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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.

If you have a pet, chances are they give you many hours of laughter, joy, and fun. Whatever your pet’s personality, giving them the best care is top priority. But when was the last time you thought about your dog or cat’s dental health? What starts out as a little bad breath can quickly progress to full blown periodontal disease, if left untreated.

Periodontal disease is the progressive inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth. It causes bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Even worse, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to your pet’s internal organs, causing liver, heart, and kidney problems.

Most of us would rather not look inside our pet’s mouths to see what’s really going on in there. So let The Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center show you the hidden dangers of pet dental disease, and how we treat and prevent it.

Pet ownership is a big responsibility, but we sign up for the opportunity because of the enormous payoffs we receive from this special relationship. Indeed, owning a pet is a type of insurance against loneliness, isolation, and possible boredom. They keep us engaged, connected, and best of all, active. Walking with your pet is one of the best assets of the relationship – for both you and 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!

The vets and staff at The Whole Pet Vet are absolutely committed to bring the best care to you and your furry friends. Beyond traditional veterinary medicine, we are able to help more animals in different ways with the alternative and adjunctive therapies we offer.

While most of our clients are familiar with things like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and medicinal herbs and supplements, we find that less people are familiar with the term ‘canine rehabilitation’. This doesn’t make it any less important, though – in fact canine rehabilitation is a cornerstone in treating many of our four-legged patients.

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…

For anyone who has had or currently has cats, you know that they are special creatures. They are clever, independent, can be amazingly sweet, and have the athletic prowess of Olympic athletes. It’s no surprise that we love our cats and want to keep them well. But cats are masters at hiding signs of illness, pain, and discomfort from us. That’s why The Whole Pet Vet is focusing on our unique approach to cat health and wellness.

Basic Instincts

In the wild, cats who show weakness are a target for predators. A survival instinct from long ago causes our cats to disguise any sign of illness or discomfort as a way to protect themselves. This means that you may not notice anything is wrong until disease is well advanced.

Here’s why a regular program of cat health and wellness care is so important. Simply put, wellness care means regularly scheduled and timely veterinary visits for seemingly healthy and well cats. 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…