You & Your Pet Archives | Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital /blog/category/you-your-pet/ Veterinary Care That Comes To You! Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:40:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 DIY Enrichment Toys to Keep Your Pet Happy at Home /blog/diy-enrichment-toys-to-keep-your-pet-happy-at-home/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:38:09 +0000 /blog/?p=387 Keeping your pet entertained doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a bit of creativity and some household items, you can create DIY enrichment toys that keep your furry friend happy and engaged. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we know that mental and physical stimulation is key to a pet’s overall health and happiness. Here […]

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pet enrichment.

Keeping your pet entertained doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a bit of creativity and some household items, you can create DIY enrichment toys that keep your furry friend happy and engaged. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we know that mental and physical stimulation is key to a pet’s overall health and happiness. Here are some simple, yet effective pet enrichment ideas you can try at home.

Why Enrichment Matters for Your Pets

Like humans, pets need mental and physical exercise to thrive. Enrichment activities help curb boredom, reduce anxiety, and keep your pet’s mind sharp. Whether you’re caring for a curious cat or an energetic pup, engaging activities and toys can make all the difference in their daily routine. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching!

DIY Dog Enrichment Toys

Dogs love to explore, chew, and problem-solve, so homemade toys can help channel their energy in positive ways. Here are a few easy ideas for DIY dog enrichment toys:

  • The Towel Treat Puzzle: Take a large towel and sprinkle small treats or pieces of kibble across its surface. Fold or roll the towel, tucking treats into each fold as you go. Your dog will have fun sniffing and pawing through the towel to uncover each tasty surprise.
  • Plastic Bottle Cruncher: Remove the cap and label from an empty plastic water bottle. Place it inside an old sock, tie off the open end, and watch your pup enjoy the satisfying crunch as they play. (Always supervise to ensure they don’t chew through the sock!)
  • Frozen Treat Puzzle: Fill an empty ice cube tray or a silicone mold with pet-safe treats like peanut butter, broth, or mashed banana. Add water and freeze. Once solid, these icy treats double as a fun mental challenge and a refreshing snack on hot days.

These homemade pet toys are simple to put together, and your pup will love the challenge of solving and playing with them.

DIY Cat Enrichment Toys

Cats might be independent, but they still need mental stimulation and physical activity to stay healthy and content. Try these DIY cat enrichment toys to unleash your kitty’s playful side:

  • Cardboard Box Fort: Cats can’t resist a good box. To create a fun hide-and-seek fort, cut holes in the sides of a cardboard box and place small toys or treats inside. 
  • Toilet Paper Roll Treat Dispenser: Take an empty toilet paper roll and fold in one end. Fill it with treats or kibble, then fold in the other end. Your cat will bat, pounce, and paw at the roll until they earn their prize.
  • DIY Wand Toy: Attach a string or ribbon to the end of a stick, and tie a feather, bell, or small toy to the other end. Wave it around to mimic prey, and enjoy watching your cat leap and pounce in excitement.

These enrichment toys provide the perfect combination of exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time for you and your cat.

Tips for Making Safe DIY Pet Enrichment Toys

While DIY pet toys are fun and affordable, safety always comes first. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Use non-toxic, safe materials for your pet to chew and interact with.
  • Always supervise your pet with new toys to ensure they don’t swallow small pieces.
  • Avoid sharp objects, loose strings, or items that could break apart easily
  • Regularly check homemade toys for wear and tear and replace them if needed.

With a bit of care, DIY toys can be a safe and rewarding way to enrich your pet’s life.

The Joy of DIY Pet Enrichment

Homemade enrichment toys don’t just keep your pets entertained—they also strengthen the bond you share. Whether you’re crafting a treat puzzle for your dog or a cardboard hideout for your cat, the effort you put into these activities can bring enjoyment to both you and your furry family member. 

Have Questions About Your Pet’s Well-Being?

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, our team is here to help you keep your pets healthy and happy. If you have questions about pet behavior or enrichment ideas, or if you’d like to schedule a wellness visit, give us a call today. Your furry friend deserves the very best, and we’re here to provide just that.

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Feline Feng Shui: Designing a Harmonious Living Space for Your Cat’s Well-Being /blog/feline-feng-shui-designing-a-harmonious-living-space-for-your-cats-well-being/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:18:33 +0000 /blog/?p=347 Felines are notoriously finicky, and they often like their home environments to be just so. If you’re interested in harmonizing your home for cats according to the principles of feng shui, keep reading! What is Feng Shui? Feng shui is an ancient Taoist Chinese practice that “centers around energy flow and the ways items in […]

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cat on couch.

Felines are notoriously finicky, and they often like their home environments to be just so. If you’re interested in harmonizing your home for cats according to the principles of feng shui, keep reading!

What is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is an ancient Taoist Chinese practice that “centers around energy flow and the ways items in your environment affect how you feel about your surroundings,” so it’s easy to see why this art of household arranging could appeal to cats. According to Architectural Digest, when you create a home using the principles of feng shui, you arrange furniture and decor “to promote health, harmony, and balance…to allow for proper energy flow that aligns with natural forces.”

Sometimes those “natural forces” are your cat’s well-being in the home and their expressions about how the home makes them feel. Cats who feel unsettled in the home may eliminate outside the litter box, refuse meals, scratch the furniture, and more. Arranging your house according to a feline-friendly version of Feng Shui is worth it to keep your kitty happy at home!

Why Create Cat-Centric Living Spaces?

Feline-focused interior design can help your pet live their best life in an otherwise people-pleasing home. While humans tend to live via the horizontal spaces in our homes, cats will consider the vertical as well. We will sit at a desk, then simply cross a hallway to stand at a kitchen counter. But cats will move down from a cat tree to the floor, and then up to a windowsill if they choose. They also sleep and play in places we might not even fit, like behind a couch, under a bed, or on a bookshelf.

Kitties will also do a fair amount of moving around at night, and rather than switch on a lamp like we might, they’ll rely on their great low light vision and on the air vibration and tangible environmental information they get from their sensitive whiskers. Cats can’t actually see in complete darkness, though, so it helps if they can be familiar with any furnishings or decorations that can create an obstacle. In the light or the dark, they’ll appreciate a good flow throughout the home as they move from perch to food bowl to toy bin to litter box.

And speaking of these different locales, cats will appreciate separate “stations” so that they can bird watch, eat, play, and eliminate in dedicated spaces. Cats prefer peace and privacy, especially at meal or bathroom times.

Cat Feng Shui Principles

While achieving an authentic Feng Shui setup relies on working with an expert in your home, there are some general ideals that overlap between Taoist beliefs and functional feline living:

  • Declutter—give your cat ample space to play, exercise, eat, and even use the litter box.
  • Position large furniture wisely—in a cat’s world, a perch or cat tree might be the focus of their everyday life, and it should not be crammed into a corner as an afterthought.
  • Consider form and function—from the simple food dish to the entertaining catnip toy to the beloved bed, beauty can mean that your cat’s items are not chipped, torn, or otherwise damaged; this is important for comfort and safety.

Overall, the practice of feng shui “dictates where objects should be placed in relation to windows and doors,” so you would consider your entire living space, from front to back and top to bottom.

It’s not truly authentic Chinese or Taoist culture to try to create “Feline Feng Shui,” but you can set up a home space that is cat-friendly, which will make the entire household happier, too! If you’d like to ask questions about your cat’s home environment, Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital can bring our veterinary care right to you. Call us today at (818) 614-9929 to set up your in-home visit!

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How Mobile Vet Care Helps Reduce Pet Stress and Anxiety /blog/how-mobile-vet-care-helps-reduce-pet-stress-and-anxiety/ Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:14:47 +0000 /blog/?p=335 Shiloh Veterinary Care is proud to be able to bring high-quality, full-service veterinary care right to the doorsteps of our pet patients. Mobile vet care benefits include convenience for the pet owner, but it also can help to reduce pet stress at the vet. Learn why we think that mobile vet care is an important […]

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mobile vet benefits.

Shiloh Veterinary Care is proud to be able to bring high-quality, full-service veterinary care right to the doorsteps of our pet patients. Mobile vet care benefits include convenience for the pet owner, but it also can help to reduce pet stress at the vet. Learn why we think that mobile vet care is an important model for veterinary medicine.

How Mobile Vet Care Works

For those unfamiliar with having a mobile veterinarian, it can seem a little unbelievable that your pet can get good care without going into a veterinary clinic or hospital. It’s true, though!

When you schedule an appointment with us, our mobile unit comes directly to you and your pet. We are stocked up with all the equipment, supplies, and wonderful staff that you are used to getting at a stationary clinic, just on wheels!

Our mobile veterinary unit allows us to be able to:

  • Perform thorough examinations of dogs, cats, and exotic pets
  • Obtain samples for diagnostic testing
  • Conduct traditional and dental radiographs (X-rays)
  • Obtain CT scans
  • Perform many surgeries
  • Do dental procedures
  • Recommend and prescribe medications
  • Provide end-of-life services

Of course, there are times when it is hard to know when to use a mobile vet versus a brick and mortar hospital. In many emergency-type situations, it may be best to contact a local emergency hospital to receive the most prompt care. 

Mobile Vet Care Benefits

There are so many benefits to mobile vet care! Consider that:

  • It is often more convenient to have us come to you versus trying to bring your pet in
  • Some pets, especially exotic species, do not do well in the car
  • It may be easier to have multiple pets cared for in a home-based setting
  • Home care may be a more comfortable option for you and your pet as they near end of life
  • Pet owners who do not have access to transportation have increased access to care
  • Animals have less exposure to other potentially ill animals
  • Pets are often less stressed at home

Mobile care can decrease stress at the vet in multiple ways. Most pets tend to feel more comfortable in a familiar environment. They also are dealing with less strange smells, noises, and people than they would in a veterinary clinic. There is also generally no to minimal wait time since we are there just for you. 

Mobile vet care has multiple benefits. We love that we can share these with you and your pets. Please let us know if you have questions about how our services can help your pets. 

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From Snout to Tail: Veterinary Care For Pet Pigs /blog/from-snout-to-tail-veterinary-care-for-pet-pigs/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 15:28:46 +0000 /blog/?p=297 Whether they are furry, fluffy, feathered, spined, hoofed, or scaled, we love and respect all companion animals and strive to provide the best possible veterinary care. Among the pets we admire the most, pet pigs in California take the cake. These intelligent, affectionate, interesting mammals make great friends, bring happiness and wonder to neighborhoods, and […]

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lady holding two piglets.

Whether they are furry, fluffy, feathered, spined, hoofed, or scaled, we love and respect all companion animals and strive to provide the best possible veterinary care. Among the pets we admire the most, pet pigs in California take the cake. These intelligent, affectionate, interesting mammals make great friends, bring happiness and wonder to neighborhoods, and add wonderful layers to a multi-pet household. The question is: are you ready to become a pig owner?

A Look at Pet Pigs

Like other members of a busy household, pet pigs benefit from consistent, ongoing veterinary support. For starters, pet pigs should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters. They can reproduce quickly, so it’s best to eliminate the odds of this happening (especially if you have two or more pet pigs). Spaying or neutering reduces the strong, pungent smell created by their natural scent glands. It can also reduce aggressive behaviors in males.

Ahead of the Game

Pet pigs should be examined regularly, and we make it easy by coming to you. Deworming is often scheduled every 6 months. Vaccinations are also a primary focus of preventive care, and we will work with you to determine what fits your pig’s lifestyle and overall health. 

Pneumonia and swine flu affects many pet pigs. Vaccinating against these respiratory diseases in pigs is crucial. Treating symptoms early on can influence prognosis and long-term health. 

Teeth & Hooves

Some pet pigs grow tusks that need trimming. This not only adds to their general health and safety, but reduces injury to others and damage to household objects. 

Hoof trims for pet pigs are vitally important to their well-being. Left alone, their hooves can hinder normal mobility. This is not only uncomfortable, but can lead to joint damage and intense pain. Luckily, we provide this service to all of our pig patients throughout Los Angeles and San Diego.

Diet and Exercise Prevent Weight Gain

Just because a pet pig is, well, a pig, doesn’t mean they should be allowed to eat whatever and whenever they want. Keeping them on a strict diet not only impacts ideal weight, but reduces any weight-related health challenges. 

Daily exercise is also crucial to controlling their weight, and has a positive impact on their mental health. Pet pigs are highly intelligent; without daily brain games, puzzles, or challenges, they can become withdrawn or depressed. 

We Can’t Wait to Meet Your Pig!

Keeping a pet pig is one of life’s greatest joys for an animal lover. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you establish your pig’s health plan, and maintain their wellness for all the years ahead. Please call us at (818) 614-9929 with any questions or concerns about adopting and caring for a new pig. 

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It’s All About That Calico Cat /blog/its-all-about-that-calico-cat/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 21:02:04 +0000 /blog/?p=268 Colorful, unique, and oozing with “catitude,” calico cats are spectacularly marked with a tri-color blend of black, white, and shades of caramel. Calicos can have long or short coats, and they’re almost always female. They can’t be bred, which makes these fabulous felines extra special to cat lovers everywhere.   At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love […]

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Calico cat sitting down staring into camera.

Colorful, unique, and oozing with “catitude,” calico cats are spectacularly marked with a tri-color blend of black, white, and shades of caramel. Calicos can have long or short coats, and they’re almost always female. They can’t be bred, which makes these fabulous felines extra special to cat lovers everywhere.  

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love delivering full-service veterinary care to cats of all colors! Whether you’ve got a calico cat of your own, or you’re just curious about these beauties, our team has some fascinating feline factoids to help explain the wonders of calico cats.

Why are Calico Cats So Popular?

Cat lovers agree that all felines are fabulous, but here are some reasons why calico cats are extra special:

Calicos are good luck! 

In many cultures, calico cats are considered lucky charms. In Japan, calicos are the official symbol of good fortune, and Japanese anglers used to keep calicos on board their boats to “guarantee” that the fish would bite.

They’re practically magical.

Again we turn to Japan, where calicos were once believed to protect ships from the ghosts of angry ancestors.

They can’t be bred.

The calico coloration is a full-on fluke of nature, and like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike! 

They’re basically royalty in Maryland.

Calicos were chosen to be the official state cat of Maryland because their tri-colored coats echo the coloring of the state bird: the Baltimore Oriole.

They have an aura of ancient mystique.

Calico cats are said to have originated in ancient Egypt, where people worshiped them for their beauty.

Why are 99% of Calico Cats Female?

Without diving too deep into the biological nitty-gritty, the tri-color pattern of a calico requires two “X” chromosomes. Male cats can’t be calicos because males need an “XY” pair of chromosomes in order to be male. The only way for a male cat to be born a calico is if he has an extra “X” chromosome (XXY). Because the XXY chromosome combination is rare, male calicos can have certain health conditions and are usually sterile.

Rare Cat Breeds

Calico cats aren’t actually a breed at all, but rather, a happy accident! You can find the calico coloration among popular breeds like Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, Persians, mixed breeds, and others. However, there are some rare cat breeds where you will not find a calico cat. Pure, solid-color breeds like Russian Blues, Siamese, and Bombay cats cannot produce the calico color configuration. 

Good Health is What Matters Most 

All cats of all colors, sizes, ages, and genders deserve a lifetime of love, proper nutrition, and quality veterinary care that emphasizes wellness and prevention. Our team absolutely loves getting to know all the cool cats in our community. Please contact us to schedule your cat’s visit, or if you have any questions about our services.   

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Loving and Caring for Pet Goats /blog/loving-and-caring-for-pet-goats/ Thu, 08 Sep 2022 22:11:37 +0000 /blog/?p=248 Goat ownership is rising in popularity. This could be explained by their enormous, cost-effective contributions to landscaping control, or perhaps their delightful, charming personalities that keep  people curious. Keeping goats is a fire-wise choice for many Californians, but there’s so much more to owning pet goats than providing land for them to clear.  Where to […]

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Kids playing with three pet goats in a backyard.

Goat ownership is rising in popularity. This could be explained by their enormous, cost-effective contributions to landscaping control, or perhaps their delightful, charming personalities that keep  people curious. Keeping goats is a fire-wise choice for many Californians, but there’s so much more to owning pet goats than providing land for them to clear. 

Where to Start

Regarding the welfare of pet goats, it’s essential that your municipality approves such an undertaking. The City of San Diego, for example, allows residents of single family homes to keep a maximum of two miniature (dwarf or pygmy) pet goats.

These animals need companionship and should never be forced to endure isolation or loneliness. Additional regulations include the setbacks of any goat housing (which must be predator-proof, properly ventilated, and accessible for regular cleaning) be at least 5 feet from the side property lines, and 13 feet from the back side.

Furthermore, an outdoor enclosure of at least 400 square feet, and behind a five-foot tall fence,  is required to maintain goat health and wellness. You might be surprised at their agility and intelligence; if there are weak spots in your fencing, they will find it quickly.  

What Else You Should Know

In addition to keeping grass and weeds down, goats can provide milk and cheese to their owners. On average, you could get up to a half gallon of milk a day! Plus, their waste can be added to compost piles or used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer. 

All goats must be dehorned and males are required to be neutered within city limits. An understanding of normal goat behavior, including aggression, is critical. If you ever notice any changes in their behavior, or see signs of illness like shaking, lethargy, or decreased appetite, it’s time to seek exotic veterinary care. Check out this guide to goat health care problems for reference. 

What Do Pet Goats Love?

You’ll probably learn quickly that your pet goats love to climb and jump on things. Large wooden spools, platforms made out of wooden palettes, and old tractor tires make excellent additions to their yard. Be sure that all additions to their outdoor enrichment are sturdy and free of hazards like nails or screws. 

In addition to a balanced diet of grain, hay, and minerals, pet goats are also quite fond of treats. They’ll scarf down table scraps just like chickens do, just be certain they can’t choke or get sick from any fruit or veggie offerings. Remember, don’t feed your goat cat or dog food, meat, or avocados, and let us know if you need specific diet recommendations for optimal health. 

Caring for Pet Goats

There’s no question that pet goats have earned their place among the most entertaining companion animals out there. If you’re considering opening up your large yard to care for these delightful pets, you have plenty of planning and preparation in front of you. Once you bring home your two miniature pet goats, get ready to make some memories!

Give us a call at (818) 614-9929 with any questions or concerns. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is always here for you!

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How to Change an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat /blog/how-to-change-an-outdoor-cat-into-an-indoor-cat/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:21:19 +0000 /blog/?p=244 Cats are very independent creatures, and sometimes it seems like they don’t need us at all. Cats that spend time outside have a reputation for being able to fend for themselves, but there are a lot of dangers for outdoor cats. Whether you have found a feral cat you want to adopt or you want […]

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Young woman petting her bengal cat.

Cats are very independent creatures, and sometimes it seems like they don’t need us at all. Cats that spend time outside have a reputation for being able to fend for themselves, but there are a lot of dangers for outdoor cats. Whether you have found a feral cat you want to adopt or you want to transition your feline to a fully indoor cat, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help.

Take Your Time

Cats are creatures of habit, and they need some time to adjust to a new environment. If you bring an outdoor cat inside without any transition period, the animal will become very agitated and anxious. Instead, move slowly and give the kitty a chance to get used to being inside. A great way to make this transition simple for your cat is to feed him inside the house. Keep the cat inside for a little more time each time you feed him. This will give him a positive association with being inside the house.

Set Up the Litter Box

For an outdoor cat, the whole world is her litter box. So when you are transitioning a cat from outdoor living to indoor living, it will be the first time she uses a traditional one. Although her instincts will kick in and she will most likely know what to do with it, you might have to show her where it is and use your finger to shift the litter to help her smell it. Give her a little time to get adjusted to this new way of doing her business.

Encourage Cat Scratch Fever…Kind Of

From trees to dirt to other animals, outdoor cats are used to being able to scratch whatever they want. If you want your new kitty to feel safe and comfortable inside your home, you have to provide plenty of scratching posts where he can get out the need to scratch (without destroying your furniture). 

Provide a Great View

Outdoor cats get a front-row seat to all the bird, lizard, and insect-watching their little hearts desire. If you want to make your space homey for your new indoor cat, you should make the windows desirable spots for your cat to lounge. Put a cat tree near a windowsill or set up a cat perch where the kitty can still get a great view of the outside world.

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love animals as much as you do. As a Fear Free Certified Practice™, we do everything we can to ensure your pets feel safe and comfortable in our care. To learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 614-9929. 

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5 Things to Know Before Adopting a Mini Pig /blog/5-things-to-know-before-adopting-a-mini-pig/ Thu, 07 Jul 2022 17:15:53 +0000 /blog/?p=240 Mini pigs are adorable exotic pets to add to a family. Before you run out and adopt one, though, you want to be sure that you have what you need to safely have pigs as pets in your space. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you decide if a mini pig is the right […]

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A mini pig smiling.

Mini pigs are adorable exotic pets to add to a family. Before you run out and adopt one, though, you want to be sure that you have what you need to safely have pigs as pets in your space. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you decide if a mini pig is the right pet for you and your family:

Not as Mini as You Think

The name “mini” pig can be kind of misleading. A lot of people picture a tiny little pet that can easily fit in with all your other inside pets. Mini pigs will grow, however, and since there are about 15-20 different breeds, it’s really hard to say just how big they will get. Most mini pigs will eventually reach anywhere from 150-180 pounds (which, granted, is much smaller than a 600-pound pig). They also might take five years to reach their full size, so it can be hard to gauge just how big your pig will be. If you do not have a big house or a lot of outside space, a mini pig might not be the right pet for you.

Warm-Up Period

Pigs do not immediately bond with their people like other animals might. Pigs get scared with new surroundings, so it might take them a little while to warm up to you. Give your new pet pig some space and let him get used to his new surroundings. Eventually, you two should form the bond you want to have. 

Pigs and Food

The phrase “eating like a pig” did not originate out of thin air. Pigs really do love to eat. Be sure you are prepared for the sheer amount of food (and feeding) they will require to feel satiated. This does mean that you can get your pig’s attention whenever you need to, however, because they are very food motivated. Keep some treats in your pocket when you go for a stroll, and your pig will definitely come to you when you call. 

Space and Company

Pigs need to spend a lot of time outside each day. This means that you must have access to a huge outdoor area where your new pig can graze. Giving your pig time outdoors also means he will be less likely to try to root your rug, which is helpful for you both! Pigs are very social creatures, and they need time with other animals (or humans). If they do not get enough, they might start to become destructive in your home. 

Veterinary Care

Just like other animals, pigs need regular veterinary care to maintain their health. They require regular hoof and tusk trims, for example, to avoid injury. A veterinarian specializing in care for pigs as pets will want to see your pig annually to make sure everything looks good with her health.

Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you give your mini pigs the best life. Our mobile veterinary services can come to you to make it easy to get the veterinary care you need. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 614-9929.

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Adopt Don’t Shop: A Phrase that Saves Thousands of Lives /blog/adopt-dont-shop-a-phrase-that-saves-thousands-of-lives/ Wed, 08 Jun 2022 21:49:49 +0000 /blog/?p=236 Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group in San Diego is a great way to enhance your family while saving a life. Rescue pets are in need of good, loving homes. So many pets are in shelters just waiting for their new family to find them. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help […]

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Woman holding a puppy at a shelter.

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group in San Diego is a great way to enhance your family while saving a life. Rescue pets are in need of good, loving homes. So many pets are in shelters just waiting for their new family to find them. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you learn more about the benefits of adopting vs buying a pet so you can navigate the process like an expert!

Adopt a Pet and Save Two (or More) Lives

Shelter pets are in need of a home. If you opt to adopt a pet instead of buying one, you are providing a safe space for an animal in need. Adding an animal to your family can also improve your health! Pets have been found to:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Help with PTSD
  • Assist with recovery from addiction
  • Some studies even showed pet owners are less likely to die from a heart attack

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group in San Diego can instantly benefit the health of your whole family.

Choose from a Variety of Breeds and Ages

Shelters are melting pots for animals of all ages, shapes, sizes, and breeds. If you are not sure what kind of pet you want to adopt or you are looking for more of a mutt, the pet rescue is the perfect place to look. If you are not interested in bringing a rambunctious puppy or kitten home, you have a much better chance of finding a slightly older dog at the animal shelter. There are also plenty of senior pets that need a loving home. 

Adopting Is a Better Investment

Adopting a pet from a rescue is much cheaper than buying one from a store or breeder. Animal shelters also work hard to provide important veterinary care. Shelter pets are well-cared for and ready for a new home.

No matter what kind of animal you adopt, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to provide high-level veterinary care. Our mobile animal hospital is now partnering with Farm Animal Refuge to provide even more care to animals in need. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 614-9929.

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Double Trouble, Double the Fun: Adopting Two Dogs at Once /blog/double-trouble-double-the-fun-adopting-two-dogs-at-once/ Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:05:00 +0000 /blog/?p=186 If you are like us, adopting one pet is pretty exciting. It’s an amazing feeling to bring home a deserving fur friend who needs our love, attention, and good care for a wonderful life. So, naturally, it would seem like adopting two dogs would be even better, right? After all, they will keep each other […]

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If you are like us, adopting one pet is pretty exciting. It’s an amazing feeling to bring home a deserving fur friend who needs our love, attention, and good care for a wonderful life. So, naturally, it would seem like adopting two dogs would be even better, right? After all, they will keep each other company. The more, the merrier!

There are some great benefits to adopting two dogs at once, but there are also some challenges. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to explain these reasons and to help you prepare for bringing home two amazing adoptable pets (while keeping it real!).

When You Adopt Two Dogs at Once

There are a few scenarios that you might encounter when you choose to adopt two dogs together.

  1. Bonded pairs. These dogs already came to the shelter as siblings or best friends who have a history of being together. In many cases, these dogs are only adopted out as a couple to ensure their best life and the familiarity of their bond. Lots of times, these pets come to shelters after an owner has died or when the family can no longer care for them. In this situation, it can be the ideal one because they have already been together for some time and have “ironed out” issues between them, including establishing alpha behaviors.
  2. Shelter mates. These friends have already shared close quarters during their time at the rescue. Because of this, they are deemed to be amiable to other dogs and sometimes even enjoy the company. Dogs housed together in a shelter are usually those who are comfortable with other dogs or are puppies who require socialization.
  3. Single dogs with unknown backgrounds. These shelter dogs have been housed alone for various reasons, including to ensure health and safety. It’s best to speak with an adoption counselor to get a good gauge on the dogs’ backgrounds and whether they have been around other dogs. Observe your potential adoptees together a few times, so you know they are good with one another.

Important Things to Consider When Adopting Two Dogs

There are many advantages to adopting two fur friends together. They can enjoy each other, get more play and exercise, keep each other company when you are at work, and have more snuggles. Bonded dogs are often better socialized and able to deal with new experiences, since they are more confident and comfortable with their “pack”. 

The downfall to adopting two dogs is that you have double the fees for adoption, food, veterinary care, pet supplies, and so on. You have to allot more time for exercise, attention, and training. There is a misconception that having two dogs somehow lightens up the load on your own time because they entertain each other. Not so. Their interaction, while wonderful, doesn’t mean they don’t need the usual daily walks and exercise that a solo dog needs.

If you understand the commitment and dedication required for taking on two dogs, what a great and heartfelt service you offer to two sweet pups. This incredible bond not only extends to you and your human family but can also be shared between your new dogs. It can be a heavenly match that gives both pets a greater sense of confidence, security, and love.

We are here to answer any questions you have about adopting two dogs together. We look forward to seeing you and your new furry loved ones at their first wellness exam with us.

The post Double Trouble, Double the Fun: Adopting Two Dogs at Once appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

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