Feeding Grain-Free? Your Dog may be at Risk for Heart Disease

In veterinary medicine, we have the ability to treat a myriad of conditions—from sensitive stomachs to skin issues and everything in between—with the help of balanced, therapeutic diets. But what happens when what we feed actually causes health problems for our pets? An alarming trend is causing veterinary professionals to take a closer look at the link between popular pet diets and heart disease.

August 15 is National Check the Chip Day!

A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted under a pet’s skin. This is done with a needle, so the process is much like getting an injection. Scanners at veterinary clinics, humane societies, and animal shelters across the country can detect these chips, and a national registry permits the return of microchipped pets throughout the United States and Canada.

Integrative Medicine: What Can a Tongue Tell Us?

Did you know you can get clues about how your pet is feeling just by looking at his/her tongue or feeling his/her pulse?

New Baby? Here’s How to Prepare Your Pets and Make the Transition Easier

Preparing for a new baby is exciting. There’s setting up a nursery, new toys, clothes, and bedding for starters. Then, there’s caring for yourself as a soon-to-be new parent. You might be taking prenatal yoga classes, visiting the doctor, and watching your diet to make sure your baby is getting needed nutrition.

You know it’s going to be a big adjustment for your family, including your pets.

Canine Distemper - What Dog Owners Need to Know

If you’re like a lot of dog owners, you’re used to a certain set of vaccines. When they’re due, they’re due, and you (along with your veterinary team) consider them part of a standard preventive care routine.

An Exam Before Vaccines: Does My Pet Really Need This?

You get a reminder email, text, or postcard -- your dog or cat is due for a vaccine or two. Time to make an appointment! You arrive for a simple visit with your healthy pet, and then a Licensed Technician or even the doctor begins a full, thorough exam.

How to Help Children Cope with a Pet’s Death

Losing a beloved pet is never easy. It’s hard on the whole family, yet for children, especially younger ones, this is often their first experience with death and they may feel confused, angry, or scared more than sad.

For parents, it can be useful to understand children’s coping mechanisms so that we can best help them come to terms with the loss.

While every child is different, one psychologist found that some children considered their pet an extremely close friend, or even a sibling, and characterized their pet’s death as “the worst day of their lives.”

Why Do Dogs Like to Give Kisses?

Receiving slobbery kisses from our canine companions is part of the dog-loving package, but do you ever wonder why they do this?

Turns out, there are lots of reasons dogs like to put their tongues on you, ranging from instinct, to affection, to stress. Let’s take a look.

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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