4117 Rocky River Dr, Cleveland, OH 44135

(216) 252-4500(216) 252-4500

Open Monday – Sunday 8am–1am

Why do Dogs Scoot Their Butts? Anal Glands.

anal glandsThere are so many odd canine behaviors. From crotch sniffing to humping inanimate objects, their weirdness can definitely be off-putting. Among them, butt-scooting always raises an eyebrow or two. What is this behavior all about? Why do they do this to our fine rugs? The answer isn’t pretty, but the reason is almost always related to their anal glands.

 

General Purpose

Located right inside the opening of the anus, anal glands are responsible for secreting a smelly, pasty material that serves as a scent marker during defecation. They’re also triggered to secrete when a dog is threatened or scared.

Irritated Anus

Dogs scoot their butts because of an irritation in the anus area. In other words, they cannot scratch their bottoms in the traditional way, so they scoot it on the floor. Impacted anal glands are usually to blame, creating incredibly uncomfortable sensations for dogs.

What Else Could it Be?

Fecal contamination, worms, swelling, and rectal prolapse are often ruled out when addressing butt-scooting behavior. Dogs of any age and breed can experience problems related to anal glands, but smaller dogs may have more narrow ducts between the glands and the rim of the anus.

If anal glands are causing problems, it’s because they aren’t functioning properly. Sometimes the glands become blocked with a thickened version of the secretion. This leads to inflammation. Impacted, abscessed, or infected anal glands can be very painful.

Expression

Aside from butt-scooting, dogs may walk hunched over, exhibit pain or difficulty pooping, or appear constipated. If a dog can reach, they may lick the anus repeatedly, potentially transferring oral bacteria to the impacted glands.

Pressure directly applied to the glands is required to relieve the blockage. Lancing an abscess may be necessary, as well as antibiotics, to relieve a dog’s pain. Recurrent issues with the anal glands can result in surgical removal, but there are ways to reduce chronic occurrences, such as:

  • Weight management (overweight and obese dogs are more susceptible to this type of health issue)
  • Increase fiber and/or pumpkin intake to raise pressure on the glands while passing fecal matter (this helps to naturally drain the glands)
  • Adding opportunities to exercise

Anal Glands and Dog Behavior

Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding anal glands. Symptoms can be curious to observe at first, but if they continue, your dog could be headed for a lot of unnecessary pain and discomfort.

The post Why do Dogs Scoot Their Butts? Anal Glands. appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


The Year-Long Itch: Parasite Prevention That’s Year Round

parasite preventionSpring and summer are marvelous for many reasons. Not on the list of seasonal splendors? Parasites, of course. Yes, bugs are a natural consequence of warmer weather, but with a proactive approach to parasite prevention, they don’t have to bother your pet – or spread dangerous diseases!

Consider the Lifestyle

Due to an indoor-only lifestyle, many pets are perceived as being “safe” from bugs and vector-borne illness. However, due to their stealthy natures, fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitos can quietly enter the home, unnoticed and unharmed. Yes, even pets who aren’t exploring shady, woodsy undergrowth or rolling around in the grass can become easy targets for blood-thirsty bugs.

No Fault of Their Own

Pets who remain unprotected from parasites (and the diseases they carry) are unwittingly placed in the crosshairs. Even pets who used to take a preventive but went off it, even for a short time, are at risk. Luckily, most parasite prevention medications are easy to administer; some even come with reminder stickers. We can also help with reminder apps or smart phone calendar tasks.

A Closer Look

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos pose obvious threats (e.g., flea allergy dermatitis, Lyme disease, heartworm, etc.), but parasite prevention should also take internal parasites into consideration. Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, ear mites, and whipworms can all be prevented. Without ongoing treatment, these parasites can thrive off an animal’s blood.

If you have more than one pet or if you frequent public spaces, remember the eggs of these parasites are typically found in the feces of infected animals.

See the Signs

Throughout the year, it’s important to groom your pet. This is not only satisfying, but also gives you insight into the condition of the coat and skin. Keep a close eye on any inflammation, bumps, and swelling. Bring your pet in for an exam if they are:

  • Extremely itchy
  • Excessive scratching
  • Biting one area repeatedly
  • Twitching
  • Shaking the head
  • Showing signs of stress, pain, or anxiety
  • Developing red, raw, or bald spots

Parasite Prevention All Year Long?

Many pet owners subscribe to the idea that parasite prevention isn’t necessary between, say, November to March. Certainly, it’s less common to see bugs after the first frost, but because of the life cycle of many parasites, they can live in a dormant stage throughout the winter (even inside the home!). They wake up and become active in the spring and have the ability to wreak havoc on a pet before they’ve started their medication.

That’s why we recommend a year-round approach to parasite prevention. We’re happy to discuss the process with you during your pet’s next wellness exam. Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions!

The post The Year-Long Itch: Parasite Prevention That’s Year Round appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


Dog Tricks 101: Fun, Useful, and Simple Ways to Engage Your Pooch

dog tricksThere’s no denying the benefits of dog training. Properly trained and socialized dogs are happier and safer overall, and are easier and more fun to be around than an untrained pooch. Dog tricks can complement and improve a dog’s command of obedience an, and in many cases can be useful and fun for humans too!

Brain Power and Beyond

It may seem frivolous to go beyond the basics when it comes to training. After all, what’s the point of taking the time to teach a dog tricks like shake, beg, roll over, etc.? As it turns out, teaching your dog tricks can have a variety of benefits, such as:

  • Bonding – Instructing your dog new tricks, in a gentle and humane manner, can strengthen the bond you share while having fun.
  • Mental stimulation – Trick training stimulates a dog’s brain, relieves boredom, improves concentration, and can help expend energy that may otherwise result in problem behavior.
  • Physical health – Many tricks can improve physical health by building muscle and stamina, and increasing flexibility and balance.
  • Improved obedience – Positive behavioral training, such as your pet’s household and social behavior, is reinforced through the use of trick training.

Useful Dogs Tricks

Commands like “sit”, “stay”, and “drop it” are essentials when it comes to dog training, but these tricks take it to the next level when it comes to usefulness (and cuteness!):

  • Dry off/shake – Asking a dog to “dry off” or “shake” as a cue to shake their whole body is a way to remove excess water from their fur after being out in the rain, swimming, or taking a bath.
  • Up – Teaching your dog to jump or step up onto a surface can be helpful when it comes time to be examined by the veterinarian, especially combined with “stay”.
  • Pick up their toys – You may not be able to get your kids to pick up after themselves, but teaching your dog to pick up their scattered toys and put them into a box or basket is not only possible, it’s also extremely helpful!
  • Ring a bell – Teaching your dog to ring a bell when they need to go outside is a fun and satisfying way to enhance the communication between you and your pup.
  • Roll over – Having your dog lie on their back with their belly exposed is adorable, and can come in handy when it comes to veterinary examinations, tick inspections, baths, and more.
  • Bring in the newspaper – It may seem old fashioned, but there’s something special about the image of the family dog trotting inside with the paper in their mouth. This trick is easily mastered by dogs that already enjoy fetching and retrieving, but any dog can be taught to bring in the newspaper.

Make sure to keep training sessions short and always use positive reinforcement. Stop when your dog shows signs of boredom or frustration, and pick it up again later. Most importantly, be patient!

Does your pet know a special dog trick or two? Your friends at West Park Animal Hospital would love to see it the next time you’re in to see us!

The post Dog Tricks 101: Fun, Useful, and Simple Ways to Engage Your Pooch appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


Urban Bugs: Parasite Prevention in the City

parasite prevention in the cityIt makes sense to assume city-dwelling pets are generally healthier than rural ones. They don’t typically find themselves spending long hours in bordering farms or fields, wandering far from home. Urban pets also usually have quicker, easier access to veterinary care.

Sure, city-dwelling pets have a lot going for them. However, that doesn’t mean we can ignore the risks from parasites. If you’ve ever wondered about parasite prevention in the city and whether it’s a major part of overall health and longevity, we can assure you it is!

Truth in Numbers

When we look at the sheer number of animals living close together in a city, the focus is certainly on disease prevention. Urban pets may be separated by floors and walls, but they definitely share common spaces like hallways, entries, sidewalks, and enclosed yards. As a result, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and distemper are natural components of any urban pet’s vaccination schedule.

Pests vs. Pets

Most pet owners are proactive about vaccinations because they value the importance of protecting their animals from dangerous, contagious illnesses. While city-living pets may have fewer encounters with wild, disease-carrying predators, they can undoubtedly be exposed to disease via other common city-dwellers: rodents.

Shifting Focus

In general, city pets don’t have grassy lawns to roll around in, compost piles, standing water puddles to lap up, or brushy undergrowths to explore. This might limit the incidence of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, but these parasites are still found in urban areas. In some cities, heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are more prevalent than in nearby wide open areas (thanks, in part, to the high heat and humidity).

Don’t be Fooled

As for the areas that seem to attract rodents and other feral animals that harbor parasites, it’s a good idea for your pet to stay away. It only takes a second for a tick to attach itself or a flea to jump onto your pet’s body. Common wildlife to watch out for includes:

  • Mice or rats
  • Raccoons
  • Squirrels
  • Other cats and dogs

As they pass through shady, dark, overgrown areas or passageways next to trash bins, pets can pick up fleas hatched from eggs dropped by other animals. Similarly, puddles or any standing water can have heartworm-carrying mosquitoes seeking their next blood meal.

If a rodent gets into an apartment, it can bring fleas and/or eggs and leave them to wreak havoc on a pet and their home. Ticks can also be dropped from one animal to another, and they’re responsible for Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Parasite Prevention in the City

We recommend keeping pets on a year-round parasite prevention schedule. This will keep your city-dwelling pet safe from heartworm, tick-borne diseases, and the heartache and frustration associated with fleas. Plus, parasite prevention the city also keeps you and your family safe from roundworms, hookworms, and other zoonotic parasites.

In addition, keeping an urban dwelling clean, maintaining grooming habits, and establishing rules about off-limits areas can all keep parasite prevention in the city a priority.

Please let us know if you have further questions or concerns. We’re always here for you!

The post Urban Bugs: Parasite Prevention in the City appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


The Golden Years: End of Life Care for Exotic Pets

Aging happens no matter if you are a human, dog, or hamster. At West Park Animal Hospital, we know that your pocket pet deserves the best during their golden years, just as much as any dog or cat. End of life care for exotic pets is important, too, and we are here to help your senior pet live with dignity and comfort.

The Aging Exotic

Different species of animals age at different rates, making the definition of senior very different from one species to the next. Understanding the expected lifespan of your exotic pet can help you to be on the lookout for signs of aging. In general:

  • Chinchillas live about 10 years
  • Ferrets live approximately 6 to 10 years
  • Gerbils can be expected to live between 2 and 4 years
  • Guinea pigs live to be between 4 and 8 years
  • Hamsters live up to 3 years
  • Mice live about 2 years
  • Rabbits live about 9 years when kept as pets
  • Rats can live about 2 to 3 years
  • Sugar Gliders can live to be about 15

Regardless of expected lifespan, species of many types suffer from similar ailments as they age. Just like all of us, orthopedic problems, such as osteoarthritis, cancer, and organ disease, become more prevalent with age.

Certain species are also more susceptible to certain diseases. Ferrets may develop adrenal disease, insulinomas, and are prone to heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy. Rabbits and guinea pigs may develop kidney disease or chronic respiratory problems, and mice and rats are very prone to cancer. Senior pocket pets are also plagued by dental issues.

The veterinarians at West Park Animal Hospital are here to help you care for your exotic pet and recognize signs of trouble, especially as they enter their golden years.

End of Life Care for Exotic Pets

There continues to be better veterinary medical options for exotic species as we learn more about their care. Where there used to be limited options, we now have more choices.

As our pocket pet species enter the end of their lives, we are better equipped to:

Diagnose and treat problems – An understanding of individual species helps us to educate our pet owners and detect problems earlier. A wider array of diagnostic capabilities also help us do a better job with accurate and efficient diagnosis. When we do diagnose issues in our pocket pet patients, we also have a good arsenal of medications  and treatment options that can often help treat or even cure certain disease processes and conditions.

Manage quality of life issues – Pet pain is a real thing, no matter the species. Issues, such as chronic pain, muscle loss, and loss of appetite, can greatly affect quality of life. We have more options than ever before to manage these types of issues in our senior exotics and give them a comfortable existence.

End suffering – Thankfully, we are able to assist pets to exit the world peacefully and painlessly when their time arrives. End of life care for exotic pets is no different than any other pet. We are happy to support you by discussing whether it is time for your pocket pet to cross the rainbow bridge.

Exotic pet ownership can be a rewarding and wonderful experience. We owe it to these special little mammals to encourage better quality of life. Please let us know if we can help you in caring for your special friend. We would be honored to do so.

The post The Golden Years: End of Life Care for Exotic Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


Eww, Fido Did What? How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box

Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter BoxThere are few things more disgusting than receiving a big slobbery kiss from your dog only to realize they recently helped themselves to a litter box snack. It’s likely this common but annoying habit has had you Googling answers furiously looking for help. So, what’s up with this unsavory behavior and how can you keep your dog out of the litter box?

You’re in luck! The team at West Park Animal Hospital is here to help.

Dogs and Litter Box Behavior

When your dog raids the litter box, they’re exhibiting normal dog behavior. This can be a relief (there’s probably nothing wrong medically) but also a disappointment (can’t a simple pill fix this?).

Dogs are omnivores and amazing scavengers in the wild. They gobble up anything they can get their, er, paws on. So the short answer as to why your dog raids the litter box is simply because it’s there and they can.

Most likely, the situation began as a simple investigation. However, as soon as they realize there’s the potential for a yummy snack in there, this behavior quickly becomes routine. When you think about it, if one of your dog’s favorite treats is cat food, then it stands to reason that a cat box delicacy comes in at a very close second.

Is This Bad for My Dog?

For the most part, litter box snacking doesn’t pose much of a health risk to most dogs. Some vomit or have diarrhea while others are fine. Keep in mind, however, that cats may have parasites in their stool that may be transferable to dogs (and humans). Lastly, if your dog ingests a large amount of litter along with their snack, it could cause gastrointestinal upset or blockage (this doesn’t happen often but it bears mentioning).

Ways to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box

It’s nearly impossible to train your dog out of this bad habit since every time they score a snack from the litter box, the behavior is strongly reinforced. You could try scooping the box immediately after a deposit is made, but unless you’re superhuman, this probably isn’t a realistic goal. Instead, let’s look at more attainable ways to keep your dog out of the litter box.

Cat door — Keep the litter box in a cat-only room, and install either a cat door or a cathole.

Baby gate — Many people use baby gates to separate their dog from the litter box. Most cats have no trouble navigating it, but then again, neither do some dogs, so you may need to look for specific models. Another option is to install the gate a few inches off the floor so it’s high enough for your cat to get underneath, but low enough to prevent your dog from going under.

Door chain — Some owners install a door chain that offers a narrow opening to the litter box room that’s big enough for your cat to squeeze through but not your dog.

Covered litter box — There are some good options on the market for top entry covered litter boxes, but make sure to introduce this slowly to your cat. Some cats reject them, as they may be too small and cause your cat to feel claustrophobic. If your cat has asthma, they’re not recommended.

Hopefully this has provided some helpful information to keep your dog out of the litter box. If you know of other effective ideas or if you have any questions, please give us a call. We’d love to hear from you!

So, what’s up with this unsavory behavior and how can you keep your dog out of the litter box?

The post Eww, Fido Did What? How to Keep Your Dog Out of the Litter Box appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


Pet Safety: Do the Benefits of Essential Oils Outweigh the Risks?

Pet SafetyAlthough they’ve been used for generations, essential oils have exploded onto the natural health and wellness scene. Touted for their positive effects on depression, insomnia, and even the common cold, essential oils aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. In fact, pet safety can be significantly compromised when the oils are breathed in or ingested. Before you install a diffuser in your home, we offer a quick guide to protect your cat or dog from a dangerous situation.

Compelling Evidence

You may have heard about the use of essential oils among people, but did you know that many owners incorporate oils into their pet care regimen? Sure, they’re natural, but that doesn’t mean they’re always safe or even effective.

Essential oils are extracted from plants. Sometimes, they’re up to 100% pure; other times, they’re mixed to formulate various products like potpourris, flavorings, personal care products, and even insecticides.

A Look Around

Essential oils can be dangerous to animals, but the degree of illness depends on how the oils are used. Reed diffusers, melting wax burners, plug-ins, diffusing jewelry, etc. are all considered passive and have a smaller risk of inhaling oil particles. However, pets can be at risk if they chew on or eat any products designed for essential oils.

Active products are those that aggressively irritate the respiratory system via the lungs or create symptoms after grooming fur and skin on which oil vapor has fallen. Water diffusers are also popular, but they threaten pet safety.

Essential oils should never be applied directly to a pet’s skin.

Proactive Pet Safety

Dogs and cats have heightened senses of smell and can have subtle, unexpected negative reactions to strong scents. Cats also can’t effectively metabolize essential oils due to the absence of an important liver enzyme. Birds, pocket pets, and other exotic animals may also demonstrate high sensitivities.

To keep your pet safe from essential oil-related harm, try keeping all products out of the house, especially the following:

  • Anise
  • Birch
  • Bitter almond
  • Camphor
  • Cassia
  • Cinnamon
  • Citrus
  • Clove
  • Eucalyptus
  • Garlic
  • Hyssop
  • Juniper
  • Mugwort
  • Oregano
  • Pennyroyal
  • Peppermint
  • Pine
  • Thyme
  • Tea tree
  • Wintergreen
  • Wormwood
  • Yarrow
  • Ylang-ylang

Signs of a pet poisoning due to essential oils can involve drooling, vomiting, breathing problems, tremors, difficulty walking, decreased heart rate, decreased body temperature, and extreme behavioral changes.

Exposure to essential oils should be treated as an emergency. We’re open every day to help support pet safety as much as possible. If you notice troublesome signs, please contact us immediately. You can also consult the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 or the ASPCA Poison Control Unit at 888-426-4435.

The post Pet Safety: Do the Benefits of Essential Oils Outweigh the Risks? appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


Help! My Pet Broke a Tooth!

Dogs and cats explore the world with their mouths, and chewing, biting, gnawing, and chomping are parts of that exploration. It probably comes as no surprise that chipped and broken teeth are common occurrences among pets that many veterinarians see on a weekly basis.

Besides being unsightly, a broken tooth can spell big trouble for a pet. If the pulp (internal blood supply of the tooth) is exposed, bacteria can gain access to the root, leading to tooth and bone loss. Systemic infection throughout the body may result as the bacteria leak from the root into the bloodstream.

What would you do if your pet broke a tooth? Call your friendly team at West Park Animal Hospital, of course!

Signs Your Pet Broke a Tooth

Sometimes you may not see your pet’s fractured tooth, but these signs can alert you to the problem:

  • Drooling
  • Trouble eating
  • Signs of pain, such as pawing at the face and mouth
  • Chewing only on one side of the mouth
  • Refusal to eat
  • Blood in the saliva
  • Facial swelling
  • Changes in behavior (grumpiness, aggression, etc.)

It’s important to remember that, in many cases, pets show no signs of pain. Pets naturally try to hide signs of injury, and may continue to eat and behave normally even if they’re in pain.

Treatment

If you know or suspect that your pet broke a tooth, give us a call right away. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination, which may include digital x-rays, to determine the severity of the injury. Depending on the results of the exam, treatment may be as simple as filing down the rough edges, or as involved as a root canal or extraction to prevent further damage and infection from occurring.

Preventing Tooth Injury

Tooth breakage in pets generally stems from chewing, but can also happen as a result of rough play, falling from a height, being hit by a car, or other accident. You may not be able to completely prevent your pet from ever breaking a tooth, but you can stack the odds in their favor with the following tactics:

  • Keep antlers, hooves, bones, hard nylon toys, and other very hard chew items away from your pet.
  • Don’t allow your pet to chew on hard surfaces, such as fences, rocks, etc.
  • Supervise your pet while outdoors.
  • Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise, and provide them with safe chew toys.
  • Give aggressive chewers softer toys that they cannot get their whole mouths around.
  • Bring your pet in for all of their regularly scheduled wellness visits, and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for professional dental examinations and cleanings.

Your pet’s dental care is important to us. If you have concerns about your pet’s teeth, please let us know.

The post Help! My Pet Broke a Tooth! appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


The Problem with Fake Service Animals

fake service animalsModern pets enjoy lives their ancestors would hardly recognize. Not only do we provide them with the best in nutrition and medical care, we also have a respect for animals that has grown considerably in recent decades. Studies show that most pet owners now consider their four-legged companions family members.

Indeed, pets are wonderful additions to our homes and families. But what happens when the desire to include our fur babies in every aspect of our daily lives leads to problems?

It’s easy to purchase a service animal vest online and hop on a plane or walk into a restaurant with your pet these days. Unfortunately, the rise in these fake service animals has significant costs to those who truly depend upon an animal for their independence and, in many cases, their lives.

The Americans with Disabilities Act

Legislated in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that state and local government agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that provide goods and services to the public make reasonable modifications in order to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This includes allowing service animals into facilities with a “no pets” policy.

A service animal, as defined by the ADA, is one that is trained to do work or perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability. Therapy and emotional support animals (pets that provide comfort by simply being there) are not considered service dogs under the ADA.

The Problem with Fake Service Animals

Although the Americans with Disabilities Act defines what a service animal is and isn’t, it doesn’t state any requirements or provisions for training, registration, licensing, or documentation of service animals. A loophole in the ADA also prohibits businesses or individuals from asking a pet owner for proof that their animal is a service animal.

The loophole, which was put in place to respect the privacy of disabled individuals, also presents several problems, including:

  • Fake service animals in public places can be disruptive, as they are typically not trained as real service animals.
  • Fake service animals can pose a risk of distraction or injury to real service animals.
  • A distracted service animal can inadvertently cause harm to their handler by not being able to perform their trained functions properly.
  • The damage and disruption caused by fake service animals has led businesses to put pressure on legislators to change ADA rules, which could have negative impacts on disabled individuals.
  • The rise in fake service animals in recent years has caused individuals with real service animals to fall under suspicion.

Times, They Are a-Changin’

Incidents in which a service dog or handler has been harmed due to a fake service animal have inspired legislation in 19 states. The most recent states to pass laws against people trying to pass their pets off as service animals are Virginia (2016) and Colorado (2017). Massachusetts is currently considering a similar law.

The Bottom Line

Service animal handlers have difficulty functioning in their daily lives without their four-legged companion. Fake service animals diminish and undermine the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities, as well as the hard work and dedication it takes to lead an independent life in the face of a disability.

Would you like to learn more? The team at West Park Animal Hospital welcomes your questions about service animals!

The post The Problem with Fake Service Animals appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.


Introducing the Catio and Other Awesome Activities for Cats

Winter is…well, it’s far from over yet, but one thing we know for sure is that spring is on the horizon. After a long, cold season indoors, you and your furry companion may be feeling a little stir-crazy and no doubt may be looking for some new activities to inspire exercise.

As the team at West Park Animal Hospital has mentioned in previous blogs, cats require a lot of enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Indoor cats especially are at risk of becoming overweight without some activities to keep them moving. You, too, may need some help in this department, which is why we’ve gathered some fun ideas of activities for cats and their owners.

 

Catio: The Ultimate Feline Playground

You may have heard about this trendy new craze in kitty-cat design, but what is a catio? Basically, it’s a patio for cats. It can be made out of anything from a converted dog kennel to an elaborate, screened-in addition to your home. The objective is to create a safe outdoor space for your otherwise indoor cat.

Because indoor cats often lack appropriate stimuli, a catio can be a great way for them to watch birds, get some fresh air, and stalk, lounge, jump, and stretch. Check out some of these cool catio designs:

While it’s still too cold to spend much time outdoors, winter is the perfect time to sketch out your design and stock up on materials (hint, hint!).

Leaps and Bounds

Not ready for a catio? Every animal needs some form of exercise to keep them at the right weight and in good health. Some of these games for cats can really get the heart pumping and amp up the fun:

Other staples include a variety of feather toys and a laser pointer (you can’t go wrong with this!). Adding some catnip to your pet’s morning routine can also help them achieve those exercise goals.

Inspired Activities for Cats and Their Humans

Have the doldrums of the season gotten you into a rut with your daily cat care? Fear not! Aside from new exercise ideas for your cat-kid, taking a discerning look at other habits can also go a long way to achieving better health and wellbeing.

Have you been meaning to discuss something with your veterinarian? Looking to overhaul your cat’s nutrition? Have you decided to take up leash training? There are so many ways you can up your cat’s game by being an active participant in their health. It may even inspire you to make some changes of your own!

To schedule a wellness exam or for more ideas about activities for cats, the whisker-loving team at West Park is here for you. Please give us a call!

The post Introducing the Catio and Other Awesome Activities for Cats appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.