They always seem to know when we need them most. Our furry friends tend to be our rocks when we are stressed, anxious, or sad. How do they know, though, when we need them?

Learn all about our pets and stress, and how they are always attuned to what we need.

How They Know

Animals are, by nature, very instinctual. This means that they are very aware of environmental cues and changes. So, while Fido or Fluffy may not understand your words, chances are that you are giving off other signs that you are stressed.

Ways that your pet may pick up on your stress level include:

• Verbal cues (Yelling in particular, but any changes in tone can be tip-offs)
• Your facial expressions
• Alterations in your routines (decreased sleeping, for example)
• Restlessness
• Differences in eating habits

Whether you like it or not, you behave differently when emotions are running high and your pet can pick up on that. Studies have shown this time and time again. Dogs are more likely to approach a person who is crying than talking, act more submissive around sad people, smell chemical changes in the body associated with health, and can anticipate your reactions. Our pets seem to know far more than we give them credit for.

The Facts About Pets and Stress

The relationship between pets and stress runs both ways. We know, for example, that pets who have stressed owners are more likely to experience stress-based medical conditions, such a digestive problems or compulsive behaviors.

We also know, however, that owning pets can have some very positive effects on stress in our lives. The American Institute of Stress reports that having a relationship with an animal can be very beneficial for overall health. Having a pet has been associated with:

• Decreased blood pressure
• A sense of purpose
• Decrease in loneliness
• Increased confidence
• Lowered anxiety
• Decreased incidence of depression

The human-animal bond is a powerful thing, and it can benefit our health and well-being in some amazing ways. Chances are, your pet shows you that he or she cares every day if you are paying attention.

Our pets are our foundation, and for many of us they are a critical part of our happiness. West Park Animal Hospital is proud to play such an integral role in contributing to the health and well-being of these amazing creatures. We hope that by improving their health, we can indirectly help to better yours as well.

The post A Shoulder to Lean On: Our Pets and Stress appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Pets and treats seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. We use treats for training, rewarding, and simply to make our pets happy. American pet owners buy so many treats, in fact, that pet treats made up 16% of U.S. pet food spending in 2014.

As wonderful as they are, treats are not without risks to your pet. Finding the right balance of safety and health is important when evaluating which treats to give your pet, and West Park Animal Hospital is here to help you do just that.

Not All Pet Treats Are Created Equal

Just because a treat is commercially available, does not make it safe or healthy for your pet. Consider the following:

• Pathogens – Bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and others are a concern with any animal-based treat, especially those coming from outside the United States. Make sure all animal-based treats you purchase have been thoroughly processed, and preferably made in the U.S.A.
• Injuries – Very hard treats, such as bones or antlers, can cause tooth breakage and damage to the intestinal tract. Swallowing a large chunk of a poorly digestible treat, such as rawhide, can also lead to choking or a dangerous intestinal blockage in pets.
• Weight gain – Many pet treats are high in calories, and with pet obesity on the rise, added calories can spell big trouble for some pets. Moderation is key when it comes to treats. Use smaller treats or break larger treats in half, and give sparingly.

We are happy to help you select pet treats that are not only safe and healthy for your pet, but also delicious. Give us a call for more information.

Shop Local

Did you know there are amazing pet treats being made right here in the Cleveland area? It’s easy to keep your money in our community by supporting these and other locally owned businesses:

• The Grateful Dog Bakery in North Ridgeville boasts an extensive array of natural (and adorable) foods and treats, supplements, vitamins, and more.
• Sunny’s Tasty Treats use natural ingredients, such as chicken broth and peanut butter, to create healthy and delicious edibles.
• At The Cute Little Cake Shop in Strongsville you can shop for pet treats while satisfying your own sweet tooth at the same time.

Channel Your Inner Martha Stewart

It’s surprisingly simple to make delicious and healthy pet treats in your own kitchen. The internet abounds with easy recipes for homemade treats, made from nutrient dense ingredients. Just be sure any people food you feed to your pet is safe.

Bon appétit!

The post Pet Treats: The Good, the Bad, and the Delicious appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Some seem to think that you can tell a lot about a person by the way that he or she treats animals. Keeping that in mind, it can be fun to look at a person’s choice in pet, and even more so when that person is a celebrity. While you may be tired of hearing about politics, West Park Animal Hospital thought it would be fun to take a look at some famous presidential pets and the people who love them.

Presidential Pooches

Man’s best friend has been welcome in the White House for some time. Some are better remembered than others, but all have been special. Famous canines who have graced the oval office include:

• Warren G. Harding’s Airedale Terrier, Laddie Boy
• Herbert Hoover’s Belgian Shepherd, King Tut
• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottish Terrier, Fala (who had to be rescued after being accidentally left behind on a trip to the Aleutian Islands)
• Richard Nixon’s black and white Cocker Spaniel, Checkers
• JFK’s dog, Pushinka
• Lyndon B. Johnson’s beagles, Him and Her (who he was accused of mistreating)
• George H.W. Bush’s Springer Spaniel, Millie
• Barack Obama’s Portuguese Water Dog, Bo

Felines for Freedom

Cats are the most popular pet in the United States, and it is no surprise that a few felines have called the White House their home. Some of the more notable presidential kitties through history have included:

• Socks, feline friend of Chelsea Clinton
• Misty Malarky Ying Yang, a Siamese cat who belonged to Jimmy Carter’s daughter
• Siam, Rutherford B. Hayes’ cat (who was the first Siamese cat in the country)
• Abraham Lincoln’s cats, Tabby and Dixie, who he proclaimed to be smarter than “his whole cabinet”

Presidential Pets of a Different Variety

Of course, many other critters have graced the halls of the White House over the years. Some of the more interesting presidential pets have included:

• Two bear cubs belonging to Thomas Jefferson
• An alligator belonging to John Quincy Adams
• James Buchanan’s eagle
• Grover Cleveland’s mockingbirds
• Benjamin Harrison’s opossums, named Mr. Reciprocity and Mr. Protection
• Theodore Roosevelt’s menagerie, including snakes, chickens, a bear, a badger, a hyena, and a barn owl
• A pygmy hippopotamus belonging to Calvin Coolidge

In fact, there are only a select few presidents who have not had a pet while in the White House. The list includes Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk, and currently Donald Trump, who is the first president in a century without an animal sidekick of some variety.

President Harry S. Truman once stated that, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a pet”. This is perhaps sage advice that most of our commander-in-chiefs have honored, and it is certainly interesting to see what pets our presidents have chosen.

The post Presidential Pets and their Owners appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Relationships can be tricky, but there are some things that a worth looking for in a partner that could make them more rewarding. Obviously, you want someone with whom you share common interests and values, and someone who treats you well. You might want to add being an animal person to that list, though.

At West Park Animal Hospital, we already know that four-legged friends are the best, but check out why it’s so rewarding to love a pet lover.

Pets are Powerful

Chances are, if you are reading this, you have one or more pets in your life. By seeking to love a pet lover, you automatically are looking for a soulmate who has something in common with you. Animals can be the tie that binds, especially in a new, blossoming relationship.

Talking about your pets can be a great icebreaker and make awkward interactions less so. Trading crazy cat stories, taking your dogs on a walk, cuddling on the couch, or saying hello at the puppy playground can be a great way to make a connection with someone new.

Animals often have an innate and amazing sense of people. While you may not want to discount a potential mate if your cat snubs him or her, you might not want to overlook his or her opinion, either.

Reasons to Love a Pet Lover

Besides the fact that having pets often bring people together, there are some other powerful characteristics that animal people often possess. Personality traits of those who appreciate our furry friends make it even more compelling to love a pet lover. Consider:

• Pet people are used to anticipating others’ needs rather than making them ask
• Animal lovers aren’t grossed out easily and know life can be messy
• It is easy to be around a pet lover, as they don’t expect perfection and know unconditional love
• If you love a pet lover, you know that pet people are good at taking care of others
• Animal people tend to have a more starry-eyed vision of love
• Pet parents know what commitment is and are typically loyal
• People who love animals are often good parents, should they choose to have children
• Most pet owners have learned the power of positivity from their animal friends

Animal lovers tend to be kind, compassionate, and responsible people, making the potential for a great relationship attractive. While there are plenty of people in this world who don’t have pets who are worthwhile, if you choose to love a pet lover you are almost certain to find yourself with a good person.

The post Love is in the Air: Reasons to Love a Pet Lover appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Just as you might pay special attention to your pet’s paws during hot summer days, winter brings its own challenges for paw health and safety.

Paw care is an essential part of your pet care regimen. To enjoy the dog days of, er, winter, consider these tips to keep your pet’s feet in tip-top shape.

Protecting Paws With Winter Paw Care

From snow and ice to chilly temperatures, the elements can be especially harsh on sensitive paws. Compound this with the use of harsh chemicals and deicers, it quickly becomes tough to take Fido out for his daily walk.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risks to your pet’s paws. Here are some effective tips for paw care during the winter:

• Rock salt and chemical deicers are not only abrasive, they’re also toxic if ingested. Prevent your pet from licking or ingesting snowmelt, and clean his or her feet and lower legs with a warm washcloth upon returning home.
• Make a habit of inspecting your pet’s paws each day, looking for signs of dryness, cracking, inflammation, or other damage.
• Rather than exposing your pet’s paws to ice and road chemicals, consider investing in quality dog booties, suitable for the winter months.
• Paw pad balm or other pet-safe moisturizers can help prevent problems associated with dryness and cracking.
• Keep your pet’s paws clean and well-groomed. Long nails or excess fur can encourage ice, snow, and road salts to become lodged between the toes.
• On days the weather is particularly unpleasant, consider alternative indoor activities for your pet. Try a game of fetch with a Nerf-type ball or perhaps spend the day at doggie daycare.

When Your Pet Has Dry or Cracked Paw Pads

When your pet’s paws get too dry, they can sometimes crack and cause bleeding. This is where paw balm or moisturizer can make a big difference. Keep in mind, however, that lotion or other products meant for our skin may be unsafe for dogs and cats. Look for a species-specific brand at your local pet supply store.

If there are minor abrasions, begin by cleaning your pet’s paw pads with a gentle antiseptic ointment or solution. If there’s bleeding, you may wish to bandage the paw or use a dry sock over the foot. Because healing can be impeded when moisture is present, be sure to change the bandage or wrap often and keep the wound site dry and clean.

If the problem doesn’t improve within a few days or if the abrasions are deep, please call us for an appointment. While winter weather is likely the cause of paw dryness and bleeding, issues with your pet’s feet may also indicate underlying health issues.

For more information about how to keep your pet’s paws in good condition all year long, please phone the team at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post Winter Paw Care for Healthy, Happy Feet appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

There are more pet cats than dogs, but we see far less of them than their canine counterparts. This is due in part because dogs typically don’t put up a fight when it’s time to zoom around in the car. However, feline absence stems from something far worse than travel fears.

The false assumption that cats don’t need care inhibits optimal cat health – and may even cause or contribute to health problems down the road. We aim to change that view by highlighting 5 important things to remember about cat health.

1. The Surroundings – Indoor cats have the potential to lead safer, longer lives because they aren’t exposed to risks associated with other animals and automobiles. While you can certainly reduce injuries or illness this way, indoor cats aren’t immune to parasites and disease. Parasite prevention is vital to all pets, as mosquitoes and fleas can get inside each and every home quite easily. Because cats can’t be treated after a heartworm diagnosis, the prevention of this fatal disease is a major priority.
2. Hiding the Signs – Whether strictly indoor or not, your cat was born committed to self-preservation and is highly skilled at hiding any signs of weakness. If your cat becomes ill or injured, you might not even know until it’s revealed at his or her next wellness exam (which may include certain diagnostics). This is one of the top reasons for comprehensive cat health.
3. Early Intervention – Cats age at a faster rate than humans, and heart disease, dental disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, and arthritis are common age-related conditions. We recommend twice yearly exams for senior cats in order to give us the best chance at detecting any issues as early as possible. If cat health visits are put off or placed on hold, symptoms can worsen, depleting quality – and possibly the length – of life. Remember, preventive veterinary care (including vaccinations and parasite control) is always less costly than treating an emergency or full-blown disease later on.
4. Wellness Matters – Every cat is unique with individual needs. Part of supporting cat health involves keeping a keen eye on diet, nutrition, disease prevention, mental stimulation, and exercise. We’re happy to help you formulate an approach to your cat’s wellness that works for you and your feline friend. We proudly cultivate caring relationships with our clients and their pets. When we’re given the chance to communicate openly and answer questions, your cat can thrive.
5. The Best in Cat Health – Being a truly responsible cat owner means providing the best possible care. While love, affection, food, and shelter are essential, true cat health is only achieved when paired with advanced veterinary care.

If you need assistance with crate training or if you ever observe any suspicious changes in your cat’s behavior or personality, please give us a call.

The post Cats Need Care, Too! 5 Things to Remember About Cat Health appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

When two people spend enough time together, they often develop similar characteristics. The same seems to be true of people and their pets. It’s widely believed that everyone has a double out there somewhere. It may just be, though, that some people’s doubles have four legs.

Animal doppelgangers are a real thing, and there may be very good reasons why people look like their pets.

The Theory Behind Animal Look-Alikes

Many people joke about looking like their pets, but it turns out this may bear some truth. Sadahiko Nakajima is a psychologist who has dedicated his research to human and animal doppelgangers. His research has shown that people and their pets often resemble one another.

 

There are several theories about why this happens. The most widely accepted one is based on a psychological principle called the mere exposure effect. This principle states that people are most comfortable with familiar things, making it more likely for us to be drawn to furry faces that evoke a sense of familiarity. And, what is more familiar to us than our own faces?

Specifically, Nakajima was able to deduce that features surrounding the eyes were most likely to draw a person to a specific pet. If you take a close look at people and their animal doppelgangers, you will often find similarities in the eyes.

It has also been shown that people and their pets have similar personality profiles.

Our Favorite Animal Doppelgangers

It is easy to spend a lot of time exploring the results of a web search for “animal doppelgangers”. There are plenty of people who look a little too much like their pets, but some matches are more impressive than others. The internet is full of entertaining comparisons, some of the more noteworthy being:

• Elite Daily’s Pets That Look Exactly Like Their Owners
• Viral Nova’s Dog Owners Who Look Exactly Like Their Dogs
• Buzzfeed’s People Who Look Just Like Their Dogs
• Huffington Post’s Celebrities Who Look Like Their Dogs

The world of animal doppelgangers is a fascinating one. There is no shame in resembling a pet, though. Our pet patients at West Park Animal Hospital are some of the most adorable bundles of joy! So, if you happen to look like your four-legged family member, we don’t mind at all.

If you have an uncanny resemblance to your pet, please share a photo with us. We would love to see your animal doppelganger!

The post Animal Doppelgangers and the People Who Love Them appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Whew! After all of the gift-wrapping, feasting, and driving of the holiday season, it’s time for most of us to kick back and relax. And what better way to relax than to grab a favorite cozy blanket and a fur friend, and dive into some great reading…like our blog!

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect on all we have to be thankful for and all of the improvements we can make to create an even better new year. As a pet owner, you may have included your pet in your New Year’s resolutions, and by reading our pet health and wellness blogs, we aim to help you achieve your goals.

To start your year off in a pet-friendly way, here are our 10 most popular blogs of 2016.

West Park’s 10 Most Popular Blogs of 2016

1. THOSE ADORABLE, ADOPTABLE DOGS! – October is the American Humane Association’s Adopt-a-Dog Month, and your friends and West Park Animal Hospital want to thank all of the wonderful pet parents who have provided homes for pound puppies and other shelter pets over the years. Read More…
2. GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK – HOW YOU CAN HELP ANIMALS IN NEED – If you are like most of us, this time of the year can be a source of stress. There’s so much traffic, limited parking at stores, growing credit card debt, and scheduling conflicts that can muddle our intentions of gratitude and love. However, after you take a much-needed deep breath, notice that the inherent seasonal joy can be magnified if the gifts you give are coming from your heart. Indeed, the true spirit of the holidays will shine when you give back to those in need. Read More…
3. THE CURRENT SCOOP ON CANINE KENNEL COUGH – With the recent outbreak of canine kennel cough and canine influenza occurring in the Chicago area, the media is all abuzz with talk about these diseases. Many pet owners want to know what the word is on canine kennel cough and whether they should be worried. Read More…
4. PARASITE PREVENTATIVES: PROTECTING YOUR PET FROM FLEAS, TICKS, AND HEARTWORM – Protecting your pet from fleas, ticks, and heartworm is an important part of being a pet owner. Not only can these parasites be a nuisance to your pet (and you), but they also pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. Read More…
5. FUN IN THE SUN: SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY FOR PETS – Pets who enjoy the outdoors during the summer months are prone to some of the same nuisances as their human counterparts are. Sunburn and bug bites are no fun for anyone, two legged or four.  Learn what pet owners need to know about sunscreen and bug spray for pets. Read More…
6. WHY DOES MY CAT DO THAT? UNLOCKING STRANGE CAT BEHAVIORS – From following you into the bathroom when a private moment is due, to furious tail-twitching, your cat’s antics may leave you puzzled – if not endlessly amused. You’re a major fan of your cat and love him or her in spite (or because) of all the odd things he or she gets away with. Your frisky feline might even argue that all personal motivations and actions are purr-fectly logical, even if, to you, they are anything but. Read More…
7. LOST AND FOUND PETS: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PET IS MISSING – Those of us who care for a pet find the idea of him or her becoming lost terrifying. Yet, each year, the greater Cleveland area sees thousands of lost pets on the streets and in shelters.  And, while some of these missing pets find their way back to their families; many pets remain unclaimed due to lack of identification tags or a microchip. Read More…
8. LOST AND FOUND PETS: WHAT TO DO WITH A FOUND PET – At some point or another it’s likely that you will play the role of the Good Samaritan who comes across a scared cat under a porch or rescues a confused and frightened dog from a street or alley. Once we address the emergency at hand – that is, ensuring the pet is kept safe from immediate danger – we then find ourselves in the position to ask, “Now what?” Read More…
9. CORNEAL ULCERS IN PETS: A COMMON CONDITION – Perhaps the most frequent eye problem that we see in our pet patients is the corneal ulcer. Pets with this problem often squint the eye, have tearing, or maybe even redness and swelling. These eye ulcers can be extremely painful and vary in severity from no big deal to an emergency situation. Read More…
10. WALKING THE DOG! CELEBRATING NATIONAL WALK YOUR DOG MONTH – The middle of winter may seem like strange timing to honor the importance of getting outside to walk your pet, especially here in Ohio. Temperatures in January don’t often inch far above freezing, and pets and their owners struggle to cope with cabin fever. Indeed, who really wants to get all bundled up right now to traipse through ice and snow? Read More…

Helping improve the lives of all companion animals is our goal all year, every year. To assist pet owners in improving the quality of life for their pets is a part of this, and we look forward to continuing to provide informative blogs and other pet care resources in the coming year.

Thank you for being a part of the West Park Animal Hospital family. We hope to see you and your cherished pet soon, and are here for you should you have any questions.

Happy New Year!

The post And the Winner Is… Our Most Popular Blogs of 2016 appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

We just spent an entire month making lists and crossing off our accomplishments (pat yourself on the back). But, now that we’re rounding the final corner toward the new year, it’s time for another list: pet owner resolutions.

For your pet, his or her resolutions could certainly include things like eating slower, staying off your favorite pieces of furniture, or letting go of questionable behaviors. However, for you, we offer some ideas geared toward pet total wellness in the new year. Let’s reflect and get inspired and motivated for 2017!

Sharing Is Caring

Pet owner resolutions are more attainable when you have support. That’s why we’re here! Please allow us to help you make the right changes for your pet. With that said, we recommend considering whether any of these healthful ideas may positively impact your pet.

• Nutrition – Many pet owner resolutions include some concerns about a pet’s weight. Addressing nutritional needs is a great place to start, but changing your pet’s diet should never be done overnight. Measured portions, fewer treats, and no table food can all go a long way toward trimming the silhouette.
• Activities – Of course, exercise is good for everyone and not just for an overweight pet. However, the fact remains that to lose weight your pet must get moving. Provided your pet is up for it, plan your days with at least 30 minutes of physical activity for him or her.
• Sink your teeth in – Pet dental health may seem like something you can ignore, but keeping up a weekly routine of brushing at home can actually save your pet from gum disease and systemic illness. Group this with grooming and your pet will eventually adapt to your efforts. Reward with a good snuggle or extra time at the park.
• Community – Pet owners represent a group of animal advocates like no other. Get involved (with or without your pet) to help animals in need. It will enable you to meet others who care deeply about pets in your community, which can even deepen the bond you have at home with your pet.
• New customs – It’s very common for pet owners to surrender yearly or biannual veterinary exams if there are no worrisome or obvious symptoms. Pet diseases can be very sneaky, though, becoming too difficult to treat if left alone. Also, it’s always important to update vaccinations, parasite prevention, and other facets of overall wellness.

Pet Owner Resolutions to Believe In

While it’s easy to make to-do lists, it can be challenging to stick to resolutions. Hopefully, our list of pet owner resolutions proves to be as uncomplicated and manageable as possible.

Please let us know if you have any questions or need help acquiring the best pet health in 2017. Cheers!

The post Move over 2016: Pet Owner Resolutions for a Healthy New Year appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

The holiday season is a time for sharing, feasting, and celebrating…and also the time when you realize you only have a few days left to find gifts for all the dog and cat lovers in your life.

If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. Your friends at West Park Animal Hospital have teamed up to provide our loyal readers with the ultimate list of perfect gifts for pet owners. Happy shopping!

Drink Up!

We’re talking about your pet, not you! Keeping your precious pooch hydrated when you’re out and about together is important for all pet owners. These handy, portable drinking units are perfect for active dogs and their owners:

• Dog bowl bottle
• Auto Pup cup
• Highwave AutoDogMug
• SiliPet collapsible bowl

A Very Furry Christmas

Dog and cat fur on the floors and furniture is a never ending battle for most pet parents. Give the pet lovers in your life the gift of easy fur removal this holiday season with the following useful products:

• 2-in-1 pet glove
• Pet Buddies broom
• Pet hair removal brush
• Cat slicker brush

Just Plain Cute

We couldn’t resist these adorable gifts for pet owners:

• Cat Tao glasses are perfect for sipping your milk, just make sure kitty doesn’t knock them over!
• Inform non-pet owner guests of the “house rules” with this tongue-in-cheek wall art.
• We can’t imagine a pet owner who wouldn’t love to memorialize their favorite paw print with a keepsake ornament kit.
• Be the coolest cat in town with a pair of pet patterned Vans.

DIY Gifts for Pet Owners

Generally, the terms “DIY” and “last minute” don’t go hand-in-hand, but we’ve uncovered a few projects that are simple, affordable, and straight from the heart:

• Festive treat jar (filled, of course)
• T-shirt dog toy
• Fleece pet blanket
• Beautiful cat wand

The Holiday Spirit

Chances are, most of the pet owners you know are also passionate about animal welfare. Skip the shopping this year and consider donating funds or supplies to an animal shelter or rescue organization in the recipient’s name. Call around to local organizations to find out how you can best help them.

Wishing you, your family, and your pet a wonderful holiday season, from all of us at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post Happy Howlidays: Last Minute Gifts for Pet Owners appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.