As a pet owner, you likely are accustomed to feeding your pet a certain amount of food and water that satisfies their needs, so when changes occur, you become concerned. Fluctuating weather patterns can affect your pet’s food and water intake, and so can a change in diet. However, many medical conditions can also cause [...]
Lyme disease is a complex illness transmitted via an infected black-legged (i.e., deer) tick’s bite. This illness can affect people and their dogs. While cats can technically contract Lyme disease, no cases have been reported outside of laboratory settings. Learn how to protect your pet—and your family—from Lyme disease by following our Homestead Animal Hospital [...]
Cats need to scratch to remain happy and healthy, but the behavior can be destructive and cause tension in your home. Our Homestead Animal Hospital team understands your frustration when your cat claws your belongings, so we are offering information that will help you understand your cat’s scratching behavior, plus tips to get them to [...]
Did you know that most pets older than 3 years of age have some degree of dental disease? Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians and can cause major health problems beyond affecting your pet’s teeth. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and our team at Homestead Animal [...]
As the brand new year stretches out before you, your mind likely is filled with lofty goals you plan to achieve before the end of the year. At the top of your list of resolutions? Sticking to a diet—again, squeezing in the recommended 150 minutes of cardio each week, or learning a new skill?. But, [...]
Your senior pet has spent their entire life giving you unconditional love and companionship, and you owe them the chance to age gracefully and maintain the highest possible quality of life (QOL). “Quality of life” sounds vague, so how can you determine where your pet stands, and monitor their changes? Homestead Animal Hospital explains what [...]
Pets provide us with unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and endless support. Our pets also need us, especially if they have a disability from an injury, birth defect, or disease. While a specially-abled pet may require extra love and care, they are more than capable of enjoying a fulfilling life and forming a truly special bond [...]
Nothing prompts pet owners to call Homestead Animal Hospital faster than diarrhea—and with good reason. Diarrhea is one of the most unpleasant clinical signs for pets and their people and, more importantly, its presence can signal a serious underlying health issue. Whether your pet’s messes are sudden or chronic, minor or major, contained or explosive—we [...]
Preventive care is the foundation of your pet’s health and wellbeing, and vaccinations are an essential component. By following your veterinarian’s guidelines and ensuring your pet's vaccines are up-to-date, you can protect them from many dangerous diseases. Vaccinating your pet also helps protect other pets by reducing their exposure to disease. Our Homestead Animal Hospital [...]
Pet owners often think normal aging in their senior pet includes reduced activity, but changes in their behavior could also indicate chronic arthritis pain. Dogs and cats instinctively hide pain as a survival mechanism, so arthritis isn’t always obvious, even to their caregivers. Left untreated, arthritis may significantly affect your pet’s quality of life, but [...]
