Posts in Category: Exercise Nutrition & Obesity

All of us want what is best for our pets, and when it comes to pet nutrition, the amount of information out there can be staggering. It can be difficult to identify the best food for pets, and in truth, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. One nutrition trend that has been big lately is raw diets for pets, and Volunteer Veterinary Hospital wants to help clear up any questions on the topic. 

Just as it is with our ever-expanding waistlines, extra pounds on a pet don’t appear overnight. Successive weeks or months of a few extra treats a day, or a little less exercise, create the perfect storm for weight gain. The fact is, pet obesity is on the rise. Knowing what’s at stake for an overweight pet can help turn the tide and with a proactive, consistent approach, pet owners can have a direct impact on a pet’s overall health and longevity. 

Are you and your dog ready for warmer weather? As summer approaches, you will want to make sure your pup is groomed and ready to play outside. Always have plenty of water for both you and your dog when heading out for adventure. Don’t forget to bring some interactive dog toys to keep your best friend active and healthy. To help you prepare for this beautiful time of year, the team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital developed a list of durable toys that will last all summer:

Exercise is not only important to a pet’s physical health, it is also a great way to reduce negative behaviors and encourage enrichment and enjoyment.

After a surgery, however, your pet will be naturally limited to how much and what kind of exercise they can participate in. For minor surgeries, your veterinarian may instruct you to start your pet walking or other form of movement after a day or two, while more major surgeries might require immobilization for some time.

The team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital knows how important following guidelines after surgery are, in order to prevent injury and encourage better recovery. This is why we are here to offer a few exercise suggestions for the recovery time after your pet has surgery.

There has never been a better time to play with your dog. You are both home, and frankly, could use a little fun and exercise. Chances are, a little backyard time may be just the diversion to help with your physical and mental health. Let us help with our top 10 games to play together. Enjoy!

The Benefits of Exercise for Dogs

Whether you have a working breed or a content lap dog, they should ideally get between 30-60 minutes of exercise every single day. While it helps if exercise times are part of a strictly followed routine, if you spontaneously decide to embark on a new activity together, you can rest assured knowing you’re doing the right thing for your dog’s health.

Winter has definitely made its presence known, and if you’re like us, the “Big BRRR” is keeping us inside more than we would like. Still, sometimes indoor time in the winter can be a nice chance to slow down and reconnect with what’s most important – namely, our pets! 

If you’re searching for ways to engage with your pets this season, look no further. Volunteer Veterinary Hospital knows that a little inspiration is always good, so we’re diving into the best winter indoor pet activities. 

Four-footed friends need special attention in summer. With warmer weather and longer summer days, chances are good that you’re spending more time with your best dog pal outdoors.

Whether you’re vacationing together, playing frisbee in the yard, or swimming in the lake or river, your dog’s increased exposure to the outdoors requires more vigilance on your part. 

The condition of your dog’s feet is key to health and well being. When it comes to those four feet, let Volunteer Veterinary Hospital share some tips and tricks that will ensure a happy and healthy summer for your pet.

When it comes to enjoying the outdoors, getting in a great workout, and bonding with your furry friend, running with your dog can’t be beat. Besides the many health benefits of regular exercise for pets, running provides an outlet for excess energy, reduces boredom and negative behaviors, and strengthens the bond you share.

In case you haven’t noticed, your pet’s safety is one of our top priorities at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital. We want to share some simple do’s and don’ts when it comes to running with your dog.

But First…

• Come see us. Before beginning any exercise program, schedule a wellness exam with your veterinarian. We’ll make sure your best pal is healthy enough for running and is up-to-date on important vaccines and parasite protection.
• Brush up on obedience. A good grasp of basic obedience commands is essential for your dog’s safety. Dogs who run with their owners should be able to heel, not pull at the leash, and respond to basic commands, such as “come” or “drop it.”
• Get in gear. A sturdy, 4-6 foot leash, a harness with a back clip, and a few plastic baggies for doggie waste are all you need before hitting the trail with your pet. Stay away from retractable leashes, as these can be extremely dangerous and offer little control.

Tips for Running With Your Dog

Consider these tips to ensure running with your dog is a successful experience:

• Start slowly – You wouldn’t go from a couch potato to running 10 miles overnight, so don’t expect your dog to do the same. Work up to longer distances slowly with your pet. Additionally, don’t skip the warm-up period anytime you run with your dog  – a few minutes of brisk walking or slow jogging is sufficient to get the blood moving and muscles warmed up.
• Be observant – Always pay close attention to your dog’s body language and watch for signs of overexertion or heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting, drooling, stumbling, or slowing down/stopping. Never force your dog to run if they don’t want to.
• Watch the heat – Dogs aren’t able to regulate body temperature as efficiently as humans, meaning that heat stroke or heat exhaustion can come on quickly. Running during the early morning or evening hours is best during warmer months.
• Paw protection – A dog’s paw pads are tough, but they’re no match for hot pavement or asphalt, rocks, sticks, or glass. Whenever possible, choose a softer running surface, such as a trail or grass, and be on the lookout for any debris that could injure your dog’s paws.

We applaud you for giving your dog the joy and health benefits of running! Please let us know if you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment for your pup.

While we may not experience emotion in the same ways, there are definite indicators that felines have feelings. They are known to hiss or puff up when threatened or disgruntled, and examples of relative happiness include full body relaxation, walking with the tail up, and purring when next to (or on top of) their favorite person.

A happy cat is carefully looked after, cared and provided for, and as a result, they are absolutely healthier. Because we care deeply for every feline patient at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we aim to highlight the interplay between a cat’s emotional and physical wellbeing.

Odd Stats

There are more pet cats than dogs, but cats are typically underrepresented at the vet. Without a doubt, it can be difficult to crate and transport a frightened or angry cat, only to make them deal with possible adversaries in the waiting room, or feel vulnerable at the hands of a stranger poking and prodding them. Continue…

There are few things more entertaining than watching a cat play, stalk, pounce, stare-down, and ambush their “prey”. Luckily, there’s an endless supply of funny cat videos online to keep us going throughout the day!

But, while everyone’s amused by the internet cats, what’s happening with the ones we know and love at home? Are they flinging themselves off dangerous heights, climbing into cardboard boxes three times too small, or cuddling a fellow feline? If so, it might be time to consider the ways you can improve cat enrichment.

The Link

There’s no question that a cat’s overall health is tied to their environment. Of course, there are other things that are just as important, such as vaccines and parasite prevention, nutrition, and dental care, but the link to feline happiness is undoubtedly their surroundings. Continue…