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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. 

Cats may seem invincible, but much to our dismay they are subject to the same forces that any other living creature is. They certainly have a few weaknesses, and if we had to pinpoint one organ that doesn’t always pull its weight, it would be the kidney.

Feline kidney disease is a common diagnosis here at Harpeth Hills Veterinary Hospital. Because of the tremendous impact it can have on our feline patients, it is one disease with which all pet owners should be familiar. By catching it early and managing it aggressively, kidney disease in cats is definitely something that we can help our furry friends navigate. 

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.

Is your dog’s behavior less than desirable? If you’ve been struggling with a dog who is barking excessively, digging in the yard or garbage can, ripping up shoes or other household items, or being extra clingy, you may have a bored pup on your hands.

Keeping dogs busy is the key to reducing behavioral problems, not to mention making your dog much more content and comfortable. Fortunately, we have plenty of ideas to get you started!

Why Is My Dog Bored?

Originally, dogs were bred to have specific jobs, whether that was herding sheep or cows, hunting, guarding, and even being a companion animal. These days, the vast majority of dogs don’t have a job to do, and many are left to their own devices all day while the family is at work. 

Nothing like a big ole whiff of skunk perfume at 10 p.m. just as your pet is coming in from its “last call” potty break, right? If you are unlucky enough to have been skunked, not to worry, Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital knows just how to help. 

Skunk Perfume

If you’re not the one smelling it, skunk spray is actually pretty interesting. Skunks, much like dogs and cats, have glands on their behinds. Unlike dogs and cats, though, skunks have voluntary control of how and when they express these glands. They have been known to spray quite forcefully and very accurately up to 15 feet! 

When a skunk sprays, it is a form of self defense. The spray is not in unlimited supply, either, so the skunk often gives several warnings and tries to escape before unleashing its pungent perfume. When it comes down to it, though, a skunk can spray as many as six times in a row. 

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?