Spring is a time of transformation. Green grass starts growing, flowers start blooming, and pet fur is suddenly absolutely everywhere. Springtime pet shedding is no joke, but how do you know what’s normal and what’s excessive? How can you prepare for the big spring shed? The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital has tips to help see you through the spring shedding season.

Is Shedding Normal for Pets?

Shedding helps pets regulate their body temperature and keep their coat in tip-top shape. If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably always got at least some loose dog or cat hair drifting around your house. 

But during the spring, animals shed their heavier winter fur to get ready for warmer months ahead. You might start noticing small piles of fur throughout the house—a little trail that shows you exactly where your pet has trod.

But how much shedding is too much?

When Shedding Becomes a Concern

While most shedding is normal, excessive fur loss can point to an underlying problem for your pet. Excessive shedding in dogs can show up as bald spots, irritated skin, or an uneven shedding pattern that leaves some areas more hairless than others. There could be all sorts of reasons for an unusual shedding pattern, from allergies to parasites, and even hormonal imbalances.

In the same vein, if you notice your cats losing fur in spring in large amounts or in specific areas, this could be a sign of stress, a skin infection, or another underlying issue.

As you care for your pet’s spring coat, look out for these cat and dog shedding signs of trouble. If you see anything that worries you, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as you can. Your vet can help you identify dog and cat fur loss causes and provide treatment to get ahead of the issue.

Seasonal Pet Grooming Tips

You can help your pet’s coat stay healthy all the way through the spring shedding season with some simple habits:

• Brush regularly: Regular brushing gets rid of loose fur and prevents matting, which is especially important for double-coated breeds.
• Monthly baths: Baths help get rid of hair that needs to go, too. Use a gentle pet shampoo to clean your pet’s coat, followed by a thorough brushing.
• Provide a balanced diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help give your pet a shiny, healthy coat all year long.

As a bonus, taking regular care of your pet’s coat will help you spot strange shedding patterns or bald spots right away! 

Keep Your Pet’s Coat Healthy This Spring

When you know what’s normal for springtime pet shedding—and what isn’t—you can take steps to keep your pet’s coat healthy and spot signs of trouble right away. If you’re ever worried about your pet’s springtime hair loss, reach out to your veterinarian for guidance. 

If you live in the Los Angeles area, the caring team at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital can come right to your door! Reach out to us today at (818) 614-9929 to schedule a visit.

The post Springtime Shedding: What’s Normal and When to Worry About Your Pet’s Coat appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

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.

The post DIY Enrichment Toys to Keep Your Pet Happy at Home appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Social media, Internet searches, and word of mouth spread information faster than ever before. But as you’ve probably noticed, just because something is trending on TikTok or Instagram doesn’t make it true. Let’s tackle some popular pet care myths to separate fact from fiction—and keep your furry friends healthy and happy.  

Myth: Dog or Cat Saliva Has Healing Properties

The notion that pet saliva has healing properties is nothing more than an old wives’ tale, making this one of those false but common pet misconceptions. Allowing your pet to lick their wounds—or yours—can actually:  

• Slow healing by causing continuous trauma to the wound  
• Damage the surrounding tissue  
• Introduce bacteria, leading to infection  

While dog saliva was once thought to have antiseptic qualities, modern veterinary medicine debunks this idea. It’s best to keep wounds clean and covered and consult your vet for proper care.  

Myth: Garlic Will Get Rid of Fleas, Worms, and Other Parasites

Despite its popularity in home remedies, garlic is not a safe or effective way to treat parasites in pets. In fact, garlic can be toxic to both dogs and cats, particularly in high doses. Stick to veterinarian-recommended parasite preventives to keep your pets safe and pest-free and to avoid this false notion in pet wellness care. 

Myth: Cats Always Land on Their Feet  

This one has a nugget of truth. While cats are agile and often capable of righting themselves during a fall, this ability isn’t foolproof. 

When a cat falls from a short height, has an unexpected fall, or has health issues that affect balance, their self-righting ability can be impacted. This can result in serious injuries. Protect your feline friend by keeping windows secure and providing safe climbing structures.  

Myth: Dogs Are Color Blind

This is only partially true. Dogs aren’t limited to seeing in black and white. Research suggests that our canine companions can see colors similarly to people with red-green colorblindness. While their world isn’t as colorful as ours, they can still perceive a range of hues and rely on their other senses for navigating their environment.  

Myth: Purring Means a Cat Is Happy 

The notion that a purring cat is a happy cat isn’t true. While content felines often do purr, cats may also purr when scared, stressed, injured, or sick. Experts theorize that purring may serve as a form of self-soothing, but its exact purpose remains a mystery.  

Myth: Milk is Good For Cats

Despite popular depictions, milk isn’t a healthy treat for cats. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and consuming milk can lead to digestive upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. Stick to fresh water and veterinarian-approved treats for your feline friend.  

Myth: Indoor Pets Don’t Need To Go to the Vet

This pet care myth is very untrue! Indoor pets aren’t immune to health risks. Airborne illnesses, rabies-carrying wildlife, and contaminants brought in on shoes or clothing can all pose dangers. Regular wellness exams and prevention like vaccinations, and screenings are crucial for detecting and preventing health issues, even for indoor pets.  

Myth: Spaying/Neutering Will Change a Pet’s Personality 

Spaying or neutering won’t alter your pet’s core personality. These procedures can, however, reduce certain unwanted behaviors like urine marking or roaming. They also provide significant health benefits, like lowering the risk of certain cancers.  

Pet Insurance Isn’t Worth It

Veterinary care costs can add up, especially in emergencies. Pet insurance helps alleviate financial stress, which makes it easier to prioritize your pet’s health. It’s worth exploring coverage options to find a plan that works for your family.  

When it comes to pet care, separating fact from fiction is very important. If you ever come across advice online or hear something from a friend that raises questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. We’re here to provide accurate information and keep your pets healthy for years to come!  

The post Debunking Popular Pet Myths: What Every Pet Owner Should Know appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s also transforming the way we care for our pets. From fitness trackers to health monitoring devices, pet health technology is advancing at lightning speed. 

The good news is, these tools can help pet owners monitor their animals’ health closely. Here’s a quick dive into this fascinating subject, brought to you by the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. 

Understanding Wearable Devices for Pets

Wearable devices for pets are small, tech-driven gadgets that pets can wear on collars or harnesses. They function a lot like fitness trackers for humans and record similar types of data: activity levels, heart rate, and even sleep patterns. 

Some pet wearables for tracking health go beyond basic activity monitoring. They can provide things like GPS tracking to help you locate your pet in real-time if they wander off. 

These devices are especially helpful for pet owners with Houdini-level escape artists on their hands—or chronically ill pets. They can give the practical info and animal health monitoring you need for peace of mind as a pet parent. 

Benefits of Animal Health Monitoring

One of the key benefits of using these devices to monitor your pet’s health is that you can more easily spot changes in your pet’s behavior. So if a dog that’s usually very active starts becoming more sedentary, this could point to a health issue like arthritis or diabetes. 

Pet wearables for tracking health can also show you unusual patterns, like increased scratching or disrupted sleep, which could point to an underlying health problem. 

In short, these trackers make early detection of potential health issues easier for your veterinary team. This, in turn, often means better outcomes for your pet!

Pet-Friendly Tech Gadgets for Your Furry Family Member

Here are some of our favorite wearables for pets:

• The Pawfit 3: This GPS and activity tracker is 100% waterproof, and can track your pet’s location and daily steps. It also allows you to “talk” to your dog from afar and set up 10 invisible fences for Fido or Kitty.
• Tabcat Cat Tracker V2: Designed especially for kitties, this tracker is light and small at just 0.2 ounces in weight. The tracker keeps tabs on your cat’s location, and can show you exactly where she’s wandered off to, with accuracy within an inch of her actual location.
• Whistle Health 2.0 Smart Device: See how often your pet licks, scratches, and gets active with this health-focused wearable device. The Smart Device also helps you track your pet’s weight, makes it easy to spot skin conditions, and connects you with a veterinarian via its Ask a Vet chat.

Not sure which wearable is best for your pet? Our veterinary team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help! Let us get to know your pet and we’ll point out the pros and cons of each. We can also help you interpret the data on your pet’s tracker to keep tabs on their health. Call (818) 614-9929 to schedule a mobile veterinary appointment for your pawsome pal.

The post High-Tech Pets: How Wearable Gadgets Are Revolutionizing Animal Healthcare appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

Pets with special needs bring a little something extra into our lives. Be it a physical disability, chronic illness, or behavioral challenge, special pets demonstrate incredible strength and adaptability. 

Shiloh Veterinary Hospital understands how caring for a special needs pet is a truly rewarding experience. When it comes to dogs with short spine syndrome in particular, it  can remind us that every pet, no matter their challenges, deserves comfort, joy, and companionship.

All About Short Spine Syndrome in Dogs

Short spine syndrome in dogs is a rare genetic condition that causes the spine to be significantly shorter than normal. This results in a compact body and a distinct truncated appearance. 

Dogs with short spine syndrome often have little or no neck, shortened vertebrae, and have a hunched posture. Despite these physical differences, dogs with short spine syndrome can often lead happy and healthy lives. They adapt well to their physical differences and can enjoy most normal activities. Depending on the severity of their condition they may require extra care to ensure their comfort and mobility.

Short Spine Dog Health and Care

Short spine dog syndrome requires extra care and consideration to ensure the comfort and well-being of the pet. Because this condition causes a compact body structure and lack of flexibility to to shortened or absent vertebrae, special accommodations may be needed for everyday activities like eating, playing, and moving around.

• Aiding mobility — Dogs with short spine syndrome may have difficulty with certain movements or postures, so it’s important to create a living environment that minimizes the need for jumping or climbing. Using ramps or low-access furniture can help them move more easily and reduce strain on their spine.
• Feeding time considerations — Elevating food and water bowls to a comfortable height can prevent neck strain, as many of these dogs may struggle to bend down to eat.
• Healthy body weight — All pets benefit from being kept at an appropriate body weight, but pets with short spine syndrome are greatly affected by extra pounds. Gentle exercise tailored to their abilities will help maintain muscle tone and keep them active without overexertion.
• Routine care — Regular vet check-ups are crucial to monitor their overall health, as the condition can sometimes lead to issues with joint pain or spinal discomfort.

With the right care and support, dogs with short spine syndrome and other unique canine skeletal disorders can lead happy, fulfilling lives. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions about keeping your pet healthy, no matter their challenges. 

The post Understanding Short Spine Syndrome: Caring for Dogs with Unique Skeletal Structures appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

With the vibrant colors of autumn painting the landscape, it’s the perfect time to make sure your pets are ready for the changing season. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we understand the importance of seasonal pet care. 

Here are some essential fall pet health tips to keep your furry, feathered, and scaled friends happy and healthy as the weather cools down.

Preparing Pets for Cooler Weather

As temperatures drop, pets need to acclimate to the cooler weather. Short-haired breeds, or pets with health conditions, may require additional warmth. Consider these tips:

• Provide Extra Bedding: Ensure your pet has a warm, comfortable place to sleep. Add extra blankets or invest in a heated pet bed.
• Limit Outdoor Time: Shorten walks and outdoor playtime on particularly chilly days.
• Temperature Control for Reptiles: Make sure reptiles have a properly regulated environment with heat lamps and mats to maintain necessary warmth.

Hydration and Diet Adjustments

Just as in summer, hydration remains important in fall. Additionally, pets may need diet adjustments:

• Hydrate Regularly: Ensure fresh water is always available. Consider adding wet food to your pet’s diet for additional moisture.
• Modify Diet: Some pets may require more calories to maintain body heat. If you have questions, contact our friendly staff to determine if your pet’s diet needs changes.

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fall can be a peak time for fleas and ticks. Despite the cooler weather, these pests remain active:

• Continue Preventive Treatments: Use flea and tick preventives year-round. Check your pet regularly for any signs of pests.
• Keep Up With Lawn Care: Keep your yard tidy by raking leaves and trimming tall grass where pests can hide.

Allergies and Skin Care

Fall allergens can affect pets just as much as humans. Watching for signs of allergies and taking steps to minimize their impact is an essential part of seasonal pet care:

• Bathe Regularly: Regular baths can help remove allergens from your pet’s coat.
• Monitor Skin Conditions: Look for excessive scratching, redness, or bald spots. Call us if you notice any issues.
• Feather Care for Birds: Ensure birds are preened properly and maintain humidity levels to prevent dry, itchy skin.

Autumn Pet Safety: Outdoor Hazards

Fall brings specific outdoor hazards to be aware of:

• Watch for Mushrooms: Some mushrooms are toxic to pets. Remove any mushrooms from your yard and watch for them during walks.
• Avoid Rodenticides: Rodents seeking warmth may lead to an increase in rodenticide use, which is poisonous to pets. Keep these products out of reach and consider pet-safe alternatives.

Fall into Wellness with Shiloh Veterinary Hospital

Ensuring your pet’s health and safety during the fall season is simple with these practical tips. By preparing pets for cooler weather, maintaining seasonal care, and being mindful of autumn-specific hazards, you can enjoy a worry-free season with your furry, feathered, or scaled friends.

For personalized advice and comprehensive care, contact Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, your Fear Free Certified mobile veterinary service, to schedule an appointment online or call our office today. Let’s work together to keep your pets healthy and happy this autumn!

The post Essential Fall Health Tips for Your Pets: Ensuring Wellness This Season appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on some of the creepiest creatures that share our homes. From tarantulas to snakes, these spooky species might send shivers down some spines, but for exotic pet owners, they’re beloved companions. 

At Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help you care for your scary pets year-round, making sure they’re as healthy and happy as possible. Here’s your exotic pet guide to the spookiest animals and how to care for them.

Creepy Exotic Animals: A Halloween Menagerie

Exotic pets come in all shapes, sizes, and species—some are cute and cuddly, while others are downright eerie. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the creepiest creatures you might have lurking in your home:

1. Tarantulas: The Hairy Crawlers

• Tarantula Care: Despite their fearsome appearance, tarantulas are relatively low-maintenance pets. They need a secure, escape-proof enclosure and a habitat that mimics their natural environment. Feed them a diet of live insects and make sure their water dish is always full.
• Handling Tips: Tarantulas are delicate creatures, so limit handling to avoid stress or injury. If you handle them, do so gently, and keep them close to the ground to prevent falls.

2. Snakes: The Slithering Specters

• Guide to Snake Care: Snakes are a fascinating, albeit spooky species, often associated with Halloween. They require a well-maintained tank with appropriate heating and humidity levels. Be sure to research your snake’s specific needs, as care varies widely between species.
• Feeding Caution: Snakes are carnivorous and typically require whole prey like mice or rats. Providing the right size prey is essential to avoid overfeeding or undernourishing your snake.

3. Reptiles: The Cold-Blooded Creepers

• Lizards and Geckos: These Halloween animals might look a bit like mini dinosaurs, but they make for intriguing pets. Ensure their habitat is well-lit, warm, and has plenty of hiding spots.
• Turtle Terrarium Tips: Maintain clean water and provide a basking area where they can soak up UV rays, which are vital for their shell and overall health.

Spooky Species: Keeping Them Happy and Healthy

Owning creepy exotic animals requires more than just fascination—it takes dedication to their health and well-being. Here’s how to keep your spookiest pets in top shape:

1. Proper Habitat Maintenance

• Temperature and Humidity: Many exotic pets, particularly reptiles, rely on specific temperature and humidity levels. Monitor and adjust these regularly to create a comfortable environment.
• Enclosure Cleanliness: Keeping your pet’s home clean is vital to good health. Remove waste and uneaten food, and refresh water daily.

2. Regular Health Check-Ups

• Veterinary Care: Exotic pets, like all animals, benefit from regular check-ups. Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital is skilled in exotic pet medicine and offers everything from routine care to advanced diagnostics.
• Behavior Monitoring: Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior. Activity, appetite, or appearance changes can signal health issues that need prompt attention.

3. Feeding and Nutrition

• Species-Specific Diets: Each species has its dietary needs, and it’s essential to meet them. Whether live prey for your snake or fresh vegetables for your iguana, proper nutrition is key to their longevity.

Keep the Scares to Halloween: Protecting Your Exotic Pets

With the excitement of Halloween, it’s easy to forget that the festivities might stress out your exotic pets. Loud noises, unfamiliar guests, and changes in their environment can all have an impact. Here’s how to keep your pets calm:

• Quiet Space: Provide a peaceful, secluded area for your pet during parties or trick-or-treating. This helps them avoid unnecessary stress.
• Avoid Decorations: Keep Halloween decorations, especially small or dangling ones, out of your pet’s reach. They could pose a choking hazard or cause injury.

Trust Shiloh Mobile Veterinary for Your Exotic Pet’s Health Needs

At Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital, we understand that even the creepiest creatures deserve the best care, and we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a visit—right at your doorstep. Let us ensure your spooky species stay healthy and happy. 

The post From Fangs to Scales: The Spookiest Exotic Species appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, it’s not just humans who can feel the effects of seasonal shifts. Pet allergies in the fall are a common issue that can make your furry, feathered, or scaly friends uncomfortable. 

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to help you navigate these autumn ailments with ease, providing veterinary advice for managing fall pet allergies right at your doorstep.

Understanding Pet Allergies in the Fall

Fall allergens can affect pets just as much as they do people. The most common culprits include:

• Ragweed: A significant allergen that releases pollen during the fall.
• Mold: Decaying leaves and damp environments can increase mold spores.
• Dust mites: More time spent indoors can expose pets to dust mites.

Recognizing the symptoms of pet allergies is the first step in ensuring your pet’s comfort and health during the autumn season.

Symptoms of Fall Pet Allergies

Keep an eye out for these signs indicating your pet may be suffering from allergies:

• Itching and Scratching: Persistent scratching, biting, or licking, especially around the face, ears, and paws.
• Red, Irritated Skin: Look for redness, rashes, or sores on your pet’s skin.
• Ear Infections: Recurrent ear infections can be a sign of allergies.
• Sneezing and Coughing: Respiratory issues can be triggered by airborne allergens.
• Watery Eyes and Runny Nose: Similar to human allergies, pets can experience watery eyes and nasal discharge.

Veterinary Advice for Managing Fall Pet Allergies

Managing your pet’s allergies involves a combination of preventive measures and treatments. Here are some tips to help:

• Regular Grooming: Bathing your pet with hypoallergenic shampoos can remove allergens from their coat.
• Clean Environment: Clean your home regularly to reduce dust and mold. Use air purifiers to help keep indoor air clean.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Limit your pet’s time outside on high pollen days. Wipe their paws and fur when they come back indoors.
• Diet and Supplements: Consider an anti-inflammatory diet and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids to boost your pet’s immune system.
• Medications: Consult with your veterinarian for allergy medications or treatments that can provide relief.

Animal Health During the Autumn Season

Maintaining overall health is important during the fall to prevent and manage allergies. Here’s how you can ensure your pet stays healthy:

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule a wellness visit with Shiloh Veterinary Hospital to catch and address any health issues early.
• Hydration: Make sure your pet stays hydrated, as dry air can exacerbate skin and respiratory issues.
• Balanced Diet: Feed your pet a balanced diet to support their immune system and overall health.

Autumn can be challenging for pets with allergies, but with the proper care and attention, you can ensure your furry, feathered, or scaly friend stays comfortable and healthy. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care right at your doorstep.

Schedule a Visit

If your pet is showing signs of allergies, don’t hesitate to schedule a wellness visit with us. Contact Shiloh Veterinary Hospital today to book an appointment online or call our office. Let us help you and your pet enjoy a happy and healthy autumn season!

The post Autumn Ailments: Navigating Pet Allergies in the Fall Season appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

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!

The post Feline Feng Shui: Designing a Harmonious Living Space for Your Cat’s Well-Being appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

It’s summertime here in Los Angeles, and the California sun means business. While you might be sipping plenty of things to keep you well hydrated, it is easy to forget about your pets. Shiloh Veterinary Hospital wants to help ensure that you stay on top of your feline hydration game so you and your pet can enjoy the season. 

Dehydration in Cats

Hydration is the amount of water we have in our bodies at any given time. Keeping the body well hydrated is very important to make sure many physiological processes occur optimally. Adequate hydration is essential in order to:

• Digest food 
• Regulate body temperature
• Keep electrolyte levels balanced
• Lubricate the joints
• Deliver nutrients and oxygen throughout the body
• Create essential bodily fluids like sweat, urine, bile, feces, and saliva

If dehydration in cats or any other animal occurs, many problems can ensue. Decreased circulation can affect the major organs and create potentially life-threatening changes. 

When a cat becomes dehydrated, you may notice increased lethargy or weakness, a poor appetite, tacky mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and decreased skin elasticity. 

Certainly outdoor temperature and conditions can lead to and contribute to feline hydration status, but systemic health issues like chronic kidney disease, digestive problems, or diabetes can also lead to dehydration in cats.

Optimizing Feline Hydration

Keeping hydrated is so important, but how can you help your cat stay quenched?

On average, cats need to drink about 4 ounces of water per five pounds of lean body weight daily. This translates to a 10 pound cat drinking about a cup of water per day. Keep in mind that consuming canned food, which contains up to 80% water, contributes to this number. 

Keep your kitty cool this summer by encouraging water intake with some of our favorite tips:

• Provide flowing water in the form of a faucet or fountain as cats tend to prefer moving water
• Keep water offerings fresh, clean, and cool
• Place water sources in easy access areas
• Add a little wet food into the mix
• Flavor water with a small amount of tuna juice or low sodium chicken broth (offer a plain alternative as well)

Of course, if you suspect that your cat might already be dehydrated, it is best to contact us. Depending on how severe things are, medical treatment may be in order. There may also be underlying causes of the dehydration that need to be addressed. 

Keeping your cat well hydrated this summer (and every season) is a great way to support their overall health. Wellness and preventive care are important for all animals, and our feline friends are no different.  

The post Keeping Your Cat Hydrated in Summer  appeared first on Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.