Pet Health & Wellness
Beyond the Bored Pet: The Case for Environmental Enrichment
Just like us, animals require activities that keep them mentally and physically active. Though we often treat them like little humans, our pets are still driven by behaviors that are instinctual and important to their well-being. When we notice a bored pet, this often means he or she is experiencing a deprivation of some kind.…
Read MoreThe Problem with Pee: Urinary Tract Infections in Pets
The symptoms may sound familiar: accidents in the house, posturing to urinate frequently, and asking to go out more than normal. Urinary tract infection in pets happen, but it isn’t always as simple as us prescribing an antibiotic. Read on to learn why it’s important for us at Schertz Animal Hospital to see your pet…
Read MoreWhen Good Livers Go Bad: Pet Liver Problems
As far as internal organs go, the liver is generally underrated. It is not an organ that we tend to talk about very much, but is extremely important to your pet’s overall health. The liver helps to detoxify the body, stores vitamins and minerals, regulate blood sugar, ensures proper blood clotting, and produces several very…
Read MoreHypothyroidism in Dogs
Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes low thyroid function, most commonly among dogs (although cats can also be affected). Most notably synonymous with weight gain, hypothyroidism in dogs can also produce behavioral changes, which are often observed before any physical symptoms can be detected. Hypothyroidism in dogs is primarily diagnosed among medium to large breeds,…
Read MoreChow Hounds and Curious Kitties: GI Obstructions in Pets
Just like babies, our pets tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially puppies. No wonder one of the most useful commands to teach your dog is “drop it!” However, besides ruining an expensive pair of Jimmy Choo’s, gastrointestinal (GI) obstructions in pets can also lead to an emergency situation. Why Do They Do…
Read MoreHow to Clean Dog Ears with Confidence
Most pet owners are a little apprehensive when it comes to cleaning ears. How do I do it? What if I hurt him? Do I need an ear cleaner? How do I know what is normal? Thankfully, knowing how to clean dog ears isn’t rocket science. At Schertz Animal Hospital, we are confident that you…
Read MoreSummertime Paw Care and Safety
Despite how much we rely on them, feet are often taken for granted. The same can be true of your pet’s paws – they’re sensitive and subject to a lot of rough surfaces and rowdy activity. When most owners consider sun and heat safety, it often centers on dehydration, sunburn, and heatstroke. While these conditions…
Read MoreThe Often Misunderstood Symptoms of Pet Allergies
When you think of allergy symptoms, what comes to mind? Sneezing is likely at the top of the list. However, symptoms in our pets are often overlooked, mainly because of our association with human allergies. When it comes to pet allergies, symptoms vary greatly depending on the animal and type of allergy. Flea Allergy…
Read MoreHow to Help a Reluctant Pet Take Medication
Aside from the dreaded task of tooth brushing, many pet owners struggle with administering medications. Most animals don’t like their mouths touched, and there are times when no amount of treats or promises will convince a pet to take medication. However, understanding your options and learning simple tips for pills and capsules can be useful.…
Read MoreTrimming Pet Nails Like a Pro
Many owners find the idea of trimming pet nails intimidating (if not downright terrifying!). That’s because the blood vessel that runs through the nail, referred to as the “quick,” can be accidentally grazed, causing pain in our fur friends. However, trimming pet nails to the correct length is important for overall health. Nails that grow…
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