Blog
The Dangerous Link Between Pet Obesity and Diabetes
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.
Continue…A Long Road: Coping With Pet Loss
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.
Continue…Cold Weather Pet Care Tips for the Change of Seasons
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.
Continue…Preventing Lost Pets: Are Pet Microchips Worth All the Hype?
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.
Would You Know if Your Pet is in Pain?
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…
That Time of Year: Back-to-School Pet Anxiety
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…
When Pet Boarding Is the Right Answer
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…
Take Care, Stay Aware: Heat Safety and Pets
Like any extreme or inclement weather, summer poses unique risks to our pets. The heat, UV index, scalding pavement, and high humidity will take a toll on anyone, pets and humans alike. However, warm weather safety is a must for our fur-bearing friends since temperatures can easily create a heat stroke emergency without proper precautions.
That’s why the team at New Haven Pet Hospital has compiled some great tips for summer heat safety and pets.
Danger 911: Heat Stroke in Pets
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common reasons for trips to the emergency clinic during the summer. Heat stroke can be fatal to a pet – sometimes within minutes – if help isn’t sought immediately. So, what exactly is heat stroke? Continue…
Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases: A Primer
Ah, the sweet smell of spring! We’re sure you can’t wait for backyard barbecues, camping and hiking trips, and simply playing outside with your dog. However, the warm weather brings with it a danger to our pets: ticks and tick borne diseases.
Ticks can survive the winter just fine indoors – even in your garage – so it’s important to prevent these pests year round. With that in mind, the team at New Haven Pet Hospital wants to arm you with helpful information to combat ticks and tick borne diseases.
Ticks 101
The tick is not an insect but an arachnid closely related to a spider. Ticks can be found in every U.S. state and are most active in the spring and fall. In general, they prefer dark, moist, brushy places in which to lay their eggs, but they also commonly “quest” for hosts in tall grasses and shrubs.
Tick bites are painful and irritating, but the real danger lies in the tick borne diseases they transmit. These diseases can cause serious issues in both pets and people and are often difficult to diagnose. Continue…
The Great Debate: Why Should Owners Spay or Neuter Their Pets?
When you get a new pet or if you’re thinking about adopting one, you may be wondering if you need to spay or neuter them. At New Haven Pet Hospital, we believe that spaying or neutering your pet is one of the greatest gifts you can give, and the benefits of this procedure are worth it. Time and again, we see both our pets and our community thrive with this safe and effective procedure. Let us tell you why.
