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. 

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.

For some, simply knowing that cats stare at people isn’t enough to dismiss it. Indeed, it can be deeply unsettling to be the target of intense feline focus. 

While a staring contest with your cat might be the perfect pandemic activity, it still doesn’t explain why they do it. Cat behavior is often puzzling, but we think we might have a few ideas to explain this particularly odd conduct of kitties.

Just when we thought 2020 had come to an end, 2021 began… And while this year is shaping up to be an experience all its own, we can rest assured that our pets’ love and companionship will see us through the days ahead.

This past year, many have found themselves spending more time with their pets that ever before; which, of course, our pets have absolutely loved. With that, tough, pet owners have had the opportunity to witness more of our pets’ lives, quirks, and health than ever before, and we are grateful for those who have turned to our pet blog for answers.

And so, as we are want to do when the calendar turns, we offer you our top 5 most-read blogs of the year. May these popular blogs help to remind you of something you have learned, or inspire you to read more…

There’s a big difference between imagining a life shared with a pet – and actually bringing one home. Without a doubt, their sweet, silly cuteness goes a long way toward solidifying your bond,  but when things start to get “real” around the house, expectations and reality may collide. To truly understand the immense responsibility, a new pet owner should zoom out to focus on the big picture.

Pet emergencies have a way of making people feel particularly distraught. Our pets are like our children, and when they are in trouble our emotions may get the better of us. Most pet owners experience an unexpected situation at some point. If you should have a pet emergency, keep calm, and remember our words of advice. 

The end of summer is an exciting time for everybody. There’s so much to get done in order to prepare for the upcoming school year, whatever was gained in the relaxation department may quickly fall to the wayside. 

Rising stress levels aren’t the only things a household pet must contend with. In fact, marked decreases in owner’s time, attention, and affection take their tolls, and the result may be pet separation anxiety.

When the Days Are So Full

Many family pets truly relish all the time they have with the kids and the grownups alike. All summer long, there were peanut butter kisses, frozen treats, and lots of outdoor fun.

There really isn’t anything like growing up with a four-legged best friend. They’re ever-willing, loyal companions of adventurous childhood schemes.

Sometimes, however, pets can get a little irritated or accidentally hurt by the antics of their young owners, and require a little R&R away from the action. Kids and dogs are equally important to the other, but only when both parties receive time, space and quiet.

More Than Ever

Most family pets have never had this much time to spend with their beloved human family members. Indeed, we’ve all had adjustments to make in the last couple of months. The future is uncertain, but it seems likely that kids and dogs are going to continue spending all day, every day, together.

Approximately 15-30% of all Americans are affected by pet allergies. While they may be more common in households shared with cats, allergic reactions to dogs are known to be more severe. As a result, the dream of dog ownership may not ever be attainable for some people. For others, the experience is met with all sorts of uncomfortable challenges.

Breeding of hypoallergenic dogs is supposed to relieve some of the pressures associated with allergies, but how legitimate are the claims?

Pet toys by their very nature should be incredibly hardy. Unfortunately, despite their target audience, many toys designed for pets actually create problems, and some of them can be major. The concept of “indestructible pet toys” may sound like a misnomer, but they do exist, waiting for your pet’s enjoyment!

Know the Score

Your pet’s species, breed, size, age, lifestyle, and personality will best inform your purchase options. When it comes to providing them the right toys that support both mental and physical health, you may be faced with a variety of unsuitable choices.