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Every pet ages a little differently. Some might not show any signs of slowing down until well beyond their 10th birthday; others have a gray muzzle by age 6. Their breed, health history, and lifestyle all play important roles in the aging process, and it’s important to know how to recognize the changing needs of senior pets. There are many components to successful, effective senior pet care, and we’re happy to help you prepare. 

We all want the best for our furry friends. As pet owners, we prioritize the health and well-being of our beloved companions. Just as humans benefit from vaccinations, so do our pets. Pet immunizations play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of dogs and cats, which prevents the spread of contagious diseases, and promotes long and healthy lives. Leon Valley Animal Hospital understands how important preventive care is, and if you are wondering about what shots your pet needs, we can help.

If there is one thing we know in Texas, it is heat. Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital understands how important it is to monitor the temperature and hydration status of our furry friends. Pets, just like people, rely on adequate water intake and proper body temperature to maintain optimal health. Read on to learn about the best way to keep your pets hydrated. 

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend, but it’s also a time to be especially mindful of your pet’s safety. The warmer months can increase the likelihood of your pet getting lost or suffering from heat-related illnesses. 

How can you keep your pet safe during the summer months? This post will cover lost pet prevention, July 4th safety, and other summer tips to keep your pets safe.

If there is one pet problem that every owner should be aware of, the team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital thinks heartworm disease should definitely be in the top five. This deadly disease is very preventable, which makes education all the more important. Do you know how to prevent heartworm disease? If not, keep reading to find out.

Summer is a time for fun in the sun and spending quality time with your furry friends. But as the temperatures rise, so does the importance of pet grooming. 

Proper grooming can help your pet stay cool and comfortable during the summer months while also preventing skin problems and other health issues. In this blog post, the Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital team discusses the importance of keeping your pet groomed during the summer and offers some tips to make it a bit easier.

As a loving pet parent, you shower your pet with affection, indulge him with new toys, and treat him to his favorite foods. All of those things are important for his overall wellbeing, but the key to a lifetime of optimal health is to maintain routine pet wellness care appointments. 

At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help you keep your pets happy and healthy throughout every life stage. Read on for information you need to know about wellness care for pets.

As a general rule, pets adopted from animal shelters are already microchipped. Because the practice occurs prior to adoption, and the chip is hidden beneath the skin, it’s possible to forget that it exists. Until, that is, a pet’s chip is called upon to identify their owner. A practice with an enormous impact on both pets and people, microchipping your pet sets the standard for responsible pet ownership.

If there’s one thing that Texans know, it’s how to survive the heat. Learn how to prepare your pet for hot days, too, with Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital’s favorite tips for summer pet safety. 

Summer Pet Safety Considerations

When enjoying time with your pet this summer, it is a good idea to be aware of potential pitfalls that can ruin your good time. Take notice of:

• Table scraps at outing and barbeques
• Motor vehicles
• Unattended swimming spots that can be drowning hazards or harbor algae
• Dirty water that can irritate the skin or cause gastrointestinal problems
• Parasites like fleas and heartworms
• Sunburn
• Damage to paws from hot pavement, sand, etc.
• Overheating

How to Prepare Your Pet for Hot Days

Pets can become acclimated to the heat. Allowing them to have short, supervised stints outdoors can help them to gradually tolerate longer outings.

If you are wondering how long your pet can stay out in the sun, the answer can vary quite a bite among individuals. Pets that are overweight, very old, very young, have a short nose, or have health problems are at greatest risk of heat exhaustion. Choosing to center your activities around the cooler parts of the day is helpful. 

Avoid shaving your double-coated pet. Fur provides protection from the sun, and, believe it or not, actually insulates against the heat.

Any time you head outdoors with your pet, be sure that they have access to shade or shelter and a supply of cool, fresh water. Never leave your pet outdoors unattended for any length of time and remember that even a minute alone in a vehicle is too long.

Heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, is a very real danger for pets in the summer months. It can have devastating consequences.

It is important to recognize early signs that your pet may be overheating. As body temperature rises, animals often:

• Become restless 
• Pant
• Have increased heart and respiratory rates 
• Drool
• Experience vomiting or diarrhea

If you notice these things, it is definitely time to get your pet out of the heat. Unchecked, these symptoms can progress to weakness, incoordination, gasping for air, seizures, coma, and even death.

It is important to contact us immediately if you are concerned that your pet may be overheated. Cool towels may be placed under the belly and on the paws to help bring the body’s temperature down, but the animal must be treated by a professional as soon as possible.

Keep yourself and your pets cool this summer and avoid an emergency situation. A little planning can help to avert a major crisis.

Although none of us want to consider a sudden illness or injury to befalling our pets, ignoring the possibility that they will get sick or hurt reduces your ability to handle a pet emergency. We can help you recognize the signs that your pet needs immediate help, and give you some pointers on what you can do for them until you can get to a veterinary hospital.