Cats are some of the most popular pets out there. Since they are so independent, however, they don’t always receive the same kind of medical attention that has proven beneficial to other animals. While cats give the appearance of vitality and independence, unseen illness or injury could be taking a toll on their health and comfort. The worst part about this is that while owners perceive all is well, hidden symptoms could cause irreparable harm. However, with our approach to at-home cat health, owners can explore the many facets of feline wellness. A Greater Understanding A great place to ..read more

The team members at Naperville Animal Hospital are no strangers to itchy dogs. From ear infections to seasonal skin allergies to fleas, we see it all. Hot spots are one common reason that pets land on our appointment schedule and they are something we think all pet owners should know a little about. All About Hot Spots Many pet owners have heard the term “hot spots.” These infamous areas of superficial skin infection are typically moist, weepy, and intensely itchy.  They are most often seen in dogs, but we definitely diagnose them in our feline friends, too. Almost anything that causes i ..read more

The bond between pet parent and much-loved furry family member can be one of the strongest felt in a lifetime. When the time comes to say goodbye, the loss of a pet is felt so deeply, so deeply, in fact, that it takes many people by surprise. This grief can leave us struggling to overcome the emptiness inside on continue on with our normal routines. Most of our most important memories include our pets. In fact, many of us see our pets as the constant source of companionship through childhood, college life, adulthood, marriage, divorce, and many other significant life events. Pets are the comm ..read more

Ah, the dreaded butt-drag.  Every pet owner has experienced it.  But what does it mean? Don’t ignore it!  If your dog is carpet surfing, there is a reason. and here are the most common causes: Anal sacs: All dogs and cat have little sacs right inside the rectum that contain a stinky fluid.  Normally this fluid is expressed when your pet has a bowel movement. Sometimes the glands can become clogged or infected, however, resulting in a very irritating pressure that can be painful. You can help avoid this by bringing your pet in for grooming, which can include anal glan ..read more

Most pups live for their food, so when they are not eating or not eating well, it can be pretty worrisome. There are many different reasons that your dog is not eating normally, and the pet experts at Naperville Animal Hospital are happy to help you figure out why.  Just Not Hungry… For a healthy, normal adult dog, missing a meal here or there is not a big deal. The body typically has enough reserves to provide energy for a little while without eating.  There are several reasons your pup may be passing up their dinner bowl that are easy to fix. If you dog has skipped a meal, conside ..read more

Is your backyard dappled with more divots than an 18-hole golf course? At Naperville Animal Hospital, we dig dogs as much as you do, and you can turn to us for tips if you’ve got a dog who digs. We’re happy to discuss your dog’s behavior at every preventive care visit and whenever you have questions. Our pet experts are here to help you decode— and de-escalate— this decidedly destructive behavior!  Reasons Why Dogs Dig Your dog’s desire to dig dates way back to his wolf ancestors and is just as ingrained in his dogma as sniffing and barking. Certain breeds are even more prone to digging ..read more

Having a cat in your home involves claws, and for the most part, that’s okay. Sometimes, though, cat scratching can be a real problem. The pet experts at Naperville Animal Hospital have some great tips for you, though, to help keep kitty’s claws from being a cat-astrophe. Why Cats Scratch Scratching is part of normal feline behavior. It serves several important purposes, and while it doesn’t always jive well with our new leather sofa, it is not the cat’s fault that humans are so particular. Cat scratching behavior exists for some good reasons. Our feline housemates scratch in order to: Promo ..read more

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is here already. As you start to transform your home into a winter wonderland, be sure to consider your pets and their safety considerations. Naperville Animal Hospital is here with some helpful tips on creating a pet-friendly home this holiday season: Avoid Dangerous Decorations Christmas decorations come in all shapes and sizes, and many of them are very dangerous for pets. Try to opt for shatter-proof decorations that do not have tiny parts that can be swallowed. Say no to tinsel, which looks like a tempting treat to pets, and make sure any strings o ..read more

Our pets are our family, and it’s hard to forget they can’t necessarily enjoy the same foods we can from the Thanksgiving table. Before accidentally sharing some toxic Thanksgiving foods for pets, take a look at our list of safe holiday foods for your furry friends: On the Table: Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods  Thankfully, many of the traditional Thanksgiving foods we enjoy are safe to share with our cats and dogs. Many Thanksgiving staples are perfectly safe to feed to your pets…with a few stipulations. Make sure you are not feeding your pets table scraps that are full of fat, butter ..read more

As the mercury drops and our furry friends spend less time outdoors, it’s important to find creative ways to keep them mentally, physically, and emotionally stimulated.  Optimizing your pet’s quality of life is an important aspect of overall pet wellness care, and your friends at Naperville Animal Hospital have compiled some fun and simple ways to help you keep your cats and dogs entertained when they’re cooped up for hours on end. Appeal to Their Senses When creating indoor enrichment activities for your cat or dog, start with the five senses! What would your pet like to see, hear, smel ..read more