Posts in Category: Pet Safety

For pet owners, the only thing worse than a pet going missing is the thought that you may never be reunited again. Many of us can’t imagine our sweet pets ever straying from their familiar home or yard, but accidents can and do happen. Even the best behaved pets run the risk of going missing, and finding them again can present a true challenge in many cases.

Besides a collar and ID tags (which pets should wear at all times), microchipping may be the best way to prevent your furry family member from becoming permanently lost.

We are passionate about pet microchipping here at Hallsville Veterinary Hospital, and are excited to educate our readers about this valuable and important aspect of responsible pet ownership.

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Without a doubt, pet vaccinations are good for the animals in our care. Not only do they positively affect longevity, they also reduce risks associated with contagious, even life-threatening, diseases. Various conditions spread by parasites and other animals can drastically alter your pet’s health and wellness – but not if we can help it.

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Have you ever miscalculated your dog’s behavior? Surely, it’s not uncommon to incorrectly anticipate reactions to certain environments, but it’s less fun to experience this in public. Before venturing out, it’s crucial to prepare your dog for various encounters; there are few places as important in this area as the dog park. Following certain key dog park basics can save the day and keep you both coming back for more fun and games.

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The impulse to adopt every pet is universally understood by other animal lovers. However, while a perfect match is possible, a harmonious household is sometimes only achieved after weeks of doubt, fear, anxiety, and stress. This is often the case in a multi-pet home.

The ways to navigate sticky situations between pets are not always clear, but when you know where to start, you and all your pets can begin the journey toward household bliss.

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While symptoms vary between the species, seasonal allergies affect people and pets. While we’re mostly bothered by runny noses or watery eyes, pet allergies pop up as skin rashes and intense scratching. Indeed, there are scores of pet owners out there who are well acquainted with the misery of an itchy pet. Before you can truly battle this formidable foe, however, it’s important to understand what causes pet allergies.

What’s That Bug?

Fleas are a big culprit behind pet allergies. In fact, flea saliva is responsible for an intensely itchy allergic response. In addition to various diseases spread by parasites like fleas, maintaining parasite prevention is a comprehensive approach to combating flea allergic dermatitis. Without year-round prevention, it’s not possible to rule out a flea allergy when allergic reactions flare up.

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If the thought of a chunky pet is adorable to you, you’re not alone. Despite all we know about the impact of extra weight on our own health, the topic of overweight pets is often misunderstood. Some of this is fueled by all those cute memes of chubby fur pals, but some is also due to a lack of information and awareness about pet obesity.

Is My Pet Fat or Just Fluffy?

Your friends at Hallsville Veterinary Hospital understand all pets are the epitome of cuteness, so we get why it’s hard to take a critical look at your pet’s overall weight. Plus, it can be very confusing. After all, it’s very easy to overfeed a cat or dog without really knowing.

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Hot, humid days in the Gulf can be expected… just listen to the steady hum of air conditioners kicking on across the neighborhood. Our pets can also experience discomfort – and even some danger – during the scorching summer months. You may also be surprised to learn that many pets are quite prone to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration.

Take some time to learn more about hot weather pet safety and what you can do to keep your pet cool.

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Hurricanes, tornados, severe thunderstorms, hail, and flooding are just a part of life here in Texas. Most of us probably have a plan in place for our families and ourselves in the event of severe weather or natural disaster, but how many of us have included our pets as part of the plan?

Preparing for severe weather pet safety before it happens is essential for the protection of your furry loved one!

Planning Ahead for Severe Weather Pet Safety

Having the supplies you need and a plan at the ready will help you to keep calm during a potential emergency. Consider the following severe weather pet safety tips:

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It’s reasonable to think that once you pet-proof your home, you don’t really have to worry about it anymore. Fluffy stopped chewing on your laptop cord ages ago, and Fido hasn’t been interested in your kitchen scraps lately. You’re all good, right? Maybe, but with the holidays fast approaching, you might want to amp up your household vigilance.

While this is a time for spreading joy and goodwill, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are also overflowing with opportunities for danger, trouble, or both. That’s precisely why our team came up with the following guide to holiday pet safety.

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Most dog owners in Texas are educated about heartworm disease. It’s not just about dogs, though – cats are at risk for heartworms, too!

While we don’t hear much about heartworm disease in our feline friends, it is perhaps an even scarier diagnosis for them. Read on to learn why Hallsville Veterinary Hospital wants you to know about heartworms in cats.

The Hated Heartworm

Heartworm disease is a very serious disease caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. This nasty little worm is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up the baby worms (called microfilaria) in its digestive tract. In 10-14 days, these baby worms become infective, and when the mosquito bites another animal, it injects these larvae into a new host. Continue…