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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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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Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your family is probably one of the cutest, sweetest, and most delightful experiences in life. It’s also a major lifestyle adjustment! Young animals require around-the-clock attention, and providing them with the right amount of love, exercise, socialization, and training are only a handful of the many components of new pet care.
Whether you adopted a puppy or kitten over the holidays or you’re planning to get one in the near future, the team at Berkeley Veterinary Center has you covered with our new pet care tips!
Although we love summer here in New Jersey, protecting ourselves from the sun and heat is a must. Whether we seek out the shade, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a frozen treat, we know how to keep ourselves cool. But what about our pets?
Dogs and cats are at higher risk for experiencing heat-related injuries, and it’s up to us to protect them from any temperature extremes. The team at Berkeley Veterinary Center wants to make sure you know the ins and outs of summer pet safety so you and your pet can enjoy the rest of the season in good health.
Not only do dogs and cats start off with higher body temperatures than humans, they’re also unable to cool themselves as efficiently. This fact, combined with their full-body fur coats, make them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. (more…)
For many of us, swimming is one of the best ways to stay in shape, cool off, and socialize with friends. For those of us with canine companions, a day on the water offers much of the same benefits – but with a catch!
Swimming is as natural to dogs as it is to humans, which is to say that not every pup is inclined to the water. Learn more about water safety for dogs by reviewing these tips from the friendly team at Berkeley Veterinary Center. (more…)
After a particularly nasty winter, it’s hard not to be thrilled with the arrival of spring. The warm weather brings with it more than picnics and green grass, however. Pet parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes, arrive along with spring, and the diseases they carry can cause serious discomfort and illness to your pet.
At Berkeley Veterinary Center, your pet’s health, wellness, and longevity is our top priority, which is why we recommend year-round pet parasite prevention throughout the duration of your pet’s life.
Pet theft may not be something that we think of often. After all, what kind of a person would steal someone’s beloved cat or dog? Unfortunately, this does happen. In fact, Petfinder estimates that over 2 million pets are stolen every year in the United States alone.
February 14th is Pet Theft Awareness Day, and your friends at Berkeley Veterinary Center wanted to spend some time talking about pet theft prevention to reduce the risk of this tragedy ever happening to your precious four-legged friend.
The simplest things in life often get overlooked. In the case of microchipping, if this basic procedure doesn’t get addressed during those puppy or kitten years, it is often forgotten. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to learn that a pet isn’t microchipped. When you consider how difficult it is to locate a lost or missing pet, however, it just makes sense to microchip your pet.
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The legal status of marijuana is changing across the United States, and its impact on pets has been noticed. According to the pet poison control hotline, there has been a significant increase in calls reporting marijuana exposure to pets since 2009; around the time marijuana legalization began.
As marijuana usage becomes legal in more and more states, and accepted in society, it’s worth looking into the health risks associated with pot and pets.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana, negatively affects a pet’s central nervous system and should be considered a pet toxin. Just like with humans, a pet’s age, weight, activity level, and amount of exposure will all affect the degree of marijuana poisoning.
Ah, spring…with its flowers, warm weather, and lush lawns and gardens, what’s not to love? It’s the perfect season for getting out with your pet companion and spending some quality time grilling on the deck or simply relaxing under the sun.
Springtime, however, brings some common pet toxins and poisonous plants that present risks to your four-legged pal. To make this colorful season one that’s enjoyable for all, Berkeley Veterinary Center wants you to know about some of the plants and substances that should be avoided.
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