Thanks to modern veterinary care and excellent ownership, pets are living longer than ever before. Characterized by engaging activities, balanced nutrition, and meaningful social connections, a pet’s senior years are also all about managing age-related conditions. With daily strategies that promote a high quality of life, owners can keep their golden oldie happy, safe, healthy, and comfortable.

Of all the rewards associated with pet adoption (and there are many!), perhaps the most meaningful one hinges on the cycle found in animal shelters nationwide. When one pet is adopted, there is always another waiting to be seen, enjoyed, and hopefully adopted, as well. The space created by a single adoption begets exponential adoptions. With more than a million homeless pets facing euthanasia every year, it is definitely time to consider adopting a pet. 

Many of us know which animals represent our personalities and lifestyles more than the rest. For some, a muscular, focused doberman speaks volumes about their owner. For others, a fluffy indoor-only cat says a lot about who owns them. In this way, we can zero-in on finding just the right pet for ourselves, our living situations, and our personal activities. We’re glad to help prospective owners with the myriad of considerations required before signing the adoption papers. 

Cat lovers are united in their appreciation of all members of the family Felidae. Whether you love the cheetah, lynx, leopard, lion, tiger, or any of the 37 species on this family tree, you’re bound to have equal admiration for the domestic cat. Despite being linked genetically, wild cats and domestic cats are seemingly from different worlds. On a journey that began over 10,000 years ago, the history of domestic cats continues to captivate people worldwide.

It’s hard to think about, but making arrangements for your pets after your death is a way to ensure their future if something should happen to you. 

Maybe you’re going through a difficult time right now, or perhaps you’re simply thinking ahead. Either way, it’s a good idea to think about who will care for your pet if something should happen to you, and Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital wants to help you do it.

If you ask us, pets are worth every penny. When they need special care, though, things can really add up quickly. We are thankful that we have the best and most modern veterinary medicine at our disposal, but those advances don’t come without cost. Pet insurance should be a consideration for families that include those with four legs. Read on to answer the question as to whether pet insurance is worthwhile for you.

As we get older, our lives and daily routines can significantly change. After retirement, many older adults feel a sense of isolation and lack of purpose. Important people in our lives may no longer be there, and our ability to participate in activities at the same intensity will change. Many may find themselves with a lot of free time and a desire to do something with that time. Adopting a pet can help older adults achieve a sense of purpose and battle feelings of isolation as well as help to improve their overall health.

Drinking water and staying hydrated is just as important for animals as it is for humans. Water keeps us (and our beloved pets) healthy, and is necessary for daily life and bodily functions. While it may be easy to keep track of your own water intake, the same may not be as easily said for your pets. Pet owners may be wondering how much water their pet should be drinking and if they are drinking enough. 

There may also be times when you notice your pet is drinking more water than usual. This could be a symptom that something is up with your pet. The team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital is here to help you be aware and know when to be on the lookout for signs your furry friend may need a wellness check. 

Small dogs are cute, portable, friendly and so lovable! However, many small dog breeds have a reputation for being yappy and scrappy. Where does this behavior come from and how can pet owners handle these big-scale reactions from their small-scale companions? 

At Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital, we can help you with understanding dog training needs and handle this particular pet behavior, along with many others.

For some, simply knowing that cats stare at people isn’t enough to dismiss it. Indeed, it can be deeply unsettling to be the target of intense feline focus. 

While a staring contest with your cat might be the perfect pandemic activity, it still doesn’t explain why they do it. Cat behavior is often puzzling, but we think we might have a few ideas to explain this particularly odd conduct of kitties.