Posts in Category: Pet Health & Wellness

You’re snuggled up on the couch with your best fur friend when your hand passes over a lump you hadn’t noticed before. Immediately, your mind starts racing. Is it new? What is it? 

Before you know it, you’re over on Dr. Google, frantically searching for answers. The search engine turns up all sorts of scary words. Tumor. Cancer. Malignant. 

Lumps and bumps on pets seem scary, but they don’t have to be. Seeking guidance from a veterinary professional is always your best bet, and your team at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital is ready to help.

Is your older dog starting to have accidents inside the home? Is your pet recuperating from surgery and not able to use the litter box or go outside? Have you recently adopted a special needs pet who has trouble when it comes to appropriate urination or defecation? These are just some of the many reasons your pet may benefit from the use of pet diapers.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to selecting pet diapers, including your pet’s size, gender, and whether your pet needs long or short-term protection. Let the team at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital get you started!

We use the internet for nearly everything these days, and we rely on it to tell us exactly what we need to know – and fast. Few could argue with the convenience, but despite all the advantages, the available information isn’t always correct or necessary.

As for pet care, there are countless websites that aim to help owners. But some online veterinary advice should only be taken with a grain of salt.

Aside from the fact that an animal looks their best when at the proper weight, maintaining a slender silhouette is essential for overall health. Without a doubt, even a few extra pounds on a cat or dog can risk their well being. Joint pain and arthritis are the most obvious side effects of added weight, but diabetes in pets is a serious threat to longevity and quality of life.

Diabetes in pets is becoming more common these days, but with an eye on prevention this diagnosis doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion.

For most of us, the last 12 months have been chock-full of events, surprises, news bites, and stress. But 2018 has also been a year of blessings and good fortune. For our staff, it continues to feel like we’ve won the lottery. Not only do we have the best jobs in the Fort Worth area, but our work is truly a privilege.

Our holistic approach to pet care enables us to treat individual pets like the valued family members they are. To that end, we hope our pet care blogs help owners stay informed and become the best possible guardians to their companions.

It is simply amazing how much veterinary medicine has continued to evolve since the days of James Herriot. No longer viewed as a disposable commodity, in many homes pets are simply part of the family.

One of the arenas that is growing the in the veterinary world is pet rehabilitation. Animals with pain, decreased mobility or function, or those who are recovering from a surgery or injury can benefit tremendously from techniques historically reserved for humans in physical therapy. Continue…

It’s a rare person who’s life hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way. Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and more than 145 million Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year. Unfortunately, cancer doesn’t stop with humans. In fact, nearly half of all disease-related pet deaths each year are due to cancer.

Fortunately, we know a lot more about cancer in pets than we did in the past, and we’re excited to pass that information along to pet owners. The more you know about pet cancer, the better equipped you are to spot it, which leads to earlier treatments and better outcomes. You may even be able to prevent it altogether.

Understanding Cancer in Pets

Like humans, the tissues in our pet’s bodies are made up of individual cells. Under normal conditions, these cells have their own systems for regulating growth, division, and death. Cancer occurs when cells in a certain area of the body begin to divide uncontrollably. Cancer can develop in any type of tissue, including blood, skin, muscle, and organs. Continue…

Imagine your pet escaped and you didn’t know where they went. Maybe you’ve actually experienced this scenario. With over 10 million pets being stolen or lost each year, it’s likely that some of our readers have encountered this frightening situation.

In most cases, dogs and cats are prone to roam and sometimes they have a habit of playing the escape artist when their owner isn’t looking. Other times, accidents occur when doors, gates, or windows are left open. Even with extreme care, there’s always a chance your pet will become lost. That’s why the team at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital wants to highlight the benefits of microchipping.

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Most of us aren’t exactly excited about looking into our pet’s mouths, but when it comes to pet dental care, the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is absolutely true. Studies show that by age three, 4 out of 5 dogs have some form of periodontal disease. Other studies report that 50 to 90 percent of cats over four years of age have some form of dental disease. The veterinarians and knowledgeable staff at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital are here to give you the basics of this common but preventable problem.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the mouth form plaque. Left unchecked, plaque can accumulate along the gum line and cause inflammation called gingivitis. Plaque hardens into tartar along the gum line, but the real problems begin when the bacteria in plaque travel below the gum line. Inflammation and infection affect the internal structures of the tooth, root, and even the bone underneath.

In its more severe stages, periodontal disease can cause tooth fractures or tooth loss. Unfortunately, if left untreated, bacteria can also find its way into the bloodstream and can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.

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These days, choosing a veterinarian for your pet is just as important as finding a good doctor, dentist, or specialist for your human family members. Whether you’ve recently moved, adopted a new fur friend, or are interested in changing veterinary clinics, there are certain things a concerned pet owner should be on the lookout for when it comes to finding the best healthcare for their animal companion.

Ask Around

People you trust and who value the health and wellness of their animal companions are a wonderful resource when it comes to choosing a veterinarian. Ask friends, neighbors, and coworkers before you check online reviews (although those can be helpful too!).

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