Every pet ages a little differently. Some might not show any signs of slowing down until well beyond their 10th birthday; others have a gray muzzle by age 6. Their breed, health history, and lifestyle all play important roles in the aging process, and it’s important to know how to recognize the changing needs of senior pets. There are many components to successful, effective senior pet care, and we’re happy to help you prepare.  Age-Appropriate Diet Puppies and kittens should eat a specially-formulated diet that aids in proper growth and development. Likewise, aging pets benefit from eat ..read more

Beautiful border collie dog sitting at the veterinary table with a young woman and a vet for a medical examination As a loving pet parent, you shower your pet with affection, indulge him with new toys, and treat him to his favorite foods. All of those things are important for his overall wellbeing, but the key to a lifetime of optimal health is to maintain routine pet wellness care appointments.  At Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help you keep your pets happy and healthy throughout every life stage. Read on for information you need to know about wellness care for pets. Why ..read more

Even if diapers have already been a fact of your life, incontinence in dogs can be especially frustrating. Dealing with slippery puddles, unexpected spots on the carpet, not to mention the smelly messes in the corner and all the health problems associated with incontinence is not simple.  Managing urinary incontinence takes patience and perseverance. We love our pets so much that we may often look for solutions from the many online products that are recommended for such situations.  Luckily, your team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has some advice for when it’s time to say yes t ..read more

Pets, like their human counterparts, can be a handful. But if you’re looking for an easygoing pet that already knows the ropes, adopting an older animal can be great for both of you. These are three reasons why you should adopt a senior pet: 1. They’re Calmer and More Easygoing. Senior pets have a calmer, more laid-back demeanor, and life experiences have already exposed them to a variety of people, animals, and situations. They’ve probably already been housetrained, which allows you to skip that part. If you’re looking for a dog that’s not going to have accidents in your house or a cat that ..read more

Dogs are wonderful at any age, but we have a soft spot for seniors. They are mellow, sweet, and reliable. They know what they like and when, and really don’t keep their owners guessing about preferences or proclivities.  Owners know their senior pets so well by the time they reach their golden years. While they are generally easy to provide for, you can elevate senior dog care to another level with our 3 essential tips. #1: Every Six Months Dogs are considered seniors around the time they turn 7 years old. Large breed dogs tend to age faster than smaller or toy breeds, and may benefit fr ..read more

Most of us tend to have a really special relationship with our older cats. Chances are that they have seen us through a lot by the time they reach their golden years. Senior cat care is a little different than care of a younger animal, and it can hold a great deal of impact on how your cat ages. Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital understands how important your cat is to you, and that is why we are excited to share our favorite senior cat care tips.  Proactive Care As with many things, when it comes to senior cat care, the best defense is a good offense. While our veterinary staff cannot pre ..read more

If you’re one of those jolly types that starts humming Christmas carols long before December, you’ve probably already envisioned how you want to spend the holidays with your pet. There’s so much more to do together than ever before, thanks in large part to the growing acceptance of pets in public places. This means loads of choices regarding how best to spend your time together this holiday season. If you need a little help narrowing down the list, we’ve got some ideas on how to joyfully (and safely) spend the holidays with your pet. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year We’ve all had to figure ..read more

Whether they are stray or just indoor/outdoor cats, felines are pretty independent in most cases. When the temperatures start to drop in the winter, however, some of these outdoor cats might need a little help to stay warm and avoid issues like frostbite and hypothermia, both of which can be deadly.  To help celebrate National Cat Month this December, the team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has put together this guide for keeping outdoor and feral cats safe and warm during the winter months.  Outdoor Cats Safety While you may feel inclined to capture an outdoor cat and bring the ..read more

Older, wiser, housetrained, and looking for love. When senior pets are up for adoption, they bring an abundance of benefits to their new homes. Benefits of Adopting a Senior Pet Dogs and cats in need of new homes don’t want to be overlooked because they’re growing old. And even though they have some mileage on their odometers, they still have plenty to offer, including: They already know what to do―many are already house trained and even understand basic commands like “sit.” They are full of love and want to share it. They have already grown into their personalities. They’ve been socialize ..read more

Any type of medical emergency affecting your pet is frightening and confusing. If your pet collapses, is struggling to breathe, or is bleeding, trying to get them help quickly while wrapping your head around what’s going on is undeniably difficult. Strokes do occur in our four-legged companions and it is not as uncommon as you might think. However, most pet owners are unaware of the signs of stroke, their pets’ risk, and what can be done to minimize risks. The team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital want to educate our readers on stroke in pets to better protect your pet. What Is a Stroke? A ..read more