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When we think about our pet’s health, we often focus on regular wellness exams and vaccinations. Many pet owners don’t fully understand how much their furry friend’s diet affects their behavior. 

At Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital, we understand the intricate link between what your pet eats and how they act. It’s not just about keeping them physically fit—it’s about fostering their overall well-being.

It’s hard to believe 2023 is already finished, but here we are at the start of a brand new year. As we reflect on the season that just passed, we wanted to take a moment to highlight our top blogs of 2023. Keep reading to join us on this brief stroll down memory lane:

Most of us are aware of the power of prevention and early detection when it comes to human medicine and dentistry. We go to the dentist for our cleanings and examinations every 6 months, and see our physicians yearly for physical checkups, blood work, and other screenings. And although these proceedings aren’t something most of us look forward to, we know it’s an important part of our ongoing health and wellness.

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is just as appropriate when it comes to pet wellness. Besides giving us the chance to get to know you and your pet, the annual (or bi-annual) pet wellness exam is aimed at catching any health problems that may be developing answering your questions and concerns.

Are you the kind of holiday enthusiast who busts out the Christmas tree before the Thanksgiving turkey has cooled? Do you dream of a winter wonderland in the middle of June? With all the sparkles, knickknacks, and magic, the holiday season is definitely a special time that many of us adore!

At Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital, we believe it’s never too early to begin planning for holiday pet safety. For the love of our furry friends, our team has compiled some great tips on how to keep your pet safe this season, making the holidays as merry and pet-friendly as possible.

As fall sets in here in Tennessee, many of us have autumn fun on our lists of things to do. Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital wants to be sure that all of our pets are included in the fall festivities, and that they are able to stay safe while doing so. Autumn pet safety is important, and we want to be sure that potential hazards are on your list.

Thanks to modern veterinary care and excellent ownership, pets are living longer than ever before. Characterized by engaging activities, balanced nutrition, and meaningful social connections, a pet’s senior years are also all about managing age-related conditions. With daily strategies that promote a high quality of life, owners can keep their golden oldie happy, safe, healthy, and comfortable.

Tennessee is home to breathtaking waterfalls and thousands of miles of trails, many of which are dog-friendly trails near Nashville. If you have an outdoorsy canine companion, the following tips from our team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital can help you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time exploring Tennessee’s scenic trails. 

Extra fluffy cats may be all the rage on social media, but overweight cats make the staff at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital feel a little sad. Feline weight management is key to good cat health, and many kitties need a little help in that department. Read on to learn why cats become overweight, the risks of cat obesity, and how to help your cat stay svelte.

Part of being a dog is running and playing and generally enjoying life. When our pets hurt, they can’t partake in these joyful activities. Canine orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia in dogs can definitely affect quality of life, and Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital wants to make sure that your pet’s time with you is optimal.

There are a few different factors that play a role in the development of canine hip dysplasia, a disease characterized by painful, uneven movements. A normal hip joint involves a tight-fitting ball and socket motion. In direct contrast, hip dysplasia concerns a malformed connection of the ball and socket that results in a loose joint. Over time, hip dysplasia causes painful wear and tear of the joint, or degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). The good news? It can be managed and treated.