From leopard geckos to Bengal cats, cockatoos to labradors, every pet arrives with their own unique personalities, health needs, and basic requirements. While cats and dogs are among the most popular pets, exotics and pocket pets represent a fair share—especially with owners that have limited space and/or time. If you’ve ever wondered if now is the right time to adopt a pet rabbit, we’ve got you covered with some helpful hints on care. 

What’s Up, Doc?

Rabbits are lagomorphs, a group of animals that includes hares and pikas. In contrast with rodents, lagomorphs boast four incisors in the upper jaws, (instead of two like rats and mice have). However, all of these animals have continuously growing teeth that can be shaved down through eating fibrous food or with the help of a qualified veterinarian.

Rabbits play important roles in the natural world, eating an array of grasses, herbs, and flowers. As prey animals, they can be skittish and cautious. Depending on their overall health, diet, breed, lifestyle, and environment, a pet rabbit can live between 5-8 years. 

Exotic Equals Great

As an “exotic pet,” a pet rabbit requires highly-specialized care. Starting with their enclosure or habitat, they must enjoy enough space to freely hop around. There should always be a variety of safe, interesting toys to play with. Since daily enrichment opportunities are central to their well-being, a pet rabbit thoroughly enjoys breaks from their cage to explore, be held, and experience new places. 

Hygiene Matters

You can potty train a pet rabbit! Sure, it might take extra time and consistency, but a pet rabbit is typically amenable to having their bathroom in a certain area. Be sure to keep this spotless (as much as possible) as they won’t continue to go there if it’s full or filthy. Their cage should be cleaned at least once a week, with new bedding installed each time. 

Munchy Bunny

Your pet rabbit is an herbivore. They will eat specially-formulated rabbit pellets and hay, but fresh veggies, like carrots, parsley, and greens, round out a healthy diet. An occasional slice of banana for your bunny is okay as a treat. Speak with a veterinarian about the perfect diet for your pet bunny. And always rotate out dirty water at least once a day. 

Play Time

As long as they are safely enclosed, you can bring your pet rabbit outside. Always stay close to your pet rabbit in your backyard to reduce encounters with other animals, including birds of prey. 

If the weather is mild enough for an outside hutch, be sure it is still insulated against cool nights and hot days. Ideal temperature for a pet rabbit sleeping outside is about 65 degrees. Regularly check that the hutch is latched and secured from nighttime predators. 

Fuzzy Feet

Did you know that rabbits don’t have paw pads? We can give you all sorts of rabbit tidbits at each wellness exam you schedule for them. We can ensure that your pet rabbit is in tip-top shape and place recommendations for nutrition, enrichment, and disease prevention.

Love Your Pet Rabbit

Of all the pets we are privileged to see and care for, pet rabbits are among our favorites. They are cute, playful, curious, entertaining, and very interesting animals to be around. If our staff can assist you in preparing for a new pet rabbit, or you have questions about your lagamorph’s health and wellness, please call us at (818) 614-9929. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is always happy to help. 

The post Some Bunny Loves You: The Best of Pet Rabbit Care appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Your dog’s eyes are probably the feature you love most about them. After all, they seem capable of seeing right into your very soul. With this in mind, it makes sense to protect their peepers, but are dog sunglasses a realistic choice?

While some dogs may need lots of training and encouragement to keep their shades straight, the benefits are so long-lasting that you’ll be glad you both made the effort.

Duration and Intensity

Think about how utterly dependent you are on your sunglasses. Most adults cannot stand being outside without them. It’s easier to drive with them, and equally important to have them on hikes, on water, in windy conditions, on the slopes, and at the beach. 

In other words, if a piece of gear is so essential to humans, why wouldn’t we extend the same consideration to the pups that gladly accompany us?

Super Specific 

Short-nosed dogs like pugs, Shih Tzus, Boston terriers, and bulldogs all have eyes that appear to bulge out of their eye sockets. This trait could make them more susceptible to injuries to their peepers.

Similarly, dog breeds with long, shaggy hair that grows over their eyes may have trouble seeing obstacles, and can be more prone to falls or bumping into things. It’s not uncommon for dog owners to trim the hair around the eyes and then provide dog sunglasses to protect the eyes.

Beyond Convenience

Indeed, bright UV rays can be deeply uncomfortable, but the risk to health is not insignificant. Overexposure to the sun’s rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, cancer, and other serious health conditions.

Since you’ll be carting around a variety of other doggo gear this summer, such as life jackets, water bowls, and sunscreen, why not choose a great pair of dog sunglasses or goggles to complete the look?

The Fun Factor

The research is ongoing whether the sun affects canine eyes the same way in humans (it may have something to do with our different life spans), but we do know that dog sunglasses can help with irritation. Plus, they can block out sand, dirt and wind from bothering their eyes.

And, let’s not forget, dog sunglasses look really, really smashing!

Choosing Between Dog Sunglasses

Dog sunglasses are designed to fit the contours of your dog’s cute face. Take a close look at the size and shape of their face and look for corresponding designs. To be certain you’re purchasing the right pair, take measurements of your dog’s face. Depending on the breed, you may need to purchase a pair with a deeper eye cup.

Dog sunglasses and goggles often come with adjustable straps that help keep them on. However, most dogs will benefit from an extended training period in which they learn how to accept their new accessory. In other words, don’t forget the treats, toys, and playful distractions.

In the Sunshine

If you have additional questions about your dog’s eyes, please let us know. We’re always here for you at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital.

The post Fashionable, Functional Dog Sunglasses That Protect Canine Eyes appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

The summer party season is here again – although here in sunny Southern California it can be argued that it’s always summer party season.

Just like humans, each pet has their own take on festivities. Some relish in the novelty of guests and enjoy all of the pets, pats, and accidentally dropped morsels, while others may be shy, scared, or just not interested in socializing. Whichever way your furry pal leans, keeping pets safe should be your top priority when planning your get together.

Keeping Pets Safe During Parties

Hosting a party can be a bit distracting, to say the least, which is why your Shiloh Veterinary Hospital family wants to make sure you have the information you need to plan ahead for your pet’s safety and comfort.

• Know thy pet – You know your pet better than anyone, and if they are averse to strangers, crowds, or loud noises it may be better to find a trusted place for them to spend time during the party. A friend or family member’s home, or a boarding kennel or doggy daycare are all possibilities.
• Safe space – Even the most social pet needs a place to unwind and get away from a crowd. Make sure they have access to their bed, water bowl, and toys in an out of the way spot, especially if there will be fireworks or other noisy activities.
• Keep food and drinks out of reach – You can’t have a party without delicious food and beverages, but alcohol, chocolate, Xylitol (a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free items), grapes, onions, garlic, fatty foods, fruit pits, corn cobs, bones, and more pose a serious risk to pets. Keep pets away from the buffet table, clean up discarded plates and cups immediately, and ask guests to not feed your pet.
• Get a sitter – A pet sitter, that is. If you know you will be too preoccupied to manage your curious beast, appoint a guest (a responsible older child or teen is a great option) to stick by your pet and make sure they don’t get into mischief.
• Guard the gate – As guests are arriving and leaving, be sure to watch your door or gate closely, and ensure it’s closed completely. The beginning and ending of parties are the perfect opportunities for little escape artists to slip out for an adventure.

We hope you have a fantastic summer party season! For more tips on keeping pets safe, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff.

The post Party Animals: Keeping Pets Safe and Happy During Summer Parties appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Cats love to roam, especially at night. This is because they are creatures whose instinct is to hunt when it is dark outside, especially at dawn and dusk. Those are the times of day that a cat is most active. If your cat is allowed to be outdoors, you may wonder what they do in the darkness of the night. You are not alone in this question.

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to clear up the mystery of what a cat sees outside at night. Let’s explore!

Why Do Cats Go Outside at Night?

The reason why your furry one loves to go out at night is based on their genetics. Cats are not true nocturnal animals but crepuscular. This means they are most active during the early evening and morning, at dawn. 

Cats are innate hunters and they have the greatest chance of encountering prey species at those times of day. Even though the age of hunting for their breakfast is over for most domestic cats, they still retain that instinct to roam and hunt at night.

What Do They Encounter?

Your small little cuddlebug may seem like a couch potato during the day, but you’d be surprised that their instincts kick in whenever they get the opportunity. In fact, they may have delivered you a “present” of a mouse or bird on your kitchen table, if they are allowed outdoors.

A study conducted by the University of Georgia collected the video footage of over 50 cats to see what it is they do, where they go, and what they encounter at night. They found that up to half of the studied cats spent their time hunting wildlife, like lizards, frogs, and mice. Other cats did a lot of exploring, too, but many of them stayed within a ½ mile of their home. Since cats are territorial, they tend to roam in their own neighborhood, on established  paths they become acquainted with.

Their Impact on Wildlife

Obviously, outdoor cats have a heavy impact on wildlife. Cats, even a few, can deplete local songbird populations through kills and injuries, as well as their presence. It’s been suggested that the domestic cat has contributed to the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. 

The Risk to Your Cat

Even though you consider Fluffy to be a savage city cat, being outside puts them in danger. Outdoor cats only experience a 3-5 year lifespan as opposed to the lifespan of indoor only cats, 10-16 years. There are several threats to your cat when being outside, which include:

• Being struck by a car while crossing a road 
• Encountering wildlife that can harm them
• Potential for cat fights
• Exposure to antifreeze and other toxic chemicals.
• Getting trapped in drains and other crawl spaces
• Becoming lost or getting stolen

Cat on cat aggression is also likely when a cat is left outside, which puts your pet at risk of injury and disease. 

What Your Cat Sees Outside… Is It Worth It?

While kitty certainly loves to be out and about at night, the risks to their health and the health of other animals isn’t worth it. There are several things you can do to encourage at-home enrichment, such as giving your pet a window perch in front of a  bird feeder or allowing them outside on an enclosed patio. 

Ultimately, your pet’s best life is our aim and we are here for you. If you have additional questions about what your cat sees outside, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us. 

The post On the Prowl and Out of Sight: What Your Cat Sees Outside at Night appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Spring has finally sprung, and nothing helps to cheer the soul quite like some pretty blooms and time in the great outdoors. It is important to be sure, though, that your love of plants and your love of animals don’t interfere, though.

When choosing what types of vegetation to allow into your home and garden, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital hopes that you will consider your four legged family members. Choosing pet safe plants isn’t hard, and doing so will let you enjoy the spring with your furry friends.

Safety First

Plants pose a unique danger to pets. Animals often explore the world with their mouths, and that can include flowers and greenery. Many plants cause some type of irritation in the mouth and/or gastrointestinal tract if chewed on or swallowed. This is a natural defense mechanism for many. 

Others pose more of a serious risk, however. Lily plants, for instance, are well known for their severe toxicity to cats. Batting at the flower and getting pollen on the paw and then cleaning the paw is enough to cause kidney failure in cats.

Sago palms are another example of a serious outdoor toxin for our pets. Chewing on any part of the plant including the leaves, roots, and the nuts they produce can result in liver failure. 

As a proactive pet owner, it is important to know what the plants in your home and yard are and to identify what risks they may pose to your pet. It’s also imperative to call us right away if your pet has ingested or possibly ingested a plant so that we can help you to determine the appropriate action. 

Our Favorite Pet Safe Plants

Fortunately there are lots of pet safe plants out there to choose from. It’s entirely possible to brighten your home with beautiful vegetation and keep your pets protected at the same time.

Our top ten favorite pet safe plants for the home include:

African violets – These small houseplants are well known for their vibrant purple, blue, and white flowers and fuzzy leaves. They don’t need a lot of light and thrive above 65 F. They do need some TLC, making them a fun houseplant to dote on. 

Baby rubber plant – Another fun houseplant option, rubber plants have pretty shiny leaves and grow up to about 30 cm in height. They can occasionally flower, but mostly add greenery to a sunny spot in your home. 

Boston fern – Boston ferns are a great way to add some lush, tropical greenery to your home, inside or out. High humidity and consistent moisture help these beauties to accent your living space and look great on a porch or patio. 

Calendula – This plant, also known as the pot marigold, is a cheerful flower that is sure to bring some sunshine to any room. This hearty flower is sure to do well in your yard or garden with a variety of blooms through the summer and into fall. 

Gerbera daisies – When it comes to flowers that make you smile, Gerbera daisies hit all the marks. These cheery, colorful flowers hail from South Africa and can do quite well on your patio or in your garden with careful watering practices. 

Hens and chicks – These pretty succulents are absolutely amazing in a pot or in your flower beds. Many succulents are pet safe, although it is important to research each individual one as there are exceptions. 

Parlour palm – This elegant houseplant is one that almost anyone can handle. Inexpensive and low maintenance, parlour palms often thrive where other plants cannot. 

Phalaenopsis orchid – If you want to try your hand at orchids, the Phalaenopsis is a good place to start. Elegant and stately, this genus is a little less demanding than some of its cousins and non toxic to pets. They look great on a coffee table or side table in almost any home. 

Prayer plant – Also known as the Maranta plant, this lush greenery with interestingly patterned leaves likes to spread low and wide, making them perfect for hanging baskets in the home. 

Spider plant — Another classic houseplant, these easy to grow plants can add some pretty green to many areas of the home. They look lovely on a windowsill or hanging in a basket where their fountain-like leaves can spill over. 

Pets and plants can live in harmony. Both bring a lot of benefit to us as humans and it is only natural to want both in our lives. 

The post April Showers Bring May Flowers: Pet Safe Plants appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Enjoying the great outdoors by way of lounging poolside, hiking to a beautiful lake, or just relaxing in the backyard is what spring and summer are all about. Your pet will also be happy to get out for some sunshine and fresh air with you as you walk, play, jog, and do other pet friendly activities together. But the sunny weather has many of us slathering on sunscreen and donning our hats and sunglasses. Did you know your pet needs protection, too?

In order to prepare for the sunnier, warm weather, your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital wants to stress the importance of pet sun protection. You may be surprised to learn just how important it is to protect your furry one from those harmful rays. 

Keep Them Shaded

Skin cancer is not so uncommon in our pets, especially dogs who spend more time outside. When the harmful UV rays are at their worst, it’s best to avoid the sun rays by keeping your pet inside during midday. Any time you are outside, make sure there is shade available to them. Go to a well shaded park or walk along a tree lined neighborhood. When on a boat or the beach or lake, give them shade through the use of umbrellas or other shade screens.

Use Pet Sunscreen

Even if your pet is especially furry, they can also be prone to sunburn if their nose, ears, belly, and other sensitive areas aren’t covered with pet sunscreen. Hairless breeds must be protected when outdoors, as they are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. Never use human grade sunscreen on pets as it is toxic. Opt for a sunscreen suitable for pets. There are a wide variety of them online or in pet supply stores.

Choose Protective Clothing

Putting your pet in a shirt may seem counterintuitive when it is hot outside, but there are some clothes  that can keep a pet cool and shaded. If your pet has short fur, light colored fur, or is hairless, you can opt for sunscreen clothing for pets. Dogs that are sensitive to the sun’s rays can also be helped through doggles, or pet sunglasses. 

Pet Sunburn

Be cautious when you enjoy the sunshine with your pet. Any exposed part of your pet’s body is susceptible to sunburn and damage from the sun. Signs of sunburn in pets include:

• Redness
• Swollen skin
• Dry, flaky skin
• Cracking
• Hair loss
• Infection
• Wounds that won’t heal
• Painful when touched

Warm Weather Awareness

When the weather begins to warm, be aware that your pet will be more likely to become dehydrated when exercising outside. Always keep extra water and a bowl for your furry one on walks, in the yard, and during travel. Use shade as you and your pet’s best defense against sunburn and other damage.

For more information on sun damage and pet sun protection, give your team at Shiloh a call. Stay sun aware out there and have fun!

The post Made in the Shade: Pet Sun Protection appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Protecting your pet from external and internal parasites (and their associated diseases) is every pet owner’s responsibility. But there are some misconceptions about parasites in the city and whether or not they are a threat to our pets. 

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to address the facts about parasite prevention in LA and what you can do to better protect your furry loved one.

External Parasites

External parasites are the ones most people think about and try to avoid. Especially in the spring and summer, mosquitoes are out in droves, along with other creepy-crawlies. Since the Los Angeles area doesn’t experience the deep freeze of the eastern and northern states, parasites are a problem year-round.

Parasites in pets weren’t as big a problem (prior to the 1970s) for a few reasons, the first of which being an increase in warm winters. Because we are traveling more between states and countries, we bring back parasites that perhaps weren’t as prevalent in our area before. 

Regardless of the reason, there are a few common pests that cause harm to pets (and people).

Fleas – Fleas are tiny insects that feed off the blood of their host, leaving their excrement on the skin and fur (this is usually the first thing a pet owner will see). These common external parasites can wreak havoc on a pet, as well as on their home and other family members, causing itchiness, skin problems, and flea allergies in some pets. Fleas also carry vector-borne diseases like Catch Scratch Fever and even plague (although rare)

Ticks – Ticks are actually tiny arachnids (spiders) rather than insects. They can easily hide in the fur while they feed off of their host animal, which they attach to to feed off of the blood. Tick diseases are transmitted to pets through wildlife hosts, like deer and racoons. Some ticks in the West carry serious diseases like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme disease, and Canine Ehrlichiosis.

Heartworm – Heartworm disease has seen a spike among the dog population in Los Angeles. These parasitic worms  that resemble strands of spaghetti are transmitted through mosquito bites. The larvae develop in the heart and lungs, growing into adult worms and reproducing. This disease can be very costly to treat and can even be fatal, especially in cats.

Internal Parasites

Over the past few years, Los Angeles and the southern California area have experienced an alarming increase in internal parasites. In fact, an estimated 1 in every 8 pets are diagnosed with one of these internal pests. 

What are internal or intestinal parasites? 

• Tapeworm 
• Roundworm
• Hookworm
• Whipworms

These intestinal worms attach themselves to and/or feed off of the host in the gastrointestinal tract. Tapeworms are prevalent in cats and hookworms in dogs. Most puppies and kittens are dewormed when they are young because certain internal parasites are passed between mother to newborn.

Signs of internal parasites are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Gas
• Itching at rectum
• Anemia

Parasite Prevention in LA

Since these parasites can be serious, what can a pet owner do to protect their pets? It’s actually an easy answer. The best approach is to keep your pet on flea-tick and heartworm preventives, which can be prescribed by your veterinarian. At your pet’s annual wellness checkup, your pet will be screened for internal worms, including heartworm. 

Keep the yard and the community parasite-free by picking up pet waste. Avoid allowing your pet to eat fecal matter and drink from puddles, creeks, and public pet water stations. 

If you would like more information on parasite prevention in LA, please do not hesitate to call. 

The post The Facts About Parasite Prevention in LA appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Since you know how curious your cat or dog is, it’s amazing how many things they try and get into. Things we may never even imagine to be edible or tasty to them. But the reality is, pets are like toddlers and try and eat whatever they find. Because of this fact, it’s important to understand all of the potential pet poisons that are in the home and outdoors. 

March is national Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, and your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is observing the month by raising more awareness among our readers. As loving pet owners, we are sure you want the safest home for your four-legged and more education about pet toxins is key. Let’s take a look at why.

Pet Poisons In the Home

The home is teeming with multiple toxins that are all too accessible to pets. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, these are the top ten most common causes of pet toxicity in cats and dogs each year.

Cats:

1. Lilies (highly toxic)
2. Flea and tick spot-on medication for dogs
3. Household cleaners
4. Antidepressant medication
5. Essential oils (even the fumes)
6. Anti-inflammatories
7. Rodenticides
8. Stimulant medication (ADD/ADHD)
9. Onions and garlic
10. Vitamin D

Dogs: 

1. Chocolate
2. Rat and mice poison (rodenticides)
3. Anti-inflammatories
4. Xylitol (sugar-free gum and candy)
5. Grapes and raisins
6. Antidepressants
7. Acetaminophen
8. Vitamin D
9. Stimulants
10. Fertilizers

Did any of these surprise you? How many of them are in your home? It’s interesting to note that human medications are often the culprits of poisoning in pets. This is because they’re readily in our home and are often accidentally dropped to the ground where your pet can find them. 

Food toxicity is another big one, since our pets are drawn to what we eat. Chocolate is a toxin not only because it contains caffeine but it also contains the more harmful chemical, theobromine.

Instead of using noxious household cleaners, pest control, and so on, switch to natural cleaning products that are pet safe. 

Creating a Pet Safe Lawn and Garden

Lawn and garden products and the plants and trees you grow may also be poisonous to our pets. There are several plants that are listed as toxins with varying levels of toxicity. The ASPCA has a complete list of toxic plants versus pet friendly plants you can switch to.

Avoid the following poisonous foliage, among others:

• Crocus
• Azalea
• Oleander
• Sago palm
• Lilies
• Daffodils
• Lily of the Valley
• Tulips and Hyacinths
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe

Do you have any of these growing in your yard? 

Pet Poison Prevention

The world is full of potentially dangerous things and substances, and pets are endlessly curious. This is why we must take steps to protect our furry friends.

1. Stow all medications, chemicals, cleaners, and other dangerous things in a secure cabinet or other area.
2. Keep all purses and tote bags on a hanger or in the closet.
3. Cover trash cans and compost bins.
4. Do a thorough sweep through the house to identify anything that might pose a threat to your pet.
5. Remove any poisonous plants and trees from the yard, replacing them with pet friendly foliage, trees, and flowers.
   

We hope this overview of pet toxins help to keep your pet safe. With some simple steps to remove any hazards in the home and yard, we hope you will never need to call us about an emergency pet poisoning.

For more information about pet poison prevention, please contact our team. We are here to help!

The post Observing Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month to Protect Your Pet appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

In theory, dog parks seem like a nearly perfect place. Dogs can run off-leash while enjoying each other’s company and come home tired and happy – all while you’ve been relaxing and skipping the daily walk. Sounds like a great plan, but with so many dogs and people (most of whom are likely looking at their phones rather than watching their dogs), trouble can quickly arise.

Practicing good dog park etiquette is the key to safely enjoying the park, and making sure others do too. 

Not Right for Everybody

As much as you may love the idea of your dog joining a group of “friends” for an afternoon of free play, dog parks are not ideal for every dog. Skip the dog park and opt for a walk, hike, or playdate with a dog you know and trust if your pup meets any of the following criteria:

• They are aggressive, fearful, or overly shy
• They are a puppy
• They are unvaccinated
• They are not spayed/neutered
• They are not current on year-round flea, tick, and heartworm preventives
• They are coughing, sneezing, or showing any other signs of illness (in that case, give us a call!)

Dog Park Etiquette 101

To maintain the safety and enjoyment of everyone who uses your local dog park, keep these dog park etiquette tips in mind:

Observe – It can be tempting to check emails or become engrossed in conversation with another dog owner, but it’s important to never take your eyes off your dog. Step in to intervene if you notice your dog is being harassed, is bullying another dog, is acting fearful, or causing any type of disturbance.

Entering – Be mindful when entering the dog park gate, as other dogs tend to crowd around the appearance of a newcomer. It may be better to introduce your dog gradually by letting them smell and observe the other dogs through the fence before entering. 

Separate but equal – If you have a small dog, look for a park with a separate space for the little guys. This ensures that smaller dogs don’t get injured or harassed by their larger peers. Similarly, don’t allow your bigger dog to play rough with a smaller companion.

Scoop the poop – The importance of picking up after your dog cannot be understated. Not only does dog poop increase the risk of spreading parasites and disease, it can undermine the quality of a park. Many parks offer doggie waste bags, but always bring your own in case they’re out.

Pack your own – Allowing your dog to drink out of a communal water bowl is not ideal, as it can be a breeding ground for communicable disease. Bring plenty of fresh water and bowl to drink from, and offer it to your dog at regular intervals.

Dog Park Safety

If you know us at all here at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, you know that the safety of our pet patients is incredibly important to us. Summer isn’t over here in L.A., and avoiding heat-related injury should still be a priority. Take your pet to the dog park in the early morning or evening hours when the weather is cooler. If you observe any signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, drooling, disorientation, pale or red gums), get your dog into the shade, offer water, and give us a call.

With an eye toward safety and etiquette, dog parks can be magical places of doggie freedom after all!

The post A Walk in the Park? Dog Park Etiquette and Safety Tips appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Packing is no small feat, but when traveling with a pet the to-do list (or, to-grab list) can seem endless. Pets require extra gear and creature comforts while away from home, but to have the best possible trip it’s what you do before you leave that takes priority.

For sure, pet travel isn’t for everyone but when it’s approached the right way, it can make any journey more memorable.

Where to Start

Before you get too far ahead in the planning process, it’s a good idea to schedule a pet wellness exam. If there are any issues related to their health or behavior you can rule them out beforehand. Plus, we can give you ideas that aim to help your individual pet cope with being away from home. 

If they aren’t fully trained or socialized, we can offer recommendations on how to get started. For their safety and wellbeing, only pets that demonstrate mastery over commands should travel.

The Great Unknown

Pets are creatures of habit and even slight departures from their routine can sort of upend their otherwise calm state of mind. If you’ve been given the green light to take your pet on a trip try to stick with their daily schedule as much as possible while you’re away from home. 

Getting Serious About Pet Travel

Depending on your destination, pet travel can be a little tricky. Always be sure to fully research your mode of transportation and be sure to get approval for your pet to join you on the bus, plane, train, or boat. 

You may have to show a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for entry into many states. When we examine your pet, we can complete this health certificate for you. It will show that your pet is healthy, fully vaccinated, and parasite-free. 

Always be sure to read up on the state regulations or the foreign consulate or regulatory agency of your destination before you book your trip (at least one full month in advance).

Pet Travel Gear List

Don’t forget to bring Shiloh Veterinary Hospital contact information, your pet’s medical records/proof of disease prevention, and a list of emergency veterinary hospitals in the areas you’re traveling to. Have an extra photograph of your pet on hand and copies of their identification. If you haven’t updated their microchip information with your most recent cell number, do so prior to leaving home. 

You will also need:

• Food and lots of fresh water (don’t forget the pet travel bowls!)
• Prescription medication (and copies of the prescription)
• Pet first aid kit
• Collar, leash, harness
• Crate with extra bedding
• Toys and treats

Accomodations

Fortunately, many hotels, motels, resorts, and campgrounds are pet-friendly, but clarify this wherever you’re going. If your pet is not welcome at, say, the theme park that you drove 12 straight hours to visit, be sure that your pet can comfortably hang out in the room you’re renting, or hire a nearby doggie day care. Leaving them in the car is a big no-no!

Pet Travel Tips

If possible, make frequent stops for your pet to stretch, exercise, and use the bathroom. Be sure they are properly fastened, confined, or restrained in the car to reduce injury. Always provide fresh drinking water.

Have a great time, and please contact us with any questions or concerns. Your team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here for you!

The post Let’s Go! Pet Travel Tips that Enhance Fun and Safety appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.