Archive for the ‘Pet Safety’ Category

CBD for Dogs: Safe or Hard Pass?

Tuesday, December 6th, 2022
Beagle dog licking young man's face.

When it comes to pain management for dogs, Berkeley Veterinary Center is all ears. Anything that could possibly help (wo)man’s best friend be a little more comfortable can’t be bad, right? When it comes to CBD for dogs, it can be hard to know if it is a valid treatment option or a waste of money. Keep reading to learn about whether CBD is safe for pain management for dogs or if you should keep looking. 

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Pet Health: The Importance of Grooming Your Pet

Thursday, September 8th, 2022
Cavalier King Charles spaniel wrapped in towel at the grooming salon.

While regular grooming is important to keep your pet smelling and looking nice, it also has many added health benefits! Regular bathing also allows your or your grooming team the opportunity to look over your pet’s coat and body, which can be a great preventive measure for catching other skin or health issues. The team at Berkeley Veterinary Center put together this guide to teach pet owners the importance of grooming, so you can see just how it affects your pet’s health. 

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Pet Safety: Dog Days of Summer

Tuesday, July 5th, 2022
Pug dog outside in the grass drinking water from a bowl.

There’s nothing like enjoying the dog days of summer with our favorite pets, but while we’re having fun in the sun, it’s important to be aware of how the sun, sand, and heat is affecting our pets.

At Berkeley Veterinary Center, we want your summer activities to be fun and safe for you and your pets, so we’ve compiled some tips for protecting your pets from heat-related pet injuries

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Avoiding Holiday Hazards for Your Pets

Wednesday, December 1st, 2021
Pet holiday safety.

Winter holiday celebrations make us feel merry and bright. Baking cookies and pies, making decadent meals, and decorating our homes bring jolly good times. Unfortunately, the busyness of the season can sometimes lead us to overlook the needs of our pets. Take care this holiday season to keep your furry friends safe by pet-proofing your home to avoid common holiday hazards like this:

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Pets Feel It Too: How to Recognize the Signs of Stress in Pets

Monday, April 19th, 2021
A small dog looks stressed.

Stress is a biological response that helps humans and animals avoid dangers in the wild. In the modern world, many of these stressors are no longer life-threatening and instead make us feel nervous, anxious, or unsure doing normal activities. Pets can also experience stress, and just like in humans, prolonged stress can lead to changes in behavior or health in animals. Recognizing signs of stress in pets is an important element of overall health and wellness. 

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Proper Storage Can Prevent Pet Poisoning

Friday, March 19th, 2021
puppy and child looking in a kitchen cabinet

As pet owners, we have our work cut out for us. We are not only tasked with maintaining the overall health and wellness of our furry friends—it’s essential for us to preserve their happiness and comfort too. 

However, none of this is possible without keeping safety in mind. Keeping pets out of trouble can be a challenge! By reducing possible exposure to toxins, you can prevent pet poisoning. Knowing how to store household cleaners, medications, and other hazards can go a long way towards keeping your furry friends safe from unnecessary toxin exposure. 

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Hot Dog! Signs that Your Dog Is Overheated

Thursday, July 16th, 2020
A dog getting a drink outside

High humidity and soaring temperatures can make for a dangerous combination for our pet companions. Sometimes, we make the mistake of assuming dogs can handle warm weather better than us. However, that is not the case. Dogs are prone to sunburn, heatstroke, and heat stress from being out in intense sun and heat for too long.

In order to avoid a sun related emergency, the team at Berkeley Veterinary Center is here to give you some recommendations to keep your dog cool. We will explain what to watch for, if your dog is overheated, so you can act quickly.

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Warmer Weather Ahead: Getting Your Pet Ready for Spring 

Thursday, March 19th, 2020
A cat checking out some flowers

Spring means plenty of outdoor fun for people and pets alike. Soon, flowers and grasses will emerge, trees will bloom, and the sun will begin to shine a little longer each day. Outdoor fun, coupled with spring yard cleaning and garden planting, are on the horizon.

That’s why the team at Berkeley Veterinary Center is here with some tips on getting your pets ready for spring and the transition of the season.

Parasite Prevention

If your pet isn’t current on their heartworm and flea and tick preventives, now is the time to get them protected. While heartworm infection and flea and tick-borne illnesses are year-round risks, the arrival of warm weather increases these risks. 

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Like Oil and Water: Do Essential Oils and Pets Mix?

Wednesday, October 16th, 2019
Cat and essential oil diffuser

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not classify essential oils as medicine, but they are perceived by many to have healing qualities. Indeed, they are hyped to “treat” all types of physical and mental afflictions in people, but the impact they have on pets is definitely not as positive.

Even if they are simply used as air fresheners, the combination of essential oils and pets may be problematic.

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Fireworks, Thunder, and Parties…Oh My! Battling Pet Noise Anxiety

Thursday, June 20th, 2019
A cat hiding in the shades

Summer means different things to different people – backyard barbeques, camping, trips to the lake, or a big family vacation may be on your agenda. For many pets, however, the warmest months are also the scariest. Thunderstorms, fireworks, and all the parties and gatherings can trigger a host of upsetting behaviors and put a real damper on everyone’s quality of life.

Pet noise anxiety can be a serious concern for pet owners. Prolonged periods of anxiety can be harmful to a pet’s health and wellness, and it can put them at risk for escape or injury. At Berkeley Veterinary Center, we’re a certified Fear Free practice, meaning we’re committed to reducing fear and stress in pets.

Keep reading to understand more about pet noise anxiety and how you can help your furry loved one remain calm and comfortable this summer.

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