Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

Depending on where you stand, yard work can either be incredibly rewarding or super draining. Either way, it has to be done and the spring season is the perfect time to get a head start. Weekend warriors have already begun waking up their garden beds, opening up the shed, and taking an inventory of all the products piled up in the garage. 

For pet owners, the safety of their furry loved ones should take top priority when it comes to gardening. The good news is that it’s not only possible to provide a pet-safe garden for your furry friend, when they have a variety of plants and flowers around them they are likely to be at their happiest.

Your dog’s daily walk is a cornerstone of their routine. Not only does walking provide them with much-needed exercise; but being outside in the fresh air and interacting with the world around them is important for dogs and people alike. 

This simple activity may seem like a no-brainer, but not everyone views dog walking in the same way or has the same goal in mind. By following some basic dog walking etiquette principles, you can maintain good relationships with your neighbors, the environment, and your dog.

Rattlesnakes are nothing to sneeze at. If you’ve lived in California long enough, you have probably either encountered a snake or know someone who has. Dogs are at particular risk for rattlesnake bites due to investigating grasses, shrubs, and other prime rattlesnake habitat with their noses.

Each year, the staff at Bowman Veterinary Hospital treats dogs that have been bitten by rattlesnakes. Protecting your pet means understanding their risks, preventing encounters whenever possible, and working with us to determine if the rattlesnake vaccine is appropriate for your pet.

In a perfect world, our dogs wouldn’t need to be leashed, rather they would joyfully, and safely, accompany us as we go about our daily tasks. As this is clearly not the case for the vast majority of us, the daily leashed walk has become an important part of dog ownership. 

Retractable leashes may seem like a good choice for an owner who wants to give their dog a sense of freedom, but the risks involved with this type of leash are considerable. 

The star that rises and sets with the sun during the high summer is known as Sirius, or the Dog Star. Forever shining brightly in the constellation Canis Major (Big Dog), Sirius was perceived by ancient people as bringing about the hottest temperatures of the year, giving way to the famous expression “the dog days of summer”.

What this means for your dog is probably more fun and games played outside. Without an approach to their safety and wellbeing, however, they could wind up getting sick or injured this summer. But not on our watch!

This time of year, it seems like everyone is concerned with warding off illness and staying healthy – but we’re not the only ones in need of a little extra TLC. Pets also benefit from our vigilance and protection during these damp, chilly months. With our winter pet safety tips, you can avoid certain seasonal risks and keep your companion happy and healthy throughout the new year.

Smart Decisions

Low temperatures are probably the most common concern for pet owners. A good rule of thumb: if it’s too cold out for you, it’s too cold out for your pet. However, some pets actually enjoy the cooler weather and beg to be let outside; usually, they won’t come back in for extended periods of time. As long as they have access to dry, insulating shelter and plenty of fresh water, they’ll be much better off.