Pet Health News
Heartworm 101: Understanding Risks and How to Protect Your Pet
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Among the various health risks that pets face, heartworm disease stands out as a particularly insidious threat. This disease can have devastating effects on your pet, and yet, it is preventable. This article will delve into heartworm disease and stress the importance of proactive prevention.
Household Hazards: Understanding and Mitigating Pet Poisoning Risks
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Owning a pet offers immeasurable joy, companionship, and love. However, it also comes with the responsibility of ensuring their safety and well-being. Many common items found in our homes could pose significant poisoning risks to our furry companions. By understanding these hazards and how to prevent them, we can create a safer environment for our pets.
5 Tips for Your Pet's Dental Health
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We all wish for our furry friends to live happy, healthy lives by our sides. But often overlooked in pet care is a critical area that affects their overall well-being: dental health. Just like us, pets' teeth need regular attention to prevent discomfort, disease, and systemic health issues. In this article, we'll provide you with five essential tips to give your pet the sparkling, healthy smile they deserve!
Making Spirits Bright: How to Navigate Holiday Hazards for Your Pets
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The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also bring unexpected challenges for pet owners. As a veterinary team, we've seen our fair share of holiday-related pet emergencies, from tinsel ingestion to Christmas tree accidents. But with a little bit of preparation and foresight, you can help keep your pet friends safe and healthy this holiday season. In this blog, we'll share some common holiday hazards for pets and offer practical tips for avoiding them.
Feasting Safely: Foods Your Pet Should Avoid This Thanksgiving
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As Thanksgiving approaches, we all prepare to indulge in festive treats and a hearty Thanksgiving meal. But as pet owners, we must remember that our furry friends should not indulge in the same way. This Thanksgiving, we have compiled a list of foods your pet should avoid. Read on to learn how to keep your pets safe while you enjoy a delicious feast.
Spooky but Safe: How to Keep Your Pet Calm During Halloween
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Halloween is one of the most awaited events for kids and adults. The streets are filled with people wearing creative costumes, decorations are everywhere you look, and sweet treats and the scent of pumpkin spice fill the air. While it is a festive occasion, this can also be a time of stress and anxiety for our pets. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet calm during Halloween:
Getting Ahead of Fleas: Your Fall Guide to Parasite Prevention
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As pet owners, we can attest that flea infestation can not only be annoying but also extremely dangerous to our pets. Fleas can cause severe skin irritation, anemia, and even transmit deadly diseases. As we approach the fall season, it's essential to be proactive in preventing fleas before they become a problem. In this article, we will discuss the flea life cycle, the dangers of fleas infesting your pet, signs to look out for, the benefits of flea prevention, and why you should purchase flea prevention medication from us, your trusted veterinarian.
Back to School Blues: Helping Your Pet Adjust to a Quieter House
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Back to school season is an exciting time for kids, but for pets, it can be the source of anxiety and stress. After a summer filled with playtime, cuddles, and attention, the sudden decrease in activity can have a profound impact on our pets. It's common for pets to experience separation anxiety when their families head back to work and school, and it's important for pet owners to recognize the signs and take steps to help their pets adjust. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies to help your pets ease into a quieter home.
Recognizing Signs of Fear in Pets During Summer Months
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As pet owners, it's crucial to prioritize the mental and physical health of our beloved companions. One of the most common causes of stress in pets is summer thunderstorms and fireworks. During these events, pets exhibit various behaviors that indicate fear and stress.When experiencing a thunderstorm or fireworks, pets may pant excessively, bark or howl, tremble, hide, or even become destructive. These behaviors can be alarming and cause stress to both the pet and the owner.So what can you do to help alleviate your furry friend's stress during these situations?
Pet Owner’s Springtime Checklist
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Have you thrown yourself into your spring cleaning? If you’re like most people, you’re airing out the house, getting some plants in the ground, and enjoying the beauty of this season with your pet by your side. In fact, this is one of the best times of year to be a pet–the birds and squirrels are active and back to their favorite hobby of entertaining our dogs and cats, and the weather is perfect for letting some fresh air in for your cat or taking your dog on a long walk. If you’ve knocked out your spring cleaning and are ready to move on to some pet care musts, we’re here to help! We put together a list to help you plan your springtime pet care.
Keeping Pets Safe and Healthy: Essential Tips for Pet Poison Prevention
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According to the Pet Poison Helpline, every year, thousands of pets are affected by accidental poisoning. To raise awareness about common poisons and how we can prevent our pets from being exposed to them, Pet Poison Prevention Month is observed in March.
Year-Round Pet Dental Care: Why It Matters
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February is Pet Dental Health Month and it’s a great time for pet owners to brush up on their pet care knowledge. Just like humans, pets need good dental healthcare. That’s why it’s important to understand the basics of taking care of your pet’s teeth and gums all year round. Let’s dive into the significance of proper pet dental health and how you can keep your pets healthy and happy.
The Dangers of Pet Obesity & How to Prevent It
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Just like humans, our pets can suffer from obesity. As pet owners, it's our responsibility to make sure our animal companions stay at a healthy weight. Not only does obesity limit your pet's mobility, but it can also lead to a host of health problems and make your pet more susceptible to disease. Here's what you need to know about pet obesity and how to prevent it.
Hidden Signs of Pain: How to Recognize Discomfort in Your Pet
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When our pets are sick or injured, they can’t tell us where it hurts or how they feel. However, there are subtle signs that can help you determine when your pet isn’t feeling well. Knowing how to recognize these hidden signs of pain is essential for getting your pet the help they need and improving their comfort.
An Itchy Problem - What You Need to Know About Your Pet's Skin
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Is your pet constantly scratching? Pets can suffer from various skin issues that can cause extreme discomfort. Some pets may develop skin irritation as a result of allergies, while other pets may be itchy from fleas or other parasites. To provide your pet some itch relief, you’ll need to know what to look for and what is causing your pet’s problem.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common skin issues in pets and what you can do to help.
Pet Fire Safety
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Pets are a part of your family, and it’s essential to consider them when making emergency plans. July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day and the perfect opportunity to learn more about keeping your furry friends safe.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common fire dangers and what steps you can take to prepare your pet for an emergency.
If You’re Worried About Summer Booms, There’s Help!
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Does your dog have a fear of thunderstorms or fireworks? Many pets are scared of sudden loud noises and experience various symptoms due to their noise aversion. Unfortunately, thunderstorms and fireworks shows often occur more frequently during the summer months and can cause increased anxiety in your pet.
Ready for Summer? 5 Ways to Help Your Pet
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Are you ready to enjoy warm summer days with your furry friend? With summer just around the corner, it’s essential to make sure you and your pets are prepared for some fun in the sun.
Keeping Pets Parasite Free Helps People, Too!
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While parasite prevention is essential for your pet’s health, it can also play a critical role in keeping you and your family safe. Some of the parasites that affect pets can be spread to people.
In this article, we’ll discuss which parasites could be a risk to you and how to keep you and your pets parasite free.
Hidden Toxins in Your Home
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Is your home a safe space for your pet? Unfortunately, many everyday items in your home can pose a significant risk to your pet’s health. Here are a few dangers that may be lurking in your home and steps you can take to help keep your pet safe.
Love Your Pet? Show Their Teeth Some TLC
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Are you looking for ways to show your pet some extra love this Valentine’s Day? While toys and treats are great, there is nothing better than giving your pet the gift of health. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and an excellent time to make your pet’s dental health a priority.
8 New Year's Resolutions for Pet Owners
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It's a new year, which means it's a perfect time to reflect on the special bond you and your pet share. You love your pet. And they love you! Pets are treasured members of our families, so it just makes good sense to consider the year ahead and plan ways to help your pet stay in tip-top shape! Read on for 8 simple ways you can make your pet's life even better.
Keeping Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season
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Celebrating the holidays with your pet is a wonderful gift. However, these celebrations can pose some potential risks to your pet’s health. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to help keep your pet safe this holiday season.
It is the Season of Gratitude
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It is the season of gratitude! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for allowing us to care for your precious pets, and share a few reasons why we are so grateful this holiday season.
3 Reasons We Appreciate Our Veterinary Technicians
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The week of October 17-23 is wonder-fur! Why are we so excited? It’s National Veterinary Technician Week! And we love taking the opportunity to celebrate the hardworking veterinary technicians that make our practice the special place that it is. Are you curious about how our vet techs are vital to the care of your pet when you walk through our doors? Here are 3 reasons we love our vet tech and why you should, too!
3 Signs Your Pet May Be in Pain
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It crosses every pet owner’s mind: “Is my pet in pain?” And this question comes up more and more as our pets get older. One of the most difficult things about being a pet owner is that our pets cannot verbalize how they’re feeling. This leads us to wonder if our dogs and cats are living their best lives. The last thing you want is your pet struggling with chronic or acute pain, after all. And while your pet will likely never learn to speak human, they often send more subtle signs that they’re in pain. Here are 3 of the most common signs that your pet is in pain:
Feline Fine - 5 habits that positively impact the health of your cat
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Cats are wonderful pets; in fact, over 25% of US households share their home with a feline companion, according to the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). They’re cute, cuddly, comical, and provide delightful companionship! But there are some things you will want to keep in mind to keep your cat's health in tip-top shape. Since August 22 is National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day, we're sharing 5 habits that positively impact the health of your cat!
Often Overlooked Summer Safety Hazards
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Pull out the sunglasses, ball caps, and flip-flops! Summer is in full swing. For pet owners, summer offers some of the most exciting activities to keep pets active and elated. Unfortunately, this lovely season also comes along with some less-than-fun hazards that can put a real damper on the joy of summer. While you may know not to leave your pet in the car, there are some other overlooked dangers that arise under the summer sun. Keep your pet safe by avoiding these summertime hazards:
Booms, Zooms, and Commotion-Free Rooms
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As summer approaches, so do the booms, blasts, and excitement that come along with this commotion-filled season. From thunderstorms to the Fourth of July, pets experience an array of experiences that can bring out their anxiety. Preparing for the noise, hustle and bustle, and celebrations can reduce your pet’s stress and prevent young pets from trauma that could lead to life-long fears. Unsure how you can prep for booms and blasts? Here are our top tips for helping your pet through the summer celebrations and downpours.
Why Choose Us For Your Pets Medications
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You would never take risks when it comes to your pet’s safety, health, and wellbeing. Would you? Well, with the rise of counterfeit prescription drugs and rogue online pharmacies, you may inadvertently be putting your pet at risk [1]. Your pet’s health has always been our top priority which is why you trust us to provide them with the best care.
Household Pet Poisons Most People Don't Know About
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Did you know that March is Pet Poison Prevention Month? This month is dedicated to keeping pets safe from accidental poisonings and educating pet owners on how to do just that. Some curious pets cannot help but get into trouble when it comes to exploring household items that can pose a danger. Others may incidentally walk across the garage floor, garden, or sidewalk and wind up ill. To help you better safeguard your pets, check out these common household pet poisons that most people don’t think about.
12 Tips to Celebrate Pet Dental Health All Year Long!
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Here is a fact we hope you’ll sink your teeth into: preventing periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). By protecting your pet’s dental health, you can extend their life by three years! Along with obesity, dental disease is a leading (and preventable) illness that takes the lives of far too many pets far too early. To make matters even more pressing, over 80% of dogs and 50% of cats over the age of three will develop periodontal disease.
Planning Your Pet’s Health This Year: A Month-by-Month Guide for Pet Parents
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We want to encourage you to be vigilant about your pet’s weight. Keeping track of weight gain and loss can help you identify health issues before they worsen. Weigh your pet with your bathroom scale. Weigh yourself. Then pick up your pet. What’s the weight difference?
The Gift of Health for Your Pet
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As you’re shopping for the holiday season, you may ask yourself, “What’s the best gift I can give my pet?” While pet sweaters are cute and can make for adorable holiday cards, we believe the best present a pet parent can gift their pet is a healthy, happy life. When you invest in your pet’s wellbeing, you’re giving the most heartfelt gift a pet could ask for (if they knew how to speak). As a pet parent, you are your pet’s advocate for a better life. You’re like Santa but better--you have the opportunity to make your pet merrier every day of the year.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with an Attitude of Gratitude
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Despite all that has happened in 2020, this year has its hidden gems. From having more time to snuggle with the cat to greeting neighbors working from home on walks with the dog, there is still so much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving.
Have a Not-So-Scary October
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2020 has been scary enough, so there’s no need for any extra worries this year. To help keep your pets safe this October, we’re offering you our top tricks to keeping the treat in this sweet month.
3 Hidden Signs of Pet Pain - Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You Something?
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Pain and your pet: two things you never want to think about together. When our pets hurt, our hearts break. We do everything we can to help our beloved companions avoid the irritation and anguish of physical discomfort. Yet it can be challenging to recognize how your pet experiences pain and exhibits distress. It would be so much easier if our furry family members spoke human!
Caring for Your Pet Locally is Caring for Your Community
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We’re proud to be part of this diverse and caring community. We are equally honored to be a local business that makes an impact on the happiness and health of your furry family members.
3 Hidden Summer Hazards That Can Be Fatal for Pets
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The dog days of summer are here. For many, this season comes with endless possibilities for having fun with your pets, like picnics, nature walks, and swimming pools. After being stuck at home for so long due to COVID-19, we bet you’re looking to break up the boredom with some outdoor adventures.
5 Ways to Prevent Doom & Gloom from Summer Booms
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Does your dog or cat run and hide when there’s a thunderstorm? What about the Fourth of July? Between unpredictable weather and fireworks, your pet may be dreading summer.
Making the Most of Quarantine with Your Pets
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While COVID-19 quarantines continue across the country, you may be spinning your wheels to stay busy, productive, and positive. Luckily, our pets provide a great deal of comfort and companionship despite the isolation and stress caused by the Novel Coronavirus. As dogs and cats get used to having you at home, you may need to add some new activities to your repertoire to help keep them busy and make the most of your time together.
Spring into Spring with These 3 Pet Safety Tips
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Are you ready to hop into spring? We sure are. In spite of the uncertainties of this unprecedented time, we are happy to see so many people (distantly) uniting and finding creative ways to be the community we’re proud to serve. From treasure-hunt style Easter egg hunts to the resurgence of “Victory Gardens,” it’s heartwarming to see folks looking out for each other while staying safe and healthy.
Common Household Items Can Be Toxic to Pets: Here's What You Need to Know
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March is Pet Poison Prevention Month. Many pet parents are surprised by the number of seemingly harmless items around the house that can cause serious injury or death for cats and dogs. To help you march through this spring and into the rest of the year with a safer home for your animal companions, here are the most common and dangerous household poisons to keep away from your pets.
Make Your Pet’s Dental Health a Reason to Smile
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Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month? We love that this month is devoted to your canine’s canines, your kitty’s chompers, and your pet’s pearly whites. While your companion’s mouth may be a source of kisses and smiles, pet parents may overlook how much their pet’s dental health affects their overall well-being.
Sit, Stay, Read On for Tips and Tricks to Teach Your Pet
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Are you ready to ring in the New Year with some new tricks to teach your dog or cat? Yes--cats can learn tricks, and they’re rather good at it! January is “Train Your Pet Month”. You can celebrate with your best friend by teaching them a few new moves to impress the neighbors. It’s also a great time to make an appointment with our clinic to work on breaking some bad habits if you’re concerned about new or recurring behaviors that are getting in the way of the bond you share.
5 Unbeatable Gifts to Give Your Pet This Year
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As the holidays approach, you’ve probably switched into Santa-mode and started making a gift list and checking it twice. And like most pet parents, you probably buy your pets something extra special to thank your best friends for being oh-so-amazing! If you’re still deciding on the perfect present for your pets this year, we have some unbeatable ideas that your pets are sure to appreciate!
Holiday Considerations for Your Pet: Seeing The Holiday Through Your Pet’s Eyes
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When you see the holiday through your pet’s eyes, the big guy in the red suit may seem kind of frightening. And that’s not all - the home filled with scents of tasty but possibly unhealthy and dangerous foods, the noise of the door opening and closing as guests arrive makes their hearts race, strangers scare them, and ornaments look an awful lot like toys. Plus there’s the tree - which looks like an indoor bathroom to your dog.
Fall Pet Safety Prevention that Deserves Your Attention
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Don’t let your pet “fall” into some of the most common safety hazards we see this time of year. Fall may be the most beautiful season to some, but there are unique risk factors you can prepare for. If you’re anything like most people, you breathe easier this time of year.
September is Animal Pain Awareness Month
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Nothing hurts pet parents more than believing their pet is in pain. And we can’t blame them. It’s hard to know exactly how much pain or discomfort our lovable pets may be in since they can’t ask for aspirin or show us where it hurts.
Happy National Immunization Awareness Month!
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August is here, bringing plenty of sunshine and joy. Do you know what else August provides pet parents? A chance to take a moment and meditate on your dog’s health. That’s right! August is National Immunization Awareness Month, or as we like to think of it: “National Protect Your Pets and Help Them Live a Long and Happy Life Month” - but that’s a bit of a mouthful!
Keep Your Pet Cool and Safe This Summer
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Summer is here! Whether you have a hairless Sphynx or a hairy Husky, the heat this time of year can be dangerous for pets. Whatever the breed or size of your kitty or canine, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your pet safe and comfy as the mercury rises.
Pet Safety for this Fourth of July
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Here are some of the most common questions regarding the Fourth of July and pet dangers. We tried to answer some questions you may have and suggest ways you can help keep your pet safe this Independence Day!
Make the Most of this Summer with Our Summer Safety Tips
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Summer is the best season to be a dog! The sunshine and great weather lead to endless possibilities of fun outdoor activities. From doggie paddling on a beach summer vacation to leaping through the woods, summer is dog-gone fun!
Pet Poison Prevention: Are You Ready for Spring?
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It can be scary when your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, especially when you didn’t see what he licked or swallowed. To help raise awareness of the issue and prevent illness or fatality in pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association named the third week in March Pet Poison Prevention Week. Below are some hazards you should be especially aware of this time of year.
Top 5 Ways to Give Your Dog Their Best Life! (*HINT: Pay Special Attention to #5!)
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Consider all the joy and love your dog brings into your life. Now, imagine if you could take measures to help your dog live longer with a better quality of life. Wouldn’t you want to return the happiness your dog provides you for years to come?
Fortunately, with proper care over your dog’s lifetime, she can live happier, healthier, and statistically longer.
Safe and Thankful
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The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving is a part of the tradition for many families. But in the commotion, it's important to keep safety in mind for our four-legged family members. Our DeVun Veterinary Medical Hospital veterinary staff offers these Thanksgiving safety tips to help you all have a safe and special holiday!
Safe Spooking
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Do you have plans for trick-or-treating this month? Parties? Visiting kiddos in creative costumes? As Halloween activities can often stretch through much of October, our DeVun Vet Medical Hospital veterinary staff provides these tips to help keep this fun and spooky holiday safe for furry family members, too! You can help your pet enjoy the season by being mindful of “F.E.A.R.: food, environment, attire and recovery”
It's National Pet Dental Health Month
The American Veterinary Medical Association declared February as National Pet Dental Health Month several years ago to underscore the importance of oral healthcare. Did you know that up to 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop periodontal disease by the time they are three years old? This is alarming because untreated periodontal disease can cause infection by spreading to other areas of the body. It can also cause your pet to lose teeth, making it more difficult for him to chew food and get the nutrition he needs to remain healthy.
Commit to a Year of Wellness with Your Pet
Now that the calendar has flipped to 2017, we at DeVun Veterinary Medical Hospital encourage you to commit to your pet’s wellness this year. Like many pet owners, you might assume your pet is fine if you don’t see any signs of illness. However, true animal wellness is more than the absence of pain or disease. To ensure your pet’s health, happiness, and longevity, commit to the following:
GIVE YOUR PET A SAFE GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Your pet is a part of your family and you naturally want to include her in the holiday festivities, including giving her a new toy as a gift. At DeVun Veterinary Medical Hospital, we urge you to consider the following factors when choosing a present for your pet:
- Your pet’s size is a big consideration when it comes to giving him chewable toys. A small rubber ball may be fine for a poodle, but a large breed dog might choke on it.
- Stiches, plastic eyes, ribbons, and ties attached to toys can quickly become a choking hazard if your dog or cat is able to get the item loose. Be sure to remove these items before giving your pet the toy to ensure her safety.
Knowing the Signs of Pet Cancer Could Save a Life
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs and cats, particularly when the animal is over age 10. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 50 percent of senior dogs and 33 percent of senior cats die of some type of cancer. No matter what the age of the pet, a cancer diagnosis often comes as a complete shock to his owner. That is because dogs and cats are good at hiding their symptoms and don't have the ability to verbalize that something is wrong.
As a concerned pet owner, it's up to you to know the signs of cancer so you can seek immediate treatment if your pet displays any of them. While having some of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean your pet has a tumor, it's always best to have them checked out at DeVun Veterinary Medical Hospital.