Posts in Category: Seasonal Pet Care
Not so Green Acres: Prevent Dog Urine Grass Burns for Good
If you’re the proud owner of both a dog and a lawn, chances are you have at least a few yellow or brown spots out there in your field of green.
The nitrogen in dog urine is responsible for the dog urine grass burns we all know (and probably don’t love). Because of the high protein content in the canine diet, nitrogen levels in your pet’s urine will always be high, meaning that preventing the laws spots before they happen is your best bet for a healthy lawn.
An Unwelcome Arrival: The Canine Flu Outbreak and What it Means for Your Pet
Just when you thought you were prepared for the summer and had all your pet safety needs covered, here comes the dog flu. And not just any flu – this one is referred to using the unsettling terms “epidemic” and “outbreak.” So what exactly is canine flu and how can you be better prepared for its arrival?
Yankee Doodle Doggie: How to Safely Celebrate the Fourth of July With Your Pet
There are some things that just don’t mix. For example, the Fourth of July and pets is often a risky combination. Loud noises, parties, fireworks, and other crowded festivities are all part of the equation, making the holiday seem like a pain for pet owners everywhere.
In a previous blog, we wrote about the dangers of the holiday and how to protect your pet. This also includes a common pet condition (noise anxiety) and how to help your furry friend cope. But what about ways to make the holiday pet friendly?
For all our pet parents out there, we have some fun and safe ideas for spending the Fourth of July with your pet.
From Festivals to Fairs: Keeping Your Pet Safe in Public Gatherings
Large-scale events typically do not allow pets (except service animals) – and for good reason. It’s hard enough to keep a pet safe in public on a normal day of the week, but adding potentially dangerous foods, uncomfortable weather conditions, and loud, jarring noises to the mix could be a recipe for disaster. Sure, certain life experiences are enhanced through the company of a four-legged best friend, but sometimes, it’s safer to just leave a pet at home.
Fun in the Sun: 5 Essential Summer Pet Safety Tips
The heat is already on for most of us in the southern half of the country, and where did spring go? Being prepared for the early blaze of warm weather often means cranking up the central air, adding refrigerant to our vehicle’s air conditioner systems, and stocking up on sunscreen. When it comes to pets and their owners, summer pet safety is at the top of our list.
While there’s nothing quite as fun as frolicking outside with Fido or lounging poolside with Fluffy, recognizing common mistakes that pet owners make is key to keeping our furry friends safe this summer. At Leon Valley, we’re happy to offer the following summer pet safety tips.
Creating New Traditions: Celebrating a Low-Stress Holiday With Your Pet
For some, skipping the holiday madness is definitely the way to go. Whether that means foregoing gift-giving or taking a pass on hosting the annual feast, there’s certainly good reason to opt for a simpler holiday this year.
For pet owners, this new version of holiday “chill” is especially helpful for keeping a pet stress-free or when you’re looking to increase quality time with your animal companion.
If you want to shake it up this season and make some new memories and traditions, we have you covered. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy an easy-going, hard-work-free holiday with your pet.
Traveling With Your Pet to a Colder Region
Cold weather can take a toll on many pets, but it’s easy to forget what the “big chill” is like when you live in a temperate climate. Nevertheless, pet owners will soon be packing up their pooches and kittens for holiday visits and other seasonal getaways.
While chilly temps may be hardest on senior pets and those with short coats, all pets can be subject to the dangers of inclement and cold weather. Before traveling with your pet to a colder climate, keep in mind some basic pet safety tips.
Easy, Freezy, Delicious: The Easy Road to Frozen Pet Treats
It’s so hot right now in San Antonio that the chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs! As a result, our pets are at risk of overheating. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your pet from the blazing sun, including offering up some delicious frozen pet treats. Take our word for it – there are few things cuter than a dog licking a personal pupsicle! Continue…
Making Time with Your Cat Outdoors Both Safe and Enjoyable
Let’s face it, if it was up to most pets, the great outdoors would be free to all, and roamed by many a fur friend. Afterall, time outside can provide much needed mental and behavioral enrichment—from watching birds to breathing in the fresh air.
But, as responsible cat owners, we know being indoors is generally safer for our pets, protecting them from disease, predation, and accident.
The good news is this doesn’t mean you can’t ever allow your cat outdoors. With some added safety precautions, you can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine with your favorite whiskered companion. Continue…
Splish-Splash! Pet Swimming Safety
There’s nothing more inviting than the cool, aqua-blue water of a pool or the rolling tides at your favorite beach. However, pet swimming safety should be a priority for all owners when the desire to hang ten includes your best fur pal. With an estimated 5,000 drownings each year, pet swimming safety should be on the mind of every concerned pet parent. Continue…