Our Blog

If you’ve ever read one of our pet care blogs, you know that we always have an eye on pet safety. The prevention of illness or injury tops our list of priorities, and we want our valued community of pet owners to know that we’re always here to answer questions and address concerns. To that end, we’re proud to deliver relevant information to our clients each month in the form of our pet care blogs.  

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.

Imagine that one day everything went from perfectly normal and acceptable to upside down and topsy-turvy. Pets experience this hair-raising surrealism throughout the year (Christmas, Fourth of July, etc.), but it’s never quite as freaky as the weeks leading up to, and including the actual day of, Halloween.

What can a pet owner do to not only make their pet feel safe, but reduce or eliminate potential hazards? Here is our Halloween pet safety practices to use at home and beyond!

The Usual Suspects

Candy must always remain out of your pet’s sight. Whether it’s out of boredom or hunger, a curious pet can land in a lot of hot water if they decide to sample the candy bowl or treat bag. Continue…

Everyone has heard of rabies, but most have very little, if any, experience with the disease. It’s easy to think of rabies as a disease of the past or one that affects only wild animals, but rabies is still a concern for people and pets around the world. In fact, Brunswick area residents have experienced multiple attacks by rabid animals just this past summer.

World Rabies Day is September 28th, and we can’t think of a better reason to make sure our clients are educated about the dangers of rabies. Keep reading to learn more about risk factors, symptoms, and the many ways you can protect both your pet and your family.   Continue…

They’re always delighted to see us, they forgive us instantly, and snuggling with them is one of the best parts of our day. There’s no doubt that our pets mean the world to us. Whether we raised them from babyhood or adopted an older pet, providing the best care as they age should be a top priority for every owner.  

At Androscoggin Animal Hospital, we can’t think of anything better than seeing a cherished pet live a long and happy life. We’re always here to support you and your pet, which is why we want to outline some of our top senior pet care strategies.

A Changing Landscape

In general, dogs and cats are considered “senior” between 6-9 years of age. Specifics can vary depending on factors such as breed, size, and species. Senior pets are at greater risk for many of the same illnesses and conditions that tend to affect older humans (e.g., cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease). Typical signs of aging may include: Continue…

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…

We love the fun, unique personalities of cats. But behind their mysterious behaviors lies a very important secret: it can sometimes be hard to tell whether your cat is well or not.

We’ve all heard the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and this is never more true than with the health of our pets. Cats need preventive care, and avoiding illness is always easier on you and your beloved feline (not to mention your wallet). So, let’s take a look at why preventive care for cats is so important!

Survival Strategy

The reason it can be difficult to tell when your cat is sick has to do with their survival strategy. In the wild, cats who are perceived as weak can become a target for predators. In order to survive, they’ve developed a deep natural instinct to hide signs of pain or discomfort.

This, of course, means you may not know your cat is sick until an illness has become advanced. This leads us to the importance of preventive care for cats. Continue…

The hills are alive with the sound of music (of course), but they’re also brimming with wildlife, budding foliage, and beautiful trails. It’s time to get out into nature and enjoy all that Maine has to offer – a fact that’s not lost on an adventurous dog. Everyone’s chomping at the bit to get out for a better view, but without a thorough understanding – and application – of pet hiking safety, your daytrip could go from lovely to dangerous in minutes.

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A great deal goes into choosing the right veterinarian for your pet. Sometimes, close proximity plays a part in the decision. Other times, the recommendation of a close friend or colleague informs the best possible choice.

Because we understand and value this important decision, Androscoggin Animal Hospital went through the training, education, and evaluation necessary to earn the title of Fear Free Certified Professional. We maintain the distinction of a Cat Friendly Practice, and we’re thrilled we can pass the best possible care onto your cat. So, what are the benefits of having a cat friendly veterinarian?

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