Posts in Category: Pet Safety

When your pet shows signs of an illness or has experienced an obvious injury, you want help fast. Knowing how to handle a pet’s need for urgent or emergency care before that critical moment arises can save precious time when your pet requires urgent or life-saving treatment.

During regular business hours, our team at Arlington Animal Hospital can discuss your pet’s symptoms and help you determine what your next course of action should be. But what if it’s after hours or a day when our office is closed? How do you know if your pet needs urgent care or when to call an emergency vet?

Cold temperatures can be tough for humans, but exposure to cold can be dangerous for senior pets. Senior pets are more sensitive to the cold and vulnerable to becoming sick.

Like most pet owners, you’re looking for ways to keep your senior pet warm during these colder months— especially in the snow and rain. Here are some tips on how to keep your senior pet healthy and happy through the winter.

Senior Pets are Susceptible to Cold Temperatures

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at producing heat. This is true for senior pets, too. In addition, older animals have less muscle mass and smaller fat reserves than when they were younger. Since older pets can’t generate as much body heat as younger animals, they need extra help to keep warm.

Cats are fully equipped to handle weather extremes, but they aren’t invincible to severe exposure. Their thick fur coats add layers of comfort, but what about the thin skin around their ear tips, those cute little paws, or that adorable triangular nose? It is critical to elevate cat safety during winter months in order to maintain overall good health. 

There’s nothing like relaxing at home with your cat (or dog). You settle onto the couch, queue up a good TV show or movie, and call your pet to stretch out beside you. Then, you fill up your e-cigarette with some e-juice and get ready to binge watch and vape the evening away. It’s a great way to wind down after a long day.

Even the most lovingly cared for pet can experience an unexpected injury or medical emergency. The good news is advancements in veterinary medicine have led to improved outcomes for sick and injured pets. But this high level of care comes at a cost. 

Our four-legged friends need lots of water to stay happy and healthy. Especially in the hot summer months or after long walks and vigorous playtime. It can get hot and muggy here in Arlington. Always monitor your pet’s water intake so you have a baseline and can know when something is off. 

When water intake goes beyond a normal amount or becomes excessive, it might be time for your pet to be evaluated by a veterinarian. 

Excessive thirst in dogs is called “polydipsia,” and can be a sign of underlying health conditions. At Arlington Animal Hospital, we are here to help you understand what is going on so your pet is happy and healthy.

Turkey, dressing, fall leaves, pumpkin pie, a chill in the air…these are the elements of Thanksgiving. It’s also a time of gatherings and feasts, and your furry friend is probably pet right there with you during the festivities. Unfortunately, many pet emergencies occur around the holidays because they get into something they shouldn’t get into. 

Since we are winding our way to the holiday table, the team at Arlington Animal Hospital is here to give you some tips on Thanksgiving pet safety. By exercising caution you and your fur family can have a happy holiday indeed.

There are many reasons to keep pests away from your family, but the fact that some have the potential to carry and spread diseases tops the list.

While you certainly want to maintain a pest-free house and garden, the idea of pet safe pest control might seem impossible. After all, for a product to cause harm to one species, isn’t it fair to assume that it could negatively affect your pet? 

How It Works

Many pet owners may be applying pest control techniques without an eye on how their pet could be impacted. In fact, many people spray for pests, lay traps, or sprinkle bait in areas that could be easily accessed by an animal. 

We are fast approaching the loveliest days of the year. Long, sun-filled days full of outdoor activities that range from lounging in the hammock to gardening, going for a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood, or some time cycling along the Potomac. In other words, dear pet owners, it’s time to get geared up! 

Meeting your pet’s hydration and comfort needs while out and about is critical, but something easily overlooked is their exposure to harmful UV rays. Pet sun protection is essential now, and we’ve got the scoop.

Between Fall Harvest Days at Mount Vernon and Boo at the National Zoo, there’s no shortage of family outings to celebrate the season. In fact, we all get so caught up with the annual revelry that we soon forget our daily routines. 

Normal meal times, opportunities for play and exercise, and important snuggle times are parts of a larger pattern that pets utterly rely on. However, with a hearty nod to Halloween pet safety your pet can enjoy the season for all it’s offerings – and avoid a serious illness or injury.