If you ever have to leave your pet for any extended time, there are usually two options: boarding or a pet sitter. Boarding can be an excellent choice, especially if the facility is part of or adjacent to your pet’s veterinary hospital (like the St. Francis Pet Resort). The other choice might be to hire a professional pet sitter to come and stay with your pet so they may safely remain at home while you’re away. When faced with this important decision, it’s not always easy to know what’s best for your pet. That’s where we come in. Weighing All the Good There are obvious plus points to both boa ..read more

Oral health is vital for all pets, but for those approaching the golden years, routine cleanings and exams are of the utmost importance. February marks National Pet Dental Health month, and our team is excited to broaden your understanding of senior pet dental care. A Worthy Venture The vast majority of pets over the age of three are affected by periodontal disease in one form or another. There are four stages of this painful disease that range from gingivitis to tooth loss, which is why your pet’s dental health is a major facet of his or her lifetime wellness. At Godspeed Animal Care, we inc ..read more

Congratulations on your decision to welcome a new puppy into your home! The responsibilities of puppy parenting are many, and puppy social training should be a top priority. When it comes to pets, socialization means introducing them to new people, new experiences, and other animals, and the sooner you begin, the better. Dogs that are properly socialized from a young age have more confidence, adapt better to different settings and circumstances, and are less fearful of new experiences. If you’re wondering how to socialize a puppy, read on for information from our team at Godspeed Animal Care ..read more

Animals are pretty instinctual. They rely heavily on their senses to get around in the world. While our domestic pets are much less dependent on their sight, hearing, and sense of smell than are their wild counterparts, loss of a sense can still be a major challenge. Pets with hearing loss often need a little extra help. If you are a pet parent to one of these furry individuals, Godspeed Animal Hospital has the information you need to communicate with your deaf dog. How Deaf Dogs Happen Deafness in animals can be sudden (acute) or slower onset (chronic). It may be in one or both ears, and in ..read more

In general, the public does not view the feline species as trainable like their canine counterparts. In reality, though, cats can be taught many things. You just need to know how to motivate them! Things like toilet training a cat are totally possible when you know how, and Godspeed Animal Care wants to share all of our tips and tricks with you.   Considerations for Toilet Training a Cat Training your pet to do tricks and follow commands can be fun and offer a great opportunity for bonding. Toilet training a cat might appeal to you for other reasons, though, too  Consider: A c ..read more

Most dogs enjoy the great outdoors, a fact not lost on owners that recreate throughout the year. While they may relish long walks, some pups just aren’t equipped to handle a 10-mile trek through the woods (especially in extreme weather). Their capabilities and endurance should always inform the decision to go hiking with your dog, and special consideration for their health and safety is essential. Virginia is simply chock-full of outdoor destinations to share with your best bud, and we have a few suggestions to help with your plans.  Know Before You Go As with most activities you share w ..read more

Dogs are incredible companions, a fact not lost on the millions of American households. They become such a seamless part of our lives, it’s almost like they were meant for us. But, depending on their breed, some dogs could actually be a lot happier if their lifestyles or environments got a fuel injection. Highly active dog breeds need more than love and protection to truly thrive. If you’re looking for an entry into the high-octane world of intelligent, performance-driven dogs, we’ve got you covered. Won’t. Stop. Moving. If you’ve ever crossed paths with a Rhodesian ridgeback, you probably sa ..read more

If you’re the proud owner of a fresh-faced, innocent little puppy, any possible exhaustion is sweetened by the overwhelming affection you have for them. In addition to puppy-proofing your house, yard, and car, you have your work cut out for you regarding parasites. Fleas on puppies too young to receive their first dose of parasite prevention can be common, but there’s a lot you can do to safeguard your puppy’s well-being until then. Consider the Timeline Because their developing immune system isn’t fully equipped to fight the effects of parasites,  puppies are more likely to harbor them ..read more

There are many subjects that pet owners never thought they’d learn about, let alone try to deal with. Anal glands are one such example of this phenomenon. Without a doubt, this area doesn’t typically come into focus until there’s a problem. Not all pets suffer from impacted anal glands. However, if the anal glands are unable to carry out their important functions, they may require immediate attention and action.  Notorious Butt Scooters The anal glands are basically scent glands that help an animal mark their territory when they leave a stool behind. When everything is working back there ..read more

While most humans know that maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important for their overall health, few of us recognize that this vital parameter is important for animals as well. Godspeed Animal Care recommends checking blood pressure in pets periodically because deviations from normal can have serious impacts on our patient’s overall well being.  Checking Blood Pressure in Pets In both pets and people, a blood pressure measurement tells us what the pressure of our circulating blood is up against the walls of our blood vessels. We can measure the systolic value (maximum pressure ove ..read more