Hot Diggity Dog: Why Dogs Dig (and What to do About It!)
Most of the time, dogs do things that amaze us, but our canine companions can also be really exasperating at times. Some pets have especially challenging habits, and when dogs dig holes all over the backyard, owners may find themselves being tested beyond measure. So, what’s up with this canine behavior, and what can you […]
READ MORE
Snork, Honk, Wheeze: Is Reverse Sneezing in Pets Normal?
Our pets do so many adorable and endearing things, it would take forever to list them all. Occasionally, however, they surprise or even frighten us with a behavior that comes from seemingly nowhere. One such phenomenon is the honking, gagging, wheezing sound, known as “reverse sneezing,” which is surprisingly common among dogs and cats (to […]
READ MORE
Small Dog Aggression: Is it Real?
If you’re the proud owner of a small dog, you know that big personalities often come in the tiniest packages. There are plenty of memes, YouTube videos, and other anecdotal evidence that shows tiny dogs bossing around bigger dogs, cats, and people. However, while this may be funny to watch online, small dog aggression can […]
READ MORE
Tips and Tricks for Pet Ear Cleaning
The special anatomy of cat and dog ears can create certain challenges. Infection and inflammation are common ailments that affect multiple parts of the ear, but injury can also occur. All problems in and around the ear have the potential for intense discomfort and should be properly addressed. Pet ear cleaning is just one way […]
READ MORE
Beneath the Surface: Common Skin Conditions in Dogs
Just like in humans, a dog’s skin is their largest organ, and it plays an incredible role in their overall health. Whether it’s regulating body temperature, creating vitamin D, or providing a critical line of defense against pathogens, the skin is truly an amazing thing! That’s why when the skin is impacted by health issues, […]
READ MORE
Artificial Sweeteners and Pets
By now, pet owners are well aware that chocolate is bad for pets. The dangers of allowing pets to consume xylitol (a sugar substitute) is also becoming more widely known – and for good reason. Xylitol, which is commonly found in sugar-free candy, baked goods, gum, and other products, can lead to a life-threatening drop […]
READ MORE
Happy Tail Syndrome in Dogs
A dog’s tail is their “stamp” on the world. It can communicate joy, fear, uncertainty, or confidence. It is part of their identity. So what’s a pet to do when their tail is hurt? Tail injuries can be difficult and frustrating to manage. West Park Animal Hospital is happy to help fix tails whenever we […]
READ MORE
Adopting the Oddballs: Special Needs Pets
If you’ve ever gone to the shelter looking for a new pet, you have probably been overwhelmed with the number of animals that need to be adopted. Statistics show that over 2 million pets are adopted from animal shelters each year. That’s an astounding number! When looking for a new pet, did you ever consider […]
READ MORE
Sick as a Dog: Can You Catch a Cold From Your Pet?
The simple answer to this question is yes, but it is extremely rare. If you and your cat or dog are both sick at the same time, you may think you caught a cold from your pet, or vice versa. Some symptoms are certainly similar. An Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), usually referred to in humans […]
READ MORE
Pet Nutritional Supplements: Necessary or Needless?
Many Americans take a multivitamin to supplement their diet, fish oil for heart health, or a joint supplement to quell arthritis pains. This habit of utilizing supplements to support overall health and well-being has crossed over into the world of pet products as well. As you peruse pet-related blogs, online animal care communities, and the […]