Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

Pet vaccinations are very important for overall wellness and Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital would like to share with you our top three reasons to keep your pets current on routine wellness care. 

We know that pudgy puppies and tubby tabbies look extra cute and cuddly, but the fact is, those extra LBs are impacting more than your pet’s dress size. A little extra weight can put your pet at an increased risk of serious health conditions. And while she might not seem self-conscious about those extra pounds, you can bet the added heft is affecting her energy levels and mobility. 

There are many known medical benefits of spaying and neutering pets, such as decreased risk of cancer, infection, or urinary incontinence. There are loads of behavioral advantages, too, like reduced roaming or aggression. Plus, who could argue with the positive impact spaying or neutering has on the overpopulation of homeless pets? 

While all of the above are important aspects of this straightforward surgical procedure, spaying or neutering pets can actually affect their overall happiness, too.

If your dog is losing fur in circular patterns and has red, scaly patches on his skin, they may be infected with ringworm. Regular pet grooming will alert you to changes in your animal’s coat and treatment for disease and infection. If you notice that something isn’t right, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Your vet can confirm a ringworm infection by diagnostic testing at our clinic. The team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is here to explain what ringworm is, how it affects your pets, and how to help: 

There are certain badges of honor that we pet lovers wear. Be it traces of fur on our black pants or a carefully hidden toy in our flower arrangement, our animals are a proud part of our lives.

Dog slobber is one of those parts of pet ownership, though, that can be a little trying to live with. While Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital can’t do away with drool altogether, we do think it’s helpful for pet owners to know why dog slobber happens and what they can do to minimize its impact on their lives.

Your pet doesn’t care about Valentine’s Day, but what doesn’t escape their notice comes in a heart-shaped box. Indeed, chocolates are ubiquitous this time of year and pets have a certain proclivity for seeking them out. Once you put away all the goodies, what’s left? You can still celebrate this annual celebration of love by making your very own DIY pet treats. With our recipes for heart-shaped yummies, your pet can safely participate in the holiday. You might even be surprised at how satisfied your pet will be!

Super Bowl parties are typically full of loud noises, lots of people, and lots of tempting food. While fun for humans, they can be a stressful and hazardous environment for your pets. Even for pets who enjoy spending time around lots of people, too much excitement can be nerve-racking and cause anxiety. For pet owners looking to throw a party, the team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has put together these pet safety Super Bowl party tips. 

While cats may be known for liking fish, that doesn’t mean that their breath needs to smell like a can of tuna. Dental disease in cats is a real problem and Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital wants you as a pet owner to be aware and ready to help.

In veterinary medicine, dental disease in our patients is a problem that is often overlooked or downplayed by pet owners. Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital sees first-hand every day, though, how dental disease in dogs affects pets. Learn what you need to know as a pet owner. 

As we head into 2022, most of us are considering ways in which to make this the best year ever. As you lay out your goals for the new year, Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital hopes that you will include your furrier family members and make some resolutions for pet health, too.