Your pet’s ears are extra sensitive to sounds of their world and always alert them to possible danger for themselves and for you. Ear care is essential for your four-legged friend’s good hearing, and cleaning their ears is a component of this care. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections, removes excess wax and debris, and promotes good hygiene.  However, many pet owners have trepidations about this care, so our Liberty Veterinary Hospital team wants to walk you through the steps of effective ear cleaning for your dog, cat, or other furry friend. Pet ear anatomy  Before you sta ..read more

A growing concern in the veterinary community is the prevalence of dental problems among pets. A cat’s or dog’s oral health may not seem like a big deal, but it affects their overall well-being. This is why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February. Without proper dental care, pets experience a variety of dental problems, which can become life-threatening when they impact an affected pet’s overall health. Our Liberty Veterinary Hospital team understands that you do everything to keep your pet healthy. To help prevent your furry ..read more

Pets need fresh air and exercise, including during the cold winter months, so knowing how to keep your pet safe and healthy is important. Here in the Midwest, the seasonal temperatures can be erratic, from above average, balmy days to below freezing, snowy ones. To help you keep your furry friend safe and warm, Liberty Veterinary Hospital wants to share some cold weather pet safety tips.  Is it too cold for your pet?  The dark, chilly days dissuade most of us from being outdoors, but what about our pets? They still want to run, sniff, and frolic outside. The question is, what does th ..read more

A pet provides years of joy and companionship for you and your family. However, choosing the right pet for your family is an important decision that requires careful consideration, not only for your family’s needs but also for your potential pet’s needs. Our Liberty Veterinary Hospital team wants to help you through the decision-making process, so we’re sharing do’s and don’ts for choosing the right pet for your family.   DO consider the reason you want a pet When you are thinking about adopting a pet, you must consider why you plan to do so. Are you looking for companionship? An exe ..read more

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the good things in our lives, and your pet is likely at the top of your gratitude list. Pets offer fierce loyalty, unconditional love, and endless companionship, but as you focus on the feast, your pet could get into trouble and need emergency veterinary care. When your pet stares up at you with those adorable, pleading eyes, you may be tempted to toss them some Thanksgiving dinner table scraps. However, many turkey day delights are dangerous to pets and can result in a holiday trip to the veterinary emergency hospital. Ensure you and your pet enjoy a h ..read more

Pet obesity is increasing, and the condition can raise your four-legged friend’s risk for significant health problems, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, hypertension, arthritis, and skin disease. Our Liberty Veterinary Hospital team sees overweight pets every day, and we provide details about three fictional pet weight management cases.  Pet weight management case #1: Sophie, the overweight tabby cat Sophie is a 4-year-old female tabby cat who came in for her annual wellness examination. Her owner lugged her in in a cat carrier that barely contained her girth. One of the first ste ..read more

Dogs and cats are curious creatures who love to play, which helps them stay socially engaged, physically active, and mentally sharp, simulating hunting and scavenging behaviors that are part of their DNA. Interactive toys are a great way to provide pets with needed enrichment. However, to prevent your furry pal from becoming bored, you must frequently rotate their toys. If you are always purchasing new toys for your pet, you are likely feeling the strain in your wallet. However, you don’t have to overspend on a toy for it to be fun for your pet. Our Liberty Veterinary Hospital team explains wh ..read more

Although professional grooming services are widely available to help your furry pal shine, grooming your pet at home saves you money and gives you an opportunity to strengthen your pet-owner bond. In addition to promoting your dog’s or cat’s overall health and wellbeing, bathing, brushing, and nail trimming are essential tasks for ensuring your pet looks and feels their best.  Tackling many grooming tasks on your own can be a daunting challenge, but with knowledge and practice come confidence. Whether you’re learning the ropes or picking up new tips and tricks to make your grooming sessio ..read more

Pets and their owners flock to the outdoors when the weather warms up, because they know the Midwestern summer lasts only a few fleeting months. While you are outside with your pet soaking up the sun, you may be exposing them to summer dangers. The Liberty Veterinary Hospital team has your pet’s best interests in mind, so we’re sharing the most common summer hazards and ways to protect your pet. #1: Heat, humidity, and sun can lead to heatstroke Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature rises above normal because of high temperatures, sun, humidity, or lack of ventilation. In many cases ..read more

Aging pets are more likely to develop many diseases and conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), than their younger counterparts. Traditionally, this progressive condition was not diagnosed until pets began showing clinical signs in the late disease stages when treatment was too late to effectively slow disease progression. Now, a new test has been developed that allows the Liberty Veterinary Hospital team to diagnose kidney disease earlier and significantly increase treatment success. Here is an overview of CKD diagnosis and treatment in pets. What is chronic kidney disease in pets ..read more