Posts in Category: For The Dogs

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs that affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort, and ultimately leading to arthritis.

If you have a young child, you may wonder whether bringing a new dog into your home is a good idea. Is it safe to get a puppy with a six-month-old baby? 

The team at Arlington Animal Hospital has compiled a list of a few critical things to consider before getting a dog if you have  (or are having) a baby.

Cold temperatures can be tough for humans, but exposure to cold can be dangerous for senior pets. Senior pets are more sensitive to the cold and vulnerable to becoming sick.

Like most pet owners, you’re looking for ways to keep your senior pet warm during these colder months— especially in the snow and rain. Here are some tips on how to keep your senior pet healthy and happy through the winter.

Senior Pets are Susceptible to Cold Temperatures

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at producing heat. This is true for senior pets, too. In addition, older animals have less muscle mass and smaller fat reserves than when they were younger. Since older pets can’t generate as much body heat as younger animals, they need extra help to keep warm.

Although spontaneous decisions to adopt a dog can turn out well, you should definitely put a great deal of thought into making the choice to bring a dog into your home. Many dogs end up being re-homed or surrendered to shelters because they simply didn’t fit in, or their owners couldn’t provide for them in all the necessary ways. We can stop this cycle by fully preparing for this life-changing experience. Dog ownership is an immense responsibility, and successful adoption hinges on readiness.

Goldendoodles are one of the most popular dog breeds—and for good reason. These curly-coated cuties aren’t just adorable, they’re smart, social, and usually great with kids. If you’re thinking of adding a doodle puppy to your household, read on for a puppy primer from our team at Arlington Animal Hospital. 

Previous generations upheld the belief that dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths, but this myth has been debunked in recent years. In fact, it is well known that dogs carry loads of oral bacteria, none of which should be shared with people. It may seem harmless to allow your dog to lick your wounds, but experts recommend otherwise.

If you’re the owner of a male dog, you may have adopted some “pet” names for your dog’s privates—such as dog lipstick or red rocket—because who wants to say “dog penis” in mixed company? Whatever your code words are for your pup’s private parts, there is a potentially serious condition that is certainly no laughing matter: dog paraphimosis. 

If you’ve got a chonky Chow Chow or a tubby tabby, you aren’t alone. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats in the United States are overweight.

We understand that, as a pet parent, you may not know what an appropriate weight is for your pet’s specific breed and age, which is one reason why regular checkups are so important. At Arlington Animal Hospital, we weigh your pet at every visit, and if necessary, we will recommend a dog weight management program that is geared toward the weight control needs of your individual dog. 

Whatever the circumstances, it’s a heartbreaking decision to give up your pet into the care of others. You know your pets will feel the loss of you, their home, and all their friends. You might feel that surrender is your only option, but there may be alternatives that will keep you and your furry friends together.

Reasons People Surrender Their Pets

When a pet parent can no longer provide adequate care, sometimes they must face the terrible decision to surrender the animal. Situations that could affect a pet owner’s ability to care for an animal include:

Water can be a fun shared activity for your family and your pets. However, just like it’s important to keep a close watch on kids around water at all times, you must do it for your furry friends as well. 

Before you take your pooch for a swim or a splash in a body of water, learn how to keep them safe and healthy! Check out these water safety tips for dogs from the team at Arlington Animal Hospital.