we (their owners) are not prepared for the heat.
Canine Separation Anxiety
A tough, but pretty common problem, often seen in canine patients is anxiety. Some level of short term stress is healthy for an animal, and even humans, because it allows us to survive and thrive despite threats to our well-being. However, when the stress becomes long-term negative side effects may occur leading to unwanted behaviors and health risks.