Posts in Category: Pet Safety

It’s late and your pet has managed to sneak out. It’s happened before, but he’s usually home by now. You call his or her name into the darkness and hope that any second you’ll hear the sound of sweet relief coming from the tags or bell dangling from his collar. When all you hear is silence, a specific dread may wash over you: your pet is out and about, maybe lost forever.

Microchipping your pet adds a certain type of security to this scenario, and can even lead to a sweet reunion. Join us as we describe the process, and list the benefits of microchipping your pet. Continue…

Take this short quiz and you may be surprised by the results. Of the following situations, which could prove dangerous for your pets? (Assume drinking water is freely available at all times.)

• Staying in the car for 20 minutes, in the shade, with the windows rolled half-way down
• Playing Frisbee on the beach for half an hour
• Running in the park for 25 minutes on a cloudy, but warm and humid, day
• Sleeping in the backyard with no shade
• Taking a long, leisurely walk through the city on a hot day

Continue…

There is something about the beginning of spring that signals a time for springing into action. Whether that takes the form of cleaning out the garage, emptying the attic, or tidying up the home, many of us choose spring as the time to give our homes a complete overhaul. But, cleaning products and pets can sometimes spell HAZARDS – some of which are not immediate, but can present health issues over time.

But, before you throw in the towel and kick up your feet, there are some solutions to keeping your home fresh and organized that are also pet safe. So, grab that mop and bucket and read on for more information on cleaning products to avoid and safer alternatives for pet loving households. Continue…

As the holidays descend rapidly upon us, it’s time to consider more than the shopping and the Naughty-or-Nice list. After all, the holiday season is as ripe with excitement and temptation for pets as it is for their people. As with humans, pets can behave more easily when the temptation to misbehave is limited.

Christmas Trees

As we strive to bring home the tallest, most perfect tree and get it set up without putting a hole in the ceiling, our animals know exactly what we’re up to. The cat is sure you found it the most amazing scratching post. The dog knows it’s an intruder that must be vanquished. Continue…

Winter provides lots of delights for pets and their humans. For many senior pets, though, the colder months provide nothing more than extra pain, discomfort, or unhappiness. Age-related illnesses or diseases have symptoms that colder temperatures exacerbate, and senior pets can suffer from respiratory or cardiac conditions, malnutrition, or depression. Even here in Texas, where the winters tend to be mild, the shift in temperature can affect senior pets, and shouldn’t be discounted.

Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is here to eliminate any guess work you may have by addressing some of the specific concerns facing your senior pet. Continue…

Dog personalities vary far and wide, but one thing is common across the board: they love being outside in the fresh air – especially during the crisp fall weather. After all, the myriad scents of the harvest are intriguing to the sniffers of backyard pooches and hunting dogs alike.

From September through March, millions of lucky hunting dogs rekindle their connection to the wilderness, display courage, and work hard to please their owner. Whether the target is big game, upland bird game, or waterfowl, dogs are major assets to a hunting party. However, there are numerous safety precautions to consider when it comes to hunting safety for dogs. Continue…

We are so lucky to start each day with our pets. The cold, wet nose on the palm before the alarm goes off, the incessant meowing before the food hits the bowl, the woofing coming from the backyard when the paper hits the front porch… We adore our pets’ consistent, everyday behaviors – perhaps because they reflect our own human ways. But where did our affinity for animals come from?

You may have heard that special little squeal or giggle that result from the very first touch of a whisker or floppy ear. Pet owners and families delight in the fact that babies are captivated by animals. The scores of stuffed animals that arrive for each birthday or holiday may perpetuate that fascination or the stories about animal characters kids naturally identify with. Continue…

As we round out yet another dry, hot summer here in San Antonio we’ve begun to notice certain changes in our neighborhoods. Folks are out in their yards and garages getting ready for the shifts in temperature our fickle seasons provide.

In your preparations for the coming months please consider your pet. Keep him or her inside and away from the action as you clear away refuse, plant your spring bulbs, fertilize your yard, and prepare your vehicle for the colder months ahead.

Rule of Thumb for Your Green Thumb

Many pet parents are painfully aware that their pups like to dig. However, if he gets his paws and jaws on certain flower bulbs he will be in a world of hurt. Continue…

Spending more time outdoors with your pet is one of the biggest perks of summer. For many of us, the warmer days mean more walks, more play time, and more fun in the sun as we frolic and play with our beloved pets.

But, as fun as the summer sun can be, it also bring the propensity for heat stroke and dehydration – neither of which are any fun at all. So before you and your pet head out to play, keep these tips in mind for preventing heat stroke in pets… Continue…

Whether you are headed out and about to enjoy Fourth of July festivities or planning on staying home and inviting friends over to celebrate, it is important to consider your pet’s safety. The Fourth of July can be a terrifying day for pets. The loud noises, crazy crowds, and even the abundance of people food, can cause your pet to feel overwhelmed and exhibit signs of fear ranging from hiding to aggression.

As a responsible pet owner it’s best to plan ahead for your pet’s well-being. Keep these Fourth of July pet safety tips in mind as you gear up for the big day… Continue…