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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
