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It could happen when you least expect it. You’re walking your dog on his favorite trail and he somehow slips out of his collar to chase a squirrel. Or your curious kitty dashes past you through an open door when your arms are full of groceries. Becoming separated from a pet is a pet parent’s worst nightmare, and it happens about 10 million times each year in the United States. Collars with ID tags—while very much necessary—can break or fall off, leaving your pet without proper pet identification. 

Because cats put up such a fight regarding their travel kennel, the car, and being poked and prodded by strangers, they don’t always receive preventative veterinary care that could influence their quality and quantity of life. Bringing your cat to the vet can be trying in the best of times…and almost impossible in the worst. By establishing a pattern of positive, rewarding veterinary visits once or twice a year (depending on your cat’s age and medical history), you’re able to achieve and maintain optimal feline health. 

There are many wonderful things about cat ownership. These interesting little creatures never fail to bring unconditional love and some pretty entertaining habits to the table. Perhaps our favorite quirky cat behavior at Bayside Animal Hospital is when kitties make biscuits. While it is a pretty cute habit, it might be one that leaves you confused. Read on to shed some light on the mystery of this quirky cat behavior. 

When it comes to mental illness, the pet population is not immune. Our animals can be affected by anxiety and other problems that can manifest in many ways. Compulsive pet behaviors are a common mental health concern that we see at Bayside Animal Hospital. Whether it be excessive licking, biting, chewing, or something else, there is no need for you and your pet to suffer. 

When people become ill, they use the power of language to describe what’s wrong, or where it hurts. Animals don’t have that luxury. Instead, thanks to their biological instincts to avoid looking weak, they try to mask their symptoms or simply hide, away from household noise, activity, and observation. Although it might help them from becoming prey in the wild, it also reduces their chance of immediate medical care. 

Our pets don’t speak our language, and yet they communicate with us all the time. While it would be cool to have two-sided conversations with them, we can infer a great deal about what they’re thinking and feeling. Body language is their primary tool, and it’s essential we watch and listen closely. Animal behavior can be mysterious or confusing, but it can also be incredibly straightforward once you know the basics.

Seasoned pet owners are pretty good about seeing risks long before their pets even approach them. But among the many things that the holidays are good for, lapses in our judgment and vigilance rank pretty high. Don’t worry: with our gentle reminders, your approach to holiday pet safety can quickly and successfully reduce any potential risks to your pet this year.

Advancements in veterinary medicine have helped our dogs and cats live longer than ever before. With longer lifespans, however, comes a higher risk for certain diseases like cancer. Approximately 6 million dogs and 6 million cats are diagnosed with cancer each year. November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, and the team at Bayside Animal Hospital wants to help you learn more about the disease and what you need to know to protect your pets.

Thanksgiving holiday is centered around food and family—two- and four-legged members alike. While including your furry family members in the feast is tempting, many aspects of Thanksgiving can put pets in danger—sorry, the turkey leg is off limits for Fido. When celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday, be thankful for your pet, and ensure they remain happy and healthy with the following safety tips.

Dangerous decor: Thanksgiving home hazards for your pet

Halloween is many people’s favorite holiday, but all the frights are more than make-believe for your pet—they can be hazardous. Our team at Bayside Animal Hospital wants to help you keep your pet safe when the ghosts and ghouls come out to play. We’ve enlisted some experts to offer Halloween safety advice.

Barb the black cat says, “Keep your pet inside on Halloween night. The neighborhood is full of scary creatures and mischievous rascals.”