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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?

The inevitable end of life comes to all living beings. Life, death, birth, these are the important themes of anyone’s journey, including our cherished pets. Losing a pet is incredibly difficult and can be a confusing and sad time for the entire family. There are days when you wonder if your pet is experiencing any pleasure in life, or if they are in pain. These questions can make it hard to know when the right time is to say goodbye to a pet.

Even though it is hard to let go, there are some indicators that the time has come when your pet’s quality of life isn’t there anymore. Your team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to discuss this delicate time of your pet’s life and help you with any questions you may have.

In the United States, approximately 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 231 cats have diabetes. Diabetes in pets is one of the most common conditions we see here at Harpeth Hills Veterinary Hospital.

A diagnosis of diabetes in pet might be overwhelming, but the good news is that with early detection and careful management, pets can still lead long and happy lives. 

What is Diabetes in Pets?

Normally, food is broken down into glucose after a pet eats. Insulin is secreted from the pancreas and facilitates the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. The cells can then use glucose for energy. 

Let’s face it, pets have an aroma that isn’t always so pleasant. They love to explore in the rain, snow, and mud. They roll around in mystery muck. They use litter boxes or squat outside to do their business. It’s understandable why your pet doesn’t smell like a bouquet of roses, but if they are really stinky, there may be a medical problem at play.

There are several reasons why pets have bad odor. The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to answer your question: “why does my pet stink?”

Pet toys by their very nature should be incredibly hardy. Unfortunately, despite their target audience, many toys designed for pets actually create problems, and some of them can be major. The concept of “indestructible pet toys” may sound like a misnomer, but they do exist, waiting for your pet’s enjoyment!

Know the Score

Your pet’s species, breed, size, age, lifestyle, and personality will best inform your purchase options. When it comes to providing them the right toys that support both mental and physical health, you may be faced with a variety of unsuitable choices.