Why Environmental Enrichment is Important for Feline Health
Although the subject of behavioral enrichment, or mental enrichment, is often focused on the needs of our canine companions, it’s also vital to feline health and well-being. From obesity to unwanted “marking” and scratching, there are many problems that can develop in cats when mental and physical opportunities are limited. The Secret Lives of Cats […]
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Room at the Inn: Holiday Pet Boarding
The countdown has officially begun! We’re just weeks away from Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or leaving town to visit family, your pet is probably wondering, “What about me?” Certainly, pets make the holidays more memorable, but sometimes, it’s just not practical (or in their best interests) to spend every moment […]
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Pet Winter Safety: Preparing for the Big Brrr!
Although you may want to groan when someone mentions the word “winter,” the cold and snow will soon be upon us. As with any season, winter brings with it special considerations for our furriest of friends. Although you may have already stashed your antifreeze in a locked cabinet (great job!), we have a few more […]
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DIY Pet Remedies: Separating the Fact from the Fiction
Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks? When it comes to do-it-yourself at home pet remedies, there is no shortage of suggestions. But, how do you separate the good advice from the mythical, or even downright dangerous? Join us at West Park Animal Hospital as we put some ineffective DIY pet remedies to rest. […]
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A Portable Place of Refuge: Why You Should Crate Train Your Cat
While crate training any animal can be a formidable task, it’s never an insurmountable one. This is especially true with cats. An effort to crate train your cat may feel a bit like climbing the steepest mountain without the right technique. Cats are as wonderful as they are mysterious. They can be collectively dismissive about […]
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Tasty or Treacherous? What to Do When Your Pet Eats Something Weird
You’ve probably heard the old adage about curiosity and cats, but dogs are equally compelled (if not more so) to gobble up something unfamiliar. Sure, it’s possible that an entire roll of ingested dental floss could come out of your pet’s rear end intact, but it’s far more likely that he or she will endure […]
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The Cutest Endeavor Ever: Caring for Stray Kittens
Who can say no to a basketful of fluffy kittens? Not many of us. It can be overwhelming to take on a litter of new baby cats who need your help, but caring for stray kittens can be a rewarding experience. Keep reading to learn what it takes to get these little bundles of joy […]
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The Best Policy: Why Honesty at the Vet is Important
As responsible pet owners, we are happy to give our pets everything they need to live happy, healthy lives: nutritious food, shelter, love and affection, training and boundaries, and of course, quality veterinary care. Regardless of how much we treasure our pets and how well we care for them, many of us are guilty of […]
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Happy Holidays Already? Our Favorite DIY Pet Gifts
It may only be September, but here at West Park Animal Hospital we believe it’s never too early to start thinking about holiday gifts for your pet. Most of our pets probably already have everything they need, so why not try your hand at DIY pet gifts this holiday season? We’ve come up with a […]
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Flummoxed? Reasons Cats Love Boxes
Every individual is unique with specific triggers that ease stress and increase comfort. Whether it’s a well-worn sweater, freshly churned ice cream, or a walk through a peaceful meadow, we all have soothing items or ideas that bring us to our happy place. In this way, your fluffy, finicky, and slightly persnickety feline is much […]