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Dogs who spend any amount of time outside in areas where ticks are present are susceptible to a myriad of illnesses that can affect everything from their digestive tract to their cardiovascular system.

 Without monthly preventives, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in dogs are serious threats that could significantly impact overall health and wellness. Keep reading to learn about the diseases ticks might pass onto our pets and how monthly preventives can help protect them.

As we leave 2020 in our rear view mirror, a moment of reflection reminds us that it wasn’t all bad. At The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center we have definitely had our share of challenges, but we shared some really wonderful moments amongst our staff, our clients, and the pets that we both care for. 

In truth, pets waiting for their forever homes need help regardless of the season – and benefit from the generosity of others all year long. However, this time of year inspires selfless giving and sharing, so it makes sense for animal lovers to look for opportunities. Barring the adoption of every animal in need, there are other ways to help homeless pets this holiday season.

For avid pet lovers, the question of whether or not you should take on additional pets is something that comes up often in our practice. Many of us want to bring more deserving sweeties home, but wonder if it is appropriate or if we even have the time in our busy lives. 

There is definitely much to consider when thinking about a multi-pet household. This is why the team at The Whole Pet Vet and Wellness Center is here to give you some recommendations and answer the question of how many pets is too many?

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.

Several months ago pet owners were worried about sheltering in place with their pet. After all, everyone was set in their ways regarding their work and school schedules, including the family pet. 

Cats and dogs dozed on the couch, looked out windows, sniffed around, and simply hung around until the family came home and dinner time approached. But as they do, life changed and pets and people alike had to negotiate a new schedule and dynamic. 

Not surprisingly, most pets have been pleased with the results.

Now we have different challenges ahead as schools and businesses begin to reopen. These changes could mean that pets have to face solitude again for hours at a time. It’s not always easy to help your pet cope with all this change, but you can teach them how to handle this through a patient and prepared approach.

If your pet is not accustomed to seeing YOU in a mask, they might find people on the street in masks especially alarming. Even the most well-behaved dogs can become easily spooked by circumstances they deem new or threatening. Help acclimate your pet by wearing your mask here and there around your pets, give praise or treats and help them feel less anxious about this new facial development on humans. Do not assume you know how your pet would react if adults or children in masks stop to stay hello and get too close – help your pet with this transition!

With all of the attention on how harmful most pesticides are, many of us have switched to organic and eco-friendly products for the lawn and garden. But when those biting, itchy pests arrive, it’s all too easy to grab some pesticides to keep them from invading our homes and bodies. Unfortunately, many pest control products are also harmful to other animals, including pets.

Several pet owners have asked the team at the Whole Pet Vet and Wellness Center about some pet-friendly insect control options and we are happy to help! Here are some of our favorite solutions to pet friendly insect control.

Dogs are not known for their impeccable palates, that’s for sure. Why they enjoy raiding the garbage, munching on mulch, or lapping up toilet water is beyond us here at The Whole Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center.

Of all the yucky doggy delicacies out there, one is more disgusting than the rest. Why dogs eat poop may be a bit of a mystery, but we have some insight that may help you be a bit more understanding.

The Mystery of Why Dogs Eat Poop

Poop eating, more properly known as coprophagia, is a common canine indiscretion. Be it bunny droppings in the backyard, the cat’s litter box, or their own waste, this behavior is concerning to most pet owners. 

Coprophagia can put your pet at risk for intestinal parasites and is likely not helpful for doggy breath in general. If it is dramatic enough, poop eating behavior potentially can also cause nutritional deficiencies. 

Oh, cats. You regale us with your chirpy hunting skills, warm us with your snuggly bellies, and inspire us through your dazzling acrobatics. But when it comes to understanding and admiring cat behavior, one thing is very clear: their tail acts like a barometer, and it’s up to us to know what it all means.

Swish and Flick

Cat body language uses various body parts to convey fairly precise emotions. The ears, whiskers, and eyes, for example, are all expressive and depending on the cat’s mood, they have an impressive range to them.