Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

There has been some discussion around the topic of animal-borne illnesses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. How animals can transmit diseases to humans (also called zoonoses) is a conversation that cannot be ignored, considering Rabies, Salmonella, SARS, Ebola, and now the coronavirus. There have been zoonotic diseases in our midst for a long time, some of which can be contracted by interacting with our pet companions.

To help protect you and your furry loved one from zoonotic diseases, the team at the Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center is here to provide information for pet owners on this potentially deadly topic. 

The effects of age can be noticeable for anyone, including our best fur friends. There are certain changes that take place in pets that can set them up for disease and conditions that impede their normal life.

Thankfully, our pets are living longer than ever before! We have come a long way in preventative veterinary care, advancements in surgery and treatment, and a growing awareness of the importance of nutrition and exercise in the lives of our pets.

The team at The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center wants to emphasize how advantageous senior pet wellness care is to your four-legged friend, and what it is all about. Let’s take a closer look.

At The Whole Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center, we love cats. These extraordinary creatures amaze us day in and out with their beauty, resilience, and resolve. Each of us has our weaknesses, though, and for many cats their weak spot seems to be their renal system. 

Feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a commonly diagnosed problem in our purring patients. In fact it is the most common condition diagnosed in our cat population over 10 years of age, making it very important for our pet parents to understand and acknowledge.

We understand the temptation to skip routine appointments, but contrary to the ways they appear “normal” and act “fine”, there could very well be trouble brewing beneath the surface. 

Aside from the great opportunity to see your pet and visit with you, we value routine pet wellness exams because they shed so much light on issues that are either about to develop, or have already. So, from a pet’s earliest years to their very last, we encourage you to keep all their pet wellness appointments! 

Hide and Seek

Most pet owners are surprised to learn that their pets have an illness or injury that went undetected at home.

Even the most aware, vigilant, and involved pet owners can’t know everything that’s going on with their best friends. Animals are hardwired to hide any signs of weakness, and pain is a sure-fire way to gain the attention of potential predators (even when they don’t exist inside the home). 

In case you’ve been living under a rock, it’s now 2020 – which feels like a big year! It’s not lost on us that we are wrapping up not only a year, but an entire decade. With that in mind, we are so grateful for your friendship and for trusting us with your precious fur babies. 

As we look back at our successes and challenges, we are reminded that progress is a process. One way The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center measures our progress is through sharing informative, educational and fun topics in our pet care blog.

If you have been a faithful reader, we thank you! And even if you’ve just discovered us, we’d like to invite you to look back with us at the top blogs of 2019. Please enjoy!

Have you ever smelled your pet’s feet? No, seriously – have you? It seems strange, but if you have ever been close enough to your dog’s paws, you may have noticed a strange, yet familiar odor. Corn chips! 

You’d be surprised that many owners come to us and ask why their pets’ paws smell like that corn snack (or other strange scents).

Your team at The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center is here to answer this odd riddle.

Pet Odors Are Normal, Sometimes

Of course, pets pick up a number of smells on their paws from walking on dirty concrete, asphalt, grass, and other surfaces. So, it’s no surprise that your pet’s feet don’t smell like a bed of roses. But there are times when odor can signal a problem.

Of all the fantastic feline features, perhaps it’s their whiskers that are the most predominant. After all, when asked to draw a cat, a child is highly likely to include an array of whiskers on either side of the nose. 

Even though cats are typically characterized by their whiskers, the general consensus about their purpose is less obvious. Cat whiskers are actually quite amazing, and our favorite felines wouldn’t be themselves without them.

CBD oil is one of the most talked-about alternative therapies in recent years, and its rising popularity has reached the pet-care market. Pet owners are turning to CBD oil to help their companion animals with everything from arthritis to anxiety to seizures, and many other conditions. 

With so much information floating around online regarding CBD oil for pets, it can be difficult to know whether or not the supplement is safe and effective. 

Acupuncture has a long history, but it hasn’t always been exclusively for humans. Believed to have originated in India, ancient Chinese legends describe the successful use of acupuncture in battle-worn horses. Over time, other animals, such as camels, chickens, cattle, elephants, monkeys, goats, and sheep were also treated.

Since its adoption throughout Europe in the late 17th century, pet acupuncture has continued to heal and treat pain and chronic disease. The Whole Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center is proud to offer this effective, non-invasive option to our Los Gatos pet community.

The Same, but Different!

Pet acupuncture has documented benefits among various species, but it’s primarily applied to companion animals. Cats, dogs, and horses tolerate acupuncture very well. However, their specific anatomy – and the potential for injury if they aren’t properly restrained – mandates that only trained, licensed veterinarians perform this treatment.

A well-behaved dog can make it seem like they were simply born with the ability to remain calm and polite. They appear distinctly aware of their owner’s desires and seem to fall in line before requests are even made. In other words, they become a prime example for other dog owners who may be struggling with a less-than-cooperative pet at home.

So why does it seem that some dogs behave in truly unruly ways while others are the cat’s meow? The answer is simple: dog training and early socialization.