Hairballs in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do About Them

If you have ever seen your cat gagging and eventually cough up a hairball, then you know the situation. You know they are no fun to clean up, and worse, they can cause health problems for your cat. What you might not know is what causes hairballs, what symptoms to look for and what you can do to prevent them.

The Truth About Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings

If you have looked into having your dog or cat’s teeth cleaned, you probably have stumbled upon anesthesia-free pet dental cleanings. This simply means that your pet will not go under general anesthesia in order to have their teeth cleaned. At first glance, it seems less risky and less expensive, so why not?

The Secret to Great Dog Dental Care

If you are like a lot of dog lovers, you recognize the importance of a healthy mouth for your dog, but you might be a little confused. How often should you brush your dog’s teeth yourself vs. taking Fido to the veterinarian for professional teeth cleaning? Are there long-term health implications if you DO NOT get your pup’s teeth cleaned regularly? Are there signs of dental problems you can look for in your dog's mouth? Great questions, all!

Are Your Pets Protected from Heartworms?

Heartworm infection is a serious and potentially fatal disease in both dogs and cats. Fortunately, however, this disease is 100 percent preventable!

Dog Cardiology: At the Heart of the Matter

The heart could easily be considered the most important organ in a dog's body. It pumps nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. When it is not working well, it affects everything else, including stamina and breathing for starters.

Does Your Pet Need a Plane Ticket? And Other Questions You May Have About Flying with Pets

Whether you're relocating or considering taking your pet on vacation with you, flying with pets presents interesting challenges.

Cat Dental Health: What Cat Lovers Need to Know

According to the Veterinary Oral Health Council, periodontal disease is a big problem. In fact, most cats have dental health problems by the time they are just 3 or 4 years old! This is because your kitty's teeth are subject to tartar and plaque build-up just like yours. Yet, many cat lovers don't think about cleaning their cat's teeth.

Puppy Biting: Why They Do It and How to Curb It

Have you ever held a dog toy in front of a puppy and let him “mouth” it? As you have probably noticed, puppies will put their mouth on most anything, and it is completely normal since they use their teeth to explore the world around them and play with one another.

In fact, if you have watched puppies in a litter with their littermates, you will see that they climb all over one another and nip each other in an ongoing bout of exploration. When they are a few weeks old, this can seem harmless, maybe even cute -- until one of those sharp teeth nips your hand a little too hard!

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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