Posts in Category: Pet Safety

When bringing a pet into your home, it is important to remember that they depend on us for a lot. Animals need us to provide their basic needs, keep them safe, advocate for them, and of course, they need our love and care.

Part of responsible pet ownership is being sure that your pet’s day-to-day environment is safe and secure. It is also a bonus if you can create a space where they can thrive, but also meets your functional and aesthetic requirements! Androscoggin Animal Hospital has some great pointers for how to dog-proof your home while maintaining an enjoyable living space for all. 

Dogs and cats get along like oil and water. If you’re a devoted pet parent with a heart for cats and dogs alike, however, you’re probably wondering how to raise a cat and dog together. Is it possible? What can you do to help your dog and cat get along? We’ll help you learn how to get a cat and dog to bond.

You’ve been making your holiday gift list, and your dog will soon be the lucky recipient of some must-have goodies. Because he has been such a good boy this year, you plan to lavish him with a stocking full of toys and a new bandanna. He may even get to slurp some doggie ice cream.

And for the icing on the cake, you’ll make him some tasty homemade dog treats. These vet-approved snacks are really packed with nutritious ingredients from your kitchen. You might need a separate stocking just for these tasty snacks!

While most people know the exact location and function of a dog’s penis, many dog owners are unfamiliar with the medical term “paraphimosis.” Occurring when the glans, or the actual penis, gets caught in the outward position, paraphimosis ranges from quite unpleasant to downright dangerous. As it is with all matters concerning your dog’s health and wellbeing, we recommend taking a close look at their anatomy and behavior to know when things aren’t right.

For many families, fall brings a significant shift in day-to-day schedules. Long summer days are left behind, kids return to school, and evenings and weekends are full of hobbies and extracurricular activities. Some family members, including the furry ones, are less than thrilled with this change.

One of the most meaningful ways that people connect with others is through food. We break bread, dine together, and share in wonders of taste and tradition. Pets know our rituals well, and are rarely unmoved by the sights and smells of savory meats, glistening gravies, and crusty dinner rolls. Their cuteness and persistence turn even the stingiest pet owners into big pushovers. Giving a pet table scraps might feel generous and fun at the time, but can actually have some terrible consequences.

While most store-bought pet treats are perfectly fine for your pet, sometimes you want to go the extra mile and make something from scratch to show your love. This way, you know all the ingredients that your pet is consuming, and can feel good about giving your pet something homemade. 

The overlap between safe and spooky isn’t impossible, but it does take some forethought to accomplish both. When it comes to your pet’s Halloween experience, it can be a tough sell to get them to wear a festive outfit. In fact, pet costumes can be the scariest part of the entire holiday! However, great timing, good choices, and loads of patience (from both you and your pet) can make all the difference. 

Most pet owners put down fresh water each day before leaving the house and refresh it as necessary. We all think our pets drink when they’re thirsty, but are they getting enough water? How can you tell?

Here in the Northeast, people and pets are no strangers to winter. Figuring out how to stay active during the long months of snow, ice, wind, and cold temperatures looks different for everyone. Our pets must rely on us for their daily dose of play and exercise, however, and that means coming up with creative ways to keep them busy, regardless of what’s going on outside.

The team at Androscoggin Animal Hospital has plenty of ideas for winter activities for pets that will be sure to keep your furry guy or gal happy, even if you get snowed in!