Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

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!

What could be more enticing to a curious cat or a playful puppy than a freshly sown vegetable garden or flower bed? Pets love to romp, dig, and sample the greenery around them, so if you’re a gardener with pets, it’s important to keep your outdoor spaces pet friendly.

Try these tips from our caring team at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital to create a backyard pet paradise where your cat or dog can freely and safely explore.

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy…”
Who can resist all the wonderful outdoor activities this time of year? There are so many fun opportunities for exercise, socializing, and rest and relaxation! The benefits increase tenfold when we’re able to share the great outdoors with our pet family members.

Like most things that involve our animal companions, outdoor safety and your pet is a topic that deserves close attention. Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital has some key pointers to help you prepare for summer fun in New Jersey with your favorite furry pal.

There’s nothing better than heading out on an adventure with your pet. Luckily for you and your pooch, there are plenty of pet-friendly destinations in and around Oakhurst, NJ. The team at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital rounded up the best spots to explore with your furry friend. 

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. 

Most dog owners have heard of canine parvovirus, especially if they’ve adopted a puppy. The canine parvovirus vaccine is one of the first shots a puppy will receive–and for good reason. This highly contagious disease is often fatal and is extremely prevalent in our environment.

At Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital, we want to make sure pet owners have all the information they need to protect their dogs from canine parvovirus.

Whether you decide to take your dog on a weekend hike in the mountains of northern New Jersey or are taking your pet to visit your sister in Denver, you may have some questions. Is altitude sickness in pets a concern? If so, what do you need to do? Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital has the answers to all your questions. 

Nothing says summer like a vacation, but is your pet ready to ride along? Bringing a pet along on a trip can add another layer of fun, but can also lead to more responsibility, planning, and preparation. When traveling with pets, your furry friend’s safety, comfort, and of course fun, all need to be considered well in advance. 

Our tips for traveling with pets aim to help you and your pet make the most out of your summer vacation together!

In our neck of the woods, it’s common to take your dog to the lake for a game of water fetch at the end of the day or on weekends. But there are some considerations for water safety, especially in lakes and ponds. As your partner in your dog’s health, Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital takes you through what you should know about water safety for dogs.

A Swimmer Or No?

Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs can swim. Long-bodied, short-legged, and flat-faced dogs are not anatomically designed for the water. So before you take your dog to the river for a paddle, make sure she can (and wants to!) swim. You can go swimming with your dog on a leash as he or she learns to swim, just make sure not to force them if they are really afraid of the water.

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?