Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

Even the most lovingly cared for pet can experience an unexpected injury or medical emergency. The good news is advancements in veterinary medicine have led to improved outcomes for sick and injured pets. But this high level of care comes at a cost. 

Your pet’s care is a team effort, and a good relationship with your veterinarians at Arlington Animal Hospital is paramount to providing the best possible for your furry family. It is important to remember that this relationship isn’t one sided, and that cat and dog owner responsibilities play into how much you get out of your veterinary experience. From common mistakes that pet owners make to things that aren’t common knowledge, here are the top five things veterinarians wish pet owners knew:

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. 

If you’ve been the faithful companion to your aging cat since they were a delightfully zany kitten, you know well the satisfaction that comes with full-arc ownership. Knowing a cat for their entire life is such a beautiful experience. Senior cat care can throw some owners for a loop, however. As they age their health, lifestyle, and environmental needs change. Here are our tips on senior cat care needs:

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. 

The holidays are all about giving, and our waistlines are the visual receipt. If your pants seem to be a bit tighter than last month, there’s a good reason. Chocolates, pies, cookies, boozy drinks, and fatty meats are to blame for human holiday pounds, but how can we account for weight gain in pets? It has to do with making time for regular pet exercise opportunities, every single day. 

Our four-legged friends need lots of water to stay happy and healthy. Especially in the hot summer months or after long walks and vigorous playtime. It can get hot and muggy here in Arlington. Always monitor your pet’s water intake so you have a baseline and can know when something is off. 

When water intake goes beyond a normal amount or becomes excessive, it might be time for your pet to be evaluated by a veterinarian. 

Excessive thirst in dogs is called “polydipsia,” and can be a sign of underlying health conditions. At Arlington Animal Hospital, we are here to help you understand what is going on so your pet is happy and healthy.

The monthly flea, tick, and heartworm medications don’t go down as easily as you’d think. Pet pharmaceuticals are designed, when possible, for easy delivery. But your pets know there’s something wrong with what you’re offering, and they will put up a fight against consumption! Our pets love treats, but they can smell and taste flavored medication before it’s out of the bottle or tube.

The Top Two Tips For Administering Pet Meds At Home

Pet training in general is not for the faint of heart. Persistence and consistency are key, and while almost any dog is trainable, it can be an uphill battle at times. Housetraining your pooch is no different. While it may be tempting to just go invest in some dog diapers, there are downsides to this solution. Arlington Animal Hospital is prepared to fill you in on the details.

Reasons Dog Diapers May Be Needed

Sometimes our canine companions make a mess, but for most dogs these are few and far between. For those that have frequent potty problems, though, dog diapers can be a lifesaver.