Posts in Category: For The Dogs
Figuring Out Why Dogs Lick
Are you afraid to sit too low to the ground for fear you’ll feel your dog’s eager tongue? Dogs lick their owners for many reasons, but of course, the number one reason is because they love you. It’s a sign of affection, but there are nuances to the licking.
If you’ve ever wondered why dogs lick, stay tuned. You’ve come to Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital for answers, and we’re ready to deliver!
Spay and Neuter FAQ
Spay and neuter are surgical procedures to remove the reproductive organs. But many pet owners have concerns about whether to spay or neuter their pet and, if so, when to do it.
Questions like these are par for the course in veterinary medicine, and at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we talk to clients all the time about this procedure. We thought we’d share the most frequently asked questions (and answers!) to help put your mind at ease and give you some things to consider.
Federal Lawbreakers: Do People Really Fake Having a Service Animal?
Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are allowed entry into all establishments regardless of “no pet” policies. These animals are highly trained to assist their disabled handlers, but their special status could be in jeopardy.
Fraudulent service dog vests, tags, patches, and certificates are threatening a system that’s designed to help those in need of service dogs. It’s understandable to want to stay with a pet, but there are compelling reasons someone shouldn’t fake having a service animal.
Dogs Like to Work! Your Dog Wants to Earn Their Treat
Do you enjoy giving your pup a treat now and then – or more often? Treating the ones we love makes us feel good, but did you know your dog may get more satisfaction from having to work a bit to earn that treat? It’s true!
Many of us have experienced the satisfaction and pleasure of figuring out a difficult problem and reaping the reward of our hard work. It turns out that dogs are no different. A dog that earns treats also receives satisfaction from learning and earning their rewards.
Is it True? Debunking Common Dog Myths
Dogs can be quirky, that’s for sure. Just like cats, dogs have their own idiosyncrasies and behaviors that lend themselves to some pretty unusual myths. Over time, some of these ideas about dogs became facts. But are they really facts or just long-standing fictions that have readily been embraced?
Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is here to separate fact from fiction by debunking common dog myths that can actually be detrimental to your pet.
A Salute to Our Canine Veterans
Veterans Day is a time of remembrance, to pause and pay our respects to the courageous men and women who have served in the military. These incredible individuals have made significant sacrifices to ensure our rights, freedoms, and livelihood. Their dedication and sense of duty is felt and appreciated as we honor our veterans.
Also among these honorable individuals are our canine veterans! Canine veterans (or K9 veterans) are unsung heroes, often unknown to most people (although they’re starting to get the notice they deserve). At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we want to salute these amazing dogs who also serve this country with dedication and bravery.
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
If you own a dog, the old song “Me and My Shadow” probably comes to mind. Dogs are true companions who are always happy to be near us wherever we may be (unfortunately, even in the bathroom). While at first, this constant companionship may be endearing, in some cases, it may become problematic or indicate boredom in your pet.
If you find yourself asking “why does my dog follow me?” don’t worry – this is something we get asked a lot. To determine the reasons behind this quirky behavior, the team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital offers the following explanations.
K9 Heroes: The Search and Rescue Dogs of September 11th
After the twin towers and the Pentagon were hit on September 11, 2001, the largest U.S. deployment of search and rescue dogs in history rushed to these sites with their handlers. In addition to these 350 brave K9 heroes, more than 300 therapeutic dogs were stationed to aid and comfort rescue workers and volunteers. To this day, the altruistic value of their efforts remains unparalleled.
Questions Answered by a Simple Dog DNA Test
Knowing where we come from is a unique gift, but not everyone can attest to certain, uncontested lineage. That’s changing, however, with mail-in DNA tests. Helping us connect with our ancestry is gaining popularity within our own species, but it’s a booming industry for others, as well. A dog DNA test, for example, is one way to conclusively pinpoint breed and inherited complications. Understanding a pup’s genetics can be exciting, but there’s more to this groundbreaking science than meets the eye.
Not so Green Acres: Prevent Dog Urine Grass Burns for Good
If you’re the proud owner of both a dog and a lawn, chances are you have at least a few yellow or brown spots out there in your field of green.
The nitrogen in dog urine is responsible for the dog urine grass burns we all know (and probably don’t love). Because of the high protein content in the canine diet, nitrogen levels in your pet’s urine will always be high, meaning that preventing the laws spots before they happen is your best bet for a healthy lawn.