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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!

If you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped this holiday season so far, you are certainly not alone. Giving thoughtful gifts take time and focus, and we hope you’ve been successful!

If you’ve been stumped by gifts for pets and their owners, however, we have you covered. There is no shortage of creative, fun, useful, and sweet gifts for pets out there, and we’ve curated a list, just for you. We hope you find something the pet on your list will love! 

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. 

Few things are more exciting than getting ready to bring a new baby into your life. You may be rapidly checking off your to-do list if the time is growing near. And amidst all your planning, preparation, and taking good care of yourself, you may also be wondering how your pets will adjust to your new addition as well. 

To make this transition smooth for everyone, The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center has some ideas and tips for introducing your pets to your new baby. Pets are creatures of habit, so it makes sense to start as early as you can to get them acclimated to the idea of a new addition to their family.

In order to effectively identify wild roaming bison, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service implants them with inert microchips. In fact, various types of animal research use similar information gleaned from these chips. They do not transmit GPS or have an internal power source, but these biocompatible chips have likewise been instrumental in the identification of loads of species – especially lost or missing pets. 

From llamas to parrots, ferrets to frogs, pets are routinely microchipped. It might not ever get scanned, but a pet microchip can facilitate a swift return home.

Some pet owners know by experience that certain noises, stimuli, or situations are downright unnerving for their pets. Others may just be learning about the various things that their pets find upsetting.

We can certainly do our best to reduce or minimize scary scenarios, but during the summer that’s a bit tricky. Thunderstorms, parades, construction, fireworks and more can all trigger pet noise anxiety – but it doesn’t have to take over your pet’s life when you’re prepared to help them cope.

Most pets and their people never cross paths with apex predators in the wild, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. In fact, habitat loss and navigable road systems make the possibility of an encounter even more real. Skunks, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes can be threatening, but what about rattlesnakes, bears, cougars, and birds of prey?

Undoubtedly, there are wildlife dangers to pets here in California. When owners are prepared to handle the risks and results, pets have a much better chance.

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.