Posts in Category: You & Your Pet

Here at The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center, we’re so grateful that our community of dedicated, loving pet owners continues to grow. Each day, we’re reminded that we have the best jobs in the world, and we have you and your pets to thank for that!

Part of our mission is to help pet owners become the best possible guardians of their pet’s health and wellness. That’s why every month, we try to highlight topics on our pet care blog that are useful and relevant. We know today’s pet owners face many questions, and we hope our pet care blogs continue to be a helpful resource for you!

Essential oils have recently gained popularity in aromatherapy, with people using them as home remedies for common ailments such as nasal congestion, anxiety, sore muscles, and skin conditions. Plant oils and scents are also included in many different products for use around the home, such as cleaners, shampoo, and even toothpaste. So it begs the question – are essential oils and pets a safe combination?

Essential Oils Basics

What exactly are essential oils? Simply put, they are plant compounds that have been carefully extracted and distilled, leaving microscopic droplets that can impart the properties of the plant itself.

Essential oils are described as highly volatile, meaning they can powerfully affect our minds and bodies. They enter the body through contact with the skin, or through inhalation or ingestion.  Because they are absorbed into the bloodstream, essential oils can affect the organs rapidly. Used properly, they can have therapeutic effects.

It’s important to know that essential oils can also be toxic to our pets, without an understanding of how to use them correctly. Since the compounds they contain are biologically active, they can cause a myriad of dangerous side effects and even organ damage if used improperly.

Cats are cool creatures. From their gravity-defying jumps to their strange little hunting noises, domestic felines command everyone’s attention. Part of what makes them so interesting, though, is their relative weirdness. Yes, their sleek appearance and debonair stare come first, but they definitely come equipped with a few odd – and yet universally feline – behaviors. Which cat behavior is your favorite? Continue…

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and endless tasks that accompany a new school year. Shopping, schedules, and snacks are on the agenda, but where does the family pet fit into the new routine? Frustration, anxiety, and even depression are common among pets once the summer ends and their best buds return to school.

Fortunately, the start of another school year doesn’t have to lead to separation anxiety in pets. We’ve outlined some simple strategies any family can use to help their pet stay calm and focused during this time of transition.

Recognizing Separation Anxiety in Pets

Separation anxiety in pets can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from obvious (destructive chewing, scratching, or vocalizations) to subtle (sleeping more, eating less, loss of interest in toys or favorite activities). Give us a call right away to schedule an appointment if you notice any changes in behavior. Continue…

An estimated 50,000 Americans rely on their service dogs to help them complete the tasks necessary to get through the day. Service animals accompany their handlers everywhere, performing life-saving services and allowing them to live and function independently.

Taking your dog with you in public sounds pretty great, but it has a downside. The problem of fake service animals is on the rise, putting real working dogs and their handlers at risk.

Defining Features

Service, therapy, and emotional support animals have some defining characteristics: Continue…

Envision it now…a rolling green hill, sunny skies, and a game of frisbee with Fido and some friends. Maybe there’s a new and challenging trail you’ve been wanting to hike the past few months, or, possibly, you’ve decided that sitting on the couch when it’s nice outside is no longer an option, especially if you (and your pup!) have added a few extra pounds this winter.

There are many ways to get out there and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer while giving ourselves and our fur pals the added gift of fitness and good health. The team at The Whole Pet Vet has a few suggestions for outdoor activities with your dog to help boost endorphins and enjoy a little fresh air.

Take a Hike!

If you and your dog prefer the trail to the pavement, there are plenty of amazing hikes you can enjoy within a day’s driving distance. Some of our favorites include: Continue…

If you’ve ever had a massage or are receiving massage regularly for a health condition, you probably know just how powerful this modality is for recovery and wellbeing. Although massage has been around for quite some time, it may come as a surprise to know that pet massage has been used as early as the 1800’s. There is also some evidence of animal massage in ancient China, Egypt, and India.

Other than the fact that it just feels great, is there another reason behind massage for your dog? We’re glad you asked! The team at the Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center is here to explain.

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How we’re already to the end of the year is beyond us, but perhaps keeping busy in 2017 explains why the time has passed so quickly. Thank you to our growing community of dedicated pet owners in the Bay Area! We’re honored to continue offering comprehensive, personalized veterinary care that not only prevents disease, but also promotes wellness and longevity.

A significant component of our model of traditional care and alternative medicine is The Whole Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center’s pet care blog. Every month, we strive to offer relevant and timely topics to lend pet owners a hand at home. As a family-oriented practice, we welcome feedback, and all the clicks and shares from our pet care blog tell us what you like. As a result, we’re offering up the top 5 blogs of 2017. Enjoy!

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