Posts in Category: Pet Safety

It’s ironic that a season overflowing with goodness and gratitude also has the potential to cause certain calamities. When it comes to pet holiday safety, it’s important to temper all the fear and worry with sweet offerings that make the holidays so worthwhile and memorable. We can help you get ready for all the great things the season supplies all while standing guard for the possibilities for illness or injury.

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. 

When your pet shows signs of an illness or has experienced an obvious injury, you want help fast. Knowing how to handle a pet’s need for urgent or emergency care before that critical moment arises can save precious time when your pet requires urgent or life-saving treatment.

During regular business hours, our team at Arlington Animal Hospital can discuss your pet’s symptoms and help you determine what your next course of action should be. But what if it’s after hours or a day when our office is closed? How do you know if your pet needs urgent care or when to call an emergency vet?

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.

Cats are fully equipped to handle weather extremes, but they aren’t invincible to severe exposure. Their thick fur coats add layers of comfort, but what about the thin skin around their ear tips, those cute little paws, or that adorable triangular nose? It is critical to elevate cat safety during winter months in order to maintain overall good health. 

There’s nothing like relaxing at home with your cat (or dog). You settle onto the couch, queue up a good TV show or movie, and call your pet to stretch out beside you. Then, you fill up your e-cigarette with some e-juice and get ready to binge watch and vape the evening away. It’s a great way to wind down after a long day.

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. 

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.

Turkey, dressing, fall leaves, pumpkin pie, a chill in the air…these are the elements of Thanksgiving. It’s also a time of gatherings and feasts, and your furry friend is probably pet right there with you during the festivities. Unfortunately, many pet emergencies occur around the holidays because they get into something they shouldn’t get into. 

Since we are winding our way to the holiday table, the team at Arlington Animal Hospital is here to give you some tips on Thanksgiving pet safety. By exercising caution you and your fur family can have a happy holiday indeed.