Would you be prepared should your pet have an emergency? Do you even know what a pet emergency might look like? Androscoggin Animal Hospital is ready with the best veterinary advice for emergencies, pet emergency preparedness, and more.  Recognizing Signs of Pet Emergencies Some situations are no-brainers. If your dog just got hit by a car, your cat just got into a tangle with a coyote, or your pet accidentally ate your medication, it’s a pet emergency. Some situations are a little more subtle, though. You might be having a pet emergency if your pet: Has labored or trouble breathing Is ..read more

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to start thinking about your garden. Whether your garden will be functional or purely aesthetic, it’s important to make sure it’s safe for all members of the family—including your pets. With these tips from the veterinarians here at Androscoggin Animal Hospital, pet-friendly gardening can be a breeze! Choose the Right Plants  One of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to pet-friendly gardening is what type of plants you should grow. Some plants are toxic to animals, so it’s essential to choose safe plants for pets. If you are ..read more

DNA testing for pets can be fun, and many of us are utterly surprised to find out the breeds that actually make up our four-legged friend’s genealogy. You may have never imagined that your 10-pound lap dog had Great Dane ancestry, or your pooch who hates swimming has Poodle in their background! And as a bonus, with just a cheek swab, some genetic testing panels can provide vital clues about your dog or cat’s current health, along with what you might expect as they age. Basic Breed Tendencies Your pet’s DNA test results can reveal how they got their fur color, ear shape, or leg length, but bre ..read more

If you’ve ever wanted to try natural pet remedies alongside leading-edge veterinary care, you’re not alone. Plenty of pet parents are intrigued by the idea of holistic pet care. Some might worry that homeopathic remedies for animals have no place in the modern veterinary field. But that’s not the case at Androscoggin Animal Hospital.  Here at Androscoggin, we believe holistic pet care and top-notch medical care go hand in hand.  That’s why we’re sharing three of our favorite natural remedies for common pet problems. Make sure you check with your pet’s veterinarian before you give yo ..read more

At Androscoggin Animal Hospital, our veterinary technicians are essential to our team, and play a vital role in providing exceptional animal care. As part of our celebration of Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week, we’ll take a closer look at the daily routine of veterinary technicians, their training and education, and the importance of their work in ensuring the health and wellness of our beloved pets. The Vital Role of Veterinary Technicians Veterinary technicians are an integral part of the veterinary team, responsible for assisting veterinarians with a variety of animal care duties. T ..read more

Cats tend to not get the same level of veterinary attention that dogs do, in part due to their amazing ability to hide health issues from even the most observant owner. Feline dental care is no different, with far fewer cats receiving attention for their teeth than dogs. Cat oral health is very important, though, and Androscoggin Animal Hospital is happy to help you understand how to do better in the feline dental care department.  Common Cat Oral Health Issues There are a few dental problems that our veterinarians commonly diagnose in our feline patients. Understanding these issues (and ..read more

As cat owners, we love our feline companions and want to see them happy and content. However, sometimes our furry friends can experience anxiety—known as separation anxiety—when they’re left alone. Just like humans, cats can feel stressed and anxious when separated from their loved ones or when their routines are disrupted.  At Androscoggin Animal Hospital, we understand the importance of addressing cat behavior issues. In this post, we’ll shed some light on cat separation anxiety and provide tips on managing it effectively. Recognizing the Signs of Separation Anxiety Cats may exhibit sp ..read more

While most people know the exact location and function of a dog’s penis, many dog owners are unfamiliar with the medical term “paraphimosis.” Occurring when the glans, or the actual penis, gets caught in the outward position, paraphimosis ranges from quite unpleasant to downright dangerous. As it is with all matters concerning your dog’s health and wellbeing, we recommend taking a close look at their anatomy and behavior to know when things aren’t right. The Nitty and the Gritty Most of the time, a dog’s penis resides comfortably inside a sheath called the prepuce (think of it like a foreskin ..read more

While vegans do not consume (or often use) animal products, many vegans have the desire to provide love and care to animals. Some pets are not able to be like their owner and live the vegan lifestyle. There are many fluffy and not-so-fluffy friends that don’t need meat and can be fantastic pet companions. If you are a vegan and find yourself asking what kind of pets can fit in with your lifestyle, Androscoggin Animal Hospital has you covered. Dogs Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not require meat to thrive. Dogs by nature are omnivorous and can obtain many important nutrients from plant ..read more

It is such an important part of your pet’s preventive and wellness care program to be sure they come in to see us at Androscoggin Animal Hospital regularly. Visiting the vet can be worrisome for some pets, though, and nerve-wracking for pet owners, too. Not to worry, though! We have some great tips to prepare you and your dog for a successful vet visit.  Tips for a Great Vet Visit There are definitely a few ways that you can make coming to see our veterinarians a little less daunting. Knowing what to expect and planning a little in advance can make a big difference. Our top tips to ensur ..read more