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The day of hearts, flowers, and chocolates is just around the corner. While we may relish the thought of opening up a heart-shaped box of treats, this gift can wreak havoc on our four-legged sweethearts. And, of course, the more “off-limits” something is, the more attractive it can be – especially to dogs who enjoy experimenting with foreign flavors. Fortunately, while the outcome of a pet poisoning can be quite dire, this is an entirely preventable situation.

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.

Food is a big deal, especially during the holiday season when the opportunities for feasting and overindulging seem nearly endless. For many pet owners, a holiday meal just isn’t complete until our four-legged family members have been allowed to sample the seasonal delights. Unfortunately, these table scraps could be endangering their health and their lives.

Luckily, there are plenty of safe (and tasty!) treats you can share with your pet. The team at Harris Parkway Animal Hospital has put together a list of pet friendly holiday foods that are both healthy and delicious that will be sure to please even the pickiest pet!

One of our primary duties as pet owners is protecting our companions from danger. Pet-proofing our homes and yards, using only pet-safe cleaning products, and otherwise eliminating household risks represent just the tip of the iceberg. When a holiday pops up, there’s always some additional legwork required. Fortunately, with our guide to Halloween pet safety, you and your best friend have nothing to worry about!

Identifiable 

All cats and dogs benefit from having a microchip year round, but during Halloween, separations and escapes are much more common. ID tags and reflective collars are great additions to enhance Halloween pet safety.

Owners of black cats should be especially vigilant this time of year. These pets should remain inside as much as possible to reduce threats from pranksters.

One of the best things about surviving a Texas summer is the relief that comes when it’s finally over! Milder weather in fall and winter encourages people to once again get out and about, eating, exploring, and enjoying the great outdoors with our loveable pups. With so many pet friendly options here in Tarrant County, you’ll never run out of things to do!

Pet Friendly Patios

Dogs are allowed in the outdoor eating areas of many local restaurants in the Fort Worth area: Continue…

There’s nothing quite as exciting as bringing home a new kitten. Whether you’ve spent hours at the shelter picking out just the right companion, or have brought home a new addition from your neighbor’s surprise litter, the joy, anticipation and fun that await you as a new cat owner are unmatched.

It’s no secret either that kitten care is a lot of hard work! There are multiple things to consider as you acclimate your new pet to your home and family. Whether you’re a first time cat owner or a veteran with many cats, Harris Parkway Animal Hospital is ready to be your guide as you navigate these new waters.

Kitten Care 101

Kittens are naturally curious, alert, and funny creatures. They are also babies, however, which means they need lots of care and attention to grow into healthy and well socialized young cats. Here are some ways to get started with new kitten care.

Gear up – before you bring your kitten home, there are a few things you’ll need. Start with the basics: Continue…

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…

For many people, Fourth of July is one of the best parts of the summer. Picnics, barbeques, parades, swimming, and, of course, fireworks are on the agenda, make for a fun and festive few days. It’s understandable to want to include the family pet in the revelry, but for many animals, this is a day filled with stress and anxiety.

Join us as we highlight the most important tips for Fourth of July pet safety, and keep the holiday safe for the four-legged members of your family. 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…

Puppies are one of the greatest joys in life. When you first bring your new puppy home, you can count on many moments of fun and laughter, at least a few accidents that need to be cleaned, and a few other sleepless nights. A growing puppy needs much more from you than a food dish and a place to sleep, though. As you’ll see, when all is said and done, parenting a new puppy is no walk in the park!

With a few tips from Harris Parkway Animal Hospital, you can be sure that those first few weeks will set the tone for a lifetime of friendship and fun with your first puppy.

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