Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

If you had to rank the seasons in order of their potential risk to pets, summer would have to come first. Not only do pets have to contend with serious spikes in temperature and humidity, but there’s always something on the social calendar that can threaten a pet’s safety, comfort and well-being. While there’s a lot of fun to be had between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a great deal of consideration for pet safety must take precedence. 

Being a responsible pet owner definitely makes the world a better place, but it’s not always earth-friendly. Between the agricultural practices, livestock management, packaging, and transportation of pet foods, the pet care industry has an immutable impact on rising greenhouse gasses. Despite this ever-growing carbon footprint, we can make a variety of changes to the ways we provide and care for our best friends. Eco-friendly pet care is not only easy and straightforward, it has a tremendous effect on the future. 

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.

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. 

There are many reasons to keep pests away from your family, but the fact that some have the potential to carry and spread diseases tops the list.

While you certainly want to maintain a pest-free house and garden, the idea of pet safe pest control might seem impossible. After all, for a product to cause harm to one species, isn’t it fair to assume that it could negatively affect your pet? 

How It Works

Many pet owners may be applying pest control techniques without an eye on how their pet could be impacted. In fact, many people spray for pests, lay traps, or sprinkle bait in areas that could be easily accessed by an animal. 

We are fast approaching the loveliest days of the year. Long, sun-filled days full of outdoor activities that range from lounging in the hammock to gardening, going for a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood, or some time cycling along the Potomac. In other words, dear pet owners, it’s time to get geared up! 

Meeting your pet’s hydration and comfort needs while out and about is critical, but something easily overlooked is their exposure to harmful UV rays. Pet sun protection is essential now, and we’ve got the scoop.

Parvo. The word strikes fear into most pet parents and for good reason. Parvovirus is a virulent disease that attacks the white blood cells and can cause severe dehydration through vomiting and diarrhea. It typically affects pets between the ages of 6-20 weeks old, since the young have not been fully vaccinated. It can be spread to any pet that isn’t vaccinated, though.

But what is canine parvovirus and, more importantly, how can you prevent it from harming your pet? That’s what the team at Arlington Animal Hospital want you to know, along with understanding the signs of parvo and how to treat it.

Keeping pets safe is the number one priority of dedicated pet owners. In fact, people who love and care for animals go above and beyond to ensure their health and well being. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and pets can find themselves in a heap of trouble. Since they don’t know whatever it is they’re eating, smelling, or rolling around in could be dangerous, pets rely on us to keep their ducks in a row. To that end, we offer some reminders to keep pet poison prevention on the front burner.

The weather is slowly shifting from hot and humid to slightly less hot and humid, and this has nature lovers excited to spend some quality time outdoors with their canine companions. Virginia is home to an extensive network of hiking trails, and the many dog friendly Arlington area trails are sure to keep you and your pooch busy this summer.

Dog Friendly Arlington Trails

Whether you and your dog are seasoned hikers or you just like to enjoy a leisurely walk in nature, there’s no shortage of options in our neck of the woods. Some of our favorites include:

• Fort Bennett Park and Palisades Trail – This well-developed trail in a city park offers 11 acres of lovely woods and open space.
• Windy Run Park – Wooded nature paths and a bubbling stream make for an enjoyable afternoon at this park (just keep your dog out of the stream, as it’s being restored due to erosion).
• Theodore Roosevelt Island – Enjoy a variety of trails and beautiful scenery in this popular 90-acre island park.
• Donaldson Run Park – This is a beautiful secluded area with a pond and paved walking paths.
• Four Mile Run Trail – This trail features over 6 miles of paved walking paths in a natural setting (watch out for bikers and inline skaters).
• Turkey Run Trail – You won’t actually see any wild turkeys along this moderately difficult trail, but gorgeous wildflowers and a lovely streamside hike are guaranteed.
• Scott’s Run Nature Preserve Trails – If you like waterfalls, you don’t want to miss this secluded trail.
• Mason Neck State Park – This family friendly park boasts trails, ponds, a playground, and a fishing area.

Lastly, don’t forget to pick up after your dog!

Heat Safety 101

In comparison to humans, dogs are at a higher risk for dehydration and heat stroke, so pet heat safety is a must when out walking or hiking:

• Take frequent water breaks in the shade, and bring along bottled water and a collapsible bowl.
• Walk in shaded or grassy areas whenever possible to avoid injuring your dog’s paw pads (hot pavement or concrete can lead to burns!).
• On the hottest days, stick to early morning or evening walks when temperatures are lower.
• Watch your dog closely; stop immediately and move to a shaded area if you notice any signs of heat distress, such as excessive panting/drooling, stumbling, bright red or pale gums, lethargy, or collapse. Call us right away.

What are your favorite dog friendly Arlington trails and parks? Post a picture to our social media page or let us know during your next wellness exam. Happy trails!

Preparedness is the name of the game when it comes to an emergency situation – or really any situation that requires a quick response. If your pet is injured or ill, knowing what to do and what you need is critical to a better outcome.

We’re pretty sure you have a first aid kit for yourself and your family (and if you don’t, we highly recommend getting one!), but it’s equally important to have a pet first aid kit as well. While a basic first aid kit isn’t the only thing your pet needs during a medical situation, it can help stabilize your pet while getting them quick treatment.

So, what are the essentials of a pet first aid kit? Let’s find out!

The Essential Components of a Pet First Aid Kit

Both online and at your local pet supply store, there are a wide range of first aid kits on the market, but not all are created equal. It’s likely you’ll have to find a base kit and add to it. Here are some of the absolutes that go into a good pet first aid kit: Continue…