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 can, but happy tail syndrome in dogs can be quite the conundrum.

 

When Good Tails Wag Bad

A dog’s tail has 20 vertebrae (although some breeds with short tails have less) and can pack a pretty good wallop. Happy tail syndrome in dogs occurs when this strong tail repeatedly hits solid objects with force during a wagging session, resulting in the thin skin of the tail splitting open.

You would think that this injury would be enough to stop even the happiest tail in its tracks, but alas this is not usually the end of it. The over-exuberant appendage typically continues to wag, leaving blood splatters behind. Happy tail syndrome can make it look like Dexter just paid a visit.

Obviously breeds with short or curly tails are unlikely to experience happy tail syndrome. Breeds with long tails and overzealous personalities such as Labradors, Pitbulls, and hunting breeds tend to be most affected.

Treating Happy Tail Syndrome in Dogs

While happy tail syndrome in dogs may have a cute-sounding name, it is not something you want your pet to have. If you suspect your pet may be affected, call us right away. The sooner we intervene, the better.

Treatment success rests solely on the ability to allow the tail enough protection and time to heal before the next whack occurs. This is easier said than done!

Treatment of happy tail may involve:

• Bandaging the tail (allow us to help, as this can be difficult to do correctly)
• The use of laser therapy treatments to speed healing
• Antibiotics if infection occurs
• Mild sedatives to decrease activity and allow healing
• The use of an Elizabethan collar (cone collar) to help maintain a bandage
• Surgical closure of the skin split in some situations
• Surgical amputation of the affected part of the tail if healing is unsuccessful

Happy tail syndrome in dogs can try the patience of any pet owner, as well as the veterinarian treating it. Many can take upwards of a month to heal.  Our professional staff has the experience and perseverance to achieve good outcomes, and together we can fix your pet’s happy tail!

The post Happy Tail Syndrome in Dogs appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

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 the pet with 3 legs? Or the deaf or blind pet? Pets with physical challenges are also looking for forever homes, some of them through shelters and some through rescue organizations. Special needs pets can make amazing companions, too, and we’re here to tell you how.

 

Not A Disabled Spirit

You may consider a pet with 3 legs, kidney disease, or one eye “disabled”, but these pets don’t have a disabled spirit! One of the most amazing things about animals is their resilience. You’ll never see a dog or a cat feeling sorry for her or himself.

When you adopt an oddball, you literally save a life. Many special needs pets in shelters have a greater chance of being put down compared to the other animals there. Adoption saves them, giving them a chance of a happy forever home.

You’ll inspire others, and your pet will inspire you every day with their love for life, even in their situation.

Special Needs Pets

Some physical challenges in pets are more common than others. Here are some ideas for looking at pets with special needs differently.

Blind pets – pets don’t need to read, write, or drive a car. Blind pets can do very well and lead almost normal lives, especially if they have another dog to go for walks with. If you don’t move your furniture around, you’ll be amazed that your blind dog doesn’t even bump into things! Blind pets require special training, with sound signals only, but this is a small hurdle for them to get over.

Deafness – deaf pets require special training and considerations, similar to blind pets. You’ll need to learn how to train your dog with visual hand signals, make sure not to startle them, and be vigilant when they’re outside (only on leash, only with you or another attentive guardian). Aside from those things, you’ll have a loyal, loving, and largely normal pet.

Three leggedness – often called “tripods”, pets who have lost a leg don’t seem to know that they’re disabled. Cats can still jump, dogs can still run – almost as fast and as high as they could with 4 legs. Don’t let this one deter you in the least!

Spinal or mobility issues – these dogs may have joint or spinal issues, or a degenerative disease of some kind. They can still have a happy life with proper care and maybe a set of wheels! They are more of a time commitment to care for but have big hearts and just as much love to give as any other dog.

Medical conditions – sometimes a pet with a chronic, but well managed, disease needs a new loving home. Whether they have kidney disease and need daily fluid therapy, or have diabetes and need daily injections, we can teach you how to administer these basic treatments easily. Some of these special needs pets are the absolute sweetest we ever encounter, and they just need a chance to show a new family how wonderful they are.

If you are considering adopting a pet, please consider a special needs pet. They are no more difficult to train than a “normal” pet, and have just as much love to give. Never take adoption lightly; there are special considerations with special needs pets, especially in the financial area. But once you bring a disabled pet into your life, you’ll love them forever.

If you need help or have questions about special needs pets, please give your friends at West Park Animal Hospital a call. We are happy to answer any of your pet health questions.

The post Adopting the Oddballs: Special Needs Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

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 as the common cold, is caused by any number of different viruses. However, the viruses that cause cold-like symptoms in humans, dogs, and cats rarely jump from one species to another.

 

What Is A Cold?

When people talk about “catching a cold”, they are actually referring to any number of different viruses or bacteria. They are all grouped together as “a cold” due to the similar symptoms they produce. In people, the most common cold virus is the rhinovirus, but there are many, many others that can cause us to feel sick.

In dogs and cats, symptoms of a cold are caused in a similar manner. There is not one specific virus, but rather a variety of viruses and bacteria that all cause cold symptoms in dogs and cats. Some of these are more serious than others, which is why you should treat your dog or cat’s URI with a bit more caution than you would your own cold.

Signs of A Cold in Dogs and Cats

Common cold symptoms in pets include:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Coughing
• Congestion
• Clear or colored nasal discharge
• Wheezing
• Decreased appetite
• Fever

These symptoms could be the signs of a cold, but could also be signs of a more serious condition.  If any of your pets are experiencing these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. While a mild cold is most likely not a cause for concern, it’s important to rule out any other underlying issues that may be at play.

Also noteworthy is that although your pets may recover just fine, URIs are generally extremely contagious. If your pet has any signs of being ill, it’s best to keep them home so they don’t infect other animals.

Can I Catch A Cold From My Pet?

To address the very rare instances when it’s possible to catch a cold or flu from your pet, we will look at a few instances.

In cats, most URI viral and bacterial agents are highly contagious only to other cats. But there are some strains that can also affect dogs and even some that are considered zoonotic (can be transmitted to humans). Bordetella bronchiseptica has been known to be transmitted between dogs and cats, and rarely, to humans.

The influenza virus gets headlines for crossing species lines, but in reality, this is very rare. An avian strain (H2N7) recently was noted to infect shelter cats in New York City, and was determined to infect one shelter veterinarian as well.

Conjunctivitis in cats can be caused by the chlamydia bacteria, resulting in severe inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. There have been a few cases reported of the chlamydia bacteria being transmitted from cats to people, so good handwashing practices are in order if your cat has this disease.

Again, these instances are extremely rare. To date, there is no evidence of a contagious virus that causes upper respiratory infection that can cross species lines. However, viruses are constantly mutating and there may come a day when such a virus exists.

Zoonotic Diseases

Zoonotic diseases can be a concern, even if catching a cold from your pet is not. A few best practices are in order.

• Keep hands clean
• Wash and sanitize food and water bowls regularly
• Remove pet stool promptly
• Prevent pet parasites
• Clean your pet’s bedding regularly
• Use extra caution with children and farm animals, including at petting zoos and fairs

If you have concerns about your own health, please don’t hesitate to contact your physician. And if you have any questions about your pet’s health or well-being, we’re happy to answer them. Please call your team at West Park Animal Hospital or schedule an appointment today.

The post Sick as a Dog: Can You Catch a Cold From Your Pet? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

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 aisles of the pet store you may start to wonder whether you need to or should jump on the bandwagon. Are pet nutritional supplements necessary? Are they safe? How do you choose? Your friends at West Park Animal Hospital have the scoop!

What’s in a Supplement?

A supplement is something that completes or enhances something else (in this case, your pet’s diet). With nearly one-third of dog owners and one-fifth of cat owners purchasing one for their pet, it is important to understand why and how you might choose one.

Some pet nutritional supplements are more common than others. A few of the more commonly administered include:

Glucosamine/chondroitin — These ingredients are typically used to support overall joint health and ameliorate the effects of arthritis.

Fish oil — The long chain fatty acids in fish oil supplements have been shown to have some anti-inflammatory effects that may be helpful in the treatment of heart, skin, kidney, and joint disease when delivered in the correct doses.

Turmeric — Touted for its anti-inflammatory effects for arthritis patients and cancer-controlling properties, this herb has begun to make an appearance in the veterinary world.

Probiotics — Helping to support a healthy digestive tract can be important to overall health and immune function. Supplementing the gut with healthy bacteria has some obvious benefits

Hairball remedies — Some cats routinely regurgitate hairballs, and many feline caretakers reach for these supplements designed to help hair pass more easily through the digestive tract.

When selecting nutritional supplements, it’s important to know the potential side effects of what you’re buying.Your pet depends on you in order to receive the best care possible.

Purchasing human fish oil capsules containing toxic Xylitol, not being aware of the fact that glucosamine can alter blood sugar metabolism, or being oblivious to turmeric’s anticoagulant properties can potentially cause great harm. Populating your pet’s gut with less-than helpful human bacteria doesn’t really reap any benefits, and trying to fix your cat’s inflammatory bowel disease with petroleum based hairball products could delay a proper diagnosis.

The Bottom Line About Pet Nutritional Supplements

Safety, efficacy, and quality control are huge concerns when it comes to pet nutritional supplements. Because they are not subject to the same FDA regulations as veterinary drugs, it can be difficult to know if what you are purchasing is pure.

This also means that just about any one can write just about anything about them. It can be next to impossible to sort fact from fiction.

As veterinarians and scientists, we stand behind evidence-based medicine and make our supplement recommendations based on what research is available to us. It is important to “first do no harm”, and we must recognize that supplements can have many different effects on the body.

When administering supplements to your pet, it is important to work with our veterinary team in order to select one. Our expertise can help with:

• Deciding what, if any, supplements may be helpful for your pet
• Arriving at correct and efficacious dose
• Selecting a product with good quality control practices
• Navigating any potential interactions with other medications or conflicts with existing health problems
• Troubleshooting potential side effects
• Avoiding possible toxicities

For some animals pet nutritional supplements can bring benefits to overall health. It is important, however, to assess their need and choose one in concert with animal health professionals.

If you have questions about supplements for your pet, call us today so that we can discuss the matter further. Adding supplements can have positive effects on your pet’s health, but only if done correctly and safely.

The post Pet Nutritional Supplements: Necessary or Needless? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

The world of dog breeds is amazing. Canine companions come in every shape, size, and color, with different personalities to match. And whether you’re interested in a furry companion for your kids, a protective guard dog, or a running partner for yourself, chances are you can find a breed personality that matches your lifestyle.

What about another trait that many people are looking for? Mellowness (or calmness) in dogs is a highly desired trait, especially for families with children or elderly people. And, according to the American Kennel Club, there are several breeds out there with that particular characteristic.

West Park Animal Hospital explores the wide, wonderful world of mellow dogs…

Mellow Dogs: Breeds and Basics

Bulldog – The bulldog is a bit too big to be a lapdog, but they would like to be! Mellow and laid back, the bulldog is a good choice for those who are wanting a dog happy to laze around inside. They do need regular walks to prevent obesity, but a jogger this dog is not. They are known as great family dogs due to their tendency to bond with children.

Mastiff – Mastiffs of all types (Bull, English, Neapolitan) don’t need a great deal of exercise and are gentle, sweet tempered dogs. They are considered to be great family dogs but will need thoughtful socialization and training in order to behave properly around children and other dogs, as they sometimes don’t know their own strength.

Great Dane – In spite of their size, Great Danes are known as couch potatoes, and even great apartment dogs. Mellow and gentle, their loving nature has helped coin the phrase “gentle giants”. They also make great family pets.

Saint Bernard – Friendly and patient, the Saint Bernard is another of the mellow dog breeds. Their large size and hairy coat mean they need regular grooming to stay healthy. They have the reputation of being happy to go with the flow, so to speak.

Greyhound – As a sighthound, or coursing breed, you may think of greyhounds as hyperactive runners, but nothing could be further from the truth. The greyhound is a calm dog and happy to lounge around the house all day. They do need exercise opportunities to (safely) run full out, but at home are generally mild and placid.

Pug – Who doesn’t love a pug? These mellow dogs are even tempered and calm, and they fit into almost any household. It’s easy to see why they’ve been companion dogs to humans since ancient times.

Bernese Mountain Dog – Their calm, confident natures made Bernese Mountain Dogs ideal for farm work, including pulling carts to market and driving dairy cattle. Their gentle and easygoing manner again make them a good family dog. They have a strong need to be near their people.

Xoloitzcuintli – Known as the Mexican hairless dog, the “Xolo” is a relatively little-known breed. These dogs are described as loyal, calm and alert. The Xolo is also known to make an excellent companion dog. The breed was used as a healer, as it’s warm skin was put to use in remote Mexican and Central American villages to remedy ailments such as rheumatism, insomnia, and asthma.

Mellow dogs abound, it seems! Each breed is different, and of course each individual dog has his or her own personality traits within the breed. Research is a wonderful place to start, but can’t substitute for in person visits with a potential new dog for your family. Remember too that every dog does need daily exercise to be their healthiest.

The following ideas are not exhaustive, and if you would like more ideas about a great breed for your family, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We are experts in breed knowledge, and have the opportunity to see and work with many different breed of dog throughout the year. We’re here to help!

The post The Low Down on Mellow Dogs for Mellow People appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Pet owners are very lucky people. They get a daily dose of unconditional love, entertainment, and oodles of cuddles (not to mention the health benefits that stem from this special relationship, as well!). To be sure, the perks are great, but if you’re new to pet ownership, caring for an animal can sometimes be a guessing game. In other words, the learning curve can be a little steep.

To get you over the hump, the team at West Park Animal Hospital has gathered some real-life hacks to help you fully embrace the wonderful joys of pet ownership.

The Necessities

Obviously, pets require proper nutrition, bedding, toys, and ample opportunities for mental and physical stimulation. However, the foundation of responsible pet ownership must also include:

• Disease prevention (vaccinations and year-round parasite prevention)
• Microchipping (in addition to a collar and ID tags)
• Routine grooming
• Spaying/neutering
• Training (housebreaking, clicker training, crate training, basic obedience, agility, etc.)

Hacks to Make it Easier

Establishing a routine is critical. Set regular meal times, bathroom breaks (puppies need extra help with this), playtimes, and bedtimes. When your pet can anticipate what comes next, they’ll be better behaved.

Pet Ownership

When it comes to pet ownership, we all grapple with finding solutions to seemingly impossible problems. For example:

• Smells and stains – Accidents on the carpet can and will happen. Don’t let it get you down! Simply soak the stain with white vinegar and a generous amount of baking soda. Cover the area and let dry. Vacuum up the baking soda, and marvel at your clean carpet!
• Fur/hair – Pet hair can be a real problem (especially for owners of golden retrievers and Persian cats). Always keep a lint roller in your car, backpack, or purse. Also, shower squeegees and/or dryer sheets can work wonders when applied to upholstery. Wet rubber gloves are great at picking up hairs that are embedded in fabric. Regular brushing and grooming can minimize shedding.
• Storage – Between all your pet’s toys, gear, food, and bedding, you’ll probably need a smart solution for storage. Some people install stainless steel shower caddies in hall closets to organize poop baggies, toys, and other products. Similarly, storage cubes or baskets can help declutter your home. Food can easily be stored in cereal containers.
• Behaviors – Some pets need a little help learning how to behave, but they still have to heed their instincts. For instance, a dog who likes to dig might enjoy their own digging box. Keep your pup out of the cat’s litter box by raising it up off the floor and turning the opening toward a wall or corner. Provide scratching posts, climbing structures, and perches for your kitty. You may find that your pet comes unglued during thunderstorms or fireworks. Be prepared by teaching them their crate is a safe, secure place.

If you have additional questions or concerns about pet ownership, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here for you and your pet. Good luck!

The post New to Pet Ownership? These Helpful Hacks Will Get You on Track appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Finding out your pet is losing their hearing or vision can be a devastating blow to any pet owner. Concerns regarding care and quality of life are common, and many pet owners also wonder how they’ll maintain their pet’s obedience skills if they can no longer see or hear.

The team at West Park Animal Hospital wants to assure you that training blind and deaf pets doesn’t have to be difficult. With a few adjustments and plenty of loving compassion, your special pet can still reap all the benefits of obedience training.

Thinking Outside the Box

When a person can no longer see or hear, their other senses take over. The same principle applies when it comes to training blind and deaf pets. The key to success is to remember what a pet is still capable of rather than what they can no longer do.  

What They See is What You Get

Training a deaf pet is remarkably similar to training one that can hear, the only difference being you can no longer rely on verbal cues. Instead, teach your dog hand signals that correspond to commands, and reward correct actions with a treat. Try creative ways to get the attention of a deaf pet, such as stomping your foot on the floor or using a flashlight or laser pointer.

Deaf dogs still closely monitor facial expressions and body language, so these will come into play during training, as well. Take care to be extra expressive and to project the right attitude through your body language. This will be more important than ever when interacting with a deaf dog.

Make Some Noise

When it comes to training a blind pet, your voice will play a huge role. Keep your commands simple and clear, and be sure to offer rewards quickly. Many pet owners also have great success using auditory cues, such as clicker training, or you can try creating a unique noise for each command instead of using words.

Making use of your blind pet’s amazing sense of smell can help accelerate the training process. Try a small drop of vanilla or lavender essential oil to mark the corners of rooms, furniture, or hallways to help them navigate their environment and make it easier for them to come to you when called.

Tips for Training Blind and Deaf Pets

• Keep it simple. Whether you’re using visual or auditory commands, make sure you keep things short and to the point.
• Be consistent. Training a pet can be challenging regardless of disability, and consistency is crucial in order to establish new habits and patterns. Set a time each day to practice and stick with it. Always reward desirable behaviors, and eventually, you’ll see a change.
• Be a leader. Regardless of whether they can still see or hear, our pets are connected to us on a deeper level. Being blind or deaf will not affect your pet’s ability to sense and respond to the energy you project, making it more important than ever that you remain patient and understanding.

We’re Here for You!

At West Park Animal Hospital, we have experience caring for blind and deaf pets, and we’re happy to provide support as you navigate life with your furry companion. Please don’t hesitate to contact our staff with any questions or concerns!

The post One Day at a Time: Training Tips for Blind and Deaf Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

While the word “mange” may strike panic into the hearts of many a pet owner, not everyone truly understands what this term means. Before you jump to conclusions that your itchy pet must have this condition, West Park Animal Hospital wants you to know what goes into diagnosing mange in pets.

Mange in Pets

When we refer to mange in pets, we are actually talking about a skin infection caused by mites. These mites make their homes on the skin of our pets, interrupting normal skin and hair function and resulting in many of the symptoms we can see outwardly.

There are a few different types of mange, all of which result in hair loss. The most common kinds of mange that we see in pets include:

Sarcoptic mange — This contagious form of mange is caused by the Sarcoptes mite. Its presence causes itchy areas and hair loss, especially on the ears, under belly, and face. It spreads by direct contact, and while sarcoptic mange is species specific, it can temporarily infect humans. A person who has an infection with the mite is diagnosed with scabies.

Demodectic mange — Probably the more frequently diagnosed, mange caused by the Demodex mite is often seen in young animals or pets with a lessened immune system. This is because the mite can be present in small numbers normally, but will overgrow given the opportunity. This type of mange causes hair loss and scaly patches but is much less itchy. It is also not typically contagious.

Notoedric mange — Not to forget our feline friends, the Notoedres mite can cause an itchy cat with lesions around the face and ears.

Mange is often diagnosed through microscopic examination of samples obtained by scraping the skin. Sometimes, however, it is diagnosed by response to empirical treatment if it is suspected but not able to be proven.

Beyond the Mangy Mutt

While mange in pets is quick to receive the blame for many skin conditions, it’s important to realize that there’s is a long list of potential causes for itching, hair loss, scales, bumps, and smelly skin. Please make an appointment with us as soon as you discover your pet is having skin issues so that we can get started on a diagnosis and treatment plan.

When an animal patient is having dermatological issues, a physical examination is in order. From there diagnostic tests are essential to ruling problems in or out. Common skin issues can include those caused by:

• Allergic dermatitis (environmental allergies in pets)
• Food allergies
• Parasites (fleas, mange, lice)
• Endocrine conditions (hypothyroidism, Cushings syndrome)
• Bacterial skin infections
• Fungal skin infections
• Autoimmune conditions
• Neoplasia

We absolutely diagnose mange in our patients, but it is impossible to accurately distinguish many of these conditions from one another without diagnostics. Don’t let your pet be uncomfortable. Bring them in immediately so that we can help.

The post Mange in Pets and What You Need to Know appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

It has been the most wonderful time of the year, and we have so much to be grateful for. West Park Animal Hospital has been a part of the Cleveland, Lakewood, and Fairview Park pet care community for many years and we have you to thank. We’ve had a busy and exciting year, and we’re so glad to have shared so much of it with our clients and their pets.

Hopefully, we’ve given back a little to you with the exceptional pet care and client service that we strive for. A part of that has been to provide you with timely, educational topics that interest and inform you on our pet care blogs. With that, we’ve taken some time to compile West Park Animal Hospital’s Top 5 pet care blogs of 2018, and we hope you enjoy looking back with us!

West Park Animal Hospital’s Top 5 Blogs of 2018

#5: Cats Need Health Care, Too! 5 Things to Remember About Cat Health
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. Keep reading…

#4: 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. Continue reading…

#3: 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 on!

#2: Top 5 Reasons Maine Coon Cats Are Awesome!
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. Meow?

#1: Corneal Ulcers in Pets: A Common Problem
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…

Looking Forward To The Future

We hope you keep reading our blog, and that it continues to give back to you as you have new questions and need new information. If there’s a topic we missed, please don’t hesitate to contact us to let us know what else you’d like to see.

From all of our team at West Park Animal Hospital, we hope you have a safe, fun, and happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2019!

The post The Gift That Keeps on Giving: West Park Animal Hospital’s Top 5 Pet Care Blogs of 2018 appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Tis’ the season of giving, and if you’re reading this blog, chances are that your pet has made your “nice list” this year (and every year!). With a dazzling array of options, it can be overwhelming to come up with the perfect gift for the four-legged friend in your life.

Fortunately, here at West Park Animal Hospital, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what your pet wants for Christmas!

 

Presents, Presents, Presents!

It wouldn’t be Christmas without presents! Whether it’s a cozy new bed, an awesome catio, or a fresh tube of tennis balls, your pet is sure to love whatever gift is under the tree for them.

Trying to cut down on clutter or free up room in your budget? A quick internet search reveals no shortage of easy DIY pet toys for both dogs and cats, regardless of skill level!

Playtime, Please!

Jack Panskepp, a neuroscientist best known for his extensive work on animal emotions, identified play as one of seven primary emotional systems in mammals. Pet owners already know how important play is to their pets, and the holidays present the perfect opportunity for a little extra fun. A game of fetch in the snow, food puzzles, nosework, or a rousing session of feather or laser chasing might be exactly what your pet wants for Christmas this year.

The Gift of Safety

Your pet relies on you to create a safe environment for them, and this is never more important than during the holiday season. Keep all people food and drinks away from pets, and make sure ornaments, electric lights, lit candles, and breakable items remain out of reach. Don’t allow your pet to drink water from the Christmas tree (it might contain toxic chemicals), and keep tinsel away from your cat (if ingested, it can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage).

If you find yourself in need of emergency help this holiday, please don’t hesitate to contact us right away.

All Your Pet Wants for Christmas is…You!

Your pet’s greatest happiness comes from spending time with their human family members, and this is one precious gift you can give for free. Increase your time together through walks, playtime, cuddles, training, grooming, or by creating a new holiday tradition.

From all of us at West Park Animal Hospital, we wish you and your pet a safe and happy holiday season!

The post Four-Legged Wishes: What Your Pet Wants for Christmas appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.