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Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is pretty sure that when it comes to the most enjoyable things in life, pizza and pets top the list. But do they go together? We would like to think so, but there are some things to take into consideration.

Anatomy of a Pizza

Baked dough, cheese, and delicious toppings  – what could be better than pizza? Our pets most likely agree, but pizza is not necessarily totally benign when it comes to our animal friends. 

When it comes to pizza and pets there are definitely some things to think about.

Breaking it down into its mouthwatering little parts, consider:

When it comes to dog training, the most common method of positive reinforcement is with the use of treats. And why not, when most dogs tend to respond well? But extra treats and food, if not monitored carefully, can lead to the battle of the bulge –  a common problem among U.S. pets. 

As a healthy alternative to treats, we thought we’d look deeper into positive reinforcement for dogs and give you some ideas for how to “treat” your dog – without the “treat.”  

5 Ideas That Don’t Rely on Food

First things first. Positive reinforcement is the idea that you reward your dog when he does something you want. So it stands to reason that your reward can be anything that your dog finds enjoyable and fun. Spend some time observing to find out what he likes best. 

Most of us know that large wild cats, such as tigers, lions, jaguars, and leopards, can definitely roar. But did you know that because they can roar, they lack the ability to purr? Conversely, the domestic cats we know and love purr their hearts out, but they cannot roar. 

The fact that our feline friends purr is one more reason to love them, but that doesn’t mean the mechanism is fully understood. A closer look at why cats purr, and how they do it, may generate an even greater appreciation for these amazing animals.

Eye redness in dogs is easy to spot. You may notice redness around the eye, along with swelling, discharge, pawing at the eye, squinting, or repeated blinking. Eye redness can be caused by an injury, irritation, or even a disease.

Regardless of the cause, the condition can be uncomfortable and even painful for your pet, so a veterinary visit is in order right away. 

Ah, cats! They are fun, playful, loving, and fiercely independent. And, they often confuse us with their antics and behavior. Whatever the personality of your cat, there’s no denying they are endlessly fascinating.

Maybe that’s why at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we never tire of hearing fun cat facts, and we have a feeling you don’t either! 

Physical Prowess

The physical abilities of cats is nothing short of incredible. Did you know that:

We may be biased, but at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we think dogs are amazingly cool. That may be why we’re so interested in learning more about them. From details about their mental and physical capabilities, to interesting facts about their behavior and tendencies, we are constantly entertained and wowed by fun dog facts. 

Keep reading as we share some of what we’ve learned about dogs over the years!

Why Do They Do That?

There are so many fascinating dog behaviors that it was difficult to select just a few. Here are our favorites:

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!

There are loads of reasons to adopt a kitten, but you’d be right to pump the brakes if you already have a cat at home. Given abundant time, space and encouragement adult cats or aging seniors can definitely adapt to a new addition. However, their acceptance and tolerance of an interloper/new pal typically do not develop sooner than a few months. 

The best ways to introduce a kitten to your resident cat will require preparation, steadfast dedication, and a few of our go-to tips.

There are core and non-core vaccinations available for cats, and your veterinarian can help you to determine the best course of action for your pet.

Non-core vaccinations, such as those for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are typically recommended based on lifestyle. If your cat is regularly exposed to the outdoors, these vaccines are worth considering.

What Is FIV?

Feline immunodeficiency virus affects the body’s ability to normally respond to an immune response. Similar to the way HIV can lead to AIDS in humans, an FIV-positive cat has specific challenges related to the immune system. Typically transmitted through bite wounds sustained in cat fights, proactive, effective treatment can help a cat live comfortably with FIV for some time.

Training a pet to eliminate in the right place – at the right time – can be a hurdle for many pet owners. It’s not always easy, and it never happens overnight. But when it finally clicks, it’s an amazing relief for pets and owners alike. Pet pee pads can definitely help the process of house training, but they can also present certain snags to long term success.

Setting Goals

Housetraining a puppy or teaching a newly adopted grown pet is not something that can be done without time, patience, and consistent positive reinforcement.

Every pet is different and each has their own special preferences. Learning what they like goes a long way toward potty training success. Plus, this is an opportunity for pet owners to gain insight into what motivates their new best friends.