Posts in Category: Seasonal Pet Care

The winter thaw is on the horizon, and in our neck of the woods, that means we start thinking about longer days, gardening, and….The coming mosquito season! Although steamy days and nights might bring with them summer fun, the mosquitoes that also come with warm weather are definitely not welcome. Not only are they annoying for you, but they could also pose a serious health threat to your pet.

Here are some of the basics of heartworm prevention from your friends at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital.

The holiday season is a time of joy and excitement. But if you’re a cat owner, you know it also presents a unique set of challenges—especially when it comes to your Christmas tree. 

Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital understands that you want to keep your feline friend safe while still enjoying the holiday festivities. Let’s look at ways to keep your tree standing tall and your cat happily out of mischief.

The colder months of the year can be more difficult for pets with chronic pain. Conditions like osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia can flare up when the temperatures drop. Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital has some winter pain management tips for pets, though, that are sure to help.

Accidents, mishaps, and calamities happen throughout the year, but certain types of emergencies affect pets during specific months. For example, chocolate poisonings spring up each Halloween and Valentine’s Day, while antifreeze exposure is a focus in the winter. This time of year, it only makes sense to discuss the ways that fall pet safety tactics can impact your pet’s health, security, and wellbeing.

Clean it Up

Many homeowners take the weeks after Labor Day to tackle backyard or garage duties. Sure, it’s more fun to have your pet nearby while you’re cleaning out the garden shed, weeding, or treating the lawn, but it’s best to keep the following tips in mind:

Summer gets the old boot every year. It’s not that any of us are happy to see summer fade away, but it’s replacement is so fine and fair that it makes it easier to say goodbye to the hot, humid days. And, speaking of boots, doesn’t it feel good to tromp around in the falling leaves? That reminds us: it’s time to start scheduling all the wonderful fall pet activities you and your four-legged friend can share this autumn!

By: Karen Fazio, CDBC

Back to school is an exciting time for most families, but not always for their pets. Sudden changes in routines, withdrawal of attention, and turning back clocks can cause some pets to exhibit unwanted issues.  These issues can include depression, separation anxiety and destructive behaviors.

Luckily, there are some things we can do, 1-2 weeks before school starts, that may help your pet(s) adjust to such a big change in their schedule and routine.

It’s winter on the East Coast, and likely you are thinking of ways to ensure that you stay cozy and warm. But what about your pets? How to keep your cat warm in the winter months is an important consideration, especially if they venture outside. 

Many people know the challenges that come with allergies, but unfortunately, our pets can also experience an allergic reaction to many of the same environmental factors as humans.

As a result, pets can become extremely uncomfortable, and attempts to alleviate their symptoms through excessive scratching or grooming can actually make things worse (secondary health issues can occur).

Learning how to recognize and respond to allergies in pets is essential to keeping our furry friends at the top of their game.

One of the trade-offs to the warm weather is, of course, insects. Whether they’re buzzing or crawling around, lying in wait, or simply minding their own business, bugs of all kinds can present serious problems for pets. Painful bites can lead to swelling and itching, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Poisonous stings and even life-threatening bacteria, viruses, or parasites should be prevented. But how do you keep pets and bugs apart?

Anyone who has visited the veterinarian knows that heartworm preventives are an important element of your pet’s regular wellness care. Besides the need to give your pet this preventive each month, how much do you really know about heartworm and pets? Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital is here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about heartworm in pets so you can keep your dogs and cats healthy throughout the year: