Turner Veterinary Clinic News
Halloween Can Be a Scary Holiday for Pets
As much as you and your children might enjoy Halloween, this particular holiday
can be a stressful one for pets. They don’t understand why you have decorations
and carved pumpkins with candles in them around the house and naturally feel
curious enough to investigate. Your dog or cat may end up swallowing something
inedible or even starting a fire by knocking over a candle. These are just two of
several Halloween safety concerns to keep in mind. Turner Veterinary Clinic
wants to provide the following safety tips to help keep your pets safe and happy
during the month of October.
Preventive Care Helps Your Senior Pet Age Well
- Fifteen human years by the end of the first year
- An additional nine human years for the second year
- An additional five human years for each year thereafter
Kids Headed Back to School? Watch Your Pet for Signs of Separation Anxiety
- Destructive chewing
- Howling by dogs and loud vocalizations for cats
- Lack of appetite
- Pacing
- Soiling in the house
- Trying to escape the yard to run after your children
Distraction is a useful tool in helping to keep your pet’s mind off her friend who has gone to school. For dogs, try filling a Kong with peanut butter or another favorite treat that she must work to uncover. A catnip-filled mouse will help distract your cat from what’s taking place at the front door. If other people are home, someone should interact with the pet while your children leave to catch the bus. If everyone leaves the house at the same time, be sure that your dog or cat gets plenty of attention from at least one person.
Be sure to rotate your pet’s toys frequently if he must be alone for long periods. The toys will be a novelty and help him feel less lonely. Dogs love any chew toy and need a comfortable place to sleep for naps. Your cat should have scratching posts, one or more perches to look out the window, hiding places, and toys as well. Leaving soft music on in the background while your family is away can help to calm anxiety also.
Your pet will adjust to the back-to-school change more quickly if everyone in the family gives her several minutes of undivided attention when they are home. This reassures her that she’s still an important part of the family and that no one has forgotten about her. Be sure to include your pet in family activities whenever possible.
Some pets have a more difficult time with schedule changes than others. If you have tried these tips and your dog or cat remains highly anxious, request an appointment at Turner Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Huelsbergen can provide you with additional ideas, such as full or part-time doggy daycare for dogs. In severe cases, he can prescribe anti-anxiety medication that you can get from our online store.
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If your dog won’t stop licking, chewing, or scratching one spot, it’s natural to wonder: “Is something wrong with my pet?” While occasional itching can be common, constant attention to a single area can signal a more serious issue, such as a hot spot. These inflamed patches of skin can appear almost overnight and quickly become painful and infected without treatment.
Let’s explore what hot spots are, what causes them, and how to help your dog heal quickly.
Sunshine, open windows, and the promise of new adventures—summer road trips are hard to resist. And if you’re like many pet parents, there’s no way you're leaving your four-legged friend behind. Whether you're headed to a cabin up north, the lake for the weekend, or on a cross-country tour, traveling with pets takes some extra planning. But with a little prep, your journey can be just as smooth for them as it is for you.
Before you gas up the car and grab the treats, here’s what you need to know to help your pet stay healthy, safe, and comfortable on the road.
Think heartworm is just a summertime issue? Or that your indoor cat is safe from it? You're not alone—many pet owners have heard (and believed) myths about heartworm disease. But the truth is, this serious and potentially deadly condition affects pets in every state and can impact even those who never leave the house.
Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the real facts about heartworm—so you can protect your furry family members with confidence.
February is here, and love is in the air! But while you're showering your loved ones with chocolate, flowers and cards, don’t forget the furry members of your family. This month is National Pet Dental Health Month and a perfect time to prioritize your pet's dental health. Just like us, pets can develop dental problems that impact their overall health and happiness.
Proper dental care can improve your pet’s quality of life and even extend their lifespan. Here, we’ll share essential tips to ensure your pet’s teeth stay healthy and strong.
From October 13-19, 2024, we join veterinary clinics nationwide in celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week! These incredible individuals are the backbone of our clinic, working tirelessly to ensure every pet receives the care they need. If you’ve ever wondered just how our vet techs make a difference in the life of your pet, we’re here to shed some light on their remarkable work.