Here are five of Companion Care Animal Hospital’s dog-specific health articles. Knowing this information as we move into summer can help your whole family enjoy a healthy season.
Earth Day is April 22. After watching the Artemis II mission launch and return, we can all have a deeper appreciation for our home planet. Here are tips to help us celebrate our beautiful Earth.
Take a nature hike with your pet. The more we get out into nature, the more we appreciate our planet and want to care for it (just remember to leave no trace).
Take a walk and clean up a park. Your furry friend would certainly enjoy a stroll while you pick up litter. And, who knows, you might spark curious onlookers to join you.
Check out the National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. It’s a great way to learn about safe travel with your pet in our national parks.
Donate gently-used bedding, blankets and toys to animal shelters. This is a great alternative to throwing things away when you buy new ones.
Participate in the Recycling Program offered by Animal Friends Humane Society in Hamilton. They accept items like aluminum cans, which help support pet care efforts. Learn more about the program.
The risk of heartworm infection can be right next door– at any time. Sadly, we encounter several common myths about this deadly parasitic infection that can put pets at risk. Here are the facts we want everyone to know
MYTH: Indoor pets don’t need prevention.TRUTH: Mosquitoes get indoors, slipping through screens and doors. One bite is all it takes, and indoor pets are still vulnerable.
MYTH: Only dogs get heartworm.TRUTH: Cats are also susceptible. While they are atypical hosts, they can suffer severe respiratory issues from immature worms, and there is no approved treatment for cats.
MYTH: You don’t need to worry about heartworms in the winter.TRUTH: Mosquitoes can emerge during winter warm-ups, and skipping doses can allow larvae to mature, making them more dangerous to treat.
MYTH: I’ll know if my pet has heartworms.TRUTH: Symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, causing permanent damage to the heart and lungs.
Heartworm “season” is year-round. To protect your pet (and others), give heartworm prevention year-round. This includes spring, summer, fall and winter. If you are in need of heartworm prevention, contact us.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that 56% of dog owners have tried to help their dogs lose weight, but only 28% of those dogs achieved that healthy weight. For Canine Fitness Month, we want to discuss ways to help your dog get healthier!
First, What Does a Healthy Weight Look Like for a Dog?
The Body Condition Score is a general tool to assess your dog’s weight. It can help pet owners get a basic idea, although an examination by your veterinarian is important before deciding on any weight loss plan.
If you and your veterinarian have concerns about your dog’s weight, you’ll set a target healthy weight and weigh in at wellness appointments.
What Might Your Veterinarian Recommend for Weight Loss?
Depending on your dog’s size and overall health, your veterinarian may recommend any of the following:
How much to feed your dog each day (it’s probably less than you think).
Weigh your dog’s food instead of using a cup or scoop. Dog food calories are measured by weight, not volume. It’s easy to feed too much at mealtimes.
Feed your dog two or three small meals each day, instead of one larger meal.
Eliminate snacks, if possible. At least, limit snacks to healthy alternatives, like raw carrots and frozen green beans. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
If needed, your veterinarian may recommend a specific low-calorie food.
Help your dog achieve about 30 minutes of daily activity, like walking, fetching or active play.
How Do I Help My Dog Become More Fit?
Many dogs are used to leisurely walks that don’t do much for fitness. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention suggests you work up to a 12 to 17-minute mile with most dog breeds. Here’s what they recommend.
Tips for a successful exercise walk
Start strong: Begin the walk at a brisk pace before your dog gets distracted by smells.
“Out” leg fast, “back” leg slower: Focus on moving briskly on the way out, then allow sniffing and exploring on the return.
Leash control: Keep the leash short, about 3–4 feet, and walk with your dog on your left side or away from traffic.
No retractable leashes: Use a standard leash for better safety and control.
Stay consistent: Don’t stop when your dog tries to pause or mark. Keep walking, tighten the leash slightly (no jerking), and use a simple command such as “Come” or “Here.”
Teaching your dog that this walk is for exercise, not just sightseeing, builds stamina, burns calories, and supports weight loss and overall health. Save casual sniffing for a separate walk or the return trip home.
Do you have questions about your dog’s weight or fitness level? Contact us.
Once you bring your kitten or puppy home, you’ll want to help them live their best, healthiest life. Here are the top things to know about young pet health.
What to Know About Kitten Health
When kittens are born, they weigh up to 3% of their mother’s weight. That’s so tiny! By six months old, the kitten will have reached 75% of their adult weight. Kittens grow quickly, so they need high-quality kitten food to support their journey to adulthood.
Fresh, clean water is just as important to kitten development as food, so make sure your kitten always has access to water.
A head-to-tail physical examination by your veterinarian is important soon after you bring your kitten home. Catching any health concerns early in life makes treatment more effective and less expensive. And if your kitten is perfectly healthy, it’s wonderful to get that peace of mind.
Kitten vaccinations are critical for the long-term health of your pet. Based on your environment and the latest recommendations, your veterinarian will share information. Together, you’ll make the best decisions for your kitten.
Parasites are also a fact of life for kittens. Testing for and treating common parasites preserves your kitten’s long-term health.
Start brushing your kitten’s teeth now, and they’ll get used to the process.
Talk with your veterinarian about making a plan for spaying/neutering your kitten at the right age.
Also, you might consider purchasing pet health insurance while your kitten is young and healthy.
What to Know About Puppy Health
Different dog breeds grow at different rates. Small breeds reach their adult size by 12 months, while larger breeds might grow for up to two years. Because of rapid growth, your puppy should be fed a high-quality puppy food for at least the first year of life. Your veterinarian can give personalized advice for your puppy.
Puppies need to stay hydrated, so always allow them access to fresh, clean water.
Soon after you bring your puppy home, you should make a first appointment with your veterinarian. Your puppy will get used to visiting and being examined. And a head-to-tail examination can identify any health concerns to watch out for.
Puppy vaccinations can start at their first visit, especially for life-threatening conditions like parvo or required-by-law rabies. Based on your lifestyle and the latest guidelines, your veterinarian will discuss other recommended vaccinations.
Lifelong prevention of parasites starts when your dog is a puppy. Many puppies are born with intestinal parasites. If parasites are present, they can be detected and treated. After that, lifelong prevention is the goal for all pets and will keep them much healthier.
Flea and tick prevention is also important and should start when your dog is a puppy and continue throughout life.
Dental health affects a dog’s overall health. Start brushing your puppy’s teeth early on, and they’ll be trained for life.
You’ll also want to make a plan with your veterinarian for spaying/neutering.
If you think pet health insurance is something you’re interested in, it’s economical to start it when your dog is young and healthy.
All of this might seem like a lot to know! At Companion Care Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you with health of your puppy or kitten. Contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment.
March 13 is a designated day to honor and appreciate the service and sacrifice made by K9 officers across the nation. According to Military.com:
“It was on March 13, 1942, that the Army began training for its new War Dog Program, also known as the ‘K-9 Corps,’ according to American Humane, marking the first time that dogs were officially a part of the U.S. Armed Forces.”
K9 Veteran Stories
Watch these stories of dedicated K9 officers who earn a well-deserved retirement.
The National Police Dog Foundation is a charitable organization for in-training, active and retired K9 officers. This video shows what they do.
Here’s what the National Police Dog Foundation say about K9 veterans:
“Most K-9s after active service go home with their handlers to become household pets. The ongoing medical care for the retired K-9s can be very expensive. The National Police Dog Foundation commends these handlers for their dedication to the K-9s and is proud to assists in the costs of Medical Care for the retired K-9s.”
During Pet Health Dental Month, we like to highlight how important dental care is for your pet’s overall health. Good dental health helps your pet feel better, eat better and behave better. Dental disease can cause bacterial problems throughout the body’s systems, along with the problems that come with infected gums or diseased teeth.
Know the Signs of Dental Disease
Most pet dental disease occurs below the gum line, where you can’t see it. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian. But, if you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian:
Red, swollen gums
Increased drooling
Dropping food from the mouth
Whining while eating
Loss of appetite
Unexpected weight loss
Loose or discolored teeth
Bleeding from mouth
Unwillingness to play with toys
Top Pet Dental Care Steps
Pet dental health is critical for overall health. Here are the top things you can do to improve and preserve your pet’s teeth and gums:
Toothbrushing with a soft brush and water or pet-formulated paste
Regular veterinary examinations, at least annually
Professional dental cleaning if recommended by your veterinarian
Look for signs of oral disease
Has it been awhile since your pet’s last dental cleaning? Contact us to see if it might be time.
We love celebrating Love Your Pet Day on February 20! Our pets are always there for us, and they deserve some recognition. Here are our lists for five reasons we love dogs and five reasons we love cats.
5 Reasons We Love Dogs
All dogs are unique, but they also share essential qualities that make them man’s best friend. Here are just some of the things we love about dogs.
Loyalty is probably the top word to describe dogs. Our dogs love us no matter what– they don’t care if we’re having a bad hair day.
Their cheerfulness boosts our mood. Who can frown while their dog is standing there, tail wagging?
Dogs are so cute! All dogs are adorable– from small to large, from short-haired to long.
Dogs love a cuddle and live for your love. Especially during this chilly winter, it’s just wonderful to snuggle on the couch with your pooch.
And what’s an adventure without your dog? Your dog is ready to take on the world with you! Let’s go for a walk, or a car ride– as long as we do it together.
5 Reasons We Love Cats
And let us not forget about cats (not that they would let us)! These five traits are unique to our feline friends, and they are part of the reasons we love them.
Personality is a cat’s defining characteristic. Every cat is his or herself, and we love that about them.
Cats choose us! When a cat wants to spend time with you, it’s a great honor.
And a cat’s independence is wonderful. You just know your cat has a rich, inner life that is somewhat mysterious.
Cats are curious and fun. They want to explore and learn– and maybe stalk and trap.
Cats are also elegant and beautiful. They are a joy to watch navigating their environment. Who knew slinking around the living room could look so graceful?
What do you love about your pet? Share your stories and pictures with us on Facebook. We would just love it!
These Small Steps Will Make Great Strides for Your Pet’s Health
A New Year’s Resolution often centers around health and fitness, so why not help your pet have their best year yet?
Make a wellness appointment with your veterinarian: An annual exam is the #1 best thing you can do for your pet’s health
Ask your veterinarian if your pet is a healthy weight:“Up to 63% of pet cats and 59.3% of pet dogs are overweight or obese“
Exercise with your pet 10 minutes per day: This could be a quick walk, or a spirited toy session
Offer healthy snacks instead: Here’s a recipe for Easy peanut butter pumpkin dog biscuits. Also, raw carrots, plain cooked meats or frozen green beans are good options
Have a brushing cuddle sessions once a week: Keep your pet free from matted fur, while also assessing any physical changes that you may want to bring up with your veterinarian
We hope you and your pet enjoy a 2026 of better health and wellness! Contact us if you have any questions about your pet or to schedule the all-important wellness visit.
Winter is Revving Up in January. Stay Cozy with These Tips
Overall, December temperatures were fairly mild for the season. As we move into January and February, we’re sure to see some arctic weather in the forecast. Winter can be a challenging time for pets, so watch for these cold weather hazards.
Be Prepared for Cold
Have an emergency kit that includes your pet’s needs in case of severe weather or prolonged power outage
If your dog has a short coat, consider a sweater or dog coat for outdoor excursions
Consider booties for your dog’s feet. Not only does it protect them from the cold, but from de-icing chemicals, as well
Ensure all outdoor pets have insulated shelter and unfrozen drinking water
Know Your Pet’s Limits
Know your pet’s tolerance for the cold and adjust accordingly. Keep in mind that very young pet and older pets are more sensitive to cold
Shorten walks in really cold weather
Avoid Injury and Poisoning
Check under your care, bang the hood and hong the horn before starting the engine. Cats and other small animals are attracted to the warmth of a parked engine
Use pet-safe de-icing products
Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly. Animals are attracted to this sweet, toxic liquid
Stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and streams. Animals might break through the ice out of your reach, creating a very dangerous situation. If your pet does escape onto the ice, do not follow– you weigh more than your pet
Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of irritation or injury
Wipe down or wash your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove packed snow, ice, salt and de-icing chemicals after walks
Have questions about keeping your cat or dog safe this winter? Contact us.
