Archive for the ‘You & Your Pet’ Category

What You Should Know About Dog Poop

Tuesday, March 7th, 2023
Man with dog cleaning up dog stool from sidewalk.

You pick it up and toss it out every day, but how much do you really know about your dog’s poop? 

At Berkeley Veterinary Center, we typically ask that you bring a stool sample with you when your pet has a wellness visit, and that’s because your dog’s poop can give us the inside scoop on your pet’s health! 

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What an AAHA Accreditation Means For Your Pet

Friday, January 6th, 2023
Veterinarian Dr. Anthony DiAngelis with puppy patient

When it comes to finding the right veterinary hospital, many pet owners depend on recommendations from friends or relatives. And while this can lead to great results, less than a quarter of all animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada voluntarily agree to the highest standards of care established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This means that a vast majority of clinics and hospitals do not follow strict protocols and procedures designed to achieve the best possible health outcomes. We are proud of our AAHA accreditation for many reasons, and the confidence it provides pet owners ranks pretty high. 

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A Day in the Life of a Service Dog

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022
A white service dog.

All dogs are special in the eyes of their human companions, and it’s no wonder. Dogs offer a constant source of companionship and unconditional love. But for people who depend on a dog to serve, assist, and protect their quality of life and independence, the human-animal bond reaches even deeper levels of trust and significance.  

At Berkeley Veterinary Center, we honor and celebrate service dogs and the pivotal roles they play in the lives of those who rely on their support. If you or someone in your care could benefit from having a service dog, keep reading for information about how to make your dog a service dog or how to get a service dog of your own. 

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How to Pick the Purr-fect Kitty Litter

Tuesday, February 1st, 2022
Kitty litter.

Whether you’re a new cat owner or you’re just looking for ways to improve your favorite feline’s experience at home, choosing the right kitty litter is an important facet of cat wellness. Here are some tips on choosing a litter that will work the best for your cat and your home:

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How to Spot Loneliness in Pets

Tuesday, January 4th, 2022
Bored and lonely cat.

Dogs and cats have unique personalities and behaviors that can be hard for us humans to dissect. Just like humans, our animals can feel a range of emotions, and not all of them are positive. Since we only want the best for our pets, the idea that a dog or cat might potentially be lonely is anxiety-inducing. Your friends at Berkeley Veterinary Center are here to help you determine if your pet is lonely and what to do about it if they are:

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How to Care for Your Senior Pet

Monday, November 1st, 2021
Senior pet care.

Since pets age so much faster than humans, it sometimes seems like we blink and they’ve reached their golden years. Older animals require different care than puppies and kittens do, so if your pet is suddenly a senior (around age seven for dogs and cats), your friends at Berkeley Veterinary Center have some helpful care tips for you:

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How to Introduce Children to Animals

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021
A boy and his dog.

There’s nothing cuter than a child with a furry best friend. Close relationships with animals can help young children develop better speech habits and can even increase their empathy. Before you leave your young child in a room alone with a dog or cat, however, there are some steps you need to take to make sure your child knows how to interact with animals safely. 

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Choosing the Right Cat for Your Family

Thursday, June 3rd, 2021
A family adopting a cat in New Jersey.

Cats are curious, playful companions with plenty of personality, making them the purr-fect addition to many homes. If you are considering adopting a new kitten or adult cat, Berkeley Veterinary Center is here to help you with some tips on choosing the right cat for your family and lifestyle.

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How To Tell If Your Pet Has Allergies

Friday, May 7th, 2021
Dog with allergies scratching his ear.

Although our furry friends cannot verbalize their discomfort with words, they do offer plenty of physical signals when something is amiss. Dog and cat allergies are just as common for our four-legged friends as human allergies are for us. Although they can be caused by a wide-range of allergens (including food, plants, pollen, dust mites, and even flea saliva), allergies in pets tend to present with similar symptoms. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Berkeley Veterinary Center to see if allergies are the cause.

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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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