Posts in Category: Seasonal Pet Care

Possibly one of the most staggering statistics we’ve seen lately states that over half of all our nation’s cats and dogs. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 54% of all American cats and dogs are considered overweight or obese. What does this mean for your pet?

There is a great deal you can do now if your pet is tipping the scale and, by actively participating in your pet’s optimal balance of nutrition and exercise, your pet may live longer and enjoy a higher quality of life. Continue…

Is your dog patiently waiting for you to finish shopping, decorating, checking of the list of December to-dos, and wrapping gifts? Has your cat been cleverly waiting for you to retire for the evening, only to go ballistic on the decorations? Maybe this is a signal that your pets – as well-behaved as they are – may need a bit of attention and fun time during the holidays, too.

After all, they are a part of the family and sharing some seasonal joy with loved ones is what this time of year is all about! 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…

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…

With summer under way, many of you are looking forward to your summer vacation. But when the open road calls to both you and your pet, there are a few extra steps that should be taken. Keep these pet travel safety tips in mind, both as you pack and as you travel, to help ensure that you and your pet have the vacation you both deserve.

ID Tags and Microchips

When preparing your pet for a family vacation you’ll want to make sure he or she is wearing a collar, equipped with proper ID tags. However, collars can and do come off. Because of this, we also advise that you have your pet microchipped (if he or she isn’t already), and that you double check that the chip is both activated and updated with your Continue…