A question we often field from owners whose pets have recently had surgery, is whether or not it’s safe for their pets to exercise.

After a surgical procedure, many pet owners feel some trepidation about allowing their pet to exercise, and rightly so; but some activity is necessary for a successful recovery.

Exercising your pet after surgery, while using caution and maintaining a slow progression, can be advantageous as your pet heals from any surgery.

Each year in the United States, more than 6 million pets become lost or missing and end up in shelters. An astounding percentage of the pets that go missing are never reunited with their owner. 

Most pet owners assume that they’ll never have such an occurrence or that their pets will never wander away, but accidents happen all the time. One gate left open or a quick few minutes an owner looks at their phone while their pet is playing can result in a missing pet emergency.

Microchipping pets is a good solution to avoiding a permanently lost pet. This is why the team at Clairmont Animal Hospital is here to tell you more about this important chip and how they work.

Pets are ruled by routine because it makes them feel safe and secure. They thrive when they get meals at the same time, daily walks during the regular morning or evening hours, and snuggles (all the time). 

Because of the stay-at-home order, your pet happily adjusted to a new way of life, which included having their people around more often and, most likely, on a more pet-centric routine. Now that we have gone back to work (or getting ready to), we are preparing for the change, but may not consider this impact on our pets.

Some pet owners have already felt the effects of pet separation anxiety in their households. This is why the team at Clairmont Animal Hospital wants to help you ready your pet for the transition.

There’s much to be said for pet ownership. Pets are cute, funny, and loving companions that bring joy and laughter to our lives. In fact, studies show that pet owners are happier and healthier overall than their non-pet owning peers. This does not mean, however, that pet ownership is for everyone.

Although more and more people are opening their hearts and homes to pets these days, it does not mean that pet ownership is right for everyone. To help, the team at Clairmont Animal Hospital have some tips to get you set up for success.

There has never been a better time to play with your dog than right this very minute. The weather’s gorgeous, you’re both feeling a little antsy, and the truth is, a bit of outdoor time goes a long way toward overall health and wellness. 

Whether you’ve got a perfectly content little lap dog or a busy working breed, the time you put in to play with your dog can make all the difference in both of your lives.

The Long View

Depending on your dog’s age and breed, the general recommendation involves 30-60 minutes of exercise every day. This could mean a simple walk around the block, a trip to the park, or a strenuous hike.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know all too well the misery that accompanies the arrival of spring (or summer, or fall, as the case may be). Allergies affect our furry friends as well and, although the symptoms look different they aren’t any less uncomfortable. Allergies in pets can also lead to negative health consequences if they aren’t treated promptly.

Clairmont Animal Hospital wants to make sure you would know how to tell if your pet has allergies, and what you can do to help them.

It is widely accepted among cat owners that an occasional hairball is just par for the course. However, while all cats groom their fur coats, frequent hairballs definitely (more than about once per month) veer from what is considered normal, and should generate a special inquiry.

What We’re Really Talking About

Cats learn to groom themselves from their mothers, but they aren’t really good at it until they reach adulthood. For this reason, kittens rarely hack up hairballs. 

The feline tongue is covered with minute spikes that make easy work of picking up loose/dead hair, dirt, and debris. Since they only face backwards (towards the throat), anything picked up on the tongue is swallowed.

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:

Browsing the aisles of any pet store it’s safe to assume that the animals we share our homes with love the holidays as much as we do. From festive costumes to seasonal beds, dishes, and toys, it’s a foregone conclusion that pets feature prominently in holiday celebrations. 

That’s all well and good (and endlessly entertaining, of course), but there are definite risks to their overall health and wellbeing that shouldn’t be ignored. As a result, holiday pet safety measures should be enforced. Without a doubt, protecting pets from harm is something to be grateful for this holiday season.

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.