7 Reasons to Adopt a Cat in Honor of National Cat Lover's Month!

Dog ownership still outnumbers cat ownership in the US. Who knows why this is? There could be many reasons. Some people feel that part of growing up and becoming independent includes having a dog, and recent studies have even shown that some are substituting dogs for companionship. On the other hand, careers are a huge priority for many individuals and couples, making cats an excellent pet option due to their independence.

9 Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Perfectly Pampered Pooch

Don’t you think Andy Williams should have sung, “Whoop de do, and dickory dock, has anyone caught a glimpse of my sock?” It’s the holiday season! And if you own a dog, you know that anything around your house could potentially become their favorite toy—even those high-end slippers you splurged on. Why not get your doggo something special this year, just for them? Perhaps this will leave your belongings intact. Hey, it’s worth a shot! Plus, pampering your pooch is something most of us love to do, and, thankfully, there are plenty of items to choose from.

The Essential New Pet Owner's Guide to Dog Vaccinations

As veterinarians, we pick and choose our battles with pet owners on certain things. For example, although we highly recommend microchipping your pets to avoid the heartache of not getting a lost pet returned to you, we would never force that on anyone. In the case of vaccinations, however, we can’t emphasize enough just how important they are to your pet’s wellness.

How to Care For Feral or Neighborhood Cats as Temperatures Drop

You may have some cats in your neighborhood that have adopted you, or if you really understand the nature of these kitties, you know that they go where they get their food. Some of these cats have been lost, abandoned, or they may even be from a cat colony. Whether you call them alley cats or feral cats, these animals have likely found a way to your (admittedly bleeding) heart, despite their hissing and standoffish nature. As veterinarians, we can completely appreciate that, and we know you want to help them stay safe during the winter months.

Can't-Miss Tips For Optimal Cat Nutrition

When it comes to nutrition and pets, dogs seem to hog the spotlight. The truth is, though, cats are just as prone to obesity if not more so than dogs, so proper feline nutrition is a must for cat wellness.

Hold Your Holly! 7 Crucial Considerations Before Putting a Pup Or Kitty Under the Tree

There’s nothing that warms the heart more than seeing the videos that pop up after the holidays of a pajama-clad kiddo popping the top off a box to reveal a puppy or a kitty. Chances are, that child has been bugging his or her parents to get a pet for eons so the payoff is usually a lot of happy tears. And while this can tale can have a happy ending, as veterinarians, we see the alternatives far too often.

5 Puppy Behaviors to Nip in the Bud (And Other Pertinent Puppy Tips!)

From puppy breath and snuggle seshes to silly selfies and watching them fall asleep right in their food bowls, puppies are, quite frankly, perfection. As veterinarians, however, we always want to make sure that anyone considering taking the puppy plunge understands that, along with all of the good stuff, taking care of puppies can be a lot of work. Not only that, but they are itty bitty balls of energy that require a lot of time and dedication.

The Secret to Keeping Your Cat Safe and Slender This Holiday Season

We all get excited about holiday festivities and decorations—from the Christmas tree and holly berries to the Menorah and other Hanukkah trimmings during the holiday season. As you may see the sparkle in your family’s eyes when you bring out the tinsel, you may not realize that your cat also has a sparkle as well. Does this mean that to keep your cat safe that you can’t have your traditional holiday favorites? Not at all! As veterinarians, we always try to help you strike a balance between keeping holiday traditions intact while keeping your fur friends as safe as possible.

Here at Rau Animal Hospital, it is our passion and privilege to be the guardian of your pet’s healthcare. As your trusted advisor, it is also our responsibility to keep you appraised of any potential threats to your animal’s welfare.

Please visit Prevent the Spread of Dog Flu to learn about how to protect your pets and to get the latest information about dog flu outbreaks. Our latest COVID-19 update can be found HERE.

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