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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…

Have you recently decided to bring a new pet into your family? If so, congratulations! You might feel excitement coupled with a mounting sense of dread as you peruse the internet, get unsolicited advice from friends and family, and look around your house thinking – what am I getting myself into?

If so, fear not! The Whole Pet Veterinary Hospital and Wellness Center is by your side, with some ideas on how to pick a wonderful companion, what to ask before bringing them home, and where to look for the very best addition to your family. Welcome to our tips for adopting a new pet!

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Does the jingling of Fido’s collar, as he scratches his ears in the middle of the night, keep you awake? Have you noticed that your normally calm pet is obsessively licking her paws? Do those red sores on your pet’s skin give you cause for concern? If any of these scenarios sound like you, your pet may be suffering from allergies.

Allergies in pets is one of the most common problems we diagnose in our patients. Just as for humans allergy symptoms can cause significant discomfort for our pets, and wreak havoc on their quality of life. The team at the Whole Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center wants to increase awareness of allergies in pets and make sure pet owners have the information they need to make their pets more comfortable.

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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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There are loads of odd occurrences that can befall a single pet, but they might not always indicate a pet emergency. Take, for example, a hairball. It sounds terrifying (especially in the middle of the night), but rarely signals the need for urgent veterinary care. On the other hand, there are undeniably serious symptoms that should never be ignored. So, how do pet owners tell the difference?

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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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The holidays are filled with fun, but they can also be a time of temptation, anxiety, and even danger for our beloved pets. Wanting to include our pets in the seasonal festivities is understandable, but a pet emergency is no way to spread good cheer. Planning and preparing for holiday pet safety is a must to ensure a happy, healthy season for your furry family member.

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Families collect bags of candy in August, costumes are finalized in September, and scary decorations go up October 1st. While you may be 100% ready for the zany, thrilling, and hilarious event that is Halloween, your pet might be anything but prepared. How can you prime your pet for the endless risks, threats, and frights? Having a good handle on Halloween pet safety is the right place to start. From there, you’ll know how to make it through to November without illness, injury, or incident.

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Having any type of environmental allergy is no fun, but an allergic reaction to pets can put a real damper on things, especially when you  consider that over half of U.S. households include at least one pet.

With an estimated 15% of the population suffering from pet allergies, it’s likely that you know someone who falls into this category. Keeping in mind the needs of pet allergy sufferers who visit our living spaces is important, and our tips aim to help you create a home environment that is friendly to both guests and pets.

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When we bring a pet into our homes to share our lives, we know it isn’t going to last forever. Regardless of how long we’ve had our pets or whether their passing was expected, saying goodbye is never easy.

The empty space left behind when a beloved pet passes away can feel vast and insurmountable; it’s common for pet owners, children, and other pets to experience some or all the stages of grief. Your friends at The Whole Pet Vet hope that our guidance and resources are helpful as you navigate the path toward healing after pet loss.

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