Posts in Category: You & Your Pet

The first few weeks of a new year are always exciting. There’s so much to do and look forward to, it’s easy to get wrapped up in a tornado of optimism and hope. Pets are pretty tuned into their owner’s energy and emotions, so it’s likely they feel some anticipation for all great things in 2017. Have you thought about the many ways to satisfy your healthy pet in the new year? From diet to exercise, we brainstormed some important resolutions you can make on behalf of your pet.

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New Year’s resolutions…we love them, we hate them. This year, however, why not change it up and focus more on upgrades you’d like to make for both you and your pet?

They say that having a buddy to support us through exercise, weight loss, and general wellness goals is helpful when it comes to achieving them. Because so many pets could also benefit from a few upgrades and overhauls, including your pal in your New Year’s resolutions can be a great bonding experience.

To help you begin, we came up with some simple suggestions for the healthiest and happiest year yet!

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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.

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Whether your pets have been naughty or nice this year, they still deserve a little something during the holidays. While gift giving isn’t exactly reciprocal between our species (unless you count rodent trophies, super slobbery kisses, or weekend wake-up calls as “gifts”), but that doesn’t mean your pet won’t be smitten by our sweet, simple DIY pet gifts.

Since we’re ahead of schedule, there are no excuses to not give, give, give!

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Holly Golightly, the character made famous by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s, proclaims that her cat’s name is simply “Cat.” She sees him as a wild thing that doesn’t belong to her, a stray not unlike herself.

While naming a pet feline “Cat” makes a certain kind of sense (even Peter Falk called his Basset hound “Dog” on Columbo), there are endless other options from which to choose. And just like human baby names, unusual pet names are taking center stage. Continue…

No matter if you enjoy the bright lights and fast-pace of a city or the bucolic splendor of a small community, you’ll want to live somewhere that welcomes your furry companion.

As more and more communities embrace our four-legged friends, dog owners are finding it easier than ever to include their pets in their daily activities. Below are some of the best communities around the country to live with dogs. Continue…

What’s better than autumn, when the leaves turn vibrant colors and the nights cool off? Autumn pet events!

Now is the time to get outside with your pet and enjoy a little fall socialization and entertainment. Luckily, there are plenty of local pet events to pique you and your companion’s interest. The following are just a few we think are sure to be a hit. Continue…

A lot of good work has been done on the subject of canine intelligence. This is welcome news for consummate dog lovers, following decades of speculation that consistently placed Fido on the top of the heap. However, while testing has revealed the most (and least) intelligent breeds, environmental and social learning analytics are individually specific. If you’ve ever wondered what’s at the root of canine IQ and how to test your own pup’s intelligence, look no further! Continue…

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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With so many of us relying on apps to help us with our fitness goals, it’s no surprise to see pet apps and gadgets designed to do the same thing.

With pet obesity on the rise, a stronger commitment to prevention and weight management is needed. Although nothing can replace regular wellness care and checkups, pet apps are helpful in supporting overall health goals and managing day-to-day objectives.

Because there are thousands of products on the market, your friends at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital have taken the time to scope out a few we thought were particularly handy. Continue…