Most of us who know and love critters of the feline persuasion understand that cats tend to march to their own beat. Many quirky and odd behaviors that we may observe are fondly noted, but we seldom spend much energy searching for a cause. These things that cats do can  have some meaningful purpose behind them, however, and kitty behavior is actually a very interesting topic for those who care to get to know their pets on a deeper level.

 

West Park Animal Hospital is dedicated to helping our clients better understand their pets, and are excited to help you decipher the meaning behind cat rolling behavior.

Cat Rolling Behavior Observed

If your dog rolls over and reveals his or her fuzzy tummy, it just might be a solicitation for a good rub or to let you know that you are the boss. Not always so with a cat.

Cat owners will often tell you that when their pets roll around on the ground, it is a much more intense and sometimes aggressive action. Cats tend to roll around, feet flailing and tail twitching. Some may vocalize as well. It may even appear that your pet is in distress.

This often amusing action is not just a funny thing your cat does, though. In fact, cat rolling behavior seems to be deeply ingrained in the feline ethological catalog. Studies have shown that this behavior is found just as commonly in wild cats as it is in our domestic house cats.

Causes for the Quirk

There are several underlying explanations for cat rolling behavior. Depending on the individual situation, your feline may be flailing like a fool because:

• He is seeking attention
• She is marking her scent
• He is enjoying a good back massage (especially in the dirt or on rougher surfaces)
• She is getting an itch that she just can’t scratch
• He is inviting you to play
• She is in heat
• He is submitting (especially to another cat)

When a cat shows his or her belly, it is tempting to give it a scratch. Because the behavior can mean so many things, it is prudent to proceed with caution. If your cat is asking to play or is in the middle of a massage, your well meaning scratch may be met with a bunny-kick or nip.

Cat behavior is an intriguing topic. With a little education, many of those strange kitty quirks you observe on a day-to-day basis are very explainable. Cats, true to their character, like to remain mysterious, though, and many cat behaviors are still not fully understood. These complex and beautiful creatures have a lot to teach us if we are willing to learn.

The post The Mysterious Feline: Cat Rolling Behavior Explained appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Cleveland residents know that there’s just something special about summer in the CLE. Our long winter is a thing of the past (at least for now) and the weekends are filled with fun activities, including plenty of neighborhood festivals, fairs, and outdoor concerts.

Many pet owners understandably want to bring their pets along to enjoy the beautiful weather and fun events, but pets and festivals don’t always mix. Find out if your pet is a good candidate for a public event, and what you can do to keep him or her safe.

Pets and Festivals

For the most part, pets are better off not being out in crowded, public areas. If you must take your pet to a festival or fair, we suggest asking yourself the following questions before you commit:

• Is my pet properly socialized? Is he or she reactive around other dogs, children, or adults?
• How is my dog’s obedience? For example, will I be able to keep my dog from jumping up on people or investigating other dogs?
• Is my pet prone to shyness or anxiety around strangers or crowds?
• Will I have the time to pay close attention to my pet to make sure that he or she doesn’t get into trouble?
• If it gets too hot, is there adequate shade for my pet to rest under?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no”, your pet is better off at home.

Safety First

If you decide to take your pet with you to an outdoor event, you will need to plan ahead for his or her safety and comfort:

• Keep cool – Pets can succumb to heat exhaustion or heatstroke much more quickly than humans, so you will need to take every precaution to ensure that your furry friend doesn’t become overheated. Pack plenty of fresh water and a bowl to drink from, and take frequent breaks to rest in the shade.
• Paw safety – Parking lots, streets, and sidewalks are popular places for festivals and fairs, but these surfaces can quickly heat up to unbearable temperatures and can cause severe burns to a pet’s paw pads. If the pavement is too hot for you to hold your bare hand against, it’s too hot for your pet.
• Supervise – The food is often the best part of a festival, and your pet agrees! Many people foods pose a risk of poisoning or intestinal obstruction in our fur friends, so always keep an eye on your pet to ensure that he or she doesn’t gobble up any discarded food or other trash.
• Chill out – Even the most outgoing pet can become overwhelmed by a crowd. Pay attention to your pet’s body language, and be prepared to leave or find a quiet spot to relax if your pet seems anxious or stressed.
• Noise alert – We recommend not bringing pets to any events that include fireworks, loud music, or any other noises that may startle or upset an animal.
• Clean up – Be prepared with plastic baggies to clean up your dog’s waste.

Summer in the City

Whether you take your pet everywhere you go, or opt to enjoy each other’s company in your own backyard, your friends at West Park Animal Hospital hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled summer! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions about pets and festivals, or any other concerns you may have regarding your pet.

The post Pets and Festivals: Should You Take Your Pet? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Summer is arguably the best time of year for pets and people alike. There’s so much to do, so many enticing smells, and daylight seems to last forever. With all the goodness in store over the next few months, there are equal opportunities for pets to find trouble. Of these animals, pocket pets face particular risks when it comes to illness, injury, or escape. Don’t let it happen to you with our summer pocket pet safety guide.

Who’s at Risk?

Our full-service animal hospital serves cats and dogs, and with the help of Dr. Kari Swedenborg, we also see various exotic and pocket pets. While we don’t serve birds or reptiles currently, we are able to treat:

• Rabbits
• Ferrets
• Guinea pigs
• Gerbils
• Hamsters
• Mice
• Rats
• Sugar gliders
• Chinchillas

We’re always happy to answer any questions or concerns related to exotic pet care. Please let us know how we can help.

The Elements

Some pocket pets are able to enjoy the outdoors year round (or pretty close), such as rabbits (some are even kept in enclosures or pens outside the home). However, summer pocket pet safety must hinge on access to shade, water, and cross-ventilation.

Most pocket pets don’t originally come from hot, dry climates. Instead, their warm fur coats are built to withstand colder temperatures. Unable to release body heat through sweating, your pocket pet must be kept outside of direct sunlight. Keep water containers full of fresh, cool water, and if there isn’t a natural breeze, create one with a fan.

Home Sweet Home

Pocket pets depend on specific housing requirements, some of which easily protect the animal if/when the cage is moved outside. The bottom line is to always keep the cage safe from predators and secure enough to inhibit a possible escape. Tight-fitting lids or doors, covered bottoms, and secured walls should do the trick, but it’s best never to leave your pocket pet unattended while outside.

If you’re worried about a possible cage-break, your pocket pet may be a good candidate for a microchip.

Soggy Bottoms

Another important component of summer pocket pet safety involves bedding. Litter should always be dry and clean of waste. Otherwise, your pocket pet could become a quick target for flies and maggots. Flies may lay their eggs in the folds of your pet’s skin or in small wounds, leading to life-threatening systemic illness. Change litter daily, and make sure waste is collected and removed regularly.

Summer Pocket Pet Safety

Many owners of pocket pets decide to take their pet with them on vacation instead of leaving them at home with a pet sitter or a boarder. While some pets may not always welcome traveling, others come by it very easily. When hitting the road with your pocket pet, consider these tips:

• Keep to your pet’s daily program with meals and playtime at regular intervals.
• Ensure that all your reservations include welcoming your pocket pet.
• Bring your pocket pet’s medical records, food, medication, and any other special accommodations.

Lastly, never leave your pocket pet inside your parked vehicle. He or she could quickly suffer the effects of heatstroke.

If we can help you prepare for the seasonal change or answer any questions about summer pocket pet safety, please let us know.

The post Hot Pockets: When Summer Pocket Pet Safety Takes Center Stage appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

From the feathered to the scaled, exotic pets (often called “pocket pets”) have captured the hearts of many pet owners. However, along with their special qualities comes extra care requirements that must be heeded to keep them healthy and happy. In fact, we end up seeing many exotic species when their specific nutritional or housing needs have been misunderstood.

To help keep your exotic in optimum health, we’ve compiled some basic information to eliminate some of the confusion around exotic pet care.

 

Up First: Know Your Pet

Although cats and dogs have their own unique needs, taking on an exotic pet requires specialized understanding. There is no one-size-fits-all approach since a rabbit is going to need different things than a ferret – and certainly different needs than a snake or a bird. Therefore, your first order of business is to read up about your special fur friend.

Some of the information you’ll want to cover includes:

• Diet
• Housing
• Mental enrichment (toys, wheels, mirrors, tunnels, etc.)
• Forms of exercise
• Social needs (some pets thrive in pairs or groups)
• Bedding
• Common health problems (many exotics have issues with dental health)
• Lifespan

Although many exotic pets are quite common and therefore legal, it’s worth mentioning there are many pets up for purchase that may or may not be allowed, depending on the state. That’s why it’s important to know the local laws around exotic pet ownership if you desire a more unusual animal.

Last but not least, it’s absolutely vital to your pet’s well being that you seek a veterinarian who has experience with exotic pets or pocket pets. At West Park Animal Hospital, our team provides all the essential preventive care services your pet needs (including surgery and exotic boarding).

Exotic Pet Care: The Importance of Wellness

Like dogs and cats, our goal for exotic wellness care is to keep these small pets looking and feeling their best. We also use diagnostics and other tools to detect any changes in health before they become problems. Because the signs of illness can occur suddenly in small mammals, it’s very important to maintain regular checkups and to respond quickly when any signs of illness are observed.

Given the fragile nature of some of these furry pals, we strongly suggest at least twice-yearly exams. During your pet’s wellness exam, we can answer any of your questions about daily care and make recommendations about diet, enrichment, and other factors that may benefit your small mammal companion.

If we can answer any questions about exotic pet care or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call.

The post The Basics of Exotic Pet Care appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to let the moms in your life know how much you value their hard work and dedication. But what about pet moms? The ones we see are equally committed to the health and happiness of the animals in their care, and the devotion and adoration is definitely not one-sided. We all try to make the world a better place, and pet moms deserve to be honored this spring.

Same but Different

Pet moms know what it’s like to wake up to the sound of a beloved pet vomiting. Not only will they clean up the mess, but they’ll stay by their pet’s side offering comfort and security. Pet moms understand that their time is never really their own, and if their pet needs them for any reason, they’ll be there. For grooming appointments, extra exercise, or quick transport in the case of an emergency, pet moms never falter in the face of their pet’s needs.

To Love Unconditionally

Pet moms love their pets no matter what, and there are dozens of ways you can show how much you admire their unending compassion and care, such as:

• Print a picture of her pets and frame them in any adorable pet-themed frame.
• Check out some of the fabulous Etsy shops that sell items just for pet moms.
• Choose a bracelet with charms representing her pet’s breed.
• Plan a pet-centric picnic in the park (bring a frisbee, of course!).
• Purchase a professional photography session for your pet mom and her pets.
• Provide gift certificates to her favorite pet shop, groomer, or for a wellness exam.
• Take her out to eat at any one of the pet-friendly restaurants in the CLE.
• Download some of her favorite pet movies. You know she’s got that list stashed close by!
• Don’t forget the card! Many card sections now include a “from the cat” or “from the dog” option.

Make it Special (and Safe!)

Many of the common gifts moms receive include flowers and chocolates, both of which have the potential to cause serious harm to her four-legged “kids.” If this is your gift of choice, make sure her pets do not have access. Even the slightest dusting of poisonous flowers, like lilies, can be dangerous. Depending on the weight of the animal and the amount consumed, chocolate can also be deadly.

Fur Babies Love Pet Moms

Most pet moms really just want more time to spend with their fur babies, friends, and family members. However you decide to honor the special lady in your life, one thing is for certain: her pet will have a great time just being involved!

As always, please let us know if we can be of further assistance. From all of us at West Park Animal Hospital, Happy Mother’s Day!

The post Everyone Loves Mother’s Day, Especially Pet Moms! appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

It’s a common scenario; you’re peacefully brushing your pet, when you are startled to discover a soft lump under his or her skin. Your mind races, wondering what the lump could be and what could have caused it. Should you call the vet immediately, or is this simply a natural part of the aging process?

Many pets develop non-cancerous growths as they age called lipomas. While lipomas in pets are normal and usually benign, pet owners and veterinarians should monitor their growth over time, and intervene if needed.

What Are Lipomas?

Lipomas are soft, round, free-floating lumps of fatty tissue under the skin. Lipomas are common in dogs as they age (less so in cats), and because they don’t cause pain, infection, or hair loss, are usually spotted during routine grooming or petting.

Lipomas are generally located on the chest, belly, sides, or front legs, but can be found anywhere on the body. Middle-aged and older pets, as well as those that are overweight, are more likely to develop a lipoma.

Diagnosing and Treating Lipomas in Pets

Although the majority of lipomas don’t pose a threat to your pet, you will still need to bring him or her in to see us. Besides performing a complete physical exam, we will make sure your pet’s lump is benign by:

• Palpating the area to determine the texture and nature of the bump
• Measuring each lump and recording its size and location on a chart in order to keep an eye on the rate of growth
• Performing a biopsy of the lump using a fine needle to make sure that the growth is not cancerous

A lipoma may be removed surgically if it is growing rapidly or is located in a place that interferes with your pet’s movement, such as in the armpit. Surgery is not recommended for most lipomas, however, and we generally just monitor the growth over time and reevaluate as needed.

Not All Lumps Are Created Equal

Most lipomas are harmless, but there are certain instances when a growth on a pet is a cause for concern, including:

• Infiltrative lipomas – Occasionally, lipomas will invade the tissues that surround them, and can cause problems for the pet depending on their location. Infiltrative lipomas don’t spread to other areas of the body, they are more difficult to remove surgically, and usually need to be treated with radiation or other means.
• Liposarcomas – Liposarcomas are malignant tumors made up of fatty tissue. Although they are the least common growth, they are the most concerning and must be removed using surgery and/or radiation to reduce the risk of recurrence.

To keep your pet’s health on track, be sure he or she makes it to all regularly scheduled wellness exams, and please give us a call at West Park Animal Hospital if you notice any new lumps or bumps.

The post Your Lumpy, Bumpy Pet: All About Lipomas in Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

We’re rolling right along the lovely, flower-filled spring time path, not unlike an oblong egg. The air is clear, the sun is shining, and all is right with the world. Add to this seasonal splendor a veritable feast of tasty treats, skipping through an egg hunt, and baskets chock full of goodies.

This all paints a pretty colorful scene, but the fact is, without certain Easter pet safety measures firmly in place, your pet could be in peril.

 

A Happy Time

We’d be hard-pressed to find someone that dislikes egg hunts. They’re a rollicking good time full of giggles, friendly competition, and prizes. If your hunt comes with a menagerie of hard boiled eggs, make sure you complete a count before and after the hunt. That way, you can rest easy knowing that an egg wasn’t picked up by your hungry, curious pet.

It’s not that eggs are necessarily bad, but if they’re found weeks later, you could be looking at food poisoning. Also, eggshells can lead to choking or lacerations.

Plastic eggs are also dangerous if eaten, making close supervision of Easter pet safety rules priority number one.

Dangers of Grass

Putting all your eggs in one basket is okay with us, but artificial grass is extremely dangerous to your pet. Spending Easter in the emergency room due to a gastrointestinal obstruction is not the best way to celebrate the holiday.

Choco Bunnies

Easter chocolate is extremely dangerous to your pet. Please ensure that he or she cannot get into any chocolate bunnies or eggs stashed around the home. Please call us immediately if you notice vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, collapse, or tremors. Chocolate toxicity can lead to coma and even death.

Treats artificially sweetened with Xylitol are equally toxic. As part of your Easter pet safety tactics, please do not offer or allow access to any baked goods, gum, or candy.

Blooms and Stems

Easter is synonymous with various florals, but exposing your pet to them could have dire consequences. Lilies are the most popular, but even a small amount ingested can cause a host of terrible symptoms or even be fatal. Cats can ingest enough of toxin by grooming pollen off themselves. Of the most critical rules of Easter pet safety, ensuring your pet doesn’t face the dangers of toxic plants is key.

Easter Pet Safety

One of the best parts of the holiday is, of course, the family meal. It’s best to fix an individual plate for your pet either before or during your own meal. Otherwise, the temptation of rich, fatty, or salty meats and other unsafe food may be too great for your pet to resist.

If there’s anything we can do to prevent a misfortune to your pet, we encourage you to call us. Our veterinarians and staff are always here for you and your pet.

The post All Your Eggs in One Basket: The Easter Pet Safety Edition appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

You probably don’t rush to the doctor every time you get a paper-cut, and likewise your pet probably doesn’t need to make a trip in to see us at West Park Animal Hospital for every scrape. In many situations, at-home pet wound care is an appropriate action as long as you are comfortable.

Read on to learn about pet wound care basics and when to throw in the towel.

At-Home Pet Wound Care

Pets can experience all sorts of scrapes and cuts. You may notice right away when it happens or it can take a little while. Pets who have a wound will often exhibit symptoms of some kind, though, such as bleeding, swelling, hair loss, limping, or pain.

Home pet wound care is often dictated by what you can accomplish safely. Some animals are very willing to allow their owners to handle the injured area, while others become upset very quickly.

If you find a wound on your pet, and your pet will allow it, take a few minutes to:

Stop bleeding – If there is active bleeding, it is important to get this stopped. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or piece of gauze. This can take up to 5 minutes if the bleeding is severe.

Assess the situation – While there may be an obvious wound grabbing your attention, it is very wise to take a look at the rest of your pet. A trauma that has caused one wound very likely could have caused another. Assess your pet’s overall well-being and inspect closely for additional injuries.

Clean the area – If there is a cut or scrape, and bleeding is minimal, you will want to clean the area. While they are popular choices, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide damage healing tissue and are not recommended. Instead be sure to keep a commercial antiseptic solution containing povidone iodine and chlorhexidine in your home. Dilute according to the directions and flush the area with a syringe. You may gently dab with a clean cloth or gauze if appropriate. If you do not have an antiseptic solution available, clean water is the next best choice.

While you may wish to place a light bandage over an area temporarily, especially if your pet has some bleeding, it is usually best to not bandage wounds in pets. An improperly placed bandage can impede the circulation or cause additional wounds. A cone-style Elizabethan collar is typically the best way to prevent a pet from licking or bothering a healing area.

For most wounds, topical ointments, such as triple antibiotic ointment, won’t hurt, but are often unhelpful as pets tend not to leave them on very long. Never apply an ointment containing a steroid such as hydrocortisone to a wound without veterinary supervision.

Knowing When to Say When

Sometimes it is the safer choice to give us a call and have us treat your pet’s wound. It is best to have the area treated by a veterinarian if:

• Your pet will not allow you to safely examine and clean the area
• There is excessive bleeding that does not stop within 5 minutes of applying pressure
• The wound is deep
• The wound is long enough to require stitches
• There is obvious discharge or pus
• Your pet seems very uncomfortable or in pain
• There is no obvious healing after several days

These types of wounds may need antibiotics, surgery, or other therapies to heal properly.

Even when we treat a wound at our hospital, good home care is essential. Being sure that your pet can’t lick at the area is very important. Be sure to come back for rechecks, bandage changes, and suture removal appointments as directed. If your pet has a bandage that becomes soiled, slips, or chafes, let us know right away.

The body is an amazing thing. It is incredible what our pets are able to do in terms of healing. Often, keeping an injury clean and free from irritation is all they need to get back to normal. If not, though, don’t ever hesitate to ask for our help.

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