Stockton Pet Hospital

Purring and grooming go hand in hand for our feline friends! Did you know that cats licking themselves is a natural way for them to stay clean and hygienic? Their rough tongue acts as a grooming tool, reducing their scent and helping them to avoid predators and hunt more effectively. Keep an eye on your cat's grooming habits, as a decrease in licking could indicate the onset of an illness.

Have you ever wondered why cats always seem to land on their feet? It's all thanks to their amazing aerial righting reflex! This unique combination of vestibular balance, flexibility, and body mechanics allows cats to always land safely, even after a fall. But did you know, this reflex has roots in their wild predator days? With the occasional fall from a tree, cats developed this ability to always land on their paws.

Do you ever wonder why your furry friend seems to have a knack for knocking over objects and scratching up your furniture? From practicing hunting skills to stretching their bodies and marking their territory, it's all in a day's work for these curious creatures. Save your furniture and keep your cat happy by providing them with plenty of toys and a tall scratching post for a full-body stretch.

Have you ever wondered why your feline friend brings you their latest catch? It's actually a sign of affection! Your kitty sees you as a member of their family and is proud to present their prey as a gift. Keep your furry hunter safe by using a bell on their collar to both them and to protect local wildlife. And, as always, don't forget to protect them from parasites both inside and out with regular preventative medication. ❤️🐈

Calling all dog lovers! 🐶 How do you and your pup spend your weekends? Share your favorite activities in the comments below. 🎉

Watching out for the signs of heart disease in your furry friend is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Some common signs of heart disease include coughing, difficulty breathing, and reduced energy levels. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it's important to consult with your veterinarian right away.

Who says cats and dogs can't be friends? 😸🐶 Share a pic of your furry BFFs and let's celebrate the love! 🐾💕

Did you know that there are several different types of heart disease that can affect your furry friend? These include congenital heart defects, which are present at birth, and acquired heart disease, which develops later in life. It's important to be aware of the different types of heart disease that can affect your pet, so you can be proactive in keeping them healthy.

WEATHER (Snow).mp4

We tend to stay in for extra cuddles during ❄️ cold weather ❄️ but, did you know our pets can get cabin fever, too? 😧 In the case that you decide to take them out into the cold for an extended period of time, remember that exposure to cold dry air and repeatedly coming from a warm home to cold outdoor weather can lead to chapped, cracked paws and flaky, itchy skin in pets! 🐾 When your pet comes back inside, always dry their body paying special attention to their underbelly and in between their toes to remove any snow, ice, salt, or chemicals. 🐈 🐕

You may already know that overweight pets are more likely to live shorter lives. But excess weight can cause a variety of health issues with your pet in the meantime. ➡️ Cancer - Overweight pets are more susceptible to certain cancers. To treat your pet for cancer, Petplan estimates the average cost will be $2,033 ➡️ Joint Injuries - Even just a few extra pounds can add significant stress to your pet's joints (knees are the most commonly affected) costing an average of $3,480 to treat. ➡️ Urinary Tract Infections - Overweight female pets have more trouble cleaning hard-to-reach places or folds of fat may trap bacteria, leading to a UTI. Petplan estimates the cost for treatment for a UTI is $590. ➡️ Heart Disease - In overweight pets, the heart and circulatory system are working overtime which can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure. Treating cardiac conditions can cost approximately $1, 232. ➡️ Back Problems - Overweight pets with short legs and long bodies are prone to intervertebral disc diseases which can cost an average of $2,033 to treat. Be sure that you measure out portions each day appropriate for your pet, choose the appropriate diet, show love without treats if needed, exercise regularly, and visit the vet routinely!

In 2010, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers established the first-ever National Train Your Dog Month. The purpose of this month is to bring awareness to the importance of socialization and training and, most of all, to remind the public that training your dog can be easy and fun! If you happened to welcome a new pup to the family this holiday season, check out their website for some amazing resources that will help you and your family learn about everything from teaching your children about dog safety to how to handle your barking dog and everything in between! https://trainyourdogmonth.com

Poll! Does your pet like the snow? Answer in the comments with the corresponding emoji! ❄️ = Yes! 🥶 = No! 🧐 = Never seen it!

We all know the adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" and we're here to tell you that this is far from true! When you first got your pet, you more than likely spent a lot of time training them and teaching them basic commands. Now that your pet is older, training might be far from the first thing on your mind. Pets, particularly dogs, are happier when they are mentally and physically active! One-on-one training provides exactly that in addition to getting the attention they may be craving. Specifically when using positive reinforcement methods! Positive reinforcement is when rewards come when you do something correctly, even though you may not know what you’re supposed to do. No punishments are ever handed out. There are many benefits of using positive reinforcement training methods for pets, including: ❤️ Reduction in fear and stress of pets 🧡 A strengthened bond between pet and owner 💛 Faster learning of new behaviors 💚 Ability to teach unnatural behaviors 💙 Ability to teach complex behaviors 💜 Children can safely use this method (training involving punishment can be dangerous)

It's #walkyourpetmonth and we want to know---how often do you walk your pet? Once or twice a day? A week? A month! Let us know in the comments down below!

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? This year, we want to take more time to "paws", take deep breaths, and appreciate all the little moments in life. What's your resolution this year?

Petting, scratching, and cuddling your pet could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep as mediation! Today is #nationalcuddleupday ! Share your cuddly photos with us! 🥰

The thought of holiday food makes our mouths water! Yours too? Guess what? Your pet's mouth is watering, as well! As tempting as it may be to share your amazing spread with your pets--beware of the following foods that are particularly dangerous for your fur-babies! ❗Chocolate ❗Pumpkin Pie ❗Corn Cobs ❗Gravy ❗Turkey Bones

Thank you so much for trusting us with your pet. We are honored that you have placed your trust in us. We wish you all the best this holiday season!

Don't be surprised! You may be planning a night out with family and friends which means that your pet might be left home alone with lots of confusing noises coming from outside. Before you head out, double-check the house to make sure all the exits are secure and do what you can to ensure that your pet feels comfortable and safe. Remember to remove any harmful plants, foods, or medications that your pet could get into. 🥳🤩 Happy celebrating and Happy New Year! 🥳🤩

💛 Did you know that owning a pet improves your cardiovascular health? 💛 The CDC and NIH found that pet owners display decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which can all minimize their risk of a heart attack. 💛 Furthermore, those who have already experienced a heart attack tend to have better recovery rates if they own a dog or a cat!