Whether your pet is a champion food bowl cleaner or a nibbler who grazes throughout the day, a change in their eating or drinking habits can indicate a serious problem. While an occasional appetite and thirst fluctuation is normal, a persistent increase or decrease likely indicates an underlying medical issue. Read our Staples Mill Animal [...]
One of the most common cat behaviors that can cause problems at home is scratching, especially when cats choose to scratch your most treasured possessions. While declawing used to be a common prevention practice, we know now that declawing procedures are painful and harmful to a cat’s long-term wellbeing. The procedures have been outlawed in [...]
If you are a dog owner, you have likely heard of hip dysplasia, a common, painful condition in large-breed dogs in particular, which leads to pain and decreased mobility and can significantly impact the dog’s quality of life. Our Staples Mill Animal Hospital team believes owner education is important, and we provide information about hip [...]
July Fourth is a fun and festive holiday for most people, but backyard barbecues, loud fireworks, and noisy crowds can be stressful and dangerous for pets. In all the excitement, pet owners can easily forget to take precautions to ensure their pet’s safety and comfort, which can lead to a holiday pet emergency. Our team [...]
You know how uncomfortable a mosquito bite is, especially when the more you scratch it, the more it itches. When your furry pal develops an itch, they can be just as miserable, and they may keep scratching until their skin is raw and bleeding. To help your pet keep their cool in the face of [...]
Stopping the Itch: Causes and Treatments for Itching in Pets You know how uncomfortable a mosquito bite is, especially when the more you scratch it, the more it itches. When your furry pal develops an itch, they can be just as miserable, and they may keep scratching until their skin is raw and bleeding. To [...]
Ticks are a year-round menace in Virginia, and can transmit dangerous diseases that cause serious health issues for your pet. Our Staples Mill Animal Hospital team prioritizes your pet’s wellbeing, and we explain things you need to know about Lyme disease to safeguard your four-legged friend. #1: Exposure to ticks increases your pet’s risk for [...]
You try to protect your pet by keeping their vaccines up to date and administering their parasite prevention every month, but did you know most households contain substances that can endanger your pet? Our Staples Mill Animal Hospital team wants to protect your pet from toxicity, and we provide information about common pet toxins and [...]
Your pet’s oral health is important to their eating and drinking comfort, but also for their overall wellbeing. Oral bacteria can destroy teeth and bone, and spread through your pet’s bloodstream, infecting vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Staying on top of your pet’s dental health care through regular at-home management and [...]
Another new year has rolled around, and you’re likely dragging your feet on making resolutions you’ll stick to. Instead of swearing to lose that last 10 pounds—again—or to eat that bag of spring mix instead of letting it rot in your fridge every single time, focus on your pet. Choose wellness-oriented goals for your furry [...]