In the United States, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are considered overweight or obese, according to data collected in 2022 by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). Research shows that these pets are more likely to develop certain diseases, such as arthritis or diabetes. The Red Oak Animal Hospital team understands that [...]
Some toy dog breeds are known for holding up a front leg when they’re nervous, exhibiting the cutest little three-legged stance. However, if your canine companion has been walking on three legs, they are actually limping, a clear injury or illness sign. Minor injury causes most canine lameness cases, but some causes are more suspect [...]
Most people who live with cats love their feline friends and make compromises to keep them happy, such as getting up at 5 a.m. to fill the food bowl, turn on the faucet, or open that closed door that is driving them crazy. However, one compromise many pet owners refuse to make is ignoring their [...]
You know your pet better than anyone, and you may be attuned to changes in your pet’s appearance and behavior that indicate potential problems, but discerning whether your furry friend is sick still can be difficult. Most pets don’t display obvious illness signs until their health issues have progressed and their prognosis may be poor. [...]
Nothing brings a smile to your face like watching your dog play outside. Whether they’re happily splashing in a creek, rolling around in the grass, or exploring their world with their nose, their pure, innocent joy is contagious. However, your pet likely is not alone outdoors—they may have lots of company, commonly in the form [...]
Ah summer—the sunshine, the long days, the warm weather—oh, and the bugs. So. Many. Bugs. If you’re one of those not-so-lucky people who seem to have a special knack for attracting these tiny terrors anytime you step outside, you know that insects can be quite a nuisance. As you’re swatting and flicking bugs off your [...]
The summer’s heat can be enjoyable for your pet as long as you know how to help them cool down. Like people, pets need to stay cool while outdoors when the temperature and humidity levels rise. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause your pet to overheat quickly, which can lead to heat [...]
Cognitive functions include the mental processes of perception, awareness, learning, and memory necessary to acquire information about the environment and decide how to respond. As do people, pets can experience a decline in cognitive abilities as they age. However, a pet with cognitive dysfunction experiences declining mental abilities that are far more severe than a [...]
July Fourth is a festive time full of outdoor activities, fireworks, and delicious foods. However, you must keep in mind that the celebrations can pose potential dangers to your furry friend. Keep your pet safe and comfortable during the commotion by taking precautions to protect them from potential hazards. Our Red Oak Animal Hospital team [...]
The world can be an itchy place for pets who are plagued with skin issues. Your pet can suffer from itchy skin for many reasons, and you may struggle to determine the cause. While a pet’s occasional licking or scratching is normal, when itching becomes so frequent and severe that the condition negatively affects their [...]
