Looking at old holiday photographs, it’s interesting to see the decorative choices that were made. Bright silver-looking artificial trees, aerosol-spray artificial snow, and mounds of tinsel all contribute to some warm and fuzzy memories, but luckily, these were mostly fads from a different era.

Current holiday decorations might be more tasteful and refined, but like all flashy, glittery, and attractive seasonal additions to the home, they still pose risks to holiday pet safety.

Real Threats

Even though we’re always here if your pet needs us, we understand that pretty much no one wants to spend the holidays in the ER – especially pets. However, like their human friends, many pets simply cannot help themselves when presented with so many new things to smell, taste, sample, and admire. Yes, the holidays are intoxicating on many levels, and strict adherence to holiday pet safety can become an afterthought.

What’s Real?

There are many real threats to holiday pet safety, but some are considered more dangerous than others. Unfortunately, the dangers of holiday decor can escape even the most observant and protective pet owners, so it’s critical to keep ahead of your curious four-legged friend.

Protect Your Pet

Tinsel and ribbon are major offenders during the holidays. Not only strewn about the entire holiday tree, tinsel can also fall to the floor where it can be found and promptly eaten by a pet. It’s shiny and utterly tantalizing, but eating tinsel can result in serious GI distress or even death.

Ribbons come with the same risk, so please be cautious of wrapped presents on the floor.

Light it Up

Of course, string lights are ubiquitous this time of year. Please ensure that your pet cannot access them on the floor, and deter any biting or chewing on the wires/cords. Animals can also become entangled in string lights.

Shiny and Bright

Glass ornaments, snow globes, and other breakable baubles might need to be stowed away if your pet shows a great deal of interest in them. If broken, glass or ceramic shards can cut delicate paws, and they can cause serious damage if accidentally eaten.

Imported snow globes have been found to contain ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, so do not keep them where pets can easily break them or knock them over.

Anything that can become a choking hazard must never be displayed or left out for your pet to discover.

Too Hot

Lit candles, simmering liquid potpourri, and aromatherapy oil can cause burns, tremors, and more. Please do not use in a room frequented by your pet.

Abundant Greenery

A general rule about holiday pet safety includes restricting access to popular holiday greenery. The Christmas tree, for example, can contain fertilizer, pesticides, and toxic preservatives that leach into the water stand.

Also, mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, lilies, Christmas cactus, and amaryllis should only be displayed on shelves that your pet cannot get to.

Holiday Pet Safety

If we can assist you with any questions or concerns about holiday pet safety, please contact our caring veterinarians and staff. From all of us at West Park Animal Hospital, we wish you and your family a happy holiday season!

The post The Elephant in the Room: Holiday Pet Safety May Hinge on the Decor appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

In previous Thanksgiving blogs, we have focused on the importance of avoiding pet toxins and other holiday emergencies. We also paws-ed to give thanks to our fur-bearing buddies by listing all the wonderful ways we’re grateful for them.

This season, along with some pet safety reminders, we want to help you create a pet-friendly Thanksgiving that will be tail-wagging fun for all. If you’re ready to give your pet the best Thanksgiving yet, check out our tips!

 

A Holiday for Hounds (and Kitties, Too!)

Do you feel like it’s the same-old, same-old when it comes to Thanksgiving? This year, why not make Thanksgiving special for your pet? While they may have been relegated to the guest room during past Thanksgivings, this time around, you can make a plan that includes your pet in some of the feasting and merriment.

Here are a few suggestions for Thanksgiving-themed pet activities:

• Take your well-behaved and leashed pet to a pet-friendly pumpkin patch or farmers market for some socialization with other dogs and their owners.
• Rake up all the fallen leaves in the yard and allow your pet to jump into the pile. The whole family can get into the excitement (and photos are a must!).
• Sew a catnip-filled toy for your favorite kitty using fall-themed fabric patterns. Check out Pinterest for some inspiration.
• Organize a neighborhood tag football or ultimate frisbee game for pets and their people.
• Call up your yoga and dog loving friends and plan a morning of Doga (yoga with your dog, of course) at the park.
• Dress your dog with this warm and cozy (and water resistant) coat for some brisk hikes on a beautiful trail.
• Get your cat gussied up for dinner with this stylish bowtie, reminiscent of the colors of fall.

Feast for Beasts

Now that you have your list of pet-friendly activities, it’s time to consider the best part of Thanksgiving – the food!

While you can’t give your pet all the fixins (especially not the toxic ones), you can treat them to a meal of their own by following a few simple rules, the first of which is portion control. Any of the following items are ok for your best pal (in moderation):

• Small amount of turkey (remove skin and bones)
• Unseasoned mashed potatoes, yams, or carrots
• Unseasoned corn (not the cob)
• Pure pumpkin puree (without sugar or sugar substitutes)
• Unseasoned and steamed green beans

You can also treat your pet to some of these homemade pumpkin snacks! Just be mindful about how many they’re eating, since these calories can add up quickly.

Gifts of Gratitude

If you and your pet have many things for which to be grateful, you may decide to help another deserving pet this year. Animal shelters are always in need of pet food, beds, bowls, and other items. Likewise, most animal charities welcome a donation, so you can feel great about supporting a worthy cause.

A Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Reminder

Now that you have some good ideas for hosting a pet-friendly Thanksgiving, it’s equally important to consider the risks this holiday. Thanksgiving, along with many other holidays, are busy times for emergency clinics and the Pet Poison Helpline. Keep these toxins away from your pet:

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Raisins and grapes
• Alcohol
• Yeast
• Macadamia nuts

Keeping a close eye on your pet can go a long way, but it’s sometimes best to put your pet in a secure room during cooking, eating, and clean-up.

For more information about pet-friendly holidays, please contact us. Happy Thanksgiving from West Park Animal Hospital!

The post Creating the Best Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Ever appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

For centuries dogs have been our allies and companions. Since their domestication, they’ve used their innate skills and traits to work for us, guard us, and provide companionship. Because dogs have adapted to living among us so successfully, it’s no surprise to know that dogs have also been instrumental in times of war.

From battles between empires to major world wars, military or war dogs have been a definite part of our ancient through recent history. From Attila the Hun’s conquests to current missions in Afghanistan, dogs have played a significant role in saving lives and aiding in critical tasks.

West Park Animal Hospital wants to acknowledge these unsung heroes and honor the canine veterans who so valiantly work for the good of mankind.

Military Working Dogs

While the earliest account of the role of dogs in battle occured in the mid-7th century B.C., dogs weren’t officially used by the military until World War I. In fact, Sergeant Stubby, a terrier mix, was one of the most famous working dogs of his day for alerting soldiers to poisonous gas and warning them of incoming enemies.

It wasn’t until World War II that military working dogs (MWD) were recognized for their abilities and assets in combat. Today’s MWD’s are highly skilled beyond basic combat and defense, as they’re now trained to perform specialized functions that require difficult and rigorous training. It’s estimated that only 50% of these elite canines make the grade and are placed in one of the branches of the military.

Some of the amazing skills these pawed soldiers learn include:

• Tracking
• Sniffing out drugs, weapons, toxins, and mines
• Silence (no bark) training
• Acclimation to submarines and jets
• Training to rappel and skydive with their handlers
• Controlled aggression
• Face-to-face combat
• Sentry training (guards)
• Emotional support

Many of these dogs also serve as therapeutic animals for military men and women undergoing treatment for PTSD. Coincidentally, we now know that dogs can also develop anxiety and PTSD after combat missions, and we’re becoming better able to treat canine veterans for this condition.

While you might expect a military working dog to be trained on American soil, these exceptional canines typically come from Germany and the Netherlands (up to 85% of them, in fact). However, we’re starting to see more training operations open in the U.S.

Saluting Canine Veterans and Those Who Have Served

Dogs may not demand our appreciation, as they willingly give their dedication, skills, and loyalty to us, but we believe these brave canines deserve our respect, admiration, and commitment to their long term care for all that they’ve endured. Many canine veterans suffer emotional and physical scars as a result of their immersion in military operations.

As we learn more about military working dogs, we begin to better understand and appreciate their role, as well as become better equipped to care for them after they retire.

From all of us at West Park, we give pause and deepest gratitude to all of our veterans near and far, human and canine.

To learn more about us or to schedule an appointment for your equally amazing pet, please give us a call.

The post Honoring Our Courageous Canine Veterans appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Well, we understand that most of us may not be ready for the idea of cold, snow, and shoveling, but the time will soon be upon us. Along with some of the checklists you might have for winterizing your car or home, adding your pet to the list will also help ensure all their winter needs are met.

With less outdoor play time and all the extra gear you might need to keep them warm, Cleveland winters can take their toll on our furry friends. The West Park Animal Hospital team has some pet winter safety tips so when the time arrives, you and your best pal will be prepared.

 

Chilling Out for the Chilly Season

Relaxing inside is about all we care to do when the weather drops below freezing. While we may be able to hit the gym or go for a coffee, our pets end up spending all their time indoors. Despite a pet’s propensity for naptime, a lack of activity and exercise can result in added weight and behavioral problems associated with boredom.

To keep your pet moving this winter:

• Buy some new toys that are appropriate for the indoors, such as Canine Genius, ChuckIt Indoor Ball, or Hide a Squirrel Puzzle.
• Kitty cats also need enrichment and exercise. Have you considered a new cat tree or window perch where they can watch the birds?
• Opt for afternoon walks with your pup, when the temperatures have risen. Make sure to dress for the occasion (coat, boots, or rainwear), and head to the park for some much needed doggie social time.
• For pups who need to burn off a lot of energy, you may wish to sign them up for doggie day care – a great way to socialize and get exercise.

Pet Winter Safety and Gear

Everybody loves the time of year when we can break out our most fashionable boots and favorite sweaters. There’s something so cozy about bundling up when it’s cold outside. Your pet is also going to need their own winter attire.

Some of the following winter clothing and gear are musts for the season:

• Coat
• Sweaters
• Scarf
• Rain gear or waterproof coat
• Heavy or durable booties for walking/hiking or outdoor fun

If your pet is a senior sweetie, a small breed, or has a health condition, the cold snap can be harder on them. Invest in some extra warm clothing for outdoors, as well as sweaters and a self-warming dog bed or extra blankets to keep them comfortable inside.

The Importance of Winter Grooming

Hot summer months are an obvious instigator of a pet’s grooming needs; however, pets need grooming in winter just as much. In fact, winter months have a way of causing chronic dryness and other skin conditions when left unattended. Additionally, deicers and road chemicals can be bad for your pet’s paws. Not only are they toxic, but they’re also very drying and can lead to irritation.

Your primary veterinarian at West Park Animal Hospital can recommend good moisturizing shampoos and conditioners for those with dry, itchy skin.

Grooming will help keep the paws, nails, skin, and coat at their best during the cold, harsh months ahead.

Winter is Coming…

We all know there will be some rough days ahead. By being prepared with all the tools and gear to combat the cold, your pet will feel great through the winter months.

The post Thinking Ahead About Pet Winter Safety and Cold Weather Gear appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Have you ever lifted up your couch only to find a giant collection of bones, treats, or toys that dates back many, many months? What about shining a light on the dark corner in the back of your closet to reveal a veritable mini-mountain of kibble? You’re not alone. In fact, many people have a hoarding dog, but they either haven’t discovered it yet or they simply don’t know what to do. It may seem like we’re making up this wack-a-doo dog behavior, but this real canine conduct has possibly sound logic behind it.

Why Does My Dog Hoard?

Dogs have various behaviors that root all the way back to their wild ancestors. Before they became our natural best friends, dogs didn’t know where their next meal was coming from. To be sure, many dogs either starved or ate questionable meals every few days or so. As a result, when wild dogs got a big pay day, they either buried or hid it to nibble on over the course of several days. Among other animals that continue this behavior today, foxes are also well known to hoard.

 

Obsessive?

It’s important to remember that it’s a natural canine behavior. That being said, however, a hoarding dog can become dangerously obsessive about their favorite treats or toys. It’s also not uncommon for dogs to hoard objects or items that belong to their favorite person. Keep a close eye on places your dog frequents. If you allow this behavior to get out of hand or things accumulate in certain locations in the house, you could have a much bigger problem on your hands.

Is it Cute?

Sure, a hoarding dog can be quite adorable, and these examples prove it. But, again, this behavior should have its limits. You might consider restricting parts of the house or yard that your dog uses for his or her “stash.” This way, they’re less likely to store items for later.

When it Becomes a Problem

A hoarding dog may develop characteristics of resource guarding. This is indicated by aggression toward anyone getting too close to valued toys or food. A significant safety concern, resource guarding can be addressed and possibly reversed through behavioral training.

Helping your hoarding dog may seem impossible at times, but if you tidy up as much as possible, your dog will have less to hoard. Make sure your dog eats their meals at the time you’ve chosen and store any food not eaten. Likewise, toys laying around the house may easily become hoarded, so try to keep them out of sight and mind until you want your dog to play with them.

The Trade Off

Many dog owners find success by trading the hoarded object for something they know the dog values, like a super tasty treat. This reward exchange can go a long way toward reversing obsessive resource guarding, but if you need help, please let us know.

Growling, biting, barking, and other behaviors can be very stressful for a dog owner. We can assist you in finding a certified behaviorist who can evaluate your dog and find solutions for success.

Help Your Hoarding Dog

Hoarding is an inherited behavior that clashes with modern living, but if you can redirect your dog’s energy, you can continue living in human-canine harmony. Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding your hoarding dog.

The post The Confounding Logic of a Hoarding Dog appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Halloween is just around the corner, along with all of the festivities, costumes, Jack-o-lanterns, and bags of sugary treats. This nostalgic holiday is enjoyable for young and old, but can sometimes be quite frightening to our pets. Loud noises, strangers at the door, and even costumes can cause stress in pets who are not used to the commotion or who suffer from anxiety.

Many items included in your children’s assortment of goodies contain pet toxins that can result in poisoning. And items like glow sticks and lit candles can also pose a concern. So, is it possible to keep pets safe this Halloween?

Yes!

Despite the danger, with a bit of planning, we know that Halloween can be a safe and fun holiday for fur friends. West Park Animal Hospital is here to help you and your best friend have the greatest Halloween ever.

No Treats for Pet Tricks

By planning ahead, you can help identify items that may be poisonous to pets. The following list is one of the worst offenders when it comes to pet emergencies:

• Chocolate (particularly dark chocolate)
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free items, like gum and candies)
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts

In general, consider all candies and treats to be no-nos, as they can result in toxicity, gastrointestinal upset, or pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas. For the adults, watch pets around alcohol and caffeine, which are also highly toxic. Stash all treats in a safe location and place beverages out of your pet’s reach.

If you want to treat your furry goblin to Halloween snacks, consider making your own pet-friendly goodies:

• Peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats
• Tuna cookies for cats
• Pumpkin kitty treats
• Pumpkin leather for dogs

Costumed Cuties

Dressing up your dog, cat, or even exotic can be an adorable option for photo ops. But with a caveat: not all animals appreciate these accoutrements. Plan in advance the suitability of your pet’s costume, which should not include:

• Items that can break off or be chewed and ingested
• Costumes that cover the face
• Items that are too restrictive or ill fitting
• Anything that can cause strangulation
• Glow sticks and jewelry (toxic to pets)

Once you have your perfect pet costume, try it out to ensure it’s the right size and gauge how your pet responds. Does he try to run away or get out of the costume? Is he noticeably stressed, or is he calm and loves of all of the attention he is getting?

If your pet doesn’t enjoy it, don’t force the issue. You can always don a simple Halloween-themed handkerchief if the costume is a failure.

Preventing Anxiety and Stress

If you know that your pet isn’t a fan of Halloween, try some positive changes you can make this year:

• Find a safe, cozy place in the home for your pet to stay during trick-or-treating time. Offer fresh water, a bed or crate, toys, and some treats.
• Outdoor cats are at greater risk for becoming lost or being the target of animal cruelty. Bring all pets inside.
• Wait until your pet is safely in his secure room before dressing up in your costume, since some pets are afraid of masks.
• Consider playing soothing music or other background noise to muffle the noises outside. Some pets can be soothed by a pheromone spray like Feliway or other products.

If your pet is quite anxious, opt for going out instead of hosting trick-or-treaters at home. Call us if you would like suggestions or a consultation to help reduce stress in your pet.

Keep Pets Safe This Halloween

The night of fright doesn’t have to be frightful for our four-legged companions. Get a head start on planning for their safety and enjoyment by following some of these pet-friendly suggestions, or feel free to call us with any additional concerns.

Have a wonderful Halloween from West Park!

The post Keep Pets Safe This Halloween by Planning Ahead appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

There’s probably not a dog out there who isn’t interested in some kind of toy, be that a ball, a Frisbee, or a peanut butter-filled Kong treat (Xylitol-free, of course!). Dogs and their toys go hand and hand. But did you know that interaction with your best pal can increase his or her interest in exercise and bonding with you?

Check out all of the ways that dogs benefit from playing with their owners, along with some of our best dog toys for these awesome times together.

Physical and Emotional Wellbeing

Dogs are sociable creatures – and nothing can be better than combining your dog’s favorite toy with his favorite person. There are many reasons why playing with your pet can be advantageous:

• Quality exercise – Playing with your dog each day will motivate the two of you to get more exercise. Try an energetic game of Frisbee or Nerf football, or create a challenging canine agility course in your own backyard.
• Enrichment – Without activities and games, a pet is subject to boredom, which can create a wide variety of behavioral challenges like barking, chewing, or attempts to escape. Enrichment includes all of the activities that allow your pet to perform behaviors associated with their species, including play and socialization.
• Emotional wellbeing – Playing offers a great opportunity to increase emotional wellness, instilling confidence, trust, and happiness in our companion animals.
• Human-animal bond – Bonding is the important relationship you share with your fur pal that accentuates companionship. Through bonding, you reinforce the physical, emotional, and psychological health for both you and your pet.
• Understanding – By playing with your dog, you gain a better understanding of his or her preferences and disposition. Being aware of your pet’s day-to-day behavior also alerts you to any changes in meal time, energy, and overall health.

Determining the Right Toy

Although we assume dogs just love toys in general, not all dogs respond to fetch or chase or chewing. So not just any old dog toy will do the trick, which is why finding the right toy for your pal is key. Here are some recommendations:

• Pet size can help you determine which type of toy to choose. Avoid toys or balls that are small enough to be ingested, including items that can break off of the toy.
• While you are out at the park or playing around the house, observe your pet. Are they a chewer? Does they love to run? Chase balls? Scavenge and smell? These favorite behaviors can help you decide which toy will correspond.
• Toys that squeak or light up provide additional stimulation that many pets adore.
• Small or toy breeds often spend more time indoors, so appropriate games and activities for them might include items like Nerf and plush toys you can throw around the living room.

Recommended (and Rad!) Dog Toys

Now that you and your dog are ready for the fun to begin, some of these awesome toys may be the right ones for you.

• Orka Stick
• Dogit Mind Games
• Tennis Ball Launcher
• Kong Flyer Dog Toy
• Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy

What are some of your dog’s favorite toys? We would love to hear more! And if we can answer any questions about your pet’s health, please call us.

The post All of the Coolest Dog Toys for Your Best Friend (and Why They Are so Important) appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Some days you have to wonder if certain syndromes and ailments are manufactured by the media and pharmaceutical companies. From the start, products such as mouthwash can be marketed in a way to make us think that a little morning breath is an actual medical problem.

These misconceptions branch beyond the human world and into the animal realm as well. One of the newer players in the wonderful world of veterinary pseudo-problems is whisker fatigue in cats. Read on to learn whether your veterinarians as West Park Animals Hospital think this one is a real problem or really far-fetched.

The Mighty Whisker

A cat’s whiskers are a very powerful thing. We have come to understand that they are more than just hair. Rather they are very sensitive, highly specialized organs.

The scientific term for your cat’s whiskers are vibrissae, and you can find them on your cat’s muzzle, lower limbs, and above the eyes. These very thick, long hairs contain large number of nerve endings, making them extremely sensitive to the world around them.

Vibrissae serve several important functions including:

• Getting an idea of the overall size, shape, and texture of an object even in dim lighting, which is helpful for a mostly nocturnal hunter
• Helping a cat determine the size of an area
• Helping to gauge distance for jumping
• Detecting changes in air currents
• Helping position of prey for accurate bites
• Eliciting a blink reflex to protect the eyes
• Communication

Our feline friends depend on their whiskers to navigate the world around them, making them one of the most important organs your cat possesses.

The Verdict on Whisker Fatigue

If you have been seeing the term whisker fatigue floating around, you are not alone. There are currently several companies out there marketing products to help alleviate this condition. But what on Earth is whisker fatigue?

Whisker fatigue in cats has been described as an overstimulation of these sensitive little hairs. An inundation of information can lead to a stressed kitty cat, and thus the ailment called whisker fatigue. This can happen in our house cats when the vibrissae are continuously stimulated  by things like the sides of food and water bowls.

So is whisker fatigue a real thing or just some gimmick to talk you into buying a new set of bowls for your pet? Overstimulation of your cat’s whiskers is likely troublesome to some cats and can be a source of stress.

Whisker fatigue in cats, however, is not an actual disease or condition. A cat who exhibits signs of being reluctant to eat or drink should always be examined to be sure nothing else is going on. Call us right away if your pet is showing odd behaviors.

Cats tend to experience some stress due to us asking them to go against their very nature and act like indoor pack animals. Feeding in a more natural manner rather than from a bowl is just one way we can help to decrease environmental stress for our finicky felines.

Look for free flowing water fountains that do not force cats to lower their head into a small area to drink.  Shallow, wide dishes make ideal eating surfaces, but don’t feel that you need an expensive dish to keep your cat happy. Many suitable options are available.

Cats can be crazy creatures, but when you try to look at their behaviors from an evolutionary standpoint, they make a lot more sense. Whisker fatigue may be an issue in some cats, however there are many other things that you can do to help your feline family member fit in purrfectly.

 

The post My back, my neck, my… Whiskers? All About Whisker Fatigue in Cats appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Friendly, furry, and intelligent are general attributes of many cat breeds, but Maine Coon cats are especially friendly, furry, and intelligent. In fact, they’re quite adaptable and seem to get along with everyone (kids, dogs, and other cats included). They also have one of the longest and most beautiful coats out there and even enjoy playing fetch and walking on a leash! For these reasons and more, Maine Coon cats are among the top three cats registered by the Cat Fanciers Association.

 

Historically Speaking

The first Maine Coon cat, named Captain Jenks, was first referred to in a written account back in 1861. Thirty-four years later, a brown tabby Maine Coon won Best Cat at the Madison Square Garden Show. Before that, people speculated that Maine Coons were mixed with raccoon (biologically impossible) or the Norwegian forest cat. However, no matter where or how they came to be, Maine Coons continue to be immensely lovable and popular.

Looks Aren’t Everything

Maine Coons have lots of different coat colors and patterns. They can be a solid color or a combination of two or more colors, tortoiseshell, tabby, tabby and white, and more.

While their coat is longer than the fur of other cat breeds, it does not typically mat. However, weekly grooming is imperative to achieve their famously silky coat.

Since we’re on the topic of aesthetics, all cats can be prone to periodontal disease. Be sure to keep your Maine Coon looking his or her best through weekly brushing at home along with regular professional dental cleanings.

Maine Coon Cats Rule Because…

We love Maine Coon cats, and we’re confident that others enjoy them for these 5 awesome reasons:

1. Family friendly – Maine Coons are super sweet. They love a good nap on a lap, but they aren’t highly demanding of your time and attention. Generally speaking, Maine Coons are not flustered by dogs, strangers, children, or other animals. They’re one cool, collected breed.
2. Communicative – Sure, lots of cats meow to ask for food or attention, but Maine Coon cats make delightful little sounds like cheeps, trills, and chirps (more like birds instead of giant cats).
3. Size – Many Maine Coons can weigh up to 25 pounds! Add to their size a luxuriously thick coat, and they look even bigger. Who doesn’t love a sweet, super-sized feline?
4. Inquisitive natures – Maine Coons are distinctly curious about their surroundings and create games out of seemingly boring objects. They can even be trained to do tricks!
5. Healthy – While all breeds can inherit health problems, Maine Coons are widely perceived as one of the healthiest cats. However, because of their size, they’re predisposed to hip dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Knowing these things in advance can help you care for your Maine Coon and prevent possible health issues.

Irresistible Coons!

We love all pet breeds, but Maine Coons are certainly among our favorites. If you ever have any questions or concerns about this wonderful breed (or reputable breeders in our area), we’re always here to help.

The post Top 5 Reasons Maine Coon Cats are Awesome appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Few modern housekeeping tools are as highly valued as the vacuum cleaner, especially for pet owners dealing with fur on the carpet, floors, and furniture. However, when a pet runs in fear, barks, hides, or quivers when the trusty vacuum is pulled out, it can be upsetting, to say the least. Having a pet who’s scared of the vacuum is a perplexing problem, but fortunately, there are strategies that can help owners keep their pets calm.

 

Why Pets are Scared of the Vacuum

There are plenty of reasons a pet may be scared of the vacuum, including:

• Lack of exposure – Many pets are simply startled by this big, loud thing that emerges every so often to torment and chase them throughout the house (this is especially true for cats).
• Previous negative association – If your pet was once startled by the vacuum, it may develop into a fear or full-blown phobia over time.
• Temperament – Some pets simply have a more timid or fearful temperament in general. A pet who’s scared of loud noises, such as thunder or fireworks, may also find the vacuum cleaner frightening.
• Herding instinct – In some cases, the barking and lunging at the vacuum that appears to be fear-based may actually be your dog’s attempts at “herding.”

A Cause for Concern

When your cat is cowering under the bed or your dog is panting and shaking uncontrollably, he or she is in serious distress. Severe anxiety and stress raises cortisol levels in the body, which can lead to health problems over time. Helping your pet to work through any phobia is critical for his or her improved health and happiness.

Strategies for Success

Desensitizing your pet to the sight and sound of the dreaded vacuum cleaner is the key to peaceful coexistence between animal and machine. Try the following strategies to slowly and safely reduce your pet’s fears:

• Start by leaving the vacuum cleaner out (but turned off), and reward your dog or cat with treats and praise for simply being in the same room. Leave the vacuum out for several days, moving it to different rooms (but never too close to where your pet sleeps, eats, or the litter box).
• The next step is to turn the vacuum cleaner on in a different room. It’s helpful to have another person run the cleaner while you stay with your pet and offer treats.
• Once your pet is comfortable with the sound of the cleaner at a distance, try turning it on in the same room, but facing away from your pet. Throw treats to him or her as a reward for not leaving the room.
• Now run the vacuum cleaner normally, keeping treats handy for good behavior.

If you’re still having difficulties with your pet’s noise phobia, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at West Park Animal Hospital. We’re happy to work with you to come up with a plan to help your pet.

The post Why Your Pet is Scared of the Vacuum Cleaner and What You Can Do About It appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.