Deaf Dogs are Dynamite!

Deaf dogs can have a full and active life, with the right accommodations.

While it is ideal for people (and pets, too) to be equipped with all of their senses, we are perfectly capable of functioning without one of them. There are many misconceptions surrounding pets that lack full function, in particular deaf dogs. At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, though, we know that deaf dogs are perfectly capable of living wonderful lives.

Understanding Deaf Dogs

Dogs may become deaf in several manners. It may evolve slowly over a long period of time, or happen quite acutely. Sometimes both ears are affected, other times just one ear is involved.

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How to Tell if You’re Ready for a Cat

Knowing if you're ready for a cat is part of responsible cat ownershipHave you been thinking about adopting a cat, but you’re not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge? There are plenty of things to consider, and Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has a few ideas to get you started.

Are You Ready for a Cat?

Cats are wonderful, unique, and mysterious at times, but one thing’s for sure – once you adopt a cat, you’re in it for the long haul. Cats can live for a long time, so it’s great that you’re giving the idea serious thought. Here are some important prerequisites when it comes to owning a cat. Continue…

What to Do Instead of Giving Up: Your Newly Adopted Pet

adopted petPet parenting is a serious commitment; it’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement of adopting a new pet. You’re there at the shelter, looking at this cute ball of fluffiness, and somehow it’s all roses and rainbows. But, what if you get your newly adopted pet home and the rainbows turn to clouds?

Before you hustle your new friend back to the shelter, it’s ok to stop and think about why you wanted in a pet in the first place. Take stock and give us a call! Your friends at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital have some ideas for what to do if you’re afraid you don’t like your newly adopted pet.

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Play Ball: All About Athletes And Animal Charities

athletes and animal charitiesProfessional athletes don’t always have the best reputations outside of their respective playing fields, especially when it comes to animals. This has started to change, however, as athletes in Texas and across the country use their considerable influence to positively impact the lives of needy animals. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite athletes and animal charities that are changing the world for the better.

Cowboy Softies

Cowboys starting guard Zack Martin and starting defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford are two of many athletes taking part in a nationwide effort to prevent animal cruelty called Show Your Soft Side. The ad campaign, founded in Baltimore, features photos of professional athletes and coaches posing with their pets alongside messages promoting kindness and compassion toward animals.

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Why Fostering a Pet Could be the Best Thing You’ve Ever Done

Young, old, injured, ill, abused, and unsocialized animals are sometimes given a break from shelter life in the form of foster care. Foster programs give pets a chance to grow or learn so they can have the best chance for adoption into forever homes. While fostering a pet can be demanding and taxing, it’s often one of the most rewarding experiences an animal lover can ever have. Do you have what it takes?

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Black Cat Myths and Black Pet Syndrome

iStock_000013625143_LargeWho do voodoo, that black cat crossing in front of you, do.

Our dark, non-photogenic furry friends get a bad rep, but do they deserve it? Where did it come from, and is there any truth to the myths about them?

Black cats have their own almagate of evil tales of dark art aid and bringing good luck to their owners in both iconic form and breed specific reality. Read on to learn more about black animals and their stereotypes, history, and odd anecdotes surrounding their dark furry coats. Continue…

Mixing College and Pets: the Good, the Bad, and the Disastrous

thinkingFor someone just heading off to college, it’s usually hard enough to leave family behind. But, to have to leave the family pets, too? That’s way worse. Because of this, many students are tempted to bring their furry friends along to the college with them.

Mixing college and pets may seem like a lovely way to alleviate homesickness and bridge the gap between home and independence, but bringing pets, especially dogs or cats, to campus can be a very bad idea. Continue…

Snuggle Pups and Sweet Kitties: Caring For A Young Pet

Pug puppies teeny tinyAdopting a kitten or puppy is an incredibly rewarding experience, but comes with considerable responsibility. Besides getting to know the unique personality of your new furry addition, and integrating him or her into your lifestyle, you’ll need to have all the facets of pet care covered. From nutrition to training, surgery to socialization, we’re here to help you get started. Continue…

Addressing the Challenges of a Multi-Pet Home

Striped, gray cat and dog  sitting on the window

For pet lovers who are aware of the overwhelming number of stray and homeless pets in the country, it is understandable why we are often the ones whose homes are full of fur companions. Multiple pet households are common, in fact, as more than 50% of all cat and dog owners share their homes with more than one pet. With all of the love in the air, you’d think a multi-pet home would be an ideal situation, right? Continue…

Pet Adoption: Saving Lives One Animal at a Time

iStock_000024726165_MediumSo you’ve made the big decision to become a pet owner. For many of us, nothing is more rewarding than owning a pet and being a responsible participant in ensuring your faithful companion remains healthy and happy, except maybe taking that extra step to adopt your pooch or kitty from a shelter.

Shelter pets need loving homes, sometimes more so than those you see in the pet shop window or for sale by a breeder. As October is Adopt a Shelter Pet Month, there is no better time to acknowledge the importance of adoption, or bask in the enjoyment of giving an adoring and deserving animal a forever home and family.

Once you’ve made the decision to welcome a shelter pet into your life, you will need to make some choices on the type of dog or cat you will be bringing home. Continue…