Gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity to enjoy outside, as a way for you to relax in the fresh air and nice weather. It can be even more enjoyable when your pets can relish in the garden with you. With safety in mind regarding toxins, parasite prevention, and fencing, you and your pets can experience quality time together in outdoor gardens. 

The team at Parkside Animal Hospital has put together a pet-friendly guide to gardening so you and your pets can enjoy its fruits, flowers, or veggies together! 

The law of cause and effect states that every single action produces a reaction. In the world of cat care, the law of cause and effect can be readily seen. While some cat owners shake their heads at the sight and sound of feline regurgitation, hairballs are part of the natural order of life.

One of the best parts of owning a pet is the mutually beneficial act of petting them. It feels good to them, of course, but snuggling and stroking a furry pet has proven to enhance human health, too. 

Equally important during your daily cuddle-fests is the opportunity to feel for any pet lumps and bumps. To be sure, knowing exactly what is normal for your pet’s skin and body condition can go a long way to staying in front of developing problems.

This past year the global pandemic has been on everyone’s mind, but you probably haven’t thought about your pet (including exotics) in this age of social distancing. 

You may have even heard more about the term zoonosis these days, which means a disease that can be passed from animals to people. House pets do carry their own illnesses, some of which can be transmitted to humans – Salmonella, for example.  

Many pet owners have asked about different viruses and other diseases and whether they can be transmitted to their human family. The team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to explain more about zoonotic disease and how you can protect your entire family, pet family included.

Have you ever been sitting enjoying some quality time with your dog when they let out a weird, honking noise and appear to be struggling to breathe? 

This scary phenomenon is called inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, also known as the reverse sneeze. While it seems like something for dog owners to worry about, in most cases it is a common condition that occurs without serious repercussions in dogs. 

While most reverse sneezes are completely harmless, there are some cases where it could be a sign of something more. The team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to help you understand more about the reverse sneeze and what it means: 

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. Many of us have lived through some form of a natural disaster, whether that be a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or ice storm. You might even have a disaster plan at home for your family. Our pets, too, need to be ready for anything, and there are special considerations during a natural emergency to be prepared for when it comes to your furry loved one.

Your friends at Parkside Animal Hospital are here to provide you with the right steps to better respond to the unexpected. Here are some tips for effective disaster preparedness for pets for their ultimate health and safety.

With over 99,000 cases of COVID-19 since January, we have joined other nations gripped by fear and grief. But now that restrictions have eased somewhat, people are trying to establish a new normal – and pets are the first to notice. 

Some may have relished every extra moment with their special human, but near-constant attention and snuggles on demand may soon be waning. Pet separation anxiety is normal, but if symptoms are ignored long-lasting effects are possible. 

Oh, the season of buds and blossoms has almost arrived! For many, this means that preparations for Easter egg hunts and family brunches (in tiny groups) are underway. Guess who loves to be underfoot in the kitchen or out in the backyard? The family pet, of course! 

Pets may be just as excited as the kids are (or they could be hiding out until the holiday passes), but one thing is certain: without a cautious approach to Easter pet safety, they could be in danger.

You know the feeling, when the rain comes and the temperatures start to warm up. It’s Kleenex and allergy meds time, right? Some people even get headaches and other symptoms of the change in temperature and barometric pressure. Seasonal changes affect pets, too, from allergies to warmer temperatures that pose risks. 

To better prepare you and your four-legged for the upcoming spring, here are some recommendations to alleviate some of the seasonal effects. Read on for more information.

It’s time for rich, sumptuous holiday foods and treats. Yum! The anticipation of delicious meals, plates of cookies, and festive tables laden with special foods has most Americans jumping for joy. But planning for all the festivities of the season seldom includes thinking about holiday food dangers for pets, until they present a medical emergency. 

Nothing ruins a holiday celebration faster than a trip to the emergency veterinary hospital! Your team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to help you avoid the risks to your pets this holiday season.