In honor of National Rescue Day, we wanted to provide everyone with the resources to adopt a new best friend for life! There are millions of dogs and cats in need of loving homes in the US and we encourage anyone who is looking for a pet to take in a rescue instead of purchasing from a breeder or store.
As the weather begins to warm up and we approach the summer months, our first instinct is often to get outside and enjoy the hot weather! However, it is extremely important to remember that just because we want to be outside does not mean our pets do. To keep your pets healthy and cool this summer, follow these tips!
If you haven’t had your cat spayed, there’s a definite possibility that she can become pregnant, even as a house cat. Unlike dogs, many owners allow their cats to roam around the neighborhood at their own leisure if their cats are able to navigate the streets and return home regularly. Cats are also much smaller and often have an easier time “escaping” home by climbing out of windows or sliding through doors. Obviously, we can’t spend all our time regulating our cats’ activities, but we also can’t ignore them if and when they become pregnant! Here’s what to do if your cat is expecting!
Most dog foods are made with ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, grains, vegetable oils, and added vitamins and minerals. Ideally, these ingredients should provide enough nutrients for dogs to live a long and healthy life on kibble alone; however, our veterinary team encourages owners to incorporate other foods into their pets’ diets, too. Not only will this combat taste fatigue, dogs can benefit from eating a variety of foods and gain more nutrients that aren’t always available in regular dog food.
Pet owners often associate dogs as carnivorous animals. While dogs do need more protein, they’re actually omnivores with the capacity to eat fruits and vegetables as well. Since their food is already high in protein, treating your dog to fresh produce occasionally can be a nice change of pace. Not only are fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, they have a high water and fiber content. It is important to note that dogs cannot eat all the fruits and vegetables that humans can, owners should be careful when they’re feeding their pets new foods.
Since there are so many fruits and vegetables, our veterinary experts at Brookhurst Animal have compiled a comprehensive list of fruits and vegetables that dogs can eat. Next time you have some scraps leftover, check if your dog might enjoy it first! Chances are, it may not only be edible for canines but also a delicious treat.
Leafy Greens & Cruciferous Vegetables
Though dogs can consume some raw vegetables, keep in mind that they only have canine teeth, so it can be difficult for them to grind crunchy greens up on their own. If you notice your dog struggling to chew, cut up or cook their vegetables before you serve them to your pet. Too much indigestible fiber can also cause bloating or gas, so be conscious of portion sizes.
Root Vegetables
Dogs have different digestive systems than humans and they struggle to digest sugars as easily as we do. Since root vegetables are high in sugar, it can take a lot of energy for your dog to digest them. If you still want you pet to benefit from the carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins, and sterols that these veggies provide, cook them and serve them in small amounts. This will make it easier to digest for your pooch. Here are some popular root vegetables dogs can eat:
Unlike the veggies listed above, onions and garlic are toxic to dogs. If you keep them around to for your own cooking, make sure they’re safely stowed away where your pets can reach them.
Beans, Stems, Pods, Grains, & Fruit Vegetables
Vegetables are chock full of water, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They’re especially refreshing for dogs during the summer when it gets really hot. At Brookhurst Animal, we have tons of patients who love eating zucchini or cucumber! Just remember to slice up the vegetables before serving them, so they’re not choking hazards. Corn needs to be removed from the cob to keep puppies from choking.
Dogs can also eat certain nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes and eggplants, but only in small quantities. These vegetables contain solanine, a substance that can be harmful when it’s excessively consumed by dogs.
Berries
Fruit is known as nature’s candy because it’s so sweet and delicious. Berries, in particular, are a quick and easy snack because they don’t need to be peeled or chopped. Here are a few types of berries that your dog can enjoy with you next time:
Not all berries are ideal for our furry friends, though. Raspberries should be eaten in moderation because they have high amounts of xylitol, a natural sweetener that can be toxic to dogs in high doses. Berries with pits or seeds should be avoided because dogs can accidentally swallow them, leading to health complications. A notable berry offender is the grape! Not only do most grapes have large seeds, they can also lead to kidney failure even when eaten in small amounts.
Tropical fruit
Take your pet to puppy paradise with these delicious tropical fruits. Just remember, most of them do need to be prepared by opening, peeling, cutting, etc, before your dog can enjoy. It’s also best to eat these fruits fresh because the canned versions can be saturated in sugar, causing stomach upset
Citric fruits like grapefruit, lemons, or limes can irritate your dog’s stomach, so they’re not the best choice for pets. Another “tropical” fruit that dogs definitely can’t have is the avocado. They contain persin, a fungicidal toxin, that can be poisonous to dogs. So as much as your pups want to participate, definitely keep them away from the salsa and guac on taco night!
Household Fruits
Since berries and tropical fruits can be more difficult to buy (especially out of season) and preserve, most people don’t usually have them on hand. Below are the most common fruits that dogs can eat:
Feeding your dog juicy, fibrous foods isn’t just beneficial for your dog, it can be helpful for owners, too! Certain fruits, like apples, can clean the teeth naturally and reduce unpleasant “dog breath”. They can also regulate your dog’s digestion and bowel movements by incorporating moving fiber through the body.
Remember, not all animals are the same. One dog may love eating cucumbers while another could be deathly allergic. If you notice your pet coughing, vomiting, or behaving abnormally, stop feeding them the fruit or vegetable that may have caused it and take them to the vet immediately. Getting your animal treated or diagnosed can help prevent major problems later on! At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center, our Anaheim veterinarian is always prepared for veterinary emergencies. Give us a call if you would like to make an appointment or swing by. We’re here to help!
Dogs and cats are primarily meat eaters, so why do we sometimes catch our pets chewing on grass in the yard? As strange as it seems, it’s actually quite common behavior and it’s not necessarily dangerous. In fact, it can actually be a good sign in some cases. Read on to understand what exactly attracts your pets to those glorious blades of greenery.
Most cats are pure carnivores, so they actually can’t digest plant matter. In fact, some plants can even be poisonous to your pets! Luckily, grass is harmless, but it can help expel unwanted toxins from the body. When cats need to get rid of bones, hair, fur, or other indigestible materials, they may eat grass as a laxative or to trigger a natural gag reflex. Similarly, dogs often use grass as a way to ease an upset stomach.
Eating grass often results in vomiting, but unless the vomit is excessive or contains blood, owners don’t have to be too concerned. Just make sure to keep your pet well hydrated and keep an eye out for any other symptoms of distress. If the grass eating and vomiting persists over a long period of time, however, it could be a symptom of a different problem. Your pet’s foliage habit could be their way of treating worms, food allergies, overeating, etc. The best way to find out is getting your pet checked up by the veterinarian. Better safe than sorry, right?
Dogs are naturally omnivores in the wild, so grazing on your front lawn may be their way of satisfying a natural instinct to consume greens. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should start feeding your dog a vegan diet. Their diet still needs an adequate amount of quality protein from meat, but they may be craving a fibrous supplement.
Likewise, cats may eat grass even if they can’t digest it because grass contains dietary benefits. For example, it has folic acid, which regulates oxygen. If your pets are regularly eating grass, this may be a sign that they are lacking vital nutrients. Consult with your veterinarian about making changes to your pet’s diet if you believe this is an issue. You can start incorporating certain fruits and vegetables for dogs and vitamins for cats.
Let’s face it, there’s not much for animals to do when they’re stuck at home all day. Cats and dogs are intelligent, playful, curious creatures and they may simply want to know what grass tastes like. If they like how it tastes or feels, they may just continue gnawing on it for fun. It’s similar to how humans like to eat sugary treats or fast food! It may not necessarily be healthy, but it satisfies a specific craving.
While eating grass may be normal, there are still precautions owners need to take for their pets. Grass in public spaces could be treated with harmful pesticides, fertilizers, or chemicals that are harmful when they are digested. Certain plants are also toxic to animals and it can be easy for your pet to accidentally ingest them when they’re grazing grass.
To prevent your furry friends from consuming the wrong plants, limit their grass eating habit to your own yard where you can control the environment. There are also specialty wheat and oat grass kits designed for in-home use if you don’t have an outdoor area. And if your pet does enjoy a little nibble outside once in a while, keep an eye out to make sure they’re not overdoing it. Lure them over with a little treat – it’s sure to be more appetizing than a handful of grass!
We hope that answers your question! There are a lot of reasons your pet could be attracted to eating grass and that’s okay as long as they are carefully monitored before, during, and after their “snack”. Our Anaheim veterinarian is trained to treat both domestic and exotic animals at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center. If you have questions or you would like to book an appointment, give us a call! We’re happy to help.
In the wild, birds attempt to hide their illnesses because they are more susceptible to predators when they’re perceived as weak. While this is may be an important survival tactic, it makes it difficult for owners to treat or even detect their bird’s sickness. By the time bird owners recognize their birds are sick, it’s often too late. To avoid this situation, bird owners need to be familiar with the subtle signs of sickness in birds. Take note of any deviation in your bird’s typical behavior and activity – it could save their life!
Since most birds won’t show obvious signs of illness at first, owners need to be extra cautious to any changes in their bird’s health. Here are a few things to keep in mind when tending to your pet:
There are many ways your pet could exhibit their symptoms. The key is to know what their regular patterns, so you can spot any fluctuations.
The cause of your pet’s illness could be anything, but there common problems that can easily be addressed. Poor living conditions or change in diet are the first suspects when your bird gets sick. Bacteria and viruses can easily get transmitted to pets when they live in unhealthy environments or eat contaminated food. Any of the following could be causing your bird’s illness:
Common diseases in birds include Salmonella, Trichomoniasis, Avian pox, mites and lice, and aspergillosis. The best way to prevent the spread of these diseases is to keep their feeders and homes clean. Bird feed should be stored in airtight containers to avoid spoilage and mold.
When the illness has progressed far enough, certain symptoms may become extremely clear. Convulsing, vomiting, diarrhea, change in breathing, discharge from the mouth, or collapse are all emergency situations. At this point, pet owners should take to the bird vet as soon as possible. For the time before you and your bird are able to see a veterinarian, it’s important to keep the bird at an ideal temperature and provide them with food as necessary. 80-85 degrees is ideal temperature for birds. They should have water and food available to keep them nourished.
If you find yourself in an avian emergency, give us a call at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center. Our Anaheim veterinarian, Dr. Lopez, is experienced with exotic animals like birds. As soon as you notice something is amiss, please contact us so we can diagnose and treat your bird before the problem gets worse.
It doesn’t rain often in California, but when it does, it pours! While staying inside with hot chocolate under the covers may be ideal for you, it probably won’t be for your dog. Certain canine breeds have too much energy to lie around all day, so they need to be stimulated even when they’re indoors. Dogs also don’t wear clothes to stay warm like humans, so unless you have a cold weather breed, it’s important to find a way to keep them nice and toasty. Because dogs can’t speak, it can be difficult to understand what they need to stay safe and healthy when the weather changes. Check out the guide below to learn how to handle rainy days with your furry friends!
Outdoor pets should be brought indoors on rainy days. No matter how rambunctious your dog is, it’s too cold and dangerous to leave pets outside during a storm. To keep your home clean, give your pets a bath before they romp around the house. You’ll also want to lock cabinets, hide valuables, and put fluffy, chewable pillows in a safe place.
Unlike cats, dogs don’t normally use the restroom inside. It’s doubtful that you’ll be able to train your dog to use a litter box in just a day. If it’s just drizzling, your pets can probably still go outside to do their business, but if it’s a torrential downpour, we recommend setting up a doggie station in the bathroom. Place a wee pad on some newspapers or in a box in the bathroom. These are incredible absorbent but disposable. When your dog signals they need to go, direct them to their new doggie station!
Dogs can get sick just like humans. Their fur may provide enough warmth for a cloudy day, but it may not be sufficient on a cold, rainy day. Turn on the heat in your home until the temperature is at a comfortable 68-78 degrees. If that’s not an option, you may have to bundle your furry friend in a doggie sweater and provide plenty of warm blankets on their sleeping mat.
On days when it’s just sprinkling, you can actually still take your dog on a walk outside! Invest in a large umbrella, poncho, and rain booties for your dog to keep them dry in the rain. As you go along your walk, you may want to keep your dog on a tighter leash than usual to avoid getting splashed in puddles or mud!
If you’re having trouble keeping your pet(s) entertained, here are a few activities you can try at home on rainy days:
Many pets are afraid of thunder because the loud sounds are startling. It can be frightening because they don’t understand what is or where it’s coming from. On the bright side, there are ways to prepare your pup and keep them calm during the storm.
One way to help your pet feel safe and secure is by providing a cozy haven indoors where they can seek shelter. Outfit their usual sleeping arrangements with soft pillows, blankets, and familiar toys. You can also get a crate or igloo, so they feel like they are in a small, safe space. Make sure to close any windows or doors that could be making the sounds more loud and threatening than they need to be.
You can also try to distract your pet during the storm. Stay by their side as you play with new toys, give them treats, or listen to music together. It might get their mind off the scary sounds and help them focus on something else. Plus, your presence is probably comforting!
If none of these work, you can always consult with the veterinarian to train your pet how to behave during thunderstorms. The vet will be able to determine what exactly is triggering your pet and how to treat that. There are also sleeping and anti-anxiety medications available to calm your dog down if worst comes to worst. Our Anaheim veterinarian at Brookhurst Animal can help figure out what’s going on and prescribe medication if needed.
Considering how dry California is, rain is always a blessing, but it can be a little burdensome if you have pets. We hope our guide can help you enjoy these days spent indoors better than before. Give us a call if you have questions or would like to book an appointment with our vet in Anaheim at Brookhurst Animal!
Pop open the bubbly and string up the tinsel, it’s almost New Year’s Eve! It’s the perfect time to get together with family, friends, and of course, pets. Though most of your human companions will have no trouble rejoicing in the new year, your dogs and cats may not understand what’s going on. To make this holiday fun for all your furry guests, here’s what you should keep in mind before the countdown.
If you plan on having guests over to celebrate the new year, make sure your pet is ready for them. Some animals can get overly excited or even hostile at the prospect of visitors. Pets who are uncomfortable with humans may bark or hiss loudly and even attack. Keep your pet on a leash or behind a pet barrier to avoid this situation.
Making a toast to the new year with a freshly opened bottle of champagne is a New Year’s tradition, but it’s important to be responsible throughout the night, especially if you have pets. Alcohol can be poisonous for pets, so don’t leave any drinks where your pets can reach them. When pets ingest alcohol, they could vomit, have tremors, or even lose consciousness.
Many beverages are also bottled in glass, which can easily break and cause injuries for your guests and pets. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they are safe from these dangers at all times.
Though the firework show may be beautiful, your dog or cat may not be able to appreciate it quite as much as you. It’s no surprise that pets can get jumpy when there are loud noises abound, so it’s naturally that many cats and dogs act out when they hear fireworks. Many house pets express their anxiety by howling, crying, hiding, chewing up objects, walking in circles, etc.
Prepare yourself and your pet for the ruckus of the new year by providing them with a safe, comfortable place to stay when the fireworks explode. You can also reward them for staying calm when there’s thunder or airplanes flying overhead throughout the year. Some pet parents have been able to acclimate their pets to the sound of fireworks by playing softer recordings before the big night. If none of these seem to work, you may want to contact your vet for advice.
As the holiday season wraps up, you’ll probably need to take down your ornaments, tinsel, ribbons, and other festive decor. Try to keep your pet at a distance when you’re cleaning up because pets will often consume items they’re not supposed to. Plastic, metal, and glass are not digestible and could cause serious problems. Small decorations are also a choking hazard. Make sure to stow everything away in a place that can’t be accessed by your pets and try not to leave any trinkets behind.
With the end of the year, we’d like to thank all our visitors at Brookhurst Animal Medical Center for being great pet owners and friends. If your pet ever needs medical attention, stop by our veterinary clinic. We’re always happy to help!
Having pets requires a lot of sacrifice and commitment, but we find that our furry companions are always worth the time and effort. As many pet owners know, there are certain precautions you need to take with your home if you plan on leaving your pet at home alone or even in another room alone. Chewable cushions need to be hidden, glass has to be stored away, and any bite-sized object cannot be in reach. Recently, plants have become a popular, environmentally-friendly way to furnish your space, but certain plants can be toxic for pets. To avoid any accidents, check out our pet-friendly plant guide!
Like humans, animals are naturally curious and oftentimes, they will consume things that they really shouldn’t. Certain types can be poisonous when eaten, so to keep this from happening, we encourage pet parents to research their plants before purchasing them. Here’s are a few of the most popular (and deadly) plants that pet owners should be aware of:
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it does cover most popular houseplants. If your shrubs aren’t on the list, check with your local veterinarian if you need to take any precautions with your plants.
If you just can’t part with your greenery, remember to keep your flowers and shrubs in a safe place where your pets won’t be tempted to nibble on them. As plants age, their leaves or petals can also wilt to the ground, becoming accessible to pets. Make sure to sweep these up before your pets can get to them.
Now on to the good news! There are also plenty of plants that are also totally pet-friendly. These greens are a great way to get cleaner air and spruce up your home a little without the risk of poisoning your canine or feline friends. Here are our favorites:
There are plenty of other plants you can grow without worry, but make sure to check it out with a veterinarian or botanist first. While you can control your environment at home, we recommend training your pets not to chew on any types of plants at all. They could be easily be exposed to poisonous plants when they’re out and about, so the best way to avoid a pet emergency is by teaching them to avoid foreign plants altogether.
If your pet accidentally consumes a toxic plant, call a veterinarian as soon as possible. At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center, our Anaheim veterinarian is trained to quickly diagnose and treat the problem, so it doesn’t cause further damage. Give us a call if you have questions or need to book an appointment with the vet at Brookhurst Animal today!
Your pets are a part of the family, so getting them a gift for the holidays is only fitting! Do they really need a heated bed or a monogrammed sweater? Not necessarily. But during this festive time of the year, your four-legged friends deserve the absolute best! Check out this gift guide to see our favorite gifts for your dog or cat.
Snuggly Heated Pet Bed
If you live somewhere that gets especially cold in the winter, or just want your furry friend to stay warm, this heated bed is perfect for them! This bed is at a comfortable temperature that is suited for your pet’s normal body temperature. It is also designed for 24/7 operation so you can sleep comfortably knowing that your pet is safe and warm. You can get one online or check your local pet store. Just make sure to check on your pet to make sure they don’t get overheated at night!
Dog DNA Test Kit
If you are curious about your mixed dog’s ancestry, there is a perfect solution for you! Similar to the DNA test kits for humans, the Embark test will tell you about your dogs’ ancestry, disease history, and even traits. All this test kit requires is a simple cheek swab from your dog’s mouth! There are a few different companies that provide this service, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
Reversible Hammock
Hammocks are the perfect vessel for the lazy cat that loves to lounge all day! With the adorable reversible pattern of leopard and white, you are sure to love it just as much as your cat. If you’ve got a mischievous feline, keep an eye on your pet, so they don’t get tangled or hurt by the hammock when it’s in use. You can grab these cute, kitten-sized hammocks online.
Santa Suit Cat Sweater
A Santa Claus sweater is perfect for the cat lovers that enjoy dressing their companions up. Handmade on Etsy, your cat is sure to love dressing up like everyone’s favorite Christmas character! You can get one most stores and online. Target offers a few options and there are customizable ones on Etsy, too!
Pet Carrier
Perfect for those pet owners that are always on the go, this affordable and fashion-forward pet carrier is sure to make a statement in your wardrobe (okay, so maybe this is a gift for owners too). Either way, your pet is sure to appreciate you for letting them tag along on all your daily errands!
Sporty Personalized Collar and Leash
A colorful collar with your dog’s name and your phone number on it will ensure your furry friend never gets lost! It’s comfortable material and padding makes your dog enjoy their walks with you even more, while ensuring their safety. And get a matching leash while you’re at it, too!
All Natural Waterless Cat Shampoo
Burt’s Bees offers this all natural waterless shampoo that contains apple and honey, which acts as a natural cleanser that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. This spray is mild enough for all cats and kittens and is pH balanced. This gift is perfect and affordable, but make sure to check with your veterinarian before you try it on your pet. Buy it here!
Collapsible Dog Bowl
Perfect for dogs on the go, this durable, water repellent dog bowl can travel everywhere with you and easily collapses. Simply throw it in your purse and go! Your dog will definitely thank you when the hot summer months come along.
Personalized Dog Bag Case
For the people that love dog walking, this personalized item is sure to help you enjoy it even more. You can personalize the dog bag holder with either your name or your pups! It’s perfect for bringing little treats, leashes, or doggie bags.
Sushi Cat Toy
Each felt toy is stuffed with organic catnip and made with eco-friendly felt made in the USA. Your cat is sure to go crazy for this fresh sushi! You can choose from tuna, salmon, egg, and shrimp for your cat. Now, you and your pet can enjoy your favorite dish together!
At Brookhurst Animal Medical Center, we’re so excited to spend the holidays with our friends, family, and pets this year! If you need to schedule a last minute vet appointment, please give us a call. Health and safety is the best gift all, so our Anaheim vet’s office be open for patients Christmas week (excluding Christmas Day).
