Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

Ah, Nashville in the springtime–green grass and sunny weather. And pollen. Lots of pollen. Just like people, pets can have seasonal and environmental allergies. Also just like in people, allergies in pets are often not much fun. Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital has the best tips for you to make it through spring allergies in pets, though. 

The average breathing rate of a healthy dog is about 27 breaths per minute. Depending on their weight and overall size, they may need to breathe faster or take in more breaths per minute. Despite having a benchmark for normalcy, some pups just breathe faster sometimes, especially if they recently exerted themselves or the temperature is high. A dog breathing fast might not always trigger immediate action, but it can signal that they need help ASAP.

Holiday weight gain is a reality for most of us, pets and people alike. Between Halloween and New Year’s Day, we’re surrounded by indulgences for weeks on end. It might be perceived as normal for humans to put on a few extra pounds, but when a pet gains weight, their long-term health can be at risk. Prevention is always the best strategy, but if your pet needs to get back in shape for the new year, we’ve got the skinny.

The holidays are filled with a festive blend of food, family—and stress! And even though our pets aren’t the ones shopping, baking, and hosting holiday parties, they can experience anxiety during the holiday season just as we can. At Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital, we love helping you keep your pets happy and healthy year-round with wellness programs that include behavioral counseling, and we’re here to help you understand why your pet might be acting weird during and after the holidays.

Puppy dog eyes and that Puss-In-Boots pout are a pretty awesome (and adorable) part of owning pets. Sometimes, though, trouble can strike those perfect peepers. Join Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital in learning how to spot glaucoma eye problems in pets and what to do when you see them.

Drinking water and staying hydrated is just as important for animals as it is for humans. Water keeps us (and our beloved pets) healthy, and is necessary for daily life and bodily functions. While it may be easy to keep track of your own water intake, the same may not be as easily said for your pets. Pet owners may be wondering how much water their pet should be drinking and if they are drinking enough. 

There may also be times when you notice your pet is drinking more water than usual. This could be a symptom that something is up with your pet. The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to help you be aware and know when to be on the lookout for signs your furry friend may need a wellness check. 

Pet owners spend a lot of time gazing into their pet’s eyes. It’s like we can feel the human-animal bond revitalized and reconnected each and every time we sustain meaningful eye contact. This amount of attention is great because if any issues start to affect our pet’s eyes, we can spot them straight away. The five most common eye problems in pets might never affect your best friend, but knowing exactly what to look for can lead to early intervention and effective treatment.

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. 

While our kitty companions may be good at pretending like they don’t really need you, the truth is that cats love and become attached to their owners as well. While separation anxiety is a well-described and recognized phenomenon in dogs, our team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital understands that feline separation anxiety is a real thing, too. Here’s what you need to know:

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: