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If you ask us, pets are worth every penny. When they need special care, though, things can really add up quickly. We are thankful that we have the best and most modern veterinary medicine at our disposal, but those advances don’t come without cost. Pet insurance should be a consideration for families that include those with four legs. Read on to answer the question as to whether pet insurance is worthwhile for you.

As we get older, our lives and daily routines can significantly change. After retirement, many older adults feel a sense of isolation and lack of purpose. Important people in our lives may no longer be there, and our ability to participate in activities at the same intensity will change. Many may find themselves with a lot of free time and a desire to do something with that time. Adopting a pet can help older adults achieve a sense of purpose and battle feelings of isolation as well as help to improve their overall health.

While all breeds have something to offer their new families, doddle puppies are in high demand. They are absolutely sweet, easy-going, fun-loving, adorable, and gentle (to name just a few characteristics). With our go-to guide, caring for a doodle puppy is easy, straightforward, and satisfying to boot!

A Lot Of Love to Give

All of the doodle cross breeds out there are half poodles. Whether bred with a labrador (labradoodle), golden retriever (golden doodle), collie (cadoodle), cocker spaniel (cockapoo), or dachshund (doxiepoo), new owners can expect a lifetime of intelligence, companionship, and entertainment. 

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. 

Traditional cigarette smoking has somewhat fallen out of fashion, but the use of nicotine is still growing strong. Vape pens are considered a good alternative to cigarettes, but the liquid inside them is far from chemical-free. In fact, vaping around pets can be incredibly hazardous to animal health and safety. 

One of the more endearing qualities of the canine species is the lack of any kind of shame. Whether your dog unabashedly passes gas during your dinner party or decides to help itself to the contents of the litter box, something about those pure actions without the worry of judgment is admirable. The same can be said for a dog proudly displaying his private parts. But what happens when a doggy erection isn’t going away? Keep reading to learn Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital’s take on paraphimosis in dogs. 

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.