Pet-Friendly Halloween Activities Near Atlanta

dog dressed for halloween.

Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for fun, pet-friendly activities in the Atlanta area, Clairmont Animal Hospital has you covered! From spooky parades to costume contests, there’s something for every furry friend to enjoy. Read on for ideas about where to take your dog for Halloween in Atlanta, Georgia, and make the most of this festive season.

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How Pain and Discomfort Affect Senior Pet Behavior

senior pet.

Since pets grow up so rapidly and then plateau for several years, the longest life stage is actually the senior or geriatric lifestage. As most pets become seniors around the age of 6 or 7 years old, and potentially live near or well past 15, the senior life stage is of crucial importance. With strategies to maintain optimal health, senior pets can enjoy continued comfort, mobility, and flexibility. However, most senior pets do experience some level of pain and discomfort that can affect their behavior. 

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Thin Air: Protecting Brachycephalic Breeds From The Heat

A man walking his French bulldog.

Of the most popular dog breeds in the Atlanta area, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs round out the top five. Perhaps it is their unique charm and inexplicable cute factor that endear them to owners and dog lovers alike, but this can often come at a cost. Indeed, the anatomy of these special brachycephalic breeds can cause problematic breathing, a matter made worse by the scorching temperatures of high summer.

Clairmont Animal Hospital understands the importance of protecting brachycephalic breeds from the heat, and hope we can all increase the safety and comfort of these unique pets.

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Signs Your Pet May Be Going Blind

puppy looking up.

Our eyes are important for functioning and navigating the world. While it is possible to live a full life without vision, it is certainly ideal to protect this important sense when possible. Pet vision is no different, and protecting their eyes is important. Learn about eye care for pets from your friends at Clairmont Animal Hospital and how to identify if your pet’s vision is impaired.

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Swimming Safety: Tips for Introducing Your Pet to Water

pug on a paddleboard.

During the summer, there’s nothing like jumping into a crisp, cool body of water. If you want to include your pet in this summer fun, it’s important to do so safely. Introducing your pet to water could be the best way to beat the heat, and with our guide to swimming safety, you can both enjoy all the season has to offer. 

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Feeding Guidelines for Different Life Stages of Pets

hungry dog eating.

When it comes to feeding pets, there is no such thing as a “one-food-fits-all” approach. Providing pets with a diet optimized for each life stage promotes better overall health, and in this blog, our team at Clairmont Animal Hospital helps you put the best nutrition possible on your pet’s plate.

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Avoiding Common Pet Poisons in the Home

A cat near cleaning products.

Since the entire month of March is dedicated to poison awareness, with this week being National Poison Prevention Week, we thought it would be the opportune time to discuss household chemicals and your pets. Pet poisons can consist of everything from outdoor lawn chemicals to foods in our fridge, but how often do we overlook cleaning products as being potentially dangerous to pets?

Before you roll up your sleeves to tackle this season’s spring cleaning duties, here are some basic reminders about pet poison safety and how to keep your pet from being exposed to these noxious products.

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Holiday Pet Treats to Remember All Year

Holiday pet treat.

Most owners consider their pets to be close members of the family, so it makes sense to want to indulge them during the holidays. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include sneaking them scraps of turkey or stuffing under the table. That’s why we’ve gathered some delicious holiday pet treats that your fur pal will find both filling and satisfying.

Before the Goodness

Weight gain during the holidays isn’t restricted to humans. A decline in outdoor exercise paired with tasty holiday indulgences can add a few pounds to your pet’s waistline. If you have doubts about your pet’s weight or diet, please let us know. We can help develop a plan to support your companion’s seasonal wellness.

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Itchy And Scratchy: Our Guide To Fall Pet Allergies

A dog scratching his ear.

If only pet allergies were relegated to a certain season (ahem, we’re looking at you, spring)… The truth is, however, they can affect any pet at any time throughout the year. Fall pet allergies are particularly irritating because there isn’t ever a break between pollinating autumnal weeds, such as ragweed, sagebrush, thistle, and cocklebur, that line thoroughfares and paths alike. But there is power in preparation – and when you know the source of the problem, treatment is more effective.

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Common Symptoms of Snake Bites in Pets

dog looking at snake.

Georgia is home to a rich ecosystem that includes 47 snake species. They rarely attack unprovoked, but snakes will certainly defend themselves if they feel threatened by people or pets. With population growth and encroaching development, encounters with snakes are increasing. Whether you witness a snake bite first hand or you notice common symptoms of snake bites in pets, it is important to take quick action.

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