Posts in Category: Pet Travel & Boarding

Dogs and trucks seem about as rural America as apple pie. Most dogs do love to feel the wind on their face, picking up all of the scents of the natural world around them. You have probably seen more than a few big goofy smiles from dogs as they put their head out of the car window. The same is true when dogs ride in the back of the truck.

Unfortunately, this combination of dogs and truck rides is a very dangerous one. The team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital wants to explain why letting your dog ride in the truck bed is unsafe and what you can do to better protect your best pal.

Does your pet start to heave about 15 minutes into every car trip? Are you cleaning the car upholstery each time? Dogs, like humans, can suffer from motion sickness, and puppies are more prone to this condition. Dealing with a sick puppy can be a drag when you are en route, but there are some things you can do to alleviate the nausea and make the ride more enjoyable for all.

The team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is here with some tips on reducing your pet’s car sickness through understanding the cause and treating it. “How can I help my pet’s car sickness?” Read on!

It’s that time of year again! Whether you’ve been stocking up on decorations since they hit the shelves or you’re just now figuring out costumes and trick-or-treating routes, there’s no doubt that the Halloween season is upon us. 

It’s only natural to want to include your furry friends in on the fun, but not all pets are as excited about lit jack-o-lanterns and tiny ghosts and goblins as we are. Not to mention, Halloween can be a scary and dangerous time of year for our animal companions.

Your team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has come up with some safe, fun, and decidedly non-spooky ways to celebrate Halloween with pets!

Of all the gear needed for responsible dog ownership, a good leash ranks pretty high. Of course, dog leashes vary in size, length, material, and the many ways they keep dogs and people safe.

For some, retractable leashes offer the perfect combination of freedom and flexibility. However, because they present serious injury risks, retractable leashes aren’t the best choice. So, what are the best dog leashes out there?

San Antonio isn’t the coldest place in North America during the winter, but our location allows for travel to chillier climates fairly quickly. Whatever your mode of transportation, traveling with your pet can be a fun alternative to the holiday humdrum of previous yuletides. As much fun as you’re bound to have, there are preparations that, once in place, assure your pet’s safety and happiness.

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There are many reasons moving is considered one of modern life’s most stressful events. Between finding a new home, deciding what to keep and what to get rid of, packing, and transferring your insurance, utilities, and important documents, the process can be dizzying and overwhelming. Throw a pet or two into the mix, and things quickly go from crazy to crazier.

With a little planning and preparation, however, moving with pets can be done with relative ease, and your friends at Leon Valley are here to help!

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Now is the time to plan your spring and summer road trips. If you anticipate bringing your furry family members along (of course!), it’s important to make your car pet friendly.  

Gone are the days of letting Fido sit in the truck bed or catch the breeze by hanging their head out of the car. Yet, making your car pet friendly is about more than just having your pet in his or her crate/carrier.

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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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Whether it’s cross-town or cross-country, moving is a major undertaking. For your cat, moving may also be frightening or overwhelming. While new sights and smells are appealing, how can you best prepare your cat for such a big transition?

Moving Your Cat: Details, Details!

Moving inspires a sense of chaos that your cat may never have experienced before. Because it’s common for stressed, frightened, or irritated pets to go missing before or during a move, make sure your cat’s microchip is current and his or her ID tags are secure. Update your new contact information and ensure your phone number is easy to read. Continue…

Have you been spending too much time on the couch? Has your energetic canine been looking longingly at that underused leash? Or, are you just looking for some creative ways to change up the weekend in a pet friendly way?

You’re not alone.

Summertime pet activities can sometimes be a challenge (dang ‘No dogs allowed’ signs!), so we took the time to come up with some cool ideas for those hot summer days. Continue…