Our Blog & Pet Health Topics
![The Gift of Health for Your Pet](https://drgsvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Gift-of-Health-for-Your-Pet-1.jpg)
The Gift of Health for Your Pet
As you’re shopping for the holiday season, you may ask yourself, “What’s the best gift I can give my pet?” While pet sweaters are cute and can make for adorable holiday cards, we believe the best present a pet parent can gift their pet is a healthy, happy life. When you invest in your pet’s wellbeing, you’re giving the most heartfelt gift a pet could ask for (if they knew how to speak). As a pet parent, you are your pet’s advocate for a better life. You’re like Santa but better–you have the opportunity to make your pet merrier every day of the year.
So, think outside of the gift box this year, and provide your pet with more than can fit under the tree.
1. Provide Your Pet with Plenty of Playtime
Pets need exercise–both physical and mental exercise. If your pet passed puppyhood or kittenhood, don’t give up on play sessions and training sessions. For the holidays, consider purchasing some new toys that encourage physical and mental stimulation. Consider a puzzle bowl for your dog or a puzzle feeder for your cat.
Just for cats: Increase the merriment and reignite the kitten within: catnip is where it’s at. Consider a window cat perch, so your cat can watch the birds and other critters. This will surely bring some extra meowiment to winter.
Just for dogs: Take your dog on a special hike or walk. Choose a place you’ve never explored. The new sights and smells are a priceless gift without a large price tag.
2. A Well-Balanced Diet: A Unbeatable Way to Show Your Love
Proper nutrition is a gift that goes a long way. Your pet’s food forms the foundation for their health. Why else does your pet’s diet matter? One of the leading health issues for pets is obesity. A healthy diet can combat obesity and related health issues.
What does your pet need to stay healthy? Choose a food that exceeds the AAFCO guidelines. Look for meat as the top ingredient and be sure the ingredient list is short and simple. Like people, pets often need a diet designed for their needs. We can make finding the best food for your pet as easy as a quick discussion during your pet’s exam.
3. Don’t Skip Regular Checkups & Preventative Medical Care
When you bring your pet in for a regular checkup, you’re giving her the gift that goes beyond the surface. A wellness exam allows us to screen for health issues, provide your pet with vaccines to protect her health after you leave, and help spot potential health issues. Early detection of diseases can save your pet’s life and save you the added cost of more complex treatments. Early diagnosis and prevention are the equivalents of better prognosis and simplified treatment.
Preventing fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and heartworms is more than just preventing discomfort. Medications that prevent these pests also block the diseases that come along with them like Lyme disease.
Don’t forget the smile. One of the most commonly overlooked preventative health measures for pets is dental checkups. Skipping dental care can lead to pain and periodontal disease for your pet. And while periodontal disease may not seem serious, it has been linked to many other serious health issues for pets.
4. Protect Your Pet & Ensure Her Safe Return
With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, it’s a great time to check your pet’s microchip contact information and ID tag. If your family welcomed a new pet into your home recently, be sure your pet is chipped and has an ID tag with your phone number and any medical concerns. Many pet parents have their pets microchipped but forget to update the information when they move or change numbers. Others never even register their pets’ chips. Don’t let your pet get left out in the cold this year. Give yourself and your pet the gift of peace of mind, safety, and security.
5. Don’t Forget the Love, Affection, & Attention
The holidays can be stressful–especially this year. Don’t forget to take a little extra time to snuggle, pet, and love on your pet. Petting your cat or dog doesn’t cost a cent and the extra cuddles remind your pet of how amazing they are! Not only will your pet benefit from positive endorphins, but this gift comes with the added bonus of reducing your stress and improving your mood–now, isn’t that better than anything that can be bought on Black Friday?
Happy Holidays!
Unwrap a lifetime of good health for your pet. When you gift your pets with a lifetime of feeling great, your pets will repay the kindness in happy memories, fun, and longer lives. Don’t skip the gifts that matter most. Before Santa arrives, make an appointment for your pet’s wellness exam.
![Celebrate Thanksgiving with an Attitude of Gratitude](https://drgsvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Celebrate-thanksgiving.jpg)
Celebrate Thanksgiving with an Attitude of Gratitude
Despite all that has happened in 2020, this year has its hidden gems. From having more time to snuggle with the cat to greeting neighbors working from home on walks with the dog, there is still so much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving.
While we usually dedicate our November blog post to preventing your pets from gobbling up the turkey, we decided to spread some cheer with the top three reasons we’re thankful this year and how you can share the love with your animal companions.
1. We Are Thankful for Our Pets
Big or small, furry or bald, pets deserve a round of applause for making the hard days easier and the best days better. Our furry friends make us smile and laugh and give us purpose. Pets improve our mental and physical health, and they never expect us to say, “Thank you.” They simply want us to love them back.
Because pets enhance our lives, we are grateful to be entrusted with theirs. Thank you for your confidence in our ability to provide your pet with loving care during their visit and your trust that our guidance improves your pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
2. We Are Thankful for Clients that Support Local Veterinarians
Like other private practice vets, we stayed open as an essential business when coronavirus struck. Veterinary clinics across the U.S. have seen a sharp decline in appointments, forcing many to shut their doors permanently. While we were unsure what to expect in our office, we found that many of you brought your pet in for their regular exams, emerging conditions, and emergencies.
Because of that, we’re able to continue our mission to provide every pet that enters our clinic world-class professional veterinary care. We are grateful for those that continue to make appointments and seek care for their dogs, cats, and other pets from independent practices like ours.
3. We Are Thankful for Our Team
Working at a veterinary clinic can feel like herding cats…and sometimes we quite literally are! Our staff members play a vital role in keeping pets healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy. We are so grateful for a team that puts every ounce of energy, know-how, and love towards helping furry patients and their human parents. There are no words that describe how lucky we are to have such a caring crew.
How to Show Gratitude to Pets for All They Do
Pets are our best friends, our secret keepers, and our guardians. It may seem nearly impossible to repay all they do for us, but here are some ways to show them just how much they’re appreciated.
1) Help Your Pet Live a Long, Healthy Life
Routine exams, preventative care, and early diagnosis provide your pet with their healthiest and happiest life. From preventing parasites to catching cancer before it steals your pet’s health, regular veterinary visits are a valuable tool for repaying your pet’s love and companionship.
2) Spend Quality Time with Your Pet
Your pet loves you and enjoys spending time with you. (Yes, even your cat.) As the chaos of the holidays approaches, carve out time to spend with your pet. If you’re worried about a busy calendar, hire a pet professional for a home visit, or book a stay at a boarding facility to ensure your furry companion receives enough human attention.
3) Provide Your Pet with a Healthy Diet and Exercise
Obesity isn’t a small problem: it’s a fat fact that extra weight shortens a pet’s life. As winter arrives and the novelty of long walks wears off, don’t wane on keeping your pet active. Animals need to keep moving to keep their joints healthy, muscles toned, and minds stimulated. Play indoors by hiding treats around the house or using toys to keep your pet busy.
Feed your pet a well-balanced, high-quality diet and appropriate portions for their ideal size. If you’re unsure about the right food or feeding schedule, contact us for guidance. We’re happy to talk about pet nutrition and find the best food and treats for your companion.
4) Provide Your Pet with a Calm Refuge from Holiday Chaos
If you have a nervous pet, prepare a space for them to relax during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. A room with curtains drawn, a comfortable spot to lie down, and relaxing music will do the trick. You can also help your pet avoid stress caused by visitors by having them boarded.
5) Provide for Your Pet’s Cold Weather Needs
Pets are thankful for warm beds with a few additional blankets during the winter months, particularly if they have a few years under their collar. During walks, avoid icy areas to prevent sprains and strains and consider dressing your dog in a sweater or jacket if they have a thin coat.
We Are Thankful for You and Your Pets
Every wagging tail reminds us of our dedication to providing pets and their owners with quality veterinary care. We are lucky to have incredible clients, particularly during this challenging year, and we thank you for your continued trust, support, and patience. Happy Thanksgiving from your veterinary team!
![Have a Not-So-Scary October](https://drgsvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Not-So-Scary-October.jpg)
Have a Not-So-Scary October
2020 has been scary enough, so there’s no need for any extra worries this year. To help keep your pets safe this October, we’re offering you our top tricks to keeping the treat in this sweet month.
1. Chocolate, Raisins, and Xylitol
When it comes to trick-or-treating goodies, keep them out of paw’s reach. You likely know that chocolate is poisonous to pups, but did you know that raisins and xylitol, a sugar substitute, are too? It’s true.
What else should every pup parent know about these not-so-sweet treats? There’s no way to predict how sensitive a dog will be to grapes and raisins. Some become extremely ill by eating just a couple of small berries, while others don’t react to them at all. If your neighbors insist on giving out those tiny boxes of raisins, don’t risk having them raided by your dog: raisin poisoning can cause liver failure.
Xylitol is a sweetener typically found in gum and gummies. It’s highly toxic to dogs and can cause them to become very ill, very fast. If a canine consumes this sugar replacement, it can cause permanent organ damage and even be fatal.
What about chocolate? The darker, the more dangerous, but any amount of chocolate can be too hazardous for dogs to eat.
What should you do if your dog eats any of these substances? Give us a call and immediately.
2. Keep Your Pets Away from the Door
Why shouldn’t your pets crowd the door as trick-or-treaters come to make their demands? Your dog or cat may be scared of the costumes, and the noise and excitement of visitors can make pets nervous.
When pets are anxious, escaping out of the front door looks awfully appealing. This is why many cats and dogs wind up at the shelter on Halloween night, a very spooky place for any pet.
Did you adopt a COVID puppy or kitty? Be sure your pet has a shiny new ID tag and consider microchipping them if you haven’t yet done so. If your pet already has a chip, make sure it’s up-to-date with your information.
3. Jack-O-Lanterns and Candles Can Be a Spooky Problem
Many newly-adopted dogs and cats are still learning about the human world, and some lessons can get them into trouble. Even pets that have been with you for years can find themselves in precarious situations during this season.
Something as simple as burning candles and displaying a jack-o-lantern can be a Halloween hazard for pets. For example, while cooked pumpkin is beneficial for dogs to eat, your pup won’t know your carved pumpkin isn’t dinner and may take a nibble of a raw one, go overboard, and get sick. Fall is also when we frequently hear about candles causing burns to pets and even starting fires.
To keep your pet safe, choose battery-powered candles, and keep your jack-o-lantern away from curious noses.
4. Planning to Dress Your Pet in a Cute Costume?
We love all the silly and adorable pet costumes that are popular these days. While these get-ups are cute, they can also become dangerous for pets.
Doggie or kitty dress-up is a great activity when the outfit fits appropriately and doesn’t have choking hazards, but even so, never leave your pet unattended while they are wearing a costume. When wrestling to get garments off, pets can get tangled in ties or pull off buttons, which can quickly become a choking hazard.
When dressing your senior pet, be sure to be gentle. Stretching your pet’s limbs can be painful for pups and cats with arthritis or joint pain.
5. Keep Your Pet Safe from Fall Decor and More
Decorating for Halloween is one of the most fun activities this time of year. As much as we love the aesthetic, dried corn, winter gourds, themed wreaths, and spooky webs or ribbons can create intestinal blockages if a pet eats them. Try to keep these decorations up high on walls or doors, so nobody nibbles them.
Electric cords connected to outdoor inflatables and other decorations can cause severe burns if a curious pet bites into one, and are a fire hazard if they get chewed. Keep cords taped down or secured far from your pet.
Have a Not-So-Scary Halloween This Year!
Have a safe, happy Howl-o-ween! We hope your pet has a warm and cozy fall season. If you need a little help keeping the creepy crawling parasites we see this time of year from coming indoors with your companion, make an appointment to see us today. It’s always a treat to see you and your pet!
![3 Hidden Signs of Pet Pain – Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You Something?](https://drgsvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Hidden-Signs-of-Pet-Pain.jpg)
3 Hidden Signs of Pet Pain – Is Your Pet Trying to Tell You Something?
Pain and your pet: two things you never want to think about together. When our pets hurt, our hearts break. We do everything we can to help our beloved companions avoid the irritation and anguish of physical discomfort. Yet it can be challenging to recognize how your pet experiences pain and exhibits distress. It would be so much easier if our furry family members spoke human!
What is pet pain like? Our dogs, cats, and other domestic animals are prone to the same types of pain we experience, like surgical pain, arthritis, or trauma-related pain, to name a few. Sharp or acute pain is often from an injury and is typically accompanied by limping or vocalizing. Long-term aches and soreness caused by internal discomfort may be harder to spot as your pet instinctually hides their compromised health.
If you’ve wondered if your pet’s behavior changes are more than “just signs of aging,” we can help. To bring attention to Pain Awareness Month this September, we’ve put together the common signs of pet pain to help you spot if your pet is stoically suffering. Keep reading to see if it’s time to bring your furry friend in for an evaluation.
1. Your Pet Doesn’t Eat as Well They Used To
Chronic and acute pain can wreak havoc on your pet’s appetite or ability to eat a nutritious meal. If your pet no longer looks forward to their dinner after a lifetime of being a chowhound, it could be because of pain.
A common reason for a decreased appetite in pets is an infection or underlying diseases, like diabetes, cancer, or hyperthyroidism. Stomach or intestinal blockages are often seen in curious pets who get into the garbage or big dogs who chew small toys. Dental issues and mouth pain can also make a pet hesitant to eat.
Have you noticed any of these changes in your pet’s eating habits?
- Less enthusiasm for a meal
- Not finishing their regular portion
- Avoiding harder food or treats
- Chewing less
- Vomiting after they eat
2. Not Partaking in Activities Your Pet Once Loved
Have you seen your pet stop joining or enjoying the activities they once loved? Maybe your birdwatching cat hesitates to jump up on the windowsill, or your social dog won’t play with friends. Often these changes are gradual and can be attributed to aging. But they could also be a sign your dog or cat is experiencing chronic pain, typically from culprits like arthritis and inflamed joints.
Have you seen a change in your pet’s interest in these activities?
- Walks
- Playtime
- Being pet
- Grooming
3. Your Pet’s Personality Isn’t the Same
You’ve likely seen a senior dog react to a puppy by showing their teeth or snapping to tell the young upstart to get lost. Even if your pet isn’t aggressive by nature, they may often exhibit a change in personality when they’re in pain.
The ache and stress of pain can cause your pet to become more withdrawn, defensive, or aggressive. These are natural instincts to protect themselves and a side effect of not feeling well.
What changes in personality should you look out for?
- Change in sleeping pattern
- Restlessness
- Increased neediness
- Avoiding other pets
- Avoiding people
- Being snippy
Provide Your Pet with a Pain-Free Life
Did you recognize any of these signs of pain in your pet? Concerned about how aging will affect your senior cat or dog? If you notice any of these symptoms or other changes that have you worried, make an appointment for an examination today.
Along with paying close attention to your animal companion’s habits, keeping an annual exam on your calendar is the essential commitment you can make to their health. Regular checkups help us diagnose developing conditions and prevent problems before they get worse. We can provide you with guidance to help your pet age gracefully and answer questions you may have about what’s normal and what’s a cause for concern.
There are many options for treating your pet’s pain, including medications, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, laser therapy, and therapeutic massage. Schedule an appointment today and we’ll help you find the right fit for your companion, lifestyle, and budget. You and your pet will rest easier when they find relief from pain.
![Caring for Your Pet Locally is Caring for Your Community](https://drgsvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Caring-for-Your-Pet-.jpg)
Caring for Your Pet Locally is Caring for Your Community
We’re proud to be part of this diverse and caring community. We are equally honored to be a local business that makes an impact on the happiness and health of your furry family members.
During these trying times, we have remained open to provide pets with the medical care they need. We’re proud to continue to serve you and provide critical veterinary services to our community.
As the effects of COVID-19 provide challenges to small businesses, choosing local providers for your purchases and services is vital to our area’s economy. If you’re thankful for being part of this community, we hope you’ll keep your shopping trips local as a way of caring for our region.
Why Use Small Businesses and Why Shop Local?
When you patronize local small businesses, you improve our community. How? Shopping locally increases employment opportunities, provides better wages to employees, and keeps your money benefiting our community through taxes and employee payroll.
What Can You Do to Increase Your Local Impact as a Pet Owner?
1. Provide Your Pet with Veterinary Care from a Small Business
We know many people are choosing which services and errands to go without due to COVID. Providing your pet with veterinary care is not something to skip. Nobody knows how long this pandemic will last, and postponing your pet’s appointments could be disastrous.
Scheduling your pet in for their regular check-up or a health concern helps us continue to maintain our staff and helps your pet. Early diagnosis increases the effectiveness of treatment and often decreases the medical intervention needed. Preventative medicine and regular exams reduce your vet bills in the long run and improve your pet’s prognosis should they fall ill.
Don’t remember the last time your pet was vaccinated? August is National Immunization Month, so it’s a good time to check if your companion is due for these vital vaccinations to help keep them healthy.
2. Let Us Fill Your Pet’s Prescriptions Instead of a Big-Box
One often-overlooked opportunity to keep your dollars in our community is to fill your pet’s prescriptions with us at our online store. Studies show that using a big-box retailer can hamper local economic growth. If you go elsewhere for your pet’s medicine, including heartworm, flea, and tick prevention, we hope you’ll consider transferring their prescription to us. We offer convenient means to fill your pet’s Rx, provide you with advice and guidance, and are a trusted source for your pet’s medications.
3. Don’t Skip Veterinary Care for Your Cat
Did you know that August 22nd is Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day? Make an appointment to support your cat’s health and a local veterinarian. Cats often go longer than dogs without visiting the vet, because they often seem more self-sufficient but, in fact, are really masters of hiding pain and discomfort. If it’s been a while since your cat had an exam, call or text 817-727-7107 to make an appointment with us.
4. Follow Us on Social Media & Share Posts
Following our practice and other local pet-related businesses on social media are easy ways to pay it forward without spending any money. If you like one of our posts, why not share it with your network? We appreciate those who spread information that improves the lives of pets beyond our reach, and social media is a way to connect your friends and family to a great local business.
5. Refer a Friend
The power of word-of-mouth has never waned. If you have a friend or family member looking for veterinary care, we hope you’ll send them to us. We appreciate your referrals and love meeting new people and their pets. Plus, your friend will appreciate the peace of mind of knowing their pet will be cared for by people you already trust.
6. Review Us Online
We hope you’ll take the time to review us and other small local businesses on Google and Facebook. Your positive experience can help a pet parent looking for quality care. Taking a moment to tell your neighbors about why you trust us with your pet’s health highlights a local business and keeps our community ties strong.
Thank You for Choosing Us to Care for Your Pets
Struggling retailers, caring providers, and your favorite restaurants need you now more than ever. We love this community: the people, the pets, and the spirit, and we hope to see it thrive in the face of adversity. You’re in our hearts and on our minds. Stay safe and healthy, and we hope to see you soon.
![3 Hidden Summer Hazards That Can Be Fatal for Pets](https://drgsvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Summer-Hazards-1.jpg)
3 Hidden Summer Hazards That Can Be Fatal for Pets
The dog days of summer are here. For many, this season comes with endless possibilities for having fun with your pets, like picnics, nature walks, and swimming pools. After being stuck at home for so long due to COVID-19, we bet you’re looking to break up the boredom with some outdoor adventures.
As temperatures rise, so do the risk factors for heat and summer-related dangers. We want to share with you some of the hidden hazards associated with summer activities that pets and their owners adore.
1. Blue-Green Algae
If you’re like many dog owners, you plan your summer walks to include a water source for your hiking buddy to cool off and rehydrate. Staying cool and drinking enough is vital during these scorching hot days, but many of our freshwater ponds and lakes host a deadly and dangerous toxin: blue-green algae.
What are blue-green algae? It’s not a form of algae at all, actually, but a microscopic bacteria called “cyanobacteria.” These bacteria thrive in water sources when temperatures reach 75º or warmer.
What you see as “pond scum” is more than just gross – it’s deadly. Blue-green algae are highly toxic for pets when ingested, leading to seizures, neurological damage, liver failure, and death. Most frightening of all, dogs and cats often die within hours of becoming poisoned.
How can pet owners protect their pets from this deadly bacteria? Never let your dog or cat drink from a water source that has green scum floating on top or near the shoreline. This includes pools and garden ponds.
While you’re out on the trail, provide your pet with fresh, cool water from home. Rinse your dog off if they go for a swim. They could later ingest blue-green algae that cling to their fur and become very sick.
Don’t let your pets explore freshwater ponds and lakes unsupervised. When in doubt, keep your dog out.
2. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is another bacterial threat, but it cannot be seen with the naked eye. This bacterial disease has been on the rise as temperatures climb. We know the last thing you want to think about is another zoonotic disease, but leptospirosis can affect pets and humans.
Leptospirosis is caused by spring-shaped bacteria that can be found in water and soil and is commonly spread through urine. The bacteria are picked up from a pet drinking contaminated water, or sniffing or digging in an area where an infected host urinated.
Once inside your pet’s body, leptospirosis causes flu-like illness and can damage the kidneys, liver, and other organs. Young pets, senior pets, and those with weakened immune systems are at risk of dying from leptospirosis.
What areas are high-risk zones? Leptospirosis infects domestic and wild animals. Your pet risks contracting this disease at the dog park, in your yard, and almost anywhere an animal could urinate.
Protect your pet by not letting them drink from unknown water sources, preventing them from exploring areas where mice, rats, and other wild mammals frequent, and asking us about the leptospirosis vaccine.
3. Hot, Hot, Heat Stroke
Each year dogs and cats die from heat stroke. This hidden killer is heartbreaking because many pet owners don’t realize their pets are at risk.
Also known as hyperthermia, heat stroke happens when the body is too hot for too long. Heat stroke occurs frequently with pets because dogs and cats cannot regulate their temperature through sweat, relying on other means such as panting or lying on a cool surface. When they’re on a hike, locked in the car, or fenced in the backyard, these methods may not be enough to bring their body temperature down to a safe level.
Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, leading to stroke, organ failure, and death. Some pets are more susceptible to heat stroke than others, such as dogs and cats with short snouts, senior or overweight pets, and those with thick coats.
To keep your pal from reaching an unhealthy temperature, supply them with ample cool, fresh water. (Are you seeing a pattern yet?) Always provide them shade when outdoors. Watch for signs of overheating like excessive panting, shivering muscles, and weakness. Don’t let your pet exercise in the middle of the day when temperatures are the highest. And NEVER leave a pet in your car.
What should you do if you suspect your dog or cat is overheating? Immediately bring them inside to an air-conditioned location and provide them with cool water. Hose them down or put them in the shower, using room-temperature water. Do not use cold water, which can send them into shock. Wrap them in a damp towel, call us, and bring them in.
Don’t Let These Summer Hazards Turn Your Summer into a Bummer
Make a splash, have a blast, and keep the fun in summer fun! Protecting your pet takes a bit of proactive planning but can be the difference between life and death. We hope these tips help keep your furry family members safe all summer long.
![5 Ways to Prevent Doom & Gloom from Summer Booms](https://drgsvet.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Prevent-Doom-and-Gloom.jpg)
5 Ways to Prevent Doom & Gloom from Summer Booms
Does your dog or cat run and hide when there’s a thunderstorm? What about the Fourth of July? Between unpredictable weather and fireworks, your pet may be dreading summer.
While your pet hides, shakes, and drools, there’s a good chance you’re also unable to relax from worrying about them. We’re here to assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way.
How Can I Reduce My Pet’s Noise Anxiety?
Imagine you’re a dog or cat. Yes, this sounds silly, but try it. Take a moment and lie beside your canine companion or feline friend on the floor. The world looks a little different from this angle, right?
Now, imagine you’re relaxing, thinking about treats and toys, when all of a sudden you feel the floor, walls, and furniture shake. There’s a change of pressure in your ears, and maybe you even notice a flash of light reflecting off the window. Pretty scary, right?
If Independence Day is more like co-dependence day as you worry and fret over your pet, these techniques can help them find their happy place this July Fourth.
1. Make an Appointment to See Us
If your dog or cat suffers from anxiety caused by loud noises, we can help find a medication to help them feel better. Having a prescription on-hand ready before a summer storm or fireworks can make a world of difference for a fearful pet.
Don’t wait too long to make your appointment since we tend to book up quickly right before July Fourth. A bit of extra time can also help us assess how well a medication works for your pet.
2. Provide Your Pet with a Calm Respite from the Noise
If your dog or cat runs for cover, give them the perfect place to run to. Their instinct to hide can be used as a way to provide your pet a routine and stability when they feel like the world is exploding just outside the front door.
Choose a spot your pet can access on their own. A few days before the Fourth of July, make this space comfy-cozy and relax in there with your pet. This will help familiarize them with their safe spot. Play calming music to help drown out the blast and booms, turn the lights off or down, and create a nest of blankets, toys, and some treats.
3. Calming Aids to the Rescue!
There are a lot of options when it comes to calming supplements and products. Some that work well for a lot of cats and dogs include
- Anti-anxiety jackets (they help about 80% of dogs)
- Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs
- Vetoquinol Zylkene for cats and dogs
4. Help Your Pet Release Pent-Up Energy
If you check the forecast and storms are predicted or if you’re prepping for July Fourth festivities, take time to provide your pet with a healthy outlet for their energy. For example, playing with your cat for two twenty-minute sessions or walking your dog on a new trail. Exercise and stimulation can release positive endorphins in your pet’s brain and help them better cope when it’s less calm later on.
5. Stay Home This Year
Staying home instead of going out can help your pet feel better, and it may be a good idea to avoid crowds this year anyway. Close the curtains and have your own Fourth of July celebration with just your immediate family. Make a nice dinner and dessert and watch a movie or play board games. Your pet will appreciate your company, and you can monitor how well they’re doing.
Don’t Let the Blasts Make Summer a Disaster for Your Pet
Noise fear and anxiety aren’t fun for pets or their people. You’re not alone when it comes to your pet. We’re here to help make this year the best Fourth of July for you and your pet.
If you’ve been wondering about supplements, prescription medications, or techniques to help your pet gain relief from noise anxiety, make an appointment to see us soon.
Image credit: Pexels