Posts in Category: Seasonal Pet Care

This holiday season, show your furry companions how grateful you are for their unconditional love by treating them to a jolly good time! Your friends at Androscoggin Animal Hospital have put together some suggestions for safe holiday fun you can have with your pets.

Panting is perfectly natural for pooches. They pant when they’re happy, pant when they’re thirsty, and pant in your face when they just want attention! 

Cats, on the other hand, are rarely caught with their tongues hanging out. It’s perfectly normal for a cat to indulge in a few deep breaths after a bout of active play, but if your cat starts panting heavily for no discernable reason, a call to your pet’s doctor may be in order. 

Many people who love trivia may be stumped by the phrase inspiratory paroxysmal respiration. We can easily infer that this phenomenon has something to do with breathing, and maybe some kind of spasm, but otherwise the general public might be stumped by the meaning of this one. 

Inspiratory paroxysmal is, in fact, the medical term for a reverse sneeze, a common occurrence in some pets. But what exactly is it and how do you know if your pet’s okay?

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!

Whether your holiday celebration is a grand gathering or an intimate affair, chances are there will be at least one or two pets on the guest list. It’s only natural that we would want to give thanks with those we are grateful for; and, let’s face it, we are certainly grateful for our pets.

Celebrating this cozy holiday with furry family members doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as you’re mindful of which Thanksgiving foods a pet can eat, and what they need to stay away from. Thanksgiving pet safety comes in many forms, and the doctors and staff at Androscoggin Animal Hospital want to share our tips with you for a pet-friendly Thanksgiving!

As winter keeps its icy grip, the spring thaw probably seems far away. You’ve probably taken precautions to keep your pets safe from freezing temperatures and extreme weather. But what about the steps (ahem) needed to ensure winter paw safety? 

Snow and ice, not to mention the dry air and de-icing chemicals, can all wreak havoc on your pet’s sensitive paws. 

Keep reading to learn how to keep your dog’s paws safe in winter weather, from your friends at Androscoggin Animal Hospital.

Even the most conscientious pet owners sometimes make mistakes or overlook situations that might pose a risk to their pet’s safety. In the wintertime, these are mostly outdoor hazards which require awareness, preparation, and knowledge.

As the winter winds and snows comes whistling down, Androscoggin Animal Hospital provides you the resources you need for winter pet safety. If you have any concerns or questions about these tips, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your pet’s health and safety is our number one priority!

While fall in New England is undeniably gorgeous, we think autumn in Maine takes the cake. The chilly mornings and changing leaves serve as beautiful backdrops for a multitude of fall activities, and taking in all that nature has to offer is on the agenda for many pet owners this time of year.

As always, your pet’s well being is our ongoing goal at Androscoggin Animal Hospital. Whether you’re hiking, hunting, or just relaxing in the backyard, be sure to keep these fall pet safety tips in mind.

Time flies! It feels like just yesterday we were posting information about holiday pet safety for our community of dedicated owners. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to review the many ways our pets can get into trouble – or be placed inadvertently in harm’s way. Fortunately, with our tried and true methods for summer pet safety, you and your pet can enjoy all the season has to offer.

Getting Started

One of the best ways to get your pet started off on the right paw this summer is to have them examined. Preventive care exams offer great insight into your pet’s wellness, including dental health, nutrition, and disease prevention. Continue…

Halloween, the most frightful time of the year!

You have to admit that year after year, Halloween never really gets old. Scary movies and haunted walks in the woods make some thrill seekers count down the days until it’s arrival. While some of us appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the season without being totally terrified, and still being provided with chocolate everywhere you go. Jack-o-lanterns pose a threat for curious kittens and electrical cords are dangerous all year long. Continue…