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You just sat down on the couch for a Netflix marathon when you hear it…the hacking, gagging noise from the next room. No doubt about it, feline hairballs come with the turf of cat ownership.

But what exactly is a hairball?

GAK! What’s With the Hairball?

As one might guess, a hairball or trichobezoar (the fancy word for hairball) is a wad of undigested fur along with bile or stomach fluids. Continue…

It seems dog parks, community parks, and sidewalks can be dangerously rife with dog poo. We have to shake our heads and wonder why some owners just can’t seem to scoop the poop. Aside from the disgusting experience of stepping in a fresh pile, there are numerous health reasons for cleaning up after our pets.

Health Reasons for Cleaning Up Pet Waste

Although the task is a stinky one, cleaning up after a pet is a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner. It also helps minimize the spread of illnesses and parasites, some of which can be transmitted to humans as well (i.e., zoonotic). Continue…

It’s safe to say that most dogs love a good toy. Whether they’re playing with you or keeping themselves occupied, dogs love to tug, squeak, chew, fetch, and cuddle their favorite play things. Not only do good dog toys serve to keep your pet active, but they can serve as a wonderful alternative to treats when it comes to rewards for good behavior and devoted companionship.

Safety, however, should be a special consideration when selecting dog toys for your furry friend. After all, the last thing we would want to do is give our BFF (Best Furry Friend) something that would make them sick or worse.

So how do you know if you’re barking up the wrong (or right) tree when it comes to dog toys? …Let’s find out! Continue…

Photographs and video clips of a cat hanging around in a basket full of cushy yarn balls or accidently, adorably getting tangled up in string are a part of our culture’s unwavering commitment to cuteness.

But, like the inspirational hang in there kitty poster from the ‘70s, cats should neither hang perilously from tree branches nor play with long, stringy items bound to result in entanglement and/or obstruction.

So, what safe cat toys should you provide your whiskered, fluff-ball of wonder? Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has the scoop!

Process of Elimination

So, beyond yarn and string – and to prevent the need for emergency care – what else should your frisky feline avoid playing with? Continue…

Parasites. Yuck.

Whether they be microscopic, worm-like, or have six legs, no one likes parasites; especially not on their family members, furry or otherwise. We have made great advances in recent years identifying safe, effective options for pet parasites prevention.

For many reasons, however, people continue to turn to home remedies for pet parasites.

Learn why these seemingly great solutions, however, aren’t all they’re cracked up to be….

The Importance of Parasite Prevention

Besides being just plain yucky, parasites in and on pets are serious business. Parasitic infections in animals can have serious implications on your pet’s overall health and well-being. Pets who have parasites may experience: Continue…

It may seem like a good idea to wait to spay or neuter your pet – or forego the procedure altogether – but this choice can be costly for both of you. With so many homeless pets facing euthanasia each year, it makes sense to prevent unwanted litters. However, did you know your pet’s health can also be improved by this simple procedure?

Sterilization

When we spay or neuter your pet, it involves the surgical sterilization of specific reproductive organs while under general anesthesia. Continue…

We don’t always rely on our pets to judge others, but if your pet reacts strongly to a new person in your life, is it possible he or she is keyed into something to which you’re oblivious?

Like a barometer measures atmospheric pressure, your pet could potentially assess compatibility, determine your level of risk, and even weigh his or her own place in a potential love triangle. Is your pet a good judge of character? Let’s find out… Continue…

As Valentine’s Day items line the store shelves, love is in the air. While the words “pet safety” may not be the sweet nothings you plan on whispering, it’s definitely important to those with animal companions.

Ahhh, Chocolate!

Most pet owners have a keen fear of chocolate when it comes to their pet – especially for the dog who eats anything.

Chocolate poisonings comprise the majority of veterinary emergencies this time of year. The darker the chocolate, the greater the danger to your pet, since it contains a greater percentage of theobromine and caffeine (the alkaloid toxins).

Since chocolate is often wrapped, many pet owners make the mistake of thinking their pet won’t chew through that heart-shaped box or foil. Think again! Any delectable (wrapped or not) can be smelled, prompting your dog to chow down. Continue…

Heart-shaped treats have a tremendous power to make us feel loved, but the idea that special treats equal devotion can have terrible consequences. This is especially true for your four-legged friend, who doesn’t need yummy, indulgent treats to know how much you care. Instead, the occasional healthy snack is a wonderful alternative, and it begs the question: how else can you show your pet love? Continue…

If you’ve ever heard a cat fight in the middle of the night or felt nervous about territorial marking inside your home, adopting a second cat may seem like a bad idea. We assure you, it’s not!

However, introducing a new feline – and maintaining a peaceful multi-cat household – takes careful consideration and planning. Preparation ensures that your cats will truly flourish, so you can sit back and enjoy all the extra cuddles! Continue…