Posts in Category: You & Your Pet

The weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn’t mean that fun inside can’t be delightful! If you and your pets are feeling a little stir crazy, Clairmont Animal Hospital has just the ideas you need for some fun winter pet activities. 

Banishing the Blues

When the temperatures drop, the daylight hours diminish, and we spend more time indoors, things can get a little depressing. Chances are that you and your pet are less active. This can lead to some potential problems. 

Boredom and lack of stimulation can lead to issues such as:

Of all the things most pet owners are grateful for this time of year, their pet’s health typically ranks pretty high on the list. But keeping them safe, comfortable and healthy isn’t always easy. With all the potential risks that face them, a few seasonal reminders sure do come in handy! 

The concept of Thanksgiving pet safety may sound quite simple, but it’s more than just keeping your pet out of the kitchen. Whether you’re traveling or hosting this year, we hope that our tips keep your pet far away from harm. 

Has your pet entered their Golden Years? Maybe you have noticed a little gray on the muzzle of your fur baby, or that they seem to be moving a little more slowly than in years past?

Just as in humans, pets who are aging need a few adjustments in their environment to help keep them comfortable. But with better pet nutrition, more access to advanced medical care, and our better understanding of what pets need to stay healthy, we can all give our senior pets the happy golden years they deserve. Read on to find out how. 

The lives of college students can be very busy and full. From internships to thesis presentations to study abroad experiences, their calendars are seemingly bursting with never ending appointment reminders. This is why many college students consider adopting a pet a great goal for the very distant future. However, despite the time constraints and financial concerns, some soon-to-be grads can’t quite curb their desire to bring home a fluffy ball of fur.

While it’s true that pets can offer comfort, security, and stress relief to young adults away from home, prospective owners must seriously consider whether they can handle all the responsibilities that come with owning an animal companion.

Have you ever heard of AAHA, or seen the accreditation logo at our veterinary hospital? Many pet owners have not. AAHA stands for the American Animal Hospital Association. This designation is often misunderstood if not virtually unknown – but it’s an important one for you and your pet.

Does your pet’s hospital have an AAHA accreditation? And what exactly does it mean for you, and more importantly, for your pet? Here, Clairmont Animal Hospital explains.

For many of us (70%, according to statistics), our pets are considered family members. Which is why, when it comes to pet boarding, we need to be discerning in our selection of a facility as well as know what to do to ensure our pet’s comfort and health while we’re away.

When it comes to boarding your pet, here’s what to consider beforehand, from Clairmont Animal Hospital.

Social media is great at highlighting some of the more memorable moments from the past year, and most people love this form of reflection. Often, it’s the pictures of children or babies that make us pause to measure the passage of time. For others, it may be a picture of their pet from earlier in the year (or one when they were just a pup or kitten!).

Regardless of how people – especially pet owners – look back at the previous 12 months or so, the impact remains the same. For us, we’re thrilled to be able to review and contemplate our top 5 pet care blogs of 2018.

You may be considering pet adoption, and getting excited about the prospect of adding a new furry family member to your household. If you’re ready to adopt, why limit your choices to a puppy or a kitten? Consider opening your heart and home to a senior pet instead.

What, exactly is a senior pet? Once considered to be pets over 7 years of age, a senior pet –  according to the American Animal Hospital Association – is one in the last 25% of their life expectancy for the species and breed.

Senior pets need homes as much as their younger counterparts. Too often, senior pets live out their days in shelters or are euthanized because of their age. Many were once the faithful companions of people who moved to assisted living, nursing homes, or have died.

There are wonderful reasons why adopting a senior pet can be a life changing experience for the better, but senior pets also pose their own challenges – though not the ones you might think. Clairmont Animal Hospital explores what to consider when adopting a senior pet. Continue…

They’re intelligent, clever, affectionate, and amusing – but cats can also be pretty odd. They puff up when they feel threatened. They click and chatter at birds through the window. They climb, pounce, and ambush their targets. Sometimes, cat owners can become so immersed in their cat’s antics that subtle signals of illness or injury are misjudged. In other words, some cat behaviors can go from being perfectly normal to absolute indications that something is off. So, how do you know the difference?

Such Great Heights

Cats can seem sort of invincible. With their ability to jump several times their own height, climb to dizzying levels, and land gracefully on their feet (most of the time), cats inspire us with their highly evolved skills. To that end, we let a lot of weird, oddball cat behaviors slide because, well, they come with the awesome territory that is cat ownership. Continue…

Having a pet first aid kit on hand is a smart idea – after all, we all know a pet (ahem!) who is a little accident prone. A pet first aid kit also comes in handy during a natural disaster or if you’re stranded far from immediate help. With the arrival of camping season and outdoor summer adventures, now is a great time to assemble a pet first aid kit. Continue…