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When we think of dangerous items that may be in our homes, we probably aren’t thinking about mundane things like chocolate or aspirin. These and other items we might have lying around deserve a second look, however, as they can pose a poisoning risk to our four-legged friends.

Pet poisoning situations are one of the most common causes of pet emergencies, but preventing a scary accident is as simple as moving dangerous items out of your pet’s reach. The start of a new year is the perfect time to take a look around your home for household pet toxins and make sure they are stored safely.
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Androscoggin Animal Hospital knows how important your pet is to you. Did you realize, though, that the benefits of having an animal in your life go way beyond the companionship you feel?

There are documented benefits of pet ownership and ongoing studies looking at these important relationships. The human-animal bond is a real thing, and something that is bettering the lives of animal lovers everywhere.

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Remember when we were blogging about parasite prevention last spring? It’s hard to believe we’re already rounding the corner toward winter and the holidays, but here we are!

When you think about this time of year, perhaps only the good things come to mind. While scrumptious food, piles of presents, and beautiful decor certainly contribute to the general splendor, they also provide dangerous opportunities for your pet. That’s why we’ve got holiday pet safety on our minds – and we hope you do, too!

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While providing a thorough physical examination and obtaining your pet’s history can help us to get to the bottom of many issues, sometimes more advanced diagnostic testing is required.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and radiography (X-rays) and ultrasound can give us a lot of valuable information.

At Androscoggin Animal Hospital, we offer digital imaging for pets so that we can diagnose problems more efficiently to help your pet feel better, faster. Continue…

Although there is a lot of focus on dog exercise and playtime, the truth is that our cats need exercise, too. This is particularly the case for indoor kitties whose exercise needs are too often neglected or limited by fewer opportunities for play.

Considering that an estimated 60% of household cats are obese or overweight, there is a strong need for indoor cat activities that help beat boredom and work off calories. Continue…

It’s 3:00 a.m. and you wake to the unmistakable sounds of your dog vomiting… Again. You’re worried, but should you call the vet at this hour, or is best to wait until morning? It’s hard not to panic or second-guess yourself when your pet appears to be struggling, which is why it’s important to understand what constitutes a pet emergency.

Some illness and injuries are immediately obvious, but because pets have evolved to hide their pain, it can often be difficult to tell when to seek medical care for your furry loved one. Although there is certainly no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with a pet emergency, we have outlined many of the signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Continue…

When summer, holiday, or weekend travel plans are in the works, that includes trying to figure out what to do with our four legged friends during vacation. While there is certainly nothing wrong with lining up a pet sitter or kennel for your pet, sometimes bringing our furry companions along for the ride just makes more sense.

Your pet’s health, safety and comfort are among the most important factors to consider before you hit the road. Fortunately, today’s pet-centric society provides plenty of options for those of us who choose to travel with a pet Continue…

It’s a familiar scene for many pet owners: a summer storm is rolling in, and before the noise of thunder even begins, you hear the telltale signs of your pet’s fear: panting, pacing, ID tags jingling, perhaps the sounds of him or her scratching or digging at furniture or doors.

Whether it’s a summer storm, a 4th of July fireworks display, or some other source of loud, explosive sound, pet noise anxiety is a fact of life for millions of pet owners. Prolonged periods of severe anxiety is not only bad for your pet’s mental well being, but  it can also have deleterious effects on his or her physical health as well. Continue…

Congratulations on your new canine addition! You’ve got your hands full, and we’re not just talking about wellness visits, vaccinations, or spaying/neutering. We’re referring to the importance of properly introducing your wide-eyed pup to the great big world.

Learning about other people, pets, noises, and crowds can be extremely overwhelming. If not learned in a supportive, calm, and patient manner, your new puppy could develop unnecessary aversions. Start your pet off on the right paw with our special tips for puppy socialization. Continue…

They’re here! That’s right… Flea and tick season is in the works, and for those of us living in regions rife with these warm weather pests, prevention is a top priority.

Whether meandering through the woods with your favorite Fido or combatting the flea invasions which always seems to occur this time of year, the question is: how do we keep the parasites away? Continue…