Blog

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:

Being in the constant company of dogs, their owners typically tune out certain things that may be off-putting to others. Dogs, after all, have some curious, eyebrow-raising behaviors, and in order to co-exist, we overlook their oddball ways.

Unfortunately, when dogs start to smell, it’s hard to ignore. When it goes beyond their trademark salty/sweet perspiration, a funk fills the room. Smelly paws are usually to blame for this whiffy scent, and if you couldn’t put your finger on it before, try to imagine your dog just walked on a bed of Fritos!

Life is all about transitions. Whether subtle or significant, if we handle changes well, the better off we’ll be. However, when it comes to welcoming a new baby into the world, the transition can be very difficult for many new parents. Eventually, we all figure it out, but guess who else may need a little extra help?

This new chapter can be overwhelming for both human and animal family members, but there are ways to ensure a happy life with your pet and new baby.

It’s no secret that obesity is a major health concern in the U.S., but did you know that over half the nation’s pets are also classified as overweight or obese? Obese pets are at risk for many of the same health problems as humans, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

According to a 2015 Nationwide Pet Insurance survey, diabetes is the third most common obesity-related disease in cats and the sixth most common in dogs. Because pet obesity and diabetes are closely linked, pet owner education and diligence are required to help ensure pets remain healthy.

Nothing can ever prepare you for the loss of a pet, no matter how expected. From making hard decisions about end of life care, to coping with loss, to dealing with grief in the days, weeks, and months to come, the loss of a pet is no small thing.

Many pet owners don’t realize the scope of the loss they will feel when losing their faithful four legged friends. The loss of a pet can be just as difficult as the loss of a human family member or friend. And it can be very healing to grieve for as long as you need, and to memorialize your pet in some way.

Here are some considerations for coping with pet loss.

Cooler weather is finally upon us, and before we know it winter will be here. In Indiana the seasons can change quickly, and being prepared is essential. Just as you may be investing in a new pair of snow boots and adding a little extra insulation to your home, there are some things that you can do to help your four-legged family members weather the season as well.

New Haven Pet Hospital knows how important attention to cold weather pet care is for the health and safety of our animal friends. Keep reading to ensure that the whole family, fur or not, is ready for the change of seasons.

Despite the best efforts of most pet owners, a third of all pets become separated from their people at least once. The result can simply involve a trip to the animal shelter where they can eventually be reunited with searching owners, but not always. Pets on the loose can unfortunately be stolen (either on purpose or mistakenly) or become victims of automobile accidents, injury, and premature death.

The statistics that support the efficacy of pet microchips are incredible, increasing the inevitable odds of homecoming.

Almost all of us have experienced some kind of pain, and we know how debilitating it can be. Our pets are no different, but they don’t have the language to convey how or what they feel.

However, you can learn to recognize the subtle and not so subtle signs that your pet is in pain. This will allow you to take steps to help them feel better more quickly – something we would all want for our beloved family members.

Natural Instincts

We all hope we’d know the moment our pet is in pain. But in reality, studies show that pet owners aren’t very good at recognizing signs of pain in their pets. It’s no easy thing, though, as evolution has protected animals who don’t exhibit signs of pain. It’s a basic instinct for our pets to hide illness or injury in order to be less vulnerable to predators when they’re weakened. So what’s a well-meaning pet owner to do? Continue…

Everyone’s itching to get back into the swing of things by the time August rolls around. Whether it’s been a chaotic or laid back summer, the start of a new school year brings big changes, and pets are always the first to notice. Closely attuned to household dynamics, pets can feel downright confused, abandoned, and stressed out once the kids return to school. However, with a healthy dose of preparation, pet anxiety won’t take center stage this fall.

Long Hours

Not only is everyone gone for the entire day, but with daylight savings time on the horizon, sunlight is at a minimum, as well. A severe case of back-to-school blues could be the result for your sweet, sensitive pet. Continue…

It can be understandably difficult to leave your pet in someone else’s care, but sometimes it’s necessary. Whether you’re traveling or hosting an allergy-prone guest at home, boarding your pet in a facility that you trust can be an excellent opportunity. The good news is that New Haven Pet Hospital offers comfortable and safe pet boarding, so you don’t have to worry. The solution is that we are your best friend’s home away from home.

Careful Consideration

Many people hire professional pet sitters or dog walkers; others ask friends or relatives to pop in to feed, exercise, and clean up after a pet who’s home alone. In spite of these common alternatives to pet boarding, there are significant disadvantages. Continue…