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If slobbering all over the place is a skill, dogs would be the ultimate masters. Sure, there are some breeds that don’t have slippery lips, but generally speaking, it is a common canine trait (we’re looking at you, Newfoundlands, mastiffs, and St. Bernards). Dog drool is simply part of the territory, but understanding the physiology of this action sure is helpful. Why does your dog drool, and are there ways to minimize the thick globs from wetting your floors and furniture?

If dogs could use napkins or their sleeves to wipe away drool, they probably wouldn’t. They don’t care about being neat and tidy. Dog slobber is a characteristic that dog lovers tend to (begrudgingly) overlook. In trade, dog people get an abundance of affection and loyalty. That’s worth every bit of slobber!

Our pets are exceptionally loveable and have a way of entertaining us with their antics. Most of the time, these antics are nothing more than the usual instinctual behaviors, but other times they can cause problems in the household. 

The good news is that many common cat and dog behavioral problems can be corrected through positive rewards training and socialization.

The last couple of months have been unbelievable in many ways. The good news, for pet owners anyway, is that they didn’t have to shelter in place by themselves, and the companionship offered by their sweet pets really hit the spot in these times of shock, despair, fear and sadness. But now that we’re approaching going back to a semi-normal way of life, pet separation anxiety may be just the beginning of our challenges.

Helping Pets with Transitions

Many pets relished in all the extra time their people spent at home, doting on their every need. This is especially true for pets that were adopted shortly before or in the midst of sheltering in place.

Mandatory quarantines and stay at home orders created a different way of life for pets and their people alike. Despite relaxing restrictions we cannot expect our pets to simply accept roll with these particular punches. In  other words, don’t be surprised if your pet suffers from separation anxiety.

We would get so much more done if our human communications hinged on subtle expressions, sleek movements, and specific flicks of appendages. Cats are, unlike us, very efficient in their use of the eyes, ears, fur, body positioning and of course, their tails to convey exactly what they’re thinking and feeling. From fright to pleasure, suspicion to affection, feline body language is incredibly adept at communication. 

Amazingly, the more we know about the way our feline friends communicate, the deeper our human-cat connection can be!

Whether it’s for a routine wellness exam, acupuncture, or emergency, we value the time and effort it takes to bring a pet in (and we know it’s not always easy!). As such, we do our best to limit wait times in our lobby and exam rooms, but sometimes pets and their people have a few moments to visit with others, explore the lobby, and visit with our friendly staff.

Veterinary hospital lobby safety is important to us at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn, and we hope that the following tips can make your next visit as enjoyable as possible.

Dogs have some pretty endearing habits, but eating poop (either their own or another animals’) is not one of them. Although the behavior is mostly normal, no one wants their dog to raid the litter box or gulp down a stinky snack from the yard or sidewalk.

At All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, we are often asked the question “Why do dogs eat poop?”. Although there is no one answer, we can offer some insight into this unpleasant culinary choice.

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Poop-eating, technically known as coprophagia, may be normal, but that doesn’t make it any less upsetting. Watching your sweet pup happily gobble down their own feces or the feces of other animals can be an unpleasant shock to witness. 

Ancestrally, however, coprophagia served an important role – collective poop eating kept the den clean, and mother dogs and wolves routinely clean up after their puppies in this way.

Anyone who’s familiar with Brooklyn knows the unique combination of energy and eclectic charm that characterizes our little corner of the world. Coffee shops, restaurants, bars, parks, and the general sense of community keep residents and guests happy, no matter the weather or time of year.

Pets can also reap the benefits of our cozy borough. In fact, the number of pet friendly spots to eat and play continues to grow; let the team at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital of Brooklyn share some of our favorites! Continue…

It’s important to consider pet safety year-round, but especially when the temps start to rise. Keeping your pet safe is a must for outdoor enjoyment, and the team at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital is here with some simple suggestions!

Heat Stroke Awareness

Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when the body overheats. Because pets don’t sweat like humans, they must rely on limited mechanisms, like panting. Each year, hundreds of pets succumb to heat stroke because they were left outside or in a confined space (like a car). It’s absolutely crucial to protect your pet by never leaving them in a parked car or chained up outdoors.

The symptoms of heat stroke in pets include: Continue…