Can Pets Get Lice?
If you’ve ever had a scare with head lice, it’s likely you never want to experience it again. Head lice, which is a specific species called Pediculus humanus capitis, only affects humans. In other words, while lice may spread from one human family member to another, it’s impossible that your pet was the cause of […]
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Why do Dogs Scoot Their Butts? Anal Glands.
There are so many odd canine behaviors. From crotch sniffing to humping inanimate objects, their weirdness can definitely be off-putting. Among them, butt-scooting always raises an eyebrow or two. What is this behavior all about? Why do they do this to our fine rugs? The answer isn’t pretty, but the reason is almost always related […]
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The Year-Long Itch: Parasite Prevention That’s Year Round
Spring and summer are marvelous for many reasons. Not on the list of seasonal splendors? Parasites, of course. Yes, bugs are a natural consequence of warmer weather, but with a proactive approach to parasite prevention, they don’t have to bother your pet – or spread dangerous diseases! Consider the Lifestyle Due to an indoor-only lifestyle, […]
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Dog Tricks 101: Fun, Useful, and Simple Ways to Engage Your Pooch
There’s no denying the benefits of dog training. Properly trained and socialized dogs are happier and safer overall, and are easier and more fun to be around than an untrained pooch. Dog tricks can complement and improve a dog’s command of obedience an, and in many cases can be useful and fun for humans too! […]
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Urban Bugs: Parasite Prevention in the City
It makes sense to assume city-dwelling pets are generally healthier than rural ones. They don’t typically find themselves spending long hours in bordering farms or fields, wandering far from home. Urban pets also usually have quicker, easier access to veterinary care. Sure, city-dwelling pets have a lot going for them. However, that doesn’t mean we […]
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The Golden Years: End of Life Care for Exotic Pets
Aging happens no matter if you are a human, dog, or hamster. At West Park Animal Hospital, we know that your pocket pet deserves the best during their golden years, just as much as any dog or cat. End of life care for exotic pets is important, too, and we are here to help your […]
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Eww, Fido Did What? How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box
There are few things more disgusting than receiving a big slobbery kiss from your dog only to realize they recently helped themselves to a litter box snack. It’s likely this common but annoying habit has had you Googling answers furiously looking for help. So, what’s up with this unsavory behavior and how can you keep […]
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Pet Safety: Do the Benefits of Essential Oils Outweigh the Risks?
Although they’ve been used for generations, essential oils have exploded onto the natural health and wellness scene. Touted for their positive effects on depression, insomnia, and even the common cold, essential oils aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. In fact, pet safety can be significantly compromised when the oils are breathed in or ingested. […]
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Help! My Pet Broke a Tooth!
Dogs and cats explore the world with their mouths, and chewing, biting, gnawing, and chomping are parts of that exploration. It probably comes as no surprise that chipped and broken teeth are common occurrences among pets that many veterinarians see on a weekly basis. Besides being unsightly, a broken tooth can spell big trouble for […]
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The Problem with Fake Service Animals
Modern pets enjoy lives their ancestors would hardly recognize. Not only do we provide them with the best in nutrition and medical care, we also have a respect for animals that has grown considerably in recent decades. Studies show that most pet owners now consider their four-legged companions family members. Indeed, pets are wonderful additions […]