Posts in Category: You & Your Pet

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.

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:

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’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. 

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. 

One day you notice a damp stain on your couch, or a pile of clothes that smells like cat pee, and you feel equally frustrated and fearful that something is wrong. If your cat is suddenly peeing outside of the litter box, it’s a clear signal that there is a problem. Also called “inappropriate urination,” it’s important to find the reason it’s happening or the problem is likely to continue.

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:

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