Winnetka Animal Hospital Blog

As the weather heats up, make sure your pets can withstand the heat! Dogs and cats cannot sweat like humans do and therefore can overheat quickly. Pets most at risk for overheating are young or elderly animals, overweight animals, those with short muzzles and those with thick or dark-colored coats. Continue reading →

It’s that glorious time of year again where the leaves return to the trees, the sun comes out and we can shed our winter coats! Our pets are excited to enjoy the warmer weather, and in this season it is important to remember to protect your pet against internal and external parasites. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and can be fatal if untreated. Continue reading →

With Spring Break quickly approaching, now is the best time to prepare your pets if you will be traveling. If you are going to be boarding your pet, it is best to make sure all vaccines are up to date, per the kennel’s requirements, at least 2 weeks prior to their stay. Continue reading →

In the holiday season, it is easy to indulge, and our pets are no exception. Due to an abundance of treats around the holidays, dogs and cats are likely to put on weight. Couple this with a decreased activity level in the colder months, and weight gain can add up over time.  Measuring feeding amounts is essential to knowing how much your pet is actual consuming. Remember that every treat and snack also counts! Continue reading →

The fall is a fun time of year, with leaves changing, cooler weather, and Halloween!  While others in the family enjoy trick or treating, use precaution keeping your pets safe during this time:

• Keep candy in an area that pets cannot reach, and never leave candy on the floor. Children’s trick or treat bags, which even if left in a closet, may be found by a dog’s excellent sense of smell.

• Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine contain methylxanthine, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity, increased heart rate, excessive thirst and urination, seizures and tremors, and even death. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate. Continue reading →

Summer time is the favorite season of most pets!  Here are a few tips to keep your animals happy and healthy through the warmest months:

• Exposure to heat is a big consideration, especially for our heavy coated dog breeds.  Dogs cannot sweat like humans do and therefore can overheat quickly.  Never leave your dog in the car, even with the windows down, and make sure they have adequate shelter and water if they are outside for long periods.  Watch your dog for excessive panting or lethargy and keep exercise sessions short.

Continue reading →

Spring is a wonderful time in Illinois, and our pets enjoy it as well!  Here are a few considerations to keep your furry friend healthy in the warmer weather:

• Heartworm preventative should be given monthly year round in our area.  Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and any dog can be susceptible.  It can be fatal if left untreated and treatment poses significant risks as well.  This medication also helps prevent several types of internal parasites.   Cats can also develop respiratory disease from heartworm, so outdoor cats should be treated as well! Continue reading →

Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease among dogs and cats. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of pets show signs of oral disease by the age of three.

Dental disease can cause bad breath, oral pain, difficulty chewing, irritation of the gums, bleeding, and loss of teeth.  Bacteria in the mouth can also spread to the heart, liver and kidneys, resulting in significant disease. Continue reading →

The holidays are a wonderful time to share with friends and family, and our pets love to get in on the fun!  There are, however, several hazards to dogs and cats that can be present during our celebrations.  We have compiled a list of suggestions that should help keep this holiday season happy and healthy for the animals you love.

Continue reading →