Hudson Veterinary Hospital - Low Cost Spay and Neuter Programs in Ossining, NY

Want To Know More About Your Pet's Health? Check Out These Links

Unfortunately, there are many conditions and diseases that can affect your pet’s health. The keys to avoiding these problems are regular visits to the veterinarian, proper care, and knowing what early warning signs to look for. Here are some great links you can browse through to learn more about your pet’s health: 

• If you suspect your dog is suffering from canine arthritis, you can learn about the condition from the ASPCA.

• Obesity in cats is becoming a major problem. PetMD.com can show you how to get your cat back to a healthy weight in this helpful article.

• Cats aren’t the only pets at risk for becoming overweight. Learn about the reasons your dog may be gaining weight from the experts at WebMD.com.

• Before buying a cat or dog, make sure you won’t be violating your rental agreement. The American Humane Association provides tips on finding a pet-friendly apartment.

• A healthy set of gums and teeth is crucial to your pet’s overall health. Learn how to keep your pet’s oral health in check with these guidelines.

The veterinarians and staff at Hudson Veterinary Hospital are dedicated to maintaining your pet’s health. To learn more about our veterinary services in Ossining, NY, call us today at (914) 502-2523. 

What to Do If Your Pet Is Overweight

You may be shocked to learn that up to 40% of dogs and 50% of cats in the U.S. are overweight. Excessive weight gain can cause your pet to develop health problems like heart disease. This can eventually lead to frequent trips to the animal hospital. Here are four things you can do if your pet is overweight:

Assess His or Her Weight

• Take a look at your pet from above. He or she should have a defined waistline that narrows in before the pet’s back hips begin. For dogs, the abdomen should tuck in as it approaches the hind legs. If neither of these features is visible or if you cannot find your pet’s ribs without applying significant pressure, your pet is likely overweight.

Rethink How and What You Feed Your Pet

• Many pet owners free feed their dogs or cats; however, this allows them to easily overeat. Set up regular mealtimes in the morning and evening so that your pet eats his or her limit at a specific time. Look at calories in dog treats and regular feed, and talk to your veterinarian about better options.

Begin a Low-Impact Exercise Plan

• Begin to incorporate exercise slowly. Take your dog to the park and throw a Frisbee, or hop in the pool and have him or her swim to you. Cats can be encouraged to move around more with the help of toys they can chase or try to catch.

Schedule a Check-up

• It’s important to take your overweight pet into the vet to make sure there aren’t any underlying causes, like hypothyroidism. Your veterinarian will examine your pet and help you determine the cause for weight gain as well as the best treatment.

These four tips are a great beginning to getting your pet back on track. At Hudson Veterinary Hospital, we work with pet owners every day and teach them ways to help their best friends live healthy and happy lives. To find out more about our veterinarians in Ossining, NY visit us online or call us at (914) 502-2523. 

Caring for Your Pet on a Trip

Before heading out the door with your dog for a long walk or a vacation, there are certain things you need to consider. For example, if you’re going for a camping trip that will last about three to four days, make sure you bring plenty of flea and tick repellant, water, and a good first aid kit.

As this video shows, it’s important to shade your dog from harsh sunrays while outdoors. You can find dog-specific sunscreen at a pet store to use on the tip of his ears and nose. Be sure to set up a small shaded area for your dog at your campsite, so he can relax in the shade when he’s tired of playing. Before bringing your pet home, check him for ticks and give him a nice bath to clean up any dirt he’s carried home.

For more tips on first aid and traveling with your dog, visit the veterinarians in Ossining, NY at Hudson Veterinary Hospital. To set up your appointment or to learn more about our services, give us a call at (914) 502-2523. 

Dog or Cat: Which Is Right for You?

Some pet owners boldly declare their adoration for their furry friends by saying that they’re a “cat person” or a “dog person.” Others enjoy the benefits that both of these great pet choices bring to their everyday lives. Most veterinarians would agree that the choice between a dog and a cat is personal and depends on several factors. Here is a quick guide to help you figure out which one is right for you: 

You’re Away From Your Home Frequently? Cat

• Those who work long hours or like to take occasional weekend trips may be better suited for a cat. Cats can be left alone for longer periods of time, and neighbors or friends can check and feed them if you’re going to be away for one night.

You Don’t Have Close Access to a Yard? Cat

• Dogs must be taken out for regular exercise and to relieve themselves. If your apartment is not close to a green patch, you may face some difficulties with dog ownership. Cats, on the other hand, can be trained to use a litter box.

You Want Extra Security? Dog

• Dogs can serve as a deterrent for burglars since their barks attract attention. It doesn’t matter how large the dog is, since the sound is often the cause for them turning away. Although cats are weary of strangers, they will not act to warn you if there could be a problem. 

You Are Willing to Spend More Money? Dog

• Dogs tend to be more expensive, since they tend to require more food and must be bathed and groomed more frequently. Cats will clean themselves and only require occasional pet grooming for nail trimmings and brushing.

No matter what your final decision is, caring for any pet is a big responsibility. At Hudson Veterinary Hospital, we are dedicated to helping pet owners care for their new family members with pet health exams and tips on proper care. Visit us in Ossining or call us today at (914) 502-2523 to learn more. 

Get Important Pet Information With These Resources

As a pet owner, you want the very best veterinary treatment for your cat, dog, or other beloved animal. To learn more about how the right veterinarian can maintain and improve your pet’s quality of life, read the following articles:

• PetFinder.com offers several valuable tips to keep in mind when selecting a veterinarian.

• Is your cat or dog in dire need of a thorough grooming session? Ladies’ Home Journal provides a detailed how-to grooming guide for pet owners.

• If you need to leave town but cannot take your pet with you, PetMD.com explains the boarding process and how to find a quality facility for your cat or dog.

• Maintaining your dog’s dental care is vital to his overall wellbeing. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals lists 10 steps for upholding your dog’s dental health.

• Does your cat refuse to use the litter box? The Humane Society gives helpful suggestions to help fix this common feline problem.

Hudson Veterinary Hospital provides quality animal care to the Ossining, NY area. We offer a wide range of services, including pet grooming and low-cost spaying and neutering. To learn more about our veterinary options or to schedule an appointment, call us at (914) 502-2523.