Some cats are naturally cuddly and constantly look for and secure a warm lap on which to purr. Others, well, let’s just say they really don’t like being held. They may hide, howl, shriek, and lash out at any open arms, no matter how inviting and unthreatening. It can be daunting to face a fractious cat, but when you adopt our strategies, you’ll not only be able to properly hold a cat, but you can do it in ways that enhance the experience of closeness. 

During your pet’s annual wellness exam, we always take time to check his or her mouth, gums, and teeth. This oral health exam is one of the most important and basic ways to keep your pet’s overall health good. It’s a little known fact that by the time pets are 4 years of age, over 85% of them have some form of dental disease. Luckily, this is entirely preventable.

At Clairmont Animal Hospital, we get a lot of questions about pet dental health, and so we thought we’d take this opportunity to answer some of these pressing concerns.

It’s cold and flu season for people, and pets are no different. Did you know that canine influenza is an illness that could affect your pupper this winter? Clairmont Animal Hospital has the info that you need to know about the dog flu and how to protect your pup. 

All About Canine Influenza

Canine influenza is a very contagious viral respiratory disease that affects dogs specifically. Thankfully, humans and dogs don’t share this virus!

We first experienced dog flu in the United States in 2004. Since then, there have been several outbreaks across the country. We are currently aware of two different strains of canine influenza. 

Most of us are connected to the web in one way or another every single day. Reading the news, banking, shopping, and planning are almost exclusively done online now, and emailing is a huge part of our daily routines. It only makes sense that pet technology would develop right alongside the many ways we use the internet to make life easier. There are some fantastic trends in pet technology that enhance and impact pet ownership, safety, and health. 

Not ones to be outdone by other companion animals, cats are taking center stage more and more. With every passing year, modern domestic cats enjoy all that life has to offer. Sure, many cats still enjoy naps in a sunny window or rolling about getting their belly rubbed. But others are going kayaking or riding in a basket on their owner’s mountain bike. This is all to say that cats can and should enjoy the great outdoors. The best part? You can leash train a cat to stay close to you on walks!

Anyone with a special pup in their life knows that our canine companions are all heart. This can make it even more devastating, though, when heart disease in dogs affects your family. Clairmont Animal Hospital is here to help you, though, when it comes to understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of heart disease in dogs. 

Deafness can occur at any time in a pet’s life, and for several reasons. Many animals are born without their sense of hearing. Whatever the case may be, deaf pets are deserving of a safe and supportive home. There are lots of ways that owners can provide all the elements for a fulfilling and healthy life, and training a deaf pet is an essential part of the process. 

We all have heard the saying “you are what you eat.” Nutrition is definitely important and an essential part of taking care of your pet, but choosing your pet’s food can be a daunting task. There are a lot of choices out there from raw dog food to home-cooked to human grade ingredients. One question that we get asked a lot at Clairmont Animal Hospital is whether or not to feed organic dog food. Read on to learn our answer.

Have you been spending too much time on the couch? Has your dog been giving you the stink eye every time you pass by the leash? It might be time to dust off those running or hiking shoes. There’s nothing quite like outdoor walks with your dog to get you motivated.

The team at Clairmont Animal Hospital has compiled a few pointers to keep your pet safe, as well as some local suggestions for good fun and exercise.

Safety First: Going on Walks with Your Dog

Before you grab the leash and head outside, make sure you brush up on summer pet safety tips. Be a dog walking pro with the following suggestions:

Dogs are fully equipped with many incredible skills and adaptations that keep domestic life fun and interesting. Despite this, they are lacking in one important area. Their individual cooling systems are woefully ineffective when battling high heat and exertion. In contrast with their human owners and other mammalian species, dogs don’t perspire as a function of numerous glands throughout the body. Instead, dogs sweat primarily through their paw pads. Fortunately, this isn’t the only mechanism they can rely on to cool down.