Hanford Veterinary Hospital Blog

Squishy faces, wrinkles for days, stubby happy tails… what’s not to love? At Hanford Veterinary Hospital we adore bully breeds, but like it or not they come with certain issues that need to be addressed. Understanding what bulldog problems you might encounter as a bully fanatic can help you decide if they are truly the breed for you. 

Brachycephalic Bummers

Any breed with a smushed face (think Pugs, Persians, and Pekingese) is considered brachycephalic and subject to a special set of concerns. Due to their unique anatomy, breathing can be an issue for some of these dogs. Pets with brachycephalic syndrome will have varying degrees of:

A birthday party is always a good reason to celebrate, but a pet birthday party is really something special. Pet owners naturally attracted to this kind of event have likely spent months daydreaming about it, but it’s also possible to pull off a pet birthday party without too much advanced planning. 

Pet birthdays are always meaningful, and when everything is done with safety in mind, all guests can enjoy the celebration. The only problem? Pet birthdays only come around once a year!

We have all heard of people who’ve made a name for themselves via Youtube, Instagram, or other social media platforms. Influencers in fashion, beauty, fitness, nutrition, travel, and more are everywhere, and pets are right in there with the best of them. After all, there’s nothing like coming across a photo of your favorite Instagram pet to give you a little boost of happiness in the middle of a busy day. A lot of us have thought “I could do that!”

You already know that your dog, cat, ferret, guinea pig, parakeet, or bearded dragon lizard is the absolute cutest pet out there. Could you be the proud owner of the next pet social media superstar? The team at Hanford Veterinary Hospital can help!

For most pet owners, their companion animals are bonafide members of the family. Unfortunately, it can be notoriously difficult to find a rental property that allows pets, and for good reason – pets can cause property damage and other problems for landlords and neighbors. On the other hand, pet owners often make excellent, long-term tenants.

Deciding whether or not to rent to pet owners can be challenging, but the team at Hanford Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Let us walk you through some of the pros and cons we’ve learned over our many years of investing in the lives of pets and their owners.

It seems there’s a new story every week about a canine flu outbreak. This virus is a highly contagious airborne condition that can affect every breed, age, and size of dog.

Nearly all cases of canine flu are passed through indoor contact, doggy day care, dog parks, boarding, or grooming. It’s only through owner awareness, adhering to shared space policies, and the availability of the canine flu vaccine that more dogs can avoid contracting this illness.

Hanford Veterinary Hospital walks you through what you can do about the canine flu.

If you have pets, chances are you know something about ticks. These parasites are everywhere, and unfortunately they can survive in almost any weather (especially when they overwinter in your garage, house, or shed). What’s more, they carry diseases that can be serious and even deadly for your pet, and some of these diseases are transmissible to you, too.

Ticks Are Everywhere

Ticks generally like moist, damp and shady places in which to breed. This could mean a pile of mulch in your yard, or a grassy hillside. To reduce tick habitat in your yard:

The benefits of pet ownership are well known. From reducing isolation to lowering blood pressure, from encouraging independence to elevating mood, the animals in our lives have a direct impact on our happiness and longevity. Similarly, pets help kids with disabilities by simply being there for them.

However, the mere presence of a calm, loving animal at home can do so much more to add to a child’s quality of life.

Chew treats for our canine companions can fill many roles:  special treat, boredom buster, dental health booster…but how to choose? Are they all safe for your beloved pet? Are some better than other? Before you ask the pet store employee about selecting safe chews for dogs, ask your pet professionals at Hanford Veterinary Hospital.

Food For Thought

When perusing the aisles looking for pet treats, there is a lot to consider. You will need to pick up the packages and do a little investigating in order to find the best option for your pet family. Think about:

Are you still looking for a resolution as we enter into the New Year? If you are coming up short on fresh ideas for your future health and wellness, you might consider adding a member to your family.

At Hanford Veterinary Hospital we aren’t terribly surprised to learn that owning cats makes you healthier. Maybe a feline friend is just what you need to achieve all of your aspirations in 2019!

The holidays are a uniquely delightful and romantic time to be dating, but if you’re just getting to know someone, there may still be plenty of awkward pauses, nervous conversation, and other less-than-desirable moments. Including your pet on a date might be the perfect way to lighten the mood, and it can allow you to more fully enjoy all the wonders of the season together. Check out these ideas for fun, romantic, and pet-friendly holiday dates!

Holiday Fun (With Pets!)

One of the best parts about bringing your pet on a date is that it doesn’t have to be too expensive. Get into the spirit of the season with the following affordable ideas: