Tag Archives: dog bath

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Things Dogs Are Grateful For

Thanksgiving is almost here! While it’s great to enjoy some delicious holiday food with our loved ones, it’s also important to think about the things we’re grateful for. Dogs definitely make that list! But what about Fido? What do you think your canine buddy is most appreciative of? A Roanoke, VA makes a few ‘petucated’ guesses below.

Treats

No surprises here. Fido is super cute when he’s angling for a yummy snack! Treats are a fun way to brighten up your furry pal’s day. They also are good for training and bonding, and just making Fido feel loved and safe.

Toys

Dogs need enrichment and stimulation, just as people do. Toys and playtime help keep Fido occupied, help him blow off steam, beat boredom, and just keep him active.

Walks

Even if your pup has a yard to patrol, he still needs to be walked every day. Our furry friends need regular exercise, just as we do! The mental stimulation dogs get from sniffing things is also very important.

Beds

We can’t blame our canine pals for this one. Soft beds are one of those little luxuries that actually aren’t that little!

Belly Rubs

Does your pooch sometimes flip over so you can rub his belly? This is a huge sign of love and trust! That furry tummy is Fido’s most vulnerable point. He wouldn’t expose it if he didn’t feel safe doing so.

Us

We know, most of our clients would prefer to skip their appointments and just go for a walk, play Fetch, or enjoy any of the other things we’ve listed. However, Fido definitely feels better with proper veterinary care. Healthy pets are happy pets!

Training

This one may surprise people, but many dogs actually enjoy training. Fido really strives to please his humans, and he looks adorably proud of himself when he is getting praised for performing a command right. Training also helps you and your canine friend communicate, which can strengthen the bond between you.

You

At the end of the day, Fido’s world revolves around you, and the love and care you give him. All of these things we’ve mentioned help keep your cute pet happy and healthy, and keep that tail going. Love is definitely the secret ingredient in any good dog care regimen!

Happy Thanksgiving! Please reach out to us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, anytime.

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

Doggy Playdates

Is your canine buddy an only pet? While many of our clients have two or more pooches, it’s also quite common for people to have just one. Fido can do just fine being an only pup, but he will enjoy and benefit from being able to spend time and interact with other dogs. A Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on setting up doggy playdates below.

Introductions

You’ll want to set Fido’s first playdate for a spot that is neutral ground, such as a park. This can be a great time to catch up with friends or family. Just don’t get too caught up in your own conversation. You’ll need to keep a close eye on things!

Considerations

Dogs are like people: some immediately click, and are friends for life after just a few minutes. Others? Not so much. Fido’s buddies’ temperaments should be fairly similar to his. And while your furry friend’s pals don’t have to be lookalikes, they should be somewhat close to him in age, size, and temperament. A Great Dane could seriously injure a feisty Chihuahua!

Choosing Fido’s Friends

Dogs really do benefit from hanging out with other pooches. Everybody needs friends! Plus, it’s good for Fido to be around others who speak his language. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure that your canine companion’s playmates are friendly, well-behaved and, ideally, spayed or neutered. Dogs with aggressive or reactive tendencies, such as food guarding, may not be good playmates. It’s also important that your pup’s pals be current on vaccines and parasite control. The last thing you want is for your beloved pet to contract heartworm on his play session!

Activities

If you have a fenced yard, then you can try hosting puppy parties. Invite some friends and their pets over for a potluck or grillout. Provide plenty of safe toys and treats for your furry guests. Just make sure there’s enough of everything to go around. (Tip: weather permitting, things like ball launchers and kiddie pools can also be a big hit.)

Services

There are services and even apps that help you set up playdates for your pet. Doggy daycare may also be an option. Just err on the side of caution. Check reviews, and vet potential matches carefully.

As your Roanoke, VA pet hospital, we’re dedicated to providing great care. Contact us anytime!

Dog Care, General Care, General Health

6 Things Your Dog Probably Isn’t Thankful For, But Should Be

Thanksgiving is coming up fast. At this time of year, it’s important to think about the things we are grateful for. Pets are definitely on that list! But what about Fido? While there’s no doubt that your canine pal is thankful for bacon, belly rubs, and car rides, there may be some things he may not appreciate as much as he should. A local Roanoke, VA vet lists some of them below.

Baths

Fido isn’t generally a big fan of being bathed. In fact, he may actually run and hide at the mere mention of the dreaded B-word. However, we suspect that our furry pals do enjoy that salon-fresh feeling of being soft and clean!

Us

We know, visiting the veterinary clinic can be unsettling to dogs. There are a lot of strange faces and smells, plus the presence and scents of other nervous pets, some of whom aren’t feeling very well. We do all we can to make appointments easy on our canine patients. That said, we’re pretty sure that most of them would rather be napping or playing Fetch.

Leashes

Leashes are very important to your four-legged friend’s safety. You don’t want your pup dashing off every time he sees a squirrel. That could be very dangerous! Fido, however, probably sees them as more of a nuisance.

Fences

Fences also make the list of things Man’s Best Friend would happily go without. Your furry friend doesn’t necessarily understand how many dangers are waiting beyond his yard. He just wants to explore and chase squirrels!

Parasite Control

There are quite a few options for parasite control available now, from topical drops to pills to shampoos and collars. No matter what product you choose, your furry buddy probably won’t be very enthusiastic about his regimen. However, he will definitely be both healthier and more comfortable if he’s safe from dangerous parasites like fleas and heartworms.

Vaccinations

When Fido gets vaccinated, he doesn’t know that he’s being protected from deadly diseases, such as rabies. He just feels that little pinch. (That accusing look pooches sometimes give us after they get a vaccine will never stop being adorable.) Sorry, Fido: it’s for your own good!

Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your dog’s veterinary care needs … even the ones he isn’t grateful for.