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Flat-nose dog breeds, like the English bulldog, French bulldog, pug, and Boston terrier have become very popular over the last few years. They fall under the category called brachycephalic, or simply put, short-headed.  

There are some health complexities to these lovable breeds. Before owning one, be aware that these boop-able noses require some extra dog wellness care. 

While our kitty companions may be good at pretending like they don’t really need you, the truth is that cats love and become attached to their owners as well. While separation anxiety is a well-described and recognized phenomenon in dogs, our team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital understands that feline separation anxiety is a real thing, too. Here’s what you need to know:

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.

Anal glands are a part of every dog’s anatomy and can produce odors from time to time. If you have noticed a fishy smell coming from your pup, chances are it is the anal glands. The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to fill you in on why your dog might be smelling kind of fishy all of a sudden:

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.

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!

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. 

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.