Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

While a toadstool may come to mind when you think about fungus, most of the fungal organisms around us are actually microscopic. While many are harmless, sometimes fungal infections in pets can turn serious. Read on to learn about what happens when fungus becomes a problem. Continue…

A majority of cat owners forgo their feline’s annual or twice yearly examination for many reasons, but perhaps the most popular is a perception of a completely healthy cat. Sometimes this is accurate, but accepting an animal’s wellness on the surface level can be extremely detrimental. This, coupled with a feline’s general loathing of travel, can make staying home look awfully attractive.

What if we told you there are reliable tricks to help your cat accept the carrier, car, and time away from home? Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has you covered. Continue…

A lot of good work has been done on the subject of canine intelligence. This is welcome news for consummate dog lovers, following decades of speculation that consistently placed Fido on the top of the heap. However, while testing has revealed the most (and least) intelligent breeds, environmental and social learning analytics are individually specific. If you’ve ever wondered what’s at the root of canine IQ and how to test your own pup’s intelligence, look no further! Continue…

In a perfect world, our clever canines would innately understand what we want them to do and respond accordingly. However, training and socialization are crucial tasks to be undertaken during puppyhood and reinforced throughout your dog’s life.

Having an understanding of basic commands and the rules of the home (and the world) can keep your dog safe and makes him or her more enjoyable. Teaching your dog basic commands can also help prevent an accident or tragedy from befalling your fur friend. Continue…

We love San Antonio all year round, but summer really takes the cake for fun activities. Sure, it’s hot and humid, but that only makes our suggestions for your pet this summer even more enjoyable! Without further adieu, let’s get this jerky-scented ball rolling…

Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital’s Summer Top 10:

Explore! San Antonio is the 7th largest city in America, but walking around our different neighborhoods, it doesn’t really feel that big. Downtown and River Walk areas, Tobin Hill, Five Points, Lavaca, and King William are excellent walking neighborhoods. Be sure to bring along extra water for your pet and take breaks to reduce heat-induced exhaustion.

Visit Public Spaces! If your pet is socialized, encourage extra time in any of our fine city’s open spaces. We have a variety of wonderful farmer’s markets around town, and El Mercado is a prime spot for people watching. Another option for your pet this summer may be a visit to a local dog park. Your pet should be vaccinated, microchipped, current with parasite prevention, and trained to come to you when you call before unleashing.

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It’s not uncommon for responsible pet owners and animal lovers to adopt again (and again and again!). More than 40% of people live in multi-pet households, but that doesn’t mean everyone gets along all the time. Cohabitation can be challenging for well-meaning pet owners, and fighting pets can turn any dream home into a nightmare. Continue…

From vacations to holidays, many of us are on the go through the summer months, so there is a good chance pet sitting will be required. While some pet owners appreciate the accessibility, social opportunities, and attention received in boarding, others may choose to hire a professional pet sitter.

In-home pet sitting can be a great option for pets who do not do well with travel or boarding due to behavioral challenges, old age, or simply that is less stressful for some pets to remain in the home. In-home pet sitting also adds the advantage of having the house occupied while you are away.

Whether you are a newbie to these services or a jet-setter who relies on a pet sitter for the care of a fur friend, here are some tips for creating a good experience for all. Continue…

For those of us who adore our furry friends, one summer pet safety concern is the need for grooming. Summer pet grooming (i.e., short or cropped cuts) is thought to be the answer to keeping your dog or cat cool when temps start to rise. But how short is too short, and what type of grooming is truly necessary? Continue…

When we think of diabetes, the family pet is probably not what comes to mind. Unfortunately, this serious condition is on the rise, in both humans and pets. Current statistics show that roughly 1 in 500 pet dogs and cats in the U.S. suffer from diabetes.

Diabetes in pets can lead to a host of serious health complications for them, it’s important for pet owners to learn all they can about the signs of this disease, as well as how to prevent it. Continue…

Persistent scratching of the ears is one of the most commonly observed symptoms of pet ear problems. From seasonal allergies to the increased presence of parasites, springtime seems to inspire itching. Unfortunately, ear problems can inflict more serious damage if left untreated. Continue…