Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

It makes sense that if you leave out a bowl of water for your cat or dog, they’ll drink whenever they feel thirsty. In actuality, however, animals can be as picky about their hydration needs as humans. Some pets need their bowls filled with fresh water a few times every day, whereas other pets aren’t as thirst-driven. The amount of water they drink is largely determined by their species, breed, lifestyle and general pet health, and is critical to support important body functions. Owners of both cats and dogs can maintain proper levels of pet hydration, but what exactly does that mean?

If your pet has been scratching more or biting at their paws, they may be experiencing what most of us experience in spring… seasonal allergies. 

Pollen allergies in pets may not always look like what we would expect, with lots of sneezing and coughing we experience with allergies. Chronic itching can make life miserable for our furry friends, which is why it is important to learn the symptoms, so we can get your pet the right treatment.

It’s just a fact of life that dogs eat weird stuff. They help themselves to all sorts of questionable items, and many of them aren’t actually considered edible (like socks or coins).

This time of year in particular, flies are in hot pursuit of making us all crazy and the correct canine response to their yuckiness is to snap their jaws around them, often in mid flight. This can be amusing (and certainly helpful), but is it unsafe when a dog eats flies? 

Are you and your dog planning on some big outdoor adventures this summer? Or, are you more inclined to chill outdoors or poolside?

Either way, if your pet is involved, heat and harsh UV rays need to be factored in for their safety and fun. Many pet owners wonder if they should apply sunscreen to their furry friends, or why they need it at all. 

Your friends at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital are here to give you the lowdown on those sunny days with your pet, and why you should definitely choose dog sunscreen for their skin safety.

(and Why Your Pet Should Still be Microchipped)

In the age of the Internet, many of our old standbys are starting to take a backseat to smart technology. With humans now able to enjoy everything from smart watches, thermostats, doorbells, and lightbulbs, it only makes sense that the technology has seeped into the pet care industry. 

GPS collars, which enable pet owners to track a wandering dog’s (or cat’s) whereabouts, have been growing in popularity recently – are they the right choice for your pet?

Anyone that has ever owned a dog, or even watched classic cartoons featuring dogs, knows that dogs dig. Some like to do it more than others, and while your pup may not make it all the way to China like his animated associates, it can be a pretty destructive behavior. 

Digging dogs can be quite the challenge for pet owners, especially those who want to keep a nice yard. While we don’t have all the answers, Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital does have some good ideas to keep digging dogs redirected.

Feral cats live in colonies around the world, but when groups of homeless cats are perceived as infiltrating quiet neighborhoods they can pick up unfortunate reputations.

However, instead of seeing feral cats as unwanted interlopers, members of communities around the globe can save lives in some pretty simple, yet effective, ways. 

Not a Nuisance

Alleyways, country roads, city parks, and slow suburban streets are home to millions of feral cats. Whether they are perceived as low-level public nuisances or absolute menaces, the truth is they are at risk of infections, infestations, mistreatment, injury and more. Their populations grow quickly and without care these cats have shorter lifespans.

Snakes are as ubiquitous in Texas as country music and BBQ. Luckily, of the four types of venomous snakes found here, the coral snake, copperhead, rattlesnake, and cottonmouth (also known as the water moccasin), are rarely aggressive without provocation.

Through an understanding of snake habitat and behavior, pet owners can help their best friends avoid a painful, and potentially life-threatening, pet emergency.

Of the 250 snake species in the United States, only four of them are venomous. Unfortunately, all four species – the copperhead, coral, rattle, and cottonmouth – can be found here in Texas. 

Most of us are well-versed in the art of snake avoidance, but lots of pets aren’t always familiar with typical snake habitats. Indeed, many dogs and cats are drawn to the same spot that snakes seem to frequent. Fortunately, there are some great strategies to keep pets safe from snakes. 

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?