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As with most things in life, balance is the secret to pet health. Achieving balance – and maintaining it – may not always be easy.

Adhering to a daily routine, keeping appointments, and limiting unhealthy snacks are of major importance, but there are some finer strokes that keep the goals of responsible pet ownership in focus.

We are happy to share them with you!

If you are spending the holiday season in some reflection, we commend you! This time of year usually entails looking back and remembering all the wonderful things the days behind us have brought to our lives. Perhaps 2019 also brought challenges and changes, too. Whatever the case, we can look ahead to the new year with hope, enthusiasm, and a sense of excitement. 

At New Haven Pet Hospital, it also brings a sense of gratitude for our friends and clients who we had the honor of spending time with this year. If you have been reading our blog, we are so grateful to you for your feedback and for letting us explore new topics that we hope are of interest to you. 

Here are the top five blogs of the year:

Despite the fact that cats have taken over the internet, our feline obsession is by no means an effect of the modern age. Indeed, cats have lived among us for millennia, but perhaps it’s more accurate to say that they’ve graced us with their presence. 

It may not feel like they’re doing us a favor when we’re scooping out their litter boxes, but the truth is, they are – and we’re living longer, happier lives because of their companionship. If that isn’t convincing enough evidence for why we love them, we’ve collected the following list of extra-amazing cat facts.

If you’ve been around dogs for awhile, you may have seen many things that impressed and amazed you. There doesn’t seem to be any shortage of things our dogs do that are endearing and funny, too.

But do you think you know everything about canines? The following fun dog facts may surprise you. 

Fun Dog Facts That May Surprise You

There are so many fascinating fun dog facts that it was difficult to select just a few. Here are our favorites, from New Haven Pet Hospital.

A fear-free veterinary visit can sound like an oxymoron, but it is an attainable goal for both cats and their people. At home, there is the task of reducing stress and anxiety regarding the travel kennel. And here at New Haven Pet Hospital we are given the special opportunity to help cats have the best possible exam. 

Since cat wellness exams are necessary for a lifetime of disease prevention, this team-focused approach helps us all support feline health.  

While you may know that your dog or cat is due for some “shots” from time to time, do you really know what you are getting? Why are pet vaccines so important? What’s the difference between coming in to see us at New Haven Veterinary Hospital or just running into the Tractor Supply and doing it yourself? Are there risks? What about side effects?

Vaccinations are an important part of proactive pet ownership. Understanding pet vaccines a little better can help you to better protect your furry family member, and who doesn’t want that?

If you’re like us, you love getting outdoors with your dog. Camping, hiking, walking, and just playing or lounging outside define summer days with our pets. Unfortunately this outdoor time also means increased exposure to any number of infectious diseases, not the least common of which is leptospirosis. 

Leptospirosis in dogs is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium. The disease causes kidney and liver failure, and death in severe cases. Bacteria are passed in the urine of affected animals, and may live in the environment for long periods of time in warm, stagnant water and moist soil. Wild animals, including skunks, raccoons, opossums, rats, wolves and deer can spread infection to dogs. 

Lyme disease has been in the news in recent years, and for good reason. According to the CDC, recent estimates suggest that approximately 300,000 people contract Lyme disease each year in the United States. The disease affects both humans and animals, and if left untreated, can result in a host of painful complications.

With more outdoor time and warmer summer weather, now is the time to focus on preventing Lyme disease in pets. Your team at New Haven Pet Hospital shares some tips for keeping you and your best fur pals safe.

It is starting to feel like spring has actually sprung here in Indiana, and what better way to celebrate than talking about bunnies? Rabbit care happens to be one of our specialities here at New Haven Pet Hospital – let us be your official source for information about all things that hop!

Bunny Bits

Rabbits can make great companions, but just like with any other pet it is important to know a little bit about them before jumping into a big commitment. Rabbits don’t fit in to every household, but lagomorph lovers everywhere will tell you that they are great for a lot of people!

A few fun facts about rabbits as pets:

• Rabbits are herbivores and will add to your weekly produce budget!
• They require room to move and can get themselves into trouble. Areas they have access to will need to be rabbit-proofed.
• Rabbits require gentle and quiet handling and are often stressed by young children.
• Bunnies are crepuscular, meaning their highest levels of activity are at dawn and dusk.
• They need daily activity (about an hour) and regular social interaction.
• Healthy, well-cared for rabbits can live ten years or more.
• Bunnies are social critters, meaning more than one is usually ideal.
• Domestic rabbits do not have the skills to survive outdoors like a wild rabbit would – once you have made a commitment to one, it is your responsibility to keep it healthy and safe.

All About Proper Rabbit Care

Once you have decided to jump off the deep end into bunny love, there are some important components of good rabbit care that you should learn about.

Rabbit nutrition — Proper care of any pocket or exotic pet often begins with good nutrition. Of course rabbits should have unrestricted access to fresh water at all times. Hay is a huge part of a healthy rabbit’s diet. Timothy or grass hay should also be freely available (pelleted hay is also an option), with alfalfa being only a very small and occasional treat. Fresh fruits and veggies are also important, the average rabbit needs about a cup of vegetables per four pounds of body weight each day. Vitamin A in the diet should come from veggies such as beet tops, broccoli, kale, or pea pods.  Most veggies will do, but there are a few to avoid, including iceberg lettuce. Fruit should be considered a treat.

Home is where the hop is — A proper home is also important for good rabbit care. Be sure that your rabbit’s enclosure is large and tall enough for play and to stretch out. It should have a solid floor and good air circulation. Direct sunlight and drafts should be avoided. Be sure to provide chew toys and other safe but stimulating toys. Daily exercise is encouraged. Be sure that your rabbit’s play space if free of electrical cords, house plants, and other dangers.

Veterinary value — Rabbits also require veterinary care. Spaying or neutering is an important part of good rabbit ownership, as well as regular nail trims and dental care.

We are passionate about rabbit care and urge you will call us if you need any help when it comes to bunny ownership!

Did you know that New Haven Pet Hospital offers the same excellent care you’ve come to know for your dogs and cats to the pocket pet community? While we could never choose between all of the amazing species that we see, ferrets hold a special place in our hearts.

Learn how these magnificent mustelids have weaseled their way into our favor as we spotlight the fabulous pet ferret.

Ferret Facts

The pet ferret is, in fact, a member of the weasel family as you may have suspected. They are closely related to other animals such as badgers, mink, and wolverines.

These friendly and curious creatures enjoy interacting with people and can make great pets. Many people aren’t familiar with the pet ferret, however. They are really very interesting critters. You might be surprised to learn that: