Lower maintenance dog breeds
Dog exercise needs aren't one size fits all! While some breeds require lots of activity, others can maintain good health with less.
But don't worry, your vet can help you develop a plan that's just right for your pup! Whether you adopt a laid-back breed or a senior dog, it's important to consider their unique needs and your own abilities.
If you are considering a new addition to your family, pet birds can bring joy, entertainment, and companionship to your life! From their beautiful feathers and songs, to their intelligence and affectionate personalities, there are countless reasons to consider a feathered friend.
Here are some considerations to take when thinking about adding in a pet bird into your home! If you have any questions, set up an online appointment with one of our Hello Ralphie veterinarians, available 7 days a week.
Adding a bird to your family?
If you are considering a new addition to your family, pet birds can bring joy, entertainment, and companionship to your life! From their beautiful feathers and songs, to their intelligence and affectionate personalities, there are countless reasons to consider a feathered friend.
Here are some considerations to take when thinking about adding in a pet bird into your home! If you have any questions, set up an online appointment with one of our Hello Ralphie veterinarians, available 7 days a week.
What would (or should) be your pet's New Year's Resolution for 2023?
Glucosamine supplements could be beneficial if your pet has joint problems like arthritis. As a chondroprotective agent, glucosamine is well-known for helping to maintain and support cartilage repair in joints, which can help lessen pain and enhance joint mobility.
Don't wait until your pet begins to exhibit signs of arthritis before starting them on a joint supplement like glucosamine. Like any other supplement for treating pet joint discomfort, glucosamine should be administered under a veterinarian's guidance to give your pet the safest and most effective course of treatment.
If you have more questions about glucosamine and if you think they may work for your pet, set up an appointment with one of our online vets, available 7 days a week!
Cats have a unique and amazing sense of smell! Their sense of smell is around 14 times stronger than that of a human. They also have at least 200 million scent receptors in their noses, while we only have about 5 million!
Cats also have an advantage that neither we nor dogs have: the vomeronasal organ. This organ is on the roof of a cat's mouth and mainly helps analyze pheromone scents.
These little mischievous felines are full of surprising facts!
If you're looking for gift ideas for the cat in your life, think about getting them some enrichment toys! Puzzle feeders and treat dispensing toys are fun and easy ways to incorporate some enrichment activities into your cat's daily routine. These challenge cats' minds and more closely mirror their natural behavior by having them work a little to get their food.
You can find them online or at your local pet shop!
Crates are a wonderful tool to give your dog a safe place to sleep and give you the ability to take your dog with you when you travel.
The crate options for your dog are (almost) endless! The main components you want to think about are the size, material, and functionality.
It's a common misconception that dog's mouths are cleaner than humans. In fact, they can be much dirtier!
Both canines and humans have naturally occurring germs in their mouths. While both humans and dogs have nearly the same amount of naturally occurring bacteria in their mouths, many dogs also have a tendency of indulging in forbidden items, which gives them the opportunity to amass more potentially harmful germs.
Thankfully, we have a few ways that we can help to prevent buildup of germs in our dog's mouths!
Sometimes, it can be intimidating to go to the veterinarian with your pet, especially if it's your first time! Here's a list of ways you can be best prepared for your next vet visit.
Prefer to have your vet appointments from home? Head over to the link in our bio to set up an online appointment with one of our Hello Ralphie vets, available 7 days a week!
Puppies are well known for being destructive, but it doesn't have to be that way! Here are our top 3 enrichment toys you can give to your new puppy which will stimulate a dog's natural behaviors, keep them busy, and most importantly, help get out some of that high puppy energy.
Happy AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day! To celebrate responsible ownership, you can take the time to start training for the Canine Good Citizen test, begin a new enrichment routine, update their microchip information, and give them some extra loving today.
How are you celebrating today?
Losing your pet is scary, but there are many things you can do to help the odds of your pet being found. In addition to making sure their microchip information is up-to-date, here are 3 other ways to help find your pet!
Dental health is not only vital to our health, but it is important for our pet's health as well! While brushing their teeth is the best way to prevent future dental issues, we understand that not every pet tolerates it. Thankfully, there are many choices to help keep their teeth clean.
Dental wipes, which are just rubbed over the surface of your pet’s teeth, still involve getting into their mouth, just for a shorter amount of time. Dental rinses are also available, which can be sprayed or applied with a squeeze bottle on your pet’s teeth.
Dental diet kibble are larger in size and have a texture that break up easily so the pieces can help to prevent build-up. There are also treats that can provide some help in keeping their teeth cleaner.
What's your pet's favorite way to keep their teeth clean?
We want to know - what's the silliest nickname you've ever given your pet and how does that compare to what their actual name is?
Did you guess correctly?
Cataracts can occur at any age in a dog and are something you should keep on the lookout for in their eyes!
Swipe right to see what you should look out for in your dog's eyes. If you need some guidance, don't hesitate to speak with one our Hello Ralphie vets, 7 days a week!
As the temperatures continue to rise, it's important to make sure your pets are cool throughout the day. If your dog will be spending time outdoors, there are many ways to keep them safe.
What's your favorite way to keep your dog cool during the summer?
When it comes to bringing in a new dog into your life, there are 3 big factors to think about.
These include:
- Commitment: Depending on breed, some dogs can live up to 15 years
- Finances: What’s your budget? It is estimated that pet parents can spend $1500 to $9900 per year
- Lifestyle: Knowing that a dog needs attention, exercise, and training, is there time in your day to do these activities?
Adding your dog into your family is a life-changing event that only you can decide if you can do it!
Guess which foods are dog-friendly!
- Blackberries are safe for your dog to eat since they are low in sugar, calories, and have no toxic substances.
- Ripe tomatoes are a good treat for your dog, but there is a limit to how much should be given to your dog, since the high acidity can upset their stomach. It should also be noted that the stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes are considered not safe for your dog.
- Cherries are considered not good for your dogs. Their pits contain cyanide and can also be a choking hazard. Even cherries without pits can have too much sugar in them.
- Honey can be consumed by dogs in a very small quantity. It is thought that local honey can help with pollen allergies over time, but honey contains a large amount of sugar and has a risk of botulism.
- Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. You should never give your dog grapes!
Did you get all of them correct?
