Fleas and ticks are not only a gross nuisance, but they can also transmit diseases, make your pet miserable, and affect their quality of life. Fortunately, parasite prevention is safe, effective, and easy—but must be used consistently to keep your pet free from these ever-present pests. At Columbia Pike Animal Hospital, we receive many questions [...]
Ah, home sweet home. At the end of a long day, there’s nothing like playing in the yard with your dog or snuggling up on the couch with your cat, surrounded on all sides by potential poisons. Wait. What? Did you know there are countless pet toxins in your home, garage, and yard right now? [...]
Dogs truly are man’s best friend—and that is never more evident than in the heroic roles they serve in partnership with our country’s military, police, and first responders. This month, Columbia Pike Animal Hospital pays tribute to the working dog—from the homefront to the front lines, these canines and their human partners are awe-inspiring examples [...]
The veterinary hospital can be a frightening place for pets. Consider the visit from your pet’s perspective—on a random day they’re taken from their cozy home and established routine to a place with unfamiliar smells, unpredictable noises, other equally stressed animals, and strangers who want to restrain, transport, and examine them. If we were in [...]
Diarrhea is a common malady in dogs. The condition can be caused by benign issues, such as dietary indiscretions, or more concerning issues, such as infectious diseases. As a dog owner, diarrhea is a problem you want rectified quickly, regardless of the cause. Our team at Columbia Pike Animal Hospital provides information about diarrhea, and [...]
Pet shelters provide help for homeless pets, as well as owned pets, in their communities. These facilities offer services such as pet adoptions, sheltering and reuniting lost pets, instigating cruelty investigations, low-cost spay and neuter programs, and pet care assistance. Our team at Columbia Pike Animal Hospital values the pet shelters in our area, and [...]
We understand that when winter hits, you likely want to slack off on your exercise routine—and your pet’s, too. The combination of frigid temperatures, icy conditions, and limited daylight is enough to make anyone choose to snuggle on a warm couch versus heading outside. But, despite winter’s challenges, this season offers some unique opportunities to [...]
Brushing your teeth twice daily likely has been part of your routine since you were a child, and for good reason. If you didn’t brush your teeth, gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss would quickly occur because of the buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in your mouth. Pets are also prone to dental [...]
You may overlook your dog’s smelly breath, unless you spot their discomfort, since they cannot tell you how their mouth feels. Dental disease is one of the most common issues that affects pets—more than 70% of pets have some form of dental disease by age 3. February is dental health month, and since periodontal disease [...]
Most pet owners understand the importance of veterinary care, but do not realize that regular grooming is also key for overall wellness. In addition to maintaining optimal health, grooming provides an opportunity to spot skin conditions, parasites, growths, and other problems, and provides bonding time with your pet. At Columbia Pike Animal Hospital, we offer [...]