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Should I Microchip My Pet?
As a pet owner, you do everything you can to keep your pet safe. In recent years, you might have heard of microchip implants for cats and dogs. This technology is becoming increasingly common, but you might still have questions about the procedure, its potential risks, and whether or not it is worth it. In short, many vets, animal rescues, and pet sellers highly recommend microchips. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about implant microchips. What Are Microchips, & How Do They Work? A microchip is a small electronic identifier, about the size of a grain of…
Are Wellness Exams Necessary If My Pet Is Healthy?
Many pet owners know that wellness exams are essential for new puppies and kittens to establish their health, de-worm and vaccinate them, and discuss spay and neutering options. They also know to visit the veterinarian if the pet shows signs of illness. This could include limping, changes in diet, or lethargy. But some pet owners may be skeptical about regular wellness exams when their pet seems totally healthy. This brings us to the question: Are wellness exams necessary? The answer is YES. Wellness exams are just important for pets as they are for people. Humans must visit the doctor or…
Why Do My Dog’s Feet Smell Like Corn Chips?
As a dog owner, you’re used to the unpleasant and sometimes strange smells that come along with your pooch. One smell we hear about often is “Frito feet,” or when a dog’s paws seem to smell like corn chips. What is this weird – and kind of gross – phenomenon, and does it mean anything bad for your dog? Why “Frito Feet” Happens Just like on human skin, some level of bacteria and fungi are always present. When your dog’s paws have a bacteria called Pseudomonas and Proteus, their paws can give off a yeasty odor that does smell similar…
How to Decode Your Cat’s Mood By Looking at Their Tail
A cat’s tail is an evolutionary necessity, helping them maintain balance as they jump, run, and walk along those precarious ledges. But there’s more to a cat’s tail than just a means to help your cat stay on the straight and narrow; it’s also a way for your cat to communicate how it’s feeling to other cats and humans. Here’s what your cat’s different tail positions and movements mean when it comes to their mood: High Tail In general, a cat that’s walking around with its tail held high is happier and in a better mood than one with a…
5 Scary Consequences of Ignoring Your Pet’s Dental Health
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and it’s a great time to think about getting your dog’s or cat’s teeth checked and cleaned. While keeping your pet’s teeth in good condition can be frustrating – especially if your pet doesn’t take well to regular brushing – it’s an essential part of their overall health and well-being. Here are 5 scary consequences of ignoring your pet’s dental health for too long: Dental Disease Spikes Your Pet’s Immune System If your pet’s teeth are in bad shape and they develop dental disease, it can cause their immune system to go haywire….
6 Tips for Helping Your Dog Cope with Schedule Changes
Whether you’re starting a new job, your kids are returning to school, or you’re going through a divorce, adapting to changes to your schedule can be frustrating. For your dog, the changes can be even more difficult for them to adjust to. They’re used to you leaving at the same time every day, coming home at the same time, and feeding them at the same time. Sudden changes to your daily schedule can throw off your dog’s behavior and mood, leaving them seeming withdrawn or stressed. If you’re facing an upcoming life and schedule change, here are 6 tips for…
Do I Need to Quarantine My New Pet?
Welcoming a new pet into your home is a momentous occasion, but it’s one that can come with a great deal of worry. How will the new pet react to your home? How will any existing pets you own handle it? What about the human occupants of your home? For many new pet owners, bringing home a new animal makes them feel as if they need to quarantine their cat or dog for a time before fully integrating it into the home. Here’s when you should (and shouldn’t) quarantine a new pet: If Your New Pet’s Been Sick Sometimes, pets…
Don’t Want to Declaw? 4 Alternatives for Your Cat
Cats are natural predators, and with that status comes built-in weapons: Their claws. And while domesticated cats don’t exactly need their claws (After all, there’s no need to chase down that bowl of dry food that appears every morning), they still have them. For many pet owners, these claws are seen as threats not to mice and birds, but to furniture and their own flesh. The practice of declawing has fallen out of favor in recent decades, and is even discouraged by the American Veterinary Medical Association, but many pet owners still contemplate the practice. Old Farm Veterinary Hospital does…
Teaching Your Puppy Not to Nip: 6 Tips to Stop the Biting
Your new puppy may be cute and cuddly, but their teeth can pack a serious punch when they decide to nip you. Nipping is a completely normal, natural behavior for puppies who are teething and learning to use their teeth, but it’s a behavior that must be stopped to protect you and your family as your dog grows. Putting a stop to biting behaviors as soon as you notice them is key to teaching your puppy not to nip. Here are 6 things you can do to help them stop biting: Teach Bite Inhibition As puppies grow, they tend to…
What to Expect When Your Pet Receives Anesthesia
Every day, pets undergo procedures that require anesthesia. Whether routine or emergency, there are always risks when “going under,” just like with humans. Because pets are less apt to stay still for their procedures, their chances of needing anesthesia are far higher than humans’. As a pet owner, it is important to understand the risks and expectations so that you can make the best decision for your pet. Here is what you can expect when your pet needs anesthesia: Before Anesthesia For a healthy pet, the risks of anesthesia are greatly reduced compared to those who are older or have…
Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
You may have heard that dogs eat grass when they have an upset stomach. If you have a dog that likes to graze when you are out for a walk, you may even be concerned. While digestive issues could be the cause, there are many other reasons that your dog may nibble on wild greens. Here are some reasons your dog may be eating grass, and what you can do to stop or minimize the behavior: Boredom Is your dog eating grass when left alone? He could be bored, especially if you have a young puppy. Try not to react,…
4 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe in Hot Weather
When the summer sun comes out, your personal care routine is bound to change. You drink more water, find ways to keep cool, and wear lighter fabrics. But you aren’t the only one whose routine needs an upgrade. Even on days that don’t seem that hot to you, your pet could be at risk for heat stroke! Be sure to give your pet a little extra TLC to ensure their safety during the hot summer months. Here are 4 tips for keeping your pet safe during the warmer season: Hydrate Just like humans need more water during the summer, so…
7 Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs
Osteoarthritis is a common ailment found in older dogs, as well as some larger breeds that are genetically prone to it. Similarly to humans, arthritis in dogs causes changes in the affected joints that can be incredibly painful for your pet. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but is most commonly found in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. It can be caused by ongoing wear and tear, but can also be caused by an injury to the area, genetics, and disease. If you notice any of the following 7 signs and suspect that your dog may suffer from arthritis,…
6 Tips for Introducing Your Pet to Your New Baby
For many, their pet is their first “child.” You take good care of them, bring them to doctor appointments, make sure they eat balanced meals, and worry about them when they are not feeling well. Your furry companion is an important part of your family. When adding a baby to the family, despite a pet owner’s best efforts, the dynamics between humans and their pets will change. It can be a confusing time for the family pet, who was once the center of your world, to suddenly receive less attention. As new parents, you may worry about how your pet…
My Cat Is Coughing & Sneezing. What Could Be Wrong?
If your cat suddenly starts sneezing and coughing more than normal, you may start to wonder if something is wrong. After all, cats are notoriously good at hiding illness until it has become severe. At what point should you start to worry? Much like humans, the occasional cough or sneeze is completely harmless. It’s likely something small like dust up the nose, fur in the throat, or some other foreign matter. If, however, the symptoms are more frequent and last a while, there may be cause for concern. So, how do you know when it is time to call the…
Is It Safe to Give My Pet Table Scraps?
We never recommend feeding human food or table scraps to your pets. Their store-bought diet has been specifically formulated for pets’ nutritional needs, which may be quite different from humans’ needs. In addition to promoting annoying habits, the feeding of more than tiny amounts of table scraps and other foods can seriously compromise their nutritional health. But… Who can resist those big puppy eyes begging for a bit of your meal? You love to spoil your pet, but you want to make sure you won’t hurt them. If you are thinking about feeding your dog table scraps, it is important…
7 Tips For Socializing Your Pet
Congratulations on your new pet! You’ve done all the research on toys and food and housebreaking, you’ve found your vet, and now you want to show off the newest member of your family in public. Socializing a young pup is the best way to raise a friendly, confident dog that behaves well with different people and places. Here are some tips on how to properly socialize your pet. Window of Opportunity While dogs of all ages are learning all the time, there is a proven learning “sweet spot” for dogs that falls between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks….
Pet Insurance: Is It Worth the Cost?
You love your four-legged friend just as much as you love the two-legged humans in your family. They’re friendly, loyal, and always willing to just sit and let you binge-watch Netflix. But, just like your human family members, pet family can suddenly get ill or injured, leading to high vet bills. To help defray the cost of these unexpected – and some anticipated – expenses, more pet owners are turning to pet insurance. What Is Pet Insurance? Pet insurance operates in a similar manner to health insurance for humans: You pay a monthly premium, and then certain emergency and routine…
How Often Should I Groom My Pet?
Getting your pet groomed professionally is a great way to keep them clean, great-smelling, and healthier for longer. One of the big questions after you begin grooming your pet is how often you need to continue getting them groomed. The answer to that isn’t as simple as a specific number. Instead, it depends on several factors. Your Pet’s Coat Your pet’s individual coat characteristics are going to largely determine how often they need to be groomed. Shorter-haired pets will be less prone to collecting dirt and getting matted, so they won’t need to be groomed as often. With a short-haired…
How Do I Litter-Train My Kitten?
Whether your adult cat has just had kittens or you have adopted or rescued a new furry friend, you are likely eager to litter-train. No one likes to find animal waste throughout their home! Fortunately, kittens are fairly easy to litter train. They instinctively want to cover their waste, they just need a space to do so. Here are some tips for successful litter-training: Choosing the Right Litter Box & Placement Litter boxes should start shallow for small kittens and without a cover so it is easy to access. You can find a shallow plastic bin to use; or, if…
5 Ways to Prepare Your Dog or Cat for Boarding
Summer is a time for family vacations and beach trips. But often, these fun adventures mean your pet is left behind at home. Finding quality care for your dog or cat while you’re away can be a challenge, but you’ve done your research and think you’ve found the perfect place to board your pet. Boarding can be stressful on even the most calm, go-with-the-flow pets, and you need to take some steps to make sure your animal is ready for the change. Here are 5 ways to prepare your dog or cat for boarding: Consider a Trial Run If your…
What Happens at an Annual Animal Wellness Exam?
You may think that you only need to bring your pet to the vet for shots or when they are ill, but an annual wellness exam is key to keeping your cat or dog healthy, happy, and thriving! An annual wellness exam promotes overall health and well-being, and helps you to catch potential illnesses before they become chronic problems, or worse. How Often Should I Schedule a Wellness Exam? You’ve probably heard that one human year is equivalent to seven dog years. While the calculation is a little more complicated than that, the fact remains – pets age at a…
My Dog Won’t Stop Barking. What Can I Do?
Dogs use barking to communicate a number of emotions and needs, but excessive barking can indicate a behavior problem. If you feel like your dog barks too much, the first step is to determine the cause. Here are a list of reasons dogs bark, and what you can do to decrease the amount of barking associated with them: Territorialism Whether it is a favorite toy, your home, or your yard, dogs are very territorial. If another person or animal tries to enter what they consider their territory, it can trigger excessive barking. This type of bark gets louder as the…
4 Dental Care Tips to Keep Your Pet’s Mouth Healthy
You give your pet lots of love and attention, good food, plenty of exercise, and you never miss a veterinary appointment. But are you taking care of their teeth? Like their owners, pets need to have a regular dental care routine to prevent gum disease. Left untreated, diseased gums allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which can cause issues with the heart, kidneys, and liver. Unfortunately, oral health is often overlooked by even the most loving and attentive pet owners. Stay ahead of any potential problems by making these slight adjustments to your care routine: Brush Daily While a regular…
5 Signs Your Kids Are Ready for a Pet
They’ve begged. They’ve pleaded. They’ve promised to do all the chores for the rest of forever if you’ll just let them get a pet. While your kids may say they’re ready to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet, the reality of that responsibility every single day may be more than some kids are ready to handle. From feeding to walking to cleaning up after them, the tasks that pile up aren’t as pleasant as the thought of just owning a pet. How can you tell if your kids are really ready for pet ownership? Here are 5…
7 Signs Your Dog or Cat May Be in Pain
As much as you’d like them to, your dog or cat cannot talk. This makes determining when your pet is ill or injured difficult, as you have to watch for behavior or other warning signs. Keeping an eye out for signs of pain is especially important as pets age, as they become more likely to suffer from ailments such as arthritis or dental issues. Even though your dog or cat can’t speak up to tell you they’re hurting, here are 7 signs your pet may be in pain: Aggressive or Antisocial Behavior If your normally even-keeled pup suddenly begins growling…