Losing weight seems to be on nearly everyone’s to-do list for the new year—but humans aren’t the only ones with an excess poundage problem. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half the dogs and cats in the U.S. are significantly overweight. Just like people, when pets are overweight they’re more likely to […]
Many of the holiday treats and traditions we love can cause health problems for our pets. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe: Don’t leave wine glasses at snout or tail level. Alcohol is a real problem for pets, and overactive tails could also knock over glasses. Keep cut flowers and centerpieces out […]
It’s a scary statistic: the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) reports that 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 5 cats will develop cancer in their lifetime. November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, created by the ACF to raise awareness of the prevalence, symptoms, and treatments for cancer in our companion animals. Just as with people, […]
Halloween is a fun and tasty time for people, but many things associated with the holiday can put our pets’ health at risk. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind to make sure your pet stays healthy and happy: Chocolate and xylitol (a sweetener often found in peanut butter and chewing gum) […]
When you bring your pet in for a check-up, chances are the veterinarian will recommend blood work—also known as a blood screening or blood panel. That’s because just like in humans, the cells and chemicals present in your pet’s blood can give the doctor a wealth of clues about what’s happening in various organs in […]
We understand that many pets are afraid of the vet – but it doesn’t have to be that way! And while we can’t verbally communicate to your furry friends that we are here to help, there are other steps we can take to show them that we are the good guys. At Briargate Boulevard Animal Hospital, […]
How important is it to take care of your pet’s dental health? By age three, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some evidence of periodontal disease, which can cause mouth pain, tooth loss and make eating difficult. At advanced stages, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause heart, […]
We have insurance for ourselves, our cars and our homes, but what about for our beloved pets? They are an important part of your family and a member of your pack—if disasters occur, having your companion animal taken care of with pet insurance provides peace of mind. Proper coverage could save—and extend—the life of your […]
Your dog, cat, bird or other pet may be a different species, but we all process and feel pain in much the same way. That’s why the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has selected September as Animal Pain Awareness Month. In cooperation with veterinary professionals around the world, they hope to bring recognition to […]
September 28th is World Rabies Day, which we observe to highlight awareness of this disease and how important it is to get your pet vaccinated. Rabies is an RNA virus of the rhabdovirus family and is a viral infection that is spread mainly from the bite of an infected animal. The rabies virus infects the […]
August 22nd is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day! No joke—there actually is a day set aside to remind us that cats need regular veterinary visits! The reason? According to the American Humane Society our feline companions go to the veterinarian about half as often as dogs. Many people only take their cat to the […]
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, created to remind people how important it is to keep their vaccinations up to date. But that advice isn’t just for humans—it’s vital for pets as well. Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but very important way to protect his or her health. In addition to preventing many life-threatening […]
Fireworks and summer thunderstorm season is here—and while you may enjoy both, the racket can be downright terrifying for your dog. If your pet trembles, whines, drools, or clings to you when he hears loud noises, he likely suffers from a condition known as noise aversion. There are several things you can do to help […]
Protect Your Pets From Heartworm! Heartworms are a nasty parasite that can cause serious harm to our pets, and are transmitted from pet to pet by mosquitoes. As their name suggests, they live in the heart, but can also thrive in the lungs and blood vessels. Because they constrict blood flow, heartworms can damage internal […]
You know who else loves spring and the warmer weather? Fleas and ticks! These pests aren’t just annoying—they can transmit nasty parasites and diseases. Fleas often trigger dermatitis and hot spots and can even transmit tapeworms and cause anemia. Once fleas make it into your home, it can quickly turn into an infestation, which can […]
What’s lurking in your house that could make your pet sick? Turns out, lots of things! Here are a few of the most common household substances that need to stay out of paw’s reach: Human medications. Keep them in sealed containers and locked away as pets might see loose pills and think they’re treats. Plants. […]
