Posts from June, 2018
Thunderstorms and Fireworks: What Can You Do About Pet Anxiety This Summer?
Many pet owners know exactly when it’s about to rain buckets in July, but it’s not because they saw the weather report. Instead, by watching their pet closely for any signs of of fear or stress, they can count down when the first bolt of lightning will fill the sky. Between summer storms or Fourth of July fireworks, pet anxiety is a real danger this time of year. However, with a bit of clever planning and preparation, animals don’t have to suffer.
Signs of a Problem
Every pet reacts differently to stress, but pet anxiety is typically characterized by hiding, trying to escape, damaging their surroundings, or even harming themselves. Noise aversion can develop into a full-blown phobia if left alone. Luckily, there are ways to support animals going through this. Continue…
Made in the Shade: An Essential of Summer Pet Safety
As the dog days of summer arrive, we all may be spending more time outdoors, including our pets. During warm, sunny days in Texas, though, it quickly becomes a priority to stay cool by finding a shady tree, cooling off in the pool, or even heading indoors to the air conditioning.
What about our pets? At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we’re thinking about how to keep pets safe and cool this summer, too. And, so we’re exploring shade; why it’s necessary to summer pet safety, and perhaps, how to create some fun new shade areas in our yards this summer, too. Continue…
Beat the Bugs in Your Yard With Pet Safe Mosquito Control
For much of the year in San Antonio, mosquitos are an unfortunate part of life thanks to our humid summers and mild winters. Besides being annoying to both people and pets, mosquitoes can also transmit a variety of diseases, such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. Since there are no vaccines or cures for these illnesses, protecting your pets and family from mosquitoes is critical.
However, while keeping bugs at bay is important, dousing your property with harsh chemicals can be dangerous, especially when you have pets. Fortunately, a little bit of creativity and elbow grease is all you need to accomplish pet safe mosquito control. Continue…
What’s the Real Deal with Cats and Milk?
Of the myriad myths about cats, their misunderstood proclivity for cow’s milk ranks near the top. Despite modern conventional wisdom, the idea that cats love, need, and want milk remains ubiquitous among cat owners and admirers alike. Cats and milk used to go together like mice and cheese, dogs and bones, but today a different view takes center stage.
High Fat
The cats and milk myth is actually based in truth. Cats love the high fat content of cream, especially if it’s fresh from the cow. Similar to other infant mammals, kittens are born with the ability to digest lactose, the main sugar in milk. However, as they age, lactase, the enzyme that triggers digestion of lactose, disappears. Many cat owners out there can relate to that terrible grumble after a pint of ice cream! Continue…