August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! Feeling itchy is just as miserable for our furry companions as it is for us … perhaps more so, as they have a hard time reaching certain spots, and can’t exactly use a back scratcher. A local Roanoke, VA vet discusses skin problems in this article. Common Issues Skin problems can be particularly challenging because there are so many potential causes. Environmental allergies are one of the most common … Read More
Has your dog seemed particularly itchy lately? Does Fido’s fur look a bit thin? If so, your pooch may have a skin issue. Our canine pals are susceptible to a variety of problems that can affect their skin and coats! A Roanoke, VA vet lists some common ones below. Parasites Fleas and ticks are the most common culprit, though they aren’t the only ones. Flea bites can make any pup itchy! However, sometimes dogs become … Read More
Did you know that cats sleep, on average, between 12 and 16 hours a day? Why is Fluffy so exhausted? Is being cute and silently judging you really that taxing? A local Roanoke, VA vet offers some information on kitty sleep schedules below. Stages Fluffy’s age will definitely affect her sleeping patterns. Kittens and senior cats are the drowsiest of our feline friends, and can sleep as much as 20 hours a day. With kittens, … Read More
Thanksgiving is almost here! While it’s great to enjoy some delicious holiday food with our loved ones, it’s also important to think about the things we’re grateful for. Dogs definitely make that list! But what about Fido? What do you think your canine buddy is most appreciative of? A Roanoke, VA makes a few ‘petucated’ guesses below. Treats No surprises here. Fido is super cute when he’s angling for a yummy snack! Treats are a … Read More
Is your canine buddy an only pet? While many of our clients have two or more pooches, it’s also quite common for people to have just one. Fido can do just fine being an only pup, but he will enjoy and benefit from being able to spend time and interact with other dogs. A Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on setting up doggy playdates below. Introductions You’ll want to set Fido’s first playdate for … Read More
It’s Grouch Day! This occasion was made to honor the iconic Oscar the Grouch, but it turns out that many kitties also fit the bill. We certainly have had our fair share of grumpy cats! A Roanoke, VA vet discusses caring for a cranky furball below. Get Fluffy Checked If you aren’t sure why your kitty is a little ball of rage, take her to the vet for an exam. You want to rule out … Read More
Today, October 1st, is Poodle Day! Is your canine companion a Poodle, or perhaps one of the many different Poodle mixes, also called Doodle Dogs? A Dawsonville, GA vet lists some cute ways to celebrate with your four-legged friend in this article. Poodle Books Every breed has their own unique history, traits, appearance, and personalities. It’s always a good idea to do some breed research. There are plenty of great non-fiction books about Poodles out … Read More
There’s a new kitty holiday! Cat DNA day is September 19th. In the last few decades, scientists have made remarkable progress in cracking the mysteries of genetics and DNA, in both human beings and animals. That of course includes our feline overlords! A Roanoke, VA vet discusses Fluffy’s DNA below. Fluffy’s Family Tree One of the most extensive studies done on kitty DNA was a 2007 project headed by a zoologist from the National museums … Read More
Is your feline friend a senior? If Fluffy is over the age of nine, then technically, the answer to that question is yes … even if she still acts like a kitten. Cats are generally pretty easy keepers, so you won’t need to make drastic changes to your kitty’s care regimen as she ages. However, she will become more vulnerable to certain dangers … including several seasonal hazards. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some autumn … Read More
Have you ever discovered how frustrating it is to not be able to properly scratch an itch? This is an ongoing problem for dogs. One issue that can make Fido quite itchy is hot spots. These are basically itchy, inflamed sores. While they can happen any time, they are particularly common at this time of year. Hot spots are treatable, though the treatment course needed will depend on the underlying cause. Hot spots can be … Read More