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Halloween is fun for the whole family, with costumes and parties and trick-or-treating. But not all pets respond positively to the festive atmosphere.

Some pets can be spooked by the tricks, treats, and other Halloween frights. The team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has compiled these safety tips to ensure a happy Halloween for everyone.

As your dog ages, its dietary needs change. Dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages in their lives. So what food is best for your dog’s optimal health? The team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital is here to help you figure it out.

If you’ve owned your dog for a while now, you have likely come to the conclusion that they are the one that owns you. You might have originally thought that your dog would fit right in with you and your family, but it’s your lifestyle that has probably changed to make way for all the dog’s likes/dislikes, needs, and patterns. To that we say, well played, canines. 

There are certain elements of dog “ownership” that take precedence to ensure optimal health. Maintaining dog wellness exams is one of many contributions you can make to their overall health, vitality, and longevity, and we’re here to help.

Kittens experience rapid growth and development in their first year, and we typically see them every 3-4 weeks to complete vaccinations. Once they are 4-6 months old, they’ve likely received all the preventive care necessary to thrive, including spay/neuter surgery, microchip, and parasite prevention. At this point, annual cat wellness exams are the norm (unless they need emergency care). 

The differences between the first and second year might be subtle, but as cats age, health concerns increase. Some illnesses present obvious clinical signs, others are far more sneaky. This is just part of the reason why annual cat wellness exams are recommended at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital. 

Black flies (sometimes called buffalo gnats) can ruin a backyard barbecue and make our pets extremely uncomfortable. These little buggers bite, and they like to zero in on a pet’s tender areas, like their ears, noses, tummies, and rumps. Working dogs on farms are the most commonly affected, but black flies can attack any pet at any time. Although black flies don’t transmit diseases like ticks and mosquitoes, their bites can lead to secondary infections—or worse for pets allergic to them.  

Pets are priceless, and as members of the family, they deserve to receive quality veterinary care. We’re fortunate that advancements in veterinary medicine have led to improved outcomes for pets that suffer an injury or develop a serious illness. But modern medicine comes at a cost. 

Any way you slice it, pet noise anxiety is a problematic, even traumatic, experience for them. While not limited to thunderstorms or firework displays, these are the most common causes of noise-related stress in pets. Animals can also be triggered by sporting events, parades, large trucks, and so much more. It’s time to face pet noise anxiety in order to protect them from harm and preserve their state of mind. 

Although they love their time in the sun, pets can be at risk for skin cancer just as humans can. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most common type of cancer diagnosed in dogs is skin. Although cats are less likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer, they can still develop it, especially if they have short hair and frequent sun exposure. It is important to maintain your pet’s annual wellness exams, where they receive head-to-claw examinations, including a skin examination. Skin cancer can be detected at these visits, but it is important for pet owners to be informed and on the lookout as well, especially as their pets get older.

Dogs are wonderful at any age, but we have a soft spot for seniors. They are mellow, sweet, and reliable. They know what they like and when, and really don’t keep their owners guessing about preferences or proclivities. 

Owners know their senior pets so well by the time they reach their golden years. While they are generally easy to provide for, you can elevate senior dog care to another level with our 3 essential tips.

Most of us tend to have a really special relationship with our older cats. Chances are that they have seen us through a lot by the time they reach their golden years.

Senior cat care is a little different than care of a younger animal, and it can hold a great deal of impact on how your cat ages. Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital understands how important your cat is to you, and that is why we are excited to share our favorite senior cat care tips.