4117 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135

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Big Life Change: Moving Your Cat to a New Home

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moving your catRelocating is a major life change. Whether you’re moving across town or to another state, packing, loading up, and getting acclimated to a different neighborhood takes time – and it takes a serious toll on a cat’s attachment to territory and routine. It’s overwhelming, certainly, but moving your cat will hopefully be easier with our transition tips.

It’s Dreadfully Exciting!

Moving can be fun, but before you get caught up in visions of your new life in a new place, consider Fluffy’s point of view. Moving your cat can be deeply unsettling, and the chaos surrounding packing and loading up can have disastrous results.

First, make sure your cat’s microchip is updated with your new contact information. Call your pet’s chip manufacturer for changes or questions. Also, ensure Fluffy’s tags show your new address and phone number.

We’re happy to supply you with your cat’s medical history, records, and proof of vaccinations. Likewise, we can provide any prescriptions or health certificates that are needed to move your cat out of state.

A Checklist for Moving Your Cat

Moving your cat successfully requires making his or her safety and well being a top priority. To that end, we offer the following tips:

  • Instead of packing them up, leave out your cat’s favorite toys, bedding, perches, and other creature comforts. By loading them up last, they’ll be the first things to get unpacked at your new place.
  • Have lots of pictures of your cat handy in case you need to find him or her after a sustained time away from home.
  • On moving day, keep your cat confined in a back bedroom or anywhere away from the constantly opening door. Not only does this reduce the risk of escape, but it can go a long way to easing your cat’s fear. If your cat is crate trained, moving day will be smooth. Otherwise, please consider boarding your cat with us until you’re ready to move.
  • It doesn’t matter if you’re flying or driving to your new place, moving your cat must include safe transport. Maintain hydration and security.
  • Always have your pet’s medical records on hand, along with any prescription food or medications.

Home Sweet Home

Your cat might immediately embrace your new house – or he or she might hide for hours after you arrive. Don’t worry. Simply unpack your cat’s favorite things (treats, litter box, toys, etc.), and offer lots of reassuring accolades. Don’t force your cat to do/see anything in particular. In fact, it may be ideal to keep your cat in a single room for a day or two, and then broaden their horizons slowly.

There are many reasons to keep a cat indoors, but some cats are happier as indoor-outdoor pets. After some time in the new house, allow your cat to step outside (hopefully the backyard is fenced), and gradually increase the amount of time spent outdoors.

  • Inspect your yard, surrounding property, and neighborhood for potential hazards.
  • Introduce yourself and your cat to the neighbors. Let them know that you’d like to be notified if they see your cat wandering around or if he or she gets into trouble.
  • Do not allow your cat to stay out all night.

If you have additional questions or concerns about moving your cat safely, we’re always here for you. Good luck!

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Is Pet Hair Taking Over Your Life? We Can Help!

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pet hairEver since pets moved from living strictly outdoors to occupying our homes, animal lovers have been grappling with pet hair on our clothes, couches, beds, and pretty much everywhere. Depending on a pet’s shedding habits, this can be a serious nuisance. But short of shaving him or her (which won’t cut down on the hair anyway), what’s a pet owner to do?

Start From the Source

Every hair you manage to remove from your pet is one less you’ll have to remove from your home. This makes daily grooming the single best way to mitigate a furry problem. By committing to just a few minutes of brushing each day, you’ll see a noticeable decrease in the amount of furries and fuzzies floating around your house. Thanks to some wonderful products, such as the FURminator, getting rid of excess fur on your pet has never been easier.

Pets (including cats) should also be bathed on a regular basis to cut down on dander and pet hair. Your veterinarian can help you determine the optimal grooming schedule for your pet.

Managing Pet Hair in the Home

Unless you own a hairless pet, pet hair is destined to be a part of your life. You can keep it from completely taking over your personal space (and your sanity) with our cleaning tips:

  • Vacuum carpets weekly, and use a dust mop to pick up fur on hard floors.
  • Use a vacuum, lint roller, damp sponge, or rubber glove to remove hair from upholstered furniture.
  • Launder pet bedding and any blankets used by pets on a weekly basis. Shake out and lint roll clothing before placing it in the wash, as the agitation of the machine will only work the hair deeper into the fibers of your garments.
  • Change the air filter in your furnace frequently, and have the air ducts cleaned at least once per year to remove accumulated pet hair and dander.

From the Inside Out

Providing your pet with a high quality, nutrient balanced diet is key to keeping hair loss at a reasonable level. Shedding is a natural part of your pet’s life, but losing too much fur can signal deeper health issues. If you’re concerned about your pet’s fur loss, please contact the team at West Park Animal Hospital.

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Potty Mouth: Why do Pets Drink From the Toilet?

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toilet drinkingToilets and pets are never a combo you want to encounter; however, seeing a pet take a sip of toilet water is a common scene. Drinking from the toilet seems like a pretty disgusting way to stay hydrated – particularly when you offer your pet multiple bowls of fresh water around the home.

So, what’s with this obsession? Why do pets drink from the toilet, and is it safe? The team at West Park sets out to address this unsavory attraction to the “toilet bowl beverage.”

Why do Pets Drink From the Toilet?

Common sense says that animals in general are not the germaphobes most humans have come to be. In fact, you’ve likely seen your furry friend drink from a number of yucky water sources – from ditch drains to mud puddles and everything in between.

If pets aren’t so discerning about what they eat or drink, should we expect them to snub the bowl?

Actually, there are some pretty compelling reasons Fido or Fluffy may be interested in the toilet bowl flow, including:

  • Cool water – Pets, like humans, prefer their drinking water to be cold or cool, and the porcelain bowl helps to maintain a cooler temperature.
  • Running water – Have you ever noticed how fixated your kitty companion is with the bathroom sink tap? Most animals will seek out running water in preference to stagnant – and for good reason since stagnant water sources often carry more parasites and other nasties.
  • Forgetful pet owner – On a hectic Monday morning, it can be easy to forget to check a pet’s water bowl before running off to tackle another busy day. Your pet may just view the toilet as a back-up when the drinking bowl becomes too low (or too dirty).
  • Because they can! – The simplest explanation for why pets imbibe from the bowl is simply because the lid remains up and they can access it.

Is it Safe?

One of the biggest concerns – aside from the embarrassment factor – of catching a pet lapping at the loo is whether or not it is safe. For us, toilets represent bacteria-filled water that needs to be disinfected often.  Yet, toilet bowl water contains less bacteria than you might find on a kitchen counter or toothbrush.

However, toilet water becomes a concern when household cleaners are used. Make sure your cat or dog is not in the area while you clean, and keep the lid down when toilet bowl cleaners are in use. You can also switch to safer cleaners, such as white vinegar and baking soda.

So what’s the final verdict? Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If your pet is sneaking sips from the toilet, remind all family members to keep the lid down. Encourage your pet to drink from his or her own water bowl by keeping the bowl clean and changing the water frequently. Add ice cubes to keep the water cool during warmer months.

If you have any questions about this behavior or any other pet health concern, please call us!

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Veterinarian giving cat a vaccine

Pet Immunization: How Vaccines Lead to Health and Longevity

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Veterinarian giving cat a vaccineFrom the most recent outbreaks of canine influenza to the ongoing perils of parvovirus, infectious diseases among pets is something that won’t ever go away. Like us, pets are susceptible to an array of illnesses that can place other animals and people at risk when not controlled and treated.

In observance of National Pet Immunization Month, West Park Animal Hospital wants to champion the importance of pet immunization and why these vaccines help keep the pet population healthy.

 

Why Vaccinate?

Over the past decade, vaccines have been the subject of controversy. Do we over-vaccinate? Which vaccinations are really important? These questions have carried over to pet owners who are also curious.

Without vaccines, millions of pets would suffer or die needlessly from illnesses we can now help prevent. Certain diseases like canine parvovirus and distemper are very serious and can often be fatal, especially among vulnerable puppies/kittens and those with impacted health. There are also several life-threatening diseases that can be passed on to humans, such as rabies and leptospirosis.

Through inoculation, your pet will not only be protected from these devastating illnesses, but vaccines also help “build up” the immune system against viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. This strengthens the body’s ability to fight off disease.

What About Indoor Only Pets?

A common misconception about vaccinations is that they’re only needed for those pets who go outdoors. Unfortunately, with such highly contagious illnesses, it only takes one exposure to a sick animal for your pet to become ill. Even contact through window or door screens can place a pet at risk.

It’s not unusual for pets to get outside accidentally (such as through an open door or window). Even 20 minutes of roaming can expose your pet. That’s why we highly recommend all pets be immunized against disease.

Pet Immunization – Core Vaccines

When it comes to pet immunization, every pet is unique. Our team recognizes not all pets require the same vaccine protocol or parasite prevention plan. However, there are some vaccines that are considered essential, and these are referred to as core vaccines.

Rabies – Not only is this vaccine important to prevent the spread of a deadly virus that can harm pets and people, it’s also required by law.

Distemper combo – This combo vaccine for dogs typically covers hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus, which are all serious and highly contagious diseases. Feline distemper combo includes feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and distemper.

More recently, we’ve seen a rise in the zoonotic illnesses Lyme disease and leptospirosis, making these vaccines important as outbreaks continue.

There are many other vaccine options we might recommend if your pet spends time among other animals or is traveling to an area where recent outbreaks have occurred. These might include Bordetella, canine influenza virus, and FeLV (feline leukemia).

Thankfully, we have options for disease prevention by keeping our pets current on annual immunizations. Not only is this the right choice for your pet’s well being, but it’s also part of being a responsible pet owner. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact us.

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On the Road Again? Bring Your Pet to See the Veterinarian Before Traveling

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veterinarian before travling According to a study by AAA and Best Western International, more than 50% of U.S. pet owners bring their pets along when they travel. And who can blame them? Our pets are part of our families, and it’s hard to imagine leaving them behind while we are off having adventures.

To help your trip go as smoothly as possible, it’s important to prepare ahead of time for your pet’s comfort and safety. Bringing your pet in to see the veterinarian before traveling is an important part of that pre-trip checklist.

 

Why See the Veterinarian Before Traveling?

The pre-trip wellness check is an absolute must. Your veterinarian will assess the following aspects of your pet’s health and wellness:

  • Overall health – Before embarking on any kind of trip, your pet should be checked to make sure he or she is healthy enough for travel. This is the opportunity for you to refill any medications your pet is on prior to your departure.
  • Vaccinations – Your veterinarian will make sure your pet is current on all required immunizations, and will help you to determine if any additional vaccines should be considered based on your destination, such as canine flu or Lyme disease.
  • Parasite prevention – Having adequate parasite prevention is crucial to your pet’s health and safety. Vector-borne illnesses, such as heartworm, are a problem in most areas of the country, and preventatives are the only way to protect your pet (most preventatives also control intestinal parasites).
  • Motion sickness – If your pet suffers from motion sickness or severe anxiety, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to alleviate these concerns (pets who need to be heavily medicated may not be suitable for travel).

Veterinary Health Certificate

In order to board an airplane, travel internationally, or even cross state lines with your pet, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from your veterinarian ahead of time. The certificate indicates that your pet is healthy enough for travel, and that he or she does not have any diseases that could be passed to other animals or people.

Travel requirements will vary depending on your destination, so it’s important that you begin the process of obtaining the required documentation as soon as you finalize your travel plans. At West Park Animal Hospital, we can assist you in determining the pet health requirements of your destination for domestic travel within the United States as well as provide certification.

If you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment for your pet before traveling, please don’t hesitate to contact the staff at West Park Animal Hospital.

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Pass the Greens! Why Some Dogs Eat Grass

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dogs eat grassIt’s not uncommon to see a dog munching on something we wouldn’t necessarily qualify as “food.” Dogs, after all, are the experimental gourmets, willing to ingest all sorts of things. Unfortunately, this makes them prone to poisoning when we aren’t paying attention. Among the least noxious of these “entrees” is grass.

Countless dog owners have pondered why their pooches have a palate for the lawn salad. “Is my dog sick?” “Should I stop this behavior?” “Is grass eating normal?” These are all questions we at West Park Animal Hospital have received over the years, making the mystery of why some dogs eat grass one that we’d like to help you solve.

Why DO Dogs Eat Grass?

Although some may be alarmed at the sight of a pet ingesting grass, this behavior is not out of the ordinary. Grass eating is somewhat of a normal occurrence that’s been the subject of debate for some time. Speculation has resulted in numerous theories, none of which have been proven.

However, some common reasons you may have heard include:

Evolution – Dogs are omnivores and unrelenting scavengers. Because their ancestor, the wolf, primarily hunted herbivores like rabbits and deer, it’s believed the taste of grass (which would have been found in the stomach and intestines) is reminiscent of these prey animals.

Illness – One of the most acceptable theories about why dogs eat grass is that it helps to relieve nausea. Many pet owners attest to a “rumbling belly” prior to the ingestion of grass. Additional (though inconclusive) evidence suggests that grass eating induces vomiting, which acts as a form of relief. However, vomiting only occurs in less than about 30% of dogs after eating the green stuff.

Hunger – Dogs lacking certain vitamins, minerals, or fiber are thought to be more enticed by plant material. Even when deficiencies aren’t present, those on restrictive diets will often “graze” out of hunger.

Parasites – Certain mammals have been known to use grasses and other plants as a form of “self-treatment” for intestinal parasites. Since grasses and other fibrous plants aren’t easily digested, they’re thought to act as a kind of internal “sweep” that cleanses the GI tract of parasites.

Compulsion – In some extreme cases, dogs dealing with phobias or anxiety will sometimes develop compulsive behaviors, which may include ingesting grass, feces, or other substances.

While all these arguments have some merit, in most situations, grass eating occurs because, well, your dog has access to grass and he or she simply enjoys eating it. In other words, your dog is probably just doing a normal dog behavior that isn’t cause for concern – unless, of course, this is a very new behavior that seems to correlate with another problem.

When to be Concerned

If your dog has suddenly taken an interest in grass, it’s a good idea to have him or her examined to rule out any underlying health issues. To make sure your dog is just “being a dog,” please give the team at West Park a call or schedule an appointment.

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Healthy Lawn, Healthy Pet: When Dog Urine Leaves Brown Spots in the Yard

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dog urineFor many, there’s nothing as nice as a lush, healthy lawn – and that can entail a lot of work! So naturally, dog lovers may struggle when they step out on the deck to see, sigh, another ugly brown spot where Fido has been “going.”

There’s much debate about why dog urine leaves brown spots on grass and even more talk about how to prevent it. While keeping the best interest of your pet – and your lawn – in mind, the team at West Park Animal Hospital wants to help you tackle this unsightly matter.

Why Dog Urine Leaves Brown Spots

It’s no doubt, those brown or yellow spots marking your freshly sodded backyard can be frustrating. You love your doggy, of course, but you keep scratching your head over what to do about the issue. Your dog will need to use nature as nature intended, so all the walks in the world can’t totally prevent your dog from peeing on the lawn.

The biggest issue is the misconception about why dog urine leaves brown spots. While salt and acidity is partly to blame, the primary culprit is actually nitrogen. While nitrogen is great for the lawn in the right amounts, concentrated nitrogen is the cause of all that yellowing.

Certainly, male dogs do love to pee everywhere and “mark their territory,” but they’re actually getting blamed for what is most likely caused by female dogs. Females squat to urinate; therefore, urine doesn’t get distributed as well, but rather stays concentrated in one spot of grass.

Also, the issue of lawn spots may not be totally the fault of your precious pet; other animals in the area may be using your lawn as their personal litter box as well (including wildlife).

Lush Lawn: Preventing Grass Damage

So what is a pet lover to do when fighting this losing battle? Well, there’s no foolproof method out there, but there are some steps you can take, including:

  1. Keep a bucket or garden hose handy in the backyard, and pour water over your pet’s urine spot to spread it out.
  2. Take your pet out on a leash to a specific, more pet-friendly area in the yard to “potty.”
  3. Plant hardy, urine resistant plants and ground cover.
  4. Avoid using harsh chemicals and products that contain high levels of nitrogen to help eliminate some of the acidity being placed on your lawn.
  5. Go for more walks to the park and other places so your pet isn’t only using the yard to eliminate (but use good etiquette by always picking up after your pet and avoid using other people’s lawns and gardens).
  6. Fence off your yard to discourage other animals from using your lawn as their pee zone.

Recently, products have been introduced that are additives to your pet’s diet, which claim to neutralize nitrogen in the urine. However, before making any purchases, please consult with your veterinarian at West Park. It’s far better to take the steps mentioned above rather than alter your pet’s nutrition or rely on something that may not be a healthy solution for your pet.

We welcome your questions!

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Pets and Divorce in the New World

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pets and divorceAccording to recent statistics, over 32% of U.S. households include a cat and more than 45% include a dog. In many of these homes, the pet is considered an important member of the family, but with a 50% divorce rate in the United States, the issue of “who gets the pet” is bound to come up from time to time.

Unfortunately, deciding what to do with a pet after a divorce or breakup isn’t always settled quickly or satisfactorily for both parties. Although most courts of law view pets as personal property, couples today have more options than ever when it comes to dealing with pets and divorce.

 

Determining Pet Custody

In cases of divorce or breakup, pet custody refers to who ultimately ends up with possession of the animal. In most states, the judicial system views pets acquired during a marriage as community property, unless the following stipulations are met and can be proven:

  • The pet was adopted by one party prior to the relationship
  • The pet was a gift to one party during the relationship
  • The pet was left to one party in a will

Evidence of sole ownership of a pet includes the name that appears on documents, such as registration certificates, veterinary records, purebred papers, and microchip registration.

Pet Parenting Plan

Much like a child custody agreement, many couples who are grappling with pets and divorce opt to come up with a pet parenting plan, which may involve one or more of the following considerations:

  • Who will the pet live with primarily, or will custody be split 50/50
  • Visitation schedules, including weekly or daily walks and occasional outings
  • How expenses are handled (vet bills, grooming, pet insurance, and other incidentals)
  • What happens in the case of more than one pet
  • Agreement on how the pet will be cared for following the divorce

Pets and Divorce

Pets can sense our emotions and often pick up on the stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger we suffer during a divorce or breakup. This, combined with a change in schedules, can lead to a pet acting out by becoming destructive, withdrawn, aggressive, or even developing tics, such as excessive grooming.

When living situations are changing in your pet’s life, you can help to give him or her a sense of normalcy by:

  • Striving to keep your pet’s daily schedule (mealtimes, walks, playtime, etc.) the same as it’s always been
  • Making sure your pet is getting exercise each day to burn off excess energy and stress
  • Taking time each day to interact with your pet, one-on-one (the benefits to both you and your pet are well worth it)

Your friends at West Park Animal Hospital are here for you and your pet. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about your furry loved ones.

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Easy as 1-2-3: Paying Attention to Summer Cat Care

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summer cat careWith the exception of, say, a Sphynx breed, cats are built to withstand frosty temperatures. In fact, their warm coats are fairly enviable in January when the windchill cuts right through our own wool coats. The flipside of having a warm, cozy, insulating coat is that, during the summer, the heat can go from slightly uncomfortable to downright dangerous. To reduce the risk of heatstroke and dehydration, we offer the best in summer cat care.

Clever Cats

The good news is that cats instinctively limit physical exertion when it’s terribly hot outside. However, without access to cool shade and fresh water, your cat’s wellbeing can be greatly compromised if left outdoors. This is true for cats of all ages, but kittens and senior cats need extra protection.

The Power Bill

Your cat will benefit from air conditioning and running fans throughout the day. He or she may still find the one sunny spot for the daily afternoon snooze, but airflow and cool temperatures are critically important.

If your cat continues to want outside on scorching hot days, make sure there’s enough shade (create your own shady areas if you lack tall trees).

Fill water containers and freeze a plastic water bottle and leave it, or a wet towel, where your cat likes to lay. It may seem counterintuitive since cats dislike getting wet, but it can reduce the dangers associated with heatstroke.

The Sweaty Business

Cats pant to regulate internal body temperature, and they sweat through their paw pads. However, if that water isn’t replenished and body temperature rises, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are inevitable. Without immediate intervention, organ damage, seizures, coma, and even death are possible outcomes.

See the Signs

Because symptoms can progress quickly, please watch carefully for the following indications that your cat needs help:

  • Rectal temperature of 105 degrees or higher
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fast pulse
  • Mobility issues, such as stumbling or disorientation
  • Red tongue and mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy

Summer Cat Care

As for your cat’s furry coat, keep up with grooming. Brush it out every so often (daily if your cat tolerates it), and keep it free of dirt, dust, loose hairs, and dander. It’s not recommended to shave your cat in the summer. The coat actually insulates your cat in the winter and summer from the cold and heat, respectively. Without the coat in summer, sunburn is likely, increasing the odds of cancer.

What Else?

Summer cat care is easy when you have the right approach and the right tools! A single cardboard box may be just the right thing to keep your cat happy to stay indoors where it’s cool and comfortable. If your cat enjoys the outdoors, only allow access in the evening or early morning.

Lastly, a blog about summer cat care wouldn’t be complete without a quick reminder to never leave your pet in the car for any length of time.

If we can assist you with further questions or concerns, please contact us.

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Fourth of July Fears: How to Help a Pet With Noise Anxiety

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noise anxietyOur pets are blessed with a highly developed sense of hearing which helps them perform natural behaviors, like hunting, stalking, and tending to their young. However, this sensitivity, while helpful in many cases, can also be detrimental during holidays like the Fourth of July.

Noises come in a variety of forms. Ever notice how Mittens runs for cover every time the vacuum comes out? How about when Spot freaks out at the sound of a loud thunder clap? Noise aversion is common among many, if not most, animals. For some, this natural aversion can turn into a full blown phobia.

Because summertime ballgames, festive holidays, and backyard parties will happen no matter what, the best way to help your pet cope with noise anxiety is through understanding, awareness, and prevention.

What is Noise Anxiety?

Noise anxiety is an overreaction to loud or abrupt noises and can occur suddenly or become chronic and progressive, such as with a phobia. Common sources of noise anxiety among dogs and cats include:

  • Fireworks
  • Gun shots
  • Car backfire
  • Construction noise
  • Traffic noise
  • Appliances (e.g., vacuum cleaners and weed wackers)
  • Thunderstorms

Depending on the level of anxiety, your pet may experience some of the following reactions to loud noises:

  • Panting
  • Trembling
  • Attempts to escape
  • Clinginess
  • Changes in body posture, such as cowering
  • Restlessness and hypervigilance
  • Vocalization
  • Uncontrolled urination/defecation

Depending on your pet’s level of fear, he or she can be at risk of escaping and becoming lost. In fact, missing pet reports peak during holidays such as the Fourth of July. When a pet escapes, he or she is subject to dangers such as other animals and wildlife attacks, illnesses, and being hit by a car. While we recommend microchipping for all pets, it’s absolutely crucial for pets who suffer from noise anxiety or other behavior problems.

Although cats are prone to general fear of noise (and will often seek a hiding place), dogs can actually be genetically predisposed to noise anxiety. For example, if your dog’s parent had this aversion, he or she is also more likely to have it. Breed can play a role as well, with herding breeds being more likely to develop noise aversion. This may be because they are bred to be hypervigilant in their “job” protecting livestock.

Helping Your Pet Through Noisy Events

If your pet has any discomfort with loud noises (and most do), it’s best to keep your pet at home with a trusted friend or family member during the noisy event. Even if you think your pet will just LOVE the parade, all the crowds and noise may not be worth the risk.

Some ways to help sooth a pet with noise anxiety include:

  • Provide your pet with a secure, quiet space, and minimize outside noise by playing soft music, a white noise machine, or the television.
  • Entice your pet with positive distractions like a few favorite treats or new toys.
  • Purchase a product like the Thundershirt, which has been effective in reducing fear.
  • Medications can be helpful for pets with more severe anxiety, including SILEO, a new gel-based medication that calms rather than sedates (contact us for more information).
  • Long-term or chronic noise anxiety can take a toll on health, safety, and wellbeing. Please speak with us about behavior medication and desensitization, as well as other methods of intervention.

We hope you and your sweet pet enjoy a quiet, cozy Fourth of July together. If that’s not a possibility, we know your pet will prefer to be safe and sound indoors with a loved one. Please call us with any questions. Have a happy Fourth of July!

 

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