Veterinary Blog

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’s a reason training a pet is such a big deal. For starters, training helps them behave in ways that make it easier to live together. When pets understand what is expected of them in human society, they are safer and happier and can enjoy more experiences overall.

When it comes to house training your pet, it’s essential to realize that it is a process full of roadblocks. But with the right approach, you can help your pet become a happy member of your family.

Training is an essential part of dog ownership, but no one said it was easy. One of the most necessary tasks a dog can undertake is learning where to do their business. As a dog owner, you may wonder if your puppy or adult dog will ever master this basic skill. 

Most dogs can be house trained with the right technique, patience, consistency, and repetition. The team at Arlington Animal Hospital  is here with some effective tips to help you do just that. Let’s begin!

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.

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. 

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!

Puppies may be among the cutest things on the face of the planet. Sometimes, it seems like that cuteness may be a bit of a survival mechanism, though. As adorable as they are, puppies can come with certain habits and qualities that are less than endearing.

Potty accidents on your new rug, chewing up shoes, whimpering for attention while you try to sleep; these are all trying, but common, experiences for new dog owners. Most difficult puppy behavior is temporary. Just as a human baby must learn about their world and grow comfortable in it, so must our puppy population.

Some puppy behavior is cause for concern, though. Arlington Animal Hospital wants to be sure that dog owners know what is normal for puppies and which puppy behavior needs to be addressed right away.

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.

You’re riding in the car with your best pal and all of a sudden you hear them retch. Oh no! There’s another mess to clean up, and your pet clearly doesn’t feel their best. 

Car sickness in pets is a common issue that pet owners relate to us. There are a few reasons for this and the team at Arlington Animal Hospital is here to help you deal with a dog with car sickness.

Why Do Dogs Get Motion Sickness?

A dog with car sickness is much like a child with car sickness; they are either anxious about the trip to the point of getting sick or they suffer from motion sickness. 

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.