Veterinary Blog

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.

Pets seem to have a special antenna just for the sound of cheese exiting the refrigerator. Like us, they savor sweet, salty, fatty cheeses that we bring home. And why wouldn’t they? Cheese is creamy, delicious, satisfying and unlike anything else in the world. 

Many pets sneak cheese or receive it as a treat, but just because they like it, it doesn’t mean they should eat it on a regular basis.

Delicate Balance

Pets can be incredibly intolerant of lactose and cannot properly digest the sugars found in dairy products. As a result, pets should not eat large quantities of cheese or consume it as part of their routine. Watch out for stomach upset, diarrhea or reluctance to engage in normal daily activities.

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…

‘Tis the season for decking the halls, hosting family and friends, and wrapping up a wonderful year. While this is traditionally a time of much happiness and celebration, it comes with some concerns for pet owners.

Certain aspects of this joyous season can actually hold some danger for our non-human family members. Arlington Animal Hospital wants you to have holiday pet hazards on your radar so that your whole family can enjoy the season. 

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.