Hanford Veterinary Hospital Blog

Few things escape the notice of our pets. This is especially true when we’re in the kitchen. Sure, they may not understand why you’re baking up a storm or stirring tasty ingredients into a frenzy, but they know they want to be there in case you drop something on the floor. During the holidays, it’s understandable that you want to treat your pet. To do this safely (and in a way that only supports their health and wellness), we have some recommendations on where to start.

You know how it is when you feel great – you tend look good, too. You’ve got a little pep in your step, and your health shines from a beaming grin and twinkling eyes. 

The same is true with our feline friends. When they are feeling their absolute best, you know it because their coat shines, they’re carrying on with cheerful chirps and meows, and they prance and scamper whenever they please. Without a doubt, a happy cat is an absolute pleasure to be around.

Sometimes dogs make funny noises. From the snorts of a pug to a cute little belch to even a playful yip, our pets can certainly make some entertaining sounds. Sometimes, though, certain less familiar sounds can bring worry and panic to pet parents everywhere. 

While any abnormal sound from your pet is something that we recommend investigating at Hanford Veterinary Hospital, we want to be sure that our pet owners are familiar with a few that are typically not anything particularly serious.

Dog sounds, like a reverse sneeze or goose honk cough, can sound very scary, and while a visit to see one of our expert veterinarians is indicated, it is not usually anything to lose sleep over. 

Anyone who has owned a pet can attest to the fact that they aren’t cheap. Between food, vet visits, cute collars, and parasite preventions, pets can really beef up your budgetary needs. 

Pets are wonderful additions to any home and family, but no one likes to spend more than they need to on something. Hanford Veterinary Hospital definitely has some tricks to share when it comes to saving money on pets, and they aren’t all what you might expect!

We love cats so much and will do pretty much anything to please them. From investing in high quality cat furniture and bedding to loading up on crunchy-on-the-outside-creamy-on-the-inside treats, there’s not a lot we’d be unwilling to do for their health and happiness. 

Without a doubt, owners of cats are incredibly supportive and involved. You get to know them and do your best to appreciate their myriad likes and dislikes. But what if you’re doing something that makes them mad? If you’re doing any of these things that cats hate, you might want to make some swift changes.

There have been a lot of amusing videos and memes lately that document cats unsure of the constant companionship at home. For many felines, life was just the way they liked it before stay at home orders. The house all to themselves, they did whatever pleased them, whenever the mood struck. 

Now that cat owners face extra time at home, some human-feline pairs are having more fun than others. Keeping your cat company during quarantine (or any time, really) doesn’t have to be tense or unpredictable. With our tips, it can be comforting, relaxing and rewarding.

If your family is experiencing a little bit of the “scrunch factor”, you’re not alone. While it’s always important to safeguard the needs of both kids and pets, perhaps more than ever before, special attention is crucial to successful cohabitation.

The Love Is Real!

Dogs are unquestionably generous with their affection and adoration, especially when it comes to their younger family members. Many family dogs are also incredibly patient – until, that is, they reach a breaking point. Snapping, growling or biting are part of a natural progression that can definitely be prevented by observing canine body language.

Those of us lucky enough to be in the first stages of spring are understandably excited. More outdoor time, gardening, and spending time with our pets in our yards are only a few of the fun things that come to mind with warmer weather.

Hanford Veterinary Hospital thought you might like to have a few ideas for pet friendly yards, and some safety options to consider as you bring your yard and garden back from winter slumber. 

There isn’t a cat owner out there that doesn’t know the shocking sound of their cat hacking up a hairball. This usually normal cat behavior happens at the most inconvenient times, and is often deposited in the most unfortunate locations. 

With barb-covered tongues and fastidious self-grooming tactics, cats inevitably swallow loads of dead hair on a daily basis. And while feline anatomy is specifically designed to digest certain amounts of hair, there comes a moment when it’s too much to handle.

People that struggle with bad breath, stinky feet, and odoriferous bathrooms tend to have looming health problems. Perhaps not surprisingly, there is an equally strong link between the ways animals smell and overall health.

While certain pet smells that simply come with the territory, a truly “off” odor can definitely signal that something is wrong. 

A Way of Life?

Whether it’s bad breath, smelly paws, or a foul-smelling rear end, many pet owners accept the variety of pet smells. However, when pet smells linger or they become more intense, these seemingly surface smells may be the result of underlying health problems.