A Year in Review: Top 5 Pet Health Blogs of the Year!
It’s not every day that we’re given the chance to reflect. Instead, we’re usually running between appointments, errands, and commitments. But, the new year offers a special opportunity to look back at the cumulative accomplishments, setbacks, lessons, and experiences of the last 12 months.
As far as we’re concerned, it’s been an incredible year, and we continue to appreciate our valued clients and their wonderful pets. Our pet health blogs are aimed to provide you with interesting, relevant, and educational topics on all of the aspects of caring for your pet. From information on common conditions affecting pets to light and entertaining topics, like the affinity for boxes by our feline friends, we are always here to help you learn more!
In this spirit, here’s our top 5 pet health blogs of 2017!
Stumped? Not With Our Top Pet Gift Ideas of the Season
It may seem indulgent to purchase and wrap presents for pets, but it’s actually very thoughtful. While we can’t necessarily speak for your pet in this situation, our best guess is that they appreciate anything you give them. Like us, animals like new stuff. They love to make things theirs. Whether it’s by slobbering all over them, cuddling them, or batting them about, the following pet gift ideas aim to please everyone in your household.
Military Working Dogs: Honoring the Lives of Canine Veterans
Dogs are famous for their incredible sense of smell. Not only do they have more receptors in their noses than we do, but the part of a dog’s brain that processes scent is much larger than ours. Of course, this gives them an edge when tracking or detecting, but when used in tandem with their equally phenomenal sense of hearing, dogs are an absolute boon to military operations.
In large part, their skills are a result of formal training by – and recognition of – the military in war efforts since World War II. Canine veterans have bravely served and sacrificed for our country and, like their human handlers, have earned a highly regarded place in history.
What’s the Big Deal About a Fear Free Vet Practice?
The pets we know and love have profound reactions to the world around them. We can make the case that pets respond positively to various stimuli (think walks in the woods, laser pointers, snuggles on a cold night), so it only makes sense that they react in kind to stressful or traumatic events.
Fortunately, the national trend that honors an animal’s emotional state is growing – and fast! With a fear free vet, your pet no longer endures those “red light” moments of acute stress or anxiety when traveling to our practice. Indeed, your pet may even look forward to routine visits.
Do You Dread the Shed? How to Deal with Pet Hair
Owners of certain breeds know well the impact a little extra pet hair can have on daily life. Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Great Pyrenees, and German Shepherds are all famous for their top shedding abilities, whereas Poodles, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas are known to shed the least fur. Likewise, Persians and Maine Coons out-shed other cat breeds like Siamese, Burmese, and of course, the Sphinx.
All pet owners know that additional housekeeping comes with the territory when you’ve got furry family members, and most of the time pet hair is a non-issue. However, seasonal dips in temperature and reduced exposure to sunlight signal the brain to ramp up hair production. What does this result in?
Hint: Your vacuum knows the answer!
How to Build a Catio and Why You Should
There’s no question that pet cats live longer, healthier lives when they are kept exclusively indoors. Indoor cats are protected from injury, have fewer problems with illness and disease, and tend to have much longer lifespans than their outdoor peers. That being said, any cat owner who has witnessed his or her cat stare longingly out the window for hours on end probably doesn’t feel completely comfortable with the indoor-only arrangement.
But what other option is there? Enter, the “catio”!
All of us at Clairmont Animal Hospital believe that indoor cats shouldn’t miss out on fun and enrichment, which is why we are so excited to tell you all about something called a catio and how you can build one for your feline friends!
Get Out There! What to Know About Camping With a Pet?
For outdoor lovers, there’s no better feeling than to kick back and take in all the beauty the natural world has to offer. For those with pets, that’s all the more reason to keep camping on the list of awesome summer activities. While your friends at Clairmont Animal Hospital certainly agree with this, there are some precautions to consider before camping with a pet.
To make your outdoor adventures the most epic of all time, be sure to plan ahead for the safety and comfort of your furry outdoor buddy.
Home Away from Home: The Secrets to Successful Pet Boarding
Summer has arrived! As pet owners commence their vacation planning, the question of what to do with the family dog or cat while away inevitably arises. In a perfect world, we would bring our beloved companions everywhere we go, but traveling with pets can present significant challenges that aren’t always a part of the plan.
Pet boarding is often the safest option, especially if you opt to board your pet at a kennel that is attached to an AAHA veterinary hospital, like Clairmont Animal Hospital!
Beyond the Itch: Pet Skin Problems and the Benefits of Dermatology
It may come as a surprise to many owners, but pet skin problems are among the top reasons pets are brought in to see us. Our furry family members tend to experience a wide array of conditions that can manifest in the skin, including allergic response to pollens, molds, and even food.
Parasites cause everything from mange to chronic anxiety issues, and you might be shocked to learn that our four-legged friends often experience skin problems due to a number of different illnesses and conditions. That’s why veterinary dermatology is so important to the health and well-being of cats and dogs alike.
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What’s the Secret to a Long Life? Preventive Cat Care!
We could easily make the case that our cats chose us instead of the other way around. It’s one of the many reasons we love to live with felines – if it’s not their idea, you can hit the road (but maybe come back later for a cuddle or two?). Specifically, it can be slightly difficult to convince a tenacious feline that regular visits to the vet are for his or her own good. However, the secret to helping your cat live a long, healthy, happy life is preventive cat care.
Establishing Wellness
Cats carry the burden of an inaccurate reputation. Many people think they’re a sort of semi self-sufficient species. Certainly, some cats are perceived as less demanding or independent, but they have just as many health needs as other pets.