Posts in Category: You & Your Pet

Life as we once knew it may never be the same. But, as many cities begin to reopen or have already, returning to work, school, and other daily obligations seems like a major change. After all, having to set the alarm, anticipate commute times, get the kids ready for the day, and other normal routine activities can be an adjustment!

Now, imagine what our pets might be feeling through this change. They’ve had our 24/7 attention for several weeks, and suddenly we are gone much of the day. 

At Arlington Animal Hospital, we have seen many new cases of separation anxiety in pets after the re-opening. This is why we’re here to help pets adjust after COVID-19 social distancing.

People all over the world are spending an unprecedented amount of time in their homes, often with a companion animal or two by their sides. While many of us are lamenting this time apart from family, friends, and fun activities, there is a plus side – the chance to sit back and learn a thing or two from our pets!

Yes, you read that right. Animals have a deep wisdom when it comes to preserving their own health and well being, something humans seem to have lost along the way.

Spending time with our pets during quarantine is the perfect opportunity to uncover some of the important life lessons Mother Nature wants us all to understand!

Pet adoption is a huge life decision, and yet many over-excited folks jump into the arrangement with spontaneity and unbridled joy. Of course, most animal lovers can relate to this impulse. All we need to provide for a sweet, innocent pet is love, right? 

Of course, beyond simply adoring a new pet, an acknowledgement of this lifelong commitment is required. But what exactly does that mean when it comes to preparing for pet adoption?

Can’t Live Without You

It is one of life’s greatest privileges, but owning a pet has far-reaching and long-lasting responsibilities.

Generally speaking, it’s best if the decision is not made impulsively. Take your time deciding which kind of pet suits your lifestyle, and consider whether or not you’re able to financially provide for all of a prospective pet’s needs.

We arrive at work each day knowing how fortunate we are to support the health, wellness and safety of the pets in our community. Indeed, to make a difference in the lives of others is a true privilege, and a responsibility we don’t take lightly. 

To that end, monthly pet care blogs serve to answer questions you didn’t even know you had. Written by us, especially for you, the team at Arlington Animal Hospital hopes these blogs help you to be a better pet owner and enable your pet to live their best life.

And now, without any further ado…

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.

Every dog owner thinks they know what their dog needs and wants, and most of the time, you’re probably right! Humans and dogs have been evolving together for over 14,000 years, so it’s no surprise that we’ve become pretty skilled at reading each other’s emotions.

However, even if you’re fairly certain that you and your dog have excellent communication, there may still be a thing or two you can learn about these familiar, yet mysterious creatures. Dog body language is more nuanced than many people realize, and understanding it is the key to leading a harmonious life with your dog.

The winter was long (as usual), but spring has finally arrived! If you’re excited about the warmer weather, you can bet your pet feels the same way. Finding creative pet-friendly activities isn’t always easy, which is why Arlington Animal Hospital has put together some fun ideas to get you and your furry companion out of the house this summer.

Into the Woods

Pets love camping, so why not plan your yearly trip into the woods with your four-legged family member in mind? Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park and Greenbelt Campground welcome pets and their owners. If camping isn’t your thing, there are endless opportunities to get out and explore the Appalachian Trail or one of the thousands of miles of hiking trails in our state (most allow leashed dogs).

Our pets mean the world to us, and we do everything we can to keep them from experiencing pain. But it’s not always easy to know if our pet is in pain due to an age old survival instinct, not to mention the fact that they can’t tell us how they feel.

But with careful observation, a little practice, and our guidance, you can learn to notice signs that your pet is in pain. Together, we can work to not only identify signs of pain, but to prevent and treat conditions that cause it as well.

The final days of 2018 are a distant memory, and we can’t help but reflect back at this time of year on all the memories and accomplishments of the past year. At Arlington Animal Hospital, we’re feeling especially grateful for the relationships we’ve formed with Arlington pet owners and their furry family members. Being part of your health care team for your pets is our honor!

One way we contribute to the health of your pet is through our monthly pet care blogs, and it’s only natural to wonder which of the posts you found most helpful and entertaining this past year. So we compiled our top pet care blogs of 2018 and hope that you enjoy a look back!

It seems like the internet is simply full of funny cat videos, doesn’t it? Even people that aren’t self-proclaimed cat lovers admit to enjoying feline antics once in awhile, and why wouldn’t they? They’re funny, adorable, amazing, and unpredictable. While it may be fun to sit back and marvel at various cat behaviors, it’s important to be able to recognize the difference between the amusing ones and the potential warning signs.

So Weird!

Expounding on the full extent of funny or odd cat behaviors could take awhile. There are just so many! You might see some familiar ones on the list below, or your cat might be a trendsetter with their very own idiosyncrasies. Either way, cats are clear contenders in the animal antics department. Continue…