Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

Greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, are produced around the globe. Notably, the burning of fossil fuels, bulldozing forests, transportation, construction, high-yield agriculture, and livestock management all contribute to rising greenhouse gases. We are all collectively and individually responsible for our impact on the environment, and the pets we care for are no exception. Whether we like it or not, the carbon footprint of pets is growing.

A Hard Look

Pets give us so much to live for. Their unconditional love and emotional support bolster us, and they can even help facilitate a deeper connection to nature when we exercise together outside. 

Is your yard filled with holes? Does your dog regularly escape through a self-made hole under the fence or arrive at the back door with muddy paws and a dirt-covered muzzle? It’s hard to find fault with dogs, but if we “dig deep”, we can come up with a few things!

Digging is a natural instinct in dogs, but it doesn’t jive well with the human way of life. Breaking your dog of their digging habit can be tricky, but with the right approach it’s possible to have your yard (and your sanity) back in one piece.

Thanks to books and cartoons, we grow up thinking that raccoons are cute and fluffy, foxes are smart, and coyotes are artful opportunists. And while these species (and others, like skunks or deer) enjoy widespread popularity and protection, they should be given a wide berth.

Not only does a healthy space bubble protect diverse species in Mecklenburg County, this approach goes a long way toward keeping your pet safe from wildlife encounters. 

Be Prepared

One of the best ways to keep your pet safe from wildlife is to understand which animals are out there, times they’re more likely to cross paths with your pet, and how to avoid a frightening situation.

Fleas, ticks, and other parasites are terrible hosts for your pet. Not only do they create havoc on the skin and cause a variety of serious diseases, they are also problems for human family members. This is because what they carry can be zoonotic, meaning that they can pass the disease on to humans. Aside from the harm they cause, they cause itchiness and discomfort, as well as an infestation of the home.

Your team at Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care is here to help you combat these awful parasites by giving you tips on what you should do if your pet has fleas or ticks. Read on!

The summer will be here before you know if, and If you’re like most people you’re probably looking forward to a little fun in the sun. Sun protection is hopefully on your agenda, whether that’s a hat, long-sleeved shirts, or a thick layer of sunscreen (or all three), but did you know that pets can get sunburned, too?

You read that correctly. Even though your pet has a layer of fur, it may not be enough to protect them from sun damage. Just like with people, sunburns put your pet at risk for skin cancer (and are uncomfortable too). Your team at Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care has the scoop on sun protection for pets, and why it should be a component in your summer supply arsenal.

If you have dogs, staying indoors just because old man winter is rearing his ugly head is not an option. Your dogs need to answer the call of nature, stretch their legs, and occasionally get outside and play! 

You’ve probably given some thought about how to best keep your dog safe from winter weather, but have you given any thought to their paws? Sensitive paw pads need extra protection in the wintertime when freezing temperatures, snow, and ice abound. 

Fortunately, there are some easy and smart ways to practice good winter paw care. Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care takes you through the basics! 

Leaves are changing, the air feels crisp, and the pumpkin flavored treats and beverages are back with a vengeance. It’s easy to overlook pet safety during this beautiful time of year, but the dangers associated with fall may surprise you. 

Your friends at Animal Medical Hospital & 24 Hour Urgent Care want to help you keep your furry friends happy and healthy during this beautiful time of year with our fall pet safety tips.

Summer may be winding down, but we still have plenty of nice weather left in Charlotte and plenty of time left to fit in more outdoor fun with your furry best friend. For many pet owners, dog parks offer a place for their pups to run free, socialize, and get their wiggles out. 

Just like in any other public space, there are rules of etiquette that should be observed in a dog park – both for you and your dog. Nobody wants to be that dog owner, so make sure you have a handle on proper dog park etiquette before you go.

Perhaps your pup’s practice is to gulp down a few swallows of water after a walk or playtime – no more, no less. Sure, they might sneak a drink when you’re not around, but really, how much are they drinking in a day?

The best way to gauge pet hydration is to measure how much water you put in the bowl every morning vs. how much is left at night (if any). Of course, you’ll have to subtract a few ounces for sloppy drinkers, those that love to splash, and evaporation. Only then can you know exactly how much they’re drinking, and whether or not it’s enough.

We were lucky to have such a beautiful, mild winter this past year, but we’ll be paying for it throughout the summer. Without freezing temperatures, ticks were given a second chance to wreak havoc on our community, and experts are predicting that this year could be one of our state’s worst tick seasons.

Finding a tick on your pet is never fun, but with our go-to tips for prevention we hope you’ll never experience it.