Posts in Category: For The Dogs

Flat-nose dog breeds, like the English bulldog, French bulldog, pug, and Boston terrier have become very popular over the last few years. They fall under the category called brachycephalic, or simply put, short-headed.  

There are some health complexities to these lovable breeds. Before owning one, be aware that these boop-able noses require some extra dog wellness care. 

Small dogs are cute, portable, friendly and so lovable! However, many small dog breeds have a reputation for being yappy and scrappy. Where does this behavior come from and how can pet owners handle these big-scale reactions from their small-scale companions? 

At Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital, we can help you with understanding dog training needs and handle this particular pet behavior, along with many others.

Anal glands are a part of every dog’s anatomy and can produce odors from time to time. If you have noticed a fishy smell coming from your pup, chances are it is the anal glands. The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to fill you in on why your dog might be smelling kind of fishy all of a sudden:

Let’s face it, dogs aren’t known for their lovely smell. With their penchant for investigating garbage and other unappetizing items, it’s no wonder dogs don’t maintain that “fresh from the bath” scent for very long.

One smell that isn’t exactly horrible, and seems to be almost universal, is that strangely familiar corn chip smell emanating from their paws. Often referred to as “Frito feet,” this odd (yet not always unpleasant) smell can have dog owners wondering why their pets’ paws smell like a popular snack food!

Is your dog’s behavior less than desirable? If you’ve been struggling with a dog who is barking excessively, digging in the yard or garbage can, ripping up shoes or other household items, or being extra clingy, you may have a bored pup on your hands.

Keeping dogs busy is the key to reducing behavioral problems, not to mention making your dog much more content and comfortable. Fortunately, we have plenty of ideas to get you started!

Why Is My Dog Bored?

Originally, dogs were bred to have specific jobs, whether that was herding sheep or cows, hunting, guarding, and even being a companion animal. These days, the vast majority of dogs don’t have a job to do, and many are left to their own devices all day while the family is at work. 

Nothing like a big ole whiff of skunk perfume at 10 p.m. just as your pet is coming in from its “last call” potty break, right? If you are unlucky enough to have been skunked, not to worry, Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital knows just how to help. 

Skunk Perfume

If you’re not the one smelling it, skunk spray is actually pretty interesting. Skunks, much like dogs and cats, have glands on their behinds. Unlike dogs and cats, though, skunks have voluntary control of how and when they express these glands. They have been known to spray quite forcefully and very accurately up to 15 feet! 

When a skunk sprays, it is a form of self defense. The spray is not in unlimited supply, either, so the skunk often gives several warnings and tries to escape before unleashing its pungent perfume. When it comes down to it, though, a skunk can spray as many as six times in a row. 

We know getting out and exploring Nashville is probably on your agenda this spring, but why not kick it up a notch and bring your pet along? Of course, pets aren’t allowed everywhere, but the Music City is brimming with fun, interesting places to take your four-legged crew.

The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital wants to highlight some of our favorite pet activities in Nashville to get your feet (and paws) moving. Enjoy!

If you have pets, you know what a mood boost it is to see your dog greet you at the door after a long day at work. Or how good it feels to have your cat jump up on your lap for some snuggle time. This human-animal bond is something we can all feel, and perhaps even explain. But did you know that pet ownership is also good for your health? Aside from the feel-good aspect of pet ownership, there are mental, emotional, and physical benefits, too. What’s not to love?

Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital sees the bond between pets and their people every day, and it’s one of the very best parts of our job. So, we were excited to dig deeper into the health benefits of owning a pet. Continue…