February 19, 2025

National Pet Dental Month & Heart Month

Dental health is an essential part of a pet’s well-being. By taking proactive measures to care for their pet’s teeth, owners can help prevent dental problems and ensure their furry companions live long, healthy lives.

Heart Health

It is important that every dog and cat owner is empowered to recognize signs of heart disease in their companion animals. Regular veterinary check-ups are a key component in keeping your pet’s heart healthy.

6 Signs of Heart Disease in Pets

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Weight loss
• Swollen abdomen
• Excessive tiredness or fainting
• Dry cough

February 5, 2025

Why We Love Pets: 10 Reasons

Our cats and dogs are so lovable! For National Love Your Pet Day on February 20, let us count the ways.

1. Pets enrich our lives and are a delight to take care of
2. They accept us for who we are
3. They’re always available to share time together
4. Usually, they have a forgive-and-forget attitude, especially if offered a treat
5. So, so, so cute!
6. Their antics are more entertaining than TikTok
7. Sharing a nap together
8. They give us something to talk about when we need to make human conversation
9. But pets don’t require small talk, and that’s a relief
10. However, if you enjoy talking to yourself, you can always say you’re talking to your pet

More Inspiration for National Love Your Pet Day

We love celebrating pets! Here are three more articles with ideas and inspiration. Tell you pet we love them!

• Why We Love Senior Pets
• 31 Ideas to Celebrate National Pet Month
• 10 Ways to Show Your Pet the Love

There are a million reasons we love pets, and a million more to love our own special cat or dog! The best way to show your pet love is to ensure their best health. Learn more about Wellness Care to help your pet live their happiest, healthiest life.

January 20, 2025

Keep You and Your Dog Fit (and Safe) on Winter Walks

In keeping with many New Year’s Resolutions to get healthier, January is National Walk Your Dog Month. It may seem like the worst time to get out into the great outdoors with your pet, but following these 8 steps will keep you both safe and warm.

1. Make sure you, the human, are properly outfitted for the cold. Gloves are especially important when holding a leash!
2. Put a jacket on your dog. This step is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, small breeds and short-haired dogs.
3. Protect paws from ice and de-icing chemicals with dog booties or pet-safe gels like Musher’s Secret.
4. Use a secure, front-clip harness to prevent your dog from pulling. This is safer for everyone in slippery conditions.
5. Walk your dog with a fixed leash, not a retractible one. Consider a jogger’s leash, which stays hooked to you, if you fall and lose your grip.
6. Make sure your dog’s clothing stays dry. Or cut your walk short if it becomes damp or wet.
7. Avoid hazards like frozen ponds. Dogs can fall through thin ice into freezing water. They may suffer hypothermia or even drown.
8. When you get back, wash your dog’s paws. This keeps them from licking toxic chemicals like ice melts and salts off of their paws.

Have fun exploring the winter scenery with your dog! But remember, if the weather is particularly nasty, wait until another day. Cuddling by the fire with your dog doesn’t burn calories, but it is good for the soul.

For more tips, check out our article, “Keep Your Pet Safe this Winter.”

January 13, 2025

During January’s Cold, Spend Some Quality Time with Your Dog!

January is National Train Your Dog Month, and we can’t think of a better way to spend these cold winter days than indoors helping your dog become more social, well-adjusted and welcome anywhere they go.

And you know how they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? That’s not true! Obedience training is great for any age. In fact, most animal shelters are able to ready adult dogs for forever families through training.

Local Classes for National Train Your Dog Month

The best way to train your dog is with expert help. A professional dog trainer has experience with hundreds (thousands?) of dogs and will help personalize a program for you and your pup.

To get you started on your research, here are some places to check out. While these organizations have been recommended to us and/or have positive reviews, please use your own judgement about if a given trainer will be a good fit for your family.

• Petco offers AKC Canine Good Citizen training classes.
• Bulletproof Dog Training enjoys a 4.9-star rating on Google, with almost 500 reviews.
• Dog Obedience Guy has a 5.0-star Google rating, with over 100 reviewers.
• My Dog, My Best Buddy workshops help kids and dogs understand each other.
• Animal Adoption Foundation offers a list of Training Resources.

At-Home Resources for National Train Your Dog Month

If you’re just getting started and want to try some training at home, check out these resources.

• The AKC suggests a dog training app like Zigzag. After you take a quick survey, the app suggests a program, along with a subscription plan.
• AKC also provides training guidelines with its AKC STAR Puppy and AKC Canine Good Citizen programs. These programs are open to purebred and mixed breed dogs.
• Animal Friends Humane Society partners with GoodPup, a virtual training app.
• Here’s a selection of dog training YouTube channels to check out.
• This little book helps you understand “dog psychology” and is well worth a read – SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You’ll Ever Have!

Enjoy checking out these resources and helping your dog be their best selves!

January 8, 2025

We wish a Happy 2025 to all of our patients, clients and team members! Let’s take a little time to reflect on the past year and some of our favorite photos.

Eclipse Day!

Who could forget the 2024 eclipse? We made sure to share safety tips for pets.

Sharing Our Pets for National Pet Day

Look at these sweeties!

Celebrating Veterinary Receptionist Week

Our amazing Veterinary Receptionists are the first voice you hear when you call and the first face you see when you walk in. They are critically important to patient care!

Recognizing National Mutt Day

We celebrated with Riggins.

Kitten Well Visits

We just love those kitty cuddles.

National Black Dog Day

Jedd came to see us on National Black Dog day!

Santa Visits Companion Care Animal Hospital

Thank you for sharing a wonderful year with us, and we look forward to seeing you and your pets in 2025!

December 20, 2024

From Foods to Decorations to Guests, Follow These Tips this Season

Christmas, New Years and all the winter holidays can pose some challenges for keeping your pet safe. Keep these simple tips in mind for happy holidays.

Holiday No-No Foods

These foods are dangerous for pets and need to be kept away from them.

• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Bones
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes/raisins
• Candy
• Cooked bones

Poisonous Plants

Festive Christmas plants can also be dangerous for curious pets. Consider artificial replacements for:

• Poinsettias
• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Lilies

Decoration Safety

Everyone loves beautiful holiday decorations! Follow these guidelines for decor that both people and animals can enjoy.

• Put out candles if you are leaving the room
• Tape down any electrical cords
• Avoid tinsel
• Cover the water pan under the Christmas tree

Managing Your Pet Around Guests

Help help your pets successfully interact with guests takes a little planning. Here are some ideas.

• Make sure their ID tags are up-to-date
• Hold onto your pet as people enter the house
• Introduce your guests to your pet
• Teach kids the proper way to treat a pet
• Make sure nobody feeds them from the table
• Give your pets a safe place to get away and have quiet time

Cold Weather Safety

• For outdoor pets, make sure to offer fresh (unfrozen) water, warm bedding and wind-free shelter
• Keep your pet away from antifreeze and other cold-weather chemicals like de-icers
• Remember that elderly and infant pets are the most vulnerable to cold

November 20, 2024

An Alarming Increase in Incidents Involving Antidepressants

In the last year, chocolate, grapes and raisins have claimed the top spots in Pet Poison Helpline’s call volume. These toxins account for over 25% of all calls. So, especially as we enter the season of holidays, it’s important to keep these foods out of reach of your pet.

Next on the list are common toxins ibuprofen (Advil) and bromethalin (rat poison). Calls for these toxins are over 7% of the total.

Climbing the list in this deadly popularity contest are antidepressant and antianxiety medications. These only account for 3.5% of total call volume to Pet Poison Helpline over the last year, but the increase is alarming. Over the last five years, pet poisoning calls for these medications have increased 80%. So, if you or someone in your household has a prescription for antidepressants and/or antianxiety meds, please keep them safely locked away from pets (and children).

Pet Poison Helpline’s Top 20 Toxins List

Here’s the full list of top 20 pet toxins from the last 12 months, tracked by Pet Poison Helpline

Small percentages still show many call cases received, since Pet Poison Helpline serves thousands of callers each year. So, don’t let up with your vigilance in keeping coffee beans, coffee grounds, thyroid hormone medication or beta-blockers safely away from your pets. Just because a toxin is less common doesn’t meant it can’t affect your pet.

Top Clinical Signs of Toxicity in Pets

Helpfully, there’s also a list of the top 20 clinical signs to look out for with toxicity. Check them out. This knowledge might just save an animal’s life one day.

Animal Poison Control Options

If your pet has ingested a suspected toxin, and you can’t get in touch with your veterinarian, these animal poison control lines are good resources:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661

November 7, 2024

November is Senior Pet Health Month, Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month & National Pet Diabetes Month

In November, we count our blessings. Which is why we published our list of 10 Reasons to Love Senior Pets. We also know that senior pets benefit from a little more attention to their daily health.

“Age is not a barrier to a happy, healthy pet.”

Basic Considerations When Caring for Senior Pets

As your pet ages, you’ll want to learn more how to care for them in various ways, such as:

• Increased veterinary care
• Diet and nutrition
• Parasite control
• Vaccinations
• Maintaining mobility
• Mental health
• Environment
• Reproductive diseases

Your veterinarian can guide you on the steps to help your senior pet live their happiest, healthiest life. We recommend making an appointment to talk in person and make a plan.

National Pet Diabetes Month

It is estimated that one in 300 dogs and one in 230 cats in the US have diabetes. As your pet ages, you especially want to learn more about this disease. Here are the symptoms of diabetes in pets:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Cloudy eyes
• Altered appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Poor coat
• Vomiting

Previously, we shared more about “Living with Diabetes: Your Pet.” The good news? With proper attention and veterinary care, diabetic pets can enjoy quality lives.

So, if you’re considering adopting a pet, we encourage you to meet a few senior pets. And if you already have a senior pet, give them a hug from us!

October 29, 2024

November is National Senior Pet Month

Do you have the joy of a senior pet in your life? If you don’t yet, you will as your cat or dog ages. These golden years are often a beautiful time full of special moments.

Here are 10 reasons we love our senior pets.

1. Senior pets have time to cuddle (those younger pets don’t always have the patience!)
2. We have years of joy with our senior pets. Cats are considered senior around 10 years of age. Small dogs are also seniors around 10 years, while larger dogs are seniors around 8 years of age.
3. Senior pets have had years of life to learn how to show love and affection, i.e., socialization
4. Life is calmer with a senior pet, and they usually have outgrown mischievous behavior
5. These pets will take naps with you!
6. When we’ve shared our life with a pet for many years, we know each other so well. Your pet probably knows what you’re going to do or what you’re feeling better than you do
7. Your senior pet has also built up good habits specific to what you care about. For instance, my dog knows the difference between his toys and the kids’ toys
8. Senior pets are also wonderful to adopt and start a new relationship with. They are so grateful for the peace and love that come from finding their forever family
9. It’s easier to be present and treasure each moment you have with your pet, knowing they are in their sunset years
10. We can feel good about giving a senior pet their best life, helping them live happily and healthily. Wild animals don’t get to enjoy “retirement.”

You probably want to add to this list of “Why We Love Senior Pets!” Visit our Facebook page to share your stories and thoughts.

October 14, 2024

Pet Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe & Sound

Spooky season is here, and people love it! About 60% of Americans celebrate Halloween. But 0% of pets enjoy being frightened, so let’s review some safety tips.

Candy is Never Good for Pets

For the health and safety of your cat or dog, keep all candy away from them. Chocolate candy or sugar-free candy are toxic, while sticky candies can become stuck in teeth or digestive tracts. Here are some tips to help your pet avoid the candy:

• Make sure your kids understand that sharing candy with pets is dangerous
• Put the trick-or-treat bowl out of reach of your pet
• Store bags of candy in a cabinet your pet can’t reach
• If you have your leashed dog at a Halloween event, watch the ground for dropped candy

Costumes Aren’t for Every Pet

We love seeing dressed up dogs and cats as much as anyone– they are just so cute in costumes! But not every pet wants to join in the fun. If your pet resists wearing a costume, don’t force it. Here are more costume guidelines:

• Don’t put a mask on your pet for any length of time, even if your pet doesn’t seem to mind. Just long enough to snap a cute pic.
• Choose a comfortable costume that isn’t too tight and allows normal movement (walking, sitting, lying down).
• If your pet shows any discomfort or irritation, remove the costume right away

Home is the Safest Place

Halloween celebrations often happen at night, with large crowds. This experience isn’t for most pets, who are safest and happiest indoors at home. If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters or going to a party, create a safe space in your home where your pet won’t come face-to-face with strangers.

For more Halloween safety tips, check out these articles:

• Top 7 Halloween Pet Safety Tips
• Avoid Pet Boo-Boos this Halloween

Wishing you and your pet a happy and safe Halloween!