Most pets are startled by loud noises, but up to two-thirds of dogs go beyond the basic startle response and feel anxiety or fear for minutes to hours after the noise. This diagnosable anxiety disorder is called noise aversion. Unfortunately, most pet owners don’t realize their pets are affected and do not seek treatment, especially [...]
Numerous factors can contribute to kidney failure, a potentially life-threatening condition for your pet. The kidneys are critical for numerous important bodily functions, including waste removal, water conservation, red blood cell production, electrolyte and mineral balance, blood pressure regulation, and protein preservation. The Livingston Veterinary Hospital team knows that healthy kidneys are important for your [...]
A child who grows up with an animal often develops a special bond and lifelong friendship with their pet. Many pets endure children’s antics. Your pet may patiently comply with their favorite small human dressing them up and squeezing them tight with delight. However, some pets are unable to tolerate this loving attention. Therefore, to [...]
Few experiences in our lives are better than bringing home a squishy, wiggly, roly-poly puppy. However, raising a rambunctious, curious, razor-toothed puppy is not for the faint of heart. If you are thinking about adopting a puppy or have a recent pup addition to your family, this post is for you. A puppy is not [...]
Your pet’s dental health is important—so important, that the entire month of February is dedicated to spreading awareness about the issue. Yes—February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and to celebrate, our Livingston Veterinary Hospital team explains why your pet’s dental health matters, and how you can protect your pet from periodontal disease. Use the [...]
January is not only the time to set your intentions for the next 365 days—it’s also National Dog Training Month. To recognize both, the Livingston Veterinary Hospital suggests that you make teaching your four-legged companion to become man's best friend one of your New Year’s resolutions. While the advantages of a well-trained dog seem obvious—they [...]
Dog training is more than directing your dog to sit and stay. Through effective training, your dog learns important life skills that help them manage their emotions, control their impulses, and respond appropriately to you and their environment. Although you are likely familiar with the joke about the obedience school dropout, untrained dogs are no [...]
Counter-surfing or persistent pleading for scraps can be hard habits to break in pets, but this behavior is more than a simple annoyance if they eat the wrong foods. Rich, fatty foods increase a pet’s risk of developing pancreatitis, an extremely painful condition that can be life-threatening. Our team at Livingston Veterinary Hospital wants you [...]
These days, you may have difficulty separating fact from fiction, and you may lose sight of pet health facts—especially their weight. Currently, more than half of all U.S. dogs and cats are overweight (i.e., 10% higher than their ideal body weight) or obese (i.e., 20% or higher than their ideal weight)—putting them at risk for [...]
Summer winding down and the gorgeous fall scenery that beckons may seem the perfect time to head outdoors with your pet for a long hike through the woods. While this is certainly a wonderful time of year to get outside, keep in mind that hunting season is ramping up. Pets—and their owners—may be mistaken for [...]