A Guide to Dog Fleas

dog fleasYou love your dog like a baby and want to keep him as healthy as possible, but little pests like fleas make that job a bit more difficult. Fleas are incredibly common, so it’s important to learn the signs and recognize when your dog needs some extra attention to recover from an infestation.

An Introduction to Fleas

Unfortunately, fleas are incredibly determined little pests that virtually don’t give up when in search of a host. They love warm, humid environments the most, and with over 2,000 species and subspecies of fleas in existence, they aren’t exactly hard to find. The fleas that most commonly infest dogs are only one to three millimeters in length and black or dark brown in color. Read more

How Much Should I Be Feeding My Dog?

dog foodJust like humans, dogs need the right amount of food in order to maintain optimal health. Canines lacking food run the risk of nutritional deficiencies, but dogs eating too much are more likely to become obese and suffer from related health problems. In fact, obesity is like a Pandora’s Box. It can lead to osteoarthritis, congestive heart failure, skin disorders, and even certain cancers.

There’s no denying that it’s important to determine how much your dog needs to eat each day, but there’s no one simple formula. It depends on the type of food, type of dog, eating schedule, normal amount of exercise, and current medications.  Feeding requirements can vary drastically, even between dogs who are the same age, breed, or gender, so don’t feel discouraged if your feeding habits differ from your friend’s or neighbor’s. Read more

5 Reasons to Consider a Wellness Plan for Your Pet

dog with vetYou love and cherish your pet just as much as your family and friends, so don’t skimp when it comes to your dog’s or cat’s wellness plan. But considering that the PPO from your employer doesn’t come with an option for pet coverage, how can you guarantee you pet receives the best possible medical care?

At the Affordable Pet Hospital, we offer a range of puppy, kitten, adult canine, and adult feline wellness plans that cover everything from comprehensive exams and office calls to vaccines and dental cleaning. Choosing a wellness plan is the best thing you can do for your furry friend, and here are the top five reasons to prove it! Read more

How to Safely Introduce Your Dog to Your New Baby

dog with babyIf you’re like many couples, then your dog was your first beloved baby who you spoiled shamelessly and showered with attention. Now that you have a real baby due to become another member of your home, it’s time to prepare your dog for such a big change.

Why prepare your pup specifically for your new baby’s arrival? A newborn will undoubtedly completely transform your home—from your daily routine and number of visitors to sights, sounds, and smells. Since your canine thrives on predictability, so many changes have the potential to spark bad behavior. Some dogs adjust better than others, but preparation is always a smart idea. Read more

When is it Safe to Expose a Puppy to Other Dogs?

dogs1Human parents of new pups worry about exposing their cute little fuzzy kids to adult dogs too soon. But waiting too long can be a problem, too, if the puppy is going to be part of a household with other dogs.

Some veterinarians will tell owners of young puppies to wait until they’ve had all their vaccines before they meet other dogs. This can take up to four months! Remember, months are years for dogs. You would wait until your kid had all his or her shots to let him play with other toddlers, right? Read more