Dr. Google: Why Depending on The Internet For Veterinary Advice is Dangerous

dog at computer

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.

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Leaving Your Pet Home Alone: A Guide to Pets On Their Own

A French Bull dog sitting on a dark hardwood floor looks forlorne and alone in the late afternoon light.

As much as you might like to take your dog with you everywhere, it’s just not possible. Going to work, the gym, social gatherings, and even certain restaurants makes leaving your pet home alone a necessity. 

Leaving your pet home alone doesn’t make you a bad pet owner. But it’s important to think about any limits and considerations to make your pet more comfortable when they are on their own. 

Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to help navigate the issue of your pet home alone, with some ideas for how to make this experience better for everyone! 

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Four-Legged Fun in Nashville – Your Guide to Pet-Friendly Activities

pet friendly activities

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!

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Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital’s Top Pet Care Blogs of 2018.

top veterinary blogs

Once again we’ve closed out another year, and it’s time to look back and reflect on all the memories, moments, and accomplishments of 2018. Aside from taking a cue from social media and all the many (sometimes ridiculous) “Top 10” lists appearing everywhere, we like to take time to look back and feel grateful for our patients, clients, and friends who made 2018 a most wonderful year for Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital. Thank you!

Each year we also like to look back at our monthly pet care blogs to make sure we are providing you with relevant, timely, and interesting (and sometimes plain fun!) content. By measuring clicks and shares, we also have compiled our own list of Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital’s top pet care blogs of 2018.

We hope you enjoy this peek into what blogs inspired the most this year!

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Quality of Life Assessment for Pets: When to Let Go

pet quality of life

One of the tragedies of owning pets is that they never outlive us. Indeed, there are so many exciting, wonderful, and fun times to be had with our pets, and it’s our continuing goal to help you keep them as healthy and happy for a lifetime. But when their life is winding down, how do you know when it’s time to let them go?

This can be one of the most difficult and even agonizing decisions we face as pet owners. However, there are some excellent assessment tools for evaluating your pet’s quality of life that can help you to make a decision that is the kindest to them as well as peaceful for you. When you’re ready to discuss these difficult conversations, let us know. Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here for you.

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Mark Your Calendars: Pet Activities in Nashville You Won’t Want to Miss!

Nashville pet activities can be good pet exercise

The weather is cooling off, the school year schedule is firmly in place, and the fall foliage provides a gorgeous backdrop for the wide array of events taking place in our wonderful city. There’s no better way to celebrate the season than by grabbing your pet and heading out to enjoy one (or two or three) of these upcoming pet activities in Nashville.

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Relax: Back to School Tips for Your Pets

Back to school time can be rough on pet behaviorIt’s that time of year – the excitement of a new school year is in the air. Along with the anticipation of new teachers, classmates, and maybe even a new school comes shorter days at home and more activities outside the home. Pets who have been used to attention from their kids during the summer may feel sudden anxiety with all the change. But, don’t worry. We have plenty of back-to-school tips for your pets to ease the transition for all.

Back to School Tips for Your Pets

Changes in routine can cause anxiety in many pets. They’ve been used to a house full of people, and lots of attention from your kids. Here are some tips to help you alleviate anxiety for your pets when it’s time to go back to school. Continue…

Unconditional Love: The Benefits of Owning a Pet

dog at bellevue animal hospital tenesseeIf 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…

Hanging with Pets in Nashville? We’ve Got You Covered!

Pets in Nashville can have funCashville. Smashville. NashVegas. Music City, U.S.A. No matter what you call it, Nashville is a true delight for locals and tourists. Besides being known for the many fun and fascinating things to look at, listen to, and do, Nashville is also making a name for itself as a pet-friendly city. Whether you want to hear some music, catch a quick bite, or commune with nature, there are no shortage of places to enjoy with your pets in Nashville.

Dining with Pets in Nashville

It couldn’t be easier to dine out with your pet on one of the many pet-friendly patios in our friendly, easy going city. Check out some of the following establishments for a meal or drink with your pooch:
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Pet Grooming: Keep to a Routine for Optimal Health

dog groomingThe business of self-care is a big one. Drive down any main thoroughfare, and you’ll see a menagerie of nail salons, spas, and barber shops. We feel good when we look good – and the same is true for animals. Sure, many pets keep themselves fairly tidy (we’re looking at you, cats), but self-grooming is no match for the full-service variety. You get a fresh-smelling, clean pet at home, but what’s more, they feel their best when regular pet grooming is a priority.

Paws-itive Impact

Think about how often you clean, comb, and brush your own hair. Well, dogs and cats experience the same great feeling with routine brushing. This helps remove loose hairs and debris, stimulates blood flow to the skin, and evenly distributes naturally occurring oils. Say goodbye to hairballs! Continue…