McFarland Animal Hospital

01/17/2025

🐾 Get Moving: The Importance of Exercise for Your Pet 🐾

Exercise isn’t just for people—your pets need it, too! Regular physical activity keeps your furry friends healthy, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond you share.

How Much Exercise Does Your Pet Need?
🐶 Dogs: Most dogs need 30–60 minutes of activity daily, depending on their breed and age. Some young dogs may need more! Many older dogs can only tolerate less.
🐱 Cats: Indoor cats as a.rule lack exercise. They benefit tremendously from 10–15 minutes of play a couple of times a day.

Fun Ideas to Get Them Moving:

For Dogs: Walks, fetch, doggy daycare, agility training, or even a swim!

For Cats: feather wands, climbing cat trees, interactive toys, hunting toys .

Pro Tip: Start slow if your pet is new to exercise, and always ensure they have access to water and a cool-down period.

Have questions about your pet’s exercise needs? We’re here to help! Call us or ask at your next visit.

01/12/2025

Healthy Treat Swaps!

Treats are a great way to show your pet love, but too many high-calorie snacks can lead to weight gain. The good news? There are plenty of low-calorie, nutritious alternatives that your pet will love!

Try these healthy options:
🥕 Veggies: Small pieces of carrots, green beans, cucumber slices, or steamed broccoli.
🍎 Fruits: Tiny bits of apples (no seeds!), blueberries, or watermelon (seedless).
🍗 Lean Meats: Small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef (plain, no seasoning).
🐟 Freeze-Dried Treats: Freeze-dried chicken, fish, or liver—packed with protein and low in calories.

Pro Tip: Treats should only make up 10% of your pet’s daily calories. Always introduce new foods gradually and avoid harmful items like onions, grapes, or anything toxic to pets.

Have questions about safe and healthy treat options? Drop us a message or ask during your next visit!

01/10/2025

Is Your Pet Overweight? Here’s How to Tell:

Not sure if your furry friend could lose a few pounds? Here’s how to check:

1️⃣ Feel for Their Ribs:
Run your hands along your pet’s sides. You should be able to feel their ribs easily with a slight fat covering. If you can’t feel them, your pet may be carrying extra weight.

2️⃣ Look for a Waist:
When viewing your pet from above, they should have a noticeable waistline that curves in behind their ribs.

3️⃣ Check Their Profile:
From the side, your pet’s abdomen should “tuck up” behind the ribs rather than hanging down.

If you’re unsure, we can help! Schedule a quick weight assessment at our clinic. Together, we can keep your pet fit, healthy, and full of energy!

01/06/2025

The Key to Pet Weight Loss: Portion Control

Portion size plays a huge role in your pet’s weight loss journey. Even a little extra food can lead to significant weight gain over time. Here’s why portion control matters:

Prevents Overeating: Pets can’t regulate their own portions—they rely on us to do it for them!

Supports Steady Weight Loss: Proper portions ensure your pet gets the nutrition they need without excess calories.

Protects Their Health: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of diabetes, joint issues, and other weight-related conditions.

Tips for Success:

1. Measure Their Food: Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.

2. Follow Feeding Guidelines: Check the label on your pet's food, but remember this is just a starting point- every pet's metabolism and activity level is different. Our doctors can provide tailored recommendations.

3. Limit Treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily calories.

Have questions or need help creating a weight loss plan for your pet? Call us or schedule a visit! We’re here to help your furry friend stay happy and healthy.

01/03/2025

As we kick off the New Year, many of us are setting goals to get healthier and shed a few extra pounds—but what about our pets? Keeping our furry friends at a healthy weight is just as important for their long-term health and happiness.

Did you know that maintaining a healthy, lean body weight is one of the best ways to ensure a long, happy life for your pet? Just like us, pets with extra weight are at risk for serious health issues like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even a reduced lifespan. Here’s why a lean body weight matters:

1. Less Stress on Joints 🦴: Extra weight puts added pressure on their bones and joints, which can lead to pain and make it harder for them to move around as they age.

2. Lower Disease Risk ❤️: Lean pets have a reduced risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

3. More Energy and Playfulness 🎾: Pets with a healthy body weight tend to be more active and playful. Maintaining a lean body weight keeps them feeling lively and ready to enjoy life with you!

4. Longer, Healthier Life : Studies show that maintaining an ideal body weight can add years to your pet’s life, giving you more time to share precious memories together.

Talk to us about an ideal weight plan for your pet and create a balanced diet and exercise routine that works for them. A healthy pet is a happy pet!

And be sure to check out our upcoming posts with tips for portion control, exercise, and healthy treat options.

01/01/2025

May your year be filled with wagging tails, purring cuddles, and cherished moments with your animal companions. Cheers to a paw-sitive 2025!

01/01/2025

Beatrix and Reuben are ready to ring in the New Year in style! These big hearted (and fashionable) pitties remind us that 2024 was all about love, laughter, and plenty of tail wags.

As you celebrate tonight, keep your pets safe and sound—fireworks can be scary for our furry friends. Create a cozy, quiet space for them, and keep them away from party treats that may not be pet-friendly.

From all of us at McFarland Animal Hospital, Happy New Year! Here's to a paw-some year ahead!

12/30/2024

12/28/2024

**Missing** Goose, last seen on Peterson Rd. McFarland. Could have been headed towards Door Creek. If seen please contact Melanie at 608-577-9128 or Todd 608-577-9118.

12/28/2024

Just a reminder: More holiday hours coming up!

12/27/2024

Work is better when it’s fun—especially when you’re surrounded by an amazing team like ours!

This is a part of last Tuesday's crew. There were flashing lights and jingling bells, and good vibes (that our team brings to work every day).

To our team: thank you for reminding us that hard work and fun can go hand in paw. You make this place special!

12/25/2024

🎄🐾🎉 Wishing all our wonderful clients and their beloved pets a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a joyful holiday season!

As we celebrate the season in our own ways, let’s remember the love, kindness, and joy that unite us all. May your days be filled with wagging tails, purring cuddles, and the warmth of togetherness.

Thank you for being part of our family – we’re so grateful for you! 💖

12/24/2024

Ahem...Exactly what does a person, I mean a dog, have to do around here to get a (10th) cookie?

12/22/2024

After carefully reviewing our "Cats and Christmas Tree Safety" posts, Reuben decided to ignore them, because the best ornament for the tree... is himself! Who else has a feline friend who thinks the tree is their personal playground?

12/21/2024

12/18/2024

Raw Dough is Dangerous!

Do you make dinner rolls from scratch for the holidays? If so, as you gear up for holiday baking, here is important information to keep your pet safe:

Raw baking dough can be harmful to pets! Always keep your furry friends away from it:

1️⃣ Raw Yeast Dough: when ungested by your pet, the dough will continue to rise. As it expands in your pet's stomach, it will cause dangerous bloating, discomfort, or even a life-threatening condition called GDV (gastric dilation-volvulus).

2️⃣ Ethanol Production: Fermenting yeast produces alcohol, and it will continue to do so in your pet’s stomach. This can lead to alcohol poisoning. It's real. Your dog will get very drunk!

3️⃣ Raw Eggs: Contain a risk of salmonella, which can make pets sick.

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4️⃣ High Sugar or Fat: Even non-yeast doughs can upset your pet’s stomach or lead to pancreatitis.

Prevention Tips:

✔️ Keep dough out of reach while baking.

✔️ Clean up spills immediately.

✔️ Educate guests about the risks to pets.

If your pet ingests dough, contact us (608.838.3400) or an emergency clinic immediately. Keep your holiday baking safe for everyone in the family! 🐾🎄

12/17/2024

12/16/2024

This gorgeous girl got to see Santa on Saturday. She assured him she was the bestest doggo this year.