Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

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!

In the medical world, we often talk about how important early detection is through regular wellness examinations. This is also true in veterinary medicine, where we have shifted from addressing problems as they arise, to a modality that is vastly proactive and effective. This is done through regular pet wellness care. 

Many pet owners ask us about the need for pet wellness, especially when their pets seem completely healthy and happy. And we are glad you ask. Pet wellness is an important preventive approach to your pet’s health that can keep them vibrant, feeling great, and healthy for years to come. 

Cats may seem invincible, but much to our dismay they are subject to the same forces that any other living creature is. They certainly have a few weaknesses, and if we had to pinpoint one organ that doesn’t always pull its weight, it would be the kidney.

Feline kidney disease is a common diagnosis here at Harpeth Hills Veterinary Hospital. Because of the tremendous impact it can have on our feline patients, it is one disease with which all pet owners should be familiar. By catching it early and managing it aggressively, kidney disease in cats is definitely something that we can help our furry friends navigate. 

In the United States, approximately 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 231 cats have diabetes. Diabetes in pets is one of the most common conditions we see here at Harpeth Hills Veterinary Hospital.

A diagnosis of diabetes in pet might be overwhelming, but the good news is that with early detection and careful management, pets can still lead long and happy lives. 

What is Diabetes in Pets?

Normally, food is broken down into glucose after a pet eats. Insulin is secreted from the pancreas and facilitates the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. The cells can then use glucose for energy. 

Let’s face it, pets have an aroma that isn’t always so pleasant. They love to explore in the rain, snow, and mud. They roll around in mystery muck. They use litter boxes or squat outside to do their business. It’s understandable why your pet doesn’t smell like a bouquet of roses, but if they are really stinky, there may be a medical problem at play.

There are several reasons why pets have bad odor. The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to answer your question: “why does my pet stink?”

It’s simply human nature to procrastinate. But as Benjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is especially true when it comes to pet dental health!

Much of the time, regular brushing at home falls to the wayside – until stinky breath is noticeable. At that point, damage to the gums may be a foregone conclusion. 

With dental x-rays, routine cleanings, and follow-up care at home, you can really support pet dental health for the long haul.

Maybe your cat has just vomited and appears restless. Or your dog has some sort of skin irritation. Or perhaps your pet has been coughing for a few days. What’s the first thing you’ll likely do? Be honest! 

If you said “Google your pet’s symptoms”, you’re not alone. And while health information online can be informative, there are so many problems with relying on the internet for veterinary advice, and they put your pet’s health at serious risk. Read on to learn how relying on the Internet for veterinary advice can be dangerous for your pet.

In today’s world, prevention care is the trend in modern medicine. So is saving money! This is also true in veterinary medicine. Rather than responding to a disease once it occurs, we prefer to prevent the disease from occurring, whenever possible, through wellness care, annual diagnostic screening, and healthy lifestyles for your fur friend. This saves money as well as the emotional expense of having to watch your pet suffer.

Let’s take a closer look at preventive screenings and lifestyle options for your pet, and why they matter in disease prevention and longevity.

Chances are good that you know a person who suffers from asthma, or you deal with the chronic condition yourself. Just like with humans, asthma in pets can be scary and life threatening.

The good news, asthma in pets is easily controlled with education, patience, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle for your pet. 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to swell and constrict. This constriction can lead to the inability to take a full breath, exercise intolerance, wheezing, and other symptoms. Asthma can seriously affect a pet’s quality of life, and may lead to serious health consequences if not managed properly.

Everyone feels better when they’re clean, and pets are no different. Although most pet owners incorporate some aspects of grooming into their pet care routine, not everyone understands the link between pet grooming and health.

Besides helping our companions look and feel their best, home and professional grooming allows you to keep tabs on their overall health and strengthens the bond you share.

Are you ready to make grooming an important part of your pet’s care? Let’s get started!