Spring Pet Allergies Unleashed: How to Spot the Signs in Your Furry Friends As the vibrant colors of spring emerge, so do the allergens that can affect humans and our furry friends. Like us, pets can experience seasonal allergies, and springtime is a common culprit. Understanding the signs of allergies in pets is crucial for…

Unlocking the Secrets to Senior Cat Vitality Welcome feline enthusiasts and devoted cat parents! February is not just the month of love; it’s also National Cat Health Month—a time dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our beloved feline friends. This year, let’s shine the spotlight on our senior cats and explore how we can ensure…

Winter Pet Safety Guide: Navigating January Hazards The new year brings fresh beginnings, and as pet owners, it’s crucial to be aware of potential hazards that may affect our furry companions in January. From chilly temperatures to hidden dangers, understanding and preventing seasonal hazards can ensure your pets’ safe and happy start. This blog will…

Holiday Pet Safety: Protecting Your Furry Friends   The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, celebrations, and gatherings. As we decorate our homes, plan festive feasts, and exchange gifts, it’s essential to remember that our furry family members require some extra attention to ensure they have a safe and happy holiday too….

Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods   Thanksgiving is upon us, and while you’re preparing a delicious feast for your loved ones, don’t forget to include your pets in the celebration. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some safe Thanksgiving foods that your four-legged friend can enjoy without any worries.   1. Turkey Treats: – It’s…

Pumpkin for Pets: Fall’s Nutritional Superfood   As the leaves change colors and a crisp breeze fills the air, fall brings a seasonal favorite not just for humans—pumpkins! While you might indulge in pumpkin-flavored treats, have you ever wondered if pumpkin is safe and beneficial for your pets? We are here to shed light on…

What is Xylitol?   As pet parents, we want to keep our furry companions happy and healthy. However, sometimes, we accidentally expose them to something harmful or even deadly. In recent years, Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, and other products, has become a growing concern for pet owners. In this…

Preparing For Disaster: Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Disaster Plan   As Disaster Preparedness Month approaches this September, it is important that we not only prepare ourselves for potential disasters but also our furry family members. When a disaster strikes, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or wildfire, it can be a time of…

Tips for Helping Your Pets Adjust to Back-to-School Season   Back-to-school season brings about significant changes in household dynamics, which can often affect our beloved pets. As families return to their regular schedules, our furry companions may experience separation anxiety, stress, or boredom. However, with a few simple strategies and some extra care, we can…

Beat the Heat With These Safety Tips It’s the ideal time of year to spend time outside with your four-legged friends throughout the summer. There’s no denying that your pets enjoy being outside, whether they are playing fetch in the park, trekking along beautiful trails, or just relaxing in your backyard. However, the season of…

How to Support Your Pet in Coping with Anxiety We want to give our furry friends the greatest treatment because they play a significant role in our lives as pet owners. It’s unfortunate that some animals experience anxiety, which can be difficult for both the animal and the owner. July can be a difficult month…

Exposing Potential Risks: Common Diseases Spread by Animals to Humans Zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans, are more prevalent than you might imagine. Keep up with your pet’s preventive care to avoid getting sick even though they seem to be in excellent health because they could be carrying…

Advice for Pet Owners on Camping Safety Is there anything better than sitting by a bonfire with your furry friend and taking in the starry night sky? In our opinion, no. While camping with your pet is a terrific way to have exciting adventures together, you must ensure their safety. To protect your pet’s safety…

Five Suggestions for Keeping Pets Safe While Swimming You and your furry friend probably want to go swimming to cool off as the summer heat rises. Even though it’s in their name, not all dogs—or other pets—can “doggy paddle,” so use caution when swimming with your canine companion. Here are five suggestions to keep your…

Helping Your Arthritic Cat Cats rarely complain unless their food bowl is less than half-full, so it can be challenging to tell when they are experiencing arthritis pain. The following straightforward home improvements, however, can help your cat feel more comfortable and mobile if they have arthritis or appear to be having trouble moving around….

How To Prevent Heartworms Heartworm prevention is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health and preventing sickness, along with routine immunizations and wellness checks. Keep your four-legged buddy on heartworm prevention year-round because mosquitoes don’t hibernate during the winter and heartworm illness has been identified in every U.S. state.   The heartworm life cycle Any mammal…

What Soft Tissue Procedures Are Most Frequently Performed on Pets? Pets go through a wide range of operations, from common elective treatments like spaying or neutering to crucial life-saving procedures. In general practice hospitals, soft tissue surgeries and some orthopedic procedures are frequently carried out. But some soft tissue operations are complicated procedures that can…

How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Walks   Celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day on March 30 with your four-legged friend, but don’t let these hazards ruin a perfect day. Watch out for the following issues when walking your pet.   #1: Other dogs Running across another dog could spell disaster, especially…

Help Your Pet With Surgery Recovery   Orthopedic surgery—or any surgery—is a major event for a pet, and can hamper with their daily function long after they return home. Help your pet get back on their paws faster after an orthopedic surgery with the following recovery tips.   #1: Restrict your pet’s activityPets do not…

3 Ways to Safely Treat Your Pet on Valentine’s Day Although you show your furry friend just how much you love them every day, Valentine’s Day gives you the opportunity to shower them with even more adoration. While your pet cannot have chocolate, there are many other safe pet treats you can share with them….

5 Dental Emergencies in Pets If you’ve ever known the agony of a toothache, you know how critical it was to receive emergency treatment and pain relief. While your furry pal may not complain like people do when they are in pain, they also can suffer from pet dental emergencies. If you notice any of…

My Dog Is Coughing: Do They Have the Flu? Cough, cough, cough. Hearing your pooch sound like they’re hacking up a lung not long after you had the flu may make you wonder if they contracted your illness. While your dog certainly can become sick with a respiratory illness, “the flu” is different for dogs….

How to Recognize a Winter Pet Emergency Summertime comes with a host of hazards for pets, but colder weather also brings its own dangers. As the temperature drops, watch out for the following issues that can require emergency care for your furry pal.   Antifreeze toxicity in pets Antifreeze is used to keep your car’s…

How to Spot Hypothermia in Your Pet The temperatures may drop, but your furry pal still wants to go outdoors to play, exercise, and eliminate. However, wet snow, melting ice, and frigid temperatures can lead to hypothermia in your pet, despite their fur coat.    Hypothermia signs in pets When a pet becomes too cold,…

5 Holiday Hazards That Can Harm Your Pet As the year draws to a close, holiday celebrations are still in full swing. But the additional activity and stress present the perfect opportunity for your pet to get into trouble, so keep an eye out for the following holiday pet hazards.   #1: Delicious food is…

How to Prepare a Pet-Safe Thanksgiving Feast An overloaded table filled with your favorite dishes is one of Thanksgiving’s highlights. While you are drooling over a heaping plate, so is your pet. However, many popular Thanksgiving foods are dangerous for pets. Let your pet join the feast by preparing a special, safe Thanksgiving plate just…

How to Help Your Senior Pet Handle the Changing Seasons The changing seasons affect everyone differently, but the switch from balmy summer weather to frigid temperatures can really do a number on your senior pet. Here are four ways to help your furry pal easily handle the changing seasons.   #1: Give your senior pet…

5 Pet Safety Tips to Take the Horror Out of Halloween As October 31 approaches, you may be planning all sorts of spooky activities to celebrate Halloween. If you include your pet in the festivities, ensure you do so safely by following our team’s top five Halloween pet safety tips.   #1: Avoid sharing candy…

How to Keep Your Pet Safe Inside and Outside Your Home Your pet’s sense of curiosity and smell can land them in a heap of trouble if you don’t take precautions. In honor of National Animal Safety and Protection Month, our team shares tips on how to keep your furry pal safe inside and outside…

Pets are masters at hiding any vulnerabilities, so it can be tough to tell when they are in pain. September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, so do your pet a favor and learn the following common signs of pain to get them help when they need it.  #1: Your pet is slowing down or acting…

Specially abled pets hold a special spot in animal lovers’ hearts, and deaf dogs are certainly a category to be treasured. In honor of Deaf Dog Awareness Week, which falls on the last full week of September each year, our team wants to share tips on how to keep a deaf dog safe. If you…

Did you know that August is National Immunization Awareness Month? It’s a great time to learn about the importance of immunizations and how they keep us healthy. Vaccines help protect us from diseases, so it’s important to make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Keep reading for more information on National Immunization Awareness…

Microchips are a popular way to identify and keep track of pets. But how do they work? And what happens if your pet gets lost? Here’s everything you need to know about microchips. Step 1: A microchip is inserted just under your pet’s skin No bigger than a grain of rice, a microchip is inserted…

If you’re a cat owner, it’s important to be aware of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of cancer that can affect cats. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your cat’s chances for survival. Learn more about this deadly disease and how to protect your feline friend. What is squamous cell carcinoma in cats? Squamous…

If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know how heartbreaking it can be. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances of finding your furry friend. In this post, we’ll outline four simple steps you can take to help locate your lost pet. So don’t despair – follow these tips…

How to Decide What to Do with Your Pet During a Summer Vacation As your summer vacation draws near, you may be wondering what to do with your pet. Should you take them with you? Are they better off at a boarding facility? Maybe you should investigate pet sitters in your area. With so many…

3 Ways to Help Your New Shelter Cat Feel at Home June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, although welcoming a new cat into your home and family is an excellent idea any time of year. However, naturally, your new feline friend may be unsure and anxious in their new surroundings. Try the following suggestions…

Does Your Canine Have Dog Anxiety? Dog anxiety is more common than you might think. Signals that indicate your pup could be anxious can be difficult to detect, but once you know what to look for, you may find them to be pretty obvious. In honor of Dog Anxiety Week, which runs from May 3…

3 Tips To Prevent Lyme Disease in Your Dog   Black-legged, or deer, ticks are the species responsible for transmitting Lyme disease to dogs and people. No longer limited to the East Coast, Lyme disease is spreading across the country and can infect dogs in any region. Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in your…

The Importance of Having a Pet First Aid Kit   Your furry friend is surrounded by hazards every day. Sometimes, these hazards can cause a life-threatening or fatal condition if not treated quickly enough, which is where pet first aid comes into play. Learn which supplies are essential when packing your pet’s first aid kit…

Household toxins are a common source of pet poisoning, particularly in the bathroom or kitchen. During National Poison Prevention Week, you should be aware of pet toxins that can potentially harm your pet if they come into contact.   What are the most common toxins for pets? Many items that are safe for people are…

Although we think every day should be puppy day, National Puppy Day falls on March 23 this year. If you’re planning on welcoming a new puppy home soon, these are some of the best ways to help them settle in.   #1: Avoid overwhelming your new puppy Although you’ll want to show off your new…

Brushing your pet’s teeth daily can help reduce the amount of plaque and oral bacteria in their mouth and help keep pet dental disease at bay. Here are five steps to get started.    Step 1: Purchase pet-friendly toothbrushing products When brushing your pet’s teeth, don’t use your own toothpaste. Since your pet can’t spit,…

Launched in 1995, World Spay Day is an annual campaign to encourage people to save animal lives by spaying companion pets and feral cats. World Spay Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Tuesday in February, which falls on February 22 this year. In addition to reducing the pet overpopulation problem, spaying your pet provides…

Learn how to head to the skies or hit the road with your four-legged friend for National Pet Travel Safety Day. Follow our guide to travel safely with your pet!   Double-check airline regulations for pets before booking your flight Airlines have specific regulations concerning pets and how they can travel. Before booking your flight,…

You know dental care is important for your fur baby, but did you know it’s so important? Find out why pet dental care should be a priority—and how to prioritize it. We’ve got your pet’s health covered from their teeth to their tail!   #1: Most pets have some form of dental disease, which makes…

Winter is coming, and with it comes a host of hazards for your fur baby. Check out these tips to keep your pet warm and safe during this chilly season!   #1: Provide warm bedding for your pet Give your pet a warm spot to sleep that is away from drafty doors or windows. Refrain…

Want to make your furry friend feel special and have fun this holiday season? Craft one of these fun, homemade DIY holiday toys to make your pet happy.   #1: Design a peekaboo puzzle for cats Find a sturdy cardboard box that can support your cat’s weight and ensure it isn’t more than a few…

Embrace the season of giving back! Follow these three ways to give back to your local pet community this holiday season—and all the time!   #1: Foster a homeless pet The ultimate way to help give back to your local pet community this holiday season is by opening your home to a less fortunate pet….

Since November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month, we want to debunk some pet cancer misconceptions and teach you what really happens when a pet develops cancer and undergoes treatment.   Myth: A cancer diagnosis means a poor prognosis for my pet Truth: Not all cancers are highly aggressive, nor do they always spread to…

Halloween can be a problematic holiday for pet parents because you never know what kind of candy to expect. This makes it hard to keep your pet safe around the stick or wrapped sweets, so they don’t sneak any. But if you keep these four types of treats away from your pet, Halloween can be…

Cats need mental and physical stimulation for a healthy, happy life. If you’re not giving your cat enough enrichment, he may begin to display problem behaviors. Boredom and lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead to inappropriate elimination and scratching, overgrooming, and even bullying. Keep your feline friend entertained with the following suggestions. #1: Allow…

Are you one of the many pet owners that struggle to administer medicine to your dog, cat, or other small animals? It can be a grueling process for both you and your furry friend. Rather than go through the hassle of figuring out a way to medicate your pet without making a sticky mess everywhere,…

Disaster strikes quickly and without warning. We all want to be prepared, which is why it’s important to create a pet emergency kit and make a plan with your family. We’ve put together some helpful tips on creating an emergency kit and plan for your pets in case of an emergency. #1: Ensure your pet…

Vaccines do more than prevent your pet from catching contagious, potentially life threatening diseases. They also offer protection from a host of ailments that you’ll never see, but could be affecting your pet’s health. Knowing which vaccinations are recommended, and when they should be administered, is critical to keeping your pet healthy. Which is why…

We’ve all been there. Your cat eliminates outside their litter box—and you need to pinpoint where the problem is. Never fear! We’re here with five reasons why your cat might be urinating in inappropriate places, along with tips for helping your pet stop the problem behavior. #1: Your cat’s litter box smells like a porta-potty…

On July 5th, animal shelters are typically busiest with lost pets who bolted from their homes during the fireworks from the night before. In recognition of that, July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month. If your furry friend should go missing, here are the three top ways to help find them and ensure a joyous…

July 4th is a dreaded holiday in the pet world, and for many good reasons. With sizzling hot weather, hazards surrounding the barbecue, and fireworks going off, your furry pal can encounter many dangers. Turn your July 4th party into one the entire family can enjoy with the following tips.    #1: Create a healthy…

As offices are beginning to reopen and employees start to go back to work, you might not have much longer with having your furry friend as a coworker. Fortunately, June 25 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, so you may be able to work with your best bud again if your office is dog-friendly….

Do you think your current furry friend will be happier to have a second companion to play and sleep with? June is National Foster a Pet Month, so you may consider fostering a second pet to keep your current one company. However, before you add a new companion to your household, ask yourself the following…

Seeing your senior furry friend in pain is never an easy sight as a pet owner. Letting go of a pet when they’ve reached the end of their lifespan is incredibly difficult, and it’s even more challenging to determine how and when to make that decision. Although you may not think you can tell when…

As new pet owners, we may find the topic of pet microchipping confusing and maybe even a little scary. However, the team at Oz Animal Hospital would like to inform you that this unique form of identification is an easy yet permanent way to bring your pet home quickly should your pet become lost. Here are five…

Although you know you should spay your female pet to prevent a host of medical and behavior issues, as well as unwanted puppies, you may not know what exactly happens during a spay surgery. Since World Spay Day—February 23—is approaching, let’s explain the procedure, which is entirely different from a male pet’s neuter surgery. Here…

Does living with your feline friend make you break out in a rash, sneeze, or struggle to peer through watery eyes? Many cat owners suffer through allergies to their pet, but allergic responses to cat hair and dander are manageable. Try the following tips from our veterinary team at Oz Animal Hospital to be more…

Starting 11/16/20, all appointments at both locations will now be curbside only (no clients are allowed in the building). When you arrive (for an appointment, food/medication pickup, or sample drop-off), a staff member will greet you and help to get you taken care of. *We require that all clients wear their masks over their nose…

Is your pet microchipped? You may have found yourself wondering how exactly a microchip can benefit you and your pet. Thanks to microchips, many lost pets are reunited with their owners every year! For Check the Chip Day (August 15), the team here at Oz Animal Hospital has put together a list of some other…

Many pet owners may worry about putting their beloved companion under anesthesia, whether for an elective procedure, or a life-saving surgery. However, here at Oz Animal Hospital, we are dedicated to your pet’s health and safety. We use a variety of monitoring devices to ensure that your pet is cared for and as safe as…

If you have a light-colored cat, then you know how mesmerizing it can be to look into their piercing green or blue eyes! However, did you know that these light-colored felines are at a higher risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma? Don’t fear, because there are some ways that you can help prevent this common…

Working from home has its perks: no commute, picking out your own snacks, and having your pet nearby! However, having our furry friends double as our coworkers can also be distracting. Here are our tips for how to get your work done and take advantage of having a furry coworker.  #1: Encourage your pet to provide their…

Your pet might be bugged with pests called zoonotic parasites. These parasites can be transmitted from pets to humans, causing more than a little itching or irritation. Read on to learn more.  Some pets are born with intestinal worms (transmitted from their mother while in utero or through milk). Intestinal parasites can affect your adult…

Are you the proud human to a new puppy? Congratulations! You’re probably enjoying all the snuggles, play, and puppy goodness. All of this time at home during the COVID-19 crisis means more time with your tiny canine companion. But eventually, restrictions will ease, and we’ll start spending more time outside of our home. When that…

Gardening can be a relaxing activity. With springtime and social distancing, many people are turning to gardening for a way to be outside and enjoy a piece of nature. If your pet is also spending time in the yard with you, be sure to keep them away from these common toxins. Slug and snail baits —…

The safety of our clients and patients is Oz Animal Hospital’s top priority. We are closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking action based on guidance from public health experts. To maintain a safe environment and address client concerns, we are taking measures to ensure the safety or our staff and clients. We want…

Due to the recent stay-at-home order made effective March 21st, we wanted to share some updates for you. These are what is currently in place until April 7th: We will continue to see patients. While preventative care is a big part of keeping your pets healthy, we urge you to delay wellness visits and elective…

The health and well-being of patients is our top priority. As news of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community continues to develop, we are monitoring the situation closely. At this time, Oz Animal Hospital remains open and is operating under regular business hours. While the CDC and other health authorities have indicated that dogs, cats,…

With spring around the corner, we at Oz Animal Hospital want to share these tips for keeping parasites off your pet. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes will be making their spring-time surge as the temperature climbs. #1: Keep your pet on year-round parasite prevention This first tip is a no-brainer. If you keep your pet on…