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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!

Kitten season is in full swing, and June often marks the height of this phenomenon. This feline population boom fills animal shelters with healthy kittens who all need loving homes, and has prompted Animal Humane to designate June ‘Adopt a Cat Month’.

With that, your team at Bowman Animal Hospital is celebrating cats and cat care, and encouraging our pet loving friends to consider adopting a cat!

We want the best for our pets, and that means taking all the necessary steps to provide them with a great life. Proper nutrition, good medical care, exercise, and, of course, lots of love and affection are obvious needs, but when it comes to pet anxiety, many animal lovers are at a loss.

Fear and anxiety are natural responses to certain stimuli, and no pet is completely immune. Learn how to spot the signs of pet anxiety and what you can do to help your furry friend.

Anyone who has had or currently has cats knows what special creatures they are. They are clever, independent, have the athletic ability of Olympic athletes, and can be incredibly sweet. It’s no surprise that we love our cats and want to keep them well. But keeping them healthy takes more than just bringing them to the vet when they’re sick.

When it comes to cat health, Bowman Veterinary Hospital focuses on preventive care. Read on to learn how to keep your cat happy and well for their lifetime.

Nobody likes a dirty ear, but when it comes to pets, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue. Dirty ears aren’t only uncomfortable, they also put your pet at risk for pain and infection. They may also be indicative of more serious issues.

Ears are essential for hearing and balance, two of the main ways your pet navigates the world around them. Fortunately, pet ear care is simple, and you can make it part of your regular grooming routine with these tips and tricks for success.

You may (or may not) have heard of Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly used in many foods. In fact, you may even enjoy sugar free gum, cereal, or peanut butter sweetened with the substance. But are you aware that Xylitol is toxic to dogs and cats?

We have many questions about human foods that are safe (or not) for our pets. Although Xylitol recently made the national news cycle as an ingredient in peanut butter, it’s being used in more foods than ever thanks to the low-carb diet craze.

It’s our job to raise awareness of potential threats to your pet, and we hope that giving you an idea of what Xylitol is and where it is used can help keep your furry friends safe!

Responsible pet owners have plenty of safeguards in place to protect their pets. Fenced-in yards, microchipping, vaccinations, and parasite preventives top the list of ways to keep our companions safe and sound. However, even the most cautious owner can overlook potential sources of pet poisoning that may be found in or around the home.

March is National Pet Poison Awareness Month, and our goal is to raise awareness about common pet poisons that may be lurking right under your nose!

If you’ve cuddled up with your pet recently and noticed their breath is less than fresh, it might be tie for a pet dental exam. Bad breath is one of the first signs of pet dental disease, a common but preventable condition.   

So common, in fact, that by the time a pet is 4 years of age, there’s an 85% chance that there is some form of dental disease present. A pet dental exam is the first step in treating and preventing the disease, and Bowman Veterinary Hospital shows you the value of this important step in your pet’s health care routine, here.

We brush our teeth twice a day, and the result of this effort (however minimal it may seem) is nothing short of astounding. We also benefit from regular professional cleanings, exams, and x-rays because the truth is, daily at-home care positively affects oral health and long-term wellness.

Applying the same principles to your pet might seem challenging at first, but the benefits to their health are incredible. With this in mind, let’s take a deeper look at why pet dental health is so important.